Week ending 21st April, 2007

It was a local holiday in Aberdeen on Monday but, as our Fraserburgh factories were open, I went there - for the morning, at least! The holiday and the fine weather were too much of a draw and I booked a mid-afternoon time at Kemnay. Dave Edwards and Alan McRobb from the office joined me and we had a lovely time - I played well, particularly on the back nine, where I had 3 birdies and missed 2 other good chances.

Tuesday was busy in the Aberdeen office, with various board meetings, but I got away in good time to go to Bannatyne's.

Wednesday was quieter and I played our usual Quaich match in the evening.

Thursday was as busy as ever but I managed again to get away to the gym late afternoon - only twice this week - am I slipping, or is it just the start of the golf season that's reducing my visits to Bannatyne's?

On Friday, Francis, Michael and I went to Grantown to have another look at a potential acquisition. We had a free afternoon so Francis arranged golf at the new Spey Valley golf course at Aviemore - we played off the back tees, which were over 7,000 yards!

Got back to Banchory in time to grab a quick bite then head out to the Learney Arms, Torphins for the Torphins Golf Club Quiz Night, which was good fun.

On Saturday, we had later tee times for the medal - don't like this as the whole day is gone - I seemed a bit disorientated by it and didn't play well. Finally we had a bit of rain - good for the course, but not enough yet to make much difference.

Sunday

Another glorious day and shorts again for Sunday golf. Gary, Carole and Luca came over for our belated Easter Sunday lunch, which we decided to have out in the back garden and I got the chance to give him a feed.

Post Easter

It was the second week of Jo's Easter break and after indulging ourselves in Cornwall, we both went to Bannatyne's gym for an extended lunch break (for me) on Tuesday. Jo tried out the cross trainer, cycling, rowing, some of the leg weights and, a little reluctantly, the stairmaster. We then had a brief swim, jacuzzi and a spot of lunch.

Wednesday evening was our Summer Quaich competition again and the sun continued to shine - can't remember the last time it rained - must be over a month - the golf course badly needs it.

On Thursday, I went back to the gym but Jo couldn't join me as she was meeting Carole and Luca - I thought it was going to be at Portlethen, but it ended up with Carole coming over to Banchory to escape the coastal haar and bathe in the Deeside sunshine.

Friday afternoon, I escaped work early and Jas and I went over to Kintore for a game, followed by a couple of pints at the Legion.

Saturday's weather was even better and there was no hesitation in putting the shorts on for the morning medal. The photo was taken early on on the 3rd tee.

We went to the tip in the afternoon to dump the bags of leaves and twigs that Jo had swept up earlier in the week. Then I set up her Ipod and showed her how to synchronise it and get podcasts.

On Saturday evening, it was Raymond Orr's surprise 60th birthday party at Inchmarlo - it was OK, although I think we both find these surprise events a little cringeworthy - don't ever do this to either of us!