For the off

Dash it,  missed the first tram this morning which left the Gyle at 5.30 a.m.and also the ride out for the Hunter and Lass parade this morning.
Couple of very interesting and scathing articles in the papers last night about the tramworks.

Nearly missed the boat, so to speak,  as I had an Indian meal last night - (supposed to be a treat) but with my stomach turmoil, it went a bit wrong so a long rumbling night.  Hopefully I will be fine by the time I clamber onto my air seat cushion.

One of our customers in the Grill on Thursday night gave me a photo he had spotted of me at work on my Schoolwatch Project in Cockenzie primary School  taken in 1989 -  I looked a bit younger, had more hair and my shadow was not so large -  age catches up with us all.

Sunny Europe here I come,  crack open the Chianti.

What do I do first?

All at sixes and sevens this evening, still got to finish packing the panniers, and like all the rest will have far too much , or maybe not enough !!

Enough incidents buzzing around to justify several blogs -  latest appalling news from India where two young girls were found dead by hanging having firtly been gang raped.  The Indian authorities still have not got their act together, Police had a terrible attitude towards the incident which was just laughed off by one officer-    Hard to believe that Indian males living in the UK have a Western attitude towards such incidents, or do they ? 

Big feature in the Edinburgh Evening News about the trams running commercially as of 5 am tomorrow,    but there is a recognition that all was not roses and that businesses , including the Mercat Bar had been forced to give up - not a cheep from the Councillors who will puffing out their chests  tomorrow.

Spotted a murderer on the loose this morning -  about 5.30 am the dawn chorus went into overdrive, as the dreaded black cat appeared - yes, the same cat that ate the budgie - lucky it was not nailed up by the tail.

Wishing GlasgowWarriors all the ebst in their match tomorrow in Dublin.

Both Andy and Jamie Murray doing well in Paris at the tennis - fingers crossed for the two some.

OK -  final attempt at getting bike loaded.

Running out of time

Where does time go -  three days till we leave and not a thing packed -  everyone wants something done now rather than later -  so if I am seen riding south down the A68 to Newcastle docks with items falling from the panniers you know why.

In a bit of a quandary as to whether I take the infamous "Jesus sandals" on holiday,  last and latest news we heard from the Alps and Dolomite's is that there was heavy rain at low levels and many of the high passes are closed due to snow.  One group we know spent a bit more of their time in front of log fires drinking hot chocolate rather than basking in the sunshine with a beer.

Bloods removed yesterday so have to wait to see how little alcohol there was in the sample!!!

Steed of Steel now issued with a new MOT,  earlier than needed, but as it was going to expire while we were away, no point in giving the "Polis"  foreign or otherwise an excuse to fine or lock me up. Went to Duns to see Andy Mimms at Border Bikes, so apart from the MOT it had a full safety check, and also had the tyres filled with anti puncture gunge-  stops leaks immediately they appear.


Heading back to the ERI shortly, this time for a tube down the throat - what joy (NOT)  so obviously hungry and thirsty at the moment -  but with luck I may get a bit of a rest for a couple of hours.

Counting down.

Count down to ride off on Saturday, still not managed to get started with the packing, nearly as bad as Mr Mac, whose house looks like it has been struck by a tornado -  I am sure he will manage eventually.
Not sure if our hosting IPA officers are going to know what had struck them when we arrive -  but that is all part of the fun.
Busy weekend at the mercat Grill,  despite the cold  ( we were lucky to miss the rain on Saturday)  and over the weekend some thirty thousand hardy folks took part in the marathon weekend, although having said that, Edinburgh had 22mm of rain yesterday (Sunday),  have of May's expected rtainfall in a few hours, which caused chaos, flooding all over the place and a wall fell down in the Zoo so visitors had to be evacuated.

I see that one of the trams,  still undergoing test runs before they start properly on 31st,  broke down in Princes Street, causing chaos for two and a half hours.

Was working in the Grill today and about to leave, when the darts team arrived home from their long weekend in Benidorm, where they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  however, they had to leave one of the lads behind as he was turned away at the airport and sent to hospital to be rehydrated after over indulging - it will be interesting to hear how much Ryanair charge him to get home now.

Local paper has headline banners about Edinburgh having no football team in the Premier league,  first time in 125 years,  but what they fail to say is that hearts went down because of administrative and financial default,  not because they were beaten regularly.

Hidden headline not made much of,  seems that if Scotland have a YES vote we will need at least five hundred thousand young immigants brought into the work force to help balance the ever increasing numbers of elderly people in the Country - not much of a squeak from Mr Salmond there - and he is not saying a lot about his Party being replaced in Brussels by UKIP.

Nice wee run to Duns in the morning to get the Steed of Steel a new MOT and a safety check before we head off.

Back in the real world.

No such thing as R & R now,  back to the grindstone once more at the Mercat Grill,  lots of wee tasks to keep me occupied, and with the Family fun day on Saturday 24th time is certainly running out.

For those who have not already heard, we have pulled out of the Mercat Bar at West Maitland Street, no surprises there - how were we supposed to survive through all the years of disruption by the tramworks - and despite what the Councillors ( heads stuck up their external orifices) say, we are not alone in having struggled on - but, end of an era at Haymarket, I will miss the customers, many who sent me kind wishes whilst I was in hospital.

Bit of a story line in River City tonight on TV -  about corruption within a local authority -  now these script writers do not pluck story lines out of thin air -  and we have just heard of a massive five thousand house development being approved for the Shawfair wedge -  mind you it has been in the planning stage for around twenty years.

Missing my sessions at Castlebrae,  so as a reminder have a wee look at two of the facilities:-

, you may note the client in the centre of the photo whose diet was just a bit too drastic!!

Only ten more sleeps now till I head off with the IPA Motor Cycle group on our tour of Europe making for the IPA - Italian Section rally in the Dolomite's.  Still got a few final  tasks to complete -  in the meantime I am arguing left right and centre with the "lady voice"  on my Garmin Zumo 660 sat nav -  I was heading into Edinburgh on Tuesday, and for fun set the sat nav - which had be going every which way -  I could see my destination but it was trying to send me on another route - I suppose I should really try following the instructions just to see if I do really get to where I was planning.

Just heard a bit of earth shattering news,  the Scottish Parliament, currently in the throes of the impending Referendum, are planning on introducing a 5p charge for plastic carrier bags as from October - the net proceeds to go to charity - SNP will not need the funds as they are being well funded by the Euro lottery winners (Reid's)
.
Metal thieves are causing havoc around here,  dozens of cast iron manhole covers have been stolen from the local roads - time these so and so's were getting their come uppers.  someone must know who is responsible, and the scrap metal dealers buying the stuff are not that stupid not to suspect -  just happy to keep coining it in.

Home, but only for thirteen sleeps

Made it home in one piece from the Police Treatment Centre, Castlebrae - fitter, wiser, and certainly more aware of my physical limitations.  A valuable week away, well looked after.
Did try and put some pics on the site duringt the week but my wifi access was too slow to support the applications.

We were a bit unfortunate that the weather was a bit iffy, unlike the south of the UK which was basking in the sun and just setting itself up for the next hose pipe ban.

Took part in the many and diverse activities from Pilate's;  stretches; reflexology; fitness; mobility; swimming; and even managed  a few rounds on the putting green, although I did play better before the gardener cut the grass !!

Thursday night was fun night,  had our usual "bingo" and quiz, followed by the big raffle draw  then everyone headed for the "Niblic Bar" for drinks and to join in the karaoke - great night had by all, including yours truly who even managed to get up and lead the communal singing!!! 

Friday, the majority of the "clients" left either at the end of their course of treatments, or to go home for the weekend so things calmed down with only six of us remaining for the weekend.  This allowed us to to watch rugby, football and even more rugby and football on the various TV sets.   Well done Glasgow warriors for their win on Friday night, and St Johnston for the great gave in the Scottish Cup.    This meant that Auchterarder was ever so busy on Saturday night with busloads of fans returning to either celebrate or drown their sorrows.      Maybe just as well that I was out of sorts and had to take to bed early and therefore missed all the fun.

 

Home today,  nice run down via Glendeavon, and managed to get out in the garden for a bit, whilst Mrs b  prepared her first batch of baking for the Mercat Grill -  few moans there as they had run out of meringues !!  never fear, more on their way.

 

Only thirteen sleeps before the Italy trip, and plenty to do before then.

 

Now having a few days away at the PTC  (Police treatment Centre),  Castlebrae, Auchterarder,  Chance to do some exercise, get physio, and just relax a bit.  Shame that we are niot having real sunshine as the place is set in lovely grounds - peaceful, and inside has excellent sports and recreational facilites.

Early one damp morning,

Once again , up in time to conduct the dawn chorus - bit of a bind though as I might well get taken away in a "yellow taxi" if I start gardening by torchlight.

Had a wee day off and out on Thursday, took ourselves into the big City and had breakfast at the Standing Order, chat to Archie @ pole dancer -  I had Eggs Benedictine which was really nice. 

A wander round the town to pass time, avoiding the trams which start their job in earnest on 31st May

No doubt that will be when the fun starts in Princess Street which is bad enough at the moment,  it took our bus nearly twenty minutes to get from the West End to the Bridges later in the afternoon - just mega congested around the Waverly Station / Balmoral Hotel end.

Met Mrs B and we went to the Caledonian Waldorf Hotel for afternoon tea, very pleasant and civilised way to pass a couple of hours. Nice surroundings - fairly peaceful,   just a pity that the group from Sainsbury's Bank who were on a training course chose to cut though the lounge area heading for the toilets - some obviously not bothered about the course as they were back and forward several times while we were there.   I am just not sure if afternoon tea is really my scene,  not really a cake fan,  enjoyed the sandwiches, first couple of cups of tea, the scones, - but would much prefer a good steak and a glass of red wine.

Wee car had been in for yet another repair to the suspension which has taken a real hammering on Edinburgh's terrible roads - second broken spring, and front strut damaged - just a pity I cannot remember which pothole I hit to have caused the problem.    I used to think the old McEwans bus was going to fall apart as it rattled over the city streets, however, the Lothian Bus I was took home was just as bad - which proves that it really is a problem with the roads and not the vehicles.  You cannot spend £760 million on the trams without some other part of the infrastructure suffering.

Yesterday, back to the hospital again for a check up -  no problems.  Cannot remember the exact figures, but on the wall in the Clinic there were the current figures for patients who failed to attend - numbers running into the hundreds, and with a cost of Hundreds of thousands of £'s.  Perhaps it is time there was a token charge for an appointment,  refunded on attendance and forfeited for non appearance without a valid excuse.

Daylight outside, time to make a move.

Bit of a change today- a day witha difference for me.

My goodness, feels like winter today,  so changeable and just not pleasant.

Yesterday had Session 1 with the Cardio Rehab folks,  brought a bit of a sweat to the brow,  only nine more sessions to go - however, needs must.

Took myself off to Crieff today on the bike to Crieff Golf club to watch the golfers  taking part in the annual IPA golf match between the goys from No 2 Region Northern Ireland and our own No 1 region.

Kind of dreich day, so the lads were more than happy to finish the match , which was played on a lovely course, bit hilly,  but nice.  I had a bit of a walk out onto the course to meet them on the way back in, even found a golf ball !!!

Yvonne, the No 1 Region Secretary had a good few final holes with my support, so she received the found golf ball.

Fortunately for me , the weather cleared and I had a nice dry, quick run home, apart from the A720 City By pass at peak time.

Looks like Politicians can get away with murder !!

Perhaps I should not say that, however, that is the way it reads in the papers, with Gerry Adams being released without charge after several days of questioning in Ireland for the abduction of Jean McConville by the IRA in 1972.  He will have no doubt sat and made no comment throughout his detention,  whilst his friend, Martin McGuinness (former terrorist and bomber - now another Politician) .   Just have to wait and see what the backlash of this is !!!

Young Elana Baltacha sadly lost her fight against liver cancer, aged 30 - a loss to the world of tennis where she played on despite this illness.  So sad, and our condolences go to her family, especially her husband and coach who she only married a few months ago.

Great controversy about these E cigarettes, however they are certainly not permitted in the  Mercat Grill.  One customer had a bit of a puff in the bar but was asked to join the smokers outside - more than likely to cause a fracas by allowing him to use his "machine" while the others were not - so out he went.
When I was in the hospital the team who were trying to persuade smokers to give up after heart attacks certainly were not in favour of these E cigarettes.  With shops opening up who only sell them, there is obviously a market being developed for the entrepreneur to make a quick buck -  even some Chemist's shop do not sell them.
At our pub watch meeting last week the matter was raised and it was decided to leave it to the discretion of individual licensees (in the meantime). One for continued research and debate.

Looks as though the scientists have developed a new wonder drug to prevent heart disease and allow us to live longer -  may not be long before someone decides that is not a good idea  - we might have to start a human cull, to make room for all these immigrants coming into the UK !!!!!!!!!!!

There was a massive hue and cry , quite rightly, about the dog that was tied to a tree doused in petrol and set on fire - with the culprit being arrested a few days later. I certainly do not tolerate cruelty to animals in any way -   Just seems strange when we humans used to burn fellow humans at the stake, and even worse, more recently  stick a tyre round someones neck filled with diesel and set it alight - man's inhumanity to man.

Ranger's football club management appear to be taking the P*** out the fans,  for a club who are in so much financial trouble how can they possibly justify the wages paid to the Manager, Directors and now the super bonus that is being proposed - has no one heard about the term "cutting the cloth to suit".

In England they play cricket to bring on the rain,  up here we buy bedding plants and the weather resorts back to winter temperatures !!!

As the song goes, "Early One Morning"

etc.   so here I am 5 a.m.,  not as bad as 2.3- a.m.which was Thursday morning,  sitting waiting for the sunrise.  Hopefully we might get a nice day like yesterday, which gave me the chance to have a potter in the garden, hose down the conservatory, re pot a couple of plants, and fiddle with the "steed of steel".
Thursday was a long day, down at the grill all day, and in the evening joined twelve other members of the IPA for a meal to host a couple of visiting officers from Canada. Caused a bit of excitement in the Conservatory at the  Mercat Grill with John McIntosh, the piper piping in the haggis and doing his "address to the haggis" albeit slightly later than Burns day.

Great excitement and confusion as I have now acquired a new "Smartphone",  no idea at all what I am doing with it, just hoping for the best.  BUT  I think I might be doing the old fashioned , belt and braces job,  by getting an address book to use as a back up in case this one gets lost, damaged or put through the wash !!

News tonight, "Oh how the mighty are fallen"   as Max Clifford, the great PR guru who quite happily destroyed many peoples lives, begins his eight year jail sentence for historical sexual offences.

Edinburgh Trams will commence carrying paying passengers at 5 a.m. on 31st May - being hailed as the saviour of the City (bit late - methinks).   I for one will not be standing in that queue as I will be getting ready for the off- with IPA group heading south and into Europe on the motorbikes.

According to Alex Salmond, we Scots are a nation of drunken louts -  no comment -  but I hear he is regularly nine sheets to the wind, in his tax free residence at Bute House, no doubt swilling the odd glass or two compliments of the tax payer, as I cannot see him or Mrs. S. nipping round to the local Tesco Express in Shandwick Place to purchase a cheap carry out.

Big headlines about the possibility of staff from Mortonhall Crematorium being charged and possibly prosecuted for forging signatures on papers relating to the deaths and cremation of babies - as a result of the recent investigations.     Seems to always be someone at the bottom of the pile who gets into trouble, whist those at the top of the tree blatantly get away with "murder".   Tittle tattle about the MP who travels all over the World, business class, at our expense, accumulates Air Miles,  which he then uses to take his family on holiday - naughty.

There is currently an advert on the radio for "Randolf Hill Nursing Homes"  with an actor talking about how nice it is to be a resident there,  In the final lines she says-  " and if we ask nicely, we even get cream cakes" -  every time I hear it I cringe as it sounds so condescending,  the thought that an elderly person, has to ask the staff nicely, before they get anything.    I did write and received a nice reply along the lies that I had misinterpreted the advert and that the do maintain the highest of care standards -  but the advert is stopping shortly.     Just a pity that some of the staff who featured in the recent expose about the ill treatment of elderly residents in Care Homes, did not have the same caring attitudes and high standards - the ones caught out by the hidden cameras should have been flogged.

However - a new day dawneth as they say- need to wait and see what it brings.