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Monday, 02 November 2026

Up reasonably early to get to King’s Cross in plenty of time. Much cooler today. My train was leaving from P3 per RTT.  Ample time to get to Markies for snacks: sannies and Sauvblanc. The train arrived as spec, and I tried the coach C trick again. Sure enough, much better unreserved seats available. The guard got on and I told him I was not arriving, I was going to Edinburgh. “Not on this train” he replied. After a heart flutter, he said he was joking. Phew.

Some way into the journey I went for breakfast; coffee and a bacon roll.  I cracked my joke about the Canadiano, which neither of the staff had hear of.  I explained it and they were amused, but not so much as a young woman who came up behind me who was in fact from Ottowa! Canadian coincidence

There were train delays, and screaming children. Music time.

It was busy at York, where I started my lunchtime sannies and wine. The train ended up late but just inside 30 minute limit. Tram home, no booze.

GCH on!

Sunday, 1 November 2026

A late start on the 1st of November.

I got a bus to Soho for Sunday lunch at the Sussex. A big queue waiting to get into Ronnie Scott’s. Let the day unfold.

The lunch was great, perhaps too much in the way of vegetables, but still recommended.

Afterwards to the Harp for a pint of Hophead, followed by a visit to the Lamb and Flag for a pint of LP. There were lots of matelots around. I asked one what the occasion was, and he told me it was HM Submarines remembrance, which is a week before the main one. Respect.

 

After a couple there, I headed back to the hotel.

I enjoy travelling through London. The architecture, the mix of people (tourists and ethnics), it’s really world class.  However, dinner beckoned on the way: there was a Mexican place nearby, so I popped in there. Margaritas! A waiter was placing Mexican Sombreros on lights, doubtless replacing the witches hats from yesterday. Dinner was discombobulated with German and Mexican.

Hotel before 9, for not too early a start tomorrow.

Saturday, 31 October 2026

Up and showered and walked to Victoria to catch a train to Chatham (its final destination Dover). A very pleasant morning, and I was looking forward to the journey, albeit coffeeless.

The train, a Class 375, was very quiet. The landscape, sunlit, was green and pleasant, chalk outcrops,  many polytunnels and took around 45 minutes. Chatham is on the Medway, not the Thames.

There were bus stops outside the station, but when one arrived, Police became involved for some reason, so I caught another to the Dockyard museum.

 

First order of business was fish and chips. Not as good as Teuchter’s, but hey…

It’s surprisingly empty, mostly families. They take Hallowe’en more seriously down here, loads of costumes, themes etc. including adults.

After the food, I continued with my visit.  It’s a huge area (could considerably improve their signage) lots to do, but the ticket lasts for a year! I focused on the three naval ships, the RNLI display, but didn’t visit the rope works (you need to book).

I left around 2.

Returning on the train, there was an attractive view from South approaching Victoria, and leaving the train also, with young women dressed for Hallowe’en, scantily. I’m sure thongs aren’t traditional. I went back to the hotel to decide next steps, and charge my phone.

I decided to go initially to Leadenhall Market for old times sake. I took a bus. This took me close to the Palestinian protest. Lots of flashing blue lights from the servants of the Nazi Israeli government.

A pint of Youngs in the Lamb and a beer from Twickenham Naked Ladies. Craft Beer Clerkenwell was next, which was also fine.

There were major problems with the underground that Google had not kept up with so this gave me problems too. So it was a bit of a wander back to Victoria and hopefully a curry in Paradise. And I made it. (Andrew recommended another place. It was a bit out of the way, so Paradise it was.) Quite busy, around 35 covers. My first wine of the day. Poppadoms, Lamb Somosa, Methi Ghost, Tarka Dal and Pulao rice. Excellent pickles for the poppadom.

I got back to the hotel before 10.

Bloody awful result for Edinburgh.

Friday, 30 October 2026

Up early for my 08:00 train to KGX. It was a glorious morning, the emerging sun shedding burgeoning golden-orange light on the tram heading for the station.

As I was on the top escalator, an announcement came on telling everyone to leave the station due to a reported emergency! After about 5 minutes, the announcement ceased, and new arrivals went down, so I followed. The train was waiting. I gambled that I could get a better seat than my reserved on in coach C, and so it transpired.

Beside me however, a family with a baby and young child. Thank god for earbuds.

Fog on the Tyne. Well, the Aln, and from there down most of the East Coast until near London. Lots got on at Newcastle, including noisy children. Volume up, after my coffee and sandwich. A quiet York, and 2 hours ‘til KGX. We were five early at KGX throat, but the wait to clear platform made us four late.

 

I just made my way to the hotel. It’s quite small, as was the room, but perfectly comfortable, convenient, WI-FI and USB A & C, and with a much bigger TV Screen than one would expect.

An expedition to Victoria Station to revisit the JDW there was a disappointment. No Summer Lightning, and the fun beers (including Jaipur) were off. Three other bars visited on the way back to the hotel, with varying levels of disappointment.

The bar I’m meeting Andrew in later had better be good.

Many golden tributes to Patrick Stewart.

I’d arranged to meet Andrew J in Cask, a pub new to me round the corner from the hotel. It was much better! Andrew is always great company. Back to the hotel just after 10.

Thursday, 29 October 2026

I got a message from Rory 12/16  about Broadband.  Sure enough BT had put his address instead of mine on the order. For any favour.

I called BT, 1 hour delay, but in the event, it wasn’t that long. They said that the order number was for 12/6, but I don’t believe in coincidences.

 

To the Redmonds for dinner with Anne’s bestie Llinos.  There was no daughter due to her staying over in Glasgow!  An excellent duck dinner, with good chat and wine.  Late glass in the Shore before bed 23:00

Patrick Stewart has died at 86.  So sad.

Wednesday, 28 October 2026

I went for my eye screening test at the Leith Treatment centre today. It was done quickly and painlessly. In the next few weeks, an Echocardiogram and ultrasound. Finally getting more out than I pay in I guess, not that that is a boast; I wish it were otherwise.

A message from Fergie, including a reference to a BBC piece on alcohol deaths which was mostly about Clare and Paula.

To the Shore later to meet Bill and Lawrance.  Lawrance’s talk went well he said. Bill returned the Drabble book I’d lent him which he said he enjoyed immensely.  I lent him a Deighton.

The pub was busy and the guys had only the table between the loo and the fire to sit at. I ended up telling the women when the ladies was busy (why don’t they have an engaged sign on it?).  One woman went into the gents anyway! All good fun and blether

Home after 5, Redmonds tomorrow

I see I haven’t mentioned the budget. How times have changed.

Tuesday, 27 October 2026

Managed to get my Broadband supplier switched by speaking to a human. Slower speed but 50 MB is fine for me, and going to be much cheaper.

I’ve also booked a Sunday roast dinner; mmm.

Monday, 26 October 2026

That’s the storms over.  Until tomorrow. But still unpleasant.

I went to Alan J’s to sort out an email problem he had, and I even managed it. My sole venture forth today.

I see Walter Koenig has died at the age of 90.

Sunday, 25 October 2026

That’s the clocks back for winter. And it’s St Crispin’s day.

 

Winds are causing problems in EDI and GLA  per Flightradar, diversions, go-arounds and approach speeds of <100kts seem to be the order of the day. It was certainly breezy outside Sainsbury’s.

Later, to the Malt to arrange to meet with Justice to sort his email problem.  Earlier, I’d sorted mine. Ray Scott was on this side of the bar, in good form as was Justice. Ray has failed to get into the army. Alan and Jacqui are having yet another trip, this time to the Canaries next month.

It was very sunny, in contrast to the near gale.  Just a couple and a glass or two in the Shore before heading home to put the dinner on.  The Shore was very busy, Kenny was back on the double bass, not that I’m making a connection.

And the dark came, early. (Comma inserted for effect.)

Saturday, 24 October 2026

I’ve received an Ultrasound appointment received for a fortnight hence. My wax jacket has made its seasonal appearance to meet Paula et al in Ella’s, a Greek restaurant near the FOTW.

Al and Anne Byers were there, they stay at Western Harbour, Clare F arrived, and that was the 5 of us. It was a very good lunch, with plenty of wine.  Afterwards, my suggestion to take a 16 to Teuchter’s found favour.  The Kippaxes  were watching the Glasgow game (good result after early worries) and we secured a table in the snug.  Clare knocked over a full glass of red (not mine fortunately) glass shattering everywhere, with staff needing 2 goes to clear up.  Clare was mortified.

Wee Chris and Dylan came in and I had a blether with them, before a finisher in the Shore when the weather eased  and I cooked a slow dinner with no sign of Boelo or Austen.

Friday, 23 October 2026

Storm Austen hasn’t hit yet, it was dry early morning.  The rain started after 9.

Damn it, Hokusai is sold out for the days I’m there.  Raging. Piling Pelion on Ossa, Storm Boelo has been upgraded to Amber for Scotland. I had a chat with Fergie and reminded him of the dates of my visit.

In Teuchter’s later, it was just Bill and me. Bruce was being taken to the Sheep Heid, George confined by the weather and diabetes? Lawrance was giving a talk on his dad at Piershill Library.

Table 6 was occupied by a group of guys going mountaineering, first to Glencoe.  I went over to counsel them to confine their visit to the Clachaig, given the conditions.

Bill told me that Channel 5 has revived Play for Today

We just had a couple in Teuchter’s, before walking to the Shore, with the weather deteriorating. Danny was back, still no Michael. I went to Brown’s for a Banh Mi trial before 3, and it was very tasty. As to dinner….

Thursday, 22 October 2026

An appointment with a GP made. But first, Kathleen at Chez Bernard midday. A much better, sunnier day than yesterday : literally the calm before the storm(s). She was in good form, getting deafer, but her ankle has mended. We chatted and had a lunch of Croque Monsieur, coffee and a glass of wine before she got a 16 and I walked to the surgery.

In the interim, I was formatting a Word file and discovered that my “Bullets” had disappeared.  After much detective work and use of Copilot, it seems that the installation of Windows 26H2 had not migrated some font files.  I was able to copy them over from “Windows.Old”  So a wee tip for others upgrading to 26H2.

Wednesday, 21 October 2026

My phone appointment to my GP failed again as they are only taking emergency appointments. Surely in an emergency, one dials 999.

Bill and Lawrance later.

I want to go to London to see the Hokusai exhibition at the Dulwich, along with the Chatham dockyard.  The former finishes in January, the latter closes for the season soon until February.  A narrow window, 30-2nd, but I have done it.  I’ve needed to rearrange my Echocardiogram though. And I’m thinking of Egypt. Probably 2028 that though.

Plus which we’ve the first named storm of the season-Austen. OK for my shopping today though.

I met Bill and Lawrance as arranged in Chez Bernard, the usual good afternoon. Thankfully no Home and Away and little football talk.

He reminded us that he will be meeting Alistair Batchen in Teuchter’s later.  Raymond (co-owner with Gisela) was in good form. On the way home I made the mistake of a finisher in the Shore. Andy Chung came in. We had a good blether, I haven’t seen him for a while.

The fire was on in the Shore!

I still managed to go to Teuchter’s later to see the Batchens, Lawrance was leaving as I got in.  A good evening. I got home for 23:30 in the rain, an expensive and very boozy day. And I’ve Kathleen tomorrow.

A message from Julie, Rod Fitzroy has died.

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

It was a very dull morning.  I hope it’s not an omen for my appointment with my Liver consultant. Another appointment made, this time with Kathleen on Thursday.

I’ve also taken a look at my other flights before/after Seoul.  Looks like a 2-night stay in Helsinki as there are no direct flights that match outbound on the day.  Not a problem, I’ll use points to stay at the Radisson at the train station, also convenient for a beer bar I visited before.

Anyway, on to the RIE, via Morrison’s to drop off my linen jacket for its annual dry cleaning.

As well I checked the route from there to the hospital, as there were works and closures!

At the OPD, BP good, weight ok. For the main event, Dr Bird was running late, but only 20 minutes which is nothing. He was pleased with previous and current readings, so depending on the bloods today, may discharge me. He’s “quietly confident”, me not so much.

Whilst waiting for Dr B, there was a woman on an electric wheelchair that looked more like a Harley. Dick would have loved it I think.

Then homeward via the recycling centre. Not the best route per Google, but there it is, and in fact it was fine. Home for 17:00.

Good news in Canada, Alberta has voted to stay.

I have finished Margaret Drabble’s combination of memoir, essays and short stories, The Great Good Places, which I bought after seeing her at the Book Festival. Very enjoyable, and poignant too in places, as doubtless she meant it to be.

Sunday, 18 October 2026

I have booked my main flight tickets to Japan; that is Helsinki to Seoul. Cheaper than yesterday too. They too want to charge me lots extra to choose a seat, but with a 1-2-1 configuration, bugger that.

Also, my Broadband deal is coming to an end, and they are putting my price up from £35 to £53. That’ll be right!

It looks like another lovely day as well.

A message from Julie summoned me to the Malt where we were joined by Elaine, Jacqui and Neil the latter two just coming from Chez Bernard.

I was asked to join the Fortunae on  xmas eve at the Roseleaf.  Seems fine!

The three of us then popped into Chez Bernard, followed by the Shore, boozy. I was tempted with London, but resisted (I think).

Colder today.

Home for dinner, early night.

Saturday, 17 October 2026

I got my ‘flu vaccine today.  Arm a little sore but wtf.

My itchy feet got me looking at London. However, it was abortive due to rail closures when I had a window.  Japan trip looking tricky also for difficulty in using Avios for my planned dates and airlines.  However, I managed after a while to book flights.  I also had problems in paying for them.  I was going to be charged £16 for the privilege of using Amex, couldn’t get Halifax CC to do it, and ended up faffing about transferring funds to my BoS account. Then they wouldn’t pay it until I went through fraud routine. Probably because it’s really a placeholder spare account, not used to large transfers! After all that, the Finnair website wouldn’t process!

Paula is coming down next weekend and wanted a lunch meeting for 8.  I made a booking at Ella which the Redmonds were at for Mark’s birthday and were very pleased with.  However, I had to make a deposit, so went there and was blocked by a fuckwit cyclist swerving in front of me to speak to a chum.

 

After, I fancied a pint at Teuchter’s where I ran into the Hunts. As it was such a lovely day, I succumbed to temptation and had a couple in the Shore, before even worse, celebrating Glasgow’s victory on the balcony. Give it’s Mòd week, Gaelic music was the accompaniment.

Thursday, 15 October 2026

On a whim, I decided to take a trip to Glasgow to visit Vailinch. My train was remarkably busy.

 

My first visit to the State Bar, where all the beers were £5, including Jaipur and Green Devil. Wow.

Then to the Vailinch  which is a basement bar and is great. Spoke to Tom (owner) and he was very happy with how things are going.  He’s only been open a few weeks, and quite a few regulars from the Bon Accord have been along.  It was filling up as I left for a train at 17:30, with the intention of getting a pizza from Browns for dinner. At my seat I was joined by a family of two adult women, two pre-pubescescnt girls and a younger boy. I was listening to music so never figured out the relationships, not that I was interested. So for once I went all the way to Waverley and a relatively quiet 16 arrived immediately, in the dusk. All too convenient, I thought. But I was wrong.

The pizza was much bigger than I expected, and I couldn’t finish it.

I’m hoping that Scottish teams do well in the Europa tonight. Too much to hope for results like Liverpool last night. Bill of course was delighted and surprised.

But not with Celtic’s performance. Jambos not too bad.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

A successful shop.  Calum (Malt) looking grumpy in Aldi.

Bad news from back home, a boat lost off Ness, 3 missing presumed drowned.

Later, a blether with Bill and Lawrance in the Shore at 2 rather than 3.  Home and Away together with football is almost too much. Danny W is away on a cruise in the Med, so I couldn’t give the news about Rules, which he loves.

Old times and careers discussed more than usual. I had a finisher after Bill left, home for my fish pie before 17:30.

On my return, another medical appointment: this time for eye screening.

I’m getting itchy feet again, as the equinoctial gales arrive.

Sunday, 11 October 2026

Back in the old routine: Sainsbury, Malt and the Shore. The Church-Michaels and Ali in the Malt. Neil and Jacqui said how much they enjoyed yesterday afternoon. Neil then started an unfortunate convo on prostate exams being delivered at the bar. Anneliese (barmaid) remarked that it would be extra, especially for Justice who was the biggest arsehole at the bar. Cue hilarity. I’d forgotten that Alan’s pub in Turkey is going tits-up.

At the Shore, Kenny has been replaced on Double Bass this week.

I’d prepped and put on a bit of Brisket USA style. I think I get it better as I practice, but we’ll see. (Later, it was OK, perhaps over salted.)

Saturday, 10 October 2026

After the usual morning routine, I headed to the Malt to hand over the DFs to Justice, then to meet Julie in this new bar on George Street called the Lyon. It was sunny but cool, breezy and dry. I risked a jacket, but the cords have made their seasonal debut.

Jacqui R and  Neil were in, the Malt on the wing to Mother India. Jacqui is back at work but is not enthused with her team. No personality she avers. Neil seems to be doing well. I did my business with Alan, had a couple and grabbed a 16 up town. I was late, and Julie was early, on her 2^nd Margarita by the time I arrived.  It’s a very nice place, and already popular with a wide variety of people.

I joined Julie in a Margarita, having discovered that there wide selection of 18 beers were all well-known brands on keg.

They also do hose pies, and we allowed ourselves to be persuaded to try an nduja and lasagna one.  It was great, a Scotch pie shell, and we ended up getting another one for free due to a mix-up. After a second Margarita (3^rd Julie) we went on to wine; red for me, rosé for Julie.  We messaged the Church-Michaels who joined us for a very convivial few hours, including the pianist with lovely legs and a very short mini! Then we got a taxi down the road.  We ended up chez moi for fizz, and finishing that went over to the Shore.

I left first, for curry.

Friday, 09 October 2026

A quick shop as a reintroduction to Leith.

To Teuchter’s to meet they guys, whom today were Lawrence, Bill and Bruce, the latter two of whom had been up to meet Jim Woodhead up at Harvey Nics. I was late having been doing shopping and washing.  They guys were in good form. Bill told me that David Hamilton has died, his funeral was yesterday.

Afterwards Bill and I went for a glass at the Shore to see how things were doing.  The new menus is out.  It’s simpler, no Prawn Provençal, but the Onion Soup remains!  In fact, it is soup time, and I have a ham hock, so… But tonight it is Chilli.  A pleasant day.

The leaves are accelerating their fall.

Thursday, 08 October 2026

Abluted and packed before breakfast. My first  bacon of this trip.

I saw little of Brussels, but two things I remark on: the amount of roads up/infrastructure work around the area, and the amount of black people. A legacy of colonial history?

Anyway, the hotel is just across from the Channel Terminal, very handy. I crossed over after 10, and got through rapidly, the SoP working its magic again. Stopped off at the DF to get Justice’s GV, although I don’t think there’s much saving.

Sweating like a pig under the lights as we waited for the access gates to open, which they without inordinate delay. The carriages in Premier seem better and newer than the outbound ones. It’s not busy. The Charging power point is UK, the USB A/B. Possibly the best train seats I’ve had. We left a minute late, next stop Lille. Adieu Bruxelles.

A small child started squealing to my rear. Time for music before second breakfast, or brunch.

As it happened, it was too easy for a glass of red with the chicken dish.

Approaching the chunnel, we slowed to a stop, and after a few minutes we’re told there was a fire in it! We restarted, moving slowly, and picked up speed rapidly as we moved into and through the tunnel. Phew. Un autre vin rouge? Pourqui pas.

 

We emerged into sunny England delay estimate 21. Also two emails from Eurostar explaining and apologising for the delay. That’s good communication. Crossing under the Thames, in the distance on the left loom the skyscrapers of London.

On arrival I was inclined to go to the Parcel Yard, but eschewed that for the bar of the GNH which entrance was beside me. So instead of London Pride, a Pinot Noir. Don’t think I’ve been in this bar of the hotel before, others yes. Bloody expensive though, £15 including service charge!

 

Traksy tells me that my train leaves from P1, so I went over there and found a better seat unreserved before the formal platform announcement. And relax once more. I called Pamela S to see how Nerja was going. Swimmingly it appears. They have another week of relaxation and debauchery.

My train left on time

Strange; it feels like the LNER train is travelling faster than the Eurostar, even you it’s not. Perhaps the ride is rougher.

At any rate, I changed my wine to white, and from Emelie Sandé to Eva Cassidy.

For my third meal of the day, I had a ham and cheese sandwich, and more wine. Oh, and a Satsuma for health reasons.

 

Continuing to listen to music I have discovered Hedwig West (500 Miles). Shocked her name has been unfamiliar to me until now. The Flying Scotsman spotted outside the NRM York:  gorgeous.

The problem with listening to all my favourite female singers is that I become melancholic. Wine assists.

We were 17 minutes late into Waverley, out into the cold, wet, darkening city to grab a tram. Warmer clothing was much in evidence .  Home after 6, Chinese ordered. The house seemed quite warm, especially after being out in the rain.

After my carryout, an early night.

 Wednesday, 07 October 2026

Hmm. At 7:45, we are still in Germany. The reason for the delay was given by the attendant. There were broken carriages which needed shunting twice. Our ETA Brussels 12:30-1, 2+ hours late. My additional overnighter was justified then.

At least towels were provided for the sink. Breakfast arrived.

Then before we were to get into Antwerp, our penultimate stop, someone pulled the communication  cord on the train in front, thus delaying us further. We arrived at 13:45, 3 1/4 hours late. I was very glad the hotel was at the station, and I was quickly able to make use of the facilities in my very nice room. And relax.

Out later, it was very warm, and rain is promised. I need food though and reviews indicated

La Laboureur did good steaks.  I went there, only to find out it was halal, therefore no booze. Oh well. The ribs were great though.

It’s going to be a lot cooler in Leith tomorrow. It was hot and humid when I walked back to the hotel. Wine time.

It would be interesting to spend a few days here to get a sense of how the EU Capital operates, socially, I mean. I’d guess this hotel has a lot of officials staying on business.

Fewer steps today but still more than usual. Bed before 10. I’m a bit weary. 

Tuesday, 06 October 2026

An early breakfast (I was a solitary diner) before walking to the station to begin the first leg of the journey home. It’s been a blast Poland. The knees will be glad of a rest though.

Gdansk Glowna is a busy station, even this early.

My train to Berlin originated at Gdynia (it’s named the Gedania), and started 3 minutes late. It’s the same as the previous one, loco-hauled with compartments in 1st class.

In the Tricity area, there’s quite a lot of rail traffic, especially freight, given the importance of Gdynia for goods transhipment. Marshalling yards, full of TEUs, wagons, locos old and new. Few diesels, mostly electric. Plenty of suburban stations too.

 

Autumn advances, with the trees really starting to change colour. It was cloudy, as daylight increased as we sped south before making the rightward turn to Germany. On the horizon, an orange band suggested sunlight. And so it transpired, the low sun casting shadows of the carriages on the flat land. Forecast for Berlin; warm and sunny. Opposite me, the other occupant of my compartment, was busy hammering away on her laptop.

Much of the land is under cultivation, although the GDP % contribution is small, and the average farm size a bit less than we would think of as a smallholding.

At Bydgoszcz, we were joined by another woman, and at Inowroclaw (which I call Ironclaw) we turned westward toward Germany, next stop before Posnan (Posen), Gniezno. I’d expect some changes at Poznan. We crossed the Warta and my rather attractive vis-a-vis left there.

We crossed the Oder, back into Germany. A lot of rail work being done around the Müggelspree. The train ended up a few minutes early.

First port of call was the Castle, unsurprisingly. I need to eat later, before I get on the sleeper. And I took the opportunity to recharge my phone

Hackethal’s is closed due to illness. So the Gaffel’s Schweinsaxe it was then!

It became busy. Had to be out of the kissing seat by 6:30.

Stuffed.

I got an Sbahn back to Gesundbrunnen. I’ve had reasonable value for travel on Berlin today. I hope all goes well with the sleeper. I went for wine to a bar close to the station. A bit of a dive. It reminded me of the Port. It has a smoking room, and Tull playing! I suspect Alan would love this place. The barmaid reminded me of Annie a’ pholaisman (IYKYK). And the customers are suited to the place. Rotwein wasn’t too savage. A few hours to go, how will I last?? And shall I remember to pick up my kit?

I’ve still done far more steps than I wanted to.

The latest station board info suggests a delay of 1:15!! Bad.

A long evening, sipping… I left the bar about 22:15, picked up my luggage, and the delay is only an hour. Joy! At 22:30, I just want to crash. It’s depressing seeing people waiting for a late train, late at night. We all look tired and sad, and old. A chap, Simon, sat beside me and chatted for a bit.

The board showed a 90 minute delay, then 234. Fucking outrageous

Eventually we boarded 0200. The toilets not working.  On the plus side, I was the sole occupant.

Monday, 05 October 2026

My last full day in Poland. Off to Gdynia, birthplace of Klaus Kinski. (Incidentally, I didn’t see anything about Lech Walesa around.)

My Sleeper time has been changed again this time brought forward.

From the station, I had my first Trolleybus. Many crips like myself on board.

Cloudy today.  The museum dock area was fascinating, the star for me being the destroyer, ORP Błyskawica, a great performer during WW2, and built in Cowes. She is twinned with the only remaining Tribal class, HMCS Haida, in Hamilton Ontario. Also there, 2 full-rigged ships. Again much good use of the seafront for attractive apartment buildings and shops.  After my tour, it was going to be a trek to my selected bar, and I was already feeling the pain, so I got an Uber to the Ale Browar, and was very pleased with both outcomes.

 

They do flights of 5, one of my selections was a 9.3  DDH IPA Simcoe Mosaic. Thankfully, only 150 ml! I added another word to my small store of Polish; deska is the word for flight (as in beer).

The town seems pleasant and modern in a good way. Nothing jarring, and comfortable in its own skin.

I decided to omit stopping off at Sopot, and just got a train back to Gdansk. Wider loading gauge makes for more comfort. How little one knows as one travels. Polish trains, love ‘em.

 

Back at Gdansk Glowna, I changed my remaining Zloty for €uro, and strolled to the nearby Craft Beer Hotel.  It’s a bit like a bierhalle, with appropriate beers and food too. More Danzig than Gdansk. I succumbed to temptation and had Porchetta, even though it was too early for dinner.

Three types of people I hate: “influencers”, Nazis, and those who put peashoots on my food. Having said that, the porchetta was great.

 

I hirpled back to the hotel before 6. Many more steps than I intended. But a fine day on which to finish Poland, and much more enjoyable than Cracow.

 

I chilled in my room for a while then went down for my free glass of wine, which I enjoyed so much I had another. Then I packed, and changed my train times for Thursday back to earlier ones. I’ll get home 4 hours earlier. All I have to worry about is waking up early enough tomorrow (as I usually don’t sleep much on these occasions, shouldn’t be a problem).

Sunday, 04 October 2026

A late breakfast, before heading for my booked boat tour. An easy stroll down to the Martwa Wisla, the western branch of the Vistula. Martwa means dead, as it was cut off from the sea for some time. The area was a bit primitive and run down.

 

Our guide Raymond mentioned WW2 a lot, I wonder if the Germans on the trip were discomfited, a la Fawlty Towers. Interestingly, most of the building damage was caused by Allied bombers, the human damage being caused by mass rapes by the Soviets.

 

Anyway, a very enjoyable trip. In fact we went up the Motława, a tributary, passing by the outlet of the Rudinia canal, and not down the river. We passes Ołowianka and Granary Island, rounding the latter and heading back down river. Up from the industrial docks, the urban space has been well used, with many good-looking apartment blocks blending in well with the cityscape. Quayside businesses and people thronged as we proceeded on our way. Lovely, really, and a lesson to Edinburgh.

 

We had the opportunity to get off at a stop near the centre which I and most others took. It was beer time. Plus I had the bonus of a stroll along the quayside which was just great. My destination was Labeerynt again, where I had the other 2 beers on my list from yesterday. The attractive young barmaid presented me with the beermat I’d left.

 

After that I walked to Uwaga Piwo. This is a bar beside St Mary’s cathedral, apparently the biggest brick build if its type in Europe. It looked fine, but the beer took precedence. A good bar, and I sat outside to people watch with a Deska (flight) of 3.

 

Then a walk back to the hotel. I intend to eat across the road tonight, and have the beef tomorrow after a trip to Gdynia. We’ll see. Knees are sore even if a lot fewer steps than yesterday. A rest needed!

 

Yet again there was a queue at Swojski Smak, however,  there was quite a bit of churn and I soon got a table. It’s obviously very popular. Today’s special is leg of lamb, so hello! To start, pickled herring, and 50 cl of Sangiovese. It was an enjoyable meal, but they played the old curry trick, the lamb was beef. Early night. 

Saturday, 03 October 2026

To Gdansk today for the next 3 nights. An earlier breakfast in a throng of weekenders meant I didn’t bother queuing for my caffeine fix. Oh well. Another lovely day and farewell to lovely Warsaw.

 

Platforms here are numbered as 1, with 2 tracks one each side.  So I am on P2, with tracks 1and 3. You need to keep a eye out!

The train, originating from Rzeszwow, was on time. It was a Pendino, and the 1st class seats are more comfortable than ours. It’s a 2.5 hour journey, with an at-seat menu for snacks, as well as a restaurant car. It’s also busy.

It was a good journey, crossing the Vistula occasionally. It became cloudy, but dry, and we arrived in Gdansk on time. The train terminates in Gdynia.

I was too early to get my room, so just left my case at the hotel and walked along to pre-identified bars. The nearest, Café Lamus, does do cakes as well as ale (apologies to W S Maugham) and is across from the Targowa Hall which is a food and beverage market, one which I shall undoubtedly visit, but not yet. The next one was Labeerynt. A very nice basement bar, with a good choice. And with Stairway to Heaven playing in the background, heaven.

I decided to head back to the hotel to complete the paperwork, but I popped into the Targowa hall, and was pleased I did. It’s great inside, full of popups. I’ll probably eat at some of them tomorrow.

I fancy a curry though, and it is Saturday… In the event I tried to book a curry restaurant, then a steakhouse, both to no avail, and the rather interesting Polish bistro across the road had a queue, so I walked back to the Hall and had a curry there. It was cheap and plentiful, so 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. I had a lager along with it, and walked back. My knees are feeling the stress.

A boat trip tomorrow. And maybe a steak.

Friday, 02 October 2026

My first cultural visit, the Warsaw Uprising Museum. I was confusing the event with the separate Jewish Uprising the year before.

It was very interesting.  They have a full mock-up of an RAF B24 bomber that was used to drop supplies for the insurgents.  Interestingly, they have quite a bit of how fashion changed during this period and how and from what the clothes were made.

A lot of young people waiting to get in, I think they were school outings.

I decided to give the Jewish cemetery a miss.  For one thing one has to wear a cap. A monumental undertaking.

Instead, I travelled to the Multimedia fountain park by the mighty Vistula (Wisla).  During daytime it’s very attractive, but it’s at night it really shines.

On to Chopin’s area with Chopin’s Bench which I mistook for another close by.

Beer time then, and Jabeerwocky was the best bar so far. No horribly strong beers, even the DDH was only 5%, the strongest was 7%. I got a flight of 4. My favourite was a Nelson Sauvin Riwaka which was surprisingly bitter. Their pizzas look good, but more bars to go!

 

Kafe (the next on the list) was closed, so I went to  Beer and Bones which was in the process of opening so I had to sit outside with my selection of 16 17 19. And that was enough for me, plus my phone battery was depleted. So I went back to the hotel to recharge that and self. Down to 10% on arrival, my knees no better. The weather continues to be Tshirt.

 

Next decision, what to do for dinner.

Tonight’s dinner was across the road at Primitivo. I was tempted to go for a big beef thing, but wasn’t that hungry so had a Pinsa piccante, which is a first for me. It’s a pretty big restaurant, 100 covers at least.

I enjoyed it, had my complimentary drink in the hotel bar and was in my bed at the back of nine for an earlier start tomorrow. My knees however are hot and heavy.

Warsaw is a great city. Transport Infrastructure also. Plenty of trams and buses taken.

 

Gdańsk /Tricity tomorrow.

 

Thursday, 01 October 2026

And it’s October.

A good night’s sleep, and I had forgotten my toothbrush (reception provided).

Breakfast is on the 7th floor with a wide outlook, so I got my first glimpse of Warsaw from a decent perspective. A mixture of soviet-style high flats and modern office blocks was the initial judgement. Also a lot of works at street level.

Breakfast was the standard fare.

The first order of business was to make a route plan from the things I had selected to visit. Oh, and pubs later, they seem to open at 2 at the earliest. Given there’s free travel (other than heavy rail) things should be easy.

 

On  a lovely day, I got a tram to Stare Miasto (Old Town Square). It’s amazingly well reconstructed given the Germans demolished it after the Uprising.

A visit to Same Krafty beckoned to refresh myself. I hadn’t brought my Pole today (pun intended) .

Amber is a big thing here, as are cakes and pasty shops. Women tend to high cheekbones and full-breastedness. Men, stockier, and slavic faces. Funny that, I always thought they were more attenuated.

I returned to the hotel for a rest before exploring  more craft beer venues, with a Pole. No lunch. In the event, I was a bit tired and stayed in until dinner.

 

Munja is an Adriatic restaurant adjacent to my hotel. It has an open kitchen. Very nice, with great food and generous helpings. After, an early night. Tomorrow has been planned.

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Not much sleep overnight. The train was 30 late in getting to Hamburg where my roommate got off. I hope it doesn’t lose any more time.

Later, a continental breakfast was delivered and went down well. Looks like nice weather outside. Although it didn’t seem we were travelling quickly, we made up time, in the event 20 late.

We circled round the country north of the city, flat farmland and woodland, before heading SE to the station. Just over an hour before the train to Warsaw.

 

The train pulled in, and out on time, and I was in a compartment, on my own, until Lichtenberg where quite a few people got on, but only one chap in my estate. Just one more stop in Germany, Frankfurt an der Oder.

 

As we left the city, we picked up speed, and were soon bowling along. At Frankfurt, my companion and others got off, but I didn’t espy anyone embarking.

 

After crossing the Oder into Poland, I went to the restaurant car where I had an excellent pork escalope and a much-needed beer, the first of this trip. On my return to the compartment, my previous chum had returned, and had been joined by 2 others. Still 3 hours nearly to Warsaw.

 

At Poznan, quite a few people got on to add to the throng. Another 2 stops before Warsaw with people wandering up and down the corridors like lost souls.

Time for some music.

 

We arrived a few minutes early, and I decided to walk the 15 minutes to the hotel. The centre has very wide streets and lots of traffic. Quite impressive on initial glance. Very modern downtown really. I had an easy checkin and am on the 12^th(top) floor. However, it’s not an inspiring view. First order of business, recycle the beer, then recharge the electrics. I’d visited an ATM on the way, and by using my Starling card and not using the machine’s conversion rate I saved quite a bit.

In before 6, so I need to decide what and where I’m going to eat and drink.

 

I went out to a beer and food place called the Exchange. Basic but good, no messing about. I also discover that if you’re > 70, public buses and metro is free!

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

An early start, and no warning emails about trains 🙏 My first train of 3 today leaves from platform 5.

 

Taking the tram up, the sun was out and a harvest moon in the sky. It was chilly and the leaves are changing colour. I boarded the train, and settled in. First class was not too busy, it was cloudy most of the way in England. Arriving at KGX however, sunny and hot, 5 minutes late. Strolled across the road and up to Searcy’s for the inevitable house fizz. So far, so good. Fergie and Pamela are packing for their departure tomorrow.

 

Getting through the passport control was a breeze, with the SoP working its magic again. Hower the departure area was stowed, not a seat to be had. As usual. We boarded and I got settled for the next leg. Opposite me was a man about twice my size. He overflowed the seat. Across the aisle, two attractive young women, a much nicer sight.

We arrived about 15 late, and my overnight sleeper is currently 20 late from Paris.

 

I went into the bar of the hotel I am staying in next week to assess it. Very nice. However, I discovered I’d made another mistake in my booking, it was a day early. So I swopped it. Then I had to change my train connections by a day. Dementia is taking over.

And as for the football…

 

At least the train left on time. I shared the compartment with a chap from Amsterdam who was going to Hamburg. No towels, the attendant said they hadn’t been loaded.

Monday, 28 September 2026

I checked my trip tomorrow.  I discovered that my sleeper to Berlin actually is diverted to the station my Warsaw train departs from, so that’s a wee bonus.

Packing done, apart from toilet bag, so I’m about ready.

I met Bill for a farewell drink at Chez Bernard. They had a great time in Ireland.

Home for a light dinner.

Peter May has died at 74. I loved his Lewis books.

Sunday, 27 September 2026

A small and swift Sainsbury stop.

It seems incredible to me that the Orange Order is being allowed to parade down the Garvaghy Rd. Mayhem is guaranteed, with testosterone – fuelled young men on each side being violent.

Later the rain started on and off. I booked an interrail pass for our putative trip to the Basque next year. Thus fulfilled, I popped over to the Shore for a wine. Ian the moustache, whom Annie loves, was in company with Stevie M. An enjoyable hour or so.

Chicken with pasta tonight. Packing tomorrow. A bit pished.

Saturday, 26 September 2026

I went over to Teuchter’s to see if anyone was in for the game.  No, but it was v busy with no seats available on the bridge. So after a couple, I popped over to the Malt and Hops where I has some Jaipur. Neil  was in, for the 1^st time since his op, along withNMJ.  Quite busy with people watching the football. Alan got hammered on his birthday yesterday. Neil said it’s the worst he’d seen him (they saw him in the Carriers, drinking whisky, of which he has no memory. A nice day. No finisher! Later though…(in the event, no!)

Our women’s team lost to Australia. Boo.

Friday, 25 September 2026

I’ve paid all my outstanding card bills, transferred money for my Polish trip, and booked my trains for the Aberdeen CAMRA anniversary in December.  Also called Annie to confirm bookings for the Basque trip next April.  A productive, if expensive, morning.

I had to wait for a delivery due before 1 which arrived just before 3.

As a result, no Teuchter’s (but I would have been solo) so later on I went over to the Shore for 3 glasses. Iain Macniven was in for his Friday supper.

Homeward for dinner.

Thursday, 24 September 2026

EasyJet are doing a EDI HAM  new route next year.  Possibilities…

I went out to do a bit of shopping, mostly fruitless, and go for a haircut.  I was too early for my appointment so popped into Wilkies for a 1/2 Alex came over; I hardly recognised him.  He’s  not healthy, and has put on a lot of weight. Lost a lot of hair too!  He was cheery enough though, it’s been an age since I saw him.  His sister has moved back home.  Well, SY, not Carloway.

Haircut done.

Fergie called, they are off on Wednesday. He told me Hibs have a new manager.

Off later to the Diggers for pre curry drinks. The Curryhouse had a no booze policy! It was also a bit chaotic. We were the only “white ” people in restaurant. One woman was wearing a Burka too.

They mixed up our order, Ian didn’t get what he’d asked for.  OTOH, they didn’t charge for what they brought instead, and the bill for the 4 of us was only £55!

Afterwards, I went to Ryrie’s with Willie for one.

Wednesday, 23 September 2026

The Wednesday shop nearly ended badly.  As I was backing out of Welch’s, this ebiker came behind me from the wrong side of the road.  Arsehole. The Newhaven restaurant had a lot of breakfasters in unusually.

Tapa is closing down. A sad loss.

Mairi PV died, aged 100 on my 72nd birthday, per Karen. She was my  1st cousin once removed. Karen is planning on going to Japan around the same time as me next year.

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

I’ve finished the Margaret Drabble novel Bill lent me; The Radiant Way. I enjoyed it and am about to start on her collection of essays which she brought out at the EBF. I’ve also just discovered that she wrote a sequel to TRW, which I may buy as an ebook.

The autumnal equinox has gone; we plunge towards the winter solstice.

Monday, 21 September 2026

Cooler today. The Redmonds are on their way, after their redeye start.

EDI has, announce a £500 million expansion plan. They have been building the SE pier extension since last year however!  It’s due into service in 2027. Not before time, but no rapid-exit taxiways included.

Sunday, 20 September 2026

Bright, sunny but cool and gusty; autumnal, as I did my shopping.

Later, over to the Malt to meet Jacqui and Justice, who had returned from Turkey and was in good form. Geoff lost in Boston? Jacqui not too happy at work, Neil however is OK.

Huns won.

Back to the Shore which was v busy. Danny and Eleanor H were in for lunch. They are off to Loch Fyne in a couple of days. I met Bill pre their trip to Ireland tomorrow. I incorrectly told him Liverpool had lost in addition to Celtic’s woes.

Julie has her iv tomorrow.

Saturday, 19 September 2026

Over to Teuchter’s on a gusty but dry day (so far) to meet Ron B and Bill. Table 6 was free. Ron was late as the bus driver lost his way! Good catch-up with RB. I was home for 3, and did not go to the intended CAMRA meeting in Diggers Leith.

I watched the England v Canada game. The English women were much more fun to watch than the men. Canada earned a draw, as did the Dons.

And Labour have elected another no-hoper as leader of their Scottish branch, Marra.

Friday, 18 September 2026

At Teuchter’s today, we were joined by Bruce but no George who is waiting for a mobility scooter, and Lawrance has guests. The first visit from Bruce for a while.  Joan is not improving much, and Bruce is down about it, understandably.

Bill and I had a wine in the Shoe afterwards.  He is coming to Teuchter’s tomorrow, when I meet up with Ron B, down for the Hibs game.

Thursday, 17 September 2026

The world’s best pizza restaurant been announced today as a London one.

 

Carneys speech in reply to von der Leyen’s is today.  Should be interesting.

It was.  He suggests that Canada may have freedom of movement, Erasmus,  all things that England dragged us out of. A deserved standing ovation at the end.  A moment in time that offers hope.

 

Over to the Malt to meet Alisdair Curtis. I was first in, followed by Julie. Lawrence caved. Alisdair was down to watch Pressure. He arrived and was looking good; much better mentally then when I saw hin last, although he still struggles somewhat for words. His mum is fine-she’s 84. He had a great time. His pal Richard drove him down. He was a pal in uni. Julie found a greyhound to clap who was with a couple of guys next table who stay in the same block as the Redmonds.

Home after 6!

 

Wednesday, 16 September 2026

I eschewed shopping today.

I took another look at Business Class flights to Japan.  It’s looking like I will get more for my Airmiles by travelling Finnair from Helsinki, than Qatar. Not long until Poland, now.

So DJT’s latest “success” is to align the EU & Canada more closely. Good for both, I’d say. Unlike Brexit.

I bought paint for the hall.

 

Bonnie Greer has died, a great public intellectual, also engaging.

Off to Mathers BS to meet the Aitkens prior to eating at L’Escargot Bleu.  A great night out as always. We had a ficsher across the road in Nectar where I encountered my GP one evening.

I got a tram home after 11. Weary.

Monday, 14 September 2026

Julie took me to the Omni to see Pressure.

We met at the Slug & Lettuce. She has a job interview Monday (2nd job) at Holiday Inn zoo. It’s stewarding at Murrayfield etc. She’d be good at that.

They’re not having a xmas dinner this year. Maybe going to the Shore. They’re havibg a Dolly Parton party on 25th with Massie. She’s bought a stetson! And has got involved with saving the church at the end of Easter Rd.

It was a brilliant film, Scott being excellent as Stagg (who is related to the eponymous pub).

After to  Chez Bernard for food and wine. Very nice.

Tom G was at Vailinch. Rain on departure, bed at 9.

Sunday, 13 September 2026

Fergie is coming down for the Japan game in November.

I went over to the Shore later. I sat beside an older chap, Liam. He said he was 95 but didn’t look it. He was going to Whighams afterwards, a place I haven’t been to for some time.

Bill won’t be happy with the game result, Danny will. A pleasant day. Slow-cooked Lamb shoulder, bone in for dinner. Pretty good.

The tripods are on their way up North. 16 in dock.

Saturday, 12 September 2026

The Pie Dolly was presen today; hooray. There were lights on in Roadies, perhaps it will reopen soon.

I went up to the new Asian food shop and bought some supplies.

I cooked the curries, and headed to the Shore for a restorative wine. Back home to take a look at Scotland Women play Canada. Women against girls. But at least they got a bonus point.

Friday, 11 September 2026

A solo effort at Teuchter’s.  I was joined by Michael who bought me a beer. He was going to lunch at Chez Bernard!

I popped into the Malt and Hops after, no Justice, but Jacqui who is I think, finding HMRC very different. I popped into Brown’s to try a pizza. It was excellent.

Thursday, 10 September 2026

I picked up my new glasses, which I’m happy with and also went for my Smartphone camera class. It started to rain as I went for the tram.

The class was just 2 of us and the tutor.  Despite the weather, which eventually eased, I learned a lot. We started at the Scott monument, and went through the gardens, experimenting with shots. Photographic techniques and things about the apps I didn’t know, and also editing over coffee. The latter of limited use as the app was new to me and I do most if any editing on my PC with other tools. Also clip lenses. Still it (Smartseed) is very powerful.

The other pupil, Jim, was more advanced than me and also had an iPhone.

Overall, very useful and the tutor, Chris, was a good chap. We overran, and I got home before 17:30. Plenty of steps in my count today.

Wednesday, 09 September 2026

A message from Terry Lock, Frances has died.

Annie left after lunch.

After, to Chez Bernard where Lawrance, Bill and I sat inside. It’s the Redmonds wedding anniversary Friday.

Tuesday, 08 September 2026

Three weeks to Poland.

Today was the official “opening” of Dick’s Bench.  We walked over to Linda’s, meeting the Redmonds on the bridge.

There was a goodly gathering there, around 40 people.  Linda had provided fizz and nibbles. A piper let us back over the bridge to the bench.  Richard (Henderson) acted as MC and did a great job.  Speeches from Linda, Dick’s sister Anna, and a couple from the FPA.

Then over to Teuchter’s where there was stovies and a free bar!

Monday, 07 September 2026

Liz would have been 72 today.

Annie arrived later in the afternoon. I took her to Divino Enoteca where she kept on dropping or knocking her cutlery. A great night out, she thoroughly enjoyed it. Home before 22:30, stuffed.

We discussed a possible Basque trip.

Sunday, 06 September 2026

I was quite busy until 4, with shopping, cooking and ironing. I tried a new method of making mash, which worked quite well, I think. I felt I’d earned a wine in the Shore. It was warm so I sat outside. It’s the warmest day for a couple of weeks.

Annie arrives tomorrow. A call from Ron B, he’s coming down next Saturday for the Hibs game, so we’ll meet in Teuchter’s. Looking forward to seeing him.

Saturday, 05 September 2026

No Pie Dolly, no party. And no rugby.

Friday, 04 September 2026

At Teuchter’s we were joined by George, but not Bruce.

Bill and I finished in the Shore.

Wednesday, 02 September 2026

At Aldi, I encountered the Redmonds.  Tony’s back is a little better.

Later, Bill rescheduled the Shore to 2pm, where Lawrance joined us. Bill is out tonight. An eclectic number of customers came through as we (unusually) sat at our table. Mostly US I think. After all these had left, an English chap who’d been there throughout tried to engage with us in a hamfisted way. He said he was often mistaken for Rodney Trotter, and tbf, he did look a bit like him. I for one spurned his advances, feeling he was a PITA. Keith agreed. Bill cut him some slack suggesting he was perhaps lonely. I refrained from saying that that is what I said about Michael, but come Friday I might well! Light rain on departure, home after 4.

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

Welcome to autumn. My BF books were delivered.

 

Heather Gowers’s funeral is on Friday in Forres, she was 78. Fergie called, he’s not looking forward to the Celtic game tomorrow.

I started reading Angus Campbell’s book.  He reminds me of Robin Jenkins.

Monday, 31 August 2026

The last day of August; autumn starts tomorrow!

Sigur Ros with the SCO at the Playhouse. My first tram since the fire. I had my first glimpse of the Knife Angel. I’m impressed. There was a small group around it taking it in. I’ll get a closer look later in the week.

The wine is expensive in the Playhouse and the Stalls bar was late in opening. Lighting and orchestration excellent but it wasn’t really my thing. I left at the interval.

Sunday, 30 August 2026

Yellow thunderstorm warning, as I headed for my shop. I didn’t go to the Malt, instead later on I had some wine in the Shore. No thunderstorm.

Saturday, 29 August 2026

A late start due to last night, no breakfast required. Off up town on 16 to meet the Gibsons. Well seen the trams are back, the 16 was much less busy. First a beer in Cloisters before heading to the Traverse.

Good to see Isla, Clare et al. They went for curry, mine was at home.

Fascinating rugby score in Cape Town.  And as for the flypast!!!

Friday, 28 August 2026

Some welcome rain to wash the streets.

I continue using AI to plan my trip to Japan. I must say I’m quite impressed initially with what its come up with.

To Teuchter’s with just Bill and Lawrance; Bruce can’t really leave Joan.  We didn’t have too much given dinner later.

The Redmonds did a very nice dinner (fish, on Friday 😁). Pat and Tony were very interesting, but Tony’s back was knackered.

Home before 11.

Thursday, 27 August 2026

Off to Specsavers for an appointment which ended up with new glasses. My cataracts are getting worse, but not bad enough yet. Otherwise OK. £340 later…

Princes St is reopening on Saturday: hurray!

I have ordered my books from the Book Festival.

Big shame for Hibs in Europe.

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Shopping, followed by meeting Bill to go up to the Assembly Roxy to watch Krapp’s Last Tape. First, a beer in the Brass Monkey.  The play was interesting and enigmatic.  Thence, down to Chez Bernard, 2 bottles outside, Keith appeared and chastised us saying he would report us to Danny! Bill’s friends and neighbours, Tony and Pat also stopped.  I am joining them for dinner on Friday. After, I popped into Shore and got pelters.  No Michael, no drink, home 17:15.

Good result for Annie’s ears. Terrible news about  Nepal floods.

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Another decent day for my first time at Venue B for Aonghais Caimbeul. He was very good, with Joyce Macmillan. I bought the book, and corrected him that I was a  Rudhach not a Leodhasach.  He was much amused. The usual beer in the Bells.

At home, I watched Tim Dunn’s program on Railway Architecture.  Very good.  I don’t remember which of my friends recommended him.

Dolly Parton has died at 80. Many people saying the wrong 80-year old went.  I can but agree.

Monday, 24 August 2026

Ben Mcpherson has resigned! I read this whilst having pre book festival lunch in Khushi’s, which was great.

I’ve decided not to go to Germany in December.

Not the most enthralling event. Post event pint.

Sunday, 23 August 2026

After a leisurely breakfast, Fergie and I got on the 16 to the Guildford. His train was 40 late.  Bill just arrived shortly after, but no one else.

Fergie got off OK, but the train was eventually 50 late.  He’d have got money back though.

My Police visit went off fine.

I got a call from Liz C: Andy Goodbrand has died. She was out with Bettine M.

Saturday, 22 August 2026

I suggested a walk to Fergie, and he was keen.  We got the 16 along to Marine Drive, and walked down and along the shoreline as far as the Pitt. It’s not a walk I’ve ever done and it was very nice. We had a coffee there, and walked back to Granton Sq, where the scenery was nowhere near as nice. We stopped off at Teuchter’s where we joined Danny H, later Eleanor, and Michael spotted sitting outside.

Dinner, film and music before a late night.

Friday, 21 August 2026

Looks like a reasonable day.  The Police made an appointment with me for Sunday.

To Teuchter’s, where we were joined not only my Pete McDermott, but George Craig.  Great to see them both. Michael was in my seat when I arrived but left. No Bruce. A very enjoyable afternoon.  George got buses down and up.  Hopefully he will make it more often.

We stopped in the Shore, and were joined by Anne. Lovely.

We went home to change for Dinner back to the Shore. No black tie though… There was an obviously Aberdonian quartet next to us. Dinner was great, and we got the wine Gratis. Stuffed.

Thursday, 20 August 2026

A better day at present.

Up with Bill to BF to see Margaret Drabble whom we agreed was excellent. After, Bill’s first visit to Sandy Bell’s where 1 pint turned into 2.5, before getting the bus to meet Fergie in the Malt. I was full so after 1 pint, we went to Chez Bernard where Bill bought a bottle. Most enjoyable, but I didn’t go to my next event. The rain went away leaving a pleasant evening. I showed Fergie Brown’s. John D sunning himself outside the Shore.

After dinner, we watched The Great Escaper, which is a great film, followed by Rogue Heros, neither of which Fergie had seen.

Wednesday, 19 August 2026

I went up to Crombie’s to see if they had any Salar salmon.  No. A lunatic lorry driver swerved in front of me from the left, hitting my wing mirror as I was preparing to turn right. I finished the rest of my shopping.  Fish pie tonight, the first time for a while.  Returning home, I reported the lorry driver to the Police (my Dashcam was clear).

I did some more reading up on Japan. AI is so useful.

Later, to the Shore, rain earlier.  Michael was in, Bill unhappy!

A couple of bottles, Michael left , Bill happier! Danny well impressed with Rachel!

Kyle finished and joined me.  He and his bird (Italian) are going to Sardinia next month, sounds great.

Rain on at time of departure.

Dick’s bench has been installed but not officially launched.

A Northerly breeze is cooling the bedroom down.

Fergie arrives tomorrow. He has decided to go first to the flat.

Tuesday, 18 August 2026

I slept OK with no asthma problems.

I got up to find there had been a smash on the M8 and there was an hour+ delay.  After a leisurely coffee though, it had cleared and not too bad.  I reasoned that it would be OK by the time I arrived at the site and so it proved.  Home before 11.  Took my inhaler right away!

In the afternoon, cleaned the house.  A better day, weatherwise.

Monday, 17 August 2026

I had good intentions of house-cleaning today, but lassitude from yesterday’s wine prevailed and I just read.

I drove through to Motherwell for curry and overnighter with the Hintons. Not a good forecast for the west.

And it was wet on the road.  Slow too, in rush-hour traffic.  We went to the Bombay Cottage as usual, and it wasn’t too busy.  Also as usual, a doggy-bag was required.

I discovered I’d left my toilet bag behind, with my meds. However, all ended up well.

Sunday, 16 August 2026

Oh, it’s my birthday. Quel horreur, 72.

Much cooler, with light rain on my way to Sainsbury.

Some cards, some calls from friends and relations. Nice. No cake 😁 Beef short rib for dinner.

The Redmonds suggested we meet for a drink. The Shore being busy, we went to Chez Bernard and spent a convivial few hours both outside and in. Home after 7! Dinner a little overcooked.

I survived. Driving to Motherwell tomorrow.

Saturday, 15 August 2026

My first Book Festival event this morning; Gavin Francis.

On a 35 today, not as horrific as yesterday’s 16. It’s cooler today (but still warm). I took the SOP with me.

A very well-attended event, and fascinating. His new book is all about mental health. It was exceptionally well chaired by Karine Polwart and there was clear empathy there. Unusually, the questions were good, and to the point. I’ll buy the book.

Ater, to Sandy Bells, where I was joined by a musician playing “Bonnie Ship the Diamond” on a ukulele.  Good craic.  He was from Aberdeen, and had learned the song from the OBD.

 

I got a 35 to the Malt for a finisher.

Time to start creating a plan for Japan and Seoul, as route availability with Avios typically goes quickly.

Friday, 14 August 2026

Clacton went as expected.

Today Jim and I took the Geordies to Leith.  It was cloudy but brightened from the rain last night. Wasp season has started. Going up town, the16 was rammed with people and luggage.  There was a stushie in the seat in front of me between a woman who wasn’t for moving her zimmer/walker to let another older (guy) in.  They were yelling at each other.  What the tourists thought who knows.  A Fringe act?

We met the girls off at 11 and took them for a swiftie to the Guildford. Then to the Leith Distillery which they loved, but not the prices!  It is quite expensive. We went to Teuchter’s for lunch.  Bill and Lawrance were still there, so I stopped for a chat. After lunch, my first visit to the Ocean Mist.  I was quite impressed with it, very plush and comfortable. We ended up I the Shore, where Danny was very welcoming, especially to Rachel. Not too messy fortunately. Jim escorted the girls to the station.

Thursday, 13 August 2026

Today I’ve been reading about the development of the Digital Euro.  Apparently UKGOV are developing a UK alternative, the Britcoin – should be the Brexitcoin…

I walked up to the surgery to pickup a prescription in light rain which quickly went. On the way to the chemist, I saw that the Asian food store has reopened under a new name “Habib’s”. Good news.

Outside Boots, a gaggle of noisy jakies. They’re slow in serving in Boots. I paid a quick visit to Habib’s after the butcher. It’s got all I shall need.

To the Malt on return for a quick visit. Justice was in the Cask and Barrel however.

Clacton goes to the polls today.  Here’s hoping Farage loses (unlikely).

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

My cousin Mairi is 100 tomorrow.  No, not Macrae, but Sterland, my dad’s 1st cousin.

Following on from yesterday’s housework, a dropoff at the recycling dump, followed by a haircut and meeting Bill at the Shore. We I had a pleasant blether outside the Shore until before 6.

I sat outside the balcony, and the seats on the quayside were full.

A lot of high cloud doubtless hazing the star ruined the eclipse view for avid watchers. I recall watching the last total eclipse a few hundred metres away. As the occlusion proceeded the cloud got thicker. Then it thinned but it got darker. Time for a glass.

No Sunshine on Leith. But then it reappeared. Leonard Coben “hair like a sleepy golden storm” came to mind. The sun looked bright but the lumen intensity much diminished

I read that the Salutation in Perth has gone tits-up.  A real shame.

Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Another “heatwave” approaches.

Annie has had her solar panels installed; she’s so excited!

A session of housework followed by a quick one in the Shore and a Chinese carryout. My reported flytip has been uplifted.

Jacqui R called in response to my message. Her first day was quite intense she found. Which is good.

I saw that a Yank company has bought the ATG, which includes the Playhouse.

Monday, 10 August 2026

Annie goes to the Albyn tomorrow

First shopping for a wee while. Lovely summer’s day, and the recent rain has restored green to the grass.

I discovered (thanks AI) that I can fly to Seoul next year with Air, using Avios; possibly a gamechanger for my Japan trip.

Later: messaged Annie re tomorrow; it’s been postponed for a week or so.

Sunday, 09 August 2026

I had insufficient incentive to shop today.

Tom G had arranged to go to the Whisky Fringe with Andrew Jarjour.  Obviously  I wasn’t going but we arranged to meet for lunch at a Greek restaurant I found nearby;  Nectar.

It was a cooler day today, with occasional rain. I got the 34, which has reverted to its usual route up the town, Restalrig Rd finally completed.

Anyway, Jarjour was there first.  Unusually James was with him, the first time I’ve met him for a while.  He’s dyed his hair green.

We had a few appetisers (pitta and dips, the pitas being excellent and it felt, home made. Also cocktails (Tsatziki Martini)! Tom late. It was a fine lunch.  It transpired Tom had to return to Glasgow to meet a journo, so couldn’t go to the event. As we left, it was raining.  Tom and I went to the Balmoral for a wine.  I’d not been to the bar for years.  They expanded it into what was Hadrian’s, and it was quite busy.  Height of the season of course. I had one more as Tom left, before getting a 16 home, the traffic horrendous.

I spoke to Pamela S.  They’d enjoyed their trip, including a York Hoho.

I received an eletter copy from Spire to my GP. Depressing.

Saturday, 08 August 2026

I finally felt some energy coursing in my body.

I called Liz,  we arranged I go over for a curry Monday week. I’ll hear all the news(!) then. J

I proceeded to book my trip to Poland.  It’s now planned for 29 Sept to 7 Oct, and I’ve bought my Interrail pass. In fact I spent the afternoon planning and booking. I treated myself to a top-class hotel for my last night, in Brussels. To celebrate, I popped over to the Shore and got chatting to Colin.

The Aitkens were at the Foodies.

Not a good day for the Dons.

Friday, 07 August 2026

I was well enough to venture out to meet the guys: at the Artisan today for Bruce’s benefit. The traffic was bad. It’s when the trams are off you realise how they’ve eased the flow. Roadworks in Salamander St have exacerbated the problem of course. The Restalrig Rd works continue!

It was warm but breezy. Dry, therefore a jacket rather than waterproof. From Bill, George continues  incremental improvement.

From Bruce, Joan no improvement but might get out this weekend

Getting a 34 down, for some reason it went by Henderson St/  So we went in to check out Chez Bernard.  It’s very clubby and pleasant.  We had one wine and home, feeling a bit tired but otherwise fine. Three pints, 1 wine.

Kathleen H messaged me. She has broken her ankle in Crete.

Thursday, 06 August 2026

Good news, it was just a fart, a definite improvement! The lassitude is lifting. I did have a fried breakfast this morning.

I wasn’t well enough to accept Tom’s invitation to join him at the Fringe. But I was well enough to further plan my Poland trip, and in fact book a hotel in Warsaw. So it looks like a done deal. In passing, I learnt that “intelligentsia ” is a loanword from Polish.

 

My appetite is still lower than usual (a bit of a contradiction to breakfast). But a very light dinner. That could either be the Mounjaro or residual gut problem.

I saw a ridiculous newspaper headline saying it’s going to be warmer in Edinburgh than Rio. Where it is winter.

Wednesday, 05 August 2026

Tired and drained, literally. After lunch (soup and toast) I started to feel better a wee bit. I did not go to the Shore! I managed dinner though.

Monday, 03 August 2026

I went to see the knee consultant at the Spire. He said that until I get the all-clear from my Pulmonary Embolisms, he can’t operate, so he’s sent me back to the NHS.

Not feeling too great today, I suspect side-effects from the Mounjaro.

Sunday, 02 August 2026

A visit to the Malt.  Jacqui was there, wound up about next week. Geoff arrived, which boded ill for Aln. He is going over to Boston USA to meet a new inamorata he hooked up with at the World Cup. Her picture suggests he is punching above his weight, lucky dog! Then Rachel Anderson appeared with a friend.  After a brief chat to allow her to get drinks, she disappeared so not a proper catch-up.

Later to Shore and sit outside; very pleasant.  I’d a message from Julie to suggest she might join me but she didn’t get past the Maly and I was not retracing my steps.

After dinner, I watched Mis Congeniality; got to love Sandra Bullock. Well, I do anyway.

Saturday, 01 August 2026

In the blink of an eye, August has arrived. And it is the old Celtic festival of Lùnastal too.

Also the football season, so farewell to peace and quiet, after the brief period after the World Cup. Amusing how Infantino has been emptied.

I made Pakoras for the first time in ages, and I was quite pleased at the way they turned out.

The Dons snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, very luckily and I have done some more work on an autumn trip, possibly by train to Poland via Berlin, probably 7 nights.

Friday, 31 July 2026

Herring fried in oatmeal for breakfast, a rare treat.

To Teuchter’s with the guys, and I caught up with John T who was in good form. When Lawrance left, Bill acceded to my suggestion we go to the Diggers Leith to help Ian Barclay celebrate his birthday.  We ran into, firstly Lawrence, who had been over to the Diggers, seen no one, so went to the Malt with Alan.  He was not for returning. Secondly, Julie and Jacqui, who were going for lunch to Kezban.  They said they might be over later.

Ian was eating lunch with his daughters so Bill and I sat at the bar until they finished, and we went over. Colin Valentine came in (not to see Ian) and he is also getting a knee job done, only in Clydebank. The witches came in by, and Bill left. I left for home, only to divert into  the Carriers due to a downpour. Ali was there with Alfie who is now an old dog.

Thursday, 30 July 2026

Jacqui R starts her new job on the 10th.

The much-heralded Scotrail app is a disaster.

Later, a shock when I filled up with petrol: £50! This was at Sainsbury Craigleith, and I took the opportunity to buy a few things. Arriving home, Rory and Wendy were shifting stuff and Rory asked me to act as a document witness. It’s happening quite a lot these days!

 

After all the to-ing and fro-ing I felt like a wine so went over to the Shore, where Rory came to buy me a glass. They are going to an ICAS BBQ tonight at the Grange.

Home for my own equivalent of a BBQ, a variety of dead animals and salad. Oh, and I’d done a washing, so chanced the wind on the balcony for a while (the washing, not me).

Wednesday, 29 July 2026

I took a look at my copy of the Odyssey last night to remind myself of the ending, which reinforces my post-film thought that there was an influence from Tennyson’s poem.  It’s the T E Lawrence translation, and whilst good, has been converted into prose, thus losing the feel of a Hexameter one.  Nevertheless, I shall reread it.

It was dry first thing, but humid again. On the Wednesday shop, for the first time in ages I went to Welch’s for a fish pie, and also some fresh herring which was on the counter.

I missed any rain, but not the latest road closure blocking my usual path; this time Elbe St.  It’s on for 22 days as I discovered on my return.

Bruce and Joan are not having a good time of it; she is in hospital having suffered a stroke.

 

Later, I met Bill at the Shore, where he also  made up with Michael 😊. It was good fun despite talking about soccer, cycling, F1 and cricket 🙄

I was home before 6 having had too much wine.

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Some welcome rain overnight, into this morning. Hopefully away by the time I go to see the Odyssey.

I have just started reading a book Bill has lent me, by Margaret Drabble, whom we are going to see at the Book Festival. Much modern manners in the upper middle classes, long comma’d sentences, longer than this. Also, passive in voice, rather than active, somewhat old-fashioned in my view. But well written.

I’ve only before encountered Drabble as a public intellectual, usually from articles in the Observer, when I read it.

I called my cousin Mairi. Her mobility continues to improve. Jamie fine but Linda is having a bad recurrence of back pain.

 

Later, I got a 35 to Fountainbridge-no Princes St stress. I took my waterproof in case, very warm and humid. On the way, I ran into Ian Barclay who was his usual jovial self.

I noticed an Indian & Afghan Dinning restaurant on Lady Lawson St.  The typo was not mine!

I was sufficiently early at the complex to allow a Jarl at the Fountain before going over for the film.

My first IMAX screen experience was huge, and the sound likewise-too much even for this deaf cove! A pretty full attendance.

A disclosure; I am familiar with the poem (as well as the Iliad which I shall now have to reread).

I was impressed with the film overall, despite some caveats. The scene involving Hades was unconvincing and didn’t really work. Athena (last seen as Chani in Dune) ditto. She was all too human. Plus she wept; not Athena’s thing. On that point, Odysseus is also too emotional. He should evince more vengefulness.

Now to the ending; the flashback was superfluous. It was however very satisfying, with a superb score to accompany it.

The ending has echoes of the poem Ulysses (if you haven’t read it, wait until after you see the film, which you certainly should, and if possible, in IMAX. It wasn’t a minute too long, and engrossing throughout, despite the modern speech which others have commented on (mom and dad).

I got a 35 quickly and was home for 19:30, missing the rain. A late dinner.

Monday, 27 July 2026

I was told that a parcel delivery from Evri was arranged for tomorrow. Then a message to say it would be today after 15:30. Then an update to say it would be after 6.  But delivered at 3!

I got a phonecall from the Murrayfield Hospital for an knee appointment next Monday Ewan Goudie.  Good.

Sunday, 26 July 2026

My first Sunday shop for what seems aeons and some light rain to clean the streets of dog piss streaks.  The grass on the tram tracks is all dried up.  I hope they are getting sufficient in the Cairngorms to dampen the fires.

Later, I prepped some brisket for slow cooking and shoved it in the oven, before going to Teuchter’s noting on the way that Victor Hugo is reopening as Chez Bernard on 1 August. That will be interesting.

Justice and NM Jacqui resident. She has passed her various vetting checks and should therefore start soon. I didn’t recognise any of the names she’s been in contact with.

I only had 2 pints and headed homeward via the Shore.

Linda was outside with Lara and Richard and I had a brief chat before popping in for a PG. It stayed dry.

Linda came in for the loo and we had a brief chat about Dick’s bench. Next year will be 20 since I lost Liz.

Stevie Seath phoned. They now have two grandsons, one from each married daughter. He is still playing football; with the children! He told me that Ray Vettraino died, and Duncan Dundas has dementia.

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Windy, but warm. After starting off a curry, and prepping a bit of brisket for tomorrow, I went over to Teuchter’s via the market. The Pie Dolly was there (her husband actually) so I took the opportunity to get 3 items. They are only coming every fortnight now, due to the success of the new shop.

No one I recognised in the pub except the staff.

I just had the one Jarl before checking if Justice was present. He was, with Martin. He told me of Jacqui M’s  flight débacle. Logan arrived and told Alan he was moving back to Leith. Cue groans. Just the one and home without ducking into the Shore.

I watched Granite Harbour; not as good as I’d hoped, and not very well written. Still…

Friday, 24 July 2026

The latest from Bruce; Joan has had a stroke and is in the ERI.

Jacqui R called me. Her new job process is moving glacially.  Neil is doing OK but is in pain.

I hadn’t realised that some of the Odyssey was filmed on the Moray coast. Also, I’ve seen a clip of a new BBC Jockland drama, Granite Harbour, that looks interesting.

To Teuchter’s, just Bill and Lawrance, we didn’t expect Bruce. It was windy.

At the bar, Walter Smith.  The first time this side of Covid I’ve seen him I suspect.  He’s lost a lot of weight, another Mounjaro patient.  He said he’s still on cancer treatment, but nevertheless he’s been on it for years, so que sera.. He lost a daughter in Gaza, ffs.

Bill and I had a couple to finish in the Shore.

Thursday, 23 July 2026

On my Facebook feed, Dave Warnock’s profile appeared.  He was widowed in 2024. Also, the Daily Retard ran a piece on Queensway House remaining part of HMRC estate. I didn’t know we were still in it.  And there’s a new hotel proposal out for Rennie’s Isle.  Looks ghastly.

I have booked to go and see the Odyssey next Tuesday at the IMAX.

Fergie and Pamela are off to England to see Steven and Jaclyn.

 

I had a pre-curry stop at Shore as not in a beer mood. Hot. Waiting at the bus stop one can see the difference the absence of the trams has made: it was heaving. It looks like Lancers might be going Greek.

I arrived at the Green Room, which is what the Melville is called now. Who was at the bar but Franky, who is now managing here.  She was in fine form.  The guys were very curious when I joined them! We were all talking about our ailments, which was my criticism years ago.

The curry was at the Durbar, another iteration of a place we’ve been to a number of times.  It was good without being outstanding. I couldn’t finish it all but didn’t take a doggy-bag.

I didn’t know that Ian P had worked at Gourock.

Leaving after 9, the temperature had plummeted. There was a beautiful sunset. The 36 was still running and was a double – decker surprisingly. Home before 10

I got a letter from the NHS Lothian saying I might be offered a hospital outside NHS Lothian. I’d get my hopes up, but really… It was hot the in house after the cold.

Paula has had her nose op.

“Warm smell of colitis”

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

A leisurely start, as my train wasn’t due until 12:30. Feeling more rested, I had a reasonably big breakfast to set me up for the journey. It’s supposed to be 28° today and when I walked to the station, it felt like it. At KGX, 1S16 was waiting at the platform but hadn’t been announced, so I just got on. The aircon was working, thankfully, as was the charging plug. I settled in, in lonely state, before the surge. As usual, very busy. As usual, some clueless passengers. One wonders how much more capacity the ECML has.

Pink Floyd was the soundtrack for the first part of the journey.

Later I went to the cafe bar for food and wine: quite the queue.

I spotted the Kilburn White Horse for the first time.

A fault with the signalling system caused some delay ahead, but we were only a few minutes late by the end. Hot here too, and a gap til the next 16. A wee refreshment in the Guildford beckoned, where the remnants of the Brew York takeover was still on the go: just the one for£4!

An early night.

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

I wasn’t feeling too hot, so before going to the Design Museum I bought some Paracetamol in Superdrug. It was cloudy this morning.

No breakfast, slightly dizzy. A typical effect of not eating and using energy stores.

The NIGO didn’t do it for me, not what I was expecting at all. I went back to the hotel and although I wasn’t hungry, I made myself eat half a sandwich. The sun arrived.

Later, I went nearby to Efes for dinner. Very noisy outside with the traffic. The dizziness went. I didn’t manage all, so got a diggy-bag.

Anus (pun intended) Sarwar going to the Lords that he “wanted” abolished.

Monday, 20 July 2026

So Spain won. Yawn. Hopefully the MSM will calm down and start their normal lies to the public.

 

After a leisurely breakfast, I caught a UGT to Temple for Somerset House and the Courtauld. A pleasant morning with a little breeze bringing relief from the heat.

In fact, as I was near the Temple, I paid my first visit there. It was mostly destroyed in the Blitz, but a superb rebuild has taken place, resulting in a building redolent of history. Doubtless many adherents of the genre of Templar fiction will visit.

Onward to Somerset House, my first leisure visit. Even on a Monday morning, the Escher exhibition was very busy. However, I got in immediately.

It was fascinating, although it would have been better with fewer people. A few interactive opportunities really worked well for children from 5 to 90. Unfortunately the book had sold out. Well worth a visit.

Then to the Courtauld for another first visit, pausing for a coffee. I visited the 3^rd  floor only, for the Impressionists etc.  Another must do.

After that I felt like a beer so went to the nearby Edgar Wallace. Another first, iirc. I had a decent pint of Pride in this very nice bar. Then back to the hotel to rest my knees.

As it turned out, I didn’t feel like eating so didn’t go out in the evening, not even for a drink!

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Must have been some game of football, that France England one…

I was up early to pack and prepare for London. Travelling light in both senses, as it’s going to be warm. The 16 dropped me as planned and I boarded what was a very busy train. We got in only a few minutes late and I made my way on a rammed tube train to the hotel. After a wee rest I started off to meet Andrew at the Southampton Arms. It was warm!

I got the Overground, and it was much earlier and easier than anticipated, thus had finished my first couple of halves by the time Andrew arrived. A most enjoyable session even though I didn’t have that much by previous standards. He and James were going to Stokie tomorrow.  He is busy job hunting, with little success so far. Behind him at the bar, there was a woman with a gorgeous arse bending over. Very distracting. OTOH, there was a silly cow with a large dog on her lap which was wriggling and eventually, inevitably, knocked over a glass.  We were unscathed fortunately. No remorse of course. However, It’s a great bar.

We left around 8 and I reversed my journey out. Hotel after 9 and I had a couple of late food starters.

Goodnight.

Saturday, 18 July 2026

I got up early for breakfast and to watch the rugby. Ireland well spanked, as was Japan.

I then went up to pick up my prescription, but the pharmacy counter closed. As is the bus on Gt Junction St still, despite the works seemingly finished (no changes detected).

Over to table 6 at Teuchter’s, where I was on my own until big Chris came in. The Aussies gave Italy a real thrashing.

Our game against Fiji was a hard watch, but the “Bomb squad” came good in the end.

The Malt and Quay was heaving as I went for my prescription and got back in time for the Boks Wales game and a carryout curry.  I got pissed off with the commentators whining about “language”.

Poor final game.

Friday, 17 July 2026

I was having download problems with Windows 11 Insider Preview Feature Update. After breakfast I collected the car; £100, not too bad.  A quick shop in Aldi and home to find that the download was up to 70%.  Progress of a sort. And by the time I arrived back from Teuchter’s it was fixed.

The English MSM were still bitching about the SWC.

The new OBR chief is worried about UK productivity.  Little wonder, if one looks at the overuns on roadmending here as a prime example, before one even looks at the debacle that is HS2.

Bruce Bill & Lawrance today.

Thursday, 16 July 2026

No breakfast. However, we went to Macdonald’s for pies etc.

Port na Craig again for lunch, just the one glass of wine. Then to Pitlochry Festival Theatre.  I’ve never been.  It’s impressive, with lots od facilities (café, shop etc).  The production was Maureen Beattie being great in the lead. Forbes Masson also very good as Gloucester.

Annie gave me a lift down to the station where I caught the Glasgow train (a 170 this time), changing at Perth, to a stopping 158 train via Ladybank. It had become hazy. The connections worked and curiously it became brighter towards the east. Also of interest were the OHE pylons intermittently installed prior to electrifying the Fife loop. I got a 16 home immediately and was home for 20:20.

A great trip. Later, I ate the pork pie: delicious.

I see Craig Gordon has decided to retire. A great goalie.

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Returning from leaving my car for its MOT, the sun was starting to break through the low cloud (no haar).

I see Spain beat France at the SWC, and corrupt FIFA is once again breaking its own rules by introducing a 30-minute ½-time show.

Leaving for Waverley (no Haymarket due to Princes St fire), the sky was universally cerulean. I was a wee bit early, as Bruce summoned us to the Guildford 😉” Us” was Bill and me. I had 2 ½ before getting the 13:32 to Pitlochry. Bruce was weary, as Joan is back in hospital (the Western), diagnosis unknown.

The train was a class 43, so a comfortable bonus, and left on time. It was very busy.

We did well until we got stuck south of Dunkeld with no WiFi or data connection until 15:07, making us 10 late. It was a late southbound.  Never mind the A9, need to redouble the HML.

I couldn’t get a taxi from the station so walked to the hotel. It was uphill all the way and I was exhausted by the time I arrived. How pathetic.

Paula and Annie beat me by a minute or so (they came by car). I got a room upgrade, very nice, and I wrapped a towel around myself to mop up the sweat!

I met Paula downstairs for drinks after ½ hour, Annie staying put. We sat outside for one before heading back to rooms for the carryouts.

I got a call from the garage, apart from a new tyre, the car passes!

 

We went for diner to Port na Craig, a restaurant close to the theatre. We sat outside overlooking the Tummel.  It was sublime.  We didn’t eat too much, mostly cold sharing plates.  The pate was delicious.  There was a swimmer! In the river.  It would still be cold I’m thinking. Later, the lassies had Affogata inside, where Paula spotted Forbes Masson, who plays Gloucester in the Lear production we see tomorrow.  She went over to speak to him, and brought the poor bugger over to speak to us, with his chum Johnny McKnight. Eventually we got a taxi back for 23:20; bed after more wine.

England lost, Sunday in London will be OK.

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

I just realised that the World Cup final is on Sunday evening when I’ll be in London. So I REALLY want Argentina to win tomorrow. I’m looking at options for Monday and Tuesday. Sunday is already sorted, I’m meeting Andrew J.  I want to see the Escher exhibition at Somerset House, so may take in the Courtauld, which is adjacent. I was thinking of the Oresteia, but it’s 3:40 long with no break.

On an unrelated topic, it’s quite amazing, looking at Flightradar24, how many transatlantic flights are operating from EDI.

I went uptown on a 16, and we got stuck at W end of  George St. To Bennet’s where I had an Ossian £5.70. I got chatting to an English chap who was interesting.  He is going to manage the Blackbird (no real ale). I got the 36 home, from which I noted that the Randolph’s latest incarnation is Kismath, an Indo-Afghan restaurant. The bus was rammed.

Quickie in Shore before dinner.

Off to Pitlochry tomorrow to meet with Annie and Paula.

Monday, 13 July 2026

The Orange Juice I bought the other day turned out to be Apple.  Yuck.

Delivering more POV, I came across Jacqui R. She told me that Neil was having his op almost as we spoke. She was wound up and far from sober.

Sunday, 12 July 2026

Up late!  A lovely morning, time for a rejuvenating fry-up.

I had not intended going out, but got a call from the Redmonds to meet them at Teuchter’s.  They were on the bridge.  Tomorrow they are going to the Isle of Mey, puffin-spotting.

Saturday, 11 July 2026

Up earlyish for the second game, Australia v France. A big change in the weather with the haar well down.

Rugby, rugby, rugby today.

What a great performance by Scotland against the Boks.  But another case of might-have-been.

I’d asked the Redmonds (along with Gareth and Neil) to come over for drinks.  They duly arrived.  Both Neil and Gareth have lost a lot of weight.  In Neils case, the same as me.  With his weight loss Gareth looks much more like Bill. A great night but it ended early before midnight, unusually.

Friday, 10 July 2026

To Teuchter’s; Lawrance and Bill but no Stevie Macfarlane. Later, I blind baked  3 pie crusts then realised I’d left my hat in the Shore on Wednesday so went to collect. Anya has returned to work. Danny was all wound up about England. Gerry, Moan and Colin were in but I left after 3 glasses.  The wind had veered to the NE, presaging the change tomorrow.

Good lord, Anne Widdecombe’s death is murder.

Thursday, 09 July 2026

Julian came by to start, I did another shopping. Another scorcher? Yes.

I had to go out again for more paint.

He finished at 4, so we went to the Shore for a couple.

Michael was outside with a woman whose name I forgot.  He asked me in vain to join them.

I went home to wash the kitchen floor after the paintwork. I was also waiting for a parcel. Amazon delivery is getting worse, it had not arrived by the promised time, and no updates.

Bonnie Tyler has died.

Wednesday, 08 July 2026

I see that Lord Mackay has died.  A good man, I thought.

Julian arrived, and started work; yay.

I went out for the Wednesday shop, it was warming up.  Returning, Julian asked me if I wanted the ceiling ring painted.  I hadn’t even noticed there was one.  Obviously the light fitting has been replaced at some time!

I caught up with my PC work in tandem with the painting.  I notice that Trump and Farage are competing for the biggest fuckwit award.

Julian finished first coat 3:30, so I went down to the Shore for a wine.  I met Bill then Michael joined us.  He’d been there all along, further over but I hadn’t noticed him. It was  hot and I regretted forgetting my hat.  Home back of 5.

Then a nap until nearly bedtime!

Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Julian called off, some problem.

Fergie called: they have booked Nerja for October, their insurance claim paying most of it. Visiting Steven and family end of next week. Gardening.

My day became one of reading, tidying, salt herring for dinner, and with the sun finally appearing, fizz.

Sunday, 05 July 2026

My first visit to Sainsbury for a few weeks. Dry, fortunately.

Saturday, 04 July 2026

An amazing stat to the Nations cup with a super match between NZ & France.  Gripping to the last. I watched a little of the next games before going over to Teuchter’s for rthe Fiji game. Big Chris, the Kippaxs and a chap whose name I forget were there. We all liked the greybeardie playing 8 for Fiji!

Home for curry.

A lot of sport finished by a good victory for Scotland despite a leaky last quarter.

Friday, 03 July 2026

I got a 16 up to Waverley. It is ridiculous how little or no luggage space there is on our buses. There used to be much more, and that in the days when the city was smaller with far fewer visitors.

Iw was breezy this morning, but forecast reasonable, so no (rain) jacket required.

This TPE train stopped a few times so took longer 1 ¾ rather than 1 ½. We met as usual at the Centurion and unusually had 3 rounds before leaving, we were having such a good time. Then to the Forth for one before Las Iguanas where we stayed for the rest of the afternoon.

On the way back to the station, I missed a step and took a tumble. No harm done though. Then rain appeared.

John’s mobility has become worse than mine.  No more football for him.

Thursday, 02 July 2026

Julian came round to look at the paint job. Maybe £400?

Newcastle tomorrow with John, to meet Colin.

Wednesday, 01 July 2026

July! What am I going to do for dinner tonight?

I didn’t have any breakfast (not even coffee) as I was still full from last night.  We met in the (large and attractive) lounge before going our separate ways.  Annie had driven down and was in a Q Park across the road.

I walked down to GLQ and got the 11:15.  I popped into the MandS at Haymarket.  Nothing to inspire. So I got a tram and bus to Stockbridge going to Bowers and the Pie shop before going to the Tap for my CAMRA chat and a few halfs.  Bill arrived and we sat outside, drinking wine.  He was in a much better mood. Home for 16:35, light rain. It worked very well with Bill.

Gareth and Neil are supposed to arrive Sunday.

Amusing, England down in minutes (however, they won in the end).

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Coffee for breakfast. On Tom’s recommendation, and after much discussion, we went to the Burrell.  Liz and I visited not long after its original opening, and I remember thinking there was too much ceramics and house art stuff for my taste.

With the new refurb (£68 million) it was very impressive.  Lots of natural light.  We took a guided tour which lasted over an hour and was really well done, by a volunteer, who was very good.

After this we went for lunch.  The large café was excellent.  Annie and I shared a Beef sandwich which was yummy, with generous thick slices of warm meat.  No drink for me.

Afterwards we had another wee wander before heading off.  It was dry on arrival, pissing down on departure.

We were talking about Maureen Beattie’s Lear at Pitlochry and ended up booking it for a couple of weeks hence.

For dinner, we went to in inhouse restaurant Celentano’s, which has moved from its previous spot.  It was very good.  Tom said they have Michelin aspirations.  A bit to go but for a guest night, very good.  It was a press launch.

We were among the last to leave, and I joined the others in Paula and Annie’s room for a nightcap (Paula as usual having brought wine).

 

I successfully suggested to Bill he meet me in the Stockbridge Tap tomorrow.  I have CAMRA business.

Monday, 29 June 2026

A great result for soccer Canada in beating South Africa. They, along with Norway are no my teams (not that I’ll watch any). Norway’s Rowing has become quite the meme.

My Glasgow trip today is complicated by engineering works, which involves the train going via Grahamston.

I read that there is to be a new (well, revived) rail service in Canada called the Northlander, which will link with another one called the Polar Bear Express (Express in Canadian rail terms is anything but).  It starts later this year.  Interesting…

 

I got a tram to Haymarket. The forecast for Glasgow is wet. On the way I saw there’s a new Rishi’s in Shandwick Pl.

I resisted the temptation to drop into Ryrie’s and caught the next train. It was pretty quiet.

A nice wee change of route.

On the way to Tom’s new hotel (Arthouse) I stopped off at the Pot Still. There was limited beer so I had a rather subpar Sauvblanc. Only £4.50 though!

The hotel is a good refurb, still in the throes of completion. Checked in and found my room. Very comfortable, with a few touches needed for completion.  USB A & C sockets, I was pleased to see. Then I went next door to Block for a beer with Tom and to await Paula and Annie’s arrival. Or Paula’s, as Annie stayed in the room, the lift not yet being operational. Ali and Isla are visiting her sister in Australia, thus leaving Tom free to stay in the hotel to oversee the final few days before official PGs.

 

For dinner, we ended up in Mother India Café (a beer prior in the Ben Nevis, also owners now of the Bon Accord).  We were stuffed, but like its Edinburgh sibling, overpriced IMHO.

Hotel, early bed.

Sunday, 28 June 2026

I did a number of POV deliveries starting with the Malt. Kevin’s mum has died and Natalie back behind the bar!

It was gusty, and later when I went to the Shore I ran into Stevie M, who alluded to the fight with Bill. Martin arrived as well.

Home for dinner, and Fergie has booked his train tickets for the festival.

Glasgow tomorrow to meet Paula and Annie.

Saturday, 27 June 2026

A quiet day after yesterday’s extravaganza.  But I made a rather fine curry without a recipe.

Friday, 26 June 2026

A thunderstorm woke me up at 03:00. Heading over to Teuchter’s at 08:45 to meet John and Warren to go to the Beer Festival, it started again.

The SIBA Indie Craft beerex was at the Pitt (the new venue for the Pitt St market, out in Granton).

Brian Samson from LARFC was talking to CAMRA Rab, and there were many other CAMRA members there for the judging.

It was quite the event, bigger than  GGBF, and an excellent venue in a lovely location apart from the distance form the nearest bus stop! (Tindal had got us a taxi.)

 

There were 2 rounds and a final.  I was in rounds 1 & 3, with round 1 starting at 10:00.  A long day in prospect. It followed pretty much the usual CAMRA judging process, until the final, when we had to taste 15 different beers, difficult.

There was good free scoff too.

The overall winner was Long White Cloud, but there were many categories and thus many happy brewers.

 

I got home after 6, leaving the other 2 at Teuchter’s!

 

Thursday, 25 June 2026

Brazil hammered us.

Logging on to the Book Festival website,  for the first time ever I was near the front of the queue and completed booking by 10:05!  I ended up booking 5 events.

 

I went to pick up copies of POV, and went after to the big Morrisons at Granton. I managed to find an Indian grocer nearby with what I wanted, so a result.

Later, I went to meet Kathleen at the Starbank where we were both on wine.  Also, our respective hearing is getting worse! Still, we managed. She sent a text to Lawrence to ask if he wanted to join us.  Later, it transpired he was in Mussie.  Still a good afternoon.

The haar on the Forth and an easterly breeze kept it cooler than yesterday.

After we left @ 17:30, the haar was well down and the temperature plummeted! I got a 16,  tram and a Chinese.

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

I had booked Ceri for a haircut; prior to that I decided to go up Leith Walk for some Indian supplies: in vain, I got none of the things I wanted. Anyway, my haircut went well.

 

Later to the Shore to meet Bill. Gerry O Halleron was there in good form.  No Michael, I hope he’s OK. We had 2 bottles.  We were joined by Stevie Moan, who then had an argument with Bill about Irish nationality and ID.

Hot. I got home 17:15, but no balcony wine.

Kathleen tomorrow.

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Going to be a scorcher!

I got an invite from John T to be a beer judge at Pitt St on Friday. I accepted!

This was followed by an attempted Amazon scam call. This one was the high value suspicious purchase variant with the WhatsApp follow up.  I strung the (Indian?) guy along before telling him where to go.

I have reduced my Book Festival list to 7.

England drew with Ghana.

Monday, 22 June 2026

Greyer this morning.  Starmer resigns.  I arranged my MOT. And Henderson St is closed again. So I got a tram to Princes St and a tram to Sandy Bells to meet Julie. Some light rain.

There was a new beer from Loch Lomond called Ben Artur.  Moteuka hops, very nice, I had a couple.  Julie fell in with my suggestion of a visit to the bar at du Vin, neither of us had been.  It took a bit of finding and when we did we were the only 2 there.  Still it’s very pleasant and comfortable.  Verdejo instead of beer, and it was very nice.

Then we got a bus to the Persevere, where I had one more wine before going our separate ways at 17:30.

Sunday, 21 June 2026

A pleasant summer’s morning shop on the Summer Solstice.

A call from Pamela S.  They are off to the Westhill Scotts for a family visit.  I expressed hope that wine would be involved.  Lesley and Gary have had an extension built; she is impressed with the design. And she’s had acupuncture, which she felt has done her good.

Later, to the Malt where Alan and Jacqui were.  During the visit, a load of drumming.  A parade headed “Leith Festival” came down.  Don’t know what festival, there’s been so many! Neil came in later.   After a couple and a chat I went to the Shore which was pretty busy. I sat beside Stevie M. There was a little girl (apparently) serving.

Outside the Malmaison the Leith Festival were giving it laldy with drums.

Today: 2.5 pints, 3 wines. Excessive.

Seeing Julie tomorrow.

Friday, 19 June 2026

Proof, if it were needed that the Israeli government is evil is here.

No Teuchter’s today, instead we were meeting a former colleague of Bill’s, Gordon Lewis at the Newsroom (again). I took a tram to Kirkgate to pick up a prescription and ran into Iain Macniven.  He’s had a stroke but is getting better.

I got a 16 up town and strolled to the pub; I was first there.  A pint of Beavertown was £8.50!!

Bill, Bruce and Lawrance came in, and Bill said that Gordon (and his wife Sandra) were delayed by train problems. We decided to go to the Guildford where the beer was cheaper. We secured seats, me sitting beside a French couple who were doing a motorbike/sidecar trip in Scotland going up as far as Cape Wrath and Skye.  I gave them a couple of tips.

I left after 3.

Leinster won the URC cup, and I have bought a ticket to see Mother Courage at the Lyceum next year.  IIRC, it was the last play I acted in.

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Not much today, apart from a curry.  I took the tram up to the Abbotsford where we got a seat.  A good chat with the guys.  Stuart is OK after the loss of his mum. She was 95.

Our curry was at the Tamil Teru, new to all of us.  It was very nice, better than the one opposite.

We finished off in the Kenilworth where I had a bloody awful Bass. We left before 10 in the rain.

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

My Godchild was sick, lunch cancelled.  I did my biggest shop for a while, and it stayed dry. I bought some herring and salted them when I got home.  Also my first fish pie for a while.

I’m seeing a lot of Beryl Cook in my Facebook feed.  We were always great fans.

 

A message from Linda F to the Coven; she’s commissioned a bench in Dick’s name outside their garden and is having a small ceremony sometime next month. A great idea.

The Red Arrows were flying via SYY today to KEF, presumably on the way to North America. Apart from that, a P8 Poseidon, an A400, a Falcon 900, all on the Atlantic path, and that’s just what I spotted. That’s a lot of RAF money, for why?

 

I went to the Shore. Michael was there, but no Bill. I messaged him, he was in Teuchter’s with Lawrance. He eventually came over. Michael was not feeling great and left to call GP (numb legs). He’s 76 on Friday.

Bill is in thrall to Soccer World Cup as was Danny W for the Croatia game tonight. I told Bill about Book Festival. He was in good form.

When he left I was last in the bar and I had one more glass.

Keith and I were talking about music.  He told me about Terry Reid and to my shame I’d never heard of him.

Home around 17:30, I called Jury line. Hurray, not required.

My energy levels a bit better, despite the wine 😆

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

The Book Festival brochure is out! My long list is 20.

Still no Jury service

Lunch with Hintons tomorrow.

Monday, 15 June 2026

Roy Hattersley has died.  Bill will be devastated; he was a great admirer of him.  I heard him myself a couple of times at the Book Festival.  An impressive politician, about the last of the post-war consensus generation.

I was not required for Jury Duty today and am not tomorrow, but I have to phone back again tomorrow after 5.  This is ridiculous.

I have started rereading Dunnett’s Niccolo series.

Sunday, 14 June 2026

So, we scraped through, thankfully, despite an execrable performance by all accounts. The football gods seem to be smiling on us particularly given the Brazil – Morocco draw.

Saturday, 13 June 2026

A good breakfast and a stroll to the station, after booking a ticket on the Highland Chieftain. The weather was dry, at least. Alas, World Cup fever waxes stronger every day.

First class was surprisingly busy. Having recently breakfasted, a coffee sufficed. As usual I got off at Haymarket, and the tram was rammed until St Andrew Sq.

Later, I called Issy. We chatted about Paul and the children.

Then to the market where there was no Pie Dolly.  A couple in Teuchter’s.  Warren was on but he had no engagement ring on. Dylan also back; he’d been in Milan and had a great time. No word about Cale

Then over to the Malt for anther Jarl and to give Justice the news about Jacqui R and self. He was somewhat dumfoonert. He’d had a great 3 weeks away. Pub was very busy. I got home before 2.

The Redmonds are on way home from Manchester, Scotland having won the T20.

Let’s see how the boys do tonight. (John sent me an invite to go over, but discretion was the better part of valour.)

Friday, 12 June 2026

Jacqui R called me.  She has a 6 month-month contract with HMRC!

And so football mayhem for the next 5-odd weeks…

I see the stock market is rebounding again.  No doubt Trump’s handlers knew first for their usual inside dealing.

After 1, I got on a tram to head for Perth, just beating a shower.  It’s the first time I’ve caught a long-distance bus (X56) for aeons. It wasn’t very busy.

It was reasonably comfortable apart from the many potholes in the city. It was fun going over the Forth Road Bridge again. Quite a few got off and on at Halbeath. Leaving there we went along the highways and byways to an unexpected extent given it was supposed to be an express. The off-motorway stops were a bit of a pain and added considerably to the journey time.

The scenic route today, the train tomorrow, I think!

 

Eventually we arrived and I strolled to my hotel.  On the way there was a Real-ale bar, but unfortunately nothing on the single pump.  Next door however was a craft beer bar and bottle shop and being thirsty I tried it out.  A couple of Pomona Island beers went down very well.

The hotel was nicely situated next to an old mill lade.  Quite historic.  It needed a bit of refurb but comfortable enough.

After a rest, I headed for dinner to Kisa’s, a new place for me.  I had 2 starters: Gambas, and Wings.  Tasty and filling.

My gig was the Theatre, not the Concert Hall. No signal or WiFi. I’ve never been here before. It’s quite small but nice. Pre-gig sauvblanc (and interval). I didn’t recognise anyone.

I had a very good seat. Not a sellout. There were 3 Irish, 3 Scots: Eamon Dooley (Mr Fowlis), Michael McGoldrick, Mike Byrne, Duncan Chisholm, with Donnie Shaw and of course Julie.

It was a fine gig.  Julie played the pipes for her encore, to wish the team well for Haiti. last song, but nothing about the absence of Ireland 😉 

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Nice to wake up (alive) in my own bed after a long sleep. Bacon and eggs for breakfast.

I placed a small bet on Germany to win the WC. For the rest, mostly idleness.

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

I made it through the night, albeit not the most restful although that was more to do with the surroundings. No nasty chest pain. Ironically, the thing that is irritating me most is the sniffles and cough rather than what nearly killed me.

My view is to the east, where it is sunny, and the start of a period of fine weather one hopes. In hospital, like a ship, your day is divided into Watches.

The Morning watch, shift change, wash etc, breakfast, meds. Forenoon, Rounds followed by lunch. Afternoon watch, bugger all. Dog watches: same except with dinner. And so on. In essence lying, bored, awaiting the next event.

 

I am in a 4-bed ward, all occupied. Bill, across from me, is nearly 90, with a number of issues and not able to do much for himself. Beside him Danny is a relatively young man, permanently hooked up to oxygen. Beside me, Davie also on O2. All 3 have been in longer than me, and likely to remain so, DV.

 

First round, Brendan (Dr) arrived. He seemed reasonably content. Not quite so sure about home today, but on “the pathway”. At least he talked about the Discharge letter. My BP is a bit elevated…

After lunch, the Discharge letter was produced, the cannula removed, all I needed was a chat from a doctor about the Apixaban. Then I was kicked out of my bed for a new arrival.

The doctor eventually arrived an hour later to educate me on the new med, Apixaban. In essence, watch out for bleeding from anywhere and tell if one sees it. Also, an Echocardiogram in 3 months.

Then it was Mills of God stuff, I finally got out 15:20 and got an Uber home.

 

I messaged Bill and we did indeed meet for a couple in the Shore, albeit after 4 rather than our usual 3.

Home again, I read the discharge letter.  Even less informative than usual. Having tidied up etc I went for a nap and went quickly into a deep sleep for an hour. Hopefully a sign for a good sleep tonight.

I just had soup for dinner.

An eventful couple of days.

 

  Tuesday, 09 June 2026

I was awakened before midnight by returning pain like Friday, and it rapidly became worse, to the extent I phoned 111 again. This time they recommended I went to A&E, so I got an Uber.  It wasn’t too busy and I was called through to triage quickly. The triage conveyer belt worked smoothly and BP etc over quickly, then an ECG.

Back to reception to await bloods, then to a new section to await a Dr. He (Logan) said bloods were not too bad. LFT a bit elevated. Dr said it might be Mounjaro, as he didn’t hear much in the chest. Asked me if I’d been abroad, I replied South Africa. An x-ray and further bloods as we approached 05:30.

The upshot of all that is that there may be a lung clot. I was moved to another pod – D, and a CT scan needed next, probably after 8!  Bloodthinner jags first. As I was lying asleep on a trolley in the pod, a call from Jacqui R looking for advice on an interview with HMRC!

The area is now busy and buzzing. Pain was returning with lying down.

 

There was a prisoner with two guards who had been here as long as I had and was yelling and swearing. Mental.

I got along for my scan and out by 11. A couple of hours before I get the result, and then? Que sera sera.

 

So, CT results through. The issue is blood clots on the lung. They are going to keep me in for 24 hours, treat with blood thinners, stabilise, and if all well, send me home.

I got moved to the Acute Medical Unit  AMU around 1pm & was hooked up to monitors etc.  Subsequently I had a visit from the consultants, who confirmed the diagnosis, along with the fact that it’s putting a strain on my heart. I’ll have to be on blood thinners permanently, but I was taken off the monitors and it’s expected I’ll get home tomorrow.

I was taken up to my final destination 🙏 Ward 204/12 where I ate my first food in about 24 hours, a rather tasty lamb hotpot.

Then another Dr came along and expanded the info. Clots are fairly large and bilateral, and she said it was as well I came in when I did! The On Dit is that it was the long distance flights what did it.

I was due to go out tonight with the Hintons, so I had to tell them. They came over to visit, with Rose, and brought grapes!

Rose told Willie, so in fairness I had to tell others. Now, Skyfall.

 

It’s becoming clear to me that had I not twice called 111, it’s likely I’d be dead.

Sunday, 07 June 2026

Little change, but less chest pain. I consigned my latest crunchy hanky to the washing basket. I did not go to Sainsbury.

I messaged Fergie to advise him I was hors de combat, and he called later.

Later, Bill suggested a glass and I felt sufficiently improved that I ventured to the Shore after 4. He was alone, so we didn’t overdo it. Nevertheless I was wabbit by the time I got home around 6pm, with a fair bit of coughing and spluttering to entertain the customers. In hindsight, perhaps not the best idea.

I’d cooked a slow roast of lamb shank and frankly was not that keen on eating it. And I didn’t, much.

Another early night pausing only to wring out my hanky, soaking with the copious effusions from my nose.

A Delta Airlines aeroplane from LHR to SEA is on an EDI taxiway on an emergency divert.

Saturday, 06 June 2026

I slept reasonably well and pain free, but still tired.

Let’s see what the day brings. In fact, I went back to sleep; probably best.

I called off going to the Redmond’s to meet Llinos and another couple.  No rugby at Teuchter’s either. I followed it via text. Unfortunately, Glasgow did and Edinburgh.  Maybe it was playing at Murrayfield that did it.

Paula messaged me; Tom’s new hotel is doing deals and she wanted to know if I’d like to join her and Annie at the end of the month.  Absolutely!

I spent most of the day lying on the bed, but I missed “The longest day”. Again. I ordered a curry for dinner, and even ate most of it.

Early bed.

I’d forgotten than Scotland are playing a final warm-up game tonight. Good result!

Friday, 05 June 2026

Thei chest pain with coughing is making my energy levels low, sleep unimproved.

However, I made it over to Teuchter’s, where we were joined by Iain Lindsay.  No Lawrance today.  Bill gave us the good news that he’d met George at Gladstone’s for a pint!. He gets his cataracts done today.

Unfortunately we got a lot of Soccer nostalgia.  I need to go away for the world Cup.

Home for 3 after 2 medium Pinot Grigio. How are the mighty fallen.

I went for a nap before making pasta for dinner. Relatively early bed, but the chest pain started getting worse whilst I was lying on my back and got so bad I called 111. I moved over to my side and the pain immediately diminished. Eventually I got through and went through the various scripts, before getting referred to an out-of-hours clinic. Then I got a call to go to the Western. The out of hours clinic is now in the Royal Victoria building. There’s a leaflet on Vascular Dementia which I forgot to take. The few patients were female, none under the influence. I presume the drunks go to ERI.

It’s amazing how much safer one feels within a hospital.

When I got seen by the GP the diagnosis was fever and pneumonia;  a 5-day course of Amoxycillin, phone if it gets worse.

Home around midnight, meds and bed.

Thursday, 04 June 2026

Shopping today instead of yesterday, I avoided the rain. Tired though.

I read that “Whispering” Bob Harris is not so good.

I went to meet the Aitkens at the Blue Blazer. On the way to the bus I got drenched!

I saw that the Shezan has closed down. It’s been there for may years.

The Aitkens got to Ibiza in a couple of weeks, and are looking forward to it, und surprisingly. I could only manage 1 ½ pints. At least it was dry home on a 36.

With the rain, the Dog pee streaks are gone.

Tired, chest sore with coughing.

Wednesday, 03 June 2026

On the way to Glasgow, the rain started. I saw the scaffolding is going up on the Esplanade.

Arriving at Haymarket I decide to get a train to GLC rather than GLQ. Longer but nicer. I got there in plenty of time to meet Anne.

We went for lunch to La Lanterna again. Her husband Jack is improving, and much news exchanged over the meal (Gnocchi con Gamberoni e Crema di Salmone to start, followed by Lasagne). The waitress Joanna was not Italian, but Polish from Cracow!

The Voco hotel and its Champagne bar has reopened. The Aitkens will be pleased.  So we had one there.

Unfortunately Anne’s train was cancelled as a vehicle had (again) hit a bridge.  So she had to go via Ayr and get a bus from there.

I got train back from Central also, and a tram home for 17:45..

We were lucky with the weather.

An early bed, Fergie called just as I was about to turn off the light 😊

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Fergie called. His rehab is going well and he will be returning to Pilates. They are going to visit Steven and family, returning via York.

Stewart Milne has retired from the Dons.

I think I’ve got an Urti, my cough is getting worse and my nose is running like a tap. And too much screen time. However, I washed my bed linen.

Glasgow tomorrow

Monday, 01 June 2026

The start of summer.

The Redmonds came over to get me to witness signatures.  I opened a bottle of Alberino which Bill like very much.  Anne however was not drinking.

Saturday, 30 May 2026

I met Julie in the Percy, before the Food Fair. The beer was a 2.5.

It was spitting a bit as we left (I’d brought a brolly).

The Fair was very busy, I’m pleased to report.

We met up with Julie’s friends Freya, her daughter Lizzie and her mother Avril. Natalie also passed through! The bunting was held up by bamboo canes that reminded me of our slàtaichean from my boyhood.

I stuck with beer from Vocation’s tent, but Julie had a rather disgusting-looking box of Macaroni and cheese with hash browns, which made me quite queasy. The food tents looked quite good, but I lacked the appetite.  There was even a Poutine tent which I photographed and sent to Jarjour.

After a couple of hours, the rain arrived; we fled to the Bowlers Rest for a finisher (wine). The rain stopped as we approached. All of a sudden Geoff R appeared, apparently we’d passed him outside. He is joining Alan and Jacqui M tomorrow, along with Jacqui R, who has just left yet another job. Oh well. I had one more and left them to it. I doubt Julie will be home early. A fine afternoon.

Scotland football turned a 0-1 score into 4-1 win against Curaçao, albeit they were down to 10 (I nearly wrote 14).

(Julie messaged me next morning to report she’d got home, time unknown!)

Friday, 29 May 2026

To Teuchter’s, joined by Michael as we were about to leave, Bill disgusted 🤣 Just a coffee for me.

I finished LOTR (again).

Thursday, 28 May 2026

Somewhat jaded, but unlike Julie I wasn’t working! She messaged me from a bus complaining of a hangover…

Eventually I went off to Howie’s for Sara McCrorie’s retirement bash. Walking up from Waveley, I identified a ScotGov employee by his carrying of a Transit envelope!  When did I last see one of those??

There was a lot at the lunch, most of whom I didn’t recognise.  Sara introduced me to her “boyfriend” (he’s about 60), Simon.  Seems like a really nice chap.  I was sitting beside Jim A and Lynsey Mackintosh (a long time since I’d seen her).  Also recognised, Andrew(?), Ken Mortimer, Matt but no  Dougal, Roy Cowan, Louise and Harriet, Dave Grant and wife, and not forgetting the Vampful Vanessa.

Afterwards we went to meet up with others (which included Frances) at the Newsroom, a place I’d never been to before.  It wasn’t a bad as I imagined! I didn’t stay too long as I was stuffed.

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

A grey start today. Looks like an East Coast High.  As I was out shopping, the cloud began to clear and the sun appeared.

 

I took a bus to meet Julie at Jeremiah’s Taproom, the first time for a year or so I believe. Passing, it was very busy outside the Malt.  After a drink, to the Playhouse to watch 2.22, a scary play.  It was good but the sound wasn’t, so I missed some of it. I did not guess the ending.

Afterwards, we got a tram to the Shore just before 10:00. Julie had had a fair scoop of wine. Soon it was chucking out time and Julie was in no state to wait for a bus so I got her an Uber. I was home before 11:30.

We meet next at the foodfair at Leith Links Saturday.

Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Looks like another fine day.

As I in Glasgow tomorrow, I met Bill in the Shore today for a few (not 2 bottles!).

The SPC is promoting Murrell and ignoring the Indy vote. Time to rejoin the SNP?

I made Tartiflette for dinner, the Reblochon has been sitting in the fridge for a couple of months!  It was fine, although I should have caramelised the onions better.

Another 2 meals in it.

Out with Julie tomorrow.

Monday, 25 May 2026

Bad news about Peter Murrell, I never thought this.

Tonight’s dinner was pretty good; venison chops. Unfortunately, I could only eat part of one!

I watched the last episodes of Portillo’s Japanese trip, which have enthused me, as well as giving me much useful information.

Sunday, 24 May 2026

Apart from shopping, I went over to the Shore.

Martin has booked his San Francisco trip. I said to John that he looked bored.  A marvellous response: “It’s not boredom, it’s ennui”.😁

Saturday, 23 May 2026

A summer’s day. For my part, avoiding the pub, reading and watching the Cup Final (rugby of course).

Friday, 22 May 2026

Summer at last?

At Teuchters, I had a coffee and a glass of Picpoul The Mounjaro is working I think. A downside is that I feel the cold. Cale the barman has had a nasty bike accident.

Thursday, 21 May 2026

A grey day and damp.  It’s disappointing no matter how warm it might be.

I popped up town, and the tram driver was Spanish.  At least that was the language he was swearing at the driver of delivery vehicle blocking his way.

I bought a pie dish at Lakeland, and white cotton thread at John Lewis (shirt button).

Julie suggested a play at the Playhouse; I agreed

The machine wasn’t working when I tried it at Picardy Place, but when the conductress tried my card, it showed up ok. So a wee tip.

It was spitting intermittently throughout.

 

I have started to watch Rogue Heroes, along with more Portillo’s programme. At Bill’s behest I took a look at 2026, but wasn’t gripped. So, more TV than hitherto.

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Following on from my night out last night, tonight it’s the Lyceum to see “Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil”. I’m dining at Dine beforehand, therefore not going to the Shore.

I see Jenny Gilruh, Kezia Dugdale’s partner, is made Deputy FM.  Interesting.

And there’s rain on, despite the forecast. Fortunately by the time I left, it had gone, hopefully to stay away until my return.

Dine was very busy, even this early on a Wednesday. I ate from the Market menu: duck rillettes and stuffed pork belly, with a glass of Douro white. All of it was very good. A new menu, according to my waiter.

And so to the Lyceum, and a swiftie before the play. Not what I expected, as it’s just 2 people with Ricky Ross on keyboards. The audience had I think a number of Fifers by the accent. The first half was excellent, a tribute to community football that anyone should surely enjoy. The second half was equally good with”Sally” and “Dad” excellent, so full marks to Ricky for this imagining of it. Just superb.

I caught the 16 home, saying hello to Danny as he was closing up in the Shore.

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Fergie called. Steven retires after this week. We talked about the Celtic débacle. He’s glad the end of season has arrived. The Scotland squad has been announced with few if any surprises. Let’s hope they do us proud, or at least not bring shame. He’s started in on the  garden.

I got on a 35 to meet the Fortunae at Thomson’s, and I noted the Kilderkin is now the Parliament Arms. It was grey, but warm. Dry at least. Somebody paid cash for a fare; I can’t remember the last time I saw that.

Arrived at Thomson’s after passing the Pie Dolly’s new shop which closes at 3. Still dry.

(I see Swinney elected FM.)

The girls arrived separately.  We had a few drinks in  where Lee and Fraser are still extant, before heading for a fine curry to Ignite. We finished off (or at least I did) in Ryrie’s before I caught a tram home for just before 10.

(Messages from the girls to confirm safe arrival were at such a time that indicated sense had prevailed.)

Monday, 18 May 2026

Before I rise, I read various news sites.  On CBC, there was news that the famed Westminster Hotel in Dawson (The Pit) has burned down. A real shame, it was an iconic place and on my 3 visits to the city, I enjoyed it immensely.  What will happen to the Sour Toe Cocktail?

I’m rereading LOTR.

Sunday, 17 May 2026

I’m considering expanding my tentative December Cologne trip to one by train, taking in Paris, Bremen and Hamburg.

Just after I’d prepped food and thinking of going to the Malt, a hail shower arrived. Nevertheless, after it passed, I went over. Alan was with Ali and Sara (no Alfie). Alan is off to Turkey for 3 weeks on Thursday.

Just the 2 pints and to the Shore on the way home where I had 2 glasses, so a reasonably quiet day. Martin was in. He is planning a trip to West North America, including San Francisco, Yosemite and others. Sounds fascinating.

No Kenny this week, he was replaced by an acoustic guitar player. We were joined by Stevie Moan.

Home before 4, fairly sound for me. I’d done a washing which was on display on the balcony.

Dinner tonight is Short Rib of beef, which was very tasty and better than my last one.

 

Scott Hastings has died at 61. Ffs.

Saturday, 16 May 2026

On the way to the CAMRA AGM in Staggs, it was cool, but warmer. The quayside was lined with leisurely sitters.

There was bloody awful traffic congestion on the Lochend Rd diverted 34. This continued all the way to Abbeyhill, for no good reason that I could ascertain.  Fortunately a 113 got me to the pub, which as anticipated was heaving with dans watching the game. I ordered 3 pints of Oakham Citra to keep me going.

I sat beside the Sharpes.  Ted is now doing a degree in Maths!  Good luck to him.

Th meeting went its course, and I resisted temptation to get involved. Nigel and his daughters were presented with the GBG award, and we were rewarded with some fine pies.

Hearts lost.

Returning, I decided to avoid the 34. The turbine housings loomed on the horizon from the 26, then a tram. An older lady took a tumble so I assisted with another woman. We escorted her to the Dockers! I was complimented on my Meyer trousers by a young man. The other woman went to Laurie’s (or whatever it’s called now) and I got the next tram home. Later than expected but only just had to finish off cooking the curry.

Early night.

Friday, 15 May 2026

I got my invoice from the plumber, and wrote a cheque.  The last one was 4 years ago!

Later, to Teuchter’s where Steve Macfarlane had made the journey from Broughty Ferry to join us.

Thursday, 14 May 2026

Heading to the Stockbridge Tap on CAMRA business, I got caught in a squally shower.

The Tap refurb has created much more space behind the bar. Neil H is still manager. There’s darker wood and furnishing. New windows make the front look much bigger.

There’s a much younger crowd filling the bar, more females.

Streeting has resigned, more chaos.

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Shopping, I didn’t go to Welch’s today as I wasn’t wanting Fish Pie tonight. Instead, I had smoked mackerel from last week’s purchase, and very nice it was.

The Wastemonster nonsense goes on, with Starmer wriggling on the hook like the worm he is, and an anodyne King’s Speech which goes nowhere.  No big ideas or legislation.  Not that it’s any better in Holyrood. Theatre without the fun.

 

In the rain to the Shore to meet Bill; he won’t be drinking much in anticipation of the big game tonight.  True, and of course much soccer talk.  I managed to divert him onto Wastemonster. He still is in thrall to Labour England. Gerry O’Halleron came in, as did Michael.

The rain had stopped and the sun came out when I left before 5.

I watched some more of Portillo’s Japan Rail programme, which continues to give me ideas for my trip.

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

I called Mairi. Her knee etc continues to improve and she is much happier. Pacemaker ok too. Blog updated.

Fergie called.  He’s feeling good, especially after a successful visit to Pittodrie and an overnighter in the Marcliffe.  They’re going to visit Steven and family in Lincolnshire soon.

Out and about and returning home I encountered the Redmonds outside the Shore.  Temptation was resisted!

Keir Starmer’s coat is on a shoogly nail it appears.

Sunday, 10 May 2026

My first Mounjaro jag of the new lot.

I finally did my pile of ironing & listened to the first episode of the resurrected Iain Anderson Show.

Finally, on a whim, I’ve booked 3 nights in London in July.

No Malt but I did go to the Shore where Kenny was back with Robert and on fire.

Saturday, 09 May 2026

I booked the Lyceum to see “Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil”, based on the book by Ron Ferguson who was a regular Herald contributor back in the day.

 

Cathy Campbell (Dave’s sister) has been on a tour of Uzbekistan. From her Facebook posts it looks amazing. She went with Intrepid of whom I’ve never heard.

I need yogurt, so went to the Market abd Aldi before slipping into Teuchter’s. John T was very chatty. Danny H arrived and we had a blether.  He was joined by a chum who is due to abseil off Leith Distillery.

My Amazon delivery was supposed to be after 2. It was changed to after 3. Fortunately I was at home before it was delivered before 2!

In sport news, Dons and Edinburgh won, Hearts drew.

I don’t like Google Messages and having found that the withdrawal of Samsung applied only to the US, reverted.  It took a while as I had to do a factory reset.

Friday, 08 May 2026

To Teuchter’s where we were joined by Peter McDermott for the first time in aeons (leaving aside Fergie’s party).  Fun.  Then the election results started arriving and I became rivetted.  Peter stayed on after the others left, until after 4.

Poor coverage by the State Propaganda Channel.

Ben Mcpherson held his seat. Disappointing that Jackie Baillie didn’t get booted out.

Thursday, 07 May 2026

Election day. The results aren’t due until tomorrow afternoon.  Can’t say I’m excited.

The plumber arrived and sorted the leak (a washer from the washing machine waste pipe) and serviced the boiler.

I met Kathleen H in Printworks.  There was a particularly attractive individual lemon cheesecake on display so I succumbed; it was delightful.  Kathleen is going to Valencia next weeks.  I gave her a couple of tips, excluding the pubs.

We went our separate ways, I to the Malt with Justice where I handed over the Duty Free.  Ray is leaving to go to the Army.  Leaving later, 3 police squad cars pulled up at the Kings Wark around a single black guy. Hmm.

Wednesday, 06 May 2026

A bit of Amazon buying. Then the usual shop. In Aldi, I spotted the first Scottish strawberries of the season, so I bought a punnet, in no great expectation as they’ll have been forced.

To the Shore, where we were joined by Michael.

Home for 6

Tuesday, 05 May 2026

I discovered a leak under the kitchen sink. I called the plumber who will come on Thursday.  It’s not bad, a towel took care of it.

A message from Paula, she got home yesterday but has to go back for a rhinolaryngoscopy procedure. i. e. camera up your hooter. Not fun.

Then off to Heather, on which route had far too many roadworks. Just a scale and polish, see you in 6.  She’s been to Disney Paris.  I don’t envy her but she had great fun with the grandchild. I took another route on the return; much better.

Elaine and I arranged a curry.

I called Liz H.  Things not so great.

Monday, 04 May 2026

Not a bad day.

I’ve read that Samsung are wrapping up their messaging app so I’ve switched to Google.

A message from Tom: Paula is in hospital for bloods and low sodium. (Later, she got home OK.)

I ran into Linda Fitzpatrick pushing Nathan Michael’s buggy (her grand nephew).  Seems in good form.

I just realised I’ve seen no election posters.  I met Tomin the Guildford for a couple, with his chum Duggie.  It was pretty busy and little time for a good blether.

Sunday, 03 May 2026

Damp and miserable for Sainsbury today.

I have come across a Michael Portillo series about Japan’s railways.  I’ll give it a go. And it’s very interesting, perhaps even useful.

Hibs lost. Come on the Jambos tomorrow.

I eschewed the pub today in favour of watching The Imitation Game, which was v good.

Then, the film version of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy which I was encouraged to watch  by Bill.  It’s not a patch on the TV but 2 Cumberbatch films in one day.

I got a call from Iain call from the beach at White Rock where it’s 27°. Very nice!

Friday, 01 May 2026

Blesséd Beltane, Beannachd Beltainne.  No, I did not go up Calton Hill.  OTOH, I booked tickets to visit Sinky in Newcastle on 3rd July, with John Jamieson. I got a particularly good deal.

First visit to Teuchter’s for a while. We were joined by Julie and Elaine, whom afterwards I escorted to the Shore.  Home before 5 like a good boy.

Julie has stopped the Ozempic.

Thursday, 30 April 2026

Looks like another fine day.

All my washing done, now for the ironing 😭

I have restarted ordering Mounjaro, I am back up to nearly 125 kgs.  As a reward to myself I went to the Shore, where John dispensed generously.  I see there’s a Bonnington distillery, of which I knew not. It’s currently producing the usual cash crop of white spirits, whilst awaiting ageing of its whisky. Research shows it’s an English-owned company.

Later, back to the balcony in shorts, with wine and music.

Dinner had my first smoked salmon since before Africa, very enjoyable.

I put my spring washing on the balcony, and retreated inside slightly tipsy.

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

With the help of Ibuprofen, I slept better last night, the joints are recovering from the use over the last week.

Cold and sunny.  I had a cooked breakfast, unusual for a Wednesday.

Annie reported in. She is worried about Paula who seems to have been fighting an infection for some time.

I went off to do my shopping. I ran into Calum (Malt) in Aldi, he was chuffed about the planning outcome, although it may resurface. Meantime, all is well.

I did some more washing, IT work, then went to the Shore for 3 to meet Bill. Much boring soccer talk. Back for 5.  In the evening, some balcony wine and sun and music, with Taps aff.

Fergie called, all well with him, but they cancelled their holiday.

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Lazy morning. An Uber to the airport in plenty of time given the EES situation. Assistance desk found and driven the long walk to T2, and through passport control to the gate. There was a bar close at hand. No way Annie was going to manage the various problems without the magic assist, and no way I was going to return and run the gauntlet of passport control on my own, as there already was a long queue of non EU not moving. So Annie got dumped at the gate, I went back upstairs to the bar. Only one draught lager on, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. T2 is a big shed as suspected. No DFs for Alan.

We saw the ‘plane arrive so went back down.  People were going through the control whilst passengers were still disembarking.

Anyway, we got on OK. And we got an early rollback, a swift flight and arrived 20 early at EDI.

Home before 19:00.  Annie decided to head off tonight. I was going to go to the Shore for food but couldn’t face it, so I defrosted a stew in the microwave and had that.  Unpacked, washing on and a Jury citation to finish off the night!

Monday, 27 April 2026

Our last full day, breakfast first.

I researched details of getting through to the Ryanair shed at T2.  It looks unlikely I’ll get a lounge visit.

I booked a boat trip to the Westhafn canal, taking over 2 hours.

It was really great, possibly the best one I’ve done and so much better than the 1-hour one I did here before. Again, a lovely sunny day (cool on the canal), and taking us from the city centre, through industrial areas, into rural settings. Interestingly I saw no barges/houseboats or facilities for those on the Westhafn canal or in fact anywhere.

 

We got a bus back to the Gaffel (Annie totally pissed off with the absence of lifts at the stations).

Annie had Rosabeef, and got in the Rotwein rhythm. I had a Schweinsaxe.  Well, most of it.

Afterwards, another bus to the East Side Gallery wall, with which Annie seemed underwhelmed (I’d been before). Thence a bus to Protokoll for a beer tasting.  I haven’t done my usual number this trip. And b

Buses back to the hotel for Weisswein.  Annie to bed, me for Iberico croquettes! 

Sunday, 26 April 2026

A lazy later breakfast. And a lazy-ish day.

We went to visit Checkpoint Charlie, stopping for a beer at a courtyard of food and drink stalls and basking in the sun. We did not visit the Disgusting Food Museum.

Next stop was the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church which Annie had spotted from the HoHo trip and wanted to visit.  It’s fascinating.  Mostly a bombed-out ruin, with marks of shelling etc.  A moving visit.

Once again too many stairs for Annie with inoperative lifts before escaping to the Castle (my favourite Berlin bar) on a pleasant if once again cool day. After 4 beers, trams took us to dinner at the Belmondo where we had a lovely relaxing dinner to take us down from all the travels and travails of the day.

The football results were fun.

Saturday, 25 April 2026

To the Hb ftp catch the train to Dresden.  I’d forgotten how difficult it is to find your way around, even though I knew where the platform was.  The main problem was that few of the lifts were working.  However, we manged in the end. The train (the Berliner) was a Czech loco-hauled train to Prague.  Top speed 200kph, barely qualifying as high-speed, and that reached infrequently.  Still, we got there in 1 ½ hours through the lovely North German Plain.

Arriving at Dresden Hbf, and assessing the situation, I booked a HoHo and a tram pass, as the city has an excellent system.

The HoHo trip was excellent; taking around 2 ½ hours through and beyond the city on both sides of the Elbe. A sunny day to see what was a much more attractive city than I expected, with many grand buildings on the east.  There was an air of GDR nostalgie in the bus commentary, and no mention of the Holocaust, unlike the attitude in Berlin. I learned a lot about Dresden, which has been destroyed on a number of occasions. There is a lovely bridge from which Canaletto pained a famous view.

It’s also closer to the Polish and Czech borders than I’d realised.

 

The problem with a Hoho is having too little time to actually hop on and off as we were heading back to Berlin. I’d be happy to return.

Anyway at the end of the trip we lunched at a Paulaner pub; nice grub and beer, before making use of our tram passes to wander around, completing our visit with a final beer in the Watzke Am Ring.

Our return train was delayed.  Also my phone battery was draining.  I’d arranged to meet Steve Macfarlane for a beer at the Brauhaus Lemke, so I messaged him to see if he had a charger with him. He had fortunately.

Tnhe train back was also Czech loco-hauled; this time the Hungaria starting from Budapest.

 

Arriving at the Hbf, more problems in transit with the lifts poor even in here.  And when we got the Sbahn to Alexanderplatz it was so bad that Annie got a taxi to the hotel.  So I was late to meet at Brauhaus Lemke but he’d had a few.  He’d brought a battery pack for my phone, bless him. He ate (I was full) and then we went to Berliner Marcus Brau, recommended by Jason M.  A great wee Kneipe.  I left and got to the hotel for 22:30 to find the bar surprisingly busy, mostly with English.

That’s Saturday done. 

Friday, 24 April 2026

Up for fruhstück, but they had no bacon! Otherwise fine.

After, I booked rail tickets for Dresden tomorrow; a HoHo for today, and assistance for Annie for the flight home.

We had a highly successful HoHo, culminating in a visit to the Gaffel Haus where I was last with along with Dick. Annie had a Currywurst and Kölsch which she loved. Pork medallions for me, and much Kölsch.

Then we took a walk along to the Reichstag, and the Brandenburg Gate before having cocktails at the Hotel Adlon, which Annie was in a frenzy to do.  TBH it was great fun, and a wee taste of gracious living.

We got the Ubahn to the hotel for a nightcap (and Lasagna for me).

Thursday, 23 April 2026

We were up early on a sunny day for departure. Our aeroplane is on its way to Bergerac, then back to fly us to Berlin. No problems so far.

Security was a breeze (but Annie got stopped), and we relaxed in the Turkish Airlines lounge, bought our Berlin travel passes, and awaited our inbound. Our gate was 12, very handy for us.

The usual wait to get through the gate to board, and little space left in the overheads. Still, we made it, although rollback was 20 minutes late.

At the other end a wheelchair appeared to take Annie! (Later, reviewing my booking. It appears that I asked for assistance, although I totally forgot about it.) Anyway, we (I was included as the carer 😊)were taken swiftly on a long walk to the S Bahn station, up and down lifts, and to the front of the long queue for EES entry: a godsend. So we got the S/U to Heinrich Heine Ubahn station which didn’t have easy access, I’d forgotten, so it was a bit of a struggle for Annie. Anyway, we got across the road to the hotel and checked in fine. The receptionist was from Galicia and wanted to learn Gaelic. And we got a free Cava.

 

After a rest and our cava, I took Annie to the Marinehaus which Dick and I enjoyed on our lst visit. They no longer have the Chardonnay I liked so much.  The Schnitzel was far too big, but overall a very pleasant meal.  We stopped off at Gitti’s on the way back for ein kleine bier.  Their Warsteiner was poor. And so to bed.

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

A grey start.  Today, a holiday haircut, Annie, and the Aitkens.

I did my packing yesterday, so I am prepared for a swift departure tomorrow, DV.

I have started to use AI a little more.  Mostly Gemini which I have used to suggest itineraries for the future, and a bit of Copilot.  Gemini seems the more user-friendly so far.  I took a look at Chat GPT some time ago but didn’t love it.  Given the amount of tweaking and add-ons I’ve been doing recently, my IT skills are returning/increasing, so we’ll see.  Having said that, these are modern, not the old MSDOS commands etc, I cut my teeth on.

I went out to post my vote, get some milk (for Annie) & my haircut. Unfortunately, Ceri was busy so I made an appointment for 3pm. About the time Annie is due so she may have to join Bill at the Shore!

The sun has emerged, but it’s cooler than yesterday, I think.

Annie arrived as I was getting my haircut, but she stayed in the car (Bill and Lawrance had gone to Teuchter’s).

I returned and we chatted and had some of my newly-acquired Chardonnay; it was fine!

Then to Ryrie’s to meet Frances and Jim.  There, I stuck to wine, before we went to Locando, where as usual the meal and company was excellent.

Home for the back of ten, me pished!

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

The April North Sea high, so cold breezes and cloud whilst the west bathes in warm sunshine for the next wee while.

My wine delivery was made. However, I have deferred my haircut until tomorrow.

Fergie called to wish us Bon Voyage. He is looking much better, and livelier. All their decorating has been done, so peace prevails. His elder son is retiring shortly, apart from a little sideline.

Despite the cool breeze, the sunshine was a sufficient incentive to sit out with the second half of fizz, and Willie Nelson.

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

The April North Sea high, so cold breezes and cloud whilst the west bathes in warm sunshine for the next wee while.

My wine delivery was made. However, I have deferred my haircut until tomorrow.

Fergie called to wish us Bon Voyage. He is looking much better, and livelier. All their decorating has been done, so peace prevails. His elder son is retiring shortly, apart from a little sideline.

Despite the cool breeze, the sunshine was a sufficient incentive to sit out with the second half of fizz, and Willie Nelson.

Monday, 20 April 2026

I decided to cast my List vote for the Alliance

After that, some house cleaning; TBH mostly done by Neato.

I got an email from Aegean Air offering me 30% off flights.  Tempted, I took a look.  EDI – ATH would cost £306 in cattle class.  The sale doesn’t appear to be available for Business.  I took a look at my notes from my previous trip, and Skytrax reviews.  Business class isn’t worth it, and cattle class seats are terrible.  So, no.

Cherry blossom is in full glorious bloom, I love it.

A washing, hung out on the balcony, induced me to pour some fizz, and sit out in the sun listening to some music, cool though it was.

And to the South, dark cloud…  Which rolled North, driving me in eventually along with a chill breeze. Oh well.

Sunday, 19 April 2026

I brined a beef rib yesterday and am cooking it slowly today.  I hope it comes out well.

A big soccer day in England today. (Good results for Liverpool and Man City.)

Avoiding the Malt today (no one there I’d know afaik), I dropped in late to the Shore, and met Peter from Toronto, who was intrigued by my Nova Scotia sweatshirt.  An interesting chap, he stays mostly in Edinburgh but visits home occasionally (family and business). It was his first visit to Leith though.  He is about to take a Charter flight, saying it’s certainly more convenient and perhaps not as expensive as one would think. An interesting chap.

Back home, and I sat out on the balcony awhile listening to  rubbish music from a fisherman below.

The rib was good, if slightly oversalted.

Saturday, 18 April 2026

A lazy day.  Late on I went for a pint to Teuchter’s and ran into Tash and Nigel. They told me that Danny H had done very well out of the National.  The bar was heaving. Charlotte B behind the bar is going to Cape Town.  Then Danny H arrived.  He had placed a bet on the Scottish National which duly trotted up.  I’d no idea he was a gambling man.

To the Shore for a finisher.  Another chap, Colin, whom I haven’t seen for ages was in.  He’s going to Singapore for a trip.  I recommended LeVel33 to him.

Carol and Steve came in also, but I made it home before 7.

Some late sun on the balcony.  Ducks have seemingly taken over the  swans nest.

An early night.

Friday, 17 April 2026

Teuchter’s with BnB and Lawrence.  A bonus for Bill; there was an order mistake in the kitchen resulting in kedgeree for lunch.

Returning home, a Ballot paper awaited me, 22 candidates/parties on the list; a record?  Most of the people/parties I’ve never heard of, and I’ve received precious few leaflets: the latest one from the Tories.

I made Carrot and Coriander soup which had to had to cool so I popped over to the  Shore. Jack Black was in excellent form. Martin was in, I hadn’t seen him in ages.  He said he’d been working in London. Iain Macniven arrived; he usually dines there on a Friday evening (alone). Home for 6 to finish soup.

Edinburgh snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat.

Thursday, 16 April 2026

I saw this on my Facebook feed, interesting.

I spent most of the day on a PC Reset.  

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Shopping was trouble-free.  It seems like vehicles have sussed the Bernard St problem and are avoiding the area when possible.

A message from Bill; George is home.  Followed by a message from Issy Mallinson, her ex, Paul Astbury has died.  Very sorry, he was a fun guy.

A hilarious fallout between Sarwar and Offord.  Even BBC Jokeland is reporting it.

I’ve ordered some wine from Rickety Bridge, that Chardonnay I liked so much. It will be delivered next Tuesday DV.

Then to the Shore where Bill had a table as we were joined by Lawrance, then Mike. I drank too much and eventually home for 17:30. 

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

I’ve spent most of the day in updating my digital travels files, including Multidev maps. The problem is one’s knees freeze.

Word from Stuart C, his mum is in hospital with a stroke; not looking good.  So the curry for tomorrow is off.

A Chinese carry-out then.

Fergie got home.

Monday, 13 April 2026

I see an Anti guga hunt wanker from London is standing in Edinburgh Central and on the list.

Sunday, 12 April 2026

Sunday shop I called Pamela to see how she’s doing. As I assumed, pretty fed up!

Tom G has a new job with a hotel called Arthouse in Glasgow.  He is celebrating in Benidorm with the family (returns tomorrow).

To the Malt and Hops with Justice and Julian and later Geoff. Alan is off to Turkey this week. Rain arrived, necessitating a stop at the Shore where Stevie Moan was bigging up Man City.  Robert was replaced this week on the piano.

Orban has lost, hooray.

Saturday, 11 April 2026

A bit of rain to start the day.

I went to the Malt to hand over DF tobacco to Alan who was suitably grateful. He informed me what a Soggy Muppet was.  I was not that grateful!

 

Over to Teuchter’s for the rugby. Nigel Danny and latterly Chris were in attendance. .  Glasgow were simply outplayed by Toulon.  A big disappointment, and Franco will be very unhappy.  Perhaps the long season is beginning to tell. Nigel told us of his culinary efforts for tomorrow: pork and beef ribs.  Loved it.  Stefano arrived as we about to leave.; me for curry.

Back home for the womens’ game: a good result and also finally a victory for the Dons new manager.

Friday, 10 April 2026 

I decided to wear a jacket and shirt to walk to Teuchter’s.  Cooler than I anticipated. I was first in and had a coffee and heard all about the party from Louise. Bill Lawrance and Bruce arrived in course. Per Bill, George hopefully gets home next week, ditto Fergie. After Bruce left Bill and I were joined by Danny H who was just back from a glorious trip on the Leeds – Liverpool canal.  Home before 4pm.

Nice to be back.

I hadn’t noticed until late that it was Grand National meeting this weekend.  I had a  wager. A 20/1 winner and a couple of EWs. Nice.

The Bath Northampton game was exciting.  A narrow win for Bath.  I wonder what the league game will be like in a couple of weeks.

Thursday, 09 April 2026

A grey day. But some achievements: I fixed my stuck shaver socket. I used MS Clipchamp for the first time to created videoclips of trip images. It’s time consuming, but hopefully worthwhile, and a useful skill.

That said, I’ll maybe try it on PowerPoint.

Nice to have some Scottish Smoked salmon for dinner.

Wednesday, 08 April 2026

Jogging shorts on for the first time this year…

And my first Wednesday shop for a while; quite a bit of stocking up. Returning, the ongoing chaos caused by the closure of Bernard St caused jams on the Shore, with parked delivery vehicles adding to the “fun”.

At least the weather continues fine, so the last of my washing went on the balcony, whilst I started work on editing my trip images into a coherent whole.

I met Bill at the Shore and we exchanged our news.  George is still in the WGH, with seemingly no word of early release.

Mike was also there, in the middle, so was somewhat at a loss about all these medical matters!

Tuesday, 07 April 2026

The holiday washing has been completed and blog updated.

I decided to give the car a run, and started off by going to the Post Office to exchange  my foreign currency (3 varieties!). I’d forgotten that Bernard St is closed for the gas leaks, and the whole are is choked, so I drove back to the house to dump my cash before heading to East Linton butcher via Morrison’s for petrol. Pies etc bought, the engine clean, I headed home and found the weather change had arrived; it was pleasantly warm.

So I gave into temptation and went for a glass to the Shore.  Mike was there, along with a chap from Valencia, Eduardo.  It turned out he is pals with Nachos and knows Tom also; small world. The sun and seating were both out.

Also, a new barman, Dan who is Latvian although he has lived in England most of his life and has the accent to prove it.  A nice chap.

Leaving, I headed for the balcony for a finisher.  It was warm but cloudy.  A good day.

Monday, 06 April 2026

Good sleep, and I went to Sainsbury to stock up, dodging the potholes I hadn’t really missed at all.  Without ripe  bananas, a sausage and bacon roll seemed like a good idea. This meant buying Sainsbury sausage instead of my usual Anderson’s.

Another day of catching up, and sorting through my trip records etc

Pamela called.

Sunday, 5 April 2026

Sunrise and breakfast.  I went to the loos, to find that a child was trapped which I deduced from its wails.  I went to tell a steward and got in the other one.  The ones in Club World are relatively spacious, even comfortable. We landed early, and I eventually checked in for my EDI flight and made my way to an Aspire lounge. It was very busy there but once again the SoP came to my aid and I was ushered to the table by a waitress. A chap asked me if he could join me, failing anywhere else.

Alistair turned out to be from Tolsta and Plasterfield!  He is an oil and gas Expat and was most enjoyable company. We reminisced over old times and new before I left to board my flight from a gate adjacent to the lounge. This was a 1-year-old A320N. Weather is OK here…

Rollback was 1 minute early, but a long taxi to the other end of the runway.  On the way to cruising altitude I could see HS2 scarring the landscape.  There was plenty turbulence, a remnant of storm Dave.  On descent, plenty of snow on the Border hills.

There was no jetbridge! Sunny in Edinburgh, aye, but with a thin shirt, Baltic. I got down to Reclaim and whilst waiting delivery, I got my rain jacket on. I had plenty of time because it took aeons. The belt started and stopped with nothing appearing. EDI up to its usual standard.

Eventually it got going and storm Dave left us.

The tram fortunately was its usual efficient self and got me home around 3.  Unpacked and washing on. The computer went through its updates. The Redmonds had left me a bottle of wine and flowers: nice. That left me with the decision about dinner. Carryout curry! The audiophone replacement trial worked.

Edinburgh lost somewhat more gallantly.  Then, a Hailstorm, with a temperature forecast of 20° on Tuesday!

Early night I think.

Saturday, 4 April 2026

My last day. A late breakfast to start with, then I checked out and left my luggage before a shopping visit to replace my USB C to 3.5 Jack adapter, which I managed with some effort in negotiating the vastness of the malls. I was sweating like the proverbial, so of course went for a coffee.

An Uber to the Mad Giant Taproom and after a few pints and a small but delicious snack, get back to pick up luggage and get the Gautrain to the aerodrome, which I did at 17:15.

There was an interesting chap called James at the bar. Originally Glaswegian, he has lived mostly in SA since his teenage years. He was watching the soccer: Man City v Liverpool. He was a Liverpool fan so most disconsolate. We chatted after the game; our views had much in common. He’d played pro football here, and done some writing. I said my farewells at last.

Back to the hotel to pick up my gear and get the Gautrain. Very poor service from BA check in gates. No one on Club World. First and cattle ok. Raging. Getting through security and Border checks not a breeze either. Eventually I got into the BA lounge and was met with sympathy and wine which (as was the intention) calmed me down.

Boarding also took an age. Still, at last I was ensconced with a glass of fizz. And several more. I was on the forward top deck so had a good view of the engines spooling up for takeoff. That was fun. The squalling brat near at hand was not, however. Fortunately, my newly acquired adapter helped drown out the little shit.

Friday, 3 April 2026

Easter weekend, and it’s my last full day. I have no idea of what to do. I looked at the home forecast for Sunday. Painful.  I had some bruises and grazes from my tumble last night.

I just wandered about a bit,   had dinner and checked in for my flight tomorrow.

Thursday, 2 April 2026

A swift early breakfast. I discovered there’s a shuttle from the hotel to the HoHo start, so really no excuse on this bright sunny morning. Had to ablute first, mind. The return shuttle bus runs at 17 hrs, so I’ll be gone long before, whether by train or Uber.

And so it began, on a hot and sunny day.  The tour takes 2.5 hours. Jozi is nowhere near as attractive as Cape Town. Many trees but also exclusive and gated areas away from the poverty. We passed the famous Cricket ground (can’t remember its name, Lawrance will know), Mandiba’s home and heard the story of the Rain Queen.  We passed  Roedean school, a street called the Carse O’ Gowrie and a monument to the Transvaal Scottish regiment, before heading to that strange place Gold Reef City Theme Park which is like a cross between a casino and thill-ride resort, right next to the Apartheid Museum.  Bizarre.  Quite a lot of passengers got off here.

The CBD is a chaotic mix between wealth and poverty. I’d forgotten that in SA G is usually pronounced as H as in Ruud Gullit.  We were told about the Click Song.

After the tour I got an Uber to Mad Giant Taproom and got speaking to an interesting chap called Matthew, with Essex roots. We talked a load of shite but it was fun as was the Juicy Lucy. The electricity was back on when I returned to the hotel.  I saw there was a Yellow Snow warning for Scotland!

Unsure about my last full day tomorrow, I decided to go over to Nelson Mandela Sq to eat.  On the way, I failed to see a step and went my length. Fortunately little damage except to my dignity, which I can afford.  Clothes OK.

There was a queue for the Trump so I went to The Butcher Shop across from it. These places in Nelson Mandela Square are big and busy. In fact, it’s like a small town. The restaurant also seems to sell meat. The food was good, and I couldn’t finish my steak. Stuffed and wandered lonely as a cloud to fine my way back just after 20:30. Given I’ve 2 bottles of red in the room, no visit to the bar tonight. I was puggled.

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

April Fool?

The weather in Jozi is set excellent for the remainder of my stay.

After a late breakfast, I went back to pack and laze until 13:30, to allow plenty of time to get to the airport and relax. I also tried to get WordPress app work for me but failed. The Uber said he’d drop me at Arrivals as rival taxis were fighting at CPT. Shades of the Glasgow Ice Cream wars?

I arrived too early to check in my case, so had to sit downstairs with a coffee: no wine to be had😭 First World problems… Which I overcame by Googling and finding a place up a floor. Still had to pay though. An excellent view over the airfield. Boarding, yet again the SoP cut though the queue. Perhaps I shouldn’t have the new knees. After hubris… I had taken my USB adapter off for the HoHo and hadn’t put it back in my airpurse. And there a squalling little boy nearby. Today’s aircraft is another 737-800. This one is 13 years old. But some of the staff I remember. Rollback on time, I napped on the plane and awoke to a beautiful sunset line and 1/3^rd  flightime left.

 

We arrived on schedule and I made my way to the train. Warm! Aerodromes are good (!) for upping the step count.

So, back in Jozi, I got up to my room, chilled for a mo and went down for a Sauvblanc outside on the deck poolside. There was a full moon shining down and it was very pleasant, until I was forced inside by the stench of smokers. A relatively early night.

Maybe a HoHo tomorrow.

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

I took an Uber to the start of the Table Mountain Cable car. The Stick of Power worked its magic again weaving me past all the queues.

Arriving at the top I thought that it may well be Mons Mensa but with the hordes of tourists, not a Tabula Rasa. I walked for about an hour along the trails, choosing a not too challenging route.  The views are of course spectacular on all sides, and some interesting wildlife too (lizards, birds Drassies (gopher).  I stopped frequently to sit for a rest and enjoy the views.

There was a  long queue wait to get back down but yet again the, SoP did its work. Back to the hotel for a rest and much-needed shower before heading to the House of Machines for a final visit before heading North tomorrow afternoon.

Dinner again at  Elvn: Sauvblanc, Ribeye, Parmesan Mash and a Pinot Noir, on a gorgeous evening.

I’d love to come back here.

Monday, 30 March 2026

Wine tour today.  I’d arranged a transfer from the hotel, was picked up by Richard 09:15 and off to Franschhoek on a hot sunny day. Unfortunately the tram route I’d selected was out of action so I arranged an alternate with a wee bit of tram. This is self-guided within limits. One is on one’s own but on coaches/tram transporting one at fixed times.

So first, a tram and bus to Rickety Bridge, which is owned by an English company. I selected the Cheese and Wine pairing: 4 of each. The Chardonnay was the pick: light, unoaked, elegant @ 12%. All 4 were delicious, as was the accompaniment. I had an additional shiraz, probably a mistake. If this place is typical, they must do well out of F&B from tourists.

 

Next up, a bus tram and tram-bus to Holden Manz. Each visit is in 1-hour multiples. Here I had Viognier, Semillon, Chenin and Chardonnay, along with a cold meat platter.  A mistake, it was  excessive!

 

Next to Maison on the bus where I met a nice NornIrish couple. This was my last visit of the as I was  starting to fade.

So beautiful and  more relaxing than the other wine tours I’ve been on. I went for a coffee before I was  picked up at16:45. Weary.

 

It was interesting to note that Wineries v Distillery is that the former has the crop grown there: the latter has the raw ingredients brought in but they have similar hospitality ventures?

A late Italian dinner at the hotel. To start, Lasagna Bites which were far too big for starters, and King Prawn Diavolo, with a single glass of red. Stuffed and to bed.

Sunday, 29 March 2026

We are now only an hour different from Scotland; SA doesn’t do time changes.

The early breakfast ploy worked, not busy, and ample time to recover for my HoHo later. There is a Jazz festival this weekend, with street closures.  This affected my stop on the  “Blue” HoHo route so I got an Uber to the main start.

 

The traffic was horrific but the sights and scenery magnificent. Photo opps were limited but I did my best.  We passed the Constantia Wine region, through a Shanty town and along the hills to the coast SW of the city.  There we passed though the resort towns of Camps Bay, Bantry Bay Sea Point and Llandudno!  Just a beautiful 2 ½ hours, and my best HoHo ever. Returning to the hotel, I decided to take a look at the rooftop bar and restaurant called Elvn (Eleven) for an obvious reason. It’s pretty spectacular, with great views  I had a Sauvblanc, before heading for beer to “Machines”.

Like the one in Red Glasgow, it’s a magnet for a certain type of woman. Some of them what McCall Smith describes as “Traditionally built”. Although Cape Town is the second city, it seems livelier, more exotic. Incidentally, black women seem to like huge false eyelashes. Also, one notices the “racial” differences: Nilotic, steatopic, etc. In the same way as long-headed Viking type, Celts etc.

There seem to be many more foreign women here determined on a good time (I am being euphemistic here). Perhaps I’m wrong, but might this be the female equivalent of Thailand? It seems much raunchier than Jozi, and I thought it would have been the other way round. But both (native) sexes seem so more graceful.

Anyway, after 2 pints in the pub I headed back to the hotel. The streets were loud with differing music and the vibe impressive. Let enjoyment prosper.

After a rest I returned to Elvn for dinner.  The balcony was full, the restaurant not. I sat inside, ordered dinner and a glass each of Sauvblanc and Pinot Noir, as well as lamb. The Tablecloth was down on the mountain, as the gloaming advanced. A few more people came in for dinner, as the light faded.

My lamb was delicious. Cape Town seems more sophisticated than Jozi.

On an entirely different topic, I have experimented with stopping my steroid inhaler to (a) if I could and (b) if this bloody catarrh would go away. So far yes and no.

Saturday, 28 March 2026

I went down for breakfast, it was very busy. Maybe come down later tomorrow.

Today has been wandering, taking in the area and of course a couple of bars. House of Machines was great, although the currywurst did not match Köln’s but what does?

Cape Town was cooler than the other places I’ve been this trip to, so a t-shirt worked well today. My new one attracted positive attention in the Machines. Thence to the Fireman’s Arms which is a large establishment, with separate rooms, including smoking ones.

After a couple, I went back to the hotel for a siesta.

Then back to the Fireman’s Arms to watch the rugby. There were a lot of transport police in cars managing traffic, or at least trying to. A sight not seen in UK lang syne. The main part of the bar where I sat was devoid on any other customers, but about 10 various screens showing various sports, mostly rugby. I ordered a beer and sat at a table suited to watch a number of screens.

Edinburgh were dire in the first half but went in level. I ordered wings as a half time snack.

We played much better in the second, but were outscored by the better team. The broadcasters, as usual focusing on the crowd rather than the game, showed a bonny lass asking for a Scottish husband. If only I had her number…

I went back to the hotel for another siesta and  booked a HoHo trip combined with a Table Mountain cable car trip. I intend to do the HoHo tomorrow and TM on Tuesday (wine tour is Monday), I leave on Wednesday to start the long trip homeward. Walking back to the hotel after the game I observed some bloody awful drivers. Back for 21:15. They remembered my name; they prefix it with Mr, so I’m Mr Norman. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I went down to the bar for a couple of Sangiovese. I was joined by an extremely well-endowed “nurse” with her assets on display who engaged me in conversation. She suggested that we meet up and I give her my WhatsApp number. As the press used to say “I made my excuses and left”. But I did. In truth, I have noticed some scantily clad attractive women wandering about. Research doesn’t indicate that this is a red light area, but still. Frankly, it’s embarrassing.

I have still to open my free CabSauv…

Friday, 27 March 2026

A week left. I see that all the other home nations lost out on World Cup games.

In passing, female hairstyles here are nowhere near as interesting as Jo’burg.

Today was about travel and waiting around. Khoza picked me up around midday to go to Victoria Falls airport. Checkin wasn’t yet available for my flight to JNB @ 15:50, but after a while it worked fine. Never do I get an edge using the stick of power but I think of Dick. Mind you, I don’t have to put too much of an act on nowadays.

I spent a couple of hours in a lounge, on the white wine, but not too much, given I’ll be waiting in Jo’burg too. The aircraft was the same as I flew before, but a better seat for viewing. Pax pretty much as last too, around 66%. It was a smooth flight, and much less cloud than on the up journey. I played music for most of it.

I arrived OK for my flight to Cape Town and rechecked bag etc. I decided it wasn’t worth it to go to a lounge as the nearest was quite far from my gate. Instead, near to my gate, was an Airport Craft Brewers bar. So the inevitable… And I watched Stormers v Cardiff for a bit. The flight was about full. A large lady was in the centre seat beside me, with another similar on her other side, poor quine. The aircraft was a 737-800 15 years old. Rollback was 11 late. Arrived on schedule, it was raining. They disembark by row sections, a very sensible thing we could learn from.

I ordered an Uber after picking my case up, and got to the hotel before 23:30. A swift check-in, dumped my stuff and down to the bar for 2 Pinot Gs.

Glasgow eventually won in a canter, but I think I’ll give the Stormers game tomorrow (today as I type this) a miss.

Tomorrow can take care of itself. Oh, the room is nice, but no free wine!

Thursday, 26 March 2026

An early breakfast on a sunny day, and Khoza came to take me for a village visit, the last of my organised activities for this tour. My last full day of Safari.

We drove about 40 minutes to reach it, along with his wife and youngest, who remained deeply suspicious of me. The village was more of a homestead set amongst other similar ones. They have about 9 acres mixed farming, goats, cattle, sorghum, millet, pumpkins etc. If too much rain, no melons. Also lemon, orange and banana

The family head took me one a tour around, before milking using a Judas calf! They don’t make cheese. Slaughtering is done on site. I was then invited to eat the produce with them. The women cook everything, including the peanuts, which I found unusual. A healthy veggie diet, and it was all good, including tea which I found strangely refreshing.

All very interesting and with an easy read-across to crofting life last century.

Returning to the lodge, I ordered a bottle of Sauvbanc, drinking a glass then and saving the rest for after dinner.  Tonight, Khoza took us to a café called Marula  where I had a sort of Tandoori Naan.  It was good!  There was a lonely train horn in the distance.  Freight, as the passenger service no longer runs.

Back at the lodgings, Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the bar YouTube with the rest of my wine. Bed.

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

We left in light rain after breakfast, returning to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. At the Zimbabwe border, I saw a tour guide with a South Korean T-shirt. There were lots of artics queued, but the main road was empty. Why? The A9 is hoaching in comparison. It might exp the absence of roadkill. (No RVs either.) The landscape is heather and woodland veldt.

We spotted baboons playing on the road and elephants crossing. Khoza explained the difference in skin colouration as due to different soil.

Khoza dropped me off at the entrance to the Victoria Falls trails.  It was a hodge-podge of nationalities, mostly white.

On the way from the entrance, one hears the falls long before you see them. The forest here is tropic rainforest, obviously.  The trails were well marked with explanations. I took many photos of this incredible experience, probably the most impressive I’ve seen.  And soaking too. After walking though for about 1 ½ hours, I exited to a cafe to create my own rainforest as I steamed off. Coffee and water.

Khoza picked me up and we went to the Bridge which is on the border with Zambia. Walking across (and doing another border crossing) there was a sign saying Right of way for elephants.  Fair enough.  We got a Bikeshaw back which was fun.  Then over to a café to view back to the bridge and down to the now Zambezi cutting its way down the gorge.  Mighty impressive.

To my accommodation for the next two nights, Tabokana Lodge. No meals apart from breakfast included, and no restaurant, so Khoza is picking me up at 6. A siesta and dry off.

 

As arranged Khoza picked me up.  He explained that elephant and hippo come into town for the evening (and in fact we spotted elephants). The restaurant he’d planned for us was at a complex and was closed, so there was an alternate in which we were the only diners to start with, but more appeared.  There are Leadership pix everywhere. One sees this in North America but fortunately not in the UK.

The local equivalent of Black Umfolosi did a version of Swing Low, which did not endear me. Their version of  iAfrica did.

It was a good dinner, Crocodile Caesar and Chicken Schnitzel, a few Sauvblancs… The drive back was uneventful with no animals on the road. At the hotel back of nine. Early-ish start tomorrow.

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

The alarm woke me at the Ungodly hour of 5 for a 5:45 start. There were many Germans in the lobby also awaiting a pickup. Our jeep arrived and we took off. I saw a Sunrise spectacular, and the wind in my hair (!) as we proceeded to Chobe National Park entrance. I was grateful for my rain jacket as a windbreaker. Stopping to register at the entrance to the park, it was awash with similar vehicles on similar business.

The road became tracks, some of which were underwater as the Chobe is in flood. The drivers are expert amphibians. Toto’s “Africa” was my earworm.

We saw Impala (lots), a lion by the water (Albert and the Lion popped into my head) crocodiles, all sorts of birds, kudu, hippos, and elephants in our 3-hour drive. Sensory overload and many pix. The drivers were chatting constantly on the radio, presumably telling colleagues about which animals spotted where.

We got back for breakfast at 9:30! I also picked up a USB cable, but when I got back to my room, the connection wasn’t working. Sigh. (But fixed later.)

Later in the afternoon, we had a tour on the Chobe river itself. With us were a Torontonian family of 3, who were fun. At the docking area many locals were fishing with rod and line, some crude. Reminded me of childhood fishing off Bayble Quay.

 

What we saw lots of were Hippos (at one point the boat was chased by one, and crocodiles. Then baboons, elephant, and kudu. Khoza spotted the heads of a pair of Giraffes feeding through the trees.  (Guides, drivers etc are constantly trying to spot things for the tourists.) Our pilot spotted a mob of similar boats in a spot and went over to check.  It was a trio of crocs fighting over what appeared to be a hippo skin.  There were many boats of various sizes on the river, all apparently tourist oriented; no commercial fishing.  Houseboats too, of various levels of living.

A lovely sunset as we sped homeward.

At the lodge, beer and a late dinner with Grecian cats (that is, there are masses of cats in the restaurant mooching, as they doo in Greece.), Bed after a long, lively and exciting day. The Falls tomorrow.

Monday, 23 March 2026

My safari starts today. Farewell Jo’burg, hello Zimbabwe and Botswana. An early start as I had to be at the airport more than two hours before 1300 flight. Low cloud and rain hung about Sandton City Tower, as I left the hotel for the Gautrain. I missed one by a minute. Gave me time to pack away my rain gear.

Arriving at the airport, last night’s curry necessitated an early toilet stop. They had a bum washer here, the first I’ve seen outwith the Far East. Checkin, security, all OK and I headed into the Bidvest lounge, with plenty of time to relax. It was  warm though, and I’ll need a shower before dinner. One of a number of lounges, this one is large with very comfortable seats. No USB C connections though. OR Tambo is a large airport. With around 18 million pax pa, compared with EDI’s 17, it is massively bigger, and shows a way forward for my home airport. Lots of security around.

There was a Bus to aircraft, the ground staff are Menzies. Today’s aircraft is a B737-400 flown by FlySafair 34 years old. I had a whole row to myself. The rain started on take-off.

Nice to see blue skies again, albeit from 30,000 feet.

 

Through safely to meet my tour guide Khoza. His native language is Ndbele. Onto Kazungula town 100k away, where 4 countries meet. There were potholes aplenty. We stopped off to meet his wife and bairn. He has land and is in process of building house extensions for his 3 daughters, sister and her child.

Driving along we spotted baboons and wild pigs, and an elephant. Also Guinea fowl in this area of wide woodland. Cracks in the woodland gave occasional views through. Surprisingly, no evidence of roadkill. Nearing the hotel, we saw the Chobe river bridge.  Chinese built.

Arriving at the Zimbabwe Botswana border, we had no problems, and onto the hotel.

The Thebe Lodge unfortunately has no USB C or UK adapters. Khoza had one but it blew up! Need to find one… I managed to get the phone charged at the bar.

I had beer wine and Seswaa with Khoza. Delicious.  An early start 5:45 tomorrow.

Sunday, 22 March 2026

I sorted the Nomad eSim, it was my fault, I was trying to use the Canadian one! A later breakfast today, and way less chaotic.

The weather was mixed: sunshine and showers, but warm. I wandered lonely as a cloud.

Eventually to A Streetbar named Desire. It was meh.

An email from my tour organiser :

“I am happy to inform you that you have been upgraded to a private tour, with your own personal tour vehicle and driver/guide, who will be with you from Victoria Falls every step of the way”.  Seems OK.

Then a return to Mad Giant Taproom. There was football on and I assumed it was SA. It was in fact Tottenham and Forest.

The Barmaid had Macleod trews on her curvy arse. She confirmed she had Scottish connections and in fact members of her family were currently touring there. Unfortunately, the bar closed early on Sunday.

An Uber to Sandton City. This mall would keep even Pamela Scott amused for some time; it’s huge. Tonight a curry as I’d missed out last night. Across the square, Trump’s grill which I intend to visit on my return from Cape Town.  The restaurant was large but not busy. I was early.

I ate, was stuffed including a bottle of Sauv Blanc, and was back for 20:30 smelling strongly of a fine curry. No nightcap, an early start tomorrow. Weary again.

Saturday, 21 March 2026

A decent night’s sleep set me up for breakfast. This was slightly chaotic even after 10, as the egg-cooking station was overwhelmed. My plain omelette had veg in it, and they ran out of bacon. They didn’t have labels on the containers. Otherwise fine!

I spotted a quartet from Scotland, and when asked, confirmed they were over for the game. It had been raining and today seems showery with 7/8 cloud.

It was Human Rights day in SA, and 66 years since the Sharpeville Massacre. A big day here.

In due course I took an Uber to Ellis Park which is an impressive stadium and no problem in getting an excellent ticket. The crowd (if such it was) was small, and witnessed a dire performance from Edinburgh, who were deservedly thrashed.

Leaving, I found that my mobile connection was rubbish, resulting in a 30 minute walk to Park Station at which I got a taxi to the hotel.

In the course of my walk, I passed though impoverished areas where no whites to be seen but no bother, and I never felt worried.

I changed the route of my taxi to a Hogshead! A decent selection of beers in this brewery tap, the IPA being my favourite. A chap near me seeing my accoutrements, asked me where I was from. On receiving confirmation, he said he’d lived in Leith for a number of years. He recommended me the Fireman’s Arms in Cape Town.

After he left, a young guy came over to speak A gay pick up? Mindful of my safety tips, I made my excuses and got an Uber to Sandton City mall. It was teeming down.

It’s a big mall, big enough to confuse even Pamela S.

The Trump grill house was unfound like its namesake. Given it was Saturday I tried Cilantro. It was a grill house, no Indian food at all. Big and fun, ethnically diverse. I thought of the conflict between being a Brit and seeing SA. Seen it before in Canada and NZ. The difference here is that is a large world city: one can’t talk to busy people

A stunning woman in a sheath (?) dress arrived with chums. I gawped.

Across the road to the hotel for a nightcap, I was weary and in bed 10pm, it was still teeming down.

Friday, 20 March 2026

Overnight, I slept intermittently but had a good breakfast before arriving at Jo’burg airport. It was hot! Scandalously few passport control officers for the number of passengers. I see that “coloured” people here are mostly brown not black as I had expected. Ignorance is bliss and no doubt many other lessons to learn. Which is rather the point.

I sat down in the arrivals hall for a while to get my bearings and to (unsuccessfully) load my eSim. I’ll need to contact them.

To the station to catch the Gautrain to Sandton. There’s quite the tropical vegetation aroma. The train was modern, swift and efficient, and runs every 20 minutes. Take a lesson, Montreal.

Exiting the station, I spotted the hotel across the road. The weather is great, not too warm.

Although it was only midday, the staff checked me in. They shared the welcoming duties between 4! Apart from a room upgrade, I got a free bottle of wine and “span the wheel” for a bonus. In this case 1500 points.  They also handed me a “Tips” card, full of warnings. Essentially, don’t talk to strangers!

I had a nice big room on the 11th Floor. Full tech recharging facilities, I’m happy to report.

After settling in, I downloaded the Uber app as it seems to be the de facto method of public transport. I decided to go to the Mad Giant Taproom. On the way I learned that Xhosa is pronounced Koza

 

It’s a divided country economically and a racially white SA in bar saying he can’t claim some benefits (I have no idea of truth), on the roads, vagrants and hustlers entirely black. I cannot hope to establish the facts in such a swift visit. Also many streetwalker hawkers.

Next, Uber (driver from Zimbabwe) to  24 Central (a bar), few whites, mostly black. Fascinating, as Spock would say. Female hairstyles are not unlike black women back home, but no two are the same (braids).

 

There’s little Wi-Fi provision in the bars. Quite a bit of Friday afternoon drinking.

Uber definitely seems to be the way to travel, although I walked back to the hotel. I managed to get my eSim to work.

Jo’burg is mostly low-rise and spread out.

 

Next order of business: finding a good braai place. But first dinner in the hotel, for simplicity. The starter was of North America portions; I didn’t finish it. The rack of lamb was lovely. Stuffed, I retreated to my room.

An email from my wine tour to say that the tram tour was now a bus tour as the tram was broken. A big disappointment, but 1^st world problems…

Thursday, 19 March 2026

I’ve booked a ticket to see Sigur Ros at the Playhouse 31st August.

A leisurely morning; breakfast, finished packing, then I got the tram at 12:45. Sunny but cool. Jo’burg is 15° warmer. Somehow it doesn’t feel real.

Anyway, safely through security, and into the PP lounge which has been rebranded as Turkish Airlines. Somewhat more comfortable, not so busy, and the food is more interesting. So an improvement. A light lunch and some Pinot G. Time for the flight. I used the stick of power to access priority boarding, and I needed it as there was no jetbridge. Today’s aeroplane is a 2-year-old A320N.

No free food etc on this. Rollback was early with a trouble-free flight. Without a clear terminal for my next night, I went to the T5 North lounge. As usual it was heaving. On the basis that a 380 normally leaves from B or C I went over to B where the lounge is great. Quiet, relaxed. A couple of glasses of white and a snack, seeing that evil murdering bastard Netanyahu lie and lie again at a press conference. I turned away before I boaked.

Then onto C65 to board my A380. It took a while to figure out all the facilities and controls. Meanwhile, champagne. Fewer black faces on this flight than I expected.

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

Nineteen years since Liz died.  And I am preparing for Africa. Is that irony?  I don’t know.

I note that Parliament rejected the Assisted Dying bill.  I’m disappointed. My MSP voted for though.

Glencoe and Cairngorm centres are still open for skiing; the best season for years.

I got an email from Ben (MSP) re my complaint about the Iain Anderson show, enclosing a letter from Angus Robertson (CS for culture inter alia). I replied, thanking him and praising him for the vote last night. Pretty anodyne, but we have no powers over the State Propaganda Channel.

 

And so to my final  pleasant afternoon visit to the Shore for a while. Blether with Bill, and Danny making appalling jokes.

I confirmed my intention to eat out later.  So when we left I went back for an hour before returning for a very good dinner. A break a tricky decision on food. Tempura prawn, Provencal prawns, pork belly and black pudding. And a gratis Port from Danny.

To the bar, full of usual suspects but also Wendy and Rory with Ann (fellow block occupiers), so I sat down with them as a residential subcommittee. Wendy Rory and I have much in common.

Home for 2215, after last orders.

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

My flights to Victoria Falls came through and unfortunately the inbound doesn’t work with my connection to Cape Town. An expensive rectification to follow ☹️

GLC is partially reopening tomorrow, good news.

To Vue for Hamnet today.  In the trailers, came one for something I fancy watching; “A pale view of hills”

Hamnet was a slightly odd film.  The first 30 minutes is, frankly, tedious as a scene-setter.  And witchy.  My cousin Angela would enjoy it I think. However, the rest of the film was engrossing, an emotionally stirring, with the final scene in particular tugging at the heartstrings.  I needed to go for a wine in the Shore to shed some emotions.

I had a blether with Keith and got home for music before dinner.

Later, my balcony neighbour Ollie Price knocked on my door to see if I could turn the noise down!  I had no idea the soundproofing was so poor.

Monday, 16 March 2026

That’s my credit card bills sorted, my Starling card loaded, and my US$ ditto. Meds ditto.

Then I went off to the shops to pick up my prescription et al, before going to Vue to see Hamnet, only not! I had booked the ticket for the Omni.  I got the ticket refunded and booked for tomorrow instead.

Sunday, 15 March 2026

Final Sunday shop for a while.  I must finish arranging Africa.

Pamela called me, and we had a good chat. She is going to Pittodrie with Fergie!

To the Malt Franky has broken-up with her boyfriend which explains the angsty series of profile pix on Facebook. No Churchmichaels, but Alan and I had a good blether. I said I was looking for a Gerontophile.  Alan challenged me on this and I admitted I’d just made it up but it sounded good.  And lo, it is actually a word.

The Shore bar quiet, but Kenny and Robert were gie’n it laldy. I stayed for much longer than I meant to running, into Alec and Chris. Chris is interesting to talk to as he’s involved in similar work to Alisdair Curtis. He has an idea of a software program. He’s off to meet Andy and Gina in the Hebrides next month.

A message from Bill; he went in to visit George, who was better than he expected and chatty.  He thinks he will be in for a couple of weeks.  Shades of Alisdair Curtis…

Home for 17:15, dodging the weather.

Saturday, 14 March 2026

Struan and Dobson back in Teuchter’s, along with a cast of thousands. It was even busier than last week. Ran into Russell; he and Nikki went next door, but returned later. Charlotte also arrived, with Winthorp; and Stefano and Sara. After the singing of the anthem, the day did not go well for us, and Ireland deserved the victory, their defence was simply ferocious. To add to the misery, I broke a beer glass, with contents going all over my clothes.

Saying my farewells at Teuchter’s, Alana told me she was leaving.  I’ll miss her, but not the random spoons.

I watched the first half of the Wales game before departing for the second to the Shore (which was quiet)  then home for curry and the final game. What a tournament it’s been.

Friday, 13 March 2026

A much improved morning, sunny, but cold.

Today’s meeting with Bruce and Bill was at the Artisan.  It became very busy, especially with gamblers as it was Gold Cup day.  Taking a look at the runners, Gaelic Warrior jumped out at me (pun unintended), and I determined to bet it later.  I had a bet on the next race which lost. I drank mostly Cromarty Rogue Wave.

Afterwards, Bill and I had a couple in the Malt. I forgot to bet Gaelic Warrior, which duly trotted up.

I see STV Newscaster John Mackay has retired, his mother came from Lewis.

A message from Bill: George has had a stroke and is in the Western.  Prognosis good.

Thursday, 12 March 2026

A miserable day.

The Scotland team 23 was pretty much as predicted. A 5/3 split though, with Rowe coming in.

Robinson has joined the Dons from St Mirren.  Hopefully things will improve.

I met the Aitkens in the Abbotsford, for a change, and had more drink than usual. Much chat over the politics and culture. As usual they have many forthcoming gigs. They had a great time last weekend at the 10CC gig, despite Graham being refused entrance to Macsorleys due to wearing shorts. They didn’t eat at the Bavaria. By the time I left around 6, the weather had moderated, and I was home for 18:30. A carry-out beckoned as I couldn’t be bothered to cook.

Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Annie and Paula are on way to LHR, separately. I’m hoping my URTI clears up before I travel.

It’s blustery and colder today. Time to catch up with paperwork, including ISAs and priming out my travel documents, before I meet Bill.

I see the French player got only four weeks for eye gouging. That’s a disgrace.

I met Bill as per usual for our afternoon’s nonsense.

Tuesday, 09 March 2026

The countdown to the Spring Safari, coupled with Super Saturday…

An email from John Marshall, “Willie” Baxter has died suddenly.

I started watching “Berlin I love you” but got fed up with it.

Monday, 10 March 2026

The fire at GLC seems pretty disastrous with extensive damage.  The station closed until? Fergie and I took a tram to meet Bill at the Abbotsford before he got his train.  After he left, we had a finisher in the Shore.

Sunday, 08 March 2026

Up early and returning from the shops I delivered my Dyson to Elaine whose vacuum cleaner had died. Julie was there also, waiting for Molly; they were all going to watch the F1.

After breakfast, a few hours rewatching the game and comments from yesterday, which took us up to departure to the Malt.  Alan was in a good mood, and we were joined by the Churchmichaels and Julie. We left later than usual but still had a couple in the Shore before dinner.

After dinner music was Eva Cassidy followed by a selection of YouTube videos, engrossing us until after midnight.

I see there’s a big fire at GLC.

Saturday, 07 March 2026

I dawned sunny and cold for the game. A cooked breakfast to set us up/aid recovery, and over to Teuchter’s. Struan and Chris were outside recreating their bromance and going to the game with John. The usual suspects at table 6. Stefano as uncertain for Italy as we for Scotland.

The Pub was queued outside the door…

An exciting first half was followed by a woman piper who came in in full fig and marched around playing Flower of Scotland (obvs) and the Marseillaise. Apparently she did a lot of playing on Easter Rd during Lockdown and is an all-round good egg. Onto an unbelievable performance in the second half, and a cross between incredulity and dreamland.  Words failed, emotions did not, as Flower of Scotland was sung to the rafters.

We stopped for the Italy game, which in comparison was a boring slugfest, and we left at halftime to go back and get changed before dinner. Outside Teuchter’s was full.

Passing the Shore we popped in for a swiftie and I watched the conclusion of the game whilst Fergie talked to a seaman off one of the boats in the docks. So in the last 10 they won out. Stefano will be so pleased.

Then to Tapa for a fine dinner (thank you Fergie) and home before 9. A good day.

Friday, 06 March 2026

A bright morning, and I drove to the station to pick up Fergie.

Innis and Gunn have been bought by C&C.

I told Fergie that Tom was joining us for dinner as he was going to the game tomorrow (which is true). I made a Bourguignonne which turned out quite well.  Just the one course as Stovies were on offer later.

We headed over just after 19:15, and I just went to the Bothy.  Almost all the expected guest were there (Fairbairns, Pete McDermott, Hintons, Bruce and the Coven minus the Churchmichaels). The surprise worked well and it was a great evening, with John T staying back to say hello (and doing me a great deal).

Leaving at 10 for the main bar, we got wearily home after midnight.

Thursday, 05 March 2026

Off for the holiday haircut to Ceri’s.  Her daughter has just been evicted from her flat as the landlord wants to sell.  She pays £1400 a month! I got a message from Lawrance.  He is still stuck in Australia but has a flight out on the 17^th via San Francisco!

Heavy rain and dark skies, as I left for our curry.  We met in the Kenilworth beforehand.  There was a Jakey wandering about. Then a bunch of French struck up the Marseillaise.  Great fun.

The curry restaurant used to be the Tippoo, and it was like a timewarp with the place seemingly unchanged from a 60s décor. The food however was good (although my prawn puri was on the small side).  The rain continued, still we finished in Kenilworth, and I got a tram home for 22:45.

Wednesday, 04 March 2026

The international news gets grimmer. At least the weather was OK, as I went for the shopping.

I met Bill at the Shore 2pm as he wanted to leave early to watch football. Kyle and his girlfriend Tara were at the bar. I had too much to drink but it was good fun as the sun beat down. Lawrance is still maybe stranded   A finisher on the balcony.

Tuesday, 03 March 2026

First, cleaning for Fergie’s impending visit.

The shopping didn’t go well, no Indian supplies found. However a lovely early spring day

Julie’s bakeday went well, helping raise £500 for Macmillan.

Lawrance is stuck in Australia thanks to the genocidal maniacs. I dropped into Teuchter’s for a word with John T about Friday. Many people sitting outside on the bridge; John beaming, especially as the weekend forecast is favourable.

Monday, 02 March 2026

Usual relatively inactive Monday

I am peching  (guid Scots wurd) and seem to have an URTI

I’m reading le Carré’s final novel “Silverview”.  It has dense prose even by his standards, but always enjoyable. It got me thinking (and reading) about tense, voice and mood (grammatically).

Next, I watched some Dr Who (Christopher Eccleston)episodes.  Billie Piper is gorgeously gamine with her provocative prognathousness.  The first overtly sexual companion IMHO.

Busy tomorrow.

Sunday, 01 March 2026

Spring has sprung on St David’s Day.

Amongst other celebrations. two senile megalomaniacs have murdered a third in Iran.

A pair of ideal results for Hearts this weekend.

On the way to the Malt, I chatted to Kevin outside Fisher’s. He was having a smoke, and was lunching with Ali and Sara. I had my usual post Malt and ran into Alec for a chat.  He’s an interesting chap.

I did watch the Bacchae tonight.  An excellent production.

Saturday, 28 February 2026

I made a visit to the Malt where there was a new barmaid. After, caught in the rain I dived into Teuchter’s, none of the usual suspects, so just had the one. Pie Dolly sold out.

I see Sharp’s brewery being sold by Molson Coors. I was never a big fan but always a shame to see a big multinational shit on a local business.

Friday, 27 February 2026

I followed the Gorton by-election result.  Takes: the pundits got the result badly wrong, Reform really is a horrible bunch of Nazis, and they may not do as well as expected (hoped?) in Scotland come May.

A different tour today with Bruce and Bill (B’n’B) to Tollcross (Cloisters and Bennet’s).

Good fun and beer, and I stayed for an extra pint to find Ian Cameron at the bar!  He was with a pal and respective partners.  I haven’t seen him for years, and he’s bald as a coot. Going home, I popped into the Malt and Hops to find a CAMRA visit that I’d forgotten about.

A call from Fergie, going out for a birthday dinner to No 10 tomorrow, and he wondered If Ron B was going to Tynecastle. I didn’t know. (I messaged him, no tickets.)

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

I had a few “Tinder Matches” in my Yahoo spam folder. Amusing, as I have never used it.  And no, I didn’t click on the links. I hardly use this account so it’s curious as I don’t get these in my other email accounts. Maybe their spam filter isn’t as good.

 

To the NMS store at Granton for a booked tour.  A pleasant morning, and I took the bus. A very enjoyable experience, lasting 1 ½ hours across the Scotland and Natural history sites with  informative guides Maggie, Beth & Tracy who was a  Sgianach.

A lecture on the pest problems they have (beetles, mice etc) and how whale oil leaches out form bones for decades after the whale has died. I’d thoroughly recommend it.

From the NMS, to Welch’s then the butcher, missing out Aldi which I left for tomorrow.

Later, to the Shore, where I ran into Michael to regale me with tales (a Nolan sister somewhere). There was a chappie from Swindon selling cheese.  Leaving, the  birds were singing on a mild evening and home 18:30.

An evening of music, and late bedded as I enjoyed it and the wine.

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

I forgot to say that it’s Seachdain an Gaidhlig (World Gaelic week).

I bought an English National Theatre sub to watch the Bacchae at home. It was my experience of watching the Fifth Step at the cinema that encouraged me, so we’ll see how it goes. (It went well.)

Monday, 23 February 2026

A lot of nonsense over Davison’s tics at the BAFTAs. Entitled black man.

Annie and Paula depart for the Antipodes today, and I had my first session on the bike for too long…

I resisted Bill’s suggestion I join them in Teuchter’s in the evening.

Sunday, 22 February 2026

Shopping  after the rain and it became pleasant as I watched yesterday’s rugby again. France looked like they were going to overwhelm Italy, and to a certain extent they did in the end, but it was a good contest. No pub today.

A great result for Hibs (& Hearts).   And also for I Swear at the BAFTAs.

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Game day, and over to Teuchter’s about 1, via Pie Dolly.  Her new shop is open.

Alana’s stockings were the early highlights.  Chris and I were joined by Tash, Nigel, Jonas and John; then Danny before the first game.

What a spanking for England, as well Charlotte was away.  Most enjoyable. Then I was joined by Nikki and Russell for our game – no Alan this week.

It was a hard watch. As the game progressed, it became obvious that Finn Russell was pissed off with the performance, and a bit like against England in 2019, he decided to win the game for us by himself, and proceeded to do so.

Afterwards, I did go over to the Digger’s Leith.  Just a couple of beers on, and they were OK.  I daresay it will improve.

Home for a carryout curry.

Curlers lost, bummer.

Friday, 20 February 2026

Grey, but a fine result for the Scottish men’s curling team.

I’m getting a lot of soft porn on my SM feed, masquerading as MandS female underwear ads (joke).

I met Bruce in Teuchter’s. Little change in the Joan situation; she’s quite down. Had a word with Dylan to confirm the table for tomorrow.

Bruce went on his way, mildly jealous as I was going to meet Julie at the Bowlers Rest. She introduced ,e to Robert, a handyman who helps her out occasionally (!).  Also there was Richard (going to Malta with Elaine), and Peter (long hair former regular at Malt) whom I hadn’t seen for an age.  The prices had put him off.  Cecily, the owner is affy friendly (she is American), and the pub became quite busy.  It’s very much a locals bar, and the drink is quite cheap.  No real ale, but as I was on the wine, no matter.  A decent selection of craft though.

Elaine said she would try and join us but in the event didn’t arrive by the time I left.  I ordered a Chinese and popped down for a quickie to the Shore where I chatted to Mike & Rory.

Early night.

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Off to the Omni today with Kathleen to watch Marty Supreme.  We met in the Slug and Lettuce as the JDW was packed. It was OK.

I wasn’t that impressed with the film.  It was too long, and I did not like the character Chalomet played, fine actor as he is.  I simply couldn’t get into it, and of course as a former serious player myself, I was disappointed.  Kathleen felt similarly.

Afterwards, we dropped into Little Picardy for a couple, before getting a taxi.  I cooked a Spanish dinner sitting down at 22:45!

Wednesday, 18 February 2026

I phoned Fergie to wish him a happy 80th.  I’m sure he doesn’t feel it; the bastard certainly doesn’t look it!

Given the shopping yesterday, none today, so no fish pie tonight.

Tom suggested I meet him for a beer in the Café Royal in the afternoon.  Nothing loth, I did, and with him were a couple of pals Oliver and Dave.  Oliver is the chef at the Witchery, and Dave is F&B man at the Assembly.  They’d been doing a podcast.  Tom told me about the fun they’d had on the Donostia trip, and I must say I was tempted to book again.  However, discretion was the better part of valour in the end.

After the other two left, we popped into the Guildford to check out the refurb.  New carpet, parquet flooring and work in the Gallery.  Was fine.  A good, if boozy afternoon, and home before 7.

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Another lovely winter’s day, on Chinese New Year, the year of the Horse, which is my animal.

The 3 Scottish injuries from Saturday are confirmed as returned to club.  We have sufficient strength in depth I think, in these positions.

Went to Halfords to get repair stuff for my rusty roof.  I hope I’m up to it.

Sunday, 15 February 2026

Sunny again.

After breakfast, I sat in front of the telly watching the game again on catch-up  as much for the pre-match punditry getting it wrong…  Fun.

Later to the Malt, where Alan J had been joined by Julian.  Another Warlock who has been absent for some time. He is going as lecturer on a cruise to Iceland and the Faroe.  He is also falling foul of UKGOV visa changes.  I hadn’t known he’s a box player. He’s always interesting to talk to.

As we sat in, rain started, and when I ventured homeward. It was quite persistent. I dropped into the Shore, where Robert was accompanied by a different Bass payer as Kenny is holidaying in the Lake District.

No rugby on so I went home to catch the 2^nd half which was ended up with Wales gubbed.

Celtic scraped a win in the final seconds as the Evil Twins do, and a disaster for the Dons.

Saturday, 14 February 2026

A glorious winter morning.  I’m hoping that St Valentine will shower the Scots with love today.

But first, the Ireland Italy game in Teuchter’s. The usual suspects saw an absorbing and exciting game. Ultimately, the Irish deserved their victory albeit by a narrow margin. A draw would have been a fair result but Italy has a bonus point, and Ireland do not. If our game is as good I’ll be content.

Joy was unconfined.  Our table was full to bursting, as was the pub, who gave a rousing rendition of Flower of Scotland, before the team set about sending England homeward tae think again.  I felt a little sorry for Charlotte, once again she was a rose but this time set amongst thistles

Nikki, Alan Massie and his pal whose name I forget, joined us for the game; the first time I’ve seen her for a while. At the end, another rousing chorus of “Flower”.

Nikki et all went to the new Diggers (which I have yet to visit). And I’d intended to join them, bit walking there, I decided to go to the Shore to gloat with Danny.  I had just the one and home for curry.

Friday, 13 February 2026

Black Friday, before Valentine’s day: an inauspicious combination.

The snow warning as usual produced zero. OTOH, a Bluebird day on the slopes, probably the best for many years.

No Bruce so I went to the Malt. Late in the afternoon, there were people sitting outside taking advantage of the sun, albeit they were happed up.

I had a Pentland in the Shore with Stevie and Chris who is going with his partner to Lewis and Harris in April to hear Andy Chung amongst other things.  They are staying at the Lewis Castle.  I told him to try some Salar Salmon.  Quite a few beers today

Bad news for Arnish.

Thursday, 12 February 2026

An unpleasant morning, but it brightened slightly.

Out to meet the boys for Curry, I deliberately left a little early to visit Divino Enoteca. It is a very nice bar and I’d love to eat here. It abuts onto Vittoria on GIV of which it is part. At 6 the restaurant was getting busy. I had a very nice Soave Classic, followed by a Chianti. Side of cheese bits provided. Classy.

Leaving it I noticed an intriguing sign for Sköll and Hati which appeared to be a basement bar of some sort.  Later research showed it’s like a cocktail bar.

And so to the Bow for beer; I was last to arrive.  Just a couple before walking to Khushi’s.  This latest iteration is long and narrow: a lovely place with great ambience.  The food was equally good, and it’s one to note. I had wine there.

Afterwards, to Sandy Bell’s for two pints before getting a 35.  A great night out, home and bed 22:30.

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

It was chucking down for the Wednesday shop. I see we now have a yellow snow (!) warning; I assume it will come to nothing for the Shore.

Later, up town shopping, and ended up in Bennet’s for a couple of beers. No Emily, but I understand the Blazer party went well. A very enjoyable few Pacific Golds from Moonwake. However, the bar clock wasn’t working, so I messaged James to get it sorted 😁

What other bars use air founts? Bow doesn’t. I started singing Rumer thus regretting that I failed to bring my earbuds.

Lawrance has decided to have a small bevvie to celebrate his big birthday and Julie has retained her job. Let joy be unconfined. Amongst other things.

I popped into the Shore afterwards, despite the absence of Mr Redmonf. Craig from the Port came in, with Natalie and others.  A wee party from the Port.

Rumer on the system after dinner. And no, no snow.

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

I called Mairi, her limbs are improved. She gave me tips about getting a toilet seat, sock helpers, floor pickers etc. Her birthday present from Linda is to take her to the shops.

Rain.

Monday, 09 February 2026

Housework and 🥌 another Scottish disaster.

Sunday, 08 February 2026

What was that glittering orb in the sky, blinding me as I went to Sainsbury?

I went over to the Malt at lunchtime. Keith was in, he said he had not been out for a week.  Worrying.  What kind of a life does he lead?

I had a few beers with Alan Justice, Neil and Jacqui before going to the shore where Robert and Kenny were an excellent form. Danny was jubilant and tried but failed to wind me up. I told John about Keith. I had a few Picpouls and got home about quarter past 4:00.

The Redmonds are off to London tomorrow and then Lawrance shortly thereafter to Australia.

Tonight’s dinner, leg of lamb.

Music tracks: In my life, and Camel.

Saturday, 07 February 2026

Game day!  A fine performance by the <20s last night; hope for the future. I hope the seniors emulate it.

I see Jeane Freeman has died.  A sad loss, she was probably the best health secretary in these islands, respected and honest.

The Fortunae have dumped me in favour of the Angel. How are the mighty fallen.  I celebrated with a bet on Scotland to win the 6 Nations at 14/1. I went over to Teuchter’s via the Pie Dolly.  Her shop is opening shortly, across the road from Thomson’s.  Interesting combo! Chris had been in for a while. We were joined by the Kippaxs, Stefano (which his Italian fingernail paint) and Charlotte the newly-wed.

Downhill, but not like the skiing.  Albeit the conditions were atrocious, we were second best all game, with Ashman in particular having a nightmare at the lineout, not helped by the locks.  Deeply depressing stuff, but at least Stefano was ecstatic.

Charlotte was quite right: by time I left there were blue skies. The colours of Italy alas. I went over to the Shore and ended up watching the England game.  The carnage was worse, with England rampant.

A carry-out tonight.

Friday, 06 February 2026

When will these grey days end?

To Teuchter’s where  Bill, Bruce and Stevie all arrived together from a tram. Joan’s appointment has been put back, so depressed. Bruce and Bill left early Bill a bit grumpy, why I know not. I did not go to the Shore.

Trump’s latest depravity apes the worst.

Thursday, 05 February 2026

Some big changes in the team for Italy on Saturday. I hope they work out.

I went up town to get some cards and a pillow from Lewis’s.  A message from Bill to say that Gordon’s train was delayed.  Looking at an app. I saw that there were 3 separate incidents!  I decided to go home first rather than go straight to Teuchter’s.  Finishing lunch, a message from Bill to say they were in Teuchter’s.  I hurried over to find that Only Bill and Lawrance were there, but Gordon and Sandra (his partner) were not long delayed.  Although she has a broad Midland accent, she was born in Dunfermline.

Anne then arrived and we had a most convivial afternoon.  Gordon and Sandra loved the pub, and I suggested we have one in the Shore.  So we did. Bill was all for staying but for once I stuck to my guns, plus Anne was falling asleep. I got home for 19 hrs in time to watch the France Ireland game.  A sharp lesson.  The speed of offload was what hammered Ireland.

Wednesday, 04 February 2026

Damp shopping today.

I had a fun few hours in Shore with Bill. He and Bruce did go to the Artisan on Friday, and enjoyed it.

I told him I’d read the Stanley Tucci book, and the joy of a large kitchen that I wish I had.  Not sufficient to move however, lacking a large windfall. We had lots of political chat. His pal Gordon Lewis is going to be in Teuchter’s tomorrow; I’m invited.

Fish pie for dinner, as per.

Tuesday, 03 February 2026

I devoured the Stanley Tucci book recommended by Bill. He was right.

Then I tried making a Pot-au-feu with the “eye” of the brisket I’d cooked last week..  It worked out quite well.

I’m reading more, which I think is good.

Monday, 02 February 2026

The corrosion on the car roof finally prompted me to see a body repair person.  The bad news is it would cost hundreds as the screen would have to come off and the entire roof repainted.  It’s not worth it.  The chap advised me to do some DiY.  Not my strong suit.

Another yellow snow warning for the NE again.

My new books delivered and learned that the word “slogan” is another Gaelic-derivation.

And so to Celtic Connections at the Usher Hall.  As both my usual restaurants were closed on Monday, I ate early at home. The 16 took ages to get round to Gt Junction St, the lights interval is ridiculously short. Mind you, I saw 2 cyclists on the cycle motorway: the first time.

Arrived at the Usher Hall for opening, it’s been aeons since I’ve been here and I’d forgotten what bar facilities there were on the GF. Both bars poor, nowhere near as good as next door, a large area with little and uncomfortable seating. And Glasgow-style plastic “glasses”. £10 for a large PG, no interval drinks AFAIK. Iirc, the upper bars are better.

In the auditorium, it was pretty well sold out. I didn’t recognise anyone (apart from the performers).

The gig was joyous, from the first notes. Kathy Mattea, Darrell Scott, Ali Bain, and Karine Polwart’s rendition of Wild mountain thyme brought the house down. I got a 16 before 22:30. The pleasure of having a bus service again…  And one that dropped me outside Teuchter’s as I still wanted something to drink.  The wine list had no prices so I said that I expected some for free.  Alas that didn’t work…

Sunday, 01 February 2026

A lovely sunrise as I went to Sainsbury, it’s getting earlier, and now we are in February.

A wee visit to the Shore, speaking to Martin about the difference between Julian and Justinian law.

Saturday, 31 January 2026

The true “cruellest month” comes to its long end.

Over to Boots for a prescription, followed by a visit to Teuchter’s for lunch; a beer and pulled pork roll which was excellent if messy.

I read that Teviot Row Union is being redesigned.  Manys a visit I had there in the 70s.  I even pulled once or twice.

Later, to the Malt to meet the Fortunae and Molly. First there as usual, the pub was heaving. Stevie M had a seat and suggested I join him as he was leaving shortly.  In the event, when the girls arrived, he stayed! The crowd thinned.  Stevie did leave, and I followed him a while thereafter as I couldn’t keep up with the girls, plus I was well aware they would carry on somewhere else idc. Stopping off on the way home at the Shore there was Stevie (and Martin).  Just a couple then home for curry and the Eagles on telly.  I’d forgotten how much I love them.

According to our block WhatsApp, there were wee nyaffs in the stair last night; a note not to let people you don’t know in.

The scaffolding is down from the Malmaison.

Friday, 30 January 2026

Scampi has cancer; Jacqui v unhappy.

Waterstones in the Kirkgate has been cancelled.

I spoke to Annie,  she and Paula are away in the Antipodes next month.

My first time out of doors today was to head up to Ryrie’s and meet the Aitkens. Thence to Locanda de Gusti, an old favourite. A great night and decided to go there with Annie on the night before we go to Berlin.  Then back to Ryrie’s and before I knew it the last tram beckoned. There was a problem at Balfour St but it was resolved by the time we got there.

Thursday, 29 January 2026

I completed my GBG surveys and voted for GBG inclusion. Job done for another year.

I met Lawrence in the Malt as I had a plug extension for him I had spare.  He was quite chatty.  His sister is to phone me soon, now her daughter is away home. He said he was out of his comfort zone last Saturday.

Whilst we were chatting, there was an argument going on between bar staff Sara, Franky, and Janet about what Sara’s duties entailed.  It had not been resolved by the time I left.

I regaled him with the story of the false X message about the buses returning last Saturday.  Then he told me that he’d seen a 35 as he neared the pub.  I looked at the app, and sure enough, it said they were running.  The 16 route map however remained on divert, there were no announcements on website or social media.  Then we actually saw a 16!  The funny thing was that Lawrence got a 16 to get up to the Malt, and it was still on the diverted route! At least he was able to get one home.

After, to see Lawrance at Teuchter’s, with Bill.  It’s his 70^th tomorrow. I brought them up to date with the buses. Bill told me about a book he’s enjoyed, by Stanley Tucci; “What I ate in one year”.  I think I’ll buy it.

Too many unplanned beers!

Jacqui R’s cat Scampi has not been well.  Geoff is taking them both to the vet.

Home before 5, no Shore, to a bizarre letter from the Royal Scots Club which consisted of a mostly-redacted letter inviting me to join!

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

A distinct improvement in the weather. The shopping done, quite a lot, so I was glad to have the car.

Then, my GBG surveys starting off with the Harbour Inn.  The cellar had just sprung some kind of a leak, so John was very flustered. The refurb looks really good.

Then to Stockbridge and the Bailie.  It’s been years; pre-Covid at least.  No change though, and Dave still does the quizzes in the Bailie. On the way to the Tap. I had an expensive visit to Mellis’ followed by a visit to the Pie shop. The WoL was running high.

At the Stockbridge Tap, Neil was on duty, and quite chatty. He said I should visit Clarks. Then a 36 homeward bound with my spoils, for a late lunch and a small portion of sausage rolls.

My Amazon delivery finally arrived.

Tuesday, 27 January 2026

An unpleasant day.  On the plus side it looks like the ski centres are getting dumped on big style. On the minus, I had to go out. I was going to do a GBG visit, but the weather was so vile I left it, plus I had an Amazon delivery due. Still, I had to go to Boots Princes Street for a vaccine appointment, aweel.

Waiting for my appointment I was amused by the signage above the Pharmacy. There was a panel for Contraception and Intimate Health, and another for Sexual Wellbeing. They were not adjacent, and between them were panels for Pain Relief, and Coughs and Colds.  Freudian?

Anyway, I got vaccines for Hep A, Typhus and Typhoid, at a cost of £140.  I got Boots points though!

Returning, there was no sign of my Amazon delivery. I was gagging for a pint so fell into temptation offered by Elaine in Malt and Hops with her old pal Allan, and Geoff. Elaine is taking the medical advice to relax in a different way to what was probably meant.  She still feels wabbit, but is back at work. Geoff is going to the USA to stay with Allan for the Scotland games. Well…

I did not stop off at the Shore.

I’d bought Daffodils; I think I’m getting allergic to their pollen.

Monday, 26 January 2026

I called my surgery for the bloods results. They were “fine”. Yay! So I booked a vaccination appointment with Boots. And then, a hotel in Cologne for a pre-Christmas break, on a flexible basis.  That’s all my paperwork caught up. In addition, I wrote Ben Macpherson (MSP) about the cancellation of the Iain Anderson show and the continuing débacle that is Henderson St.

After dinner, checking my emails, I saw a Julie Fowlis gig in Perth. I booked it. Possibly also a Johnny and June Cash musical in the Festival theatre…

Sunday, 25 January 2026

Off to Sainsbury driving somewhat gingerly.

After breakfast, I finally fitted my new mattress topper and sheet.

The Fortunae were improved but still hors de combat. It was Burns Night but no haggis for me.

Fergie called; a great victory for the Dons which I’d missed.

Bill had asked me to print stuff off for him so I did and met him at the Malt and Hops with Alan and Churchmichael’s.  Bill left to watch Celtic scrape a draw with the Jambos, and I for the Shore.  I left before 3 with Kenny and Robert on fire.

Saturday, 24 January 2026

Driech again. There was an X message from Lothian Buses to say that Henderson St buses were restored.  A lie!

Coven on tour, starting off at the Royal Mile, only it wasn’t yet open due to staff delay, so I went for a swiftie to the Mitre next door.  The Jack Back was off!  Not a good start. Back to the RM, and Justice and Lawrence were in.  The Fortunae separately messaged to say that their various ailments were keeping them away.  Lawrence unhappy!

Neil and Jacqui arrived and we walked down to Bannerman’s which was closed.  I received a slagging. So we walked up to the Brass Monkey which fortunately was open.  I phoned Bannerman’s and was told they’d had a blocked toilet and would be open shortly. So we had a few in the Monkey before heading back.  Lawrence slipped away!

Bannerman’s was now open and we spent an enjoyable couple of hours in the back talking nonsense (I remember nipples being one of them). There was also a band playing, so it brought back memories for all.

Eventually we went away and got a taxi down to Leith.  Alan left at the bottom of Easter Rd, and we went to the Shore.  I had a couple and left the other 2 to it.

A successful day, on the whole.

Friday, 23 January 2026

Dark grey.

I went to pick up the car. Still no sign of the Henderson Street diversions stopping. Still no sign of anyone using the motorways cycle lanes.

Ally discussed the car, apparently the steering rods are in poor shape. He suggested I present it for its MOT and see. Otherwise…  Leasing is expensive, and a replacement second-hand will be around £5k minimum. Maybe the time has come to cut my losses, given my low mileage.

 

Then to Teuchter’s with Bill, Bruce and Lawrance (who is also due to visit the Antipodes shortly).

I messaged Elaine: it wasn’t her x-ray she’d seen.  No signs of anything in her lungs; they think it’s a virus in her intercostal muscles.  Remedy, relax at home with Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.  I hope they’re right. Bill and I went for a couple to the Shore to finish.

Coven tour tomorrow.

Thursday, 22 January 2026

Dreich.

I cooked a ragu for the first time in ages, for Spag bol

I called the garage.  Unfortunately they couldn’t get secondhand parts 😭However, the car ready later.

I went to Warriston for Kenny Brown’s funeral.  A good turnout and some weel-kent faces, including Tam Ferguson!  Les Atkinson did an excellent tribute.  I didn’t go to the wake, straight home instead.

At the FOTW tram stop I ran into Elaine, just back from her from x-ray.  She thinks she saw her image which had a shadow on it so she’s understandably worried.  She got off, Iain Macniven got on! He’s going to NZ shortly for a holiday.  I was home before 4 for coffee and chocolate biscuits to warm me up.

I note that EDI had 17 million pax in 2025, another record.

Ally called back, it’s looking about £400 for the car.  I was scared it would be more. Pick up tomorrow.

Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Sans car, on public transport I played Bad Company, it’s a long time since I listened to them. No trace of the supposed roadworks at Henderson Street. After the butchers, I got a tram home instead of going via Lidl, hoping my car would be ready by the weekend. At least I’m walking more…

Arriving home, I found that the work on Henderson St had been done early (maybe).  Anyway, the road has reopened. What about the buses though?

I checked my route to Heather’s; a tram to Haymarket, and an express bus. This was my first time on West Lothian buses (X18).  I saw places I’d never seen: Broxburn, Dechmont, a huge Tesco distribution site.

Heather was quick with the replacement, but slow with showing me the obligatory pictures of her grandson!

My return bus back never showed up so I got a bus/train. Faster, but it was bitter, rain and sleet.  This forced me to go to Ryrie’s to thaw out.  Julie said that Elaine would meet me there, and sure enough, a few minutes later…

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Julie (back to work) told me Elaine is due for a chest X-Ray Thursday.

I attempted to drive to the garage but the front left tyre went flat on the way, and I limped into Iona St. I phoned the RAC, filled in the online form with the result they will be here in a minimum of 4+ hours. Bloody useless.

Therefore I cancelled my Boots appointment and my meeting with Lawrance and Bill. I walked over to the garage to let them know. Ali reckoned it was a broken spring and that punctured the tyre. He said it was fairly common. I hope that’s all it is.

Given the advised attendance time, I went home. There, the time went to 13:30, before advancing to 11:40. I decided I’d better make my way back, and at the team stop I received a call to say he’d be there in 10 minutes. Panic! In the event the RAC arrived before 11 and I arrived shortly thereafter.

It’s the spring, strut, corrosion, add a tyre, expensive. I got away from the garage at 12:15, depressed. Home for lunch.

I’m going to have to start watching C4 news again, given the nonsense. It reminds me of the Cuban missile crisis. I called  Bill to the Shore for a drink.  I started off with beer.  I got the day mixed up, I was thinking it was Sunday.

The world is all agog at Carney’s excellent speech at Davos, coming shortly after Macron’s. Leadership at last.

Monday, 19 January 2026

A quiet day, I hope. But then a message from Bill to say that they were having a farewell breakfast for the NZs at Teuchter’s. I went over, but no beer was on offer as John was power-washing the cellar!

I told Bill about Trump’s latest deranged letter to the Norwegian PM about “peace” – real toys-out-the-pram stuff.

Pamela S called me but for some reason my WhatsApp settings on my phone had changed and it all went wrong.  Anyway, I said my goodbyes of the NZ guys, and we all went our separate ways.

I had to wait for an  Amazon delivery, and a busy day tomorrow.

Sunday, 18 January 2026

In the absence of my car, I shopped late at Aldi before going to the Malt and Hops and Shore.

I learnt a new word from Chiara: Sufficiente is the Italian for adequate (in the sense I use it). Robert Kenny came over for a chat. Unusually the Shore was quite but busy later.

Julie’s car was  OK, the RAC chap fixed it FoC. Hope mine is likewise, unlikely.

My Beef brisket recipe worked well, I really enjoyed it, and doubtless the substantial leftovers will do well as stovies.

Dons and Glasgow won.

Saturday, 17 January 2026

I completed my marinades for brisket US style for tomorrow, and tandoori lamb chops for tonight, did a washing, so a decent start to the day.

Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, has died. A sad loss.

In the afternoon, I went to Lakeland, followed by Valvona and Crolla and back home via 16 and tram (fucking clowncil) & went over to the market. Unfortunately Pie Dolly had only veg pies left. Teuchter’s cheered me up. I only went in for 1, but Nigel and Tash came in… Then Julie arrived (unannounced, but she’d sent me a message I’d failed to pick up) with her colleague Augustina who is from Argentina.

Then the CAMRA guys came in for a pub crawl that I knew of but had forgotten.  I chatted with them for a while.

It went downhill after that.  Julie and Augustina accompanied me across the bridge, and we had a couple in the Shore, before I went home for my much-delayed dinner!  Julie is hoping to get her car fixed today.  Elaine wasn’t well anyway, so the movie date was cancelled either way.  Elaine is worried she is having a recurrence of the infection that previously hospitalised her. She sees the GP on Monday.

Friday, 16 January 2026

I met Jim A at Waverley as usual, and we met the 3 girls at the station.

Our first stop was the Barrels.  It’s a great wee bar and we had a couple there before heading for lunch at Mavi Turkish.  We had the set lunch menu and a fair bit of wine, which all went down very well. The bill including tip was £38, very good value.

We crossed the road to L’Atelier, where unusually I moved back from the grape to the hop. The keg Lervig is lovely.  I went up with Jim to order a second round, but when we were asked to be quieter, Jim stormed off in high dudgeon.  We weren’t that loud, not exactly a hen party but…  So we recrossed; to the Curfew Microbar, thus completing our usual round.

We ended up at the Castle hotel for a finisher before getting our respective trains home, Wendy having “lost” the kitty purse (she found it next morning of course). A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon; we talked a lot about our pasts and showed a lot of old photographs.

Our trains were almost on time and arriving at Waverley, the tram was working after earlier problems. In fact I think mine was the first to resume.

A message from Julie; her car is now knackered.  The battery, she thinks.  Her pal Robert is coming to fix it she hopes. She was going to join me and Elaine to see Nurenburg at Elaine’s tomorrow (I hadn’t known) so this might be cancelled.

Thursday, 15 January 2026

A busy day in prospect: visit to the nurse for tests, GBG surveys, and a visit to Teuchter’s this evening to see Alistair Batchen et al.

At the surgery, BP was 132/84. weight up as expected.  Given the amount of alcohol over the festive season, I’m not looking forward to a call from Dr Judy! I called to check if I was still on the Orthopaedics list.  I am, but the current wait time is 78 weeks: I still have 40 to go!

After lunch. It was time for another 2 GBG surveys: Carriers and the Malt.

In the Carriers, Laurie was in talking to Holly.  He is still working for Barney’s and had just been in Teuchter’s selling some Anubis Stout to John.  Good to see him.

In the Malt, Justice was in as per, but also Calum and Jacqui (area manager, not one of the other 2!). I did the survey, and we were joined by Laurence, then Logan and Jacqui R.  Alan has had problems with his forthcoming trip to Tunis (with the 3rd Jacqui), which has required negotiations and added expense. Not happy.

Lawrence was in good form and health and said that Kathleen was much improved.  Her daughter is home from Australia.  Then Keith (Shore) came in. He commented on the amount of drink we’d put away on Tuesday.  Mindful of the forthcoming evening, I only stayed for a couple before going home to input the surveys.

And after dinner, Teuchter’s.  I got a message from  Rory (no 15) to say he was in, and going over I saw that Lawrance was already in (they’d never met), followed later by Redmonds and the Batchens. Table 6 became available, and much drink was consumed before the arrival of  Claire and Nick! I followed them out the door before 11. Ting tomorrow at Berwick OT!

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Shopping by public transport. I survived it, although Aldi was replaced by Lidl at the Kirkgate. Two trams and a bus needed.

I completed tagging my music, before going to the Shore to meet Bill ” for a couple” as they were going out to dinner at Rishi’s. Kian was with him. We were joined by Nick and Claire later.  Bill was in the bad books with Anne for not keeping her informed!

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

I got to see a GP this morning (new woman) and she relieved me of my minor mole worry; Keratosis she said.

It’s wet and mild today and I’ve planned my GBG visits.

To Teuchter’s later.  No gossip, small war few casualties, although Dylan was noticeable hungover. I met Tash on the way over to see Nigel who’d been fixing the sound on the bar TV.  Turned out it was a signal splitter, fixed by turning it off and on again! The Redmonds came over (Anne and Bill), and we ended up in Shore until 10!  Dinner there, thanks Anne.

Monday, 12 January 2026

I’m a bit down today. But the ice has disappeared.

I phoned the GP: call back tomorrow, just emergencies today.

Issy and I had a videocall.  She is looking forward to seeing Annie and Paula in March.  She’s changed her hair again.  Paul is not that great: old age ailments. But the rest of them seem OK.  I told her about the Fifth Step, which interested her.  I caught up with the SLTN to see if Mather’s was mentioned.  No, but the Mossett Tavern is for sale, so I sent the link to Fergie.  Also, the Beehive is closing for a big refurb.

And it’s staff party today at Teuchter’s, so I’ll maybe pop along tomorrow after 4 to hear any scandal. I have to do my GBG surveys by the end of the month as well.

I plucked up courage to call my garage.  They can’t do anything before next Tuesday, the day before I go to Heather for my filling repair. Pelion on Ossa.

I saw a video of Craig Gordon’s save yesterday. Incredible, and the days finally getting noticeably longer.

Sunday, 11 January 2026

A very bad start to the day.  Apart from the wet cold and dreary weather, returning from Sainsbury I went into some kind of pothole and have done serious damage to the underside of the car, probably terminal. A terrible stench and rumbling as I dragged something along the road until I fortunately managing to drive home. At least I’m covered with the RAC.

Plus I think my facial mole has changed, I’ll phone the GP. Just the thing to put me in the mood for meeting Julie later.

She had already been to see a film (Sentimental Value), and had gone to the pub.  I was about to go to OT when I realised that she was at Omni.  Looking at my ticket, I realised it was for the Omni.  If she hadn’t messaged me, I’d have been late.  More woes to add.

We met at the Playfair (JDW). I gulped a couple of large whites down as I related my tale of woe explaining I was unlikely to be good company.  However, she cheered me up and  her  distracted me from the horror of the morning.

 

The play was fantastic.  A great double-hander from Loudon & Freeman and a play with many very funny moments despite the topic of AA.  I was in much better fettle by the end. We took a tram down to the Malt and Hops to meet Jacqui

The usual finisher in the Shore after.

Saturday, 10 January 2026

The WoL has refrozen, surprisingly.

I spent most of the day tidying up my music files metadata across my devices.  I therefore declined an invitation to join the Redmonds this evening, discretion being the better part of valour.  Plus, I’m going to the cinema with Julie tomorrow.  Or, as I look at my watch, today.

Friday, 09 January 2026

The mattress was comfortable (better than my old one, I will never again buy a foam mattress), but I have new aches until I get used to it!

A grey, damp day by the looks of it. Sleet and wet snow early. I cancelled my Prime membership.

 

I went up for a haircut before going to Teuchter’s.  Ceri wasn’t busy so I got out early and thus was early in the pub.  I had a Lou coffee to but yet more hair on my chest.  Lawrance was likewise early. John T told me that Mathers was for sale for £1.6 million. Bruce arrived. Joan’s health problems are no better, plus she appears to have uterine cancer.  She’s very down, and who can blame her.

We were joined by Julie (she’d messaged me to meet up so I just arranged she join us). Bruce and she had a rare old chat; he was quite taken.  Contrary to what I’d thought, she hadn’t met Lawrance before.

Julie and I had a finisher at the Shore, a blether with Stevie Moan, and home.

Thursday, 08 January 2026

Up late, knackered.  Fry-up required

A slow recovery day, apart from the excitement of the mattress delivery. More importantly, will I sleep well on it?

Wednesday, 07 January 2026

WoL refrozen today; still no snow.

There was no fish pie! On the plus side, I beat the TTLs about to be switched on at OT. There was no soda water in either Adi or Lidl, I had to take sparkling (same thing really).

The snow has really opened up Cairngorm for skiing.

I came across a BBC documentary on YouTube about the West Highland Line, from 1960. Very interesting and it brought back some memories.

With my supplies I was ready for the Redmonds en famille, all except Josh who was still visiting his granny in Dundee. A good night of music, alcohol, and videos, ending around 2am.

Tuesday, 06 January 2026

The WoL really solid with ice today.  No snow though, yet, despite the Yellow warning.

I have bought a new mattress and booked my South Africa tram/wine tour.

I had Neato problems.  I managed to repair it but ended up with 2 screws over. Then I had a Webcam mike problem, and manged to sort that out too. Hope it’s not going to be a series of troubles.

Julie has booked us tickets for the “Fifth Step” NT production on Sunday.

I checked in on my “Friends in the North”, who all seemed to be OK.  Annie got out for shopping today with Catriona doing the digging out and got back safely with sufficient supplies. Unfortunately, the Dons are severely lacking hap, with the Huns having an easy victory at Castle Greyskull.

The Redmonds are visiting tomorrow.

Monday, 05 January 2026

More ice on the WoL, but no snow.

How ridiculous that in these times of global instability, Scottish media headlines are about the sacking of a soccer manager. Distraction techniques indeed, “Bread and circuses.”

Sunday, 04 January 2026

Ice today on WoL A lovely sunrise with a full moon heavy on the horizon as I returned from Sainsbury.

Later, I had to go to Aldi, and walked to the Malt. There was a snow flurry as I went home via the Shore. Tonight’s treat, Tomahawk steak.

Thelin leaves.

Saturday, 03 January 2026

Colder…

That arsehole Trump continues with his insanity; this time it’s Venezuela.

I went over to the Malt.  Both Alan’s, Neil and Jacqui and even Kevin in a busy afternoon.

Ending up as usual in the Shore, I was quite happy. With the evil twins results, not so with the Dons.

I booked the Berlin hotel.

Friday, 02 January 2026

Getting back to normal. This included a visit to Teuchter’s with Bill.  Danny arrived and chatted with us, then Tash and Nigel.  There are daffodil shoots on the walk over.

I went over to the Malt later to have a frolic with the Fortunae and Molly, who is looking gorgeous.  I didn’t stay for too long and had a finisher in the Shore with Stevie Moan and Martin, before going home to listen to Dire Straits

Thursday, 01 January 2026

Welcome, 2026. Jaded, I didn’t emerge until after 8. Big breakfast required. I stayed in all day.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025

And so the end of the year has hurtled once more towards us on a frosty morning.

The traffic was not as busy as yesterday and the shops were quiet, until I got to Welch’s. Still, home before 10 is good. First bike session for a while. New year new me?

I received a Reform letter with a Reply-paid envelope. I think I’ll use it…

Later in the Shore I was joined by Bill, and eventually Nick and Claire. A pleasant afternoon, and I was home for 18:15 having had far too too much  wine in preparation for later. I listened to the last Iain Anderson broadcast. I’m depressing myself.

Around 10:30 I headed out. Stopping first at the Shore where Keith was unwilling to let me in to the very busy bar; but he was persuaded.

Then to the Malt, up at the corner of the bar, where Geoff Snr was, along with Anton & Edwin whom I twitted was obviously an MI5 agent.  The place was heaving, and at the Bells, the whole street and bridges also, awaiting the fireworks.  Calum excelled himself. After, to Teuchter’s sitting with Tash & Chris also busy. Full of beer, I left and got home at 01:30 meeting Lara and Richard on the way.

Bed!

Tuesday, 30 December 2025

I went to Lidl mid-morning.  What a traffic jam to get out!

It was the last ever Iain Anderson show last night.

Gail told me that Kenny Brown’s funeral is on 22nd January 14:30, small chapel Warriston.

Later, I watched an old John le Carré documentary on C4 but there was a new Michael Jayston interview about TTSS, and also a program on the Bernina Express (the one I didn’t do).

Monday, 29 December 2025

From today, sunrise comes earlier, but it’s colder. The central heating went on for the first time in a while.

A call from Ron b.  He and and Anne are going to Clydebank for cataract ops.

I broke a filling ☹

Sunday, 28 December 2025

Brigitte Bardot has died at 91.  A stunningly beautiful woman, but a bit of a nazi unfortunately.

A call from Mairi, her knee continues to improve and all round she’s doing better and getting around more. She spent Xmas in Dunoon.

I have just, for the first time, come across the Rhetorical Triangle.  I’m amazed I haven’t done it before. (I was researching Pathos.)

 

Later n the afternoon, I went across to the Shore, where Kenny and Robert had just finished playing.  I was busy, and Chris insisted I have his seat.  He’d  spent an enjoyable Xmas day in the Roseleaf. He was talking to an older man with an extensive but well cared-for white beard, whose name was Ian.  He knew his music, but unfortunately, according to Keith, was a fan of Trump.

Chris too knows his music and had recently done vocals on an album by a pal called (IIRC) Ginger Peat.

He was replaced by Martin, and I  eventually arrived home around 1845 having had fun.

Saturday, 27 December 2025

Homemade soup and sandwich for lunch before I went over to watch the

1872 2^nd  leg at Teuchter’s where John was waiting patiently.  No market today.  Eventually we were joined by the Kippaxs and big Chris. The local football derby was on, with Hibs 3 up!  It changed of course, but still the highest scoring game for some time.  Unfortunately the evil twins also won their games.  I returned a spoon to the insane but gorgeous Alana and we settled down to a grindfest of rugby, pretty much as we saw last week.

I left after the game, and ordered a carry-out.

Friday, 26 December 2025

Up early, having gone to bed early (I think)!  I messaged a happy birthday to Bill and Josh. After a restorative breakfast, a cooking.

 

Afterwards, down to Granton by tram, bus and Shank’s pony for a walk along the breakwater. It’s been a while.  The top of the breakwater has dressed stone on either side, offering easy walking.  In the middle, shaped tones are fitted like a jigsaw puzzle. There were swimmers – bold people en famille, runners, and other like myself, out to blow away the cobwebs.

On the return leg, I had a celebratory pint in the Harbour Inn, which was reasonably busy. Then to the Malt to meet with Justice.  His highlight was saying to the barman, (Ray) “have one yourself”, handing over a fiver instead of a £10.

There was a very noisy dog, plus many other randoms! The Redmonds looked in the window; Bill came in for a quickie before lunch.  He said he’d only be 20 minutes and Alan did not believe him. But 20 minutes later he arrived back.  Then the rest of the family trickled in to celebrate his birthday, siting in a corner. Gerry Halloran was also in, and it became very busy.  I drank more than I’d intended, but there it is. Ray was run off his feet, and there’s a new barmaid, Emmeline.

Anyway, home for dinner.

Thursday, 25 December 2025

A big breakfast, starting with sacred music on the Saturnalia, followed by fizz. The Sixteen, Armed Man, Nimrod, finishing off with Ode to Joy. Depressed. remembering whom I’m not with.

I had various calls etc, before going to the Malt and Hops. All seems to be well with the friends and relatives. The Fortunae and Alan M were already there, in fine fettle; no Levi, he’s with his aunt and father. Also the Kipaxxs. Nigel and Tash did not stay long as they were away for dinner. Julie was very sparkly! Ray was working the bar, Calum on his usual spot. Martin from the Shore joined us. Then Julian arrived. I had a good chat with him. He’s been doing some cruise ship work, both this side and Canada; plus his script work for museums etc. It was great to see him.

Then Ali and Sara, and Stevie and Carol came by before I departed for the Redmonds. Apart from Bill and Anne, the rest were out walking, so my concern about being late was unnecessary.

A fine turkey dinner for me at least! The crackers Anne had bought had whistles in them, which were numbered, and, with an accompanying song sheet, one had to blow them in order to produce a recognisable tune.  It did not go well!  Kian had electronic drumsticks which produced noises wholly unlike drums, so cacophony was the order of the day.

Josh is growing up; nice to see.

I went home before 7, the Malt and Hops fortunately closed.

John Robertson has died.

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

My, Welch’s was heaving. The traffic was light, but the shops very busy.  Still, I got it done reasonably quickly, despite the once-a-year drivers, adding to the irritation of their once-a-year drinking brethren.  I dictated a note about it, but the profanity filter changed a word into asterisks. Then a few more!

I eventually managed to reset it.

 

That is me essentially hunkered down for Yule until Hogmanay.

I listened to the St Andrew’s Iain Anderson show, one of the last. Andy Chung was the featured artist, so good for him.

Quite a few spam messages are leaking into my Yahoo account. Perhaps it’s time I closed it.

I got a message from Bill, suggesting a couple of glasses at the Shore, which I was happy to agree to. Arriving, Bill had already bought a bottle… Then Danny gave us a Christmas glass of port.  At the bar, we were joined by Jenny S and chatted before Claire and Nick came along.  So, not a couple of glasses.

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

I drove over to Motherwell to drop off the Hintons xmas gifts.  My Godchild was in, but John and Liz had been delayed by trials and tribulations. Rose/William is now house-sized.  I suggested he should consider weight-loss drugs.  He’s going over to Willie’s for the football at the weekend; a derby game.

The other problem was that Katie’s car had broken down so Liz and John had to DW the fall-out.  Always problems. As I wanted to get back in daylight, I didn’t linger.

After all that I felt I needed a drink (I know, a bad reason), so popped over to the Shore.  Stevie Moan and Colin were chatting; I joined them. Colin has been away at work, thus explaining why I hadn’t seen him for some time.  He’s currently home for about 3 weeks.

Danny had a devious smile, so I wondered what he was up to.

Home, and a letter from SSS about Winter Heating Payment (which I already received).  I’m irritated that England will get 1/2 of this back in taxes.

Lamb chops Greek style tonight.

Monday, 22 December 2025

There’s a new route from EDI to Bilbao, and also San Sebastian from GLA. Hmm, an autumn amble?