Well, our boiler is sorted now. The gas man was there when I got home, so I got the full story from the horse's mouth, rather than the abridged and censored version I would otherwise have received from Jo and Ross. Last night I watched the recording of the previous night's Match of the Day and Jo went up to her computer and busied herself for a few hours.
When I checked the blogs this morning, I assumed there would be a lengthy confession/explanation of why we had to call the gas man out yesterday - but, no - nothing. I'm left with no alternative therefore but to "out" Jo on this one. The reason our boiler broke down is because she put a plant pot right next to the flue outside, blocking it and thus stopping the boiler from operating! Duh!
Of course, it could just be another of her Machiavellian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machiavellianism) plots - she has long been complaining about dead spots in some of our radiators and with a captive gas man yesterday she was able to explore this further. The result - another bill for £800 + to power flush and magna clean our system!
Do you wonder why I'm a little more than my usual tetchy self this morning? I'm looking forward to a few beers tonight - I'll need them by then! Of course, not being able to do any exercise just now doesn't help my mood - I'm giving my knee every chance to recover before we go to Marrakech. Last night I made an appointment to see the physio - Monday at 7:45 pm.
To lighten the mood a little, I spent some time last night doing some advance preparation for our next headbang (5th March) - I always enjoy watching some snippets of the videos - I don't watch them all - anticipation is part of the pleasure.
Lots of holidays coming up, but there's also a threat that our flights to USA could be affected by the planned ballot of staff in BA re industrial action - it was stopped by the courts when they originally planned this for the Christmas holiday period, but now it's scheduled for March. Fingers crossed.
Ian R. Stewart Family Blog
Friday, 12 February 2010
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Brrr - it's Thursday
What a great start to the day - woke up, went downstairs, tried to have breakfast - no milk (apart from a little skimmed - yuk!). Thought it felt a bit cold in the house - yes, the central heating hasn't come on. OK - no problem, the boiler just needs re-set again, I thought. I tried everything, but couldn't get it going, so resorted to having a shower downstairs - how unpleasant is that?
I then tried to go online and book an emergency engineer's visit - it was still only 6:40 am remember. No joy - next Wednesday the earliest date available. Eventually phoned them - yes they would come out today - what time would you like? All day or just 12-6 pm? All day, says I - by this time, her majesty has arisen - "not this morning" she cries - "I've got a hairdresser's appointment" - cancel it, says I - this is far more important - cue scowling faced wife. What does she want me to do - take a day off work just so that she can keep her appointment at the Ladies Barber Shop? Bah!
Situation eventually resolved with a (near) smile as I headed off to Fraserburgh again - Jo eventually realised she could still go to her hairdresser's and leave Ross to wait for gas man. It has, however, screwed up our plans to go to see Invictus (http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com/) at the cinema this afternoon.
So, yesterday, I finished my latest audiobook on the way home from Fraserburgh - A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs (http://www.augusten.com/site/a-wolf-at-the-table) - a pretty harrowing and personalised tale from his childhood. The author himself does the reading - and he acts the part out in full. He's tried to make it a bit of a multi-media event as well - the soundtrack has occasional music and other noises added to it for dramatic effect, and, at the end there are a few songs specially written by his favourite singers (including Patti Smith). It's made in 100 little mp3 "chapters" which is quite helpful if you miss a bit and want to go back. A lot of audiobooks come in only 3, 4 or 5 sections and it's pretty awkward to re-wind them.
My home reading has stalled a bit just now - there's a pile of 5 or 6 books lying on the bedside table. I'm reading occasional bits of 2 of them and the others are being saved up for holidays - these include the next 2 instalments in the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson plus Ginger Baker's autobiography (a Christmas present!).
Incidentally, notice the mis-spelling of "Februrary" in the calendar adjacent? Not my fault, guv.
Are we fed up with Word of the Day yet? No voting on this - I'll decide - and yes, I think so, but, just to round things off, what about one last one? - COQUETRY. It's a noun, meaning dalliance, flirtation - and the example given is "'You were probably very bored by it,' he said, catching at once, in mid-air, this ball of coquetry that she had thrown to him". - extract from Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.
I then tried to go online and book an emergency engineer's visit - it was still only 6:40 am remember. No joy - next Wednesday the earliest date available. Eventually phoned them - yes they would come out today - what time would you like? All day or just 12-6 pm? All day, says I - by this time, her majesty has arisen - "not this morning" she cries - "I've got a hairdresser's appointment" - cancel it, says I - this is far more important - cue scowling faced wife. What does she want me to do - take a day off work just so that she can keep her appointment at the Ladies Barber Shop? Bah!
Situation eventually resolved with a (near) smile as I headed off to Fraserburgh again - Jo eventually realised she could still go to her hairdresser's and leave Ross to wait for gas man. It has, however, screwed up our plans to go to see Invictus (http://invictusmovie.warnerbros.com/) at the cinema this afternoon.
So, yesterday, I finished my latest audiobook on the way home from Fraserburgh - A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs (http://www.augusten.com/site/a-wolf-at-the-table) - a pretty harrowing and personalised tale from his childhood. The author himself does the reading - and he acts the part out in full. He's tried to make it a bit of a multi-media event as well - the soundtrack has occasional music and other noises added to it for dramatic effect, and, at the end there are a few songs specially written by his favourite singers (including Patti Smith). It's made in 100 little mp3 "chapters" which is quite helpful if you miss a bit and want to go back. A lot of audiobooks come in only 3, 4 or 5 sections and it's pretty awkward to re-wind them.
My home reading has stalled a bit just now - there's a pile of 5 or 6 books lying on the bedside table. I'm reading occasional bits of 2 of them and the others are being saved up for holidays - these include the next 2 instalments in the Millennium trilogy by Stieg Larsson plus Ginger Baker's autobiography (a Christmas present!).
Incidentally, notice the mis-spelling of "Februrary" in the calendar adjacent? Not my fault, guv.
Are we fed up with Word of the Day yet? No voting on this - I'll decide - and yes, I think so, but, just to round things off, what about one last one? - COQUETRY. It's a noun, meaning dalliance, flirtation - and the example given is "'You were probably very bored by it,' he said, catching at once, in mid-air, this ball of coquetry that she had thrown to him". - extract from Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Back again
Been pretty busy - hence no blog since Friday. Not that I did much on Saturday - I vegetated in front of sport on the TV as Jo disappeared to the auction in Montrose. She got back just as I was heading out the door to meet Colin for a beer! We watched a slightly quirky movie on Saturday night, starring Peter O'Toole as a cantankerous old man - Dean somehting or other it was called.
On Sunday, I went to Murrayfield - check football blog for photos and details of travel troubles.
Yesterday was work in Aberdeen and then we watched the final 2 episodes of the first series of The Wire last night.
Got another dusting of snow this morning - it reminded me how much I'm looking forward to golfing in Marrakech - check out where we're staying - http://www.palmeraie-marrakech.com/residence-hotel-marrakech-uk.htm
I'm getting a little concerned about a recent knee problem - my left ("good") knee. It seems to be fine and then, for no reason, I get a really sharp pain in the front of it and can't walk - then it goes away again. Hope this doesn't affect my golf. I was reminded of our family history yesterday when talking to Dawn - she's now got to get her other knee done - and this time it's a full, not just partial, knee replacement - ouch! My father's got a lot to answer for.
That's about it for now - on a day long course at work in Fraserburgh tomorrow - should be a blast (not).
Word of the Day? - VITIATE - a transitive verb - To make faulty or imperfect; to render defective; to impair; as, "exaggeration vitiates a style of writing."
On Sunday, I went to Murrayfield - check football blog for photos and details of travel troubles.
Yesterday was work in Aberdeen and then we watched the final 2 episodes of the first series of The Wire last night.
Got another dusting of snow this morning - it reminded me how much I'm looking forward to golfing in Marrakech - check out where we're staying - http://www.palmeraie-marrakech.com/residence-hotel-marrakech-uk.htm
I'm getting a little concerned about a recent knee problem - my left ("good") knee. It seems to be fine and then, for no reason, I get a really sharp pain in the front of it and can't walk - then it goes away again. Hope this doesn't affect my golf. I was reminded of our family history yesterday when talking to Dawn - she's now got to get her other knee done - and this time it's a full, not just partial, knee replacement - ouch! My father's got a lot to answer for.
That's about it for now - on a day long course at work in Fraserburgh tomorrow - should be a blast (not).
Word of the Day? - VITIATE - a transitive verb - To make faulty or imperfect; to render defective; to impair; as, "exaggeration vitiates a style of writing."
Friday, 5 February 2010
Friday frets
You would think people would be happy when you get to the end of the week - not so in here - this morning's meetings have been very fractious with some in-fighting and bitching going on. There's only one female present so that can't be the reason (joke!) - maybe it's biorhythms or the time of the year or the weather - who knows?
On to happier tmes - yesterday we received the following postcard - from the Utah Valley Tourist Board - we must have left our details at one of their visitor centres:
Doesn't this just look like Jo and I out on one of our walks last year? Obviously, the couple in the postcard aren't as fit, strong, or as well-prepared as we were, but otherwise it could be us. Oh happy times.
I had a busy afternoon yesterday - got my watch fixed (the back came off again), had a haircut, got my car washed and also managed a quick trip in to Meldrum House Hotel to have a look at potential accommodation for the wedding in October. All the rooms were occupied so I couldn't see inside any of them, but I got a nice feel for the place - it's lovely. They're currently doing up the rooms in the main hotel building so I was advised to come back in March to look at them - and also the separate stable block opposite. I saw round the function room, but the marquee won't go up until March so I'll see that then as well. My main reason for visiting was to see where the lodge house is - it's a 5 bedroom place, with separate lock-offs and a central living room and kitchen area, so it's good for a large family to stay in. It is, however, right at the entrance to the grounds and must be 500 yards or so from the other hotel buildings - it would be a long walk back and forwards. I've played the golf course there a couple of times - but not for a few years. That would definitely be weather dependent, however.
Just had a text from Kelly - she's arrived in Melbourne and says it is "freezing" - yeah, right! That said, it's a lot warmer here today - which means we have positive degrees C for a change!
Jo and Ross are heading off to see Avatar 3D this afternoon and I'm hoping to get a game of squash later on - if I can get out of this particular hell-hole in time.
All that's left is Word of the Day - DISTRAIT (dis-tray) - adjective - Divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety. Quote:
• Yet when she stopped for a cup of coffee, finding herself too distrait to begin work, the picture was in the course of being removed from the window.
On to happier tmes - yesterday we received the following postcard - from the Utah Valley Tourist Board - we must have left our details at one of their visitor centres:
Doesn't this just look like Jo and I out on one of our walks last year? Obviously, the couple in the postcard aren't as fit, strong, or as well-prepared as we were, but otherwise it could be us. Oh happy times.
I had a busy afternoon yesterday - got my watch fixed (the back came off again), had a haircut, got my car washed and also managed a quick trip in to Meldrum House Hotel to have a look at potential accommodation for the wedding in October. All the rooms were occupied so I couldn't see inside any of them, but I got a nice feel for the place - it's lovely. They're currently doing up the rooms in the main hotel building so I was advised to come back in March to look at them - and also the separate stable block opposite. I saw round the function room, but the marquee won't go up until March so I'll see that then as well. My main reason for visiting was to see where the lodge house is - it's a 5 bedroom place, with separate lock-offs and a central living room and kitchen area, so it's good for a large family to stay in. It is, however, right at the entrance to the grounds and must be 500 yards or so from the other hotel buildings - it would be a long walk back and forwards. I've played the golf course there a couple of times - but not for a few years. That would definitely be weather dependent, however.
Just had a text from Kelly - she's arrived in Melbourne and says it is "freezing" - yeah, right! That said, it's a lot warmer here today - which means we have positive degrees C for a change!
Jo and Ross are heading off to see Avatar 3D this afternoon and I'm hoping to get a game of squash later on - if I can get out of this particular hell-hole in time.
All that's left is Word of the Day - DISTRAIT (dis-tray) - adjective - Divided or withdrawn in attention, especially because of anxiety. Quote:
• Yet when she stopped for a cup of coffee, finding herself too distrait to begin work, the picture was in the course of being removed from the window.
— Falling Slowly, Anita Brookner
Thursday, 4 February 2010
The groundhog was right!
We missed Groundhog Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog) on Tuesday, but I understand the groundhog saw its shadow so winter is apparently going to continue for another 6 weeks - we should be so lucky! At this rate, it'll be another 6 months before the grass is visible again! It's a bit milder today but it's going to take several days of this - plus some rain - before the snow is all gone again. I travelled cross country to Fraserburgh this morning and the inland roads are still snow and ice affected - "passable with care" I believe is the official phrase. No snow at all at the Broch itself of course - it's surrounded by sea.
Another 2 episodes of The Wire last night - that's us on to number 10 next, I think. We're enjoying it and we'll certainly see the first series through, although the jury is out as to whether we'll be as devoted viewers as Colin and Johanne and watch every series - I guess much may depend on whether each series is discrete and has a logical end or not.
I re-booked train tickets to Edinburgh for Colin and I for Sunday's Scotland - France rugby match last night. When I originally booked the tickets back in November, the best price I could get was £33.50 return, but, since then, they've opened up the 55 + Club again and we can get tickets at just £15 return. Even with a cancellation fee of £10 for the original booking, that's still a saving of £8.50! We might even use our bus passes and get a free ride in to Aberdeen as well - that's the good bit about getting old - but there's not much else good about it.
Today's Word of the Day is PECUNIARY - relating to money, monetary. The example given was:
Another 2 episodes of The Wire last night - that's us on to number 10 next, I think. We're enjoying it and we'll certainly see the first series through, although the jury is out as to whether we'll be as devoted viewers as Colin and Johanne and watch every series - I guess much may depend on whether each series is discrete and has a logical end or not.
I re-booked train tickets to Edinburgh for Colin and I for Sunday's Scotland - France rugby match last night. When I originally booked the tickets back in November, the best price I could get was £33.50 return, but, since then, they've opened up the 55 + Club again and we can get tickets at just £15 return. Even with a cancellation fee of £10 for the original booking, that's still a saving of £8.50! We might even use our bus passes and get a free ride in to Aberdeen as well - that's the good bit about getting old - but there's not much else good about it.
Today's Word of the Day is PECUNIARY - relating to money, monetary. The example given was:
- He lacked the finer element of conscience which looks upon Art as a sacred calling, she remembered, and because of "pecuniary necessities" he "scattered his forces in many different and unworthy directions".
- Accomplished in All Departments of Art, James F O'Gorman
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Weary Wednesday
Check the headbang blog for last night.
Today has been Aberdeen - Fraserburgh - Aberdeen - and a lot of travel frustration.
Word of the day - AUBADE - a song or poem greeting the dawn.
Today has been Aberdeen - Fraserburgh - Aberdeen - and a lot of travel frustration.
Word of the day - AUBADE - a song or poem greeting the dawn.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Terrific Tuesday
Bright blue skies this morning - very pleasant - and the roads are fine, although there is the possibility of more snow tomorrow apparently. I didn't go to Fraserburgh yesterday - I postponed the guy that was coming up from Edinburgh - so it's now tomorrow morning that he's coming. The plus side was that I managed another trip to the gym yesterday instead.
Last night, we watched another 2 episodes of The Wire - that's 7 in all now. There had been a bit of a gap since we saw episode 5, and we were both struggling a bit with the story line and the characters at first, but had got back on track by the end of episode 7. We must make sure we watch an episode every other day, I think.
Tonight, it's back to the movies, so I'll just stay in town for tea - I'll meet up with Colin and Gary (Grant) and his brother somewhere for a bite and a beer.
I've also finally committed to doing the West Highland Way (well a bit of, anyway) this year - some accommodation now booked and deposits paid - no going back now! This is the plan:
I'm also tempted by the possibility of going to the Roland Garros stadium for the French Open in May/June. That's the second of the tennis "Majors" this year and hopefully Andy Murray will be making a challenge again. There are direct flights to Paris from Aberdeen, and Dave Williamson is now spending most of his work time in Paris, rather than Reading, so that's why the idea first arose.
To do these things, it obviously means sacrificing some golf this year - I'll need to think carefully about my schedule.
Word of the Day - Gelid (Jel-id) - adjective - extremely cold; icy. Very appropriate.
Last night, we watched another 2 episodes of The Wire - that's 7 in all now. There had been a bit of a gap since we saw episode 5, and we were both struggling a bit with the story line and the characters at first, but had got back on track by the end of episode 7. We must make sure we watch an episode every other day, I think.
Tonight, it's back to the movies, so I'll just stay in town for tea - I'll meet up with Colin and Gary (Grant) and his brother somewhere for a bite and a beer.
I've also finally committed to doing the West Highland Way (well a bit of, anyway) this year - some accommodation now booked and deposits paid - no going back now! This is the plan:
- Thursday evening 16th September
- Drive over to Fort William
- Friday 17th September
- Train down to Bridge of Orchy
- Walk 12 miles to Kings House Hotel, Glencoe
- Saturday 18th September
- Walk 9 miles to Kinlochleven
- Sunday 19th September
- Walk 14 miles to Fort William
- Monday 20th September
- Walk up Ben Nevis (possibly)
- Home
I'm also tempted by the possibility of going to the Roland Garros stadium for the French Open in May/June. That's the second of the tennis "Majors" this year and hopefully Andy Murray will be making a challenge again. There are direct flights to Paris from Aberdeen, and Dave Williamson is now spending most of his work time in Paris, rather than Reading, so that's why the idea first arose.
To do these things, it obviously means sacrificing some golf this year - I'll need to think carefully about my schedule.
Word of the Day - Gelid (Jel-id) - adjective - extremely cold; icy. Very appropriate.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Monday again
Mixed weekend on the sporting front. Terrible performance from Aberdeen on Saturday and the Jags lost too in Inverness - kind of glad we didn't go in the end. Andy was well beaten on Sunday morning, but I'm sure he'll be back, stronger than ever - hopefully to wipe that ever so slightly smug grin off the Swiss ace's face. Much better in the afternoon with Man U taking Arsenal apart.
We had lovely steak fajitas at Carole's last night, and a nice little chat about plans for the wedding. There had been snow flurries all day however, and, when we drove over to Inverurie, the wind had blown the snow on to the side roads and they weren't easy. We decided for our return journey to come back in to Aberdeen and then head out on the North Deeside from there. I was driving, but it was Jo's car (it has the car seat) - and I had left my driving glasses in my car! We made it OK, but it took us a fair while to get home and then, of course, the kitchen had to be cleaned up. Finally, I settled down to watch a bit of the late night golf from Torrey Pines - a course I had played when we were in San Diego - but no cup of tea for me - no milk left! I made do with a glass of wine, but then fell asleep sitting up on the sofa. Jo eventually came down to see if I was OK, so I headed up to bed to watch the end of the golf up there.
Today, I'm in the Aberdeen office awaiting a visitor from Edinburgh. We're then supposed to be going up to Fraserburgh, but it's likely he may have to cancel as the journey would probably take too long and we wouldn't achieve what we wanted as there wouldn't be enough time left.
It's all been a bit dull diary prose from me recently - I'll need to get some photos taken to brighten the blog up visually at least. Meanwhile, what about a Word of the Day? I've got a few new apps for my Blackberry and one of them is a Dictionary/Thesaurus - it would be very handy if I was still doing crosswords. Anyway, they have a word of the day feature in this app, and today's word is MONDEGREEN. What does it mean? - "A word or phrase resulting from a misinterpretation of a word or phrase that has been heard." It further goes on to say:
• Mondegreens can be found in every area of the spoken word, from the record buyer who asks for a copy of the Queen single "Bohemian Rap City" to the schoolchild who is convinced that the Pledge of Allegiance begins "I led the pigeons to the flag."
Think of anyone close who daily uses Mondegreens?
We had lovely steak fajitas at Carole's last night, and a nice little chat about plans for the wedding. There had been snow flurries all day however, and, when we drove over to Inverurie, the wind had blown the snow on to the side roads and they weren't easy. We decided for our return journey to come back in to Aberdeen and then head out on the North Deeside from there. I was driving, but it was Jo's car (it has the car seat) - and I had left my driving glasses in my car! We made it OK, but it took us a fair while to get home and then, of course, the kitchen had to be cleaned up. Finally, I settled down to watch a bit of the late night golf from Torrey Pines - a course I had played when we were in San Diego - but no cup of tea for me - no milk left! I made do with a glass of wine, but then fell asleep sitting up on the sofa. Jo eventually came down to see if I was OK, so I headed up to bed to watch the end of the golf up there.
Today, I'm in the Aberdeen office awaiting a visitor from Edinburgh. We're then supposed to be going up to Fraserburgh, but it's likely he may have to cancel as the journey would probably take too long and we wouldn't achieve what we wanted as there wouldn't be enough time left.
It's all been a bit dull diary prose from me recently - I'll need to get some photos taken to brighten the blog up visually at least. Meanwhile, what about a Word of the Day? I've got a few new apps for my Blackberry and one of them is a Dictionary/Thesaurus - it would be very handy if I was still doing crosswords. Anyway, they have a word of the day feature in this app, and today's word is MONDEGREEN. What does it mean? - "A word or phrase resulting from a misinterpretation of a word or phrase that has been heard." It further goes on to say:
• Mondegreens can be found in every area of the spoken word, from the record buyer who asks for a copy of the Queen single "Bohemian Rap City" to the schoolchild who is convinced that the Pledge of Allegiance begins "I led the pigeons to the flag."
Think of anyone close who daily uses Mondegreens?
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Nervous Sunday
Why am I blogging at this time on a Sunday morning? I watched the first set of the Aussie Open (Andy lost) and now I'm too anxious/nervous to watch the rest. The TV's on, but it's background now. Not looking good.
Luca will be over soon so that should cheer us all up - and Kelly has just been on Skype so that was nice too.
What else to look forward to? Well, dinner at Carole's this afternoon, then a trip to the movies on Tuesday - Oil City Confidential - the story of Dr. Feelgood.
Luca will be over soon so that should cheer us all up - and Kelly has just been on Skype so that was nice too.
What else to look forward to? Well, dinner at Carole's this afternoon, then a trip to the movies on Tuesday - Oil City Confidential - the story of Dr. Feelgood.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Snowy Saturday
Yes - it's back again - more of the white stuff overnight, so decision made - no trip to Inverness for us. As compensation, Malcolm got in touch this morning - he's got a spare ticket for Pittodrie this afternoon, so I'm heading off there shortly.
Tomorrow, it's a tennis breakfast/brunch for me - fingers crossed for Andy. Gary and Carole are going to drop off Luca about lunchtime as they're heading off to Ardoe House for another wedding exhibition. We'll then take Luca home when we go over for dinner later on.
That's about it y'all - have a good weekend.
Tomorrow, it's a tennis breakfast/brunch for me - fingers crossed for Andy. Gary and Carole are going to drop off Luca about lunchtime as they're heading off to Ardoe House for another wedding exhibition. We'll then take Luca home when we go over for dinner later on.
That's about it y'all - have a good weekend.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Back to blogging
I've been very busy at work this week and not had the time to do any blogging during daylight hours - and generally too busy or tired to do anything in the evenings.
It's always a busy time of year at work just after the Christmas/New Year holidays and, apart from the usual routine, I've been doing all our managers' annual appraisals, so that's kept me out of mischief for a while.
I got a quick game of squash on Tuesday - we couldn't get on at Findrack and Kippie was out of the question as well, so we thought we'd try Aboyne. None of us had played there for more than 20 years. The court used to have a linoleum floor and your feet would get red hot. Thankfully, that's changed and they do have a proper sprung wooden floor now - the only problem is they seem to be either polishing it or varnishing it - it's very slippy and constitutes a bit of a health hazard. Of course, when you try to tell the numpties there about this, you get nowhere - "I don't think they're polishing it" - well, it needs sanding then - "Oh it's not the type of floor you can sand" - the lady was suddenly an expert on squash courts and was telling me how it should be done. I gave up - I thought they might react when I said it was a Health and Safety matter - normally Council workers run for the hills when they hear these magic words, but even this didn't seem to provoke much of a reaction. I guess we'll only use this court again if we're really desperate. It was nice and warm however, which made a pleasant change.
It was quite spooky going back to the Aboyne Community Centre - memories of almost a quarter of a century ago when we would all troop down there for the Saturday morning swimming session, and go upstairs to the cafeteria - it seemed half of Banchory were there.
Mention of Health and Safety reminded me of an incident at work the other day which demonstrated that there's no accounting for the "numpty factor". Michael looked out of his office window and saw one of our employees actually inside the compactor trying to push the boxes down. Just thinking of the consequences makes you go weak at the knees.
Luca was with us overnight on Tuesday and all day Wednesday - and you've heard about the mishap from Gary's blog. It was our golf club AGM on Wednesday and after it, we watched the second half of the Manchester derby - what a great game! We're now trying to proceed with a project to build a squash court at the golf club - Richard Simcox, like most of us, has got fed up waiting for all the other projects - Hill of Banchory, King George V - to make any progress, so he's decided to fund the entire project himself!
His business is obviously making a lot of money just now - but it's still no shoe-in - we still have to persuade the committee, then the members of the golf club at an EGM, that it's a good idea for them. We have some history here - when the squash club was first established just over 30 years ago, the then committee, led by Dick Taylor, proposed to build the courts at the golf club, who had just had a major fire and had to completely re-build their club house - but they said no - talk about short-sighted. The squash club then had 200 members and, being a winter sport, it would have kept the clubhouse busy all winter long. Now, the clubhouse is absolutely dead for 5 months or so of the year - they were even complaining about it at Wednesday's AGM. I just hope there's a bit more vision this time - albeit there's currently only one-tenth of the former numbers currently playing squash - but hopefully more would play if facilities were available.
That's about it - we've all been suffering a bit from a slight bug - just slightly under the weather. Jo's still got a bit of a sore throat, but hopefully she'll be OK for her girls' night out tonight.
We woke up this morning to more snow. The roads were pretty slippy - especially around Garlogie - but it was even worse just north of Aberdeen - the dual carriageway is completely jammed and all our guys who live in Ellon etc are taking over 2 hours to get in today. Tomorrow we had planned to go to Inverness for the footy, but, with more snow forecast for tonight, we're having second thoughts now.
Looks like golf on Sunday will be a no-no as well, which is good as I can now watch the final of the Australian Open with a clear conscience! After that, we head to Gary and Carole's for dinner - hopefully after we've watched Man Utd beat Arsenal on the box!
It's always a busy time of year at work just after the Christmas/New Year holidays and, apart from the usual routine, I've been doing all our managers' annual appraisals, so that's kept me out of mischief for a while.
I got a quick game of squash on Tuesday - we couldn't get on at Findrack and Kippie was out of the question as well, so we thought we'd try Aboyne. None of us had played there for more than 20 years. The court used to have a linoleum floor and your feet would get red hot. Thankfully, that's changed and they do have a proper sprung wooden floor now - the only problem is they seem to be either polishing it or varnishing it - it's very slippy and constitutes a bit of a health hazard. Of course, when you try to tell the numpties there about this, you get nowhere - "I don't think they're polishing it" - well, it needs sanding then - "Oh it's not the type of floor you can sand" - the lady was suddenly an expert on squash courts and was telling me how it should be done. I gave up - I thought they might react when I said it was a Health and Safety matter - normally Council workers run for the hills when they hear these magic words, but even this didn't seem to provoke much of a reaction. I guess we'll only use this court again if we're really desperate. It was nice and warm however, which made a pleasant change.
It was quite spooky going back to the Aboyne Community Centre - memories of almost a quarter of a century ago when we would all troop down there for the Saturday morning swimming session, and go upstairs to the cafeteria - it seemed half of Banchory were there.
Mention of Health and Safety reminded me of an incident at work the other day which demonstrated that there's no accounting for the "numpty factor". Michael looked out of his office window and saw one of our employees actually inside the compactor trying to push the boxes down. Just thinking of the consequences makes you go weak at the knees.
Luca was with us overnight on Tuesday and all day Wednesday - and you've heard about the mishap from Gary's blog. It was our golf club AGM on Wednesday and after it, we watched the second half of the Manchester derby - what a great game! We're now trying to proceed with a project to build a squash court at the golf club - Richard Simcox, like most of us, has got fed up waiting for all the other projects - Hill of Banchory, King George V - to make any progress, so he's decided to fund the entire project himself!
His business is obviously making a lot of money just now - but it's still no shoe-in - we still have to persuade the committee, then the members of the golf club at an EGM, that it's a good idea for them. We have some history here - when the squash club was first established just over 30 years ago, the then committee, led by Dick Taylor, proposed to build the courts at the golf club, who had just had a major fire and had to completely re-build their club house - but they said no - talk about short-sighted. The squash club then had 200 members and, being a winter sport, it would have kept the clubhouse busy all winter long. Now, the clubhouse is absolutely dead for 5 months or so of the year - they were even complaining about it at Wednesday's AGM. I just hope there's a bit more vision this time - albeit there's currently only one-tenth of the former numbers currently playing squash - but hopefully more would play if facilities were available.
That's about it - we've all been suffering a bit from a slight bug - just slightly under the weather. Jo's still got a bit of a sore throat, but hopefully she'll be OK for her girls' night out tonight.
We woke up this morning to more snow. The roads were pretty slippy - especially around Garlogie - but it was even worse just north of Aberdeen - the dual carriageway is completely jammed and all our guys who live in Ellon etc are taking over 2 hours to get in today. Tomorrow we had planned to go to Inverness for the footy, but, with more snow forecast for tonight, we're having second thoughts now.
Looks like golf on Sunday will be a no-no as well, which is good as I can now watch the final of the Australian Open with a clear conscience! After that, we head to Gary and Carole's for dinner - hopefully after we've watched Man Utd beat Arsenal on the box!
Monday, 25 January 2010
Back to work
Monday again - been to Fraserburgh this morning and now in Aberdeen office, preparing for our board meeting in the morning. I had originally planned to come back via Inverurie as we were due to be having Luca for the night, but that was cancelled.
Diary - Friday - busy day at work with lots of monthly management meetings, but then a nice time in the evening at Franco's for Malcolm Lodge's farewell - see football blog. Even managed another very quick trip to the gym - and I finally found a car wash that was open again, so everyone could tell my car was supposed to be black - but it's back to grey already.
We did very little on Saturday - got depressed by hearing the radio with Thistle getting duffed at home. We're supposed to be going to Inverness to see them on Saturday, but we're starting to lose enthusiasm for this annual trip to see our old pal Rob Dunnachie, who now lives in Dingwall.
On Saturday evening, we started watching the Wire - Colin had given me the DVD's of the first series (he's on series 5 now!). It's pretty good - gritty and earthy - Colin had warned us to put on the subtitles - and we're glad we did. By Sunday evening we had watched the first 3 episodes - only another 12 to go in the first series.
I also finished my book - the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - last night. I really enjoyed it and have now ordered the other two books in the series. I finished the two parts of the audiobook I was reading today - Next by Michael Chrichton - but I think I must have overlooked downloading some other parts - it all came to a rather abrupt end.
So, we've got a confirmed date for the wedding - and Lucy's now booked their flights to/from USA. Over to Kelly now.
Diary - Friday - busy day at work with lots of monthly management meetings, but then a nice time in the evening at Franco's for Malcolm Lodge's farewell - see football blog. Even managed another very quick trip to the gym - and I finally found a car wash that was open again, so everyone could tell my car was supposed to be black - but it's back to grey already.
We did very little on Saturday - got depressed by hearing the radio with Thistle getting duffed at home. We're supposed to be going to Inverness to see them on Saturday, but we're starting to lose enthusiasm for this annual trip to see our old pal Rob Dunnachie, who now lives in Dingwall.
On Saturday evening, we started watching the Wire - Colin had given me the DVD's of the first series (he's on series 5 now!). It's pretty good - gritty and earthy - Colin had warned us to put on the subtitles - and we're glad we did. By Sunday evening we had watched the first 3 episodes - only another 12 to go in the first series.
I also finished my book - the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - last night. I really enjoyed it and have now ordered the other two books in the series. I finished the two parts of the audiobook I was reading today - Next by Michael Chrichton - but I think I must have overlooked downloading some other parts - it all came to a rather abrupt end.
So, we've got a confirmed date for the wedding - and Lucy's now booked their flights to/from USA. Over to Kelly now.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Driving Miss Daisy
We went to Celtic Connections in Glasgow last night (Way to Blue; Songs of Nick Drake). I met Jo at Leggart Terrace - Ross drove her in there - and, guess what? - they were almost on time - of course, they couldn't exactly get lost this time, could they?
Colin and Johanne took the train down - at just £15 return for over 55's, it's a no-brainer - we would have loved to have taken this option too, but we had to travel back straight after the concert as Jo had to be in Stonehaven early this morning for her appointment at the Cardio clinic. Anyway, we went for a pre-theatre supper at Sarti's Italian restaurant, which was fairly exotic looking inside - check http://www.sarti.co.uk/restaurants/renfield-street-glasgow/history-renfield-st-.aspx for the history of the building.
After dinner, we gave the girls a touch of Glasgow "culture" - a visit to the legendary Horseshoe Bar (http://www.horseshoebar.co.uk/), where many an entertainer first made their name. It has listed building status and the web site has some interesting tales on it. I didn't have my camera with me, so just managed this poor quality photo from my Blackberry:
The concert was great - see music blog for more info - and we got out of the Concert Hall pretty quickly, only to find a huge queue at the ticket machine in the car park. Then we had to queue to get out of the car park - and then took a wrong turn and had to go all round the houses to get back on to the motorway. Further frustration came when we got to Moodiesburn and then had to go through miles and miles of the huge roadworks that have been going on for ages. It's all 40 mph limit with average speed cameras in place - very frustrating when you're driving along on dual carriageways, with little traffic and no work actually taking place, and you're in a hurry to get home.
The weather was OK - apart from one very short bit of road just north of Dundee where there had just been a very localised freak snow/sleet shower which suddenly made the roads white for about half a mile - the police were out trying to warn motorists about it. After that, it was OK and it actually got a bit milder as we drove further north, so we decided to go over Cairn o' Mount. We even ignored the Road Closed signs at Clatterin' Brig - there had been much criticism of the police in the local paper for not keeping the signs up to date - and it seemed so relatively mild - but it soon turned to white and it was a bit of a struggle at the top, and then slowly and carefully down the other side, but we made it home in the end about 1 a.m.
It didn't seem like long until the alarm went. I had decided I wasn't going to Fraserburgh after all, but thought I should instead take Jo to the cardio clinic. The news on the radio was that the police had had to close the Cairn o' Mount road overnight due to snow - no wonder we were the only car on the road!
So, Jo got on fine - I went in with her. They're going to do another stress test as a precaution, but they don't think the pains she's been getting in her left side are Angina after all - although she'll keep taking the medicine.
For the rest of the day, I've just decided to work (and blog!) from home - and perhaps have a little doze and catch up on lost sleep.
Colin and Johanne took the train down - at just £15 return for over 55's, it's a no-brainer - we would have loved to have taken this option too, but we had to travel back straight after the concert as Jo had to be in Stonehaven early this morning for her appointment at the Cardio clinic. Anyway, we went for a pre-theatre supper at Sarti's Italian restaurant, which was fairly exotic looking inside - check http://www.sarti.co.uk/restaurants/renfield-street-glasgow/history-renfield-st-.aspx for the history of the building.
After dinner, we gave the girls a touch of Glasgow "culture" - a visit to the legendary Horseshoe Bar (http://www.horseshoebar.co.uk/), where many an entertainer first made their name. It has listed building status and the web site has some interesting tales on it. I didn't have my camera with me, so just managed this poor quality photo from my Blackberry:
The concert was great - see music blog for more info - and we got out of the Concert Hall pretty quickly, only to find a huge queue at the ticket machine in the car park. Then we had to queue to get out of the car park - and then took a wrong turn and had to go all round the houses to get back on to the motorway. Further frustration came when we got to Moodiesburn and then had to go through miles and miles of the huge roadworks that have been going on for ages. It's all 40 mph limit with average speed cameras in place - very frustrating when you're driving along on dual carriageways, with little traffic and no work actually taking place, and you're in a hurry to get home.
The weather was OK - apart from one very short bit of road just north of Dundee where there had just been a very localised freak snow/sleet shower which suddenly made the roads white for about half a mile - the police were out trying to warn motorists about it. After that, it was OK and it actually got a bit milder as we drove further north, so we decided to go over Cairn o' Mount. We even ignored the Road Closed signs at Clatterin' Brig - there had been much criticism of the police in the local paper for not keeping the signs up to date - and it seemed so relatively mild - but it soon turned to white and it was a bit of a struggle at the top, and then slowly and carefully down the other side, but we made it home in the end about 1 a.m.
It didn't seem like long until the alarm went. I had decided I wasn't going to Fraserburgh after all, but thought I should instead take Jo to the cardio clinic. The news on the radio was that the police had had to close the Cairn o' Mount road overnight due to snow - no wonder we were the only car on the road!
So, Jo got on fine - I went in with her. They're going to do another stress test as a precaution, but they don't think the pains she's been getting in her left side are Angina after all - although she'll keep taking the medicine.
For the rest of the day, I've just decided to work (and blog!) from home - and perhaps have a little doze and catch up on lost sleep.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Maudlin Monday morphs in to Tiresome Tuesday
Why maudlin? Oh, I don't know - perhaps just a combination of things. Firstly, my knee, which is still acting up; secondly, stomach cramps through the night on Sunday meant I couldn't sleep - not Jo's cooking, but I suspect the ibuprofen I took for my knee - it always disagrees with my stomach; thirdly, and most annoyingly, my reading glasses broke when I went to put them back in their case on Sunday night:
These are top of the range Silhouette frames and shouldn't do this! Jo has them as well. I took so long deciding which ones to buy, and since I took the plunge at Lassman's in Medford whilst on holiday in USA in 2007, it's been a tale of woe. When I got back to work in Scotland, I found out that the lenses, which were excellent for close-up reading, were no use for computer work, so off I trotted to the local Silhouette supplier in Aberdeen, who discovered that the American opticians had fitted the wrong lenses, so I had to shell out for new ones that matched my prescription! So much for saving some money by buying in US$!
Anyway, I finished off my Death of Dalziel audiobook as I was shuttling around in the Golden Triangle of Banchory-Fraserburgh-Aberdeen yesterday. Don't know how I made it through to the end - it was as tiresome as I suspected from the start. Much more interesting is the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - can't wait to pick it up each evening.
Tuesday was a busy morning and then Michael said he was going across town, so I seized the opportunity and asked for a lift to the optician's. First the bad news - the frames were out of warranty. Next the better news that they had replacement frames in stock - and what's more, they could fit them now! OK - how much? How much? We'll give you 50% off sir - how much? I do hope they last this time - certainly the most expensive glasses I've ever bought.
Might slope off a bit early and head for the gym - it's about time I started going regularly again - how many times must that phrase be written in blogs and diaries the world over? Will pop in to Franco's on the way home - we're planning a meal there on Friday to bid farewell to Malcolm Lodge, who's moving to Houston full-time - although retaining his house at Drumoak.
We've got a bit of a dilemma with the possible Oz trip now that Kelly is coming back in October - Jo and I had words on this last night. She's not keen on going Down Under at Xmas and leaving her wee boy on his own - and she thinks it's too soon after Kelly's been here. The problem I have is that that's the only time I can take off. Is there a compromise to be found? Could we persuade Ross to come with us?
These are top of the range Silhouette frames and shouldn't do this! Jo has them as well. I took so long deciding which ones to buy, and since I took the plunge at Lassman's in Medford whilst on holiday in USA in 2007, it's been a tale of woe. When I got back to work in Scotland, I found out that the lenses, which were excellent for close-up reading, were no use for computer work, so off I trotted to the local Silhouette supplier in Aberdeen, who discovered that the American opticians had fitted the wrong lenses, so I had to shell out for new ones that matched my prescription! So much for saving some money by buying in US$!
Anyway, I finished off my Death of Dalziel audiobook as I was shuttling around in the Golden Triangle of Banchory-Fraserburgh-Aberdeen yesterday. Don't know how I made it through to the end - it was as tiresome as I suspected from the start. Much more interesting is the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - can't wait to pick it up each evening.
Tuesday was a busy morning and then Michael said he was going across town, so I seized the opportunity and asked for a lift to the optician's. First the bad news - the frames were out of warranty. Next the better news that they had replacement frames in stock - and what's more, they could fit them now! OK - how much? How much? We'll give you 50% off sir - how much? I do hope they last this time - certainly the most expensive glasses I've ever bought.
Might slope off a bit early and head for the gym - it's about time I started going regularly again - how many times must that phrase be written in blogs and diaries the world over? Will pop in to Franco's on the way home - we're planning a meal there on Friday to bid farewell to Malcolm Lodge, who's moving to Houston full-time - although retaining his house at Drumoak.
We've got a bit of a dilemma with the possible Oz trip now that Kelly is coming back in October - Jo and I had words on this last night. She's not keen on going Down Under at Xmas and leaving her wee boy on his own - and she thinks it's too soon after Kelly's been here. The problem I have is that that's the only time I can take off. Is there a compromise to be found? Could we persuade Ross to come with us?
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