Lot to be said for being a hermit out in the wilds.

Couple of days spent nearer home doing odd jobs before I start a busy week and a weekend away in Wales with the IPA motor cycle section again.

Weather has been in the category "nothing to write home about" varying between sunny, slight showers and a bit chilly,  but at least the garden is recovering a bit and plants are showing signs of revival.   Bedding plants went in early, too much rain held them back,  then too dry and ground hardened so held back again - there is a lot to be said for monoblock and paving.

Had a run into Edinburgh today,  not to be recommended, streets were not only busy, they were potholed, and there were diversions everywhere - some due to the fact that the Queen is in residence at Hollyrood Palace so that area and the Queens Park were restricted.   Carlton area,  blocked,   and heading for Whitecraig - the slowest bit of roadworks commissioned by Midlothian Council - several weeks of raising the kerbs and now we are into week three of resurfacing -  disgrace plus expletives is an understatement.  Either stay away or use the Park and Rides appears to be the solution.
Only thing I have to support the Council about is the fact that about one hundred manhole and drain covers,  scrap value negligable were stolen throughout the County, replacement cost £50,000 of ratepayers money down the drain .  Coincidentally tonight's episode of "Casualty" had an incident of copper theft from rail tracks with a death and serious burning  - good enough for them I say.

Bit in the news about the radical cleric who was deported from the UK for promoting terrorism back to Lebonan,  now trying to seek asylum and come back here !!   I keep saying it, everyone thinks it, Politicians ignore it as they are too busy looking after No.1 to care,  but what part of cloud cuckoo land do these folk live in - this country is now the dumping ground for asylum seekers and immigrants .   Six in a wee boat rescued in the English Channel -  bring them in, let them claim benefits, screw the system and send the money home - while in the meantime Glasgow City Council are charging the elderly £15 a day to use day centres,  but if you agree to a means test you may get a reduction, however, if you have any kind of savings whatsoever, irrespective if you are confused or have dementia, the charges will apply and letters will drop through your door.

At one time you received a grant to assist with the funeral costs following the death of a relative, now we have local authorities charging between £450 and £1200 for the same service, depending on where you live, add on the charges that Undertakers charge, then hotels for tea and a sandwich, all when a family are at their most vulnerable, costs are spiralling out of control.

When I can, I am watching the World Cup,  and some wonderful football,  but I still cannot see how teams can justify paying £millions for some of these players - obscene -  but at least this tournament has been good.
Monday, and back to the tennis,  need to hope that Andy Murry is still on his winning run-  I did see his record at "keepie uppie" being beaten by Tim Henman yesterday,  he will not like that so no doubt with his competative streak he will looking for a rematch.