Maybe cynical but are BSKYB at it

I find it either strange or coincidental that only a couple of weeks after I refused the warranty contract for my Sky box, it starts to play up big time.   The same seems to apply to numerous other modern electrical appliances fitted with fancy electronics and computer chips, etc,   QUestion are they programmmed to self destruct after warranty expires.
Had a day out in Livingston  designer outlet today, I actually enjoy going over there and being able to wander around the shops all under one roof and indoors.   Made the mistake of going into Waterstones the book shop and spotted a couple of new books by Lee Child and Stuart McBride, must have I thought (While still waiting on Peter Ritchie's new book to be released).
Bumped into one of my Royal Arch Companions however he is heading for Prestonpans tonight while I am off to Dundas with Sparky Mark.
First x mas cards arrived yesterday,  Bob Stewart beat his own record by one day, well done Bob.

Run in the country while it was mild (ish).

Relatively mild today so once the morning chores were completed saddled up the "Steed of Steel" and headed off, A702 to Biggar, then turned off at Coulter Mill into Coulter Village and headed across country through the hills to Broughton, South then East through the valley past Stobo Castle and Stobo Kirk to the A 62, then towards Peebles before heading back into the hills and through the Meldrums to Eddlstone before heading north back to Penicuik and home.  Downside was having to wash the Steed which was mega mucky with all the mud and rubbish on the back roads. 

Out last night at the Musselburgh / Tranent PUBWATCH  meeting, an excellent scheme which involves a number of local publicans banding together to form an alliance and if an individual commits an offence and is barred from one pub , he/ she will be banned from all the member pubs. Even Police Scotland treat it seriously and have a presence at all the meetings. 

Still having my usual gripe about lights on cars, pedal cycles, etc, and now Edinburgh have rolled out their next phase of the 20 MPH scheme,   so now we will be passed my even more speeding pedal cyclists. 

Edinburgh planning on building another 60,000 homes,  looks like the centre of the town will be a no go area unless you travel in my train. 

Several options on the cards for the weekend, just need to wait and see. 

Next week, planned walkabout on Tuesday lunchtime for members of the SE & ELTA ( pub crawl !!!), but they are progressing with plans for the trip to Spain in April next year.  

TV meal tonight, a chip roll, and "special fish" tea,

Managing to get my rolls to fit in.

Before I comment on tonight's TV,  must say that I went to Penicuik library on Thursday night to listen to Peter Ritchie give a short talk on his writings to the writers and readers club.  Having known Peter for many years it was fascinating to hear "his own story" and how he came to write his Grace Den Herder crime thriller trilogy (four) books, and with a fifth very near publication. Lots of his background in various Police operational units in the UK, and Europe have given him a wealth of experience to draw from.  His treat for the night was a couple of bags of hand made chocolates from Mrs B.

Tonight, I have to admit that I am actually enjoying Strictly Come Dancing,   it is a shame that the dancers with no previous experience are being overshadowed by those who have lots.  But, will not be bothered with the phony hype and idiotic comments from the X Factor,  no wonder their rating are dropping.  Will either give Michael McIntyre a look or just resort back to my paper back book.

On a roll now, two in a row so far and the night is still young.

Took myself off to The RA at Loanhead last night, sadly it was not the warmest of night, still below freezing, and not much warmer in the Hall. So with a poor attendance we just had a quick meeting and then a bit harmony.   Several of the lads are also members of the "Widows Sons"  the Scottish Masonic motor cycle club, and they have a charity run out on the 3rd December on behalf of the Masonic Homes.
Today, with a dramatic change of temperature,  yes, no frozen assets to worry about, I saddled up the Steed of Steel and headed into Edinburgh.  Just as well that I used the bike as the traffic was pretty bad so I was able to diddle in and around the poor souls stuck in their motors.  
I am not sure whose supporters they were, but at Roseburn I watched as several Police officers on foot backed up by three cars were escorting a crowd of supporters towards Tynecastle Stadium.  The youths had their faces covered with scarfs, balaclavas, etc, and had a drummer who they were chanting along to.  Very sad that there were hundred of other supporters making their way to the game, causing no problems, yet this group presented as the stereotypical football hooligan. A shame for the other sixteen thousand supporters who enjoyed the game which Hearts won.

Heading homewards I called into the Morrison's store at the Hunter's Tryst looking for one of their so called Black Friday bargains,  what a load of rubbish -  (Black Friday deals I mean), made my choice and headed for the Express Checkout,  bad mistake - worse than ScotRail, took ages while the assistant blethered to her pals and then the man in front of me just simply dithered.  Lady before me would have burst a blood vessel  had she needed to wait any longer.  She was "kind" enough to give me several examples of how customer service has deteriorated over the years, all in the name of progress,  and how correct she was.

In need of a good feed, model maybe but not a roll in sight !!

one to think about perhaps,    yesterday Mrs B and I ended up at the Waldorf Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh, for afternoon tea, plus bubbly in the Peacock lounge.   It was actually very nice,  but once again, lots of people coming and going heading for the toilets, so it is fine if you are nebby like me but if you want real peace and quiet, then I would suggest Prestonfield House.    Anyway, there were lots of "lovlies" wandering about, turned out that there was a charity find raiser taking place in another suite on behalf of Breast Cancer Research and Help for Heroes, hosted by Lorraine Kelly and David Soul,  the ladies were in their finery  and several were obviously models, tall, slim and looking like a good feed would do them no harm.  Wee bit about it in tonight's Evening News and it appeared to go well.

GIrl on the TV said that she wrote a blog - she has been doing a lot better than me recently.

Not sure why my scribbles have been curtailed, just a frame of mind thing for some time.
Usually my chance to have a bit of a gripe, and having said that currently watching the One Show where there is an item about the amount of equipment belonging to the NHS which is loaned by hospitals and never ever returned, i.e.  Crutches, zimmers, even wheel chairs.  I was in a charity shop in Galashiels recently where they had a number of items which could have been returned with one simple phone call.
Yet another serious accident in the Howgate area tonight, five fatal accidents in the last five weeks and might even be another today.
Still moaning about lights etc,  time these motorway overhead boards were prompting the use of lights and checking of the same.
Had another visit to the ERI yesterday, thankfully a good report, apart from my current cough which is dashed annoying.    Even managed to pop in and see Alan Sinclair before he was discharged home following treatment for a fractured leg, and he does need his zimmer just now.
Tomorrow night, all being well will be at Penicuik Library, where, as part of their book week they have invited Peter Ritchie in to talk to the readers and writers club.
managed to get to the Grand Superintendent.s dinner on Saturday night , where there was a really good attendance, and even better was the presentation of a cheque from the Province to the Iris Murdoch Centre at Stirling University where they train staff who gout out into the community to work with clients who have dementia, great work.

Does not get any better, even more holes in the road with worse to come.

Each day I get more and more frustrated with these utility companies, more and mor holes and even worse congestion. Just been down the street in Penicuik and there are new traffic light s up, not a workman in sight, no break to the road surface and aloneness of these traffic light operators sitting in a van !!!  Had myself a look at the Scottish traffic site and guess what, come Wednesday A702 will become a traffic jam/ car park.   The sooner they bring in some legislation to control this lot the better, and then charge them £1k an hour, they would be working all night to get jobs completed.
I see yet another fatal road accident in the Penicuik area, that is five deaths is as many weeks.
Clocks have gone back, dark nights drawing in, as are the mornings, but still these idiotic cyclist are totally dependent on motorists being observant enough to see them in the dark,  I wear a high viz jacket in the car in the morning, at all times on the motorbike,  was hoping to buy a nice new raincoat, have my sights set on a black one,  but have since changed my mind and will get a light coloured one. Whatever happened to the old adage, see and be seen!!   And gone are the days when the Police would stop and advise / report folks for lighting offences.
Mercat Grill doing well, keeping me occupied as long as I am not planning on retiring soon.
In the meantime , not sure if senility is creeping into my life!!   Searched high and low for one of my toys in the garage, not a trace so I bought a new one, so of course on Sunday I found the original missing item hanging up in plain sight!!! .   Latest missing item,  my recently purchased Canon Sureshot camera, last seen when I was up at Castlebrae eight days ago. Lord knows what I have done with it.
Had better not forget Mrs. B's birthday.

Is our City under siege by the Utility Companies and profiteers?

Put quite simply, bloody roadworks everywhere you TRY to go, it is easier to walk down the  street than to get into a car or on the bus make towards the City.  Latest hold ups where new roundabouts are being built at Rosewell and Wallyford to accommodate private home builders.  Several weeks of inordinate delays as the road works do not take priority over the house building.  Health and safety running riot with traffic lights , yet another excuse for bumping up the price of jobs.  Just like the Gas company charging a householder £600 to put up scaffolding because the engineers are not allowed to work from ladders as they used to.  We now see and hear, the new houses have a shorter warranty than some new cars !!!  and latest by Taylor Wimpey in Gorebridge is new houses riddled by mould. Busy week with work during the day and then evening meetings in Edinburgh, Denny and Bonnyrigg, no time to sample my current new batch of Red wines from Oz.
Mr MacInally heading over for the IPA meeting at Auchterarder on Sunday, so a nice wee run up there on the Steed for lunch and a bit of spectator participation.
Finally, just  while it is once again on my mind,  yet more high blood pressure trying to "spot the cyclist" in the town in the dark.  idiots, with no lights, dark clothing, ignoring traffic lights, etc.,  time for a new road safety campaign.  Stupid Councillors bringing in a 20 mph limit for cars when cyclists can travel faster than that.

so much for the farming forecast, yet more rain to slow down the Steed of Steel.

Not quite off at the toot,  bit chilly this morning , so headed west .  Good luck that I was not going to Abington via Biggar as the A702 was closed for two days.   reached Carnwarth, handed over the apron, etc from previous post.   Lucky for me that Hugh knew that the A702 was closed near Abington so he sent me across counrty on a better road, good man. I did come across numerous motorists who were obviously rather upset by the long diversion.

Took the old A74 south rather than the motorway, up over Beatock summit, before cutting off onto a wee back road .  Stopped as I had a really good view of the M74, A74 and the main west coast railway line.

 Arrived in Moffat, wondering where the Town Hall was,  I think the dozens of motorcycles were a clue to the location.   So much for the Dumfries and Galloway Volunteer Blood Bikers thinking they  might not get a crowd,  the Town Hall was packed, and many happy bikers were seen leaving with mega bargains after a good rummage amongst the many stalls. 

 Lots of support from Police Scotland, the ambulance service, and even the IAM.

 It was just unfortunate that the heavens opened and it chucked it down,  so rather than head home the long way by the Grey Mare's tail, St Mary's Loch, Traquair and Peebles,  it was up and over the Devil's Beef Tub, and home along the A701.   Round trip of one hundred miles, but a bit cold,  and having arrived home the sun had the cheek to appear and we had a nice afternoon.  Sods Law.

A piece of Carnwarth history return home, took its time though

Came across this yesterday, so tomorrow on my way to meet up with the Dumfries and Galloway Volunteer Blood Bikers at Moffat I will hand this over to the secretary at Carnwarth. It is stunning and there is a pre 1940 ritual booked tucked away with a life membership card.   Came to me, from South Africa, via London and then a friend in Penicuik - hopefully it will find a home in the Lodge museum at Carnwarth.

Not quite as old as it looks, but still an interesting motorcycle,

As you might notice from the sign in the background, this motorcycle, an updated version of the URAL, was parked at Whiterope Railway Heritage Centre, and was owned by one of the enthusiasts. Transpired that he was a bit of a serious motor cyclist in the past and had ridden with groups in the Borders including a former Traffic Officer from Hawick who was also a member of the IPA.

Certainly an alternative to fitting stabilisers to my motorcycle!!!!

Whiterope Junction, certainly a bit of history in the middle of nowhere.

As promised in an earlier blog,   I was heading home from Keilder area on Sunday when I managed to get slightly lost ( had not switched on the Sat Nav), and found myself heading south west instead of north east !!!   Anyway, spotted a sign for Hawick, 22 miles that a way, so headed up and over the hills.  Passed under a large bridge which I thought was off and short distance away spotted some old rolling stock near the side of the road, and a sign for Whiterope Junction, Railway Heritage Centre. In need of a wee break I decided to take a peek and found myself at a small railway museum, manned by five volunteers from the Border Union Railway trust.  The volunteers had managed, over the past few years to reinste about half a mile of track, from the now closed Whiterope tunnel south through the Whiterope Junction and onto the bridge I had previously ridden under.

They had a small metro type train, which had previously been based in the USA,  run on diesel which they ran up and down the track.

The Whiterope Tunnel has been closed off for the safety of the public, however, it is repairable and there is a suggestion that this route, formerly part of the original Waverley Line from Hawick to Cumbria could be reopened !!

In the refurbished Pullman carriage in the siding, there was a tea room and also a small museum which was full of interesting artifacts, photos, documents, etc.

 This part of the original line ran all the way from Edinburgh to Carlisle, meeting with another line just south at the Riccarton Junction which in its hey day was a small village of about one hundred and forty people who were all associated with the railway.   In the era of steam trains climbed from the tunnel up and over Whiterope summit before dropping down to Riccarton.

In all a very interesting stop off for me,  the Centre I believe will be closed to the public now over the Winter period until the spring.

No worries, Steed of Steel took the cross country route. and we did meet a few well kent faces.

Home now after a run to Sedgefield C o Durham,  met my cousin Peter who I had not seen for about thirty years,  met Jean and Barry, last seen ten years ago, and into Sedgefield where most of my former colleagues were last seen fifty to fifty two years ago.  Brilliant night last night bit of a shock trying to remember who was who, but name tags did help, although there there were a couple who have hardly changed at all.

 Photo here of Ian Hilton, Mike Straughier and Geoff Perry.   Ian and Geoff were in my year, but Mike's was a year later. His parents adopted me as their surrogate son and we have been in contact all these years.

Stayed in the Dun Cow Inn, Sedgefield where former PM  Tony Blair took former President G. Bush for fish and chips.   No sign of my former home at Hardwick Camp which is now a housing estate.
Today, needing a bit of test, took the long way home up over the moors through Crook, Riding Mill, Hexam , over Hadrian's Wall to Bellingham and into the Keilder Forest / reservoir, over the Border to near Newcastleton before heading north through Hawich, Selkirk, Peebles.   170 miles on a lot of single track roads,  took my time, confidence building exercise again.
Cross Border exercise,  wonder if there will be a check point here if Nicola wins her case.

More of my adventures and surprises to follow later. 

Steed of Steel champing at the bit, ready for the road again.

Not that I plan on going very far, but with the current political situation I might need my passport to either get over the Carter Bar, or maybe for the road back.   Making for Tony Blair's constituency in Sedgefield tomorrow to meet up with colleagues I was billeted with between 1963 and 1966. Should be interesting.    B &B organised at a local hostelry so not far to meander my way home on Saturday night, big difference being, that when I last drank there , a bottle of Light Carlsberg lager cost only 10 p. (two shilling old money).  Hopefully a bit more reminiscence work as I might have a sneak through the village I lived in with my Grandmother in 1955 !!!!!   More if I do make it.

Away and will be missing the Gin tasting and tapas at the Mercat Grill on Saturday Night, however I am sure Mrs B. and her friends will have an extra tipple for me.

Been a busy week, managed more tidying in the garden while the rain has stayed away, swimming when I can and up to forty lengths once more, target being sixty four (a mile) before next visit to cardio, and have to up my foot mileage also.  

Out with Mrs B for a run yesterday, spotted this sundial on a building, just wonder if you know where it was?

During the week eventually managed to visit the Saltire motor cycle village at Saughton, Edinburgh,  what a place,  lots of big boys toys, somewhere you could go for a couple of hours, what with the cafe, barber's shop, tattoo parlour, lounge and lots, and lots of motorbikes and accessories.

Somewhere to go back to on a rainy day.

Next weekend, Blood Bank Riders  sale of work and bike bits and bobs at Moffat Town Hall on Sunday.   Following Sunday, IPA meeting at Castlebrae, Auchterarder, with Major Tom flying in from his hideaway in France.   So far, so good. 

Nice couple of days in New Lanark, not the end of the World and fascinating.

Home and feet up once more, however, having just spent a nice restful couple of days at the New Lanark Mills Hotel, I could quite happily still be sitting there.   Hotel was very nice, comfortable, and staff very friendly,  so we have already booked for another short stay in a few weeks time.    It is years since I was last through there and since then there has been an amazing amount of work done to redevelop the old mills.  £millions spent on the redevelopment which is first class, now a World Heritage Site.  I remember the old shells of the Mills and now they are converted into a hotel, spa, visitor's centre, etc, and certainly well worth the visit.  
The mills sit on the banks of the River Clyde, below the water falls which were the original source of power for the complex.  The first hydro electric station in Scotland was then built there to harness the energy from the falls and it still operates today.

We spent some time in the Visitor Centre where there are still working spinning machines , now working with wool rather than cotton,   but having run out if time we will have a look at the rest of the site next time.

Sunday night TV reduced to a shambles, a joke, bring back Strictly, Andy Pandy, anything.

Lucky for me I was out when the X Factor started tonight, because what I have seen so far is a joke.  Can you honestly see these acts still up and running in six weeks let alone six years time.

On a happier note we were at a wedding reception last night, Paul and Ashley (daughter of my neighbours Mike and Jane) got married with their reception at the Barony Castle Hotel,  They had a wonderful day, and a lovely evening with friends and family.

 Nice wee surprise for me when we met our former neighbours, Bob and Irene Munro, who we had not seen for a considerable time. 

Busy weekend at the Mercat Grill,  full house for three days, booking now important for folks not wishing to be disappointed.  Nice new furniture arriving in he morning for the dining room,  bit by bit as they say. 

New fangled devices might well be the death of me!!

Managed to take some photos of motorbikes a couple of days ago but had to use my new phone,  have just discovered it has no micro slot so I have no option but put them onto Facebook, bit of a pain until I discover how to get them to edit, etc. Did try e mailing them but again could do nothing with them ,,   Ignorance might be bliss but it is also seriously frustrating.

Not only are the wildlife a bit confused by the seasonal changes,  today I saw a snow plough lorry loaded with salt heading west through Penicuik, what part of the weather forecast did I miss?   WHat with Xmas gifts on sale, Santa Claus in one shop I saw, there are certainly attempts being made to get into our wallets early this year.

Following the recent findings about my health issues, and a seriously marked improvement, I now have a membership for the local swimming pool, etc.,  so today was real treat to get back into the water again, just need to work on the fitness a bit before I attempt the gym!!!!!

RA Installation at Loanhead tonight, will be there all being well.  season now in full swing with plenty meetings to choose from.

Gin Tasting and meal at the Mercat on Saturday 8th October, which I will miss,   Not sure about the Gin Tasting but the restaurant is already fully booked, no seats for bums as they say.  Nice new furniture arrived today, looking smart.

Wedding of my neighbour,s daughter Ashley Anderson tomorrow at the Barony Castle Hotel, hope all goes well, poor father (Mike) will need a whip round I think as she failed to take the hint about a ladder and suitcase some time ago.,  but she is a really nice young lady so we wish her and her beloved Paul well.

Bit of a bash on Sunday, recovery takes a bit longer these days.

Must say that the Gentleman's Dinner on Sunday was a great success.  Seventy two guests at the Old Original Hotel, Roslin, for lunch with pre dinner drinks hosted by Maxim.  Dress for the day was certainly casual with some taking it more seriously than others.

  Lunch was organised by the Edinburgh and South East Area Licensed Trade Association,  with a guest speaker, and a magician who was a member of the renouned Magic Circle.  His act was excellent, with him being fortunate enough to have a willing stooge on hand.

A good afternoon, and evening, had by all.

The Great British dream, maybe tomorrow, or the next day.

Started this header with something else in mind, however, as I am sadly !! watching the X factor, it seemed more appropriate.  What a load of rubbish, so called artists who have dreamed of a being a Star as long as they could sing !!  the majority cannot sing to save themselves, not that I am any better,  but at least I have no plans on making a fool of myself in front of a panel of judges or a TV camera.
While heading for my meeting of the KT's in Dalkeith today I dropped into the slightly overpriced BMW dealers at Motorrad, where, surprisingly they had a couple of bikes which kind of tugged at the proverbial heart strings.

I am sure that the Steed of Steel is grumbling away in the garage at the thought of us being separated, especially after a good run this morning.

So, anyway, made it to the meeting this afternoon which was first class, despite many apologies due to this being a holiday weekend. 

More sunshine, amazing, chance to relax in the garden which is marvelous for September.

However, Sunday is a new day, quick run to the Mercat Grill, and then off to the Original Hotel for our ESESALTA  dinner.  Should be a hoot (so to speak). 

Venting my spleen, might as well get it out the system.

0530 hrs, been up for over an hour as I could not sleep and having just stuck in one blog after nearly a month , how about a second.

Hate to say it, but the long light summer nights are fading and we are back to darkness in the morning and same again in the evening.  But what ever happened to the old posters begging folks to "See and be Seen".   As I either drive or ride to work in the mornings or head out in the evenings, there they are , "the lets save electricity and batteries brigade"  in their cars on their bikes and pedal cycles.  Put on your "bloody lights", get them fixed if they do not work, wear a high viz vest, and do not blame the other driver, rider who could not see you !!!    
I saw a sign at the entrance to a building site, it said " No Hard Hat, No safety boots, No High viz vest.  NO JOB" , if it applies for that site why not on the road where there are many more fatalities and serious accidents.
I made the silly mistake of venturing into Edinburgh in the car on Wednesday night, what a nightmare, an understatement, the City is getting worse by the week with bad roads, congestion and ever increasing numbers of restrictions due to building works and road works. AND the so called City Fathers are praising the success of the new 20 MPH speed limits !!   Ho Ho, what a hoot when it is quicker to jog or use a pedal cycle.  Again, brilliant to see the colour blind cyclists who ignore red traffic lights, or just scoot up onto the pavements and cross with the green man before joining the carriageway again.
Mobile phones -  may well be the best thing since sliced bread, but when pedestrians are not looking as they cross the road, motorists and cyclist are using them as they drive and cycle, I think not.  Last night the "One Show" presenter went on the road on a motor bike and filmed a number of drivers using their phones at the wheel.    Me,  for £6 I bought a plug in earpiece with a microphone and can receive calls safely when driving, I do not read texts, or make calls while driving.  Long gone are the days when you came in from work and checked to see if you had any mail in the letter box.

In my previous blog I commented on the European Bill of Human Rights and the problems it has caused.  I am just reflecting on how the Social Work Scotland Act and the attitude of this "nanny state" we now live in has impacted our lives.   yes, it may well be the case that many young people have a better life and more protection, however, what about the victims of these "ferrell sh**bags" who are running riot in stolen vehicles, committing crimes against property and individuals with no remorse and no penalty?   Parental responsibility appears to have gone right out the window these days.   We had a nurse killed in Edinburgh by a stolen car as she walked home from work, and this week a stolen Mercedes out of control crashed into a parked caravan.  In both cases the drivers were juveniles, and either they or their friends have taunted the Police on Face Book - so much for social responsibility -  time to bring back the birch perhaps.    0600 hrs and blood pressure increasing, time to chill out ( as Sparky Mark would recommend).

Will head out shortly to work for a couple of hours, and later depending on how things are, might make it to the K.T's,  monthly meeting of King David of Ballentraddoch.

Contrary to all belief , I am still in one piece and up and running again.

I was asked last week, "what happened to the blog ?",  kind of difficult to write something of interest while virtually housebound and recovering from illness!
But the latest update is that despite yet another wee trip to the A & E , ERI in an big shiny ambulance, thanks to the caring Dr and staff at the local health centre, there has been a vast improvement in my health.
Once again I must compliment the staff at the A & E,  Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh,  It is really annoying to see drunks staggering about causing problems, folks with really trivial problems ( a wart !!!) taking up valuable time and resources, and others booking in, then just walking out again.   There has to be a better system than this.    Changed days from the old ERI many years ago where drunks causing problems were "huckled" by the City Police and chucked in the massive communal cell in the High Street Police Station. A great big arched and cobbled cell which was hosed out each morning with a big fire hose to get rid of the vomit and stink from the previous night's occupants.  
Perhaps the pendulum has swung too far in favour of "political correctness" and this European Bill of Human Rights which is nothing more than a charter for unscrupulous lawyers to print money and screw the system.
Slightly on the same lines, this latest radio advert looking for people who have suffered from food poisoning, etc while on holiday abroad so that the company can claim (no doubt at a high percentage to them) compensation.   I switch it off when it comes on the  car radio as I see no reason why we need someone with an American accent to tell us who we can sue !!!)    Mind you, the PPI adverts with the "weegie" claimants is just as bad.

Calming down briefly,  while we have had a brief mild spell I have been out and about on the Steed of Steel,  even managed a short run along with RGB on the Time Machine, first ride out together for a few years believe it or not.    Now needing a few more runs under the belt to build up confidence again and get ready for a trip to Durham next month to meet up with former cadets who I worked with in 1963 - 1966.

Getting psyched up for the Edinburgh and South East Scotland Licensed Trade Association (ESESALTA) Gentleman's Dinner, in the Original Hotel, Roslin, on Sunday.

Talk about wild, wild women, and not a cigarette in sight, just a Gold medal.

Highlight of the highlight of the evening was the Olympic ladies hockey final between Team GB and the Dutch, a !battle Royale! as they say with neither side giving an inch, running their hearts out.  Kind of sad when after so much effort it was down to a penalty shot out to decide the winner.  Must acknowledge that the GB goalie was brilliant throughout the game and earned her medal.  Well done ladies.
As I stated a couple of days ago, everyone deserves a medal for simply competing,  but our oldest medalist, on horseback was a credit in the showjumping bringing back another Gold.  tremendous extremes proving that age is no barrier, from fifteen to fifty eight, just need heart and lots of effort.

MIght be the wrong choice of words, but "what a send off", he would have enjoyed being there.

Sadly I am talking about the funeral service for Grant Inverarrity who passed away so suddenly.   What a lovely service by a celebrant, packed crematorium with probably one hundred and eighty plus fronds present. many kind words spoken and many fond memories of Grant.   I was not surprised by the large number who returned with Yvonne and the family to the Laird and Dog, a great sign of respect for Grant who would have had a ball if he had been there , so many folks to blether to, I am sure he would have still been there chatting. A tragic sudden loss, a friend who will be missed so much by so many.

Must congratulate to team at the Mercat Grill, well done to Claire, RGB , and all for their award last night.

Still not sure what the award category was as RGB still in bed !!!   but he, Claire and Brenda went through to the Crowne Plaza Hotel last night for the award dinner, not too hopeful however, they have come home with an award for the Restaurant.   So it  goes to prove that you cannot guarantee success overnight, has taken a while and lots of hard work to achieve it. Quite appropriate in view of all the Gold Medals being awarded in Rio.

Been a hectic time, being a couch potato and watching as much of the coverage of the games as possible,  even managed to have a TV and two computers on different channels on Sunday.  I think that all the athletes competing at this level deserve medals, well done to them all, and an extra pat on the back for the many medal holders.

Back on the road again with both the Steed of Steel and the Time machine, although still not up to long runs.

Here , there and everywhere, however, unexpected sad news .

Having had visitors for the past two weeks which kept us on our toes , active and out and about,  but sadly we received news on Monday that our good friend Grant Inverarrity, from Lasswade, had passed away having collapsed with a stroke from which he never regained consciousness -  Grant , my friend, sadly missed by all - RIP.   Funeral service will take place at 11 am  on Friday 19th at Warriston Crematorium.

Gentleman,s dinner Sunday 18th September, Roslin.,

One for the diary,being organised by the Edinburgh and South East of Scotland Licensed Trade Association, at the Original Hotal, Roslin,  £22.50 a head unless you can work up a table of ten for £200.   Guest speaker, entertainer,  and dress code is Hawian shirt.   Hopefully there will be a bit of sponsorship from the licensed trade so a couple of drinkie are guaranteed.
Bear in mind that the Hotel,is on a bus route !!!  NO excuses for either getting there or home.

NIvea sun tan crime and Wellington boots, a fine Scottish summer

There I was yesterday, sweltering in our one day of. summer, so much so that I managed to find an out of date tub of sun tan crime, just in case !!  Anyway, so dashed hot I had to take cover eventually, and wait for it to cool down before watering the pot plants.  never mind, all short lived, this morning so dark that we had lights on at 9 am and even the PIR on the garage door was coming on.  Wee
 bit thunder and lightning, bit of flooding so wellies on (Nearly).  So, that was summer,  just getting fed up listening to the weather forecast for sunny South of England, think it is time that they were banned as they just make folks depressed. ME  especially.

Battered and bruised, Cruella strikes again, but for my own good.

Been a while since I had a Massage from the wonderful Cruella,  doing her best to fix my back and neck.  NOw that my ribs have recovered from my tumble down the stairs, I can cope with a decent massage
had a couple of nights away last week, not far, made it to the Barony Castle at Eddlest, and thoroughly enjoyed the wee break. NOw back home, pottering in the house and garden, however still wondering where summer has gone. CErtainly time the weather reporters stopped filling our head with the sunshine stories of down South.

It paid me to shop around and not be lazy this time.

Nearly had a fit when my car insurance renewal arrived, however unlike the past two years I did not allow it to roll on automatically.  Checked with a broker who could save me about 30%, and they said to contact the Insurance company which I did and the agent immediately agreed that price was far too high and reduced it by a similar 30% !!!   Why then was the original renewal so high?    Anyway I then contacted another company who ended up giving me identical cover for 50% less that my renewal.

Not quite as bad but I queried my Broadband and phone bill and was able to get it reduced by 10%.

Was shopping in Tesco's and recieved the usual receipt at the check out telling me how much I had saved compared to Asda , Sainsburys and Morrisons,  BUT not with Lidl or Aldi.   A kilo bag of Caster sugar was £1.48 in Tesco and £1 in Lidl,

Slightly different tale,   went to church on Sunday, Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, where the congregation was joined by HRH the Queen and Prince Philip along with members of the Royal Household from Hollyrood Palace.  So nice to see them both relaxed and comfortable.  The minister gave an excellent sermon around the current anniversary of the WW1 battle of the Somme.
Mrs B, excelled herself by accidentally photobombing a piece of video of HRH as she was heading for her car,  popped up on Mailonline website.

Only downside of the day was when we went to the Sailbury Arms for Sunday lunch, must have been a bad day for the staff and chefs, so much so that I am not likely to be back, sorry.  

The Sky man called about the warranty, now the box is on the blink!!

Am I being cynical, suspicious or what? but when you get a call asking if I want to renew my warranty , said no thanks, and then the box starts to malfunction. In this day and age, and especially with a company who have so much control over these units through phone and internet links, why not have the ability to switch them off, which of course they already have if you do not keep up your monthly subscription.  Just a thought.

Terrible state of affairs in Turkey with the slaughter of innocents at the Istanbul airport yesterday, these fanatical suicide bombers have no respect for innocents, who they destroy along with the economy of the various countries they are choosing to attack.

On a happier note, managed a bit of a run out on the Steed of Steel yesterday, first in three weeks, so took the chance to frighten the motoring public with my latest high viz clothing (certainly will not be run over !!!).

Talk about being stupid!!

I am referring to the Scots drug mule, Melissa Reid recently released from prison in Peru after being caught with cocaine worth £1.5 million along with The Irish girl, Michella McCollum.   When arrested they were denying all knowledge, claimed to be innocent  and then eventually obviously plea bargained to get a lesser sentence.
Now that she has been sent home she has admitted that she knew what she was doing and did it as a challenge so she could boast to her friends in Ibiza about it.

Maybe I am wrong but now she has made this public, if I were in law enforcement I would keep this public admission handy and use it against anyone else caught in the future to rebuff any denials they may make.
She has just made life more difficult for others who might be as daft as she was.

Life's little ups and downs,

Never the less, still standing, however, occasional problems with balancing quantities of pills.
At least the sun has decided to shine again, so odd jobs around the house being done.

Saturday and Sunday we had Penicuik Archery Club out competing in the local playing field, certainly changed days since I was a lad.

So, yesterday while in town I dropped into Edinburgh Harley Davidson showroom for a wee wander and to give my mind a treat.   On the way in met three intrepid riders (all older than me) heading off on their grand machines.

Once again I was sort of Gobsmacked at the price of one of the bikes.  £40k if you took finance,  so to avoid any Queries I copied the attached.

 This might be bike in question.

Another day older , as they say, now just waiting to see where the next bill comes from.

Very pleasant weekend to celebrate the passing of yet another year,  now getting to the stage where I start wondering if it is worth buying a new pair of shoes !!!!!   having said that I did get a new pair of "dress" sandles for my birthday , just need to break with tradition and get a nice pair of socks to wear with them and show just how much class and style I have.
Dinner out on Saturday night, very nice,  even opted to take Bombay Saphire and tonic instead of my usual red wine.  Sunday, trailed over to Makro only to discover that hey are reducing the number of "lines" they stock, so a wasted journey, but when I did get home it was footie time, much to Mrs B's annoyance.
Still suffering from side effects of new medication so having to rest more than usual, real pain in the proverbial butt.
Last night spotted this lovely wee motor cycle on a trailer in Penicuik, 1954, DMW,  195 cc, which was bought by owners father and had been in a garage from 1961 till two years ago, now beautifully restored.

It has taken me a long time to get beyond switching my computer on and off,   so this morning, while resting I discovered some old photos which have been hidden away for six years, taken when our group from the South East Of Scotland Licensed Trade Assoc visited Avignon in 2008.   We took the chance then to meet up with our friends in L'Isle Sur La Sorgue so I have no hesitation in adding a couple of Francoise and Antoine (RIP) Nicolas, who have been such good friends.

Once again, time and tide, as they say -

Left Castlebrae last Friday night, two says early as I had had enough, or should I say that I felt I had not benefitted as much this visit as on my previous one.  Never mind, I had a few days rest and some lovely runs around the beautiful Scottish countryside.
Home, and back to my wee jobs, pottering about the house and garden, couple of ride outs on the Steed,  and generally keeping myself occupied.   Current problems being exacerbated by a new drug which makes me seriously fatigued at times when rest is the only resort.
Very fortunate with a few more days of super weather, however, we did get hammered by hailstones and flash floods mid week, not amusing, with a fair bit of damage in Penicuik.
Popped into the Mercat Grill several times for various reasons, place has been doing well, keeping everyone on their toes.
Today was a bit of a treat, afternoon tea at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh, very nice indeed, setting is marvellous, and certainly the best we have had in the Edinburgh area, but not as nice as Claridges.
Tonight, a special meeting at Loanhead RA, Honour Concord and Fidelity, with two candidates, both members of the Widow's Sons,  (prolific charity fund raisers) good turnout, just a pity I had to leave early but having done my bit, and feeling iffy, it was home to rest.

Sun still shining, scenery wonderful, and it is Scotland.

Made it to the PTC at CAstlebrae, Auchterarder, on Sunday, although crossing the Forth Bridge was a nightmare with massive hold ups due to the road works.  However, the sTeed of Steel did the trick and I arrived in one piece which is more than can be said for a couple of scooters.  There had been a big rally down in Kelso and I passed two of a group who were making for Peterhead, a long run on the scooter. One had a puncture and before he could stop safely he had ruined his wheel, the other lost his exhaust due to the expansion joints on the road bridge.
Quiet night here on Sunday, physio , reflexology and some fitness work on Monday with a fifty mile ride out through and around Crieff on Monday evening. Today, a morning run through Crieff, then by the Sma Glen to Aberfeldy,  Taymouth, south side of Lock Tay to Killin, then Lochearnhead, St Fillans, Comrie, and then back to Auchterarder in time for lunch ( round trip of ninety five miles, beautiful weather and fabulous scenery).
More physio, a swim, lecture, and wee read in the sun this afternoon, perfect.

Bit of style in the sunshine

Still not getting any better on this computer, just lost the original post.  Never mind, today the sun shone for a change and it was back to the happy smile club once more. Thankfully just in time for the Hunter and Lass celebrations in Penicuik.    However, I had other plans in hand, attending the Celebration service and dinner to commemorate the Centenary of Acheson's Haven Cryptic Council.  An excellent service carried out by the Supreme First Principal, Ian Fraser and his team.  Very good attendance and afterwards there was a surprise presentation of Honorary Grand Rank in Supreme to one of the Council's long serving and hard working members, John Gemmell.

 Bit of a treat for me, being on the mend after all my recent happenings with the NHS, so I was able to dress up for the event and subsequent dinner.   So not only did I get scrubbed up, I treated the "Steed of Steel", my transport for the day, to a bubble bath, compliments of the biker lads who were running a fund raising car wash in the Mercat Grill car park ( back again tomorrow I think), for Marie Curie Hospice

Thought that it was also worth adding the following,  just to break the stereotype of your motorcyclist, wee bit class does no harm !!

In this instance the virus is not within my system,

Indeed, this lap top has been acting up for a wee while, so this week it was taken to the Exorcist who cleared out the evil spirits and now , touch wood , it is in better nick than me.

It has been a while since I last wrote, although being realistic, I have not had a particularly exciting time.  I made it through my episode of "cold turkey" which I would not really like to repeat, so in future I will be avoiding addictive substances.   Not sure if that will include my tipple of vino tinto, but even that has lost some of its pleasure recently.

On the positive side, I have been out and about on both motorcycles this past two weeks, had the Steed of Steel down to Duns and brakes serviced, the Time Machine has new tyres, but for me, a happy bunny to be out and about.  

Off to Castlebrae Treatment Centre on Sunday for a week of treatments, physio, etc., bit of much needed R&R to get me on my feet again, even so, this current escapade (still ongoing) has caused much more grief than previous events. Taking the Steed with me , so depending on my schedule I may get a few miles under my belt around the Perthshire area.

Centenary service at Acheason's Haven Cryptic Council tomorrow, chance to dress up for the occasion, but due to driving duties, it will be yet another "dry" session.

Members of the motorcycle touring group are showing the flag. couple off to Eastern Europe,  others meeting in Germany, another group off to Austria, and tentative plans for a trip to Italy in September. All of them have been covering many UK miles honing their riding skills and conditioning their "botties" for the longer runs.

Still not able to spend very much time at the Mercat Grill,  however it is doing well without me, which just goes to prove that no one is indispensable.

Nice to have a bit humour in life, and especially the Police

Thought it was a brilliant item on the TV news of the Police Scotland officers taking up the international challenge set by police in New Zealand. Our officers in Edinburgh were great, and I see that the recruits at Tulliallan did a bit as well. Just hope the new chief constable sees the funny side of it, and the good PR exercise it has turned into.  well done .

Whilst being relatively inactive for some time I have been doing lots of reading , and as I am still waiting on Peter Ritchie,s next crime thriller, someone told me to try reading novels by Stuart Macbride. Excellent crime thrillers based in and around Aberdeen with his main character being Det. SGt. Logan,  so far great reading .  Well recommended.

I try to be a bit cautious about some things I am involved in , however,

Following my surgery in February I was put on a pain control regime using Tramadol tablets.  I obviously needed them as I had a great deal of pain at that time, and although I I did try on my own to cut back the medical folks insisted that it would help my recovery if I was pain free so I stuck with it.  However , on Monday, after thirteen weeks time to stop, but no one warned me of the side effects of Tramadol withdrawal. Turned out to be a real nightmares, not very pleasant at all, with everything I had read proving to be correct.    On the plus side  I seem to have managed to work through it reasonably well, although it would have been easy to take a tablet and try again later.  I can certainly now sympathise with anyone who has become addicted to these Tramadol tablets or anything similar. Now have a period of time while body detoxes completely.

I think that these Bank Holiday weekends should be kept a secret.

Then it might not rain!!!!   Not that I do not like rain, saves us from having hose pipe bans, helps water God's little plants, and gives the ducks somewhere to practice their paddling !!  But - give us a break, at this rate it will soon be winter again. Just finished on Friday with a real flurry,  snow here , five inches in Innerleithen and even some in London.
Just spoken to Mr J. from Chobham, where the village fair takes place today, so at least it is not raining there at the moment.

Talk of the devil,  there he is with his good lady on the "Time Machine" when they visited us last year,  Mrs J., has exchanged helmets these days as she has taken up with a group of wild "horsey" ladies in her village. Not sure what they get up to in their barn, but I do know that they were recently involved in rescuing some abandoned horses and foals - well done ladies.

Not being "fair weather" bikers, the Time Machine will be on the road shortly as RGB is heading out to the Grill, however in view of my current ongoing situation I will give it a miss today and wait for a dry day to try out my bike legs.   I have already suggested elsewhere that it might be appropriate to get High Viz life jackets and waders for use on the bikes if it does not stop "peeing down" soon.

I suppose we can all dream,

So there I was with time to spare in the town this morning, and needing some photos for the camera I took a wee run up to the Harley Davidson showroom to see what was on display. Quite obviously there are signs that summer is coming, despite the snow

and ice over the past few days as the majority of bikes in the showroom had "sold" tags on them.
There was one bike with a top price ticket of £40K on it, just a wee tad over my budget, probably about £39 K over my budget !!!
Met one of the clients who I recognised from Newbattle, King David, St Bernard ; Cryptic and  Lodge in Council, and also a member of the "Widow's Sons", was telling me some of his adventures from trips to Kentucky, USA., and soon to be off ferrying a Harley to his mate who now lives in Corsica.

Managed to make it to RA 500 at Bonnyrigg last night where we received the deputation from Provincial Grand Chapter, turned out to be a super night and I am sure our candidate really enjoyed the meeting.

Never say never again, just tempting fate.

So, thinking I was doing well, on the road to recovery, and then, took a bit of a funny turn last Monday evening. Suffice to say I ended up back in a bed in the ERI, admitted via A & E and once again have to compliment the staff on their professionalism.  Not sure what to make of the outcome, but nothing serious identified to contribute to "incident" , but my favourite Cardiologist was able to assure me that my demise was not imminent, so now I am perfectly happy to take my pain killers to mask the existing pains from my recovering hernias and sore ribs and just get on with as much as possible meantime.

It is no wonder we are fully demented in the country, one day we have sunshine, next it is snowing, and this morning I was sitting out the wind in the sunshine reading  in the garden when the hailstones came battering down.  Just put on my quilted high viz jacket and stayed out in the fresh air which I am assured is good for me, unless of course I catch pneumonia again !!!
So far, I think that the central heating has been on every day this year, no wonder the utilities companies are rubbing their hands in glee.

Couple of wee treats at the weekend ,  Mrs. B . had a bash at making hand made chocolate caramels, superb, actually awesome ;   and Sparky Mark arrived on Sunday night with a beautiful freshly caught trout - a banquet awaits me.

Nail biting football for a change, and value for money at long last.

Not very often that I compliment football players who I generally rate as being over paid prima donna's  however, having watched two  Scottish Cup semi finals this weekend which went through extra time and into penalty shoot outs, it was certainly value for money and good entertainment.  Just hope that the final between Rangers FC and Hibernian is equally as good.   I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the Rangers v Celtic match to see the Celtic goalkeeper, Craig Gordon approach and shake hands with the Rangers keeper,   unlike the remainder of the players who just left the pitch.  We are used to seeing sportsman type gestures  at rugby and other sporting events, especially at International level, so why not at league level  in football - it might set a positive example to the fans,

Had a wee run to the Mercat Grill this morning where several doggies appeared along with their owners, looking for doggie beer, bacon rolls, and treats.

Next weekend, Saturday 23rd April., there is another wine tasting dinner at the Grill, Spanish themed I believe.

With all the current political hoo ha over immigration and illegal immigrants I have been watching the several documentary type programmes on the TV about the various customs and immigration agencies in Australia, USA, Canada and the UK.  These officers do a brilliant job trying to control their respective borders, but it is difficult to comprehend how stupid some travellers are and how devious the criminals are in their quest to smuggle drugs into the countries. Obviously those officers featuring in the programmes are having to seriously bit their tongues and keep themselves in check because many of the travellers are chancing torags who I would have stuck back on a plane marked "return to sender".

William Johnston Corbett, RIP.

Just thought I should comment on the death of William whose funeral service took place yesterday at Seafield Crematorium where it was a full house with many having to stand throughout the service.
He was my wife's cousin and died after a four year struggle with cancer.  Willie was an ardent  Rangers FC fan, an excellent footballer in his youth, very likeable and always full of fun and nonsense.
Going back a long long time,  (early 1970's) when I used to stay overnight at the house in Bonnyrigg, one day I was getting ready to head off for work and discovered that I had no laces in my work boots, Willie had taken them for his own boots !!, however, there was a Sunday when I was playing cards with his Dad and friends  in the Labour Club, not sure whether it was Willie or John (his brother), but one of them arrived and said I was needed urgently in the house.  When I got there I discovered that one of the lads had found my handcuffs and put them on the other, far too tightly, and the circulation was being cut off to the hands, eventually they had no option but to get me and the keys to remove them !!!
Our wishes go to his wife Gloria, and his family, he will be missed very much.

US Masters amazing turn of events

Not like me but this year I have sat for four nights watching the golf, not just because I was really interested but because I have had to sleep in a chair for the past week.  However, it has been facinating to watch, the course at Atlanta is just pristine and looks to be so difficult with greens as fast as billiard tables.   Turn up of events has been the monumental blunder by Jordan Speith, the three day leader who when so far in the lead dropped four shots and appeared to have been  blown right out of contention. But the good news for the UK is that Danny Willett, the Yorkshireman, who had been plodding along nicely came out of nowhere to win the event at 5 under.
The other remarkable incident during the final day was to to see three "holes in one " at the sixteenth hole, the last one being like a game of billiards with one ball playing off the other to go down the hole.
Thought that the camera operators were totally intrusive at one point, filming and listening to Willett while he was making a personal call home,  it was a good advert for Apple phones.
Anyway, well done, I wish home well, he is made now for the rest of his life.

I wonder how many more millionaires there would have been by now?it

Last night, choice on the TV was a three way one,  The Voice, Britains Got Talent and The US Masters Golf, so I watched the golf on the lap top, and The first round of BGT, then switched over to see which poor soul had drawn the short straw and won the Voice!!   However the point I am about to raise is that BGT is sponsored by "The National Lottery" !!!!!   And as we all know the lottery is shafting the public left right and centre.
I am old enough to remember when the idea of the lottery was first mooted and Sir Richard Branston offered the services of his Virgin organisation to run it, however Camelot were given the contract.
From what we are now experiencing with Camelot, the only people making money and benefitting from their activities are their own shareholders.   SO with hindsight I am sure the British public and our charitable organisations would have been much better off with Virgin running the operation.  TIme methinks for a total boycott of Lotto.

As a follow up from my last scribbling so, it is noted that all Scottish schools are to undergo structural tests to ensure that they are safe places to educate our youth. One paper did pop in a sentence which suggested that the  out skin walls which fell down were not properly tied into the inner walls and the air space gaps were too large.  Perhaps we should allow Leggo to quote for any future building works and have several rolls of Gorilla tape handy for tidying up the corners!

Doggie Coffee morning at the Mercat Grill next Sunday, so if you are a really good and caring owner you might be lucky enough to get an invite to attend by your pet and be treated to a cuppa and a bacon buttie.

The pyramids are still standing, so are the numerous lighthouses around the UK,

BUT this morning Councillor Andrew Burns of the City of Edinburgh Council had to announce that a number of the schools in the City were having to be closed as they could not guarantee that they are safe. HOW /WHY? , what is going on?  I heard him being interviewed on the Radio this morning and despite numerous attempts by the interviewer, he still has to give the reason why.
NO doubt we will discover that it was either cost cutting by the builders / architects,  workmen on bonus rates cutting corners,  The gable wall that did fall down in the recent storm and the reason how all this came to light, did not look as though the outer skin was tied into the inner one!!  Basic bricklaying ,   But with all these instant builds, with no warranties, I am sure our ancestors, real workmen will be turning in their graves.
So much for the city paying a fortune for expert consultants, just one disaster after another.   AND. Reading about the anticipated rise in sea levels over the coming decades, the new builds along the shore of the Forth may well end up under water, but based on current happenings they will have either fallen down or been pulled down by then.  happy days.

Confessions of a geriatric !!!! before someone else "cliped" on me

Well and truly grounded now that Mrs B is home,  I had to admit before she even arrived home at the house that I had taken a tumble down the stairs on Easter Sunday,  doing my impression of "Eddie the Eagle", which was quite appropriate as this was the week the movie was released. Perhaps I was chanting "Bum diddy bum" as I bounced down the stair on my backside, but I know differently !!!  as the air turned several shades of blue and the wallpaper began to peel from the wall.    I suppose it could have been worse if I had taken a header rather than a slide towards the waiting glass front door.
Anyway, eventually sought medical advice, so now have damaged ribs , bruised "botty" and an "awfie" pain in my side, and numerous comments about being a silly old codger  to contend with.  So I just need to keep taking the tablets.

Once again Police Scotland taking a bashing for not responding to a call about a "broken window", which eventually turned out a week later to be the scene of sudden death in Edinburgh.    As one writer correctly pointed out that if the Police had to attend at the scene of all broken windows officers would never get out of some of the housing estates in the City,  where where the caring neighbours, health visitors, social services, etc.   So much for Care in the Community or even a caring community ~ ostrich syndrome strikes again.
I see that there is a call for a public enquiry into the last so called botch up where the two were found dead after the crash on the Stirling motorway,    however, to date no one has yet said why the car crashed, was it driver error, etc, that should be the first priority.

I remember many years ago watching an episode of "Yes Prime Minister" where the civil servants were battering out a snow storm of media announcements to hide an important piece of information,  and guess what,  our beloved, Ms "selfie" Sturgeon, did likewise to hide the £10 billion trade agreement signed with the inscrutable Chinese.

Thinking back to the "Cold War" and all the rumours about the Soviets and other nations recruiting agents and having so called "sleepers" in high places,  makes you wonder these days when all our major industries are disappearing.  Lord knows what will happen when the money lenders pull the plug on the USA  and Europe .

I think our off shore tax havens will be St Kilda , Isle of May, the Bass Rock, -  it will be interesting to see who up the cudgel to hammer our tax avoiding leaders,  cannot see HMRC being brave enough, they are quite happy persecuting small businesses, rather than tackling the offshore crowd (who claim that they are not breaking the law, just bending the rules they helped write), or the black economy driven by cash in hand tradesmen and immigrant shopkeepers ( just stand at the cash desk at Costco or Bookers).

Winning ways for the Westies

must say that I have been enthralled for the past couple of weeks watching the 20/20 world cricket tournament from India,  today's final between England and West Indies was marvellous, at first it looked as though England were going to get hammered,but then they pulled back and ended up with a reasonable score. West Indies went to bat, and they then struggled and for most of the game it looked as though they were going to lose , then in with seven balls left thenWest Indian  batsman scored four sixes on the trot to win the match - brilliant.
My pal Dave, now living in Barbados has just messaged me to say that the party has already started out there.
And as total contrast I have just switched channels on the TV and am watching the baseball from the USA !!!  No comparison, have seen more exciting games of rounders in the park.
Kind of lost the plot with the TV last night, found Ant and Dec boring, The Voice was appalling, no wonder the participants get nowhere and then go back to their old jobs.  So I ended up watching the Scottish ladies curling team in competition at Perth, much more interesting.
Mrs B home tomorrow so time to "face the music" once again.
Nice to know that Edinburgh City rakes in the highest amount of Parking Fines in Scotland, money in the bank, and now the bus fares and tram fares are being increased - but not to subsidise the cost of an extension to the tram route.
Real pain in the backside, I have loads of photos stored on another computer, and guess what, I cannot remember the password and have no idea how to get into the thing to retrieve the photos. IS it me, an age thing perhaps??

Just in case you were wondering - gas put very much at a peep.

Just when I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, been to the pool, doing a bit more walking, etc,  SODS law, had a bit of a mishap and screwed up my back well and truly last Sunday - and being Easter Weekend, and the Easter school break,  options for a wee bit of help were limited, so it was back to bed for some serious bed rest.  
Double checked with GP on Tuesday so a few more pain killers to munch on, and this time, no alternative but to behave.
Mrs B., RGB and the Johnsons of Chobham all enjoying their trip away in the sun, and as I am not able to sleep, no problem for me to communicate with them around 6 am our time.  All returning to normality on Monday next,   not happy when I was asked how I was feeling, to reply that my earache had gone!!!!

Certainly not bored, have a good supply of books from the local library, and the only TV I have been watching has been the Cricket 20/20 World Cup from India,  thoroughly enjoying it and now looking forward to the final on Sunday between England and the West Indies.

Decided that there was no need for me to buy newspapers each day as it is really only Mrs B doing the crosswords, and as the TV news is generally depressing, not even watching it.   No idea how many fibs Ms Sturgeon has been telling, what,s new !!!!

After all the rain, Scotland is undeer water once again, maybe not !

Having been more or less housebound for the past seven weeks I finally saw the surgeon yesterday whose words " leave here and never darken my door again" was music to my ears, as he was really delighted with his surgical handiwork.  Now I enter a new phase of self induced pain as I will now get back to swimming and exercise and try to build up once again, and obviously all these pummelled intestines will complain a bit!!!.

Home Alone 4 , as they say with MrsB and RGB in sunnier climes along with the Johnsons of Chobham, never mind, I can do as I please without having to worry about getting an ear bashing.

Usually have visitors dropping by or phoning to make sure I am OK and behaving myself,   this morning David Black appeared and we headed down to the Barony Castle Hotel, at Eddlestone, to have a wee look at how work was progressing with the restoration of the "unique" stone map of Scotland made by Polish engineers.   As you can see it has now been flooded as was the original, showing the various seas around Scotland.  Obviously there is still work to be done by the volunteer teams, however there is now sufficient to see to make a visit worthwhile.

Bonus of the day was having a lovely bowl of carrot and red chili soup, nice and warming as it was kind of raw while we were there.   Place was quiet when we arrived , however there were couples and groups arriving before we left, some possibly down for the  Easter weekend activities.

Easter weekend coming up, couple of things already planned so I know I will not be bored.

Very appropriate, the saying "The pen is mightier than the sword", add to that

"The pen is more scathing than the tongue" and in the hands of an eejit can be totally destructive.
Might wonder what I am on about, but it has taken me since Sunday to calm down after a negative article was penned about the Mercat Grill.  We have spent over four years building up a good reputation, training staff, producing good food, really trying hard every day, and one person, wielding his pen has upset the apple cart, so to speak, destroying morale , reputation, and to make matters worse passed a comment which was totally wrong (a big fat porky).
I have been doing items on Trip Advisor for years and have never once been totally scathing, there is such a thing as constructive criticism .

Just listening to the radio this morning about the chaos around Hillend, Loanhead, Penicuik, area, with queues from Flotterstome on the A702 taking thirty to forty minutes to get through new roadworks near to the Ski Slope.
This reminded me of a time when the late Councillor Marjorie Noble , who was a frequent visitor to Loanhead Police Station, came in one day, about 1967/1969, and spoke to us about the plans to transform Hillend junction - still waiting, no changes made so far,  well done Midlothian and Scottish Highways, forty plus years of inactivity sounds about right.
There were proposals to build a dual carriageway from Milton Bridge into Straiton, which brought about the green activists who formed what is still a permanent camp in the Bilston Woods, so it was scrapped.  lOoking at the current developments planned for the area,  not a good decision.

Keep returning to the so called Freedom of Information Act,  I have never seen a response yet as o why Alex Salmond spent a wee fortune on hospitality , good hotel, for him and his missus when he was in New York several years ago.  He has kept fobbing off the numerous requests.

Following the massive sales fraud perpetrated by VW cars and the diesel emissions two years ago, and the many comments about the harm caused by diesel emissions our beloved Chancellor might well be adding new fuel charges today.    Talk about stealth taxes,  daylight robbery, etc, the mafia and drugs cartels need to take lessons from these politicians.