Ankle = Clean Bill of Health

Well Tuesday morning was agony - could hardly put any weight on my right foot - I'd already decided I needed to have my ankle checked out - phoned my doctor - OK only seen him twice since been in Scotland - but I am registered with him Dr McMasters - he is on holiday - his stand in could only see me on Wednesday - so I made appointment or 09h15 - but I was in agony so I phoned NHS 24 in Scotland - and they advised me that I could go to the Royal Alexandria Hospital - bit of a concern really that my local hospital might not have the facilities to deal with a sprained ankle - good heavens what if something serious was wrong - now this is what NHS 24 told me - I'm not making this up - they advised me not to go to Vale of Leven hospital but rather Royal Alexandria . . .

Didn't know where it was - and between you & I it was a wee bit of a strain on the foot - driving that is - only have praise for the hospital though - I took a book and water and a couple of necessities along as I thought its going to be a long process - all n all I don't think I was int the hospital for more than an hour and a half - the Doctor was impressed that I was so well prepared for the long wait which did not really materialise - anyway I was examined sent for x-rays just to meake sure - came up with clean bill of health - I was impressed they took the trouble to show me the x-rays and the only signs of anything was on the side that I have no pain - an old injury perhaps??

I was a offered a zimmer / crutches / a walking stick - I took the walking stick option - came home had something to eat and and ended up in bed and asleep for 8 hours - when I woke up I felt much better and my foot even felt a lot better . . . hope it heals quickly . . . I've to go back in two weeks time . . .

cheers for now
PS - start work on Monday

Another fall . . .

Whoops! Just climbed out of my car - my neighbour arrived at the same time - the two of us were walking next to each other approaching the front door - me limping along and he commented on how bad the weather is and has been to which I replied - well you know why . . . - and as I said it my sore foot hit the bottom of the stairs going down towards the front door - so it was pushing forward - well it hit a patch of mud - and away it went - groceries me and my sentence were all left in mid-air for a few seconds - I landed on my bum - everything went flying (groceries) - I think my neighbour got quite a fright - I was still recovering and he was already picking everything up for me and putting it back in my box . . . I managed to finish my sentence - . . . why bears hibernate . . . he opened the door for me and ushered me in insisting I go first - keeping an eye on me . . .

Something in the air . . . comes in three's ???? - I hope not - enough fun thank you very much . . . .

Week Six - Foot Bridge

For some or other reason I decided to walk onto Erskine Bridge – across the river Clyde to take some photos about 600 feet above the river . . . (if you keeping hitting the plus sign until you get the C for Erskine Bridge - that was basically where I took my photo's from . . .


View Larger Map

Of all the days but I decided I can't just show clear weather photo's of Scotland as that is (as we know) not entirely true . . . Lol – so in the pouring rain – not knowing how to get on to the bridge by foot I parked my car and set off – ended up running across the highway (A82)– for which I am sure there is probably a fine – then I saw there was a steep embankment which was a shortcut – well being the 8 year old that I am – I set off down the embankment — and as I continued I started to let my momentum take me . . . A wet slippery slope – a pair of takkies on – we know where this is going don't we – my left foot lost its footing and just carried on – would not have been a problem had the right foot come along with it – but it decided to stay where it was and then also attempted to stop the ever increasing downward spiral – this it done by turning over itself right on the ankle – and I swear I heard something snap . . .???? Ended up on my belly just as a car was coming along too . . . I was up like a shot nothing wrong with me – hoping stupidly no one had seen my attempts at being an eight year old again . . .lol – of course I was limping after that but was determined to finish my mission . . . Will let you know when links are up – was it all worth it . . . It was an adventure – foot / ankle warm and throbbing now - testimony to the adventure. . .

Had an interesting call from my previous employer - nothing finalised yet - but tentatively they have asked whether I am able and interested in coming back to work . . .so here's holding thumbs that we can finalise this as soon as . . .

Eddie Reader @ Royal Concert Hall

Work in progress . . . photo taken at concert - not the best -

Took Maureen, my sister, to the Royal Concert Hall to see Eddie Reader as she has been a fan for many years - bought her the latest CD so she can remember the evening - she played a large portion of new material from the new CD - Love is the Way - I think? Anyway - Eddie started with Dragonfly and something else before she led into New York City which was the Eddie Reader I know and it was all go from there for me . . . a brilliant mix of old and new and few Burns numbers in between . . . what a fine vocie she has and her Irish accordion player and lead guitarist are both sublime in each of their instruments

Something Old


Somethign New
Eddie's MySpace profile

At her best . . Allelujah

Whoops - Week 4 & 5

My how the time flies by . . . went for an interview - they did say we'll let you know by the weekend - still not heard anything so not looking too good - I'd no idea it was going to drag on like this - thought I'd be snapped up . . . lol - Need to reassess and get cracking - economy looking like it is going to go into meltdown . . . You just don't know what your going to hear today - RBS & HBOS losing 40% of their value in a day??? Now RBS CEO to resign tomorrow because of how much money they need to borrow from this government bail out now ordinary companies share values dropping as well . . . scary.

Enough doom and gloom though - the markets will do what they want and have to do - you & I will carry on though - yes things might get a bit tougher but not having lots of money in the bank or in shares - does not really have the impact it might - I think were going to see major shifts - whether we will ever really hear the true story of what is going on - I doubt it - when Bush came into power (I couldn't resist) the US had a surplus look at them now . . . ??? GO Obama go!

Went to see Drever; McCusker & Woomble - at the old Fruitmarket - City Hall - was a great concert - June Talbot was the supporting act also very good and of course Eddie Reader made a guest appearance - on the way to the concert and elderly couple asked me if I knew where the City Halls were and I just said Ah McCusker - follow me - I saw them exchanging glances and on the way we got talking and it turns out htat they were John McCusker's parents . . .lol - a small world - is it not.

Went to see a couple of movies - Mutant Chronicles - avoid like the plague; City of Embers - which I enjoyed - more of a kiddies film - but I enjoyed it - Bill Murray is the corrupt mayor and Tim Robbins is the one kids father . . . then I went to see Taken - Liam Neeson turns into James Bond when his 17 year old daughter is kidnapped . . . kind of James Bond / Bourne etc., - bodies everywhere . . .

Otherwise a wee bit quiet - heard from a friend, Helen, in South Africa and she has come up with an interesting business opportunity which I will be exploring - and it might just be a winner . . . I think it is worth getting into - so that might keep me busy whilst not gainfully employed . . . we'll see.

Couple of interesting things I came across this week -

1. Widgipedia Not sure what widgets are read this article
   
2. The last page (tongue in cheek)
   
3. newspaper front pages
   
4. Make this your new home page?
   

Enjoy!

Cameron's speech - Tory Conference

Well I have just sat through David Cameron's speech.

Let me start off by saying I am not a Tory party supporter - so it is not a case of whatever Cameron says is gospel . . . I am trying to look at it objectively - if that is at all possible - yes you will have seen my rant yesterday - so I need to also say - for the record I do not support Gordon Brown and Labour either . . .

Firstly what a magnificent setting - a concert hall - and it was packed to the rafters - this allowed him to drop his first gag about this party all playing the same tune.
David Cameron speaking at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham today. Photograph: Chris Radburn/PA Wire

On face value - I have to say he looks the part - natural / charismatic / credible . . he even seems to have lost any of that chubbiness he had at one stage.

He spoke in a slow and measured manner - he was able on many occasions to bring in examples of real people - a kid who just turned 18 in Afghanistan / a man who lost his wife in an NHS hospital / a woman who lost her husband because he stood up to a group of kids / a man who after 20 years was left in tears because he was losing his business . . . and many more - not just alluding to but producing actual examples - increasing the impact and credibility and then going on to link these examples to failures within the Labour party and Gordon Brown . . it was a sustained attack on Gordon Brown cleverly and subtly brought across. He even wove in the Gurkha victory from the day before and pleaded with Labour to allow these heroes who have fought so long for the UK to allow them this right that they have won to settle in the UK - asking Labour not to appeal this verdict but to give them the honour they deserve. This is clever - because it puts his party on the side of what is right - what is honourable . . .

There was a swipe at Blair - who had said that we now live in a 24hr world - Cameron's reply to this was we are a country not a television station.

His whole speech one can argue was directed at Brown and his assertions that this is no time for a novice - meaning Cameron (although this has been debated as to who he actually meant) - Cameron's argument is simply that we do not need more of the same we need change and that experience is always the excuse of the incumbent. If this was really the case we would never change government (he said he would stop this analogy - as there were balconies in the concert hall - this brought the house down). Cameron went on to say the risk is not change but rather sticking with what you've got and just hoping that it will somehow change for the better. He then stated that the existing experience is what actually caused many of the problems and that they refuse to question and admit this because to do so would be to admit they (the Labour party) had got it wrong.

Not really a lot of headline catchers - things have not already been mentioned - but a good solid performance and in my opinion much much better than Gordon Brown's speech (which was probably his best yet) and he just looks more of the statesman to me.

Would I vote for him - hmmm! I am more of a Lib Dem man - but with Westminster I may have to see what the odds are and vote differently more strategically . . . remember we have our own parliament here in Scotland - so things are very different - Scottish Nationalist Party - now are in the majority in the Scottish parliament - and we voted last year if I am not mistaken - Labour party at all time low in support - a Glasgow East seat where they previously had 15 000+ majority - in other words you could not get a safer seat was lost to the Scottish Nationalist Party = which means that NO seats are safe. (Yes SNP only won by a few hundred - but just look at the % swing!)

Brown will hang on for his full term - too scared to call a general election until I think 2011 and that will then herald the beginning of the Tory era.

David's hairstyles . . . lol

The feet of Conservative leader David Cameron, and his wife Samantha, after delivering his keynote speech at the Conservative party annual conference. Photograph: Stephen Hird/Reuters


Only drawback perhaps was his wife's almost reluctant participation at the end - he went to invite her on stage with him - she did not look comfortable - I know she is reluctant to be a stage prop for him . . . . but she did not look at all comfortable???? He had made a joke - during the speech of knowing entrepreneurs - after all he goes to bed with one every evening . . . Samantha his wife. Did she know something we did not???

Deposits Guarenteed - not the issue!

So the Irish Government has now guaranteed all deposits - of course they have because this is the one commodity that they need cash . . . this is what the whole crisis is about ????? So next the UK government Brown and Co., - namely yon guy with the white hair but black eyebrows (what's that about . . . lol) will do the same - wow! am I supposed to be impressed here.

In my mind the real question here are investments - not cash in the bank - I should have this problem - having £35 000 in every bank . . . What is being done about people who have invested money in the myth of making money for their pension - TOUGH! seems to be the answer because no one is even looking at that side of things . . . even if they vote in America to give the $700 Billion dollars . . . exactly what is it to be used for - what are the tangible benefits going to be to the man in the street . . . access to money for a loan / extended credit / a mortgage . . . wait a minute are these not all the things that caused the problem in the first place . . .

Is the actual problem not that Brown / Bush et al - lived and surfed on the credit wave - every Tom, Dick & Harry were able to access almost limitless amounts of debt and when they were up to their eyeballs in it - guess what the banks threw more in their direction . . . Brown being the expert in the area - could not see this coming . . . Oh yes - he could but - like the rest of us he did not want to admit it NO . . . so now he (and everyone else . . .) will have us believe that NO one could have foreseen this . . . . what nonsense - if you (and I am sure a lot of you have look after your own pennies) had run your household finances the way he has run this country - guess what - no one would have sympathy for you . . . . your in a high flying job and what do you do you spend everything you earn - but that is not the worst of it . . . you then go beyond that - because that is not even enough for you - you take out massive loans to fund additional spending . . . you getting an inkling of how ridiculous his handling of the economy was / is ????? And the only thing that helped him and allowed him to perpetuate this whole lie was an over-heated house market . . . Let me tell you what I think - what went un-said over the last 10 years was that he / they the Labour party would have done anything to make sure that set of conditions carried on . . . Did that protect the citizens of this country - UK house prices rose by more than any other European country . . . did the standard of living go hand in hand with this though???? No I don't think so . . . and what about the level of the UK's indebtedness i.e. how much they have borrowed to implement their policies - I don't have the figures - but it is atrocious that the UK and its economy should be at the same level as countries like Egypt . . . world leaders . . . yes on the negative side - another sign of the so-called Brown legacy.

Where to from here . . . you just don't know . . . what will happen the US will get their monopoly money amount sometime on Thursday . . . lets see what Cameron has to say in his speech although he seems to have taken a conciliatory approach now i.e. united we stand . . . managed to get a few mentions on the news otherwise I think the Tory conference may have been all but swallowed by events as they unfold . . .

Is it any wonder the elections are so close in the US - they are now both supporting the bail-out bill . . . .

I think I'd like to see a head to head debate on TV like the US - Cameron / Brown / Clegg . . .

OK that's my rant for the evening . . . - let me see what my two banks are up to Northern Rock & Bradford and Bingley . . . may have some more added to my (tax-payers) portfolio before the week is out . . . not that anyone asked my opinion - what a joy to live in a true democracy!!!!! What a joke!

Competition for Fusion Man???

Hey saw this on Wired - looks like Fusion Man has some competition????

Week Three

Lets not forget Fusion Man who flew across the English Channel - OK he was dropped out of an airplane - but - that was in France he then flew across the channel under his own steam - so to speak - took him all of 10 minutes - he had a fire proof suit on and jet engines on each wing - his only means of steering was body movement . . . he is a braver man than I . . . (picture courtesy of Alastair Grant /AP - guardian web site)


Wow! Talk about economic melt down ... all doom and gloom - first its 9/11 and its death and destruction - terrorists beneath and behind everything unturned stone you can think of - i.e. buying illegal copies of DVD's and CD's are tantamount to funding terrorism - of course its is difficult to prove that somewhere someone involved in illegal trading of goods might well be involved in something like this but at the end of the day I just wonder what percentage of this can be linked to something like terrorism. Now my argument is not PRO-illegal copies and PRO-pirating NO - what I think contributes towards this are the exorbitant prices charged for goods - how much does it cost and what is a reasonable mark-up that is fair enough but when people start getting greedy - charging high prices they create a market . . . it the old Reaganomics argument - lower overall taxes - and make them simple - to the extent that companies / individuals will just pay rather than higher fancy accountants to find loopholes not to pay . . . it is simpler . . . a simplistic approach!

So now it is mortgages / and bad debt / the claim now is no one should have lent to these people . . . and everything points to the US of A . . . all banks seemed to be linked and all are over-extended to this debt . . . the UK seems to lag the US by a factor of about 3 to 6 months so does this mean we are in for more heavy seas . . . Economics professors must be in demand to try and explain what in heaven's name is going on . . . reminds me of an old Chicago song "Does anyone really know what time of day it is?"

It is all very surreal - watch the news lets see who is going to go bust next??? And if these big banks can't make it what about some of the smaller countries - Lesotho; Angola; Mozambique not to mention Zimbabwe perhaps they were responsible . . .or what about the said CERN - LHC was it not all caused by this experiment in Switzerland . . . makes you think . . .does it not - do we really know anything other than what is happening right now . . . .???? I'll be getting my white jacket soon if I keep this thread going . . . .

Still unemployed - so I phone my credit card because I have this payment cover insurance - I phoned them after university and they just said SORRY you have to be working for at least 6 months prior to making a claim . . . so I thought I was ready for them this time . . . boy was I wrong! - she just wanted to ask me a few questions (Oh-oh) - the word permanent came up - I asked her to define what she meant - something about you can only claim if you have been on fixed term contract and working for more than 12 months and they have attempted to renewed it once . . . and then something else about 24 months . . . well I can tell you my Blood pressure was about to go through the roof - I'm like WHAT! . . . after a long discussion they have decided they will send out the claim form and evaluate it when I fill it in and return it to them . . . the key is whether I knew I was going to finish off on a specific date or not????? HELLO a fixed term contract??? - what does that mean ???? . .. not that it is OK but if I thought / had reason to believe - I was going to be offered another contract even although I knew when it was going to finish . . . that's OK - AHA! but if I knew I was going to finish on such and such a date . . . . well then I can't claim ??????? Clear as mud to you - I hope - I'm still confused - but I know what I am going to tell them . . . . trouble is my ex company has to fill it in as well . . . and they might just not see it the same way as I do . . . hmmm - if you see what I mean . . . I went for 3 months and ended up working 9 . . . would you not think it would just carry on then as well - they were still busy - there were things still being released which meant more \Training still to be done - I was bumping into people telling them I'm leaving and the people would say - if they let you go - you'll be back in two weeks to do the Training on XY & Z ???? . . . (I might just add that none of these exclusions were ever mentioned when this policy was sold to me . . . ironically while I am hold a voice keeps booming in my ear "Take out payment protection - for when you are in difficult times" and guess what . . . that is all it says ...

Enough it is a long weekend here in Glasgow . . . have a good one - enjoy yourselves!

Week Two

Well I had hoped things might move somewhat quicker than this - still searching for a position . . . have applied for a number of suitable jobs - one turned out to be in Edinburgh - and salary was very low - would not have been viable to commute - spend £400+ for a monthly train ticket - so that was out - I withdrew myself from another position in Edinburgh as well . . . something really interesting in Glasgow and I have been to discuss with the employment agency and my name will be forwarded to the company for their approval now - we will see how this progresses . . . as I say it looks very interesting.

Fiona, my niece, it was her Birthday on Friday and she invited us up for dinner - sat around and had a good blether - most of the entertainment was provided by Rosario who being only two was up and saw us off at 00h30 . . he has also developed a liking for beer . . . he thought the froth was milk . . actually he doesn't like at all really - you could see him shudder when he tasted it . . .

Saturday evening was Phil & Emma's wedding reception which was held at the City Hall - it was lovely - champagne and then into the hall and they had a band - who were very good - quite a wide variety and range - met Phil's Mom & Dad - very nice - had a beer with his Dad and his Mom came up to me and introduced herself . . . .Some of the Dublin crew Mat and Cedrig were there . . .also quite a few people who were at school with Phil . . . anyway a great evening . . . ended up driving into Glasgow - and leaving the car there overnight (in a car park) - caught the night bus 66 home - well as far as Dalmuir and then a taxi - which was £15 from Dalmuir . . . . - only picked my car up after 20h00 the next day - met Valerie for coffee @ Waterstones and then went to Cineworld (went to see Pineapple Express - a Ben Stiller / Adam Sandler type movie) car only cost £5 - for 24 hours +

Let us see what next week brings . . .

week One

Well I've dusted off the old CV - updated it - tweaked it a little and getting it to where it should be . . . had it where I thought it should be and then noticed a mistake with the dates . . . unacceptable - no wonder I was unsuccessful with a few positions that I applied for - well that's behind us . . . also working on an on-line version of the CV - which theoretically is the answer - as it will mean updating that and then just pointing towards that all the time - I think it also has a down loadable version for those applications that want a paper CV. Some agencies only want the i-profile web based CV probably suits them the way it is put together and might then be easier to search - not sure - but it does make sense.

Wow they are really punting New Zealand as a holiday destination www.newzealand.com - I must the excerpts they show looks absolutely stunning. Speaking of which All Blacks won the Tri-Nations with a narrow victory over the Wannabees (Australia) Saturday in Australia.

Slick

Vox Motus on at the Tron theatre

Direct from its sell-out run at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, Vox Motus and the Tron Theatre are delighted to invite you to Slick. This surreal comedy is gushing with humour as black as the fuel wee Malcom Biggar discovers one day in his family toilet. And when word gets out to the landlord, who just happens to also be the neighbourhood pervert, the scene is set for a comedy that's as savage and poignant as it is hilarious.

Slick won a coveted Fringe First Award when it debuted in Edinburgh this month and it's easy to see why. Performed by a five brilliant young actors, it is relentlessly inventive and brilliant in its staging and boasts a laugh out loud script. Filthy, funny and feted, don't miss your opportunity to catch this dynamic award-winning comedy.

Please note that Slick is not recommended for those of a sensitive disposition! (Recommended 16 yrs +)

Emmylou Harris - All I Intended to Be

I went along to the Royal Concert Hall last night - I had bought an Emmylou Harris ticket on the spur of the moment - on a whim really - I can't really say I am a big fan - I have enjoyed her music in passing over the years - we are talking way back now 'Elite Hotel' 'Luxury Liner' 'Pieces of the Sky' and 'Blue Kentucky Girl' - showing my age now . . . anyway the last real thing I can say I listened to was her collaboration with Mark Knopfler 'Real Live Roadrunning' which I was not overly impressed by, however, I went with an open mind hoping that it would at least be a pleasant evening . . .

The supporting act was rousing enough - it is only there to warm us all up for the main act - she is a song-writer herself and I thought quite an accomplished one at that - she had her son on guitar supporting her and husband on bass - they were both adequate, however, the son attempted to play a number of solo's and in my opinion was not quite ready or at that level yet - his Mom obviously thrilled to bits asked us to applaud him - I think it says it all that she had to ask - as it was not spontaneously forthcoming . . .

Emmylou came on and within a very short space of time I realised just what a great voice she has - both powerful and delicate at the same time - I soon warmed to her and the band as they slipped between old and new - a full backup band of Phil Madeira on keyboards / accordion / rhythm guitar; Colin Linden on guitar / slide / mandolin - (he used to play with Bruce Cockburn) also backing vocals; Brian Owings on drums that Emmylou says is the happiest drummer in the business - she stole him from Buddy Miller as she did the bass guitarist - Chris Donahue - he really impressed me and I think he has a lot more talent than was allowed to blossom last night; lastly a mandolin come fiddler Rickie Simpkins who also did backing vocals and then a duet with Emmylou - all accomplished musicians in their own right - I loved the way in which the guitarist was able to punch little virtuoso solo's in between verses - whilst Emmylou was catching her breath (not that she ever needed to) and basically illustrated how it should be done (I hope that other singer's son was watching from the wings) . . .

Emmylou as I stated performed a mixed bag of new and old - I was particularly moved by her rendition of Tracy Chapman's - 'All That You Have is Your Soul' and her song which was co-written with Kate and Anna McGarrigle - which starts off with a little tune that I recognise but can't place . . .'How She Could Sing the Wildwood Flower' and 'Hold On' if I'm not mistaken . . .

I think Emmylou and the band warmed to the Glasgow crowd who themselves are notorious for their warmth and enthusiasm - they repeatedly showed their appreciation for the true star that she is . . . .

I left a thorough Emmylou convert - and rushed over to the merchandising stand and enthusiastically pushed my £10 across the counter for my copy of Emmylou's latest offering 'All that I Intended to Be' and I think that says it all really . . .

Glasvegas

This link below will randomly select one of many videos - I hope nothing to shocking comes up - there is one that might shock you a wee bit - hey! its all tongue in cheek . . . Under Playlist browse to Glasvegas - Geraldine . . . can safely safe they are the real thing and they've arrived . . . just received the CD yesterday - I think they are going to go far - if your interested there is another link to an interview with them . . . hope you enjoy - feel free to let me know . . . . also watch any of the others if you like. It's all muzu.tv if you'd like to set something up for yourself.



More proof - tickets went on sale this morning and guess what they were limited to 4 per customer - and NOW today 10 Sept - same day they went on sale - they are already Sold Out! for 16 Dec gig

Sarah Palin doll hits US high streets???

G.I. Palin ????

Hey maybe we need that Black Hole I was talking about in the last posting - I mean bring on a reality check here?????

Sarah Palin action figure

CERN LHC ????

photograph et all courtesy of The Guardian

Well they've finished with the first experiment and were all breathing a little bit more easily now seeing as they did not create a massive black hole . . . but who is to say what has actually happened ???? Makes you wonder does it not???

CERN project

Falling off the edge of the world

interview with Ian Sample

Farewell . . . in case we all disappear in the next half hour or so . . . I'd better get the kettle on . . . kinda a weird feeling - quite handy actually being off work on the day the world ended . . . .????

A

A new chapter begins . . . again . . .

Well finished off with my large utilities company - Scottish Water on Friday - what started as a quick stop-gap position . . .which I initially thought would be ideal to keep me busy until such time as I went on holiday in South Africa . . . well 9 months later it finally came to an end . . .we always knew that it could not last for ever . . but it almost seemed to take on a life of itself . . .

So here I am between jobs at the moment . . .and I've allowed my Blog and photo a day to slip somewhat . . . need to reintroduce and allow that creativity with photography to come back into my life - it is easy to take a whole lot of holiday snaps . . but when you have to take a photo a day you need to look at every day things and that is great - it is challenging in its own right . . . so want to pick that and this Blog up again . . .

This week I have Emmylou Harris lined up and was lucky enough to get a ticket for the concert at the Royal Concert Hall . . . looking forward to that - lunch on Wednesday - we'll see where that goes - I think it is nothing more than a closure lunch - but should be interesting . . .

Apart from this want to become more active as I did overdo it at times with my last job - spending a bit too much time working . . .

Anyway all for now.
A

OK James awaiting your first move . . . lol

Something I just stumbled across:
icapetown.muzu.tv the embedded link does not seem to be loading properly - so lets try a link . . .

Moseley Folk Festival - Day 2 - Part 2

I was impressed by Scott Matthews


Loved Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson . . . I actually discovered I love most things with a fiddle - my new favourite instrument



Then there was Old Dance School


6 day riot - so much potential - but not quite there yet - lovely outfit too . . .pity

But Chris T-T was the real thing . . .



KTB was excellent - spoke to her afterwards - I liked her - she is getting married this Friday - so that will be 5 September

KTB

Seth Williams finished off the evening - he is excellent - sort of a John Melloncamp type sound - quite a bit of fiddle - so I liked . . . lol

Moseley Day 2 - Part 1

Phew! It is really humid - there are thunderstorms forecast for later today - I forgot to bring my rain jacket - it is (I hope it is still there) lying in the back seat of the car - and of all things - wait for it, Mr Amateur Photographer . . . . yes, you guessed - did not remember to bring his camera . . . lol

I'm in a dilemma - should I nip into TK-Max and buy a cheap rain jacket or just weather the storm so to speak . . . possible scenarios - I don't buy and it rains the way it did in Dublin - I'll be a drowned rat . . . I buy it and of course nothing happens - could use it to sit on anyway on the grass . . .the other scenario is of course a hybrid of the above two . . . hmmm decisions decisions . . . I suppose I'll get one TK is on my way to the bus stop anyway . . . this humidity kills me . . . I can't adjust the oom temperature - can increase the fan though . . .

James is coming round in about 20 minutes - I gave him a DVD to watch - will be interested to see what he made of it

Moseley Report back - day 1

Well today was day 1 - two performers who really stood out for me today 1) Peter Moran - who in a way reminded me of a young Elvis Costello - he had a very natural and comfortable stage manner . . . and confident in what he was doing - without being in your face . . . really enjoyed his set . . . he had everyone going


and then not long thereafter 2) Chris Wood a traditional folk artist - just himself and acoustic guitar a master story-teller in his own right as each song is much more than just a pretty melody - I obviously could not hear everything he was singing - but I was impressed enough to make a special not to explore his CD's and I think it will not be long before I add one to my collection - listen to his 'Come down Jehova'



Other than this - James my mate - met me at the station and we dumped my stuff in the room and we wet out for a few beers . . . managed to see a wee bit of Birmingham last night . . .

This morning it was breakfast and then out to get the bus (number 50) to Moseley . . this is one of the most regular busses in Birmingham . . Moseley is Birmingham's West End basically . . . the festival is held in a private park which the festival organisers hire for the occasion - they are only allowed to sell 2500 tickets - it is quite a small area and quite intimate . . . very family orientated - which gave it a nice feel - a real mixture of ages and lots of kids running around . . . plenty of beer and quite a few food stalls / etc.,

Met a guy called Steve who is originally from Moseley but now works in Shropshire . . .nice bloke - and we took it in turns throughout the day watching each others stuff and spot . . and proceeded to have quite a few beers together - which was nice as then had someone to talk to . . . we were able to discuss the artists bands etc., - another 2 bands that I enjoyed were The Destroyers - I think more for their energy than anything else - they are like a 15 piece traditional Yiddish band . . . every song is like a rock opera . . . . with titles like 'Methusula the Mouse' 'The Glass Coffin' - watch and judge for yourself . . click on the little arrow at the bottom NOT on the screen (they both work but the large arrow launches another screen and you'll have 2 versions running and they are just slightly out of synch - they are not that busy . . . on stage they are just as energetic . . .




The other band was Bee - who are quite a popular band - also a bit on the quirky side - they have had a hit single 'A Minha Menina'



Apart from this the highlight act ho was very good is Jose Gonzalez . . .


now for bed . . .

Moseley here I come -

Exciting news I am off to Moseley (Birmingham) Folk Festival the end of this month - to wet your appetite - some of the performers . . . . just a wee sample . . . lol

Moseley folk festival

Michio Kaku - "Physics of the Impossible,"

Dancing with the Universe

Update - Buddy Guy - Scottish Proms - Night Out

Well Howdy - how time has flown again - phew! Need to give you an update as to what ahs been happening in my life sine London Town

Reading Sonia Choquette - Ask Your Guides which I am finding very interesting and a friend of mine has just given me a set of motivational CD's by Joe Vitale which I am listening to whilst driving to and from work every day . . . so keeping myself busy.

Speaking of work this is my last two weeks now - finish off on 11 July - looking unlikely that they will keep me on after that - spoke to K and she has been very helpful and made a proposal which would be to everyone's benefit - but I am not sure that they will be able to work like that . . .

So where to from here - a couple of applications pending - I am optimistic - one way or the other something will turn up . . .

Haven't really been up to a lot so I will just inform you of the highlights . .

Thursday 26 June went to Carling Academy - to see Buddy Guy - now way back in 80's I used to be in the music industry (in a past life . . . lol - that's how it feels sometimes) - [couldn't got to Blue Chip evening] - I used to see 'A man e the Blues' - it was a regular seller - so I was really looking forward to the concert - he is an outstanding blues guitarist . . . I was mildly disappointed with the concert - I might be a bit old fashioned - I expected him to work through a repertoire of his music and give good value for money at the end of the day I felt he was there to enjoy himself and give a few Blues standards not even necessarily his own material - just a few bones for the pack of dogs so to speak - enough to satisfy them - keep them quiet - I enjoyed most of what he played - I just felt it was understated and he could have was capable of doing more but that he at no time actually pushed himself . . . spent and extended period of time in the audience - doing nothing much other than checking out the local talent - another colleague from work was there and said they knew what I meant but that his concert last time was very similar - when he left stage no encore - my friend said that was how it was last time as well - he is over 70 he said . . . as I say I enjoyed but remain mildly disappointed.

Friday night went out with a whole bunch of people on Friday night - to West End of Glasgow - venue (The Salon) was a pleasant setting - an old cinema which has been converted - nice a spacious - not too impressed with service - food was good - Vietnamese chicken curry. But being shown to 3 different tables all of which were the wrong one's was a nuisance - had the whole group of us 12 people moving back and forth . . . went somewhere else and then ended up back at the Hilton . . . was an enjoyable evening - just caught a taxi home.

Went on Saturday evening to the Scottish Proms at the Royal Concert Hall which was great - the conductor is a lively character - at times looked as though he himself was loosing himself in the music . . a massive ensemble the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are somewhere in the region of about 70 musicians - they then had the National Chorus there who must have numbered about 100 - a pipe band joined in towards the end - the first half of the evening was devoted more to traditional classics with the second half becoming more of a truly Scootish event - some reels - Highland Academy; Flower of Scotland; Auld Lang Syne; etc., What was interesting was the full front section had had the seats removed so that people could perhaps let themselves go with flag waving and a wee jig etc., - a much older crowd present and they burst into spontaneous song with the more well known tunes - I found it quite moving really.

Just back from the pictures saw Narnia - Prince Caspian - to drawn out and basically a kids film . . . not all that good I'm afraid - I have my doubts about Will Smith in 'Hancock' a superhero with attitude - just all sounds a bit iffy . . . seems they don't make a lot of films for me these days - what am I going to do about it - Read! lol

London

Hiya

Well I am off to London to visit Sam & Hud - supposedly an engagement barbecue - but it can be misinterpreted as I overheard my Mum telling my sister that she was not invited - you need to be invited before you can go . . . . It is actually because Hud's Mum & step father are here and so they thought they'll have an official engagement party - so they can meet some of the friends who might be going to the wedding and basically that is why I am going down as well . . . remember the wedding is in Bali after all so will be good to meet them now in case we need to discuss arrangements etc., - won't just be two voices so to speak - should make things easier - always makes a difference I think once you've met someone.

Well today I rushed through to Edinburgh for a meeting and then I couldn't find anyone - only to discover they were in Livingstone - Oops! had to jump into the car and drive through - of course I had never been to that office before - but we found it and all worked out OK in the end.

Big news - I bought a bicycle - started of small - not too much money we'll see how it goes and if I stick with it we can always upgrade as we go along rather than start of expensive and then not use it . . . lots of ride to work / green schemes at the moment - encourage you to spend quite a bit of money - more than you would normally - its a lease scheme actually - so I'm glad I went this route.

chow for now . . . starting a brand new Blog next week - more about that later . . .

Love
A

Week ends

(photo's: T; Bowling yacht basin; me in Lewis; Milngavie phone booth)

Well still persevering with my photo blog . . . I must say I am still enjoying it if it gets to the stage where I cant be bothered then I'll have to re-evaluate - I don't think that it is going to be a problem as long as the sun is shining and we have our late sunsets . . . however winter is where I foresee problems - we'll just have to get inventive and more creative - anyone volunteering . . .lol!

Well after my Bishopbriggs sortie I was on my way home and my phone rang it was D and I had set up a meeting with him - which I was sure was next week Wednesday turns out he was waiting for me - so a quick u-turn and Merchant City - O'Neil here we came - a fruitful and interesting meeting - plus a few beers thrown in - I have in principle agreed to get involved and become a trustee of the charity - so I am interesting to see how it all develops - watch this space.

Paul & Co., invited me along for a curry on Friday at lunch time and I was glad to tag along - went to Mother India - I've been before a while back with a lovely lass EM from Aberdeen . . . now there was weekend - we done a Thai restaurant the evening before . . . but I digress . . . for lunch Mother India does small portions like a tapas bar - just a nice amount of food actually -well two of them anyway . . .was great - seems like we will do it more often - if there are some other suggestions - T was not impressed when she heard as it never happened whilst she was there and as soon as she has left we are going out for a big group lunch - not impressed she said . . . lol

Friday night was Ashton Lane -T's official cheers evening - K & A came along - we went to Ashoka for dinner (my lunchtime crew had told me it won't be as good as lunch) - I have to agree - but it wasn't bad at all . . T and I met for a drink prior to Ashoka - I was amazed I left my Mum's place at about 17h05 and I was in Ashton Lane for 17h20 the wonders of modern transport system - I caught a bus to Cessnock and a tube from there - and everything was just there when I needed it . . . we waited for K & A and then went into Ashoka - I thought they were fine - service attentive - maybe a little pushy but they are there to make a profit - so fair do's - we had starters and I had Lamb Breyani and I was quite happy with it - could have been spicier but it was very tasty . . . we then went across the road to Brel and sat there - it was a lovely evening - got to know A a little bit better - different setting context etc., - weather was nice as well - managed to sit outside the whole evening - almost had to share a table with two guys - who looking at our party were doing the maths - K & I were married (according to these 2 guys) and that left A & T - open season . . . lol - an interesting debate ensued wrt paintings and photographs as to which was art and which a shallow or hollow resemblance to art . . . lol - as they say in the classics beauty is in the eye of the beholder . . . K & A shared a taxi and T & I shared a taxi - guess who we bumped into whilst getting into our taxi - Graeme from Amy MacDonald & Pam his girlfriend - I said to them - good heavens can I not go out without bumping into them . . .lol

Saturday - shopping with Mum - what a scorcher it turned out to be - we went to a little Italian coffee bar for breakfast and knocked around a few shops

Spent the afternoon in Glasgow - milling around was going to go to movies but I was not really into Sex & the city and the weather was great - so nothing really caught my fancy . . . . so i just walked around a bit and sat down and people watched for a while and came home and relaxed. Tried in vain to get a new lead for my lawnmower - unsuccessful - it turns out that my type of lead is obsolete - this effectively means I need to buy a new lawn mower ???? I can repair the lead but there will always be strain on it and if the grass is wet which it often is it is not safe to work with it like this - so dilemma - garden services or a new lawn mower????

I was watching Blade II - found it too disturbing (I've seen it before . . .) just all blood and guts - and frankly the different strain of vampires are more like aliens than anything else . . . . channel hopped and there was another vampire movie on . . . .

I've just had a lazy Sunday and off to Dumfries tomorrow Edinburgh Tuesday and Thursday - so a fair bit of travelling this week . . .all for now . . .

Farewell T

Photo's - Blackness - taken a while ago - and a photo of T with Chris . . . at our night out . . .

Well - contracts nearly at an end T decided to jump ship and today was her final day at work . . .we are going out on Friday evening for dinner and a few drinks . . looking forward to it - not sure how long I will still be there - speculatively another 6 weeks - most of group are talking about end of July but I am not sure that will include myself.

I will miss T as we have built up a good working relationship - I'll pick up on one or two things she has finalised - if there are any queries but apart from this I will now be alone - it has been quite a comfort as we have had lunch and gone for coffee together etc., - so it will be a bit lonely without her . . .

But time stands still for no one - have tog et on with things . . . personally think there is another 6 months work still to be done so we will see . . . K is pretty much tied up herself these days . . .

All for now . . .

cheers
A

Blackberry; Tron; Amy Macdonald; Indiana Jones; Grass

Phew! been a while - OK so what's happening with me - well this evening I got out there and started cutting me lawn and let me tell you there is plenty of it - I attacked in my usual unstructured fashion and for the first time in my life managed to cut the power lead . . . phew that was the end of that . . .hard work . . . lol (cut it on purpose - not!) Anyway I'll have to get another lead tomorrow and pick up where I left off - I estimate that I have completed about one quarter of what needs to be done . . .

I have had my mobile phone upgraded I took a Blackberry (see picture) and I am still getting to know its ins and outs - had it delivered to work and immediately plugged it in when I got home - the next evening I thought I'll switch it on and see what's going on - it had been charging for about 24 hours - I couldn't work out how to switch it on so against my better judgement (I never do this) I decided to consult the manual - only to find - guess what - I found the battery - so I had been charging a phone with no battery in it . . . . Then later in the week the phone stopped working - my old sim card had been problematic from the beginning - phone could only read about a dozen of the contacts everything else was not there according to the phone . . .anyway later int eh week the phne stopped working and I scratched around in my delivery package and low and behold I found the new sim in there as well . . . I wonder what else might be in there????

Well Thursday last week saw the release of the new Indiana Jones - OK I admit it I'm a big kid at heart - and a sucker for this type of thing . . . anyway straight after work I went to Cineworld and they must have had it showing in about seven different cinemas all at slightly different times - I just missed the 17h45 and managed to get tickets for the 18h15 - it was mobbed - and it wasn't bad - very much the same winning formula - Indy has to go and find some treasure for someone (this varies -i.e. the person /s) usually involves finding the Treasure and then loosing it to the other person and this goes on - back and fro - all of this is usually preceded by a car chase or two . . . .

Friday I was at the Tron on Friday evening - went to see The Drawer Boy - I thoroughly enjoyed - it was captioned - first time I've seen that - just the time of thing my Mum needs. Full marks to the Management for presenting a varied and entertaining programme . . . I've embedded the trailer - and I think you'll see its very interesting . . . . well worth the effort.


Saturday evening saw me at Carling Academy - to see Amy MacDonald - I wasn't sure what to expect - she is from Glasgow and played Friday & Saturday evening . . . what a queue tog et in and loads of young 15 year olds - but a varied audience . . . so I was in the queue - just almost at the door when two women - shout out oh here you are xyz - thank goodness you kept our place - it was so obvious anyway - I just played along and they ended up buying me a beer - for my trouble - everyone was happy - except of course for the people behind me . . . . lol - anyway I was strolling around and I heard someone call my name it was Graeme (whom I used to work with at Bellsmyre) and his girlfriend (who I had met once before at Dumbarton football club) she now stays with him as she is at uni for the year . . . .so I spent the evening with them and I pleased to say I thought it was great . . . I actually know quite a few of her songs and she done an acoustic version of Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark . . . which was amazing . . . she really impressed me - a lot of energy and it turned into quite a fun evening - sometimes its the evenings your not too sure about that turn out the best . . . .


Today was a bank holiday - and I decided to work - my colleague had told me that a lot of people would be off and I had decided that it was a casual day - I've actually been in the office myself before when its been a holiday - so whose me - got up late - shorts and t-shirt and sandals - oh my God - the whole office was there - all with the usual suits / shirts / ties the works and here is me comes sauntering in about 09h25 and I felt a right clown . . .some the guys were laughing - asked me if I just stopped in on the way to the beach . . . . Trish came sauntering in about 10h30 . . lol - I refused to go across to the main canteen - I was too conscious of what some of the other people might say . . . . lol

Wii'ers

Took the Wii down to the Computer club as I had promised I would . . . after breaking a chair connecting it up to the data projector - I gave a quick demo and then let other people have a go - you know, I've hardly played with it myself and even discovered some of its intricacies myself this evening - I was a tennis man up until now but I must say I really enjoyed the golf - this evening . . . so some more experimentation to be done . . .lol

Photo's going well - find myself driving down little roads I don't know . . . always looking for the ultimate photograph . . .

All the post-mortem's at work today - the football last night - I'd have to say the best team won . . . I think Rangers rode there luck to get into the final - they done well.

Still no news on job front i.e. when we finish will be a few days at least - the process . . .

Supporting one team at work - and having to send out multiple bulletins - beginning to approach the News now - as it keeps changing - even at this late stage . . . 3 notices of changes today alone - and when one of them phoned me late afternoon I thought it was to be notice number 4 . . . but looks like it might be (I'm hoping) a misunderstanding . .

Been feeling very tired lately - not sure why . . . will need to monitor.

Had a dust up with T - I was a bit aggressive - trying to get to the bottom of something and was really pushy - she was having a bad day and it was a straw which broke the back . . .

Bought a new book this week - this is the cover - looks really interesting . . . will keep you posted of any developements.

Approved - Phew!

Howdy folks - I am pleased to announce the investigation is now over and I am allowed to display all my nude photos (not) on my photo-a-day blog . . . it has been given the official rubber stamp of approval . . . not that I was notified - went in this evening and all of a sudden - I can once again post to the other blog.

Well Glasgow ground to a halt this evening as Glasgow Rangers played in the final against FC Zenit from Russia - sadly they were unable to return victorious . . . I just wish they had started more optimistically and less defensively - they started game 4-2-3-1 . . . which is very defensive . . . after about 30 minutes in the second half the defence were cut wide open with a telling pass - difficult to defend against and just before full time they conceded another goal. Rangers played well at times but - gave the ball and possession away far too easily - Zenit looked the better side - with Advokaat having spent about £40m over the last year . . . aluta Rangers - they done very well to get this far and the domestic fixtures and football association could I think have done more to assist - instead of hampering matters.

Oh hell such is life . . .

should hear soon how long work is going to last - at the moment till the end of May - hoping 'till end June . .

chow
A

Under Investigation

Possible Blogger Terms of Service Violations

Well there you have it - seems my photo-a-day blog is under investigation . . . .

This blog is under review due to possible Blogger Terms of Service violations and is currently unpublished. You can view your blog's posts here in Blogger, but you may not make any changes.

Now your thinking, Hmm! - What kinda photo's is he putting up anyway . . lol - all innocent - I assure you . . . . I thought nudity was common place these days . . . only joking - quite enjoying this taking a photo a day - however, annoying now that I can't post them . . .

in search of Paris . . .

Howdy - well the work's night out came and went . . . and it was good fun - I danced all night . . . well nearly . . . problems with bed.

Started off in the morning - driving through to Stirling - some of the most amazing scenery I have see for a long time - of course my decision to take at least a single photograph every day - seems to have had an immediate effect on me - somehow the fields seem greener - things seem to have taken on a significance of there own . . . quite fascinating really - eyes of new - a different way of looking at everything??? (The night before I had spent the whole evening - putting together my playlist - of course you might be cursing my taste of music . . . and maybe I should allow you to decide whether you want to turn it on or not - instead of it suddenly erupting regardless . . . of your choice . . . . lol)

Anyway back to Glasgow around lunch time - went to McDonald's for a quick burger . . .drove in the exit by mistake . . . my goodness you would have sworn WorldWar 3 had erupted the way this person carried on - I just shrugged my shoulders and was out of my car - this person was still carrying on . . . lol. Back to office - some useful progress on a number of issues . . . left early about 15h50 - went to pick up Kilt - traffic was horrendous . . . hold your horses a picture is coming . . . lol - took me almost one hour to cover 4 or 5 miles . . . managed in the end . . . but it was extremely humid and it was quite rushed . . . had a quick shower and started getting dressed - ended up sending K & T (in picture with me) a text which said . 'I think I have everything in the correct place . . . just not sure about this hairy handbag . . . ' and had been winding them up at the office telling them that as the evening progresses might have to adjust my skirt . . .

I have to say that I really enjoyed wearing the kilt outfit and felt very comfortable with it on . . . had to pop out to get batteries . . so there I was strolling around Byers Rd in the West End and felt completely comfortable with it on . . . I might consider buying one - but for the time being I'll stick with hire . .

Only got to bed about 04h00 . . . speaking of which I am no longer used to single bed - nearly fell off a few times . . . used to my King size now . . . up for Hilton Breakfast and then usual shopping run with me Mum

Wii or not to Wii

Well after a long spell of wanting to buy one - I took the leap . . . Report back from the work front . . . beer with T . . . Street Kings - Rosario - Proposal / Model - Rangers and Celtic.

(All photo's courtesy of Nina and her trip to Port Nolloth, near Namibia - her home town and she is truly objective about the place [not]. This time all Namaqualand flowers . . . )

Well I finally purchased a Wii and I am well impressed - my living room has been converted into a virtual Wimbledon tennis courts and I have the sore arms to prove it . . . mind you I have also been bowling - hitting home runs - practising my swing and trying to maintain my under par scores - so I have been busy - however I have now taken delivery of a virtual tennis racket / a baseball bat / a golf club / and a steering wheel . . . so look out Bjorg; McEnroe - showing my age now - Tiger Woods - Babe Ruth - Lewis Hamilton . . . . Time will tell . . . not to mention the arms . . .

Well all quiet on the western front - we had a quick meeting on Monday at work . . . all of us round the table and within 5 minutes we had a working agreement - all's well that ends well . . . at the end of the day a lot of the problems can quite simply be ascribed to a lack of communication . . . we have all addressed this and I think we now understand each other and guess what - the major problems we had were caused by a comedy of errors - but clearly data integrity - i.e. we were not entering the information correctly . . . and then to top it all off we were working in GIS and forgot to commit and post our changes . . . so the guys must think - oh-oh that lot again . . .lol

Went out on Friday evening - simply going for a beer but then it turned out T was meeting G and drinks were to be had - well not being one to miss out - I tagged along and needless to say half a dozen later - walked up to Cine - saw Street Kings - the new Keanu Reeves; Forest Whitaker and Hugh Laurie - not bad but in my opinion it tries to be too clever - plots within plots and Hugh Laurie - does not quite make it in my opinion - bottom line - give it a miss! (thumbs down)

Hard at work putting the finishing touches to my proposal for university - sent it to Sam this evening and awaiting her feedback - just to get an objective viewpoint - limited time - and it is just to give them an idea of how you would put something together - it would still be negotiated and it is difficult question . . . oh well here goes - nothing ventured nothing gained . . .

What a cracker again Rangers and Celtic on Sunday - 1 - 0 to Celtic - then 'Gers equalised - then they went ahead - just before half time Celtic equalised - and even although it was Rangers turn to have a penalty - Celtic were awarded a penalty and they ended winning 3 - 2 - a cracker of a game - Setanta - money well spent . . . lol . . .

Rosario's birthday - my niece's little boy - what a cracker he is - all over the place as 2 year olds are - I got him in the bathroom - standing on the bath and he had turned the hot water on - there was face cloth in the sink so it would have over-flowed in another few seconds - very dangerous as he was precariously balanced as it was - let alone burning himself and pulling back and falling . . . needs lots of boundaries which I am afraid to say he ain't getting . . . . now my niece has found a job - working night shift so not sure how that is all going to work . . . even fewer boundaries if you ask me . . . lol - phew - many problems to come I fear . . .

Had a strange and very interesting dream - I am in some large dormitory . . . . lots of people sleeping together - single beds - difficult to describe . . . suddenly I am aware that this person Yvette who used to study at University of Cape Town but whom I don't know but have accepted an invitation to become her friend on Facebook on the Internet (what actually happened Facebook saw we both studied at UCT the same year and probably sent us both emails - I thought she had sent it and thought it might have been one of the girls in my class - I didn't read it properly and clicked on it to accept - Facebook then sent her an email and she eventually accepted - so we don't actually know each other but the wonder of technology somehow joined us / connected us - haven't spoken to her) - anyway weird as it may seem in my dream I suddenly become aware of the fact that she has been trying to get in touch with me via Skype (which is like an Internet telephone set up) - in my dream I still thought that is strange as we don't even know each other why would she try and get in touch with me?? Anyway I am going to phone her back (don't know how . . . but its a dream remember ) but then I realise it is getting late and if I go on to Skype now everyone will be trying to get to sleep and I will be on phone . . . . then suddenly Nina is in my head and she wants me to explain something / she wants clarity on something - what I do? and what this dormitory is all about and how it all works and I seem to remember something about children as well - I don't know whose or who they are ?? and I am afraid that is all I can remember . . . .??? Anyway the weird thing is I send Nina a text and ask her if she is OK and is there anything she wants to know - she comes back says - funny I should ask because she dreamt about me and in the dream she was asking me something but she can't remember what . . . .???? Weird yet wonderful . . .

Received an email from Benita - first really cold day in South Africa - she had on the scarf I bought her . . . . how diametrically opposite could we be - I email her back and tell her really first day of really hot weather here . . . .

All a bit weird as you say but amazing . . .

Work continues to get busier and somehow I ma getting bogged down and exhausted - problems with systems again - lack of information - half the story etc., - but then still having to train people under these circumstances as work has to be done . . . . for the second time in less than a week - I've had to basically go straight to bed on coming home - now I don't about you guys but that is not a good sign - I don't think! Hmmmm!

This Friday evening is the big Hilton Bash . . . and I am going ala Bonnie Prince Charlie . . . lol - watch this space!

Just not Cricket

Wow! All hell breaks loose on the work front - I rant / Senior Manager phones back with rant - we are all ranting . . . lol - wasn't sure I had a job to go back to on the Monday . . . lol - Phew!

Went to see In Bruges - I thoroughly recommend - a black comedy - dark humour at times - but brilliant a breath of fresh air - I thought!

IKEA 21st Birthday (21% discount) - a waste really - not really looking for anything at the moment - lovely layouts - kitchens / lounges etc., !

Lazy weekend - let work get to me more than I should. Looking at some courses again - had some brief feedback now its all guns blazing! Taxidemist??? What a weird film - interesting - Hungarian I think? I'll look it up.

Wii finally twists my heart strings - it's on its way - I like the look of Wii Fit . . . but it is not out yet - but having said that looks like pre-release orders have already bought every single copy available . . .lol.

Setanta continues to grow on me - what with Man U - Blackburn and then the Bundesliga Cup Final and IPL 2o/20 cricket - its got something on all the time at the moment as we speak Porto are playing Benfica - PSV have just taken the Dutch league - I like the fact that it is not just English Premier division . . . sick of that being the only league worth watching - just a pity the Spanish league is not featured but I think that is because of Sky commitments.

Work in Progress . . . .

1 week later

Had a Spring clean - way overdue - threw out futon bed - how relieving - to finally get shot of it - and now being able to move more freely in all sorts of areas. Whistler is very happy - he can get moving around a lot more now . . . . what a difference - ???

Well things are drawing to an end with my current position and a number of people will be affected - to cut a long story short - it looks as if the end of May will be the end of everything - well nearly everything . . . . so an evening is to be held at the Grosvenor Hilton - in the West End - a slap up meal and an open bar will be there to accompany an evening of prize giving . . . so yours truly is going to go the full hog and is considered getting himself kitted out for the evening (a black tie evening) so let us see where we end up . . . . lol - looks like Trish; Kirsteen & I will have to paint the town red . . . so to speak - should be fun.

Well been scanning the Internet and I have now booked for Amy MacDonald and Buddy Guy - both forthcoming events and Friday night went to see Unconquered - a very interesting play that was on at the Tron . . . . - I left work Friday - thought I'd rather come home first - well got as far as the back road to Milngavie and there was a sign in the road " Road Closed " - now I was in two minds anyway as I had the play to go to . . . but I thought - it's silly to stay in town - I could just as well go home first . . . but when I had a road closed sign - I thought - what the hell - who am I to argue with the forces of nature . . . . synchro-destiny as they say - anyway turned out that my usual parking garage (opposite Concert Hall & Cineworld) was also closed - so I was forced to use one further up Sauchiehall street - and then just as I was leaving the car park - who should I bump into but Sonia ??? Now that was fate for you - had circumstances not conspired I would never have bumped into her . . . . and then I went to Waterstone's and would I not bump into someone else . . . weird - don't you think??

I never mentioned Wednesday at work was a very difficult day - why? well things were very frustrating - things were not quite hanging together - then I received an email from a division that I work very closely with - and they were being very pedantic - in my opinion . . . . anyway to top it all I had had a phone call from my agency and I thought wow - they must have something for me (job wise) and it turned out that it was some misunderstanding about pay structures - so it was very dis-heartening - in fact I took it very much to heart and was upset about the whole thing until I decided - what the hell its only money and hell maybe I did mis-understand someone or maybe I just heard what I wanted to . . .when I did this and let go - how much lighter the whole thing became rather than arguing and insisting I was correct - I just said this is what I understood - maybe I got it wrong - who cares - water under the bridge - lets decide how we deal with it now??

Trish is away on 2 weeks holiday in Tunisia - received a text today - another scorcher she tells me . . . .

Went back to Bowling on the weekend took some more photo's of the canals and boats - not sure hat it is but I am fascinated by the water . . . . must be in my blood . . . ???? What a difference some sunlight can make. Even popped in at Magic cycles - a bicycle still very high on my wish list of wish lists . . . Bill from my Monday evening computer drop in swears by Magic Cycles and better still there is now a scheme whereby a company can get a tax break by sponsoring a staff member to cycle to work . . . I will need to investigate this.

I can't believe the football - I wanted Arsenal to beat Liver's in the second leg of the Champions League . . . they totally outplayed them but unfortunately no one to clinically finish-off for them??? An area Wenger needs to spend money . . .but to play so well but to not get a result - Wenger's pain is understandable . . . . And what a finish by Rangers against Sporting - what a finish . . . most of the game might not have been attractive to watch . . . but they are into the last 4 of the UEFA cup - so next round is Fiorentina - a very useful side - not an asy game - hope to get tickets after watching the Sporting game (home leg) at Ibrox . . . .

In a moment of madness I subscribed to Setanta Sports - all I know they have some games that Sky do not have - and tomorrow evening I'll be able to put my feet up and watch Rangers Celtic match - I think there is another game still outstanding after this game though . . . . so a must win for Celtic .... (It turned out to be a classic game - not necessarily the result I would have wanted - but thrilling!)

Tuesday - so it must be Dundee again - and yes that is where I spent the day again - visiting my current favourite coffee maker . . . lol - and guess what - I somehow did not get lost on the way home - so no I did not have drive through Dounne twice today . . . . lol - had a Training session again - was warned before the time - lots of difficult questions - Hey! I can only do what I can do - If I can't answer I can't answer - for whatever reason - I can surely find out for you though and if need be escalate problems to the next level and the powers that be can decide whether or not they have an issue. It was no problem in the end - chaos at times -but what else is new . . .

Came across thinking pictures some really stunning photo's - see what you think . . . .

Went to BCCC and for the first time managed to see how my tablet works - seeing as I only bought more than 4 months ago - interesting - would have to experiment more with it. Suggested we start a wii fitness club . . . lol - I am very interested in buying one now - I've even bought the Sega Superstars tennis game already - console to follow shortly . . . watch this space . . . lol

cya - A