Just a pity they never sank it sea with all hands and saved the taxpayer the cost of a trial and the incarceration of the foreign national who were arrested, unless of course they allege "that a big boy did it and ran away", a highly feasible excuse which will be accepted as a plea in mitigation.
Took myself off on the "Time Machine" and made for Duns to see Andrew Mimms at Border Bikes, coffee, blether and then headed back over the moors to Gifford, Pencaitland, Gorebridge and home. Of course it was a stunning run over the moors with a magnificent view over the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock was standing out in the sunlight. Of course, too good to be true, by the time I got to Vogrie the heavens opened and there was a white out with heavy hail stones - a typical Spring day, and a reminder never to "cast a clout till May is out".
This evening I had a night out with Hazel (my stick), thanks John, took myself out for a walk and ended up in the middle of woods, no paths, through bogs, a bit worrying despite the fact that I had a pretty good idea where I was. Just about dark time when I made it home, wet and tired. Another day older and now a bit wiser.
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Huffed and puffed and near blew the house down (greenhouse that is).
Having spent two days putting up this fiddly greenhouse at the Mercat Grill,I arrived yesterday morning to find panels missing and the structure about to take off. Very hard to work on it in the wind, so ended up using the magic Gorilla tape to hold things together till the wind dies down long enough to reassemble it - buggerro.
Received a nice gift today from one of our customers, a beautiful walking stick, made from Hazel wood, with an antler top - thanks John, much appreciated and will be treasured.
RA Laird O' Cockpen last night, Provincial deputation, first class degree and now time for a break over the summer.
IPA motorcycle section arriving next Wednesday late afternoon and staying at Cameron Toll, Edinburgh for two nights before heading up to Aucheterarder to Castlebrae for another two nights. three days of bike trips organised, so it should be good.
News from Nepal is getting worse every day with the death toll now over five thousand, rescue attempts in parts being hampered by bad weather and further avalanches.
Breaking news this morning that Edinburgh Airport plan to reroute their flight paths to enable more planes to take off - reportedly at the rate of ONE PER MINUTE, so friends of the Earth and everybody and their auntie are now jumping up and down. So thinking about that, we might believe that sixty planes an hour will take off, at that rate they will be queued all the way up the approach road onto the A8, maybe even out to Newbridge or further !!!!! What a load of cobblers, all they want to do is allow a few planes to take off at shorter intervals during peak times to keep the (flying) punters happy. So once again we have the media escalating the situation.
Nearly as bad as the Politicians who daily dose of porkies are getting more and more unbelievable as we get nearer and nearer to the election - who are we supposed to believe !! Because we will be treading on broken promises come the 8th .
Received a nice gift today from one of our customers, a beautiful walking stick, made from Hazel wood, with an antler top - thanks John, much appreciated and will be treasured.
RA Laird O' Cockpen last night, Provincial deputation, first class degree and now time for a break over the summer.
IPA motorcycle section arriving next Wednesday late afternoon and staying at Cameron Toll, Edinburgh for two nights before heading up to Aucheterarder to Castlebrae for another two nights. three days of bike trips organised, so it should be good.
News from Nepal is getting worse every day with the death toll now over five thousand, rescue attempts in parts being hampered by bad weather and further avalanches.
Breaking news this morning that Edinburgh Airport plan to reroute their flight paths to enable more planes to take off - reportedly at the rate of ONE PER MINUTE, so friends of the Earth and everybody and their auntie are now jumping up and down. So thinking about that, we might believe that sixty planes an hour will take off, at that rate they will be queued all the way up the approach road onto the A8, maybe even out to Newbridge or further !!!!! What a load of cobblers, all they want to do is allow a few planes to take off at shorter intervals during peak times to keep the (flying) punters happy. So once again we have the media escalating the situation.
Nearly as bad as the Politicians who daily dose of porkies are getting more and more unbelievable as we get nearer and nearer to the election - who are we supposed to believe !! Because we will be treading on broken promises come the 8th .
Monday, 27 April 2015
Not sure how to say fekkin baltic nicely, but that is what it was this afternoon.
Last week we were able to sit out in the sun at tea time, and today (and yesterday) it was hail stones and snow - the weather is like the election carry on , unpredictable.
Blether to Dougz this afternoon, so we have a group of IPA motorcyclists coming up from England and Wales to stay in Edinburgh on 6th May, and eventually heading for Castlebrae, Auchterarder, on the 8th with the M/C section AGM taking place at 7.30 p.m. on the 9th. Hopefully there will be ride outs on the 7th/ 8th and 9th and interested bods can join in.
Doggy weekend went well at the Mercat Grill and our canine chums seemed to enjoy themselves. Next event to save up for is the Wine dinner on 13th June, Australian and Californian wines with appropriate foods to accompany - dress code is Hawiian , cost £32.50 payable in advance or £37.50 on the night. 7.30 p.m. for 8 p.m. kick off.
Sunday night watched Songs of Praise on the TV which was the semi finals of the Primary schools choir competition, brilliant, puts ninety nine percent of the applicants for Britain's Got Talent to shame. Speaking of which - I have no idea at all what was going on with the dog which supposedly hypnotised Simon Cowel on Saturday - programme is no longer entertaining (to me).
The earthquake in Nepal is proving to be a much bigger disaster than was first thought, and with the aftershock causing more damage then triggering avalanches in the area around Mount Everest Base camp and camp 1, really quite amazing how many hundreds of climbers and hill walkers were in the area. It will certainly badly effect the economy which obviously depends on tourism, for some time.
Blether to Dougz this afternoon, so we have a group of IPA motorcyclists coming up from England and Wales to stay in Edinburgh on 6th May, and eventually heading for Castlebrae, Auchterarder, on the 8th with the M/C section AGM taking place at 7.30 p.m. on the 9th. Hopefully there will be ride outs on the 7th/ 8th and 9th and interested bods can join in.
Doggy weekend went well at the Mercat Grill and our canine chums seemed to enjoy themselves. Next event to save up for is the Wine dinner on 13th June, Australian and Californian wines with appropriate foods to accompany - dress code is Hawiian , cost £32.50 payable in advance or £37.50 on the night. 7.30 p.m. for 8 p.m. kick off.
Sunday night watched Songs of Praise on the TV which was the semi finals of the Primary schools choir competition, brilliant, puts ninety nine percent of the applicants for Britain's Got Talent to shame. Speaking of which - I have no idea at all what was going on with the dog which supposedly hypnotised Simon Cowel on Saturday - programme is no longer entertaining (to me).
The earthquake in Nepal is proving to be a much bigger disaster than was first thought, and with the aftershock causing more damage then triggering avalanches in the area around Mount Everest Base camp and camp 1, really quite amazing how many hundreds of climbers and hill walkers were in the area. It will certainly badly effect the economy which obviously depends on tourism, for some time.
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Watching the London Marathon is exhausting - very much so ,
These top class athletes make it look so easy, running the distance is two hours plus so many minutes, but the fun runners have a ball, enjoying the atmosphere and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for various charities.
I had to take to my bed once again yesterday so missed all the fun at The Mercat Grill where they had the third of the doggie days which seems to have gone remarkably well. There were even bottles of doggie beer and even some lovely looking doggie cakes, which, I hear were sampled by some unsuspecting members of the public ( tasted nice though). Not sure how money was raised for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat home as it has not been tallied yet. Sort of on the same theme, a friend has published on facebook having found his dog about to eat a raw steak, covered in rat poison which had been dropped over his garden fence, possibly in an attempt to kill hid dog - in this instance the Police are involved and investigating.
Friday night made it to Loanhead RA (Honour, Concorde and Fidelity), where there were two candidates, low attendance, but excellent degree. Nipped back to Bonnyrigg where the OES were have an old fashioned horse race night (horses drawn along the floor on strings by hand) very good turnout and a really fun night for all. Tuesday coming, last night before the break for Laird O'Cockpen RA.
Real disaster in Nepal with around 1500 killed so far in the recent earthquake, including a number of climbers on Everest - good job Sparky Mark made it home last weekend - real tragedy, and in one small town, the hardest hit there were only eight firefighters employed there. Seems a bit of a coincidence with the volcano erupting in Chile last week, need to watch to see what happens next to see if there is a pattern.
Bit like the gold miners who are now suggesting that there is a "mother lode" in a seam which runs from Northern Ireland right through to Tyndrum and Aberdeenshire - need to get the panning kit out and get myself down to Leadhills and try and get some petrol money.
Had the "Time Machine" out for a couple of days, running well, and even managed to get spare keys for it, thanks to Kevin at Timpson's key Cutting, Cameron Toll Centre.
Finding the antics of our politicians rather bemusing as they seem to be desperate to outdo each other with unrealistic promises which they will never stick to - must be a medal for the biggest fibber; most dangerous; sleekit; and to think those who get elected will be on a nice wee earner for themselves and their families.
Looks like Rangers and Hibs will be fighting it out next weekend for second place, a nail biting finish in that division.
I had to take to my bed once again yesterday so missed all the fun at The Mercat Grill where they had the third of the doggie days which seems to have gone remarkably well. There were even bottles of doggie beer and even some lovely looking doggie cakes, which, I hear were sampled by some unsuspecting members of the public ( tasted nice though). Not sure how money was raised for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat home as it has not been tallied yet. Sort of on the same theme, a friend has published on facebook having found his dog about to eat a raw steak, covered in rat poison which had been dropped over his garden fence, possibly in an attempt to kill hid dog - in this instance the Police are involved and investigating.
Friday night made it to Loanhead RA (Honour, Concorde and Fidelity), where there were two candidates, low attendance, but excellent degree. Nipped back to Bonnyrigg where the OES were have an old fashioned horse race night (horses drawn along the floor on strings by hand) very good turnout and a really fun night for all. Tuesday coming, last night before the break for Laird O'Cockpen RA.
Real disaster in Nepal with around 1500 killed so far in the recent earthquake, including a number of climbers on Everest - good job Sparky Mark made it home last weekend - real tragedy, and in one small town, the hardest hit there were only eight firefighters employed there. Seems a bit of a coincidence with the volcano erupting in Chile last week, need to watch to see what happens next to see if there is a pattern.
Bit like the gold miners who are now suggesting that there is a "mother lode" in a seam which runs from Northern Ireland right through to Tyndrum and Aberdeenshire - need to get the panning kit out and get myself down to Leadhills and try and get some petrol money.
Had the "Time Machine" out for a couple of days, running well, and even managed to get spare keys for it, thanks to Kevin at Timpson's key Cutting, Cameron Toll Centre.
Finding the antics of our politicians rather bemusing as they seem to be desperate to outdo each other with unrealistic promises which they will never stick to - must be a medal for the biggest fibber; most dangerous; sleekit; and to think those who get elected will be on a nice wee earner for themselves and their families.
Looks like Rangers and Hibs will be fighting it out next weekend for second place, a nail biting finish in that division.
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Perhaps all good things come to an end - the weather included.
Last few days here have been brilliant, lovely to be able to sit out, or potter in the garden, but we are apparently in for a bit of a change in the weather over the weekend.
Spent yet another four hours on the greenhouse yesterday, thought I was finished, then there were even more nuts to unscrew and jiggling about to do - never mind patience is a virtue.
Terrible state of affairs when a fourteen year old boy in the UK can try and organise a terrorist attack at an Anzak Day ceremony in Australia. From the UK there is a constant stream of dangerous "crackpots" heading out to the Middle East, being trained by terrorist groups, and returning to the UK to cause mayhem here. Thinking back to my recent holiday in Egypt, folks there were on the ball, security conscious, however, here we (as a nation - as individuals) still do not believe enough that it will happen here, sooner than later, and the more aware we become the more likely we are to protect ourselves.
If this is not making sense, then make sense of the pheodophiles, (sick perverted bast***s) who are out there grooming youngsters and even raping toddlers - see this weeks TV highlights for an update on the team of depraved s**t who were arrested in England this week.
Just need to change the mind set and think nice thoughts for a change.
Was in at the ERI today and sat for ages watching the construction site where the new Sick Children's Hospital will be, totally enthralling watching cranes, diggers, borers, lorries, etc all on the move in a relatively enclosed space. Certainly saw the need for hard hats !!
Used the "Time machine" again, and now getting used to it, which is handling much lighter than the K75 did, but a more modern machine, and despite that still got a sore backside when on it for a while.
Doggie weekend started this evening with a quiz night, not for the dogs, but the owners. Thinking of dogs, the collie dog which drove the tractor onto the M74 south of Glasgow yesterday certainly hit the headlines.
Spent yet another four hours on the greenhouse yesterday, thought I was finished, then there were even more nuts to unscrew and jiggling about to do - never mind patience is a virtue.
Terrible state of affairs when a fourteen year old boy in the UK can try and organise a terrorist attack at an Anzak Day ceremony in Australia. From the UK there is a constant stream of dangerous "crackpots" heading out to the Middle East, being trained by terrorist groups, and returning to the UK to cause mayhem here. Thinking back to my recent holiday in Egypt, folks there were on the ball, security conscious, however, here we (as a nation - as individuals) still do not believe enough that it will happen here, sooner than later, and the more aware we become the more likely we are to protect ourselves.
If this is not making sense, then make sense of the pheodophiles, (sick perverted bast***s) who are out there grooming youngsters and even raping toddlers - see this weeks TV highlights for an update on the team of depraved s**t who were arrested in England this week.
Just need to change the mind set and think nice thoughts for a change.
Was in at the ERI today and sat for ages watching the construction site where the new Sick Children's Hospital will be, totally enthralling watching cranes, diggers, borers, lorries, etc all on the move in a relatively enclosed space. Certainly saw the need for hard hats !!
Used the "Time machine" again, and now getting used to it, which is handling much lighter than the K75 did, but a more modern machine, and despite that still got a sore backside when on it for a while.
Doggie weekend started this evening with a quiz night, not for the dogs, but the owners. Thinking of dogs, the collie dog which drove the tractor onto the M74 south of Glasgow yesterday certainly hit the headlines.
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Come back MFI , even IKEA, all is forgiven.
I thought their flat pack systems were bad, especially MFI who were always guaranteed to have at least one piece missing, We have bought a self build lean to greenhouse for the Mercat Grill, to have a go at growing some of our own herbs, etc., Had a quick look at the instructions which I thought said that it would only take thirty minutes to build, NO it said it would take at least thirty minutes !!! so FIVE hours later and it is only half built, good job the sun was shining and I had a radio to keep my mind occupied. Returning tomorrow for the next phase, unless someone has pinched it overnight.
Home to the garden for a wee sit in this Indian summer weather, then another few laps of the park trying my walking poles, not easy, and at this early stage causes a few aching muscles.
BUT, treat tonight, got all togged up and took the "Time Machine" out for my first real run on it, only thirty miles, but it certainly a lot different to the Steed of steel, which is still in dry dock as Andy Mimms tries to resolve what now appears to be an electrical problem. Had a run out through West Linton, along to the A701, then back roads to Eddlestone and then up and over by Portmore and the lime kilns - just to get the feel of it, gears, clutch, brakes, etc. NICE. I think I know how I will be getting about tomorrow, and it will not be in the car.
Looks like the Grill will be busy this weekend, that is a group of twenty eight just booked in late Saturday afternoon, going to visit Rosslyn Chapel first, then down to join in the fun with the doggie folks.
Home to the garden for a wee sit in this Indian summer weather, then another few laps of the park trying my walking poles, not easy, and at this early stage causes a few aching muscles.
BUT, treat tonight, got all togged up and took the "Time Machine" out for my first real run on it, only thirty miles, but it certainly a lot different to the Steed of steel, which is still in dry dock as Andy Mimms tries to resolve what now appears to be an electrical problem. Had a run out through West Linton, along to the A701, then back roads to Eddlestone and then up and over by Portmore and the lime kilns - just to get the feel of it, gears, clutch, brakes, etc. NICE. I think I know how I will be getting about tomorrow, and it will not be in the car.
Looks like the Grill will be busy this weekend, that is a group of twenty eight just booked in late Saturday afternoon, going to visit Rosslyn Chapel first, then down to join in the fun with the doggie folks.
Monday, 20 April 2015
Getting fed up with the daily helping of lies, lies and more lies,
I mean the constant barrage of false promises and drivel being pumped out by the various political parties on the lead up to the next election.
Ms Sturgeon, spouting forth, even although she will not be sitting in Westminster, already hinting about another referendum for Scotland. And, even worse, although she was close chums with Slippery Salmon, she was keen to get herself into Bute House, and now she is there she is complaining that it is cold as it is too big to heat properly !!! maybe she should give "Help the Aged" a shout and get a thermal blanket and foot muffs like the Auld Yins use in their cold houses.
Time a group of sensible Politicians from all parties, not out to feather their own nests, formed a coalition Government with a view to sorting out this country, and tell these MEP's when to get on their bikes and where to go.
No getting away from the horrendous loss of life as migrants free from the African and Middle eastern states to Europe with boats sinking in the Mediterranean - If they are fleeing in such large numbers, does not say much for the crackpots who are leaving the UK to go join IS !!!
Radio 2 this afternoon read out a list of the most common Christian names in the UK last year, and for boys it was Mohammed !!!!
Attended Bob McCulley's funeral at Mortonhall this afternoon, very good turn out for the lad, RIP.
Ms Sturgeon, spouting forth, even although she will not be sitting in Westminster, already hinting about another referendum for Scotland. And, even worse, although she was close chums with Slippery Salmon, she was keen to get herself into Bute House, and now she is there she is complaining that it is cold as it is too big to heat properly !!! maybe she should give "Help the Aged" a shout and get a thermal blanket and foot muffs like the Auld Yins use in their cold houses.
Time a group of sensible Politicians from all parties, not out to feather their own nests, formed a coalition Government with a view to sorting out this country, and tell these MEP's when to get on their bikes and where to go.
No getting away from the horrendous loss of life as migrants free from the African and Middle eastern states to Europe with boats sinking in the Mediterranean - If they are fleeing in such large numbers, does not say much for the crackpots who are leaving the UK to go join IS !!!
Radio 2 this afternoon read out a list of the most common Christian names in the UK last year, and for boys it was Mohammed !!!!
Attended Bob McCulley's funeral at Mortonhall this afternoon, very good turn out for the lad, RIP.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
Sitting here with a face like a beetroot after yesterday's sunshine,
However, today, total opposite, looks like frostbite might effect my extremities - bloody weather is so unpredictable, so no sitting out today.
Managed to catch up on the adventures of Sparky Mark during his recent trip to Nepal - all written up along with some lovely photos on his blog. Markslight125.blogspot.com
Bit of an upset in the Scottish football scene after this weekend's semi finals of the Scottish Cup - Celtic and Hibs both lost, good luck to Inverness Caley Thistle and Falkirk whose fans will have a great day out at Hampden, and one will get a place in Europe next year.
Same has to apply to Edinburgh Rugby for reaching the finals of their win taking them into the national final.
Nice win for a 25/1 outsider in the Scottish Grand National, no luck for me and the same can be said for my bets at last night's charity race event , all down the plug hole - but a good night with a super buffet for those who attended.
Buttons sent in an advance party to the Mercat Grill today to sus the place out before next weekend's doggy events.
The "Time Machine" is still waiting for a run out, pity I have been dehorsed as the guys, Steve, Dougie, Ian, Rennie, and co had some superb runs around Scotland during the past three days while Steve was undergoing his training as an honorary Scot.
Funeral tomorrow of Brother/ Companion Robert (Bob) McCulley, Loanhead, who sadly died after a relatively short fight against cancer.
Managed to catch up on the adventures of Sparky Mark during his recent trip to Nepal - all written up along with some lovely photos on his blog. Markslight125.blogspot.com
Bit of an upset in the Scottish football scene after this weekend's semi finals of the Scottish Cup - Celtic and Hibs both lost, good luck to Inverness Caley Thistle and Falkirk whose fans will have a great day out at Hampden, and one will get a place in Europe next year.
Same has to apply to Edinburgh Rugby for reaching the finals of their win taking them into the national final.
Nice win for a 25/1 outsider in the Scottish Grand National, no luck for me and the same can be said for my bets at last night's charity race event , all down the plug hole - but a good night with a super buffet for those who attended.
Buttons sent in an advance party to the Mercat Grill today to sus the place out before next weekend's doggy events.
The "Time Machine" is still waiting for a run out, pity I have been dehorsed as the guys, Steve, Dougie, Ian, Rennie, and co had some superb runs around Scotland during the past three days while Steve was undergoing his training as an honorary Scot.
Funeral tomorrow of Brother/ Companion Robert (Bob) McCulley, Loanhead, who sadly died after a relatively short fight against cancer.
Thursday, 16 April 2015
The "Time Machine" appeared in the garage last night
True to his word, young Andrew Mimms from Border Bikes, Duns, arrived mid evening last night with my new acquisition, the "Time Machine", to keep the "Steed of Steel" company - so the "Steedman" has taken on a dual role as a "Time Lord" as well.
Not a new machine by any means, but a low mileage for its age, just need to get myself detagged as soon as possible and get some miles under my "botty" before I decide which set of wheels will be used for our run out to help Mr MacInally with his gardening and DIY in sunny French France.
Bit of a quandary though, do I, or do I not adorn the Time Machine with badges ?
Wednesday, 15 April 2015
At long last a stablemate for the Steed, now need a name,
Yes, new (not brand new) bike arrived this evening, so fed watered and safely put to bed, just have to fathom out how to get both bikes in the garage once the Steed is back with new fuel pump working. Happy bunny now.
More troubles for the trams after a child was left on the platform while mother took her other child on board, however, good system of CCTV and tannoy had another member of the public remain with the child till help arrived. But more troubling are the surfers who are now jumping onto the side of the tram and hanging on outside the carriage - in other areas there have been fatalities due to these acts of stupidity.
Race night at the Mercat Grill on Saturday, first race at 7.30 p.m., however I will not be entering the Steed or his stable mate, need to give the other runners a chance.
Ill divided UK, so while the South has a nice heat wave, we in the north are shivering as temperatures fall and with snow forecast in some parts, perfect for Avimore !!! and another bumper ski weekend there.
I popped into the Chamber's Street Museum, Edinburgh, yesterday, which was very busy due to the school holidays being on, however, serious risk of it being closed this weekend due to a strike by staff over changes in their pay and conditions. Seems to be the norm now, air traffic on strike in France over the last holiday weekend - tantamount to straight economic blackmail.
Sad as it is, case reported of a driver heading home from a day of compulsory driving instruction by the Police following a speeding charge, and he is seen to be texting on his phone as he loses attention and is killed by an oncoming lorry - will folks never learn ?
More troubles for the trams after a child was left on the platform while mother took her other child on board, however, good system of CCTV and tannoy had another member of the public remain with the child till help arrived. But more troubling are the surfers who are now jumping onto the side of the tram and hanging on outside the carriage - in other areas there have been fatalities due to these acts of stupidity.
Race night at the Mercat Grill on Saturday, first race at 7.30 p.m., however I will not be entering the Steed or his stable mate, need to give the other runners a chance.
Ill divided UK, so while the South has a nice heat wave, we in the north are shivering as temperatures fall and with snow forecast in some parts, perfect for Avimore !!! and another bumper ski weekend there.
I popped into the Chamber's Street Museum, Edinburgh, yesterday, which was very busy due to the school holidays being on, however, serious risk of it being closed this weekend due to a strike by staff over changes in their pay and conditions. Seems to be the norm now, air traffic on strike in France over the last holiday weekend - tantamount to straight economic blackmail.
Sad as it is, case reported of a driver heading home from a day of compulsory driving instruction by the Police following a speeding charge, and he is seen to be texting on his phone as he loses attention and is killed by an oncoming lorry - will folks never learn ?
Monday, 13 April 2015
Peace , quiet and chilling as I have the house to myself.
Basically because the TV is not on !! so a wee Bombay Saphire (does not make me a bad person), in lieu of a quiet alcohol free weekend.
Once again we are plunged into semi arctic conditions (I exaggerate a little) but we did have to scrape the windscreen again this morning and the central heating is back on. looks like we will have "temperate" conditions here while the South of England might get the weather which is to equal Turkey.
Kind of messed up on the last Blog, Hearts were stuffed by Hibernian on Sunday, not Saturday as I had suggested, so that will keep everyone on their toes to see who gets promoted with Hearts later on.
Mr and Mrs Murray were duly married in Dunblane Cathedral and went to his hotel "The Cromlix" for the meal and partying, lucky them, I could not even get a coffee when we called there - but of course if you own the place you get preferential treatment !!! Just like me at the Mercat Grill, only difference is that I get to pick which sink I would like to wash the dishes in.
Did not watch the Grand National as I said, but watched the Oxford boat crews giving Cambridge a bit of a doffing on Saturday - we never saw all the folks who had to be rescued by the lifeboats when the tide came in and the river levels rose.
Sparky Mark arrived home, complete with a Yeti as his fiancée from his trip to Nepal, managed to get up to 17000 ft during the trek, no wonder he was light headed. now he just has to collect his sponsorship for Marie Curie.
Annie from the Grill took herself off to Copenhagen with a friend for the weekend, hopefully not to mesmerised with the statue of the wee boy peeing !!!
Managed to see most of the last round of the Masters Golf last night from Augusta, what a wonderful golf course, nice to see Tiger Woods doing reasonably well. Young Jordan Speith was impeccable, leading from start to finish, and well done Phil Michelson for making it back to tie for second with Justin Rose who was unable to get those elusive birdies.
Chinese grand Prix was not quite the usual convoy of cars, even although Lewis Hamilton led from the front all the way, saw him being interviewed regarding his new contract and thought he was a bit of a prima donna, but on reflection he has a harder job than the footballing numpties who can command as much money as him.. But I did enjoy the superbike races from Spain earlier in the day, bloody hair raising when you see them nearly lying on the ground in some of the bends, and to see them get up and walk away from some of the falls is amazing.
Race night at the Mercat Grill on Saturday night coming, another wee fund raiser for charity.
Once again we are plunged into semi arctic conditions (I exaggerate a little) but we did have to scrape the windscreen again this morning and the central heating is back on. looks like we will have "temperate" conditions here while the South of England might get the weather which is to equal Turkey.
Kind of messed up on the last Blog, Hearts were stuffed by Hibernian on Sunday, not Saturday as I had suggested, so that will keep everyone on their toes to see who gets promoted with Hearts later on.
Mr and Mrs Murray were duly married in Dunblane Cathedral and went to his hotel "The Cromlix" for the meal and partying, lucky them, I could not even get a coffee when we called there - but of course if you own the place you get preferential treatment !!! Just like me at the Mercat Grill, only difference is that I get to pick which sink I would like to wash the dishes in.
Did not watch the Grand National as I said, but watched the Oxford boat crews giving Cambridge a bit of a doffing on Saturday - we never saw all the folks who had to be rescued by the lifeboats when the tide came in and the river levels rose.
Sparky Mark arrived home, complete with a Yeti as his fiancée from his trip to Nepal, managed to get up to 17000 ft during the trek, no wonder he was light headed. now he just has to collect his sponsorship for Marie Curie.
Annie from the Grill took herself off to Copenhagen with a friend for the weekend, hopefully not to mesmerised with the statue of the wee boy peeing !!!
Managed to see most of the last round of the Masters Golf last night from Augusta, what a wonderful golf course, nice to see Tiger Woods doing reasonably well. Young Jordan Speith was impeccable, leading from start to finish, and well done Phil Michelson for making it back to tie for second with Justin Rose who was unable to get those elusive birdies.
Chinese grand Prix was not quite the usual convoy of cars, even although Lewis Hamilton led from the front all the way, saw him being interviewed regarding his new contract and thought he was a bit of a prima donna, but on reflection he has a harder job than the footballing numpties who can command as much money as him.. But I did enjoy the superbike races from Spain earlier in the day, bloody hair raising when you see them nearly lying on the ground in some of the bends, and to see them get up and walk away from some of the falls is amazing.
Race night at the Mercat Grill on Saturday night coming, another wee fund raiser for charity.
Saturday, 11 April 2015
So much for a good night's sleep, 2 am and I am wide awake, toothache.
Bit of a pain in the teeth, worse than usual, so up for a hot drink and a painkiller to see if that helps.
Lots of wee jobs going on at the Mercat Grill, new fence at the back completed and another few tons of white chips laid, so car park is looking good.
In the meantime, despite being told to take it easy, I managed to overdo things on Thursday, even just pottering about in the garden, so Friday was a bit of a struggle - mind you I did end up having to go and do one of my own jobs in the morning which has got the old grey matter stirring again. Was out and about in the countryside where the "fly tippers" and just taking the micky by dumping loads of rubbish in back roads. They have even broken into derelict buildings and taken the bother to unload their rubbish inside them - must be saving a fortune on landfill charges.
The chaotic road works continue to cause mayhem at Milton Bridge with ten to fifteen minutes of waiting - despite this, Radio Forth's traffic reports fail to mention anything about it - time they gave themselves a shake.
On a brighter note, Dunblane will be bouncing this afternoon when Andy Murray and his fiancée Kim get married in Dunblane Cathedral - well done, and I see he has very few "Celebrity" guests attending. He even knocked back a big fee from one of the glossy magazines who wanted an exclusive photo shoot - good lad.
Busy day today, Grand National horse race , which I do not like watching as I think it is too dangerous and I do not enjoy the prospect of seeing injured beasts being destroyed by vets. Local Edinburgh derby with Hearts and Hibernian playing in what might be their last derby for some time if Hearts are promoted at the end of the season and Hibs are not - just need to wait and see.
Looks like heads might roll in London with the latest revelation about the multi million jewel robbery in Hatton Garden at the weekend - the intruder alarm was activated, Police informed, but they decided not to respond to the call !!!! So what point is there in upgrading alarm systems and paying the Police to register the system if they are going to ignore them ?
Health warnings about the air pollution in parts of the UK, so they are looking for cooler weather to clear the air, while up North in Sutherland they want rain to dampen the wildfires on the moors. No doubt we will soon be having hose pipe bans again, never mind there might be no water in the south of England but there could be plenty oil - that is, if the Green party do not get to block the exploration.
PS. was advised that Buttons is a wee girl and not a wee boy as I had written previously.
Lots of wee jobs going on at the Mercat Grill, new fence at the back completed and another few tons of white chips laid, so car park is looking good.
In the meantime, despite being told to take it easy, I managed to overdo things on Thursday, even just pottering about in the garden, so Friday was a bit of a struggle - mind you I did end up having to go and do one of my own jobs in the morning which has got the old grey matter stirring again. Was out and about in the countryside where the "fly tippers" and just taking the micky by dumping loads of rubbish in back roads. They have even broken into derelict buildings and taken the bother to unload their rubbish inside them - must be saving a fortune on landfill charges.
The chaotic road works continue to cause mayhem at Milton Bridge with ten to fifteen minutes of waiting - despite this, Radio Forth's traffic reports fail to mention anything about it - time they gave themselves a shake.
On a brighter note, Dunblane will be bouncing this afternoon when Andy Murray and his fiancée Kim get married in Dunblane Cathedral - well done, and I see he has very few "Celebrity" guests attending. He even knocked back a big fee from one of the glossy magazines who wanted an exclusive photo shoot - good lad.
Busy day today, Grand National horse race , which I do not like watching as I think it is too dangerous and I do not enjoy the prospect of seeing injured beasts being destroyed by vets. Local Edinburgh derby with Hearts and Hibernian playing in what might be their last derby for some time if Hearts are promoted at the end of the season and Hibs are not - just need to wait and see.
Looks like heads might roll in London with the latest revelation about the multi million jewel robbery in Hatton Garden at the weekend - the intruder alarm was activated, Police informed, but they decided not to respond to the call !!!! So what point is there in upgrading alarm systems and paying the Police to register the system if they are going to ignore them ?
Health warnings about the air pollution in parts of the UK, so they are looking for cooler weather to clear the air, while up North in Sutherland they want rain to dampen the wildfires on the moors. No doubt we will soon be having hose pipe bans again, never mind there might be no water in the south of England but there could be plenty oil - that is, if the Green party do not get to block the exploration.
PS. was advised that Buttons is a wee girl and not a wee boy as I had written previously.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
What are the sneaky polis up to in Musselburgh area.
Looks like Mr House has his troops psyched up to increase their solvency rate in East Lothian, yesterday it was a traffic car outside Bookers nobbling folks as they headed out of Musselburgh - remember, one speeder is a solved crime, just the same as a housebreaker being caught !!! Today, lord knows what was happening but we had three visits from a patrol car, and saw other Police vehicles in the area - not a problem as we have nothing to hide. Unlike the Nursery in Edinburgh where they found £65K worth of cannabis in the roof space of an old church in Morningside.
Have to apologise to Buttons, the poor wee soul is a girl, and not a boy as I had stated previously, perhaps in disguise for the "secret shopper" trip.
Need to watch this space in future, we have just reinstated / built a new fence at the rear of the Mercat Grill, which has now cut off the casual access route to the field which are used by local dog walkers and unlicensed motor cyclists.
Our politicians are taking part in the next Pinnochio debate on the TV, who can tell the most porkies wins - what a bloody carry on, I did not know who the Willie Rennie was, the one I know was a plumber, and a bit wiser than the politician.
Had some cyclists in at the Mercat Grill today heading from Edinburgh to Haddington, on the old railway line track - time that Spokes folks made more use of the premises a toilet break and a cuppa, if not a substantial meal.
Smart car ground to a halt today in Ormiston, at the Hibs training ground, what a great facility, RAC were not only on the ball, they were on site within thirty five minutes, had the car started and mobile again in a few minutes - jiggered starter motor.
Anyway, sun is due to shine tomorrow, with no ice in the morning - had to scrape the windscreen today, so a day at home pottering out back.
Have to apologise to Buttons, the poor wee soul is a girl, and not a boy as I had stated previously, perhaps in disguise for the "secret shopper" trip.
Need to watch this space in future, we have just reinstated / built a new fence at the rear of the Mercat Grill, which has now cut off the casual access route to the field which are used by local dog walkers and unlicensed motor cyclists.
Our politicians are taking part in the next Pinnochio debate on the TV, who can tell the most porkies wins - what a bloody carry on, I did not know who the Willie Rennie was, the one I know was a plumber, and a bit wiser than the politician.
Had some cyclists in at the Mercat Grill today heading from Edinburgh to Haddington, on the old railway line track - time that Spokes folks made more use of the premises a toilet break and a cuppa, if not a substantial meal.
Smart car ground to a halt today in Ormiston, at the Hibs training ground, what a great facility, RAC were not only on the ball, they were on site within thirty five minutes, had the car started and mobile again in a few minutes - jiggered starter motor.
Anyway, sun is due to shine tomorrow, with no ice in the morning - had to scrape the windscreen today, so a day at home pottering out back.
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
The word is out, "Button" was a secret shopper !!!!!
Well, maybe not exactly, but he seems to have been taking to his pals who now want to come to the Mercat Grill for lunch in a couple of weeks, not quite the jungle drums at work, looks like bow wow works just as well and as fast . here is another shot of Button who was busy making friends while mum and chums were dining.
Not sure what he was thinking of but it looks kind of lip smacking.
Heading home today came across the newest set of road works on the A701 at Milton Bridge, which are going to cause chaos for another eight weeks. Bad enough this afternoon at the quiet time with drives cutting up each other and near misses. Delay times are looking at ten to fifteen minutes, so there are going to be many heated words. Midlothian Council are certainly doing their best to P*** folks off on the run up to the election.
Heading home today came across the newest set of road works on the A701 at Milton Bridge, which are going to cause chaos for another eight weeks. Bad enough this afternoon at the quiet time with drives cutting up each other and near misses. Delay times are looking at ten to fifteen minutes, so there are going to be many heated words. Midlothian Council are certainly doing their best to P*** folks off on the run up to the election.
Monday, 6 April 2015
Lovely sunny day again, makes it all worthwhile.
Well, that's Easter over for another year, the traffic jams will calm down overnight, the tortoise people will park up their caravans and camper vans - back to work to tell how long the biggest queue was behind them.
More work being done at the Mercat Grill, every week a wee change takes place, and today we had a visit by "Button", nine weeks old, out checking to see how things are going for the doggie weekend,
Beautiful "Pan European" arrived , ridden by Ian "Shakey" Stevens who at long last had popped in to see me for a blether and . His bike is stunning, just a shame I did not get a photo of it, next time maybe.
More work being done at the Mercat Grill, every week a wee change takes place, and today we had a visit by "Button", nine weeks old, out checking to see how things are going for the doggie weekend,
Sunday, 5 April 2015
Easter egg trail today at the mercat Grill, kids not only got eggs but gold medals.
Quiz trail, hunting hi and low, with eggs and chocolate as a reward.
Who were they looking for?, lying relaxed in the Easter sunshine.
Big lookout for guys who are doing the rounds in East Lothian stealing dogs to be used in dog fighting events, using a white van (what's new) - sick twats.
Who were they looking for?, lying relaxed in the Easter sunshine.
Well done Stevie for winning the Voice last night, lets hope he does better than his predecessors. Now all we need is Andy Murray winning today in Miami to make this a great start for the week before his wedding at Dunblane Cathedral next Saturday.Good result for Rangers today against Hearts, pity hearts have lost their good record, now we have to wait and see who makes it to the play offs, Hibs or Rangers.
Sorry I never made the run to Robin's House, Balloch, today, but those who took part in the ride out guys handed over a cheque for £4000 and nearly as many Easter eggs, intact or not after a bike ride.
Big hi and thank you to the wonderful Claire, head chef, who produces such wonderful meals at the Mercat Grill
Big lookout for guys who are doing the rounds in East Lothian stealing dogs to be used in dog fighting events, using a white van (what's new) - sick twats.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Missed out a night, engrossed in the third book in the trilogy.
Finished third of Peter Ritchie's books last night so I can now catch up on other things. BUT I have to say that they are great stories and I hear that, because of the interest generated, Peter is going to write a fourth book. Long way to catch up with Ian Rankine, but no reason why not.
TV really boring these days, far to much politics, so newspapers are full of pages of promises which are there to be either broken or not see the light of day - and we all know what politicians are in politics for - to feather their own nests and enjoy the ego trip.
Papers are currently giving Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police Scotland a hard time so it looks as though he may not reapply for the post when his contract expires. There once was a time when the Police operated with public support and senior officers were respected by the rank and file officers - sadly neither exists at the moment, so whoever takes over will have a hard job to get both the public and the service back on their side and boost morale.
Car back from the motor hospital, thank goodness, just nee to get the new bike home and in beside its stablemate.
Sparky Mark still heading downhill in the Himalayas, said he was watching an avalanche on the other side of the valley from his bedroom window - disturbed his antics with a local Yeti !!!!!
Easter weekend, confined to the barracks meantime, but next week must try and venture forth once more, provided I take it easy. Grill has been very busy, getting busier each week, just going to be interesting to see how the Pooch / doggie weekend on 23/24/25th works out.
Presently watching the final of "the Voice" on BBC TV, four good acts, so fingers crossed.
TV really boring these days, far to much politics, so newspapers are full of pages of promises which are there to be either broken or not see the light of day - and we all know what politicians are in politics for - to feather their own nests and enjoy the ego trip.
Papers are currently giving Sir Stephen House, Chief Constable of Police Scotland a hard time so it looks as though he may not reapply for the post when his contract expires. There once was a time when the Police operated with public support and senior officers were respected by the rank and file officers - sadly neither exists at the moment, so whoever takes over will have a hard job to get both the public and the service back on their side and boost morale.
Car back from the motor hospital, thank goodness, just nee to get the new bike home and in beside its stablemate.
Sparky Mark still heading downhill in the Himalayas, said he was watching an avalanche on the other side of the valley from his bedroom window - disturbed his antics with a local Yeti !!!!!
Easter weekend, confined to the barracks meantime, but next week must try and venture forth once more, provided I take it easy. Grill has been very busy, getting busier each week, just going to be interesting to see how the Pooch / doggie weekend on 23/24/25th works out.
Presently watching the final of "the Voice" on BBC TV, four good acts, so fingers crossed.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
All this walking must be good for me- so much for no wheels.
You do not appreciate how useful the car is until you cannot use it, currently away for a service and MOT so Mrs B is using the bus and I am walking up and down the street complete with back pack, not very good for lots of messages from the shops but better for my health. Lesson learned with this car, being a motobility vehicle it had never been driven in anger, so to speak, end result, engine was all gunged up - modern cars are meant to be driven. Which begs the question, how much damage will be done to cars driving at 20mph to stick to Edinburgh's new speed limits.
Just dawned on me, Edinburgh City Council are pushing to increase the numbers of cyclists in the town, they had better put even more money aside to pay compensation for damages and injuries due to the tram tracks. The Smart car suffers badly from potholes in the roads which are constantly popping the headlight bulbs, and even burst two front springs.
Not quite in the same walking league as Sparky Mark who has since reached the high passes on his Himalayan trek and is now heading back "downhill" again - so far so good.
Spent yet another night in the chair, but this time I read till 5.45 a.m. before going back to bed - main reason being that I could not put down the book I was reading so kept going till I finished it !! That was book two of Peter Ritchie's Den Herber trilogy, Shortest Day of the Year; The Red Sky in the Morning: and tonight I start "Noble Cause". Peter Ritchie was in the CID when I was at Dalkeith (long time ago) and has worked in some very interesting Departments since then and his books reflect on his experiences.
I see Andy Murray has now got 501 wins under his belt, long way to go to catch up with Jimmy Conners.
Just dawned on me, Edinburgh City Council are pushing to increase the numbers of cyclists in the town, they had better put even more money aside to pay compensation for damages and injuries due to the tram tracks. The Smart car suffers badly from potholes in the roads which are constantly popping the headlight bulbs, and even burst two front springs.
Not quite in the same walking league as Sparky Mark who has since reached the high passes on his Himalayan trek and is now heading back "downhill" again - so far so good.
Spent yet another night in the chair, but this time I read till 5.45 a.m. before going back to bed - main reason being that I could not put down the book I was reading so kept going till I finished it !! That was book two of Peter Ritchie's Den Herber trilogy, Shortest Day of the Year; The Red Sky in the Morning: and tonight I start "Noble Cause". Peter Ritchie was in the CID when I was at Dalkeith (long time ago) and has worked in some very interesting Departments since then and his books reflect on his experiences.
I see Andy Murray has now got 501 wins under his belt, long way to go to catch up with Jimmy Conners.
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Fair puggled now, after a walk to check out Tesco.
Nice wake up call from Mr Bolton in Yorkshire, checking up on me and to give the low down on his new bike, a BMW 1200RT, very nice and a step up from his Honda Deauville, about the same jump as I am taking. (just a pity I am dehorsed for a few weeks) but I am sure the exercise will do me good, although too much fresh air might kill me !!!
With back pack I set off, singing "Step we Gaily, here we go"" I set off for Tesco's to make a few purchases, could have got the new 15 bus service which has just started running past the house, but the walk, mainly downhill was good for me.
Tesco was very quiet, and I just wonder how many people are boycotting it after the incident down south recently where a Tesco manager refused to serve soldiers in uniform in case it upset is Muslim customers !! And with Glencorse Barracks nearby here, I would not be surprised if they take their business elsewhere.
Young lady collapsed and was out cold at one of the check outs ( Tesco prices maybe !!!) and all were awaiting an ambulance.
Front page article in this weeks Midlothian Advertisor about demands by Midlothian Council Officials for a public enquiry into the handling of the miners strike here all those years ago since the papers were released under the thirty year rule. I would suspect that the only people who can really remember what happened and when are those who were stirring it all up at the time and who were involved in the politics of the whole thing. Having said that, one of the incidents etched firmly in the back of my mind was watching miners pickets peeing into plastic bottles which were then thrown into the Police lines. Being a local polis and very much involved with the colliery I knew two of them who were involved with the Union and who later became very involved in local and national politics. No idea if Midlothian intend to call for a public enquiry, where will they get the money for that when they cannot even afford to run a proper recycling service?
No wonder they call me "Victor".
With back pack I set off, singing "Step we Gaily, here we go"" I set off for Tesco's to make a few purchases, could have got the new 15 bus service which has just started running past the house, but the walk, mainly downhill was good for me.
Tesco was very quiet, and I just wonder how many people are boycotting it after the incident down south recently where a Tesco manager refused to serve soldiers in uniform in case it upset is Muslim customers !! And with Glencorse Barracks nearby here, I would not be surprised if they take their business elsewhere.
Young lady collapsed and was out cold at one of the check outs ( Tesco prices maybe !!!) and all were awaiting an ambulance.
Front page article in this weeks Midlothian Advertisor about demands by Midlothian Council Officials for a public enquiry into the handling of the miners strike here all those years ago since the papers were released under the thirty year rule. I would suspect that the only people who can really remember what happened and when are those who were stirring it all up at the time and who were involved in the politics of the whole thing. Having said that, one of the incidents etched firmly in the back of my mind was watching miners pickets peeing into plastic bottles which were then thrown into the Police lines. Being a local polis and very much involved with the colliery I knew two of them who were involved with the Union and who later became very involved in local and national politics. No idea if Midlothian intend to call for a public enquiry, where will they get the money for that when they cannot even afford to run a proper recycling service?
No wonder they call me "Victor".
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