Another day, another essay

Blimey,

How hard is it to study now, after almost 10 years of being a lozy sod?!!! Note taking for an hour is a major struggle as is typing up the blessed essay. Mind you, discussing histrorical progress of a woodland based industry is hardly what I would call exciting..but there you go..it's whatI asked for.

It would seem I have gotten over the pain and strain of break ups and so forth...back on the map...but not as pro active as before...job first I think...although I did bump into a lovely lass at the off license in Stonehaven....hmmmmm.

I seem to have a high propensity to fill up time by pottering here and there...xbox doesnt really help or MSN but I feel it necessary (see how I am justifying it....smart fella!) to enjoy the calm times as I am fully aware this will not continue when i get back to work.

In addition to ranger work I am dipping my toe into event security...starting with the Hogmanay celebration here in Aberdeen. See where it goes from there...definitely don't want to do door security or taxi rank directing...no at 3 am on a Saturday morning!!...fitba, concerts and other events are for me..nice wee earner...but will see if i can take the extra hours. Gotta try these things.

It is still cold in the flat but the landlady is getting it sorted...and has made it clear to stick it out and shaddap!!

Thermals for the near future.

Thoughts

I am sitting here on Christmas eve thinking I should be a bit forlorn at being on my own on Christmas eve...but then I think....I got some days off...I just finished my 3rd quarter tax return...I got a cracking job...things are tight financialy..yes....but i got a flat of my own....a home!!!!..and, apart from a sniffly cold...I am ok....actually....pretty good.

Christmas get together for folks that don't see each other for the rest of the year....people feeling financial pressure to make it "special"...pants. Not for me...at this point.

What a year...what a difference since last year...no longer at the Inn...there is no room for me there this time!!....Strathyre..Dominica...Haddington/Gullane...Holburn Street..Gourdon..what a journey...and that's just this year!!!

Sometimes it has seemed hard BUT...you know...many more folks go on a journey and they don't see the things I have seen. Lucky lucky.

Merry Christmas everyone.

SB

Aberdeen Fitba Takes Us Over

Quietly having my lovely black pudding supper from Hornblowers here in Gourdon and there was an article on the Scottish news about re siting the Aberdeen FC football ground...I recognise that field...I recognise that bull in the corner of the field. In fact, it was only when they shot it from a different angle that I was sure where it was...MY BLOOMING OFFICE at Lochinch. I note they never took any shots of the converted stables which is our HQ....then they interviewed the "locals"...the nearest locals are 20 minutes away in Kincorth...good grief..."it might happen"....it's council land...they want the money..it's going to happen...but way after I am gone...unless they extend my contract..one thing though...the land is owned by the Council BUT the loch is owned by the Catholic Church....he he...stick it to em big boys....they'll not sell it just to be obstreperous..hey ho...wait until I see my colleagues tomorrow....a chat will be had.

Tomorrow is the assessment day for our Forest School....parp.....should be alright..after a wee panic on some documentation we are required to submit...I had taken some and used them as separators....doh!!!!...at least I still had them though. Once this has been done we have 2 more sessions but I will miss one of them as I am off to South Lanarkshire via Strathyre...so...I will help Gaeten with the plan but he will deliver on his own. Last session is a week tomorrow where there will be plenty of cooking going on.

SB

What a Day

Up at 6.30 am again on a day off...took the car to Stonehaven..dropped it off...walked around town looking for a bus stop...walked out of town to get one...bus to Brechin at 8.30 am...40 mins wait...ok...bus came...not going that way...down the A90 I assume..finally got a bus at 9.10 am..back to the flat by 10....car came through MOT really well with no repairs...insurance next...same as last year...gone up a bracket but had a no claims discount...tax at the same....so I assumed I wld have some spa4re cash to pay mum back and for the trip I am taking this weekend...BUT...got a bill from factoring agent in Perth......then I remembered the bill from the factoring agent in Glasgow is still to come AND I had asked the fella from the factoring agent if I owed them money...and I do...so....no spare cash and I am not sure how much I have for the trip...looking ahead..June.....the insurance for properties coming up...a fair whack of money as well...hey ho...it seems to be working out.

I just wish sometimes I cld relax and not have to think about these sort of things....it had better pay off in my dotage!!!

If it had not been for the MOT being ok I wldnt have been able to pay the other bills....so...somone is looking out for me!

Down to studying tomorrow and I guess I have to plan my Forest School for Thursday assessment as well..poo!!

Hey Hey

Changed the main pic...started to take pics in the morning when I change over from car to works van at Doonies Rare Breeds farm out on the coast road. Looks good but a bit big...hey....whatever...nice view.

Also changed the Goldfrapp pic...think A&E is the new single out soon...new album out in February...ha ha...amone the Frapp.

Main priorities of the week was...lots of admin...Wednesday...had a breakfast club at 7.30 am (up at 5.30 am)...then the radio...then a free afternoon until a meeting in Tillydrone at 6 pm...got back to Gourdon at 8.30pm...what a day...then up again at 6.30 am for Forest Schools at Cults...fairly tired by the end of that I tell thee. Saturday saw the Northfield Christmas Gala....clay, glitter and mayhem...went well though...worth the second six day week in a row.

I now have annual leave days here and there until January 2008...plenty of studying to do...but tomorrow sees the 7.30 am MOT for the car...hopefully it won't be too expensive...got the insurance and tax to pay as well..we shall see....there is no real spare cash in case things go wrong in any of the properties...I was hoping to raise some cash when changing my mortgage in May 2008 but that plan may have to be amended!!!

I am only going in on days where the radio is due and the forest school as well...a few important meetings are coming off as well...and assessment on our forest school...oh...and planning with Gaeten...phew.

Feeling fairly relaxed now having pigged out, watched TV and played games. I want to go to the pub but they are a nosey bunch and I cannae be bothered.

Let you know what happens after tomorrow.

Tara for now

Back on the map

Hey...finally got my tinternet sorted...the poor BT fella was up the pole in a howling gale (as is the norm here) for an hour...woohoo....back on the map and getting into the swing of doing my blog. I think I find it easier to communicate by typing rather than speech..as I am sure some of you will be more than aware.

Well...in the time it took to get tinternet back up I have been through another relationship...just doesn't seem to be my strong point. I won't go into details as it is all very raw and unpleasant. Coming to the conclusion that perhaps I would be better spending time in my new home and new village...and maybe meeting someone this way...rather than running up and down and round and about and all that poo.

Thing is...work is getting very hectic BUT brilliant at the same time. Been through the 2nd Forest School practical...this time..an assessment...and now looking to complete 13 essays (I kid ye not)..if it wasn't for the fact I have to take annual leave AND the council public holidays I would be stuffed...and I made that clear to the fella running the course..so that's my Christmas.

Went to a seminar a few weeks ago...noised up someone pretty important and got myself a wee bit roasted BUT the guy was really keen to come and see what I do u here in Aberdeen..so...result...another seminar yesterday...a WIAT one...but I was not scheduled to do a presentation..however...the arboriculturist fella asked if I could say a few words..so..up I went..in front of the geezer from Landward...and gave it my best shot..very good it was too. It was good to see the whole picture....I came to realise how pivotal my role is in this whole escapade..a lot of responsibility but very exciting at the same time.

Get this...the lass who was a seasonal at east Lothian...who comes from Inch...got a job with Aberdeen City Council as an access officer...and she ended up at the seminar as well...it was great to see her again...but who would have thought she would have ended up in the council in a department linked with what I do?!!!

So..there have been ups and downs and downs and ups over the past few weeks and I feel a bt bruised..sound familiar?...but looking ahead to next year...already getting booked for April and May...still to put together a schedule for School University..pah and poo...always looking ahead..and the radio show as well...check it out on SHMU dot org dot uk..Around With A Ranger is my show...you can listen on tinternet as well...and we all have the most recent show on file for listening to...my show is 11am GMT on a Wednesday..it is good...as are the other shows.

From what I can gather there are 4 major players in the Forest Education Initiative..WIAT...Forestry...call it what you will...and they are looking to me to be the main forest school contact....the man, as it were...plus they are looking for forest school manager for the north east in the future...I feel they may look to me for that....which is nice that they think that way about me...we shall see. Our Forest School at Cults Primary is moving along...I am finding it interesting to work with Mr Gnu...a totally free thinking fella with a wee bit less experience in environmental education with council schools than me....it is a relationship with benefits but also communication issues...coming along though..but another early start for me...fighting through traffic pretty much all the way...in the white vauxhall I am fearless....diesel power indeed.

And my Godmother is off to see her son in Vietnam...bless her.

Later.

SB

Nae T'internet

Hey, been and done moved...but no internet...no broadband...trying to get it fixed so I can do all the usual stuff I need to do. Doing this at work so keeping it short.

Gourdon is a nice wee village..cept you gotta get used to the fact everyone knows your business. Got my first evening in the boozer out of the way...everyone was staring...no question about it....they know a stranger when they see one...went in the next night and said hello...my goodness...the questions came thick and fast..."where are you staying...how much the rent...who owns it...where you come from and why Gourdon"..pretty full on but at least they know I am not an undercover copper now..there are rumours of drugs and stuff..but you get that everywhere anyway.

Spent yesterday at the Seaton Community Project...breast cancer awareness day...it was busy busy but well worth it...met a few more councillors so that was good...pics will be provided later...really nice feel to the day and the pink ladies (cut out of wood and painted pick)..placed around the totem pole...I think they will be left alone...we shall see.

Right..take it easy and keep looking..will update when I can.

SB

Here we go!!

Check out the pic...was taken on the "outdoors" day at the Forest School Training course just finished..or should I say...the intensive part of it...isn't it cool?...the group were really cool and we had been working up to shelter building at Crathes Castle...it just turned out we put together 2 shelters on 2 levels and the main fire was down the bottom....everyone just mingled and moved about..cooking different stuff..chilling out...cups of tea..and lots of meat!!!!!!

2 guys on the course are ex game keepers so we had a selection of game to be cooked over our open fires...squirrel....pigeon...rabbit...duck (check Gibby and his whole duck!!) and venison....deer liver....deer ribs....yum yum..had them all...and no bad effect either. A very intensive course where I was out of my comfort zone but felt comfortable all the time...we even had a lady druid on the course as well....so now back to work.....and getting these schools onto Forest School..oh..in addition to learning knots and practising and the practical assessment..and the 6 week forest school we need to prepare...we have to do 32 essays...and I ain't joking!!!

Spent the morning at Woodside..with a sore head....took a group out to a WIAT woodland...woohoo..another tick in the box....I always have this sense of not doing enuff but I know there is a lot of progress in a short space of time..so I should calm down...sounds familiar does it not.

Well...I think less and less about the ex..I don't know why I still do..as someone said..you spent more time apart than together...hey ho..good luck to her...currently in Orkney with the Seaton Community Group..putting up the totem pole cut down just outside Aberdeen...a very good project.

This is going to be the 1st time in about 4 years I will be living in a flat all to myself (at least to begin with..he he)..I must say I am slightly nervous..but in a good way...all seems very permanent..which I hope it will be...still very strange..the ex said I had not had the chance to be me all this time..no place to call mine...which is true..so..it is all good..just gotta get down to Gourdon in 30 mins...if I can finish another group at another WIAT woodland on time..another tick in the box!!!

So...a busy start to the week..studying....classes....meetings...moving in....radio....late night Wednesday with some youth work..anything else...some financial jiggery pokery as well...but hey...keeps me out of mischief..theoretically.

Well....I feel pretty chilled out to be honest..just waiting now....moving is pants but bearable when I know it is not going to happen (touch wood) for a good while.

Take care one and all.

Made it

Hey...450 miles of tarmac all over the place....saw so many folks..had such a good time. Hard to say goodbye but so nice to say hello.

I am fairly tired..still managed to pack up the combo van...check my work e mails...and have tea with my pal and her two kids...and now sitting in front of my laptop chilling..having checked mail sent up from Haddington...including a refund cheque from Glasgow Council (woohoo!!) but a bill from the factors at 4B Kings Court (boohoo)..but all evens out.

So a big thanks and "had a great time" to the following

Richard in Edinburgh for getting rid of my old sofa..you deserve the beer
Skipper...Rhona and Skye....Aberfoyle posse....Irie..good to hear news from Dominica
The Nixons at The Inn & Bistro, Strathyre...that includes granma and granpa...well done to the real ales...nice one...always a sad one to say goodbye to
John at CCP....the old master...hang in there kiddo...ride the storm...good to see Langlands Moss again
Jamesyboy!!!! Strathaven hasn't changed...I still say he wasn't her brother...bring on the vodka big man.
Dad...yep...I am taking stuff out of the house..it is true
Mum...same for you
Lisa, Emilly and Laura...a final dinner afore my week of training....

Now for the training course....5 days at Crathes castle...going to be interesting...good for the job and good for me.

Take care one and all.

Hey hey...I made it 35!!!

Yes indeed...a milestone for me...35 and in good health (cept my man flu)...about to move back into a residence with more than one room for my stuff...and in a good job (for now)..nice one...thanks to one and all that got me here...and the Big Man upstairs of course.

Yesterday was a major event....a P4-P6 class in my WIAT woods...hussah!!!...1st educational session planned and delivered by me...and the 1st group in that particular wood as well...hurrah all round...well done me.

An easy day for me I think..off to Edinburgh tomorrow at 5am...get there nice and early to pick up some crockery from the flat...it was Granma's and mum wants to have look..then maybe a full cooked breakfast (well...I made it this far...no?)...then off to Strathyre for a proper booze up..after the kids have gone to bed of course!!!

I have to buy some beer today as I am giving them to the property management fella....he was the one that saved me £100.00 odd by taking the sofa's down the stairs with his mates...nice one big fella.

Happy birthday to me...hurrah...sniffle sniffle...cough cough.

SB

Raining on my Parade

Well...I feel a bit chirpier than the last entry...that was a very difficult weekend indeed. I made a point of hitting Seaton (Ex Missus place of work) first with the portfolio I put together...these needed to be out amongst the community groups for them to have look at...so...all day on the road...Seaton 1st....chatted to the boss...by the time that was finished I was shaking and couldn't stop on the way out...even when one of them said cheerio...didn't know if they were being funny or really meant it...but I had done what needed to be done....made a statement...work 1st...the rest..2nd.

Took the lovely lady from NHS health walks out to recce some possible routes for the "Health Walks" being run for diabetics...went well...invited to one of the group's walks....that was on Thursday evening...really good to get back on the horse again...been since Calderglen in South Lanarkshire since I did one of them...nice and easy for the second walk...but just enough to qualify for a cup of tea!!!...Partnership working ahoy!!!

1st time I have been to a Neighbourhood Community Network Meeting...don't get me wrong when I say this as they do a crucial job for the community BUT.....I can't help thinking of Life of Brian and the Judea People's front....."splitters"...I have to stop snickering....especially as they work very hard..I left at point 5 (out of 11) of the agenda after 2 hours!!!...they let me squeeze in and say a bit about where I coming from...which was very good of them...it went well and I made a few connections...one of which I had a meeting with later in the week..and that was good.

Techfest has been on all week....schools during the week..open to the public at the weekend..I was on two days on "the wonderful world of wood"...I hate making flat pack furniture....what did we have as an activity?...making a bloody table from flat packed sections....bbbahhhhh!!!! A slick operation (techfest...not me) which pulls together 16 or so organisations to do hands on stuff for the schools.....had a look round to pilfer some ideas but they are all canny to that and hide stuff when I approached or asked questions....cheeky!!!

Dry run of the 1 hour show (what have I done??!!!!!) went well so we are all set for some more on internet and then we goo FM on 20th October....pppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrpppppppp..."Around with a Ranger" is the title so we shall see what happens...here's hoping.

I am supposed to have 2 groups ou on one of the WIAT woodlands tomorrow and Tuesday but the weather is horrendous and the site will be soaking...as these chappies are P1 to P3 it may be dangerous to have them out on the hil....their wee bodies get awfy coald like...ken?...so we shall see what we can do to bring the wood to them!!!

BY THE WAY...what has happened to France...1st they get gubbed by Argentina in the rugby then by Scotland in the footy....amone Pat....what's the script?.....mange tou Rodney, mange tou.

Got soaked out and about yesterday and today..been to Stonehaven to look at the sports centre...and it has Boxercise...woohoo...not had that since South Lanarkshire....chamon.....it is all looking very positive from here I tell thee.....3 day week next week..then off on the grand trip to Edinburgh....Strathyre....South Lanarkshire....Fife....then back here for a week's worth of shelter building, knot messing and general woody jiggery pokery.....then the big move and we are into October...woohoo!!!!!

THEN....TO GET ME A WOMAN...yay!!!!!

Busy busy...but good.

Take care and ta ta.

SB

Single Again

Yes...back on the heap again and feeling fairly sorry for myself...boo hoo. What a cock up I tell thee...I feel drained..pretty gurny...and generally not impressed with how things have turned out...as someone at work put it (thank you very much)..."you guys spent more time apart or making up than you did together"...I think that says it all real...so that is that.

Not long now...but long enough...until the final move to Gourdon. I am looking forward to it and really feel living and working in an urban environment has definitely had a negative effect on me. I spent the last few years moving further and further away from the concrete jungle...never realised how much of a bumpkin I was!!! So....soon to be in quiet Gourdon...although I see there are 2 pubs on the harbour..so probably not that quiet really....but it will hopefully have a calming effect and sort some things out.

Homeopathy seems to be working and, in a way, I am a bit miffed. I still have a doze now and again but have all this extra time to fill now.....bbbbbbbbooooooooooooooo...seriously...it is good....a long way to go but the signs are positive..so..here's hoping. Can't see if I am losing any more weight but that will probably be down to the beer..hey ho.

I had an office based week this week....working on the portfolio to hand out to groups...which has been viewed as positive by all the team..which was a surprise...also had meeting with my two bosses and that went really well..really trying to take stock as to where we want this project to go and look at timescales...touting myself to the schools soon although that may be tricky this week...2 days at techfest...personal review with the line manager..SHMU FM...meetings and distributing the portfolio pack..they can wait though..my boss made a crucial contact at a meeting this week...this guy has contacts with ALL schools and youth groups so should blow it wide open.

Also had a meeting with my counterpart (who has a personal organiser lady!!!) to suss what we might do to each other's benefit...it was a very good meeting and plans were made but he has been called away as his father is critically ill...my thoughts are with him and the family.

I hope this log isn't too depressing but it is the way I feel right now. Having said that I know deep down that things didn't turn out because it couldn't be....I have my health...my career...and soon my very own place. Lucky indeed!!!

Later

3 days off!!

That's right..had been working a 12 day stretch but, having accrued some flex, I took Friday off...woohoo!!

What a week (I say that a lot do I not?)..Sat..teepee deadline..clay...clay and more clay...Sunday....Horty show..badges..games and a LOT of standing around..blimey...not sttod that long since the great days of shampooing!!!!. But it was ghood...noticed by the MSP who was there on Sat and turned up on Sunday...all good...business card thank you...e mail...presentation to Labour MSP's in the future...we shall see.

Meeting with Blue Horizons...a new organisation who take a bus...deposit in trouble areas and let the youff come on board...we need to address Kincorth and they don't have a parking space..bingo bongo.....we manage the place....ave it!!!! Boxes ticked all round..well done Ruth and I. Steak dinner at the missus' hoose...after driving all the way to Middlefield to have a meeting cancelled..all the way back..in my car no less!!!!

Tuesday saw me in meetings with the team..separately of course...Lesley in the am..Simon in the pm....putting together portfolio of what we do as (I have found) these groups never have the time to meet together)..so give them a menu and they can choose...so I have a lot of stuff to do to pull it together but the team seem to get where I am coming from..which is tops.

Radio training goes on..one to one now as the others have dropped out..which is good as it was about planning the show...which was worrying me..but it went well...apart from getting upgraded to a full hour..ppprrrrrrrrrrppppppppp..but it should be ok. Getting the hang of the desk as it is more compact than that at heartland...easy once you get around it.

I had such a nice time on Thursday..out with the Seaton Community Group..watching a tree being felled..these guys are going to follow it to Orkney where it will be carved and erected..looks good in Seaton so it should be good up there. The main thing is that none of us had ever seen a tree being felled. The missus got some mid cut pics that are crackers but I got some before and after..will post them soon..what a support for the forestry Commission Scotland..loads of staff out there for the group...made them feel special..which they are...Seaton Special!!!!

So next week will see me putting the portfolio together plus putting together a schedule for CSNG and thinking about PAMIS who have also come back happyn with my work and wanting a sensory set of activities for the October break..so all go..more training for the radio and the techfest which will be kicking off the week after.

Oh...and dinner with the missus' parents next Saturday AND a wedding..no...not mine...the week after..got the 3 piece for that one but need suit shoes and a belt...the high life I tell thee.

Ok..wiill try and post mid week.

Take care one and all.

SB

CHing ching

Hey hey...another week ends and another ready to go. Just finished my 7th day of a 12 day stretch...actually...will do 11 as I have flex so can take Friday off..woohoo!! More meetings and touting myself to all those pivotal groups on my patch...now all I have to do is come up with the goods...this is difficult...here comes the crunch test...come up with a list of activities that I (and the others) can deliver and that they want....also...the conundrum as to whether things are going the way they should..I think they are but always wonder what the bosses will think a few months down the line.

Having said that I got positive feedback on my 1st guided walk type thing with the 1st group to visit a WIAT woodland...which is great..and hey want to move on and start p the set of activities we had suggested before. Some of the community groups really do work/provide a service in some really bad areas..they are on the front line and I am proud to have the opportunity to work for them and with them..but this is the going to be the first time I have worked with 16 years up...most of whom have been excluded or self excluded from school/society...very challenging behaviour..so..that will be a test as well...I have to be careful not to overstretch and end up not giving them the best I can...jings..they need it...society has left them behind and they have drifted..so...here we go.

So..had the Woodside gala on Saturday....almost a teepee disaster..but that's another story...met some of my future clients dressed up in matching shell suits...bless...you know...you treat them like people..you get the cheek...but all they want to do is do stuff and have fun..so..that's what we did...clay, clay and more clay...but good to be out there and we did give them the teepee..top marks...would have never been forgotten if I hadn't got it sorted. My 1st event organised..almost messed up....sorted and delivered by me...and it was good.

Today was different...a long gig...up at 7 again and on the road for 8...the Aberdeen Horticultural show..started at 10 until 5pm...then pack...move and unpack...finished by 6..but then went to the misuss' for lovely soup and rolls. On my feet all day...not since the days of shampooing have I done that much....I ache all over...plenty of chat...saw the local MP for Woodside who saw me yesterday so we had a chat....woohoo....AN MP'S BUSINESS CARD IN MY WALLET!!.....even though he is a labour mp...but hey....yesssss!!!! A long gig though......and a badge machine again...met the guy from an organisation which has a programme of activities in WIAT woodlands....that's my manor!!!..but really...very good...going to work with him again for def...so top marks again.

So....been to a homeopath for ME/CFS.....whatever...had a looooooonnnnnggggggggg chat...medication on the way and we shall see how that goes...been to gym as well...which was good....so try and fit that into everything.

I have had a few very lovely dates with the missus and we are having fun in each others company again..which is nice..we shall see how things go.

What's for this week...few more meetings...getting down to the nitty gritty of putting the activities together that my client's want..and a day off!!!....and some time with the missus afore she goes to Glasgow nex weekend...will she ever return?

Take it easy

What a week!!

Well this has been a week of some serious downs and some very serious ups.

After much harassment to used the work pc's when in the office I did so one afternoon...used my USB U3 razor thing (a facility I never used) and tried to remove the programme...within mins ALL my docs were wiped...tax spreadsheets....east lothian pics...and worst of all....ALL the pics I had taken and reports written on my WIAT sites..hours of work down the tube...gutted and speechless...but then...yes..I know....I should have backed it up. Now my USB is 100% free BUT I do not want to use it in case it happens again so I am off today to look for a better one...and another for a back up. I came back to the room of doom (just over 1 month to go!!!)..put on Maximo Park..."what do you do when you lose everything?...you just start again..you just start all over again"....couldn't have said it better myself....spreadsheet can be redone and the pics can be taken again..albeit..I need to cover a lot of ground again.

The day after I got the bill for the sofa's going into the Edinburgh flat, the guy I knew was going to sell his flat in Perth dropped me a line and said I could get his leather sofa's for free!!!!...gutted..but then...having thought about it...I know I could never have got them through the hall way! £640 for that and the carpet please..ooyah!!!

But, it's been a good week for work..more networking/meetings with groups who need the help most..some really deprived areas...1st time really working with young people..which is a challenge..for my confidence..but that's what I am here for. Aberdeen traffic...which I need to drag myself through every day to get to the groups/woods is awful.....fast..aggressive and congested..just as well I have the Vauxhall Combo of DOOM...vroom vroom!!!! 1st walk I have prepped, recce'd and delivered in a WIAT woodland...woohoo!!!!...plus the 1st event I have been involved with from start to finish...what a belter. But..it rained ALL day for these guys..which was a nightmare..they had the right stuff at the right place but the weather killed it...had it been sunny it would have been chocca....next year. I got cold and wet and damp...which wasn't good to be honest. I went off and did a wee wild life walk with a group and they loved it...did a "make a tree" which (I think) went down well..so lots of progress and lots more to come.

On a personal level..and I don't think I will say too much as there is someone else's feelings to consider...the last few weeks have been traumatic for me (and us) but I have overcome some personal issues and actually expressed my feeling/thoughts to this person and she has had time to think things through...so....we feel that it is worth spending time together to see if it might work...which is all good and well..so..I think we are both happy with the situation..we shall see.

On top of all this...I had my gym induction this week as well..woohoo!!! The geezer had automatically assumed I would want heavy weights but we sorted that out quick smart...the regime he wants me to do is challenging but doable....work on my back and shoulders..in a safe way...I just have to figure how to fit it in to my lifestyle..or..more to the point...how to alter my lifestyle to facilitate the exercise!! I should be there now but..after 6 days on and another 13 coming up..I felt it was a good idea to chill and relax....this will involve watching the Mighty Celtic crush Aberdeen up her at Pittodrie this afternoon.

Homeopathy this week as well...plus I get to give my lady a hug again..something I never thought would happen..so...it is all go...as usual...

Hope all is well

What a Week!!!

If you go down to the woods today!!! This was in a community woodland near Mastrick in Aberdeen. Was really nice..they had recently cut down trees and put them at the side as a path..but then it stopped at the bottom where there was nothing! The pic does not tell how dark it has become and thick with plantation trees...bit spooky...then got a call from homeopathic doctor while in the woods...chatting to her..trying to not poke my eye out with a branch and looking out for ne'er do wells. So, arranging appointments for that and just about to join the local gym for a month..got my trainers and my trunks..not speedos but I shall have to wait and see if they fit..got the biggest in stock but still too wee for my present girth...the wonders of lycra..let's put it to the test. So hopefully, after all this, my energy levels will go up.

Which I need...as the job is becoming quite busy and very exciting. I have 2 priority woodlands to assess for myself..this will be next eek plus I have made contact with 2 special needs groups in the city (1 of which I am doing a stall for them at their open day..ppprrrrpppp..the other..agreed series of activities)..made contact with a community group (gala event with them)..contact with local community radio (training to be booked for them going on air in October)..contact with Aberdeen Mission (Tillydrone project)...Blue Horizon (bus for teenagers)..future meetings in "community networks" are being lined up...AND met a 21 year old female councillor....hhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllloooooooooooooooo!!!!!...and hands off!!! First time for me to attend a local group meeting in a member's house..tea and china crockery..crusts off sarnies and those wee coconut things..u know...very nice....this is what I asked for so this is what I get. An evening meeting with the Kincorth Hill Management Group on Monday am but that should be the only evening meet for me..anyway...that is "big Simon's" patch..not much to do there.

back door of van is a bit iffy..lady at council depot asked me if I had backed into anything...me?.....no!!!!..well..maybe the fuel tank's wooden fencing..only to myself, mind.

What a eek...got up as usual today but then went back for a kip..what a luxury.

So..Gourdon, here we come...decided to spend half my salary per month to rent a flat for myself...re integrate back into normal society..out on the coast south of Stonehaven. I find working and living in the city a bit of a grind..specially when I have to drive in it as well. It is a really nice flat and just along from a pub!!! Nice and quiet with seas views..the driving is a wee bit more but the jams will be in exactly the same place as I get them now..so..no worries..have to wait until October to move in though..after my holibags to Strathyre/South lanarkshire and my forest school training..5 days n the woods with Simon..great!!...should be good.

OK..there you go..nuff said.

Look at the time111

Just about ready to hit the road for the 2nd and last batch of kit from Haddington.....the Goldfrapp tape has been warmed up and the coffee is being consumed...catch you all on the flip side.

SB

Crash, Bang, Wallop

Hey..this entry should be called "go on my son!!"..can you see the snail on the right hand pic?..take centre bottom of pic and work up...this was on a busy access road and very wet..the fella was crossing the road..don't know if he made it or not...but I bet I looked suspicious on all fours in the peeing rain, taking a pic of the tarmac!!! Look at the shell though,.....cool!!! What was I doing?..checking my..yes MY WIAT woodlands..fun and frolics and plenty of postulation..good to get stuck in about it.

So, today I met my line manager...and it went really well...on the surface anyway...I was expecting him to say I was to be doing the ranger job as with the rest of the team..but all he said was "I expect you to look after the WIAT woodlands"...hussah!!!...then, to confirm, I went through what I expected to be doing..he agreed with that as well...double hussah!!! So, game on..bring it on...already networking with various groups and checking out my woods.

Funny thing is..I was peering into thick sycamore plantation and saw lots of litter at one spot...moved on..gap in low wall...I swear....someone had put broken slabs down as crazy paving from the park side to high wire mesh fencing on the other...didn't lead anywhere but there it was...so..someone is obviously artistic!!!

Reversing my brand new vauxhall combi 1.7 L (vroom) cdi down the drive to drop stuff off after the last family fun day at Hazlehead Park...left hand mirror was fence...right hand mirror was wall of building..prioritise rhs as wall more dangerous...all clear....BOSH...didn't realise the fence was sticking out and gave it a whack..no damage though but my boss was in the office so I assume he heard it...doh!!!!!

So, a diverse day again...listening to some southern rock compilation from Metal Hammer...get my cd's (and rest of stuff) from Haddington this weekend...then we shall raaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..or not..no hi fi yet AND the landlord fella is a born again christian..which is fair enough..but how will he take to some Crowbar...Sick Of It All...Napalm Death or Cathedral....Slayer is definately oot!!

After this move I should be good to go and get settled down..woohoo!!!

SB

Here comes the rain!!!

Well...just got up to see the first rain of Aberdeen...on the 1st day of site reviews as well....well...I guess it was about time I got to get a good drenching.

After an enforced sojourn at dads...it was ok really...too many times I have had to pass through and spend only a few hours with the old man..so at least I stayed from Friday night through to Sunday morning..which was nice...I came back up and chatted to mum about things.

OK...battered, bruised and none too happy...there are issues I need to address so as to not cock things up again...homeopathic jiggery pokery for CFS (why M.E.?!!!!), more exercise..just about to join RGU's (university) sports centre so the speedo's are definitely going to be out I am afraid...BE WARNED...and a bit of gym action...and also kick aerobics...woohoo!!!!..did this sort of thing at Strathaven and it was gid...and the job..this should keep things ticking over if nothing else.

So...the job...bit scary now....as a seasonal you always had to ask if you could do something so as not to step on someones toes but now you don't...this also means you have to start thinking about things to do for bookings yourself.....pppppppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppp..bit scary but you should be able to get support...my support went on hollybags for 3 weeks...I am now left with 2 fellas who are very suspicious of what I am doing and the implications for them...I do not know how many times I have said to them it does not effect them at all and, if it does, it will be for the good....NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO...they still don't get it....I only want to get this project and its aims on the go AND make me look good AND make them look good. Doh!!!

Hey ho...the other boss is back today so we shall see if he pulls me over to the ranger side (which is not supposed to happen)..bit nervous and apprehensive..as I am sure he is!!!..so...we shall see.

Life is never boring for me...all I want is a porch, a rocking chair and a good wummin to cook me stew...not to much to ask is it?...I guess we are all the same.

Tara

Fit like and furry boots

Well,

I made it and what a funny week it was...starting off with being an hour late for picking up my (ex) missus from the airport prior to my temporarily moving into her flat for a week until I could move into my lodgings in Holburn Street...I was appalled at my time keeping but all was ok...I deserved I right kick in the ass (one for youws Americees!!) for that one I tell thee. Monday, Wednesday and Friday saw me at Duthie Park working on Treefest...4 zones of total child anarchy involving sparkly butterflies/bats/wooden squirrels, Nordic jousting (oh my lord)/giant jenga/willow coits, sawing wood (still traumatised)/skittles and finally designing your own woodland. 2 zones inside teepees which were put up and taken down on the same day...every day...jings...thats was difficult..Tuesday and Friday I ended up back at Duthie Park to help them take the site apart..couldn't walk past and leave them to do it on their own could I?

Meetings with NHS health co ordinater (parp) for health walks...met 2 councillors (PARPAROONEY!!!) and had to patter on about my role not really knowing what it was at that point!!!...pond dipped...clay modelled and cockahooped my way through junior rangers and family fun days..woohoo!!! Advised by Mr Wobley that I need to press the flesh with all councillors whose ward I am going to work in....roughly 20!!!

Met some other members of the team and agreed with other folk I have met...politics, pettiness, fear and immaturity all prevail....one of the reasons I was picked for the job was that I am pretty tough, in terms of surviving office jiggery pokery (thanks final salary administrations) which I will need to be here.

It is only now I realise this role is very important (the role not me!) in terms of what the project delivers...check "Woods In And Around Town" and the pivotal time my role comes in...it is a bit scary but I must keep the faith. My experience around Scotland...oh, how my family despaired as I sallied thither and yon in all weathers for little or no money...has put me in good stead for this but now I must raise my game and set the thing in motion...unleash the hounds!!!

So, in addition to my new job and new city...I managed to get me temporary lodgings with the (ex) missus...and, yes..for those who know me, I (or we) managed to mess it up as well. Now I know blogs can be used to vent your spleen and disrespect others but I am not going to do that. I have nothing but respect and love (platonic, of course) for this person and wish her all the best for the future..a lovely caring lassie with a totally unselfish nature, a cheeky glint in her eye..oh...and a very nice booty as well!! By the way..this is not meant to sway your opinion my dear...you know me...gotta say it like it is.

Bruised and befuddled...currently at dad's in Fife..I move into my lodgings tomorrow and things will start to get quite busy...a few more family fun days and then we are seriously getting into site visits..councillor schmoozing..health walk prep..map prep..oh..bugger....this is bigger than I thought!

Happy and enthused..ready to get to know Aberdeen..looking forward to life..pretty happy really...keep you posted.

SB

It's a funny old game

Well...it's been a funny old week...with each day the feeling of loss of having to move on AND the growing excitement/anticipation of starting a new life up in Aberdeen...and this is not an understatement all readers...for that is what it is...a proper life where you can actually plan things ahead of 6 months...woohoo!!!

What a week....obviously rain played a great part..with only one day where Mr Sun came out...and only for a short time as well. We had a triathlon on Saturday...yes, I know...I wasn't working but difficult to shake of the habit..as it were...it was great as a spectator but we all agreed not the thing for us as individuals...thing is...the guy that came first didn't look out of breath at all...we all agreed this was nonsense and cheered when someone arrived and they looked mildly peffed oot!!! What do you expect the runners to receive when they arrive...a medal?...some lucozade?...no..in true Scottish style..they handed out a bottle of Greenmantle Ale and a nutbar...to be fair...I was expecting a beer and scotch pie from the bakers!!! Greenmantle is a fine ale..dinnae get me wrong...but not at the end of a triathlon. By Jimminy that water looked cold..he he...madness!!!!

So, it's goodbye to the team...thought i would put in the pic above...taken on an "away day" team building day thing...we walked from North Berwick to Belhaven Bay..the final section of The John Muir Way to be opened. As you can see it is a wee bit chilly...in May...but, to be honest, the weather hasn't really improved. This pic includes both east and west teams of east lothian ranger service (Dunc's taking the pic)..those that I worked with are Mr Dodge (the boss man), Kathleen (see you oop north), The Freeman (Miss Muse), Leigh (what about the kids?), Mr "the brown container?" Aitken and, of course Mr Richard "leave it until tomorrow, he looks ok to me" English. In addition, John and Kate, "the disappeared" of Aberlady LNR. Of course there are the characters from the east east team who are jolly gid as well...thanks to Vicky for the assistance with the jump leads...NEVER LET THEM TOUCH WHEN LIVE AND NEAR YOUR FACE...that could have been the end of me!!!

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP GUYS...it was due to this post..what it entailed and how i felt while doing it..that meant I went to Aberdeen and kicked some ass!!!!! Will be seeing you all at some point. Take care and don't work too hard.

So, what now? Just about ready to load the car and head to Fife (heater and suit to pick up) then Kirriemuir (chat with ma ma) and then Dyce airport to pick up me missus...who called me this morning at 3am having just come back from night oot in Kirkwall..bless. I must say I was fairly verbose considering I had been fast asleep...hussah...never min...it's been 7 days since I saw her and that will soon be sorted.

OK..take it easy.

Lost Dog Day

I had a dog for a short while...it had run away from the mother in law (seriously!) and after some deer...so I caught it in the car park and sat around for a while talking to it. The thing is...at the time we did not know where the owner was and there was every possibility the owner was lying on one of the paths...so...Dodge came down...walked around while I stayed put..the pooch was not for going down the valley again..then the lady turned up having gone all the way to Yellowcraigs and back again!!!! All's well that ends well...

Kinross was fabby..lovely hotel and BAR...Saturday spent walking around and then to the pool..kip on a lounger..sauna..steam room...jacuzzi..bar...another boozer in Kinross and lovely meal...so..check laterooms.com...then Windlestrae..cool..then I took the missus to The Hermitage on Sunday (nice and sunny) to show her where I spent many hours volunteering..they have fixed the folly...so...go see it..off the A9...although we found a canister from a cremation...some had been poured out...wee bit spooky but a nice place to end up..next to the waterfall..very nice. A lovely weekend spent with a lovely lady....I maybe said too much on how I feel..but..hey...it's me!!!...wouldn't be me if I didn't..right?

So..last week in east Lothian...enjoying the views and the relative calm...already booked up for all of next week and the one after..enjoying the rest as I do not think I will be able to once I get up there...or will I?...possibly so..he he! There is nothing to do now except let time pass and then move....looking forward to it.

Later

Here we go!!!

Hey..how about this one...we were going to call it "LLTNP..always moving the goalposts!" check who isn't smiling...me!!!! The goalposts are very heavy indeed...after being on the job since 8am..this was at the end of the event around 6pm....not happy...who are the other guilty parties? In front of me...smiler...Adam...what a nice guy...always smiling and always a good word to say about folks...the wee man on the other back post is Callum McSporran...my old boss...bless..and behind him on the front post...Skipper...luckily we are all in uniform as, before, we were in heeland get up....Gavin was greeted with the sight of Callum straddling me..with me on my back on the ground behind a bush...as Callum tried to tie a belt round my kilty thing...he never has recovered..this was in Breadalbane Park..in Killin..if you are ever passing...stop in and take a pic of the hill ranges in front of you. Of course..if it is raining you've nae chance.

Anyhoo..another successful two days away in Aberdeen...nice journey up..apart from being stranded in Dundee for a while...not a pleasant bus station I tell thee...although fairly modern...spent some time with me missus...very nice...met up with members of the team I will be working with and got to see some of the places I will be working in...PLUS...I found somewhere to stay..on the right side of town for me...bit basic and, I suspect, cold...although guaranteed otherwise...we shall see!!!...1 min from a nice looking boozer...20 mins from town and 10 mins from HQ..all looks good.....got the gossip as well...areas of potential jiggery pokery but I think I can manage it.

So...close to moving and getting sorted..all very exciting...today I was walking along the beach checking all was well on my manor...and I just thought...another place to leave...hhhmmmmm...but I know my future lies in Aberdeen..on a number of different levels..so..it's cool. Writing a report on my activities over the 3 1/2 months I have been at Gullane and East Lothian...you know...I have been working my socks off...it looks good...which is always a bonus...especially when thinking to the future...you never know!

And..I have found out through the lovely lady...there is a community radio in the area I am going to be working in as well..Wullie Pie is back on the air!!...hussah!!!!!..although I think the technology they will have will be a wee bit more up to date than Heartland FM...what if they don't use cd's...swine!!!

Because of the domestic situation here in Haddington the missus and me are off to a loverly hotel in Kinross....check out lateroom.com...which looks cool...gonna be chilling out in the pool..sauna...steam room and side of pool...now I have 5 bloomin' reports to read I can catch up...so..will be away over the weekend and then the last week afore I finish...fun and games...hope you are all well.

SB

Oh no...the sun is shining!!!!

Bloody Dodge...kiss of death...he said yesterday..oh...Sunday is supposed to be rubish so it won't be busy...swine....the sun is high in a clear blue sky...Gullane is going to be hoaching....aaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Afore I forget...Godmother of mine....I seem to have deleted your text/new moby number...can you text me again..please!!

Well...things are moving apace now...bit scary really...all paperwork came in for Aberdeen post on Friday am so had to fix a end/start date between Aberdeen and East Lothian...so..finish on the 20th here and start up there on the 23rd...with the weekend to move my stuff. So..now I need to find somewhere to stay...looking at a room tomorrow am...yep...that's right...I am megabussing it to the granite city tonight....all the boxes to tick...see the missus..see the room...meet some more key players in WIAT..meet the missus' team and see what they do..oh...and have a relaxing time as well...woohoo!!!!

On top of the logistics of moving to Hayberdine I now have to figure out what to do with the Edinburgh flat. At long last (but at the worst possible time) my Polish tenants have found a flat they can buy...good for them...very bad for me...means I now have to find the money to put in a new bathroom...carpet in the living room and livingroom suite...to do this means I have to blooming do some of the work myself...so I have to get down there..having moved up there...while trying to sort myself out in the new job....you never know...I might have an extra pair of hands to help me....he he!

Anyhoo....one of these days it will quieten down for me but, as usual, it all seems to be happening at once. Good news...Mr Perth tenant has paid his rent on time so whatever the lass at the letting agent said must have done the trick..well done and thank you.

Right...well...that's me off for a few days..back with a tan and...no doubt...lots more paperwork

SB

Back Again

Hey...thought I would pop this one in...not bad is it...North Berwick Law..taken on a team "away day" from North Berwick to just outside Dunbar...a good day by all accounts. I remember when I went on a caravanning holiday all those years back with my lass of the time...a lady we worked with took her caravan to Tantallon park and let us stay for free for a week...awful nice she was..smoked like a chimney..husband smoked capstan navy cut...ooyah..hope they are both ok..lovely weather and lovely times....but...hey...I am wittering on about the past...so..what's been happening?..well another lovely trip to Aberdeen..via Perth and Strathyre..furniture moved from Strathyre..banter with chef Nixon..nice one...gifted them my expensive coffee table for their bistro to Perth (thanks Jimbo)..banter with Jimbo and the very randy Rannoch who took a distinct shine to me!!!!..megabus from Perth to Aberdeen..lovely evening in Aberdeen (thanks Foubmeister..lovely enchiladas!!!) and a productive Tuesday meeting with one of my bosses and picking up various reports for my perusal...trip back was a bit naff....drove from Perth...kipped outside Kelty but had to buy chocs from service station Forth Road Bridge as still tired...got home to hear tenants moving out of Edinburgh...ooyah..refurbishment is now and not later then...swine!!!...financial jiggery pokery ensues and back to work today...mud and strimming!! Blimey..things are a wee bit tiring....supposed to be going to Aberdeen next week but we shall see...need to get to Edinburgh flat and see what is happening there but I do so want to go cause I miss my lady..yeah...bit mushy..but it is true.

She got a cam which makes it easier cause I can't deal with not seeing her..is this the right thing to be saying on a blog?..hell..whatever...I mean..just to chat..nowt mucky like...it's all a bit strange to be honest..but I like the way things are going and think it will be Ayriee. Better not say too much or I will get myself into trouble...anyway..it is good and we are happy..although..I think fair to say...wondering how it all happened and why we are both comfortable with each other to such an extent...right...shaddup!!

For those interested..the first good days weather in a long time and I was out on butterfly patrol..lots of activity..muchos Ringlets..I mean it...and.....drum roll...a common blue...woohoo!!!!..a very bedraggled painted lady..on her last legs methinks..meadow brown and big muckle red admirals as well..hussah!!! Was a wee bit worried as you could see the torrential downpour hitting Fife..was it going to hit the lothian east coast??...I was obviously not alone as everyone on the beach piled out with fear...ha ha..it was fine and hit us only at 5pm...home time....woohoo!!!...good to see a bit more activity now it has stopped raining...blimey...it gets ye down I tell ye...raining for days on end.

Strimming tomorrow at Gullane...assuming I do not break the remaining strimmers..chat with Rodger on Friday..exit interview and all that..then the weekend with Haddington Show and Friday slow down...phew...then..for my days off..we shall see.

Later..hope all is well with you all.

SB

The Time Has Come To Spill The Beans

Got these pics from Bob...who went to a metal festival in France..forget the name of it but I wanted to go due to the classic line up. Mr Bobarooney has kindly sent me some pics of which two are above. On your left as you look at the screen is Dave Mustaine and, I am sure, Dave Ellefson...the original members of Megadeth...woohoo......Hook In Mouth....Peace Sells But Who's Buying..classics...and, I am assured, this was taken during Holy Wars. Next..on your right is the mighty Kerry King in typical stance with BC Rich flying V..the mighty Slayer kicking out the jams......yes I!!!!!! Bob had taken a classic full stage shot of Slayer in action but it was too blurry to put on here...he was up at the mosh pit...like I used to..but now I don't. Well done Bob..flying the flag for the old school!!!

Dave Mustaine looks like his legs are about to bend and snap!!!!

So why did I not go?..well....at the time...I was not sure what was happening with jobs and stuff and, if I was just doing the season here, then they would need me...being high season..and the fact I do not get any holidays either..cheek!!! But I found out what lies ahead of me just last week...days before the festival so Bob had to go on his own...let's face it Bob...we are like an old married couple when we are together....I would have wanted my pipe and slippers while you were out stepping up to the plate of metal!!!!!!!!!

It has been mentioned I kinda sneaked the facts in on one of my previous entries so..here goes. After years...and I do mean years...of volunteering...moving on..leaving people who were (and are) good friends..living out of cardboard boxes (God bless you Morrisons for your veg boxes) I have now secured a main grade post funded until March 2009. This is with Aberdeen City Council and is as a Community Woodlands Officer..they are in the process of applying for further funding and, if I can make a good impression, they will keep me on. So, thanks to all those that have kept me going over the years.

In no particular order...Mum, Dad, colleagues at.....Calderglen Country Park....Breadalbane team at Lochearnhead (amone the wee man!!!) and everyone in the community groups..ALL the NTS people from Newhailes to Perthshire..AND LET US NOT FORGET THOSE AT NORWICH UNION who put up with me as I went through the change from office fella to country squire...in no particular order...Mrs "sexy minx" Grieve, Mr "Slick" Coombe...Mr "Eddie Murphy" Parker...get outta here!!!..Mr "I put on a grumpy exterior as a way of protecting myself" Thom..u know it big man...always in my heart..Jilly Willy...Fi Fi Fluffytop..Busy Lizzy (and Stormin Norman!)....Janey Gaunt (baddabaddaschwing)..the Double GG (never forget the vision of those lycra shorts!)..WPC Harrower (cuff me baby)...Fat Boab for the opportunities and support through thick and thin...For all of those I haven't mentioned at NU..muchos appreciamundos.

Let's not forget the one that didn't make it. Jug Lugs Thompson..."that's Thompson with a P". Everything I see and do I hope you can see..for you are always in my heart..you and the tan...blimey...you told me it was a real tan...from Bonnyrig?.....right!!

OK..so..it is a massive change...main grade and side stepping from countryside ranger work...working in amongst those that need it the most. So what else....well...I kinda met someone..like..you know...a lady..and she is lovely. We were introduced by a friend..like....msn addy's (oh, the modern world!!)..and chatted...and we met up in Aberdeen and hit it off. So..don't know where it will lead but we have agreed we both like each other and will see what happens.

So..from conservational transient monk...to conservational conquistador with a lady!!!..hell...who would have thought. TG..if you are reading this....I know u would never have thought!!!

Start date is a bit fuzzy but it is going to happen within the month of July..hell..I am even having a meeting on Tuesday with one of the fellas I am working for...woohoo!!!

I think that's enough for just now...a lot in there...hard day tomorrow..pulling reed mace out of the ash lagoons at Levenhall...it is going to be very mucky. Later.

The Most Embrassing Mistake In My Career..Ever!!

OK..so I think I told you about my strimmer packing in on me on various occasions??....well..it would pack in after 4 hours use and not start again. Nick to that one and another over to Levenhall (excellent for birds if your a birder, by the way) on the outskirts of Musselburgh...thats Mussellburrrrrrra not Musselborrow for the Americans reading...anyway...we all thought it was the mix I was using for fuel/oil..Nick flushed the strimmer through with pure fuel and they used happily for ages.

I got it back yesterday..put in a new fuel/oil mix...and it packed in again!!!!!...so Nick came down and tried it...definitely a blockage says he...flush it with fuel and see what happens...I did and it worked..I put my new fuel in and it didn't. Phoned Nick and told him...must be the fuel is contaminated...says I...how can it be I am using the stuff from the brown container..pause...knew this was significant...the brown one says Nick...it's yellow...the brown one is CREOSOTE.....I had been mixing the fuel with creosote all this time..what a muppet...thing is..the machine had been running on it for ages before it packed in.

Anyway...I have a team meeting today and expect, quite rightly, to get a good ribbing!!!! Now I have to figure how to get rid of to gallons of flammable creosote!!!!

Hey ho..such is the rich tapestry of life.

Ye Gads I'm Tired

Check it out..bout time I rectified the lack of mention of France...view of Avignon from the Palais Du Papes....Palace of the Popes for the non French speaking. Many stairs up to this point with the lovely Anne Laure (my uncles friend) but what a view..hey...I even got the lighting done nice as well.

What a weekend..long drive to Aberdeen...seems I missed the traffic for the Royal Highland Show..don't know how...spoke to a woman at Gullane..said she had to leave at 5am to get there..I travelled past Ingleston and onto Forth road Bridge at 8am without any trouble...very weird.

Anyway..the express Holiday Inn was very nice..even though I was staying in a smoking room...it was good cause it faced the back and not the busy front road. It rained ALL the time but I got a lot done..including looking at rooms..so..still waiting for final letter...but it looks like I will be staying in an area called Torry..bit rough and ready...Aberdeen HMP is at the end of the road and the place smells of fish...oh dear..doesn't sound too nice..but it is...at least to begin with..oh..the reason for the fishy smell is the processing factory on the Dee!!!

Coming back down was a problem..tired and hung over...3 stops for a doze in total AND a stop off at MCDonalds..barf...coffeeand McChicken Sarnies....did the emergency stop at Cockatoo restaurant (which, I am told, is very nice) in order to make the final push along the A9.

Still tired now...and it is Tuesday..been strimming most of the day..until the swine packed in on me...could it be the park plug? Someone has nicked our throw line as well..so that was replaced...and, all of a sudden, the sun came out and it was lovely....hussah!!! Hopefully sort it tomorrow and get back on with the show...still the east side to do.

OK...will be able to be more definite on plans once my disclosure comes through and I get the final letter...woohoo!!!

Oop North

Check out the time..up on a Saturday...I admit it was difficult to get to this point...instead of early bed and no booze I chose...4 pints at the Mercat followed by a quantity of Dougie's vodka and watching Glastonbury on Sky...hey ho..never mind...get a kip at Perth. I view the voddy as payment for ensuring young Carol doesn't have a partay!!!

Quiet week on schools but lots of other stuff going on. I wore my "waterproof" boots yesterday...Nick chose the inside class and I got the outside one..planting wild flowers in the long grass...wet feet..wet socks...which I kept on all day...in wellies after that...oh dear..they are drying and, indeed, smelling as I type....good burgler deterrent!!!

Off to Aberdeen to look at some rooms...this time..hopefully for longer than 6 months!! Stop off at dad's on the way back on Sunday..gong to be a long drive though.....Goldfrapp back to back..hussah!!!

I have pt on 3lbs!!!!..how did that happen?...blimey...hey..it will be off by end of next week cause I get my strimmers back and will be doing that all week as we are quiet...get it done and dusted. Gullane PS on Monday am...final part of the John Muir Award...picking litter...thing is..with the bad weather there might be so little I have to go around and put stuff on the ground...gotta look after the kids you know.

Right..coffee!!!!...and then we are off.

Later

It's a sham!!!

Yet another classic cock up!!..we are told class will be on site from 11am and we have to turn up at 12 to do rock pooling. We turn up at 12 to find the kids in amongst the pools and all very wet...no!...wait!!!..let us show u how to do it professionally!!!...swine....the secretary had got the message wrong....so...after much apologies..and they found loads as well!!!!..we slinked of for lunch..to be honest...I had been a bit miffed that the school wanted us to break the sanctimony that is lunch at midday!!!

So, one of my tenants has decided not to pay his rent and I had to chase to be told...he is lying low and the next step is the sheriff in town...oh dear!!..the Glasgow flat is just "late paying" and it would appear the very expensive flooring in the kitchen is "scuffed"...no explanation....just.....that is what I saw...hey..worth the investment then!!! And..to top it all...insurance policies are ready for renewal...hussah....the glory and untold wealth of being a property magnate..yeah..rite.

So, off to Aberdeen this weekend to see some rooms..and a nice date...but more of that later..if I am allowed...gonna pop in and see dad to give him the pressie I bought in Edinburgh and take the final draft of my Will..of which my godmother gets a flat...if ure reading Noreen!!!!....on the way back..going to be knacked by Monday but at least it should be sorted.

I entered the equipment shed today to find all of my strimmers have gone!!!!...swine...asked all day who had them and it seems my fellow seasonal, Kathleen and Nick..the fella in charge at Levenhall..have been strimming like mad to get things sorted..so..with the 3rd strimmer fixed..it looks like I will don the green suit of poo, wellies, hard hat, goggles and ear protectors and sweat like a donkey all day tomorrow..yay..but that means they owe me..and I have lots of paths that need a wee hand trimming...plus Nick owes me for the bird box making last week...my thumb has recovered thank you very much. Won't be wearing my pvc sheep dipping dungarees...ok for cold and wet weather but somewhat unpleasant for anything warm...and the scrapes do get warm i tell thee.

But Gullane seems to have survived fine without my attention...and I found another patch of orchids...woohoo!!!...in the area that usually gets cut..so..next time the guy comes along..I have been told to lie down in front of it!!!..no way babes...early purple and northern marsh...very exciting of that be assured.

Hey ho...here comes the summer..but then...I wont be there!!

SB

I don't believe it!!!!

All hands to the pump!. Gold panning in Tynedrum, 2006

Look at those kids faces..?..amone...this is interesting!!..they expected to find lumps of gold lying there for the taking!

Ok...first off..for all my readers (ha ha!!) I apologise for the gap in entries. There are a number of valid reasons for this..the main one being on an 11 day stretch with no break..including one day of interview in Aberdeen..a long trip that was...albeit with a nice sleep over at mum's...So, I thought, rather than writing...ooh eck, I am bloomin tired and grumpy (hard to believe, right?)...I would keep schtum. So, here we are on Sunday morning surrounded by cd's.

On the 1st day off (worked an extra one for time in lieu) I hot footed it to Edinburgh town to exchange boots at Millets. With 64 bar burning a hole in my pocket I set out to seek the shop they call Hogs Head..or Head Music as is now (www.hogs-head-com or e mail hogshead2006@clara.co.uk)...the best second hand shop in town...woohoo!!!..metal heaven..had to leave afore I spent all my cash..onto Fopp on Coburn Street (not Coburg Street...that is for a clientele of a different nature)..2 more cd's there and a rather nice present for Pop Bly..he will like it indeed!! With all of these and the cd's borrowed from the library I have aprrox 25 hours of stuff to listen to. They are as follows:-

Library
Go - very best of Moby..a good representation of the man's work

Freedom Fields - Seth Lakeman (introduced by my old boss..Callum McSporran)....a folky singer singing about folklore in Cornwall...I know it sounds pants but it is VERY GOOD..track it down and listen.

Stop The Clocks - Oasis...nowt to say about this..if you were "avin' it" in the 90's..get it

X&Y - Coldplay...hmmmm..bit moany and self absorbing this..a few gems...check fix you and speed of sound

Fopp
Far Beyond Driven - Pantera..for the connoisseur of fine metal...uncompromising, punishing with a fine cover of Planet Caravan at the end

Absolution - Muse..another gid serving from these fellas..turn it up..on yer stereo not the lap top!!!

Head Records - Tim's shop!!!!
"2 from the Vault"...The End Complete/World Demise - Obituary...grind/doom/death metal..call it what u will...Scott Morrison engineering (Tampa) at his best..amone the Tardy brothers!!! Saw them at the Astoria as well..Trevor Peres..scary eyes

Dream Catcher, the VIIth Coming/In Memoriam - Cathedral...UK grind/doom at its best..In Memoriam is from the past..definitley...remember when they supported Morbid Angel all those years ago...this from the time Lee Dorian had just split from Napalm Death

Substitute For A Catastrophe - Zillah...Andy's band..and Roddy..hey..gotta keep the faith..check these guys out..keep local talent going

The Big Black - Orange Goblin...stoner rock at it's best...phew..all the way from London..a gem indeed..open chord/fuzz box riffage..you don't need to partake of the herb...just listen to the album...funny hidden track as well

So, that's it!!! All for me to listen to.

Check the pics at the top..gold panning in Tynedrum....all the kids (and big kids) expected to be able to find lumps of gold lying there..shame it was only me that found a sliver the day before!!! Another perk of the job.

OK...so, things have changed slightly...ahem...over the past few days. I have been offered a job with Aberdeen Council as a main grade ranger..yes..after 5 years of slog and vagrancy I get my chance. as my mum put it.."you just don't believe it do you?"...well no...I don't. All this time moving, working, enjoying it, leaving folks behind..I can now start to plan things. OK..it is funded until 2009...but so is the whole project..not just my job....it is up to me to make a go of it...working as a Community Woodlands Ranger in areas with severe social and economic issues..all those years back when I kissed the Blarney Stone...it all pays off..the patter is the key!!

So..now I look to head north to the Granite city. I better go cause they sent me a disclosure form to fill out in order for security checks..then the official letter of offer..and their uniform is BLACK......woohoo!!!!

Later