Well, I woke up this morning ...

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

... and that was a good start. Yes, another day alive in the world - day number 22,224 to be exact. I could give you lots of other stats - but I certainly won't be telling you how many days to Christmas - I actually heard this mentioned on the radio yesterday, would you believe.

Much more important is the fact that it's only 94 days until the wedding of the year - and we still don't know where to go to get measured for our kilts etc - are you listening, Gary?

I'm in Fraserburgh today and I'm picking up Luca on the way back this afternoon. Jo's got the hairdressers this morning then she's planning a walk with Anne.

Our canning factory opened again yesterday after its annual 3 week summer shutdown, so things should get a bit busier again from now on - but there's still a lot of folk away on holiday, so it's not going be hectic for a while yet.

The business has been trying to change main bankers - but what a palaver it's been - dealing with 3 sets of lawyers - well two and a half actually - the outgoing bank (Bank of Scotland) are using the same legal firm as the incoming bank (Clydesdale) - but they have to maintain their professional integrity - Chinese walls - so there's no advantage to us. Don't start me - this has been rumbling on for weeks and seems no nearer to conclusion than it did a month ago. Cynicism and age go hand in hand - somebody's making money out of all this, but it's not us.

That's all for today folks.

MmmBop

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Yes - the Hansons have gone home now. Just as Jo was heading off to drive Mary back to the station on Friday, who should pull in to Arbor Court but Brian! He and I headed off to golf at Alford then had a few beers in the Douglas on Friday night. This is what he looks like after several beers:


Then it was Saturday morning and off we headed to golf at Banchory. It was another nice day and it was an invitational team event - the last time I'd had the chance to play in it (as we're usually in USA when it's on) was in 2004, when we won it. Not this time, however - we were rubbish.

Gary joined us on the balcony at the golf club for a beer - he left a very uptight Luca with Granny Jo. So what does Brian do when we get back home then? Why, wind Luca up even more, that's what!

On Saturday night, Jo, Brian, Ross and I went back to the Tor-na-Coille hotel for a bar supper - and very good it was too. We considered tea/beer on the lawn first, but decided it was a little late for that:


Brian and Jo were in talkative mood when we got home:

No - that's not a ghost on the left - just my foot caught in the flash.

Brian initially considered joining Jo at church on Sunday morning, but eventually decided this would mean he was too late getting back home. I had decided not to play golf - I felt too tired and a bit under the weather, so I gave it a miss - I'd played Thursday, Friday and Saturday after all - so it was vegetate day - Sunday Times and the TV. I must have dropped off and woken up again about a dozen times in the afternoon.

Lucy phoned at night - and managed to spook me a bit about the effects of my angiogram this coming Friday - both during and after. Hope it's not as bad as she says it might be.

So that's my blog diary up to date again - clear conscience again.

I went down to the **********, fell down on my knees

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Won't be doing much falling down on knees and praying now - the surgeon had a look at both legs last night - physically and the x-rays - and we've agreed he's going to do a "scrape and polish" job on both knees - at the same time!

It's a day job at the Albyn, but it is under general anaesthetic and I'm told that I should take a week off work and the recovery period thereafter is a couple of weeks. Need to plan this carefully - don't want to miss what's rest of the golf season, including:

• Football group outing to Alford tomorrow
• Men's Invitational event at Banchory on Saturday

I'd already stalled my angiogram by one week to play in the above two events with brother-in-law Brian - it was all arranged ages ago and I didn't want to let him down at the last moment. So, I'm now going to miss my WHW training walk next weekend instead. Choices, choices.

But after that - they probably won't be able to do the knee ops until about September anyway - I have to make sure I avoid:

• 13/14/15 August - Edinburgh Fringe
• 27 August - St Andrews Eden course outing
• 29 August - Lochnagar (possibly)
• 5/6 September - Boat of Garten
• 16-19 September - West Highland Way

Then, at the other end, there's the wedding of the year on 30th October - so probably late September would be best?

The x-rays clearly showed me how bent and mis-shapen my old injured right knee now is - but the rest of you have noticed that for a while, I guess - and the surgeon said it would probably have to go some time, but best to hold on to it for as long as possible.

So there you go - that's today's medical bulletin over. Not much else to say now.

. ...'. .... .... ......', no sir, no dancin' today

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/


No - not the Scissors Sisters, but the Sowerby sisters are in town. I picked up Mary at the station yesterday - spot the familiar Sowerby look, straight from the home of the terminally bewildered:

We made it back to Banchory without incident - or Mary puking in my car - and got there before Jo and Luca got back from Nursery. It was such a lovely day - 23 degrees C - and the girls sat out the back with Luca running around, looking for slugs and snails as usual:



Luca was understandly a bit shy with Mary at first, but soon they were new best friends and were exploring the garden and playing hide and seek together:

Check out the video on the blog:

Apart from that, I've got my appointment with the tree - sorry, knee - surgeon tonight, and my appointment for my angiogram also came through last night - it's next Friday, 30th July. He did offer me this Friday, but it was all a bit too soon for me, and, besides, Brian is coming up this weekend for some golf.

Jo will drive me to Ward 41 ARI, but I get kept in for several hours after the procedure, and I've been advised there'll be some bruising and soreness and I should take a few days off work afterwards - but it's the weekend - and I'd planned golf on Saturday and hill-walking on Sunday! Guess I'm gonna miss out on them.

Those were the best days of my life, back in the ...... .. ..

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

I do remember the moon landing 41 years ago yesterday, back in the Summer of 69 - I was in a caravan in Paignton with pals Colin McKay, Johnny Duncan and Roddy MacLeod and we had a small black and white TV and we all tried to stay awake to see Neil Armstrong step down, but we were horizontal and our eyes kept closing. When it did eventually happen - it must have been about 3 or 4 in the morning, UK time - a quiet cheer went up and the TV went off. I was 20 years old.

But, of course, it wasn't really the best years of my life - that's just the song lyrics - why, I hadn't even met Jo yet - that didn't happen until 8 months later in April, 1970. It was the usual Saturday night dance at the QM Union hall, Glasgow University - and Marsha Hunt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_Hunt_(singer_and_novelist)) was playing.

There - that's today's nostalgia over.

I forgot to say we had our first Blu-Ray experience on Saturday night. Ross had bought us the player over a year ago, but, until now, we'd always just watched standard DVD's, but I ordered the new release of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - the first in the Millennium series of books I read - we had missed the film's release in the UK as we were about to head off to USA on holiday, and it wasn't showing in Grants Pass when we got there - so this was us catching up.

The experience of Blu-Ray was OK - but not stunning - a bit like the first time I watched HD TV. I love HD now - especially for sport - so perhaps I'll get used to Blu-Ray as well. Anyway. I enjoyed the film, but Jo got a bit shirty because it wasn't exactly the same as the book. The second film is due out in a few weeks' time and Jo hasn't read that book, so perhaps we'll go and watch it and I'll be able to listen/read (it's in Swedish with subtitles) in peace this time!

Incidentally, Jo doesn't care whether it's HD, Blu-Ray or whatever - she claims her eyesight is so poor that she can't see the difference anyway.

So, I'm heading off to pick up Mary at the station shortly. Jo is picking up Luca a bit earlier and she's hoping to time her arrival back home to coincide with us. I'm under strict instructions - Mary doesn't travel well, so I've got to be careful how I drive!

.... ....... .. ... ......-.......?, who had love that's etc

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Well, I saw the cardiologist again this morning and spent a fair bit of time with him - ECG's, BP tests, scans and finally a stress ECG. He confirmed the Atrium is a little enlarged but says my heart is working OK.

I told him my concerns about my heart rate rising so rapidly when put under any prolonged stress and the breathlessness that followed, and this was demonstrated on the stress ECG - I managed just the 4 stages (each 3 minutes long), with my heart rate as high as 250 on the last one, which wasn't even running - just very fast walking, albeit up a gradient.

He has again dismissed the possibility of ablation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ablation) - the operation that Tony Blair had a few years ago in the middle of his premiership. He didn't think this was suitable for longer term Atrial Fibrillation patients like me, and even cast doubt on the longer term benefits of the procedure anyway - plus the fact that it causes scarring on the heart.

Dr. Broadhurst did suggest two things, however:

1. Beta blockers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_blockers)
2. Angiogram (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angiogram)

He suggested starting with a low dose of Bisoprolol (I think) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisoprolol.

He did say the Angiogram did carry a slight risk, but this would at least eliminate (or otherwise) the possibility of any other hidden cardiac issues. These procedures are not performed at Albyn, but at ARI, Foresterhill - normally on a Friday. It's a one day procedure but they keep you in for 4 or 5 hours afterwards, and then suggest a 3-4 days off work. Apparently, there's some bruising round the groin area, where the tube is inserted. Next available date will probably be in a month or so - he'll phone me later.

There, that's all the grisly details. Why did I put this in my blog? Well, partly so that I don't forget it - I thought I'd better write it down while I still remembered it. Also, would appreciate any words from the wise - particularly the medically trained in our family.

So, what did I do after this? Why, go to the gym, that's what. It was nearly lunchtime and there was nothing to eat in the office anyway, and I was passing Bannatyne's, so I popped in and did a few of the weights machines, plus a short - very short - swim, then steam room, jacuzzi and a relatively healthy lunch of tuna mayo baked potato with salad, washed down by fresh orange juice, straight from the squeezer. Aren't you proud of me? Might have to compensate with a pint or two now!

it was a gas, soon turned out had a ..... .. ....

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Yes, it's hospital week for me - this morning the cardiologist, then the knee man on Wednesday. So here I am, sitting at home, whiling away the time before I head for Albyn.

What's been happening? Not much - had a short week at work last week - Monday returning from Slaley Hall and Friday at the Open. Things are pretty quiet at work - too many people off work just now - and it's our canning factory's annual summer shutdown.

Golf on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, plus walking the Old Course on Friday, means I've had plenty of walking recently. I've got a little app on my Blackberry which measures distance walked, altitude, calories burned etc. Playing at Banchory is just short of 3.5 miles, but the courses down at Slaley Hall were nearer 5 miles - the Old Course at St Andrews must have been similar, particularly as you have to walk right round it - you're not allowed through the ropes, apart from the official crossing points. These are relatively short distances when you're only walking, but golf is waiting and hitting as well and generally means 4 hours or more out in the open on your feet.

St Andrews is a magical place - and it was the first time I've watched the Open on UK TV for over a decade. Normally, I'm up at the crack of dawn in Oregon, beating the boys to the TV to watch it.

This week is the week of the Hansons - I'm picking up Mary at the station tomorrow, and when she leaves on Friday, Brian arrives for a weekend's golf.

Saw Lucy's photos on Facebook and her blog - memories of getting battered around on the water, with Scott driving the boat. Oh - and Gary - time to remove the old poll from your blog?

Have a good one, y'all.

***'* ** ******** when she's gone

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Certainly ain't no sunshine today - golf cancelled tonight so here I am at home, blogging again, with Corrie as background.

Had a nice weekend at Slaley Hall - check some of my other blogs. Going to be a short week as well as I'm going to St Andrews to see the Open on Friday - corporate hospitality too! Hope the weather's not too foul.

It feels a bit odd still being in Scotland at this time - normally we'd be off to USA about now.

Barry and Helen were down south and popped in to Corby, where we lived from 1952 to 1959 - strange to see the photos of the place and try to bring back some of the memories.

Well, the World Cup's over - and the tennis too - and suddenly you realise how crap the telly is - especially when it's wet and dark, like tonight.

Have we progressed our plans for 2011 holidays yet? - not really. Currently, I favour January in Oz and August in Oregon, but that could all change tomorrow - and, of course, it could depend on availability of accommodation and flights.

Oh - and I got my appointment through to go and see the knee specialist - next Wednesday evening.

. .... ... ....... but I didn't shoot no deputy

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

They still haven't caught the mad gunman - come on, hurry up, cops! I'm heading to Northumbria first thing in the morning - don't want to witness the OK Corral all over again.

It's still dry here in the north east, but, according to the forecasts, we're due to get the rain they've had in the west the last couple of days very soon. I've been watching the golf from Loch Lomond and it looks pretty miserable.

Well, I saw my GP this morning and he is arranging to refer me to a specialist at Albyn. He had a good examination of both knees and I told him about my family history and the genetic effect. He did not think it would be a good idea to get new knees - a la Dawn - the next step is the arthroscope.

That's about it for today - going to have a few beers tonight with the usual Friday night crew - at the Tor-na-Coille! We operate a rota on Fridays and now that the T-n-C has got beer back in, we've decided to try it out. I wonder how it'll be?

... ..., where you going with that gun in your hand?

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Getting worried - I'm heading to Northumbria for a golfing weekend on Saturday - and there's a mad gunman on the loose there! The police can't find him and he says he's not going to get caught alive, and now he's said that it's not just the police that are potential targets/victims now - it's the general public too!

That aside, not a lot happening at home or work just now - in fact, it's pretty boring - everyone's away on holiday and there's not much to do - our busy period is over. Normally Jo and I would be preparing ourselves to fly over to USA next week, but we've had our big holiday this year already. It still feels like a bit of a void, however - we may revert to the norm next year. Just as well the weather's been good, or we'd really be kicking ourselves.

It was a lovely evening for golf last night and I managed to get round the course with hardly any pain in my left knee. It's always the way, isn't it? I'm going to see the Doctor about it tomorrow (it takes about 3 weeks to get an appointment) and now the pain has almost gone. Or is it psychosomatic?

I did a short session at Bannatyne's at lunchtime today - first time for a while - and I struggled. Still, I'm not going to push myself at least until I've seen the cardiologist a week on Monday. I put it down to the diet by association that Ross and I are on - I'm sure my strength is going. I'm getting used to it however - I even enjoy baked potato and tuna nowadays - never thought I'd say that. Jo's pretty good with us too - although we eat the same main courses, Ross and I often get a wee treat afterwards!

OK, that's me done now - more tomorrow. What, you want a photograph? Go check my golf blog, but, for now, here's the poster for the concert Jo and I are going to see at the Royal Albert Hall in November:

....., ....., it's good to be back

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Been busy updating all my other blogs since my weekend in London - check them out for details. It had originally started out as a one nighter to see the cricket on Saturday, but when Dave got 2 tickets for Wimbledon on Thursday and asked me to join him, it was a no-brainer, so I ended up staying 3 nights - possibly outstaying my welcome? - and we managed to see:

• Tennis at Wimbledon
• Concert in Hyde Park (Laura Marling)
• Henley Regatta - with Brazil-Holland and Nadal-Murray on TV as diversions
• Cricket at Lord's
• Concert at the Royal Albert Hall (Crosby, Stills & Nash)

It was all go - and we did manage a few ales as well, including one specially nostalgic trip back to the Guinea Grill, where Dave and I used to lunch in the mid 70's before we knew each other.

When I got home from work on Monday night, the driveway was littered with old paint pots - Jo and Ross had begun to clear it out - despite the fact that the old Jag is still obstructing the entrance. Jo had finally managed to get the plumber to come after about a year of trying and this meant clearing out the utility room and part of the garage.

The external taps are now in and operational but we still await a joiner to come along and tidy things up a bit - and Jo is looking at moving the sink as well - and last night, we discovered a leak in the hot water pipe in the garage! Two of the radiators are leaking as well - well done British Gas - they really made a cod of the radiator flushing job they recently completed - after 4 attempts. Why do tradesmen's jobs never seem to be a simple start and finish? - there's always some snagging.

Jo's away over to Inverurie to see Liz and Carole today. Ross has got some work this afternoon but is still waiting to hear back from Councillor Webster about his proposal to set up a series of wireless networks in the village centre.

Tha's about all my news for now. Still can't quite believe Gary was 35 on Monday!

The Wombles of ......... Common are we

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/



Greetings from Reading. I'm using Dave's laptop for a quick post about yesterday. It was hot and steamy down here and Wimbledon was great - everything I imagined - and remembered from 1974 when Jo, Lucy and I were there. We didn't do strawberries and cream this time but we did have a large Pimm's and lemonade - nothing to write home about - done it now, no need to have another. We also sat on Henman Hill/Murray Mound for a while - lovely. Wish we could be there today - come on Andy!



We saw Andy's opponent today, Rafa Nadal, practicing - and he finished his session with some footy/head tennis - a la Andy Murray. He's pretty good with his feet - Dave told me his uncle used to play for Barca - he was the "Beast" apparently.



We went to Hyde Park afterwards to see Laura Marling in concert - excellent. And I didn't have to sleep on an air bed this time - and I remembered to lower my head and mind the beam in Dave's flat - I've still got the scars from my last visit.



Will go and shower now - we're going to the Guinea Grill for lunch today - Dave and I used to frequent it in the mid 70's - we worked in the same building and drank at the same pub, but didn't know each other then.

.......... and the living is easy

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

What a great time of year - and nice weather to go with it. Technically, we're on the downslope now but another few weeks/months of this wouldn't go amiss.

What has happened since last week? Well, Dawn and Jordon were up on Saturday. We had a cup of tea on the balcony, followed by lunch then a walk to Burnett Park, where I had to stop and watch the cricket - my knee wouldn't take me any further. I can't walk much more than about 12 holes of golf without being seriously troubled by it now, so I've made an appointment to see the Doctor about getting a referral to have my knees examined/x-rayed. Am I heading down Dawn's route of full or partial replacements? - I hope not, but I can't rule it out.

Talking of appointments, my referral back to the cardiologist has come through - I'm seeing him on Monday 19th July.

Anyway, back to Saturday - and the balcony:

Gary and Luca came over too, so that was nice. Luca, as usual, spent time with his Granny Jo out the back. No slugs this time, but he loves going to the top level and throwing sticks down:

(video clip has to be viewed from the actual blog)

When Dawn and Jordon - and Dee-Jay - left to go home, Luca decided to play on the slide - and he posed for the photo!:



Sunday was just golf and World Cup and last night it was down to Balmoral for our annual trip there - always a late night, but I've felt worse the day after.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather in London holds for my tennis/rowing/cricket/concerts trip to London on Thursday!

Round, round, get around, I ... ......

From http://ianrstewart.blogspot.com/

Just a quick one - heading across town now for an early afternoon meeting, then off home - Ross needs a car and Jo's is back in the garage. Still no movement on the old Jag in our drive - grrr.

Dawn and Jordon are coming up about lunchtime tomorrow - hope the sun keeps shining.

Jo's out for lunch in Cults today and tonight she's off to a classical music concert. Why am I telling you this? - Nobody else seems to blog nowadays that's why!

Wish it had been this week instead of next when I was at Wimbledon and Lord's - the weather's been perfect for it, but the forecast next week is not. It's funny - I've been going to the cricket for the last 3 years and I've yet to have a really warm sunny day there - you know, the idyllic sort of day when you can sit and snooze? Unlucky me, I guess.

That's about it for now - got to see Ross later about his idea for setting up a Wi-fi hot spot in the village - it could work if we can persuade some of the pubs, cafes etc to participate.