Friday morning

Tired and sore this morning. Last night's gig was excellent but we were standing - I was knackered after it finished. Somehow it's a lot worse standing than walking - I think nothing of walking for 4 hours round a golf course, but I'm not used to standing for over 2 hours nowadays - it's something we used to do at football matches, but no longer in the modern era.


My football blog (http://bvetsfootballgroup.blogspot.com/) shows some photos and videos of Seasick Steve and his support Amy LaVere (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_LaVere), a young double bass playing singer who also appeared on Jools' Later with SS a couple of weeks ago.


Ross was back on to favouring the Lumphanan property again yesterday - until this morning when he spotted this: http://www-r.aspc.co.uk/cgi-bin/public/LiveProperty/267373?ID=MCEJODBF#picture


I've agreed to play football again tonight - and it looks like it will only be 5-a-side (usually 6's) - sounds like hard work to me - hope I survive OK!


I've also bought tickets to see Seth Lakeman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Lakeman) at the Lemon Tree next Thursday - the first time we've been there since it re-opened.


All this talk of gigs reminds me of some of the shows I've seen over the years - so that's the subject of today's list(s). Early live music tended to be at dancehalls - the Beatstalkers at the Mitchell Theatre, Jimmy James & the Vagabonds and Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band at the Maryland in Glasgow in the mid 60's.

In the late 60's we moved in to the rock era -progressive was king those days. Green's Playhouse (which became the Appollo later) was the first to feature "name" bands in a concert hall. I was at the very first gig there, which was The Nice. After that, we went back many times - I can only list those that come to mind today - no doubt there were others. Jo was (a little reluctantly) with me a few times, but mostly it was a lads' night out. Bands were always notoriously late on stage then - they could be 2 hours later than billed and nobody batted an eyelid. Here's the other ones I remember:

Pentangle; Jethro Tull; Chicken Shack; Rolling Stones; Emerson, Lake & Palmer; Family; Faces

Check out Wikipedia and/or You Tube if you're curious about any of these names. Some of them I saw several times.

I also remember going to the City Hall in Candleriggs to see Stone the Crows and Rory Gallagher.

When we got married and went to London, regular gig-going wasn't possible, although in the last year we were in Broxbourne, our neighbour Tony and I did go to Dingwall's and the Roundhouse a couple of times and saw Graham Parker, Pere Ubu and Joe Jackson. I also remember brother Barry coming down with his pal, Les and we went to Dingwall's (I think) and saw The Jags - well, with a name like that, we had to go didn't we?

When we moved up to Edinburgh, it wasn't a regular thing either, but I do recall going to see the legendary Bo Diddley with Jo and my American work colleague, Carter, at the Playhouse. I also saw the Specials and Talking Heads - amazingly, the latter 2 bands were on the same bill.

When we moved to Banchory and after a few years when the kids had grown up a bit and the Lemon Tree opened as a new music venue, regular gig-going started again. We've seen loads of acts there and at the Music Hall, and occasionally at the barn-like AECC. The latter venue hosted Radiohead, Bob Dylan and Chris Rea. Lots of the gigs were tribute acts - Bootleg Beatles, Billy Shears Band, Backbeat Beatles, Maximum Who, Australian Pink Floyd Show - and Jimi Hendrix and Small Faces acts too.

There's also some hybrids we've seen - From the Jam didn't feature Paul Weller and the Sensational Alex Harvey Band and the Blockheads obviously couldn't feature their long since departed main men. The Animals only featured original drummer John Steel - but it was still a good show.

Probably the best live act was Nils Lofgren who we've seen 3 or 4 times now. We saw a very early version of Texas and also Del Amitri about the same time. Glenn Tilbrook (twice), Julian Cope, Roger Chapman, Billy Bragg, Ralph McTell and Roddy Frame are among the other acts I remember well.

Of course, we've also travelled to Glasgow and Edinburgh occasionally to see name artists like Neil Young and Eric Clapton. Last year, Dave W and I were down in London to see the cricket and took in Lou Reed at Hammersmith, and later in the year went back to Glasgow to see the re-formed Squeeze. The latter gig was at the Carling - a converted old cinema with appalling sound - avoid like the plague. On the other hand, if you ever get a chance to see anyone in Glasgow Concert Hall, take it - good accoustics, viewing and comfortable seating enhanced the experience of seeing BB King and James Taylor there.

A sad experience was seeing Peter Green at the Douglas Hotel in Aberdeen when he had just come back from years in the wilderness - a shadow of his former self. Another venue was Tunnels, where we saw Ian Hunter early this year.

Woodend Barn is a local hall we've occasionally visited - recently Karine Polwart and, next month, Beth Nielsen Chapman.

That's about as far as my memory will take me today, I'm afraid.

Brevity is the soul of ...

Has to be very brief - just back from the Broch and about to head out to Bannatyne's for a short stint. I'm meeting Colin and Jeb for a beer before we go to the Music Hall.

Dave and Doris are getting married tomorrow - after 23 years together! Jo's spent a lot of today - when not blogging - trying to send them flowers.

Ross is looking at a potential cottage in Stonehaven - http://www-r.aspc.co.uk/cgi-bin/public/LiveProperty/267027?ID=MCEJODBF#picture

Haven't had a list for a while - here's a short one - favourite seasons - in order:

Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter

Back from OT

Was I going up the stairs or coming down? Sorry about the old dementia joke, but that's how I feel after returning from my latest sojourn to Manchester - 2 days after my last.

At least Jo was able to help out with a bit of the driving in both directions - she drove down as far as the Little Chef at Dunblane yesterday and also back from there tonight. It was nice to see Mary and Leo as well - I was late going down so didn't have any time on Tuesday but managed to have lunch with them today.

We also went to see Dad on the way home. There were loads of cars parked at Erskine and we wondered what was going on - it transpired there was a party on the 1st floor to celebrate the 1st anniversary of Erskine Glasgow opening. Of course, Dad was one of the few who didn't want to go - typical! He was seated in his usual position just outside his room at the windows. We managed to get him up but he was very stiff and could barely move. One of the staff encouraged us to take Dad up to the party and we did - but as soon as he got in and saw all the people and the noise and the dancing, that was enough - about turn and back downstairs!

We sat at one of the dinner tables - his usual chair - but he soon made it clear to us that it was time for us to go! Plus ca change. I took this poor quality photo of Jo and Dad with my Blackberry just before we left:

It was the first time Jo had seen Dad for a while - she'll tell you in her blog about how much he has deteriorated - he can barely walk and mostly communicates through noises nowadays. He's safe and well cared for - it's never enough but it's probably the only option we have. I wish it could be different.

Ross went to see another property yesterday - or at least he tried to - the agent never showed at the property in Culter. He's taking his time - quite rightly - and he's enjoying playing games on his new HD 37" TV!

Tomorrow it's another drive - Fraserburgh this time - and then I'm going to the Music Hall to see Seasick Steve (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasick_Steve). I first saw him on Jools' Hootenanny last year - and he was back on Later last week. Talk about a late developer! Check out http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=pNoPNC3ebYQ.

2nd Monday blog

Forgot to say that Jo and I watched another great movie last night - The Insider - based on a true story of a a senior tobacco company executive who snitched on the industry, resulting in billions of dollars having to be paid out by the tobacco giants. It's from 1999 and stars Russell Crowe, Al Pacino and Christopher Plummer.

I'd almost given up on movie watching - too formulaic and obvious - but my faith has been restored after seeing quite a few decent films in recent weeks and months - mostly on Sky Anytime, which makes viewing a lot easier for us. We recorded it - in case we fell asleep! - so if anyone wants a copy, let me know.

Here's another photo of Dad and I yesterday:

Ross

I think Ross has gone off the property in Lumphanan - too many things not quite right for him. Anyway, here's the video tour:

Ross was developing a sore throat yesterday - hope he feels better today - don't think another dose of antibiotics is a good idea - even if the Doctor allows it.

Jo's blog today will no doubt contain details of the cooker disaster yesterday - but a side effect of that was that power was cut during the recording of Eastenders omnibus - so, sorry, Lucy - only a very abbrievated DVD for you this week!

Old Trafford weekend

Gary and Carole came over and stayed Friday night and we all left Banchory about 8:00 am on Saturday morning. Ross took the first leg down to south of Glasgow - we survived, but it was a close call - especially going over Cairn 'o Mount!

Gary took the next bit down to our hotel at Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley and we checked in and had a quick pint whilst Carole changed. I decided to drive to the match - I would have a glass of wine and would let the others have their fill.

We parked up and took a few photos - this one in front of the United Trinity - Carole knew George Best and Bobby Charlton, but who was Denis Law?:
Inside the mega-store, Carole posed in front of Wayne Rooney:

I posed in front of my generation of United heroes - and pointed out who King Denis was!:

Inside the corporate hospitality, we had our meal:

Then we took our seats in the stand:

We fought our way out of the post-match traffic and made it back to our hotel in time for a couple of beers before crashing out in our rooms with Match of the Day playing in the background.

I was first up for breakfast - too early as it happens:

The journey north was easy and we made good time, so decided on a quick detour to see Dad. Our visit coincided with his lunch, so it was fairly short:

Back in Banchory, Jo had managed to juggle Luca and Isis OK - although she claims that Isis can open our front door unaided! Luca was happy:

and that's about it - back to work tomorrow and then off to Manchester again on Tuesday. This time, I'm taking Jo to Elderslie/Houston and will pick her up on the way back.

No list today - brain dead!

Tenerife

Flights from Exeter leave on Tuesdays and Fridays - £207 and £251 respectively with Thomas Cook/Airtours.

Friday in Lumphanan

Ross and I went out to look at the property he had seen on ASPC. It's a very small house - technically 2 bedrooms but you wouldn't really want to share - better if one of the bedrooms could have its double bed removed and converted in to a study/computer room.

It's very tidy, though - all the gear is brand new - apparently a woman bought it for her son to live in but he then moved in with his girlfriend! This would be the first rental. The lounge is tiny and shares space with the kitchen, which is the highlight of the house:

Aberdein Considine are going to manage the property, so if anything goes wrong, you just contact them - the downside is that there will be inspections of the property! Also, strictly no smoking or dogs - is this enough to put Ross off? - don't know - he says he wants to stop smoking anyway. Watch this space for further developments - short video tour to follow in next few days.

What else is new? Well, Carole and Luca have just arrived - no Gary yet - they're staying over and then we leave from here in the morning to drive down to Old Trafford. Jo's babysitting and she's not too worried about Luca but Isis is causing some concern - particularly when she has to go to church on Sunday. Still, I did it once before and coped so I'm sure Jo will manage somehow.

Today's list - favourite Corrie characters, past and present - Jack and Vera of course; Reg and Maureen; Roy and Hayley - well Roy anyway; Raquel - they're the ones that come to mind. Tomorrow it might be least favourites - most probably led by whiner Gail.

Thursday evening

Spoke to Ross about his plans to move out - he asked me to go with him to look at the flat in Lumphanan - he's made an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. He actually took a trip up there this afternoon but couldn't find it! I'll get Tom-Tom out tomorrow!

Ross has done his sums OK and feels he could manage - but it would be tight on his own - better if he could share with somebody - or find a smaller place.

Played footy last night so I'm sore today - but I'll get over it!

Checked flights to Tenerife on http://www.flyglobespan.com/ and they're coming in at about £220 per head, including taxes. Flights are on a Friday - and my birthday happens to also fall on a Friday. I was hoping to go there fairly near my birthday if that was OK with everyone? I'll need some sunshine by then!

What about logistics for Kelly/Craig - where would they fly from and to? What about Scott and Lucy - would they come to Aberdeen first of all then just travel down and back with us?

Nothing much else happening - although I did receive our plane tickets for our flights to Florida - just over 2 weeks to go - and we're there during election week!

Gary mentioned Ross' haircuts - here's one from 1999, when he was in Israel with the school:

and here's his Mum from the same year - still sporting the dark look:

I could reveal more - perhaps later - anyone want to buy me off before I publish any more?

A list for today? Houses I've lived in:

? Dumbarton Road, Whiteinch, Glasgow - 1949-1952

19 Landseer Court, Corby - 1952-1959

Cochrane Castle, Johnstone, Renfrewshire - 1959-1960

46 Foxbar Drive, Glasgow - 1960-1972

1 Barcaldine Avenue, Chryston, Lanarkshire - 1972-1974

44 Caldecot Way, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire - 1974-1979

7 Cherry Tree Loan, Balerno, Midlothian - 1979-1983

4 Arbor Court, Banchory, Aberdeenshire - 1983-present

Can't decide what tomorrow's list will be - phone numbers or postal codes of all these houses - which would you like? Vote now!

Wednesday (again!)

Ross dropped a bombshell to Jo yesterday - he wants to move out. What's not to like about free board and lodgings, meals cooked for you and all your cleaning, washing and ironing done for you? - a lot it seems - I haven't spoken to him about it yet - he was too busy gaming last night - but we're going to Manchester this weekend so I'll get a chance to talk to him (or more probably, listen to him!) properly then.

Ross has seen a 2 bedroom place out in Lumphanan going for about £525 per month. It would take about 20-25 minutes to get to work in summer, but longer in winter - and no going home for lunch. If he were to share it - with possibly Thomas - he could maybe manage, but it'll be tight on his own. Council tax, fuel and food alone would probably more than double his outgoings - and then there's his road tax and car insurance, plus the cost of replacing the car when it eventually dies - maybe next year? Doesn't leave much for the "toys" he likes to keep buying.

Jo was a bit down at the prospect - I think she was quite enjoying looking after him again - and the two of them always did enjoy a natter. She's also still a bit concerned after her visit to the doctor on Monday and the follow-ups she's now got to do. Her chest and back pains are becoming more prevalent - but hopefully it's auto-suggestion only.

I went back to Bannatyne's yesterday - my first visit for a while - in fact, I was there twice just after we came back from vacation, but hadn't been back since then - until yesterday. I went through the usual routine, but cut down the time/effort or weights to make sure I could cope OK. I don't feel too bad today so it must have helped. Now, it's indoor footy again tonight - that'll hurt a lot more!

I sat down to catch up with part 2 of the History of the Guitar last night - I missed part 1. I found it a fascinating history lesson - Jo sat through it as well and had the good grace not to comment until the very end when the sight of Hendrix playing Wild Thing was just too much for her and she went off on one - you know, the usual rant about dentist's drills etc.

Most of the documentary was historical - it opened with the apocryphal story about Robert Johnson going to the Crossroads and selling his soul to the devil in exchange for becoming a great blues artist. Kelly will remember Cream's more recent version of the old song - "I went down to the crossroads, fell down to my knees....". The film showed where this allegedly happened - at Clarksdale, Mississippi - they sell t-shirts to the tourist nowadays, but Wikipedia casts doubt on whether the junction here of Highways 49 and 61 is correct, or whether it should have been at Rosedale at the junction of Highways 1 & 8.

The film went on to talk about the Mojo triangle of music - New Orleans/Memphis/Nashville. This struck a chord with me - it's definitely on my wish list to hire a winnebago and tour round the music hot-spots of the Deep South, and then perhaps up to Chicago and head west along Route 66. We went to Memphis when Lucy was first moved over - but it was only for a day, and Beale St isn't the same in daylight.

What about a list? Actors? De Niro, of course - brilliant - and funny when he wants to be. Meet the Fokkers might make it in to my top 20 films. Hoffman as well - apart from the Graduate and Midnight Cowboy, Rain Man was terrific. And then there's Newman - Butch and Sundance in particular.

Quick blog response

To Jo - it was Ross and I who screwed the TV together - it was a health hazard, just sitting there balancing on the stand. I then plugged it in and put the aerial in as well - but no picture - is that aerial point dead?

To Gary - good video of Luca - but could you please add more light to them? The black background on your blog doesn't help, of course.

To Lucy (and Scott) - come on, update your blog!

To Jo again - nice to see photos added - you can separate them and centre them, if you like - and you can also intersperse them with text. Videos next?

To Kelly - did you manage to get your work laptop connected to your home network?

To everyone - I did some trawling last night and spotted a couple of potential villas in Tenerife - http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/los-cristianos/42792 and http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/costa-adeje-golf/48931. What do you think?

Lastly, I agree with Gary that Crash was good - maybe not top 10, but OK. I also agree Schindler's List, worthy though it was, was pretty dull viewing. Of course, the Indiana Jones series was good fun as well - and I also always enjoyed the Sound of Music, believe it or not. We all enjoyed Grease for a while until Lucy sickened us all with the album!

Another week starts .....

Our emergency meeting with the Bank in Dundee went OK this morning. Nothing was actually agreed but more time has been bought, which may allow us to consider changing banks. Frankly, virtually all the banks are a mess just now and all their employees are looking over their shoulders, primarily concerned about their own careers - naturally.

I've been offered the tickets for Old Trafford again this Saturday and so I've asked Gary and Ross to join me - plus Carole! Just waiting for Gary to phone Jo to ask her to babysit Luca.

I received our team shirts for our golf trip to Florida - just 3 weeks today! Here's what they looked like in the catalogue (citrus and black):

and here's what the real thing looks like - it's a rather grainy photo and I don't know if you can see the difference - but it's almost green - I'm going to get pelters from the boys!

Jo finally went to see the Doctor today - she was concerned about pains in her chest and memories of her Dad flooding back didn't help. The GP said she seemed OK but is sending her for tests, including bloods and a stress ECG.

Skyped Lucy last night and spoke to Kelly on the phone tonight (technical advice!) - everyone seems to be up for the 60/30 holiday next year, so I guess I need to get cracking now!

Jo and I watched Parenthood again last night - what a hoot! I think it's one of the funniest films ever - I couldn't stop laughing out loud. Which leads me neatly on to today's list - best films ever? Parenthood obviously - and also Father of the Bride - both Steve Martins - but I guess they probably appeal more to people of our vintage who've been through it all. The Graduate, yes and probably most of the Godfather trilogy, but beyond that, I'm struggling to remember significant films other than more recent ones like the Edith Piaf and Johnny Cash biopics and The Counterfeiters. Needs more thought obviously.

Sunday at home

Oh dear, Jo - "tawdies" and "whiskey" - I think not. We certainly don't have any of the Irish spirit in our house and hopefully Craig and Kelly also have only Scotch whisky in theirs - and maybe they might enjoy their toddies - but who said I was pedantic?



Last night, Jo, Ross and I watched a great movie - The Counterfeiters - a German film with subtitles about the "privileged" Jews kept in a concentration camp to make forged notes. It's a true story and it was the Nazis attempt to undermine the UK economy by printing millions of Sterling notes - they almost succeeded, but fortunately, they didn't manage to repeat the exercise with the US dollars. Doesn't sound scintillating, but catch it if you can - it was absorbing.



Another pleasant autumn day here - and I enjoyed my golf at Torphins this morning - check the golf blog (http://bsvgolf.blogspot.com/) for a photo.



I found the cable for the old camera so it's over to Jo now to colour her blog and enlighten us all with the things she does and places she goes.

Lovely smell coming from the kitchen just now - Jo's busy in there - she's going out for a walk with Anne in half an hour.

I'm off to Dundee in the morning - I've called for an urgent face to face meeting with our bankers after a call I received from them on Thursday. Our contact at the Bank of Scotland is under huge pressure from his bosses to immediately increase the rates they charge us by 50%. The crisis in the world financial sector is huge and wide ranging.

I neglected to add a list to yesterday's blog posting - so, back to music again. I'd previously mentioned the list of almost 100 favourite individual tracks (not albums) that I made up a few years ago - it consisted of 60 separate artistes:

Animals
Beach Boys
Beatles
Bob Dylan
Buddy Holly & the Crickets
Canned Heat
Clash
Cream
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Dandy Warhols
Eddie Cochran
Elvis Costello
Eric Burdon & the Animals
Faces
Fleetwood Mac
Four Tops
Free
Graham Parker & The Rumour
Jack Bruce
Jam
James Taylor
Jethro Tull
Jimi Hendrix Experience
Joe Cocker
Joe Jackson
John Lennon
Judy Clay & William Bell
Kingsmen
Kinks
Led Zeppelin
Lou Reed
Love
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Nashville Teens
Neil Young
Nils Lofgren
Nirvana
Oasis
Otis Redding
Python Lee Jackson
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Rod Stewart
Rolling Stones
Roxy Music
Sam & Dave
Sex Pistols
Showstoppers
Sly and the Family Stone
Small Faces
Specials
Squeeze
Stevie Wonder
Talking Heads
Temptations
Them
Tony Joe White
Undertones
Warren Zevon
Who
Zombies

Mostly familiar names - but perhaps a few you may not have heard of. Noticeable absence of Radiohead - not quite sure why.

Headbangers

The weather has been lovely and it got up to 18.5 C in Banchory on Friday. Today was also nice, but I was too tired to enjoy my golf properly this morning having been late home from last night's headbang at Dave's - photo on football blog: http://bvetsfootballgroup.blogspot.com/

This afternoon, Colin, Dave and Malcolm came round to watch the Scotland match - another disappointing result - 0-0. Tonight it's a take-away from the Coriander.

I still have to look out the old cable to allow Jo to add the photos she took with the old camera to her blog - look out for exciting times ahead in Jo's world.