Not quite the best 10 days in our puff

Sunday now,  been a week and a half since my last ode -  and one we could have well done without.

Mrs B home after her sojourn with the NHS - and little I did realise what was going to happen next -  took ill at the Grill on Tuesday morning, staff called the Ambulance who were on the spot a short time later - and had me wheeked away to the ERI,  Edinburgh, where after a few tests was trundled into the angiagram lab where Dr. found a blood clot in the heart which was removed and replaced by a stent - simple, no problem , so back on the road to recovery.

Sounds simple,  however, the staff are remarkable, working in a hospital which is far to small for the demands, not enough beds so there is a constant coming and going as folks are shuffled about, admitted, discharged, etc.

A & E is a real nightmare , not helped at all by the idiots who come in drunk, with minor ailments, etc, tying up valuable resources - speaks volumes when there has to be a near permanent Police presence to cope with the trouble makers.

Night time on the wards, where you would hope to rest can be mega stressful with monitors bleeping, alarms going off, staff running to calls and beds being moved around - the same applied in the Western last week - so it is little wonder that the recovery process does not start till you get home.

Chaotic times.

What a life,  busy as ever, but life a bit complicated having to scoot in and out the hospital for the past few days -  certainly think Mrs B deserves a medal for all the running about she did on the two occasions I was there.  However, things not as bad as expected so home tomorrow I think.

Fed up with the chaos caused by the so called public holidays,   still not able to get my puncture repaired at local garage,  and adding to that, also now needing a service for the car.

No point in waffling for the sake of it.

Happy New Year 2014

Not been asleep, just working and whilst doing so the New Year, 2014 sneaked in, so those who come across this entry, All the Best and a Happy New Year.
What can I say, just been working, sorry no tripple time for me or the good lady, just get on with it, busy period and nice to meet so many lovely customers, some new and many returning to the mercat Grill.  Even met one of my former colleagues  yesterday, who has become a regular over the past couple of months, but never in when I am there.

Never won the lottery so looks like so sign of a holiday on the horizon.

Open borders now for our latest influx of new immigrants, no shortage of job seekers, unless they head straight to the Benefits office.

Had planned on a wee run on the Steed of Steel,   but tyre was a bit flatter at the bottom than it should be - and of course garages and other trades people are still closed for business,  another opportunity for those prepared to work to charge exhorbitant prices - taxi drivers certainly did well while the busses were not running.

Hogmanay in Edinburgh,  City was jam packed,  so I have to admire Sparky and Carol who headed for the top of Allermuir Hill, with hip flasks, and sat and watched the amazing City vista erupt at 12mn as the various firework displays heralded in the New Year.

Stormy weather once again, caused by the extra fast jet stream over the country, bit of a nuisance gale force winds and more flooding expected.

Day off for a change

Today,  a day off I was told -  so up early, ironing the table covers,  headed to town, picked up cases of wine and then back to the Mercat Grill to get on with the bookwork -  but remember , I was not there !!

Bit under the weather so homeward bound, car full of cardboard for recycling (good lad)  but not to Midlothian depot at Bellmans as they do not appreciate too many drop offs.  Lords knows what will happen in January when the next set of Scottish recycling legislation kicks in.  might be as daft or impracticable as Mr Salmond wanting to tag all dogs and goldfish

Home,  so needing a bit of fresh air,  out to see the Steed of Steel,  new set of shoes fitted, bit of a charge, refuelled, and then out for a canter around the local byways - well worth it -  then home  for a long relaxing warm soapy bath, glass of wine and listened to a super programme on Radio 2 with Elton John playing his favourite music. Must say end result was that i was feeling 2005 better when I surfaced - and followed by a superb 12 oz braised steak (on the bone)  with French mustard,  what more could I ask.

All over bar the paper for the recycling.

Last call was three sleeps - not for us, never stopped as the Grill was so busy -  busy on Xmas Eve,  full house Christmas day, and a near full house today.    Team work - family had to pull together with our stars in the kitchen,  end result lots of very happy customers who have been kind enough to shower us with compliments.  We even have folks wanting to book for next year already !!!  

Thought Santa might miss us as we were away early,  but no - got home to find pressies galore, so guess who will smell nice, look smart (even in his underwear) and has another book to add to the pile waiting to be read.  At least the ladies from Mayfield library reading club will not fall out with me for using a Kindle ( at least not till I read all the books).

So the sales have started again,  must be the biggest rip off -  punt up the prices when folks have to buy, and then offload cheap after the event.  I keep going on about the Richard F Mackay  furniture sales,   same advert   week in , week out, year in  year out -  the shop must be shut half the year while the staff prepare for the next sale !!   Certainly one for Trading Standards..

Weather has been not too bad here,  compared to those who have lost power,  been under water, etc - so better not grumble.

What a life

Sunday night  -  only three more sleeps to x-mas ,  unless, like wee Dillon you do not sleep on X-mas eve.
What can I say - this is not quite what retirement is meant to be !!!     OR perhaps I am not keeping up with the current clime -   at one stage retirement age was 65,   now the 60's are just silver surfers and life is kicking off again - so perhaps I need to readjust my thinking -  and considering that i am looking for another motorbike (without stabilisers  berhaps the positive mental attitude has not failed yet.

Busy, more than ever down at the Mercat Grill -  all very positive, no more contemplating navels !!!  all hands on deck as business grows -  based on recommendations from word of mouth.

Santa approaches  - business is brisk - just need a few Red Bulls to keep going.

Getting nearer to Christmas

Now only five sleeps to Christmas,  or as a young lad, Dillon, told me tonight, only four more as he had no intention of sleeping on Christmas Eve !!!   but he was happy enough to accept a carrot to take home for Santa's reindeer.
Been a busy week at the Mercat Grill, kept on our toes and looks as though we will be busy right through to the New Year.

maded it to see Douggie Sneddon reinstalled at 151 Defensive Band n Tuesday night,  following in the footsteps of his grandfather, and father  - super night, excellent Installation, meal and there was even an entertainer / cabaret act -  thank goodness for "Scoot" who got us home in one piece.
Should have been at the Social at the Masonic Club tonight, however,  not enough hours I am afraid.