Squash

This rather grainy photo was taken with my Blackberry this morning. I had heard that the squash courts had been demolished - we hadn't heard anything from Arbor Court, but I thought I would check anyway, and I was horrified to see contractors there and the exterior cladding already removed:

On the face of it, this is a poor start to community relations for the new owners. They knew why we had been trying to organise a meeting for the last 2 months and had stalled us on the basis that they wanted to wait until Charlie Anderson arrived here from Canada and had a proper look at the hotel – which he has done over the last couple of weeks. They could at least have waited until they met us before starting demolition, but they obviously decided that they wanted to make it a fait accompli before we could present our case.

I have been in touch with the hotel manager, Peter Ferguson – who, we now understand is only there on a temporary basis for 3 months – and have arranged to meet him on Monday. I am making no comment to the local press at this time, although I have alerted them to check it out for themselves. There is another rumour going around that they are preparing to put in new sports facilities - let's wait and see what they say next week.

So - St Andrews Bay for me this afternoon - on another windy day. I can't remember the last time I was there and it wasn't windy. Still, it might keep the rain away!

Another short blog

Just to keep things ticking along, a quick posting today following yesterday's marathon effort - more words and pictures in that one than some people have posted in total in the last 2 months - no names, no pack drill, but she's busy sorting out the painter who's at our house with the unenviable task of doing up Ross' room - plus a few others.

Belated 55th birthday to Barry on Saturday and to Kieran, who was 20 on Sunday.

I think my cold/congestion is finally easing. I actually went to Bannatyne's at lunchtime today - not to do any real exercise - a couple of slow lengths, that's all - but to go to the steam room and try to clear my head and chest a bit.

Tomorrow is the first of 4 sessions at the dentist in the next couple of weeks. I've got 2 appointments with the hygienist - one each to clear out a couple of "pockets"; plus another 2 with the dentist to fix the 2 bits of tooth I lost over the summer. She wanted to crown one of them, but I've asked her to try a filling and a pin first of all to see if this will work or not.

Guess what? I must have put in 2 separate requests to Interval to find Kelly and Craig a timeshare swap - another one came through this morning - same place, same week, and right next door to each other! Duh! Anyone want a week's timeshare in Adelaide in January?

Fringe diary

Pictorial reporting of our weekend in Edinburgh. We drove down with Colin and Johanne and went straight to our first show - Me, Mum and Dusty Springfield - a one woman show in a small, intimate setting - her Mum's ashes were on the table and she was talking to the urn about how she was the b.....d love child of Tom Jones. It took us a while to figure out that she was talking about tribute acts - her Mum was "Dusty Springfield" and her alleged father was "Tom Jones"!

We then went back to check in at our oh so healthy and worthy B & B - McRae's Organic B & B, where we stayed last year. It's actually quite nice - the owners are a youngish Irish couple. A stroll up Broughton St and in for a couple of beers at the Cask & Barrel, then we headed up to the Assembly Hall on the Mound again. Here's Jo and I on the way up with the backdrop of the very impressive former HQ of the Bank of Scotland for the last few centuries - now sadly just part of Lloyds Bank:


The show we saw was Alistair McGowan - he really was terrific in front of a live audience in a small venue. His voices were spot on and he managed to morph from one voice in to another virtually seamlessly. Even a famous TV impressionist like him can suffer from stage fright however - he lost the plot at one stage, but, like the true professional he is, he managed to smooth it over and get back on track very quickly. We were hanging around in the quadrangle outside after the show and I spotted a guy in a white flat cap - it was Alistair McGowan himself on the way to another show. It was a coolish evening and, believe me, he needs some insulation up top! Colin appears to be almost stalking him here:

On the way home we passed a chippie with a very tempting offer:

and their coup de grace was a classic piece of Scottish "culture":

On Saturday morning, we walked up to Charlotte Square to the Literary Festival. Coffee, the morning papers and a nice seat in the sunshine, plus a few new books - excellent. We walked through Princes St gardens towards our first show of the day:

passing the Memorial gardens on the way:

The lunchtime show was called Ella, Marlene, Marilyn and Me - an Australian singer in another one woman "play", which was really a vehicle to display her singing talents. She did terrific versions of the three divas - Fitzgerald, Dietrich and Monroe. Great show.

Later on we went to see Paul Merton's Impro Chums, which was basically the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway, with four of the other stars who appeared there, including Richard Vranch (who also played keyboards), Mike McShane (somewhat overweight, but very funny American), Lee Simpson, and Suki Webster, who just happens to be Paul Merton's current partner - he used to be married to Carolin Quentin, but they divorced in 1998. He then had a relationship with the actress and producer Sarah Parkinson, but she died from breast cancer in 2003. Anyway the show was hilarious - genuine improvisation.

We then went walkabout and happened upon Koi Japanese restaurant (http://www.koiedinburgh.co.uk/) - they had a Teppanyaki table, and as Colin and Johanne had never tried this unique form of dining, we thought we'd give it a go. The chef was very entertaining and, as well as taking this photo with my camera, he took one with his own camera. Maybe we'll be starring on their web site soon?:

Can't remember where I saw this, but I thought our Grandson would like it:

We walked past the castle on the way back, down past the Caledonian Hotel, where Rebus' last novel, Exit Music, was centred. We had a look inside but were disappointed that we couldn't find any suspicious looking Russians in booths (oblique reference if you don't read Ian Rankin). Nonetheless, a photo had to be taken:

Sunday had been forecast to be wet and that was when we were due to be going back to the Foodies at the Fringe, which had been moved from the crowded, but dry, corridors of the Sheraton Hotel to the wilds of Holyrood Park. It was pretty muddy underfoot, but the weather wasn't half as bad as we feared. We went to a cookery demonstration and then the Cairngorm Brewery one, after which we sat outside and listened to Out of the Blue, a young acappella group from Oxford. By coincidence, Dave Williamson had recommended them to us. Here they are doing their version of the Four Seasons' December '63:

A few more stalls were visited and samples consumed, before we headed off up over Arthur's Seat and out west to Balerno. I couldn't resist going back to Cherry Tree Loan and checking out the house we sold in 1983:

Jo didn't like what they had done with "her" front window!

Preparing for the Fringe

Got home from work in time to catch Carole dropping Luca off - he certainly didn't seem to be poorly in any way, chatting away as usual. He loves his stickers just now (in the Night Garden).

Got some golf last night and then home to a nice meal, which was unfortunately (for me) full of garlic - lovely stuff, but it does terrible things to my stomach and disturbs my sleep - and it's not very sociable when you have to chair management meetings the following morning with it coming out of every pore.

So, I managed to get a week's timeshare exchange for Kelly and Craig in Adelaide - but it's not till January unfortunately - never mind, I'm sure they'll enjoy the break there.

And tomorrow we're off to Edinburgh for the weekend and the Fringe - will report back Monday.

Tarantino or Anderson?

Erratum first of all - There Will Be Blood was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, not Quentin Tarantino. I mis-read the type-line on Sky Anytime - Tarantino was introducing it. I realise now that he is doing some promotional work for his new film Inglourious Basterds (sic). Anyway it prompted me to watch the trailer for his new film - and it looks pretty interesting. Brad Pitt is the lead - Lauren said on her Facebook page that it was "awesome" - or something similar. Might make a rare trip to the cinema soon.

Jo's been doing some work in the garden - and I think it looks nice and colourful - what do you think? - this was the view as I had breakfast this morning:

I spent a little time on Interval International last night and have put in a request for a time share swap in Oz for Kelly and Craig - there's not that many Australian properties on their site, but let's hope we can get them something. Whilst I was trawling, I took advantage of a new offer they have which allows Short Stay Exchanges - instead of trading a full week, you can have a shorter midweek or weekend break. So, we're going to the Kenmore Club (http://www.kenmoreclub.com/) on Loch Tay from 2nd to 5th January.

Weekend almost over

Just the usual really - pub and golf - oh and we watched Tarantino's There Will Be Blood last night. It's a long film - Jo thought it was a little inconclusive - she likes neat and happy endings - but I thought it was pretty interesting - I stayed awake so it couldn't have been that bad. Daniel Day Lewis was pretty impressive.

Lucy Skyped us tonight - the morning after the showering and her guests have all gone. Ross said hello but he's not in good shape - sore throat, cough etc - we're all trying to persuade him to sleep upstairs tonight - but he'd be deprived of his creature comforts, so I doubt it. Still, he'll have to move next week as we're getting his room (and some others) painted - it was originally supposed to start tomorrow but with him not being well - plus Jo going in to blind panic when she realised it had come upon her so soon - I've put it off for another week.

Yes, I did order my new car on Friday - Black Sapphire exterior paintwork and Grey Dakota leather inside - plus a USB port for my Archos - that's if I ever get it back - I had to send it back for repair on Friday as the power had just completely gone. It started to act up on the journey over to USA and now it's totally gone.

Tonight I'm channel hopping between Andy Murray in the final of the Toronto Masters and the US PGA golf. Lucy didn't know who Andy Murray was! No. 2 in the world now!

Last blogger standing

Well, it appears that everyone else has given up - but am I downhearted? - you bet! I'll keep plugging away with the blogs meanwhile, but it would be nice to read a few occasionally instead of always writing.

OK - today's bleat over. The Piper this week and today's P & J feature the new manager of the Tor-na-Coille hotel. By all reports, he seems a decent bloke - I've made contact with him and asked for a meeting - which he's agreed to - but in a couple of weeks, once he's received instruction from the owner, no doubt:


It will be nice to go back there for bar suppers etc - and, who knows, we might even persuade him to stock some of Deeside Brewery's product in the longer run? As regards the squash courts, the vibrations are not hugely encouraging - but if we can persuade them to open them up again, even if only for a year or two until the Hill of Banchory development is hopefully ready - that would be a start at least.

Incidentally, this is what Ross and 3 others lived in for a week on the road to Italy and back:

Wednesday/Thursday

Went back to John Clark BMW yesterday - I've almost come to the conclusion that I should replace my Volvo when the contract expires in 3 weeks time with a 320d Tourer - it's smaller but more fuel efficient and a little more environmentally friendly - and it costs me less tax!

See http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesandspecifications_detail/0,,1156_181246632__bs-Mw%3D%3D%40bb-VE8wOA%3D%3D%40bm-WkgxMg%3D%3D,00.html. Now, what about colours?

Golf last night was good fun, but I had to rush out and only saw Luca for 10 minutes and Ross for 5 - missed Gary, who stayed for tea.

Today it was Fraserburgh management meetings again and tonight is just vegetation - US PGA golf is on TV - the last of this year's Majors.

Sorry, but I don't really have anything interesting to say - is this why nobody else is updating blogs nowadays?

Monday/Tuesday

Busy start to the week. Aberdeen yesterday - lunch and a swim at Bannatyne's - the first time I'd been there for absolutely ages - don't know where the times goes - must make an effort to go more often over the winter. I came home and where had Jo been that afternoon? - swimming as well! - Westhill pool with Myra and friends - originally planned to be the open air pool at Stonehaven, but changed because of mixed weather forecast.

That evening, I was going out to the Marcliffe for dinner with Francis and a couple of Norwegians - Michael was supposed to be there as well, but he has 'flu - beware! Scallops, followed by Ribeye steak, then creme caramel - delicious!

Today was Fraserburgh with the Norwegians, then dash home, only to find an empty house - Jo was out walking - but Kelly phoned and we had a chat, so that was nice.

I received the following photo from my hosts at Gleneagles on Friday - normally I reserve these for the golf blog, but here it is for a change in this blog:


I was playing in a fourball with Alan Kelly (of Kelly's Copiers) and when we got to the 10th hole on the course, my playing partner Dave (pictured above) and I were remarking upon the striking architect designed house to the left of the fairway. It turns out it was Alan Kelly's! It's a monster, worth mega millions - didn't realise the margins in the copier business were that high - need to check what we're being charged!

It's a rather sad week - Aunt Helen today, then it's the 7th anniversary of Mum's cremation tomorrow; Friday - 5 years since Dr. Clark died; then, on Sunday, it's the 18th anniversary of Jo's Dad's departure.

We've got too many timeshare exchanges building up again, so I'm now looking for something for Kelly and Craig when they get to Oz - it would be nice if I could help them settle in by finding somewhere for them to stay for a week. Incidentally, Gary, Carole, Scott, Lucy, Ross - let me know if you fancy a week's holiday somewhere and I'll see if I can use up another week this way.

Trip to the South West

I forgot to mention that I've now booked some hotel accommodation for our trip to Exeter late September. We booked flights months ago - it was meant to be a farewell to Kelly and Craig, but they've had to bring forward their departure to Oz, so they won't be there now. I'm glad now that I booked the Exeter flights from Aberdeen, rather than the usual Edinburgh-Newquay flights.

Jo and I will just treat it as little City break - I've booked us in to http://www.citygatehotel.com/, which is apparently right in the heart of the city. Kelly will give us the lowdown on where to go and what to see, and, if we get fed up with the city, we can always jump on a train and go somewhere nice - like Topsham (http://www.topsham.org/). Bill Miller told me we must visit there - he was a regular every year when his Aunty Pam lived down there. He particularly recommended the Bridge Inn - http://www.cheffers.co.uk/bridge.html. Any other suggestions gratefully received.

First week back - great!

Well, our first week back has been great - the weather has been superb, which has meant there has been no great shock to the system. (I've played 5 games of golf in the last week - each one of them in shorts and warm sunshine). I've also not really had any jetlag - I awake sometimes at odd hours, but otherwise it's been fine - maybe it is easier travelling Business Class!

Jo hasn't been near her computer so her blog is now 3 weeks out of date. I think she's waiting for Ross to fix her computer so she can get her photos on and update her blog from there. Talking of Ross, he should be heading back from Italy soon. He didn't quite keep his promise to his Mum to phone when he got to his destination, although he did phone from Dijon in France on Friday - apparently they only had 400 or so miles to go then.

Since my last post, I had a really hectic Thursday - dashing north to Fraserburgh for 3 management meetings in the morning, then heading south to Glasgow for a late afternoon meeting. I had a quick bite at Foveran on the way down - I hadn't been there in years, but Ross got me to stop there the last time we were down in Manchester, and it's pretty good now.

I met up with Barry and Helen in Wetherspoon's Crystal Palace and we had a curry. They were dashing off to a concert (Jack Bruce) and I then went to see Dad. It was about 7:30 pm when I got there and, guess what? - he was tucked up in bed:

He was, as you can see, half awake, but he soon came round and we tried chatting for a while, but this, as usual, proved difficult, so it was on to singing, and then we put some of his CD's on - some Glenn Miller, then Patsy Cline, and, finally, Glen Campbell. He seemed to enjoy this - especially the country music of Patsy Cline - we hummed along and sang where we could pick up the words. The care assistants came in during this to give him his pills - he took one, but then refused - I don't think he liked the girl - she was East European and very pleasant - she tried hard, but I sensed Dad was uncomfortable and eventually she left, saying she would try again later. I left about 9 pm and Dad seemed happy and settled.

On Friday, I drove from Barry's to Gleneagles - it was a wonderful day, and what a marvellous place it is when the weather's like this. On the drive home, Barry phoned me to relay the sad news that George Rogers had just phoned to say that Aunt Helen had died. She was younger than Dad, but had had a number of health problems in recent years, so it was probably no surprise.

So my Dad is the last of that generation of Stewarts to survive. Brother Johnny died a long time ago - perhaps the 1970's? - then came Alex, then Willie a few years ago, and now Helen. When you look at this list of names, and how "normal" they are, how on earth did he end up with the moniker Swanson Renshaw? Answers on a postcard please.

Tomorrow night, I'm out for dinner at the Marcliffe with a couple of visiting Norwegians. I guess I should have told Jo earlier - she's had to freeze the spag bog originally planned for Monday's tea.

Wednesday - half way to the weekend

It's lunchtime Wednesday and I'm heading across town now for a meeting, then on to start browsing new cars - the contract on my Volvo expires next month. Dilemma - same again? - great for all the golf gear - or all change? If I change, I can save myself some tax - but will it suit my lifestyle?



Sun is shining again - and there's a medal at Banchory tonight - great! Tomorrow it's off to the Broch for 3 management meetings in the morning, then I have to head back south for a late afternoon meeting in Glasgow - not the best of logistics, but nothing I can do about it now. I phoned brother Barry last night, looking for a bed tomorrow night - no problem - oh, wait - Barry's going to see Jack Bruce - never mind, I'll have his TV to myself after I've been to visit Dad.

Then on Friday, a rare treat - I've got a long-standing invitation to Gleneagles - not many of these corporate bashes around nowadays, given the global credit crunch etc - forecast looks good as well - bring it on!

Tuesday - 1 down, 4 to go

Jo's been busy with laundry, house cleaning - and the garden - since we came home. We could barely get in to the house on Saturday - the ivy was so overgrown and hanging down over the porch! She's also been at work in the back - this was this morning's view:

Hope you all like the updated archive photos on the blog - some nice memories there.

Ross is heading off to Rome tomorrow! He and his pal Dan, plus Harris and girlfriend, are taking Derek Glass's camper van and driving all the way there and back in less than a week - all to attend Pete's wedding on Saturday! Good luck to them - hope they don't break down!

I played 16 holes at Banchory last night with Keith. Like Sunday, I was again able to don shorts, which makes the re-acclimatisation back to the UK seem bearable. Apart from Saturday morning when we just arrived, the weather's been OK - bright, sunny and reasonably warm - not exactly 110 C, but pleasant - and we can survive without AC here, thankfully. I feel for the Lesinas in Grants Pass - no AC until Thursday at least - whew!

Happy 9th birthday, Cade!

At precisely 20:48 on 3rd August, 2000, baby Cade Stewart Lesina was born in Mercy Medical Hospital, Redding, CA. Happy birthday, Cade - sorry we couldn't stay for the big party this weekend! Here's Cade and his wee brother a couple of weeks ago: