Blimey, it didn't stop raining for 2 days!!!! I have two days worth of stuff drying in my room...so the room smells awful..I have been strimming all afternoon so I smell very badly indeed....electrical storm has cut the power...no shower!!!!..smellymungous..this thing is on battery so will keep short and sweet.
Spent the whole day yesterday on the coast and was subject to the wind and rain...school group cancelled due to bad weather..no kidding!!!!... John came through from Aberlady to take a group with behavioural problems through to his beach from Gullane. 3 staff to 4 kids...intense...but they reacted well to the rain...I have had more trouble in bad weather from so called adults!!
Countryside Forum went well...3 presentations from staff, a "pub quiz" and chat with the punters..I hasten to add...a shower and a shave were had after being rained on all day and cutting back buckthorn!!..before the forum. On best behaviour as well!!!
Off to Perth tomorrow for birthday bash and leaving do with NU chums..should be good..back on the blog map at the weekend.
SB
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
The Big Event
All set for the big day...big class split into three groups and outdoor activities...God bless the Scottish weather...it rained ALL day today...not just spitter spatter mind..but really lashed down. We were all on site from 8am and got away at 2pm ish...all drooken but fairly chuffed...the kids loved it and were really good at team work...very impressed indeed. They all enjoyed sausages and marshmallows at the end of it...although we never got any!!!!
Having not been to Gullane all day...felt it a good idea to get down...nothing like the pic above...all grey..all wet and very windy..some crazy kids kicking a football around the car park as well...crazeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Even so, there was a wee bit of litter so squelched around the parking area and picked the stuff up. You know, even though it was fairly rough....with the right waterproof kit on and my special "magic" hat...it really makes no difference...what a bonny place.
Tough gig tomorrow....rowdy class in the am...? in the afternoon...public meeting in the pm....time in lieu methinks....followed the next day by 6.30am (on site) start for my birds survey..hey..if we get any sunshine...might be able to get my butterfly surveys done as well...woohoo!!!
I GOT A COMMENT...1st of all time...muchos appreciamundos Nuff Said...I think it is the blood sucking leeches that live in warm habitat..like jungles...but you get them here...wasn't going to test the theory and kept my fingers well away...check out any stream in Scotland...bound to find one.
Tara
Having not been to Gullane all day...felt it a good idea to get down...nothing like the pic above...all grey..all wet and very windy..some crazy kids kicking a football around the car park as well...crazeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Even so, there was a wee bit of litter so squelched around the parking area and picked the stuff up. You know, even though it was fairly rough....with the right waterproof kit on and my special "magic" hat...it really makes no difference...what a bonny place.
Tough gig tomorrow....rowdy class in the am...? in the afternoon...public meeting in the pm....time in lieu methinks....followed the next day by 6.30am (on site) start for my birds survey..hey..if we get any sunshine...might be able to get my butterfly surveys done as well...woohoo!!!
I GOT A COMMENT...1st of all time...muchos appreciamundos Nuff Said...I think it is the blood sucking leeches that live in warm habitat..like jungles...but you get them here...wasn't going to test the theory and kept my fingers well away...check out any stream in Scotland...bound to find one.
Tara
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Back to Mordor
What a trip...man.....caravan's aplenty as soon 6as you hit Callander. A very pleasant weekend spent with the Nixon family and other chums...unfortunately The Pars had glory snatched from them in the end stages of the tennants cup...boo!!...at THE INN & BISTRO, STRATHYRE...a top Inn which is child friendly and dog friendly as well.
It was a total wrench when I had to leave in April..these were the 1st people in a long time I had made any attachment to...being a conservational hobo...and had been accepted (like a stray mutt, I suspect...Jill's mothering instinct!!!) into the family..Steve (Coxswain's friend), Jill(Captain of the ship with a fine pair of pumps), Andrew(chamon!), Gregor(the ladies man) and Jamie(cheeky monkey). I will never forget their kindness and patience (1am jibberish while J&S look on with pained expressions waiting for me to fall off my chair and go to bed) and they will always have a special place in my heart. This morning, while nursing a substantial hangover, I had Jamie on my back (screaming), Gregor attached to my right leg (screaming) and Tally running around with a ball in her mouth barking away...kids keep you young do they not?
Ewan and Suzie came through on Sat night and we had a good old chin wag BUT I was totally hoodwinked by the pincer movement of their jibes regarding this blog...get it up ye you dobbers!!!!..if you have trouble with midges...the big man is yer man.
A fabby lunch with my old chum and colleague..the tall, leggy blonde..Fi Fi..bless you my dear..you looked more tired than me!!!!
A busy week ahead for me....strimming, cutting, various school groups, BBS/Butterfly surveys and the world renowned "Countryside Forum". What else can some my way?....we shall see.
It was a total wrench when I had to leave in April..these were the 1st people in a long time I had made any attachment to...being a conservational hobo...and had been accepted (like a stray mutt, I suspect...Jill's mothering instinct!!!) into the family..Steve (Coxswain's friend), Jill(Captain of the ship with a fine pair of pumps), Andrew(chamon!), Gregor(the ladies man) and Jamie(cheeky monkey). I will never forget their kindness and patience (1am jibberish while J&S look on with pained expressions waiting for me to fall off my chair and go to bed) and they will always have a special place in my heart. This morning, while nursing a substantial hangover, I had Jamie on my back (screaming), Gregor attached to my right leg (screaming) and Tally running around with a ball in her mouth barking away...kids keep you young do they not?
Ewan and Suzie came through on Sat night and we had a good old chin wag BUT I was totally hoodwinked by the pincer movement of their jibes regarding this blog...get it up ye you dobbers!!!!..if you have trouble with midges...the big man is yer man.
A fabby lunch with my old chum and colleague..the tall, leggy blonde..Fi Fi..bless you my dear..you looked more tired than me!!!!
A busy week ahead for me....strimming, cutting, various school groups, BBS/Butterfly surveys and the world renowned "Countryside Forum". What else can some my way?....we shall see.
Saturday, 26 May 2007
It's Old Age
Came back from work yesterday..nowt too strenuous...cowslip counting (small yellow flower thing), litter, patrol, chat.....came back...had a shower..beers!!!!..out to The Mercat (my local)..chippy on the way back (naughty naughty!)..4 cans from the Offy..back to house...straight to bed.
Is getting older the ability to read the signals your body gives you and act accordingly..i.e...I am tired therefore I must go to bed...OR...is it the fact getting older means your body just stops working...i.e....I am tired theref....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Whichever..up early today (after extended kip)...going to Strathyre for the SPL final...amone the Pars!!! Going to stay with the Nixons at The Inn & Bistro..check it out on the internet...a fine establishment indeed..stopping off at Stirling to see if I can give my work specs the kiss of life..unlikely...possibly a pair of dress shoes/new troos for next weekend...we shall see.
Gullane will be dead on Sunday, as will the rest of the coastal sites, as the Edinburgh marathon is on and all road closed from 6 to 6...shouldn't be too bad for Monday then.
Is getting older the ability to read the signals your body gives you and act accordingly..i.e...I am tired therefore I must go to bed...OR...is it the fact getting older means your body just stops working...i.e....I am tired theref....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Whichever..up early today (after extended kip)...going to Strathyre for the SPL final...amone the Pars!!! Going to stay with the Nixons at The Inn & Bistro..check it out on the internet...a fine establishment indeed..stopping off at Stirling to see if I can give my work specs the kiss of life..unlikely...possibly a pair of dress shoes/new troos for next weekend...we shall see.
Gullane will be dead on Sunday, as will the rest of the coastal sites, as the Edinburgh marathon is on and all road closed from 6 to 6...shouldn't be too bad for Monday then.
Friday, 25 May 2007
When you get up....
...does your heart sing that it is a new day?...do you look forward to what the day will bring and the people you will meet? Well, I do....which proves to me the choice I made a long time ago was the right one for me..even when I get down at losing contact with folks..or having to leave AGAIN....I know in my heart that this path, wherever it may lead, is the right one for me.
Enjoy your day and all it brings.
XX
Enjoy your day and all it brings.
XX
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Crivens!!!
Look at that!! Seems an age ago..the 1st real dalliance with conservation..a "Thistle Camp" on Arran. After days of rain, hail and wind, the last thing was to do a sweep of the area..this is an upturned tree...blown over by the recent storms which knocked the living daylights out of "the island that shall not be mentioned". Who would have know what events were to happen!! Note..totally soaked and still smiling..or is that a grimace?
Today
Up at 5.30 am..yes...I know all those with kids will say that's nothing!!..but, for me...what an hour to be up!! On site by 6.30am to do a Breeding Bird Survey...this time with guests..2 folk from Gullane.....is that a wren or dunnock...eh...?....was good...finish by 8.30am...litter pick...then off to tool store to put on the gimp suit...nice and green..all the protective gear and off to do battle!!!! West end had a wee strim....stopped by an old dear complaining about parking charges..then about how was she supposed to get to Church with the Edinburgh marathon on Sunday...what was I supposed to say??...in my suit of green and goggles..nowt.
Then..off to the east and 3 hours later a lot of paths nice and clear....gotta do another 4 to get it all done my my virgoan standards!!! Lunch...post tax return and then a very boring team meeting...and that was my Thursday.
CD's from the library...Tom Jones & Jools Holland (gid)...Johnny Cash (gid but intense)...Roisin Murphy (a bit out there but gid) and Echo & The Bunnymen (still to get my lugs round it).
Worked with a group a few days ago...severe learning difficulties..top group indeed...loved it. One of assistants walks out of class room...I recognise her..no..not my ex..would have bolted!!!....was in her year at uni before I failed..she was phased I knew her..then I remembered....last time I saw her I had hair down to my botty, wore leather biker jacket and very tight black jeans with white hi techs...bit different to tubby, beardy, baldy fella with funny hat and kick nets!!...bless..she has had 3 kids...hussah!!!! Hey...a lady magnet yet again.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
Sight is a wonderful thing
I tell thee...you take your sight for granted...of course I am blind as a bat but specs help me see....but over the weekend I got this gunk in my eye and could not see a thing. Well, it cleared up..after a few interesting motoring incidents AND taking a couple of classes!!!..but has decided to return again..albeit in a lesser state...ppppppprrrrrrrrrrrrpppppppppp...hope it clears up without a visit to the doctores.
What happens when dog muck is suddenly atomised and sent on its merry way in all directions at high speed? Well, hopefully you will never have to find out...unfortunately, I will...as part of the job here I have to cut back paths with a strimmer..so...thank you to all the dog owners who allow (if not encourage) their pooches to poop right on the side of the path...it is me who shall be on the receiving end of your tardy attitude in the near future. The solution to this, and all other flying material, is a lovely green plasticky jump suit, followed by goggles over my specs followed by visor, hard hat, ear muffs and steel toe capped wellies....it really does turn the ladies on let me tell you!!!! For some reason...I really like strimming..tidying up an unkempt site for the visitors....hey...it's good to love your job!
Was doing one of the butterfly surveys today and chanced upon a side path..my God..if you have seen The Empire Strikes Back..just like Dagobah......had a quick peek...definitely in need of some attention...only this time it is 20 mins hoof with a wheelbarra from base camp (toilet/tool store) and then getting stuck in about it...I may never return..specially if my eyes aren't working!
5.30am start tomorrow..woohoo!....6.30am kick off for bird survey...hell...I can't hear let alone see what I am supposed to be id'ing..never mind..good for the soul.
Later
What happens when dog muck is suddenly atomised and sent on its merry way in all directions at high speed? Well, hopefully you will never have to find out...unfortunately, I will...as part of the job here I have to cut back paths with a strimmer..so...thank you to all the dog owners who allow (if not encourage) their pooches to poop right on the side of the path...it is me who shall be on the receiving end of your tardy attitude in the near future. The solution to this, and all other flying material, is a lovely green plasticky jump suit, followed by goggles over my specs followed by visor, hard hat, ear muffs and steel toe capped wellies....it really does turn the ladies on let me tell you!!!! For some reason...I really like strimming..tidying up an unkempt site for the visitors....hey...it's good to love your job!
Was doing one of the butterfly surveys today and chanced upon a side path..my God..if you have seen The Empire Strikes Back..just like Dagobah......had a quick peek...definitely in need of some attention...only this time it is 20 mins hoof with a wheelbarra from base camp (toilet/tool store) and then getting stuck in about it...I may never return..specially if my eyes aren't working!
5.30am start tomorrow..woohoo!....6.30am kick off for bird survey...hell...I can't hear let alone see what I am supposed to be id'ing..never mind..good for the soul.
Later
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Hello!!!!
Well...finally made it to the new century. Feel a bit weird..like what I have to say is interesting..but this is a good way to document the way my life has gotten a bit "fluid" in recent years. I will be posting about now and the past so that you can see what I have been getting up to and all the situations I have managed to get myself into..what would my grand parents have thought..blimey...what will mum and dad think!!!
Well...perhaps I better say why these images are up..so..here we go.
Beach is Gullane where I work just now...not just a beach...sand dune, woodland, scrub and amenity grassland...a multitude of habitats and a very busy site. It's what I do now you know..I am a countryside ranger..feel like I am coming out!!!....find us in east Lothian..I will be the one in the green jump suit!!
Music is my radio and Goldfrapp is my sexy music thing..get into it...oh...by the way..if you are in Perthshire...mind and listen to Heartland FM...97.5..keep it local!!!.
Clutch...it has been metal, groove and thrash that has kept me going over the years...as well as all the support from you guys...this band grooves with the best of them...many memories of gigs, booze and pals....and even trying to convince them I was...oooppps.....that is for another time..anyway...Clutch are something special..Neil Fallon (Vox), Tim Sult (6 string thunder), Dan Mains (4 string groove), J P Gaston (Drums of Doom)..and the new keyboard fella..check it out.
Dominica...not as strong a connection as Skip but..all the same..wonderful people and lots of love to them. Toplin, Shirley, Rose (behaaave) and Gabriel. This is an island where all the money goes south west to Roseau but the heart is in the north east..Marigot...Carib territory. If you fly in to Melville Hall you will be flying over Bulls Hole in Marigot..give em a wave. If travelling outwith package holidays is your thing keep an eye on this as things are going on over at Bull Hole.
Hey..my first blog and it is almost over!!!! Boo!!! Well..more stories as time goes on but it looks like I got a lot of strimming to do tomorrow and a survey. Today was strimming and working with kids with learning difficulties...what a blast..get the "marginalised" kids out there and experiencing the world...hey..they are just like us..they want to splash about in water..and who am I to not join in...hussah!!!!! With wellies on I was stuck in about the serious business of splashing in a stream..found leeches, may flys and a big thing that dug in...ooooo..leave that alone. Right..I am off.
Well...perhaps I better say why these images are up..so..here we go.
Beach is Gullane where I work just now...not just a beach...sand dune, woodland, scrub and amenity grassland...a multitude of habitats and a very busy site. It's what I do now you know..I am a countryside ranger..feel like I am coming out!!!....find us in east Lothian..I will be the one in the green jump suit!!
Music is my radio and Goldfrapp is my sexy music thing..get into it...oh...by the way..if you are in Perthshire...mind and listen to Heartland FM...97.5..keep it local!!!.
Clutch...it has been metal, groove and thrash that has kept me going over the years...as well as all the support from you guys...this band grooves with the best of them...many memories of gigs, booze and pals....and even trying to convince them I was...oooppps.....that is for another time..anyway...Clutch are something special..Neil Fallon (Vox), Tim Sult (6 string thunder), Dan Mains (4 string groove), J P Gaston (Drums of Doom)..and the new keyboard fella..check it out.
Dominica...not as strong a connection as Skip but..all the same..wonderful people and lots of love to them. Toplin, Shirley, Rose (behaaave) and Gabriel. This is an island where all the money goes south west to Roseau but the heart is in the north east..Marigot...Carib territory. If you fly in to Melville Hall you will be flying over Bulls Hole in Marigot..give em a wave. If travelling outwith package holidays is your thing keep an eye on this as things are going on over at Bull Hole.
Hey..my first blog and it is almost over!!!! Boo!!! Well..more stories as time goes on but it looks like I got a lot of strimming to do tomorrow and a survey. Today was strimming and working with kids with learning difficulties...what a blast..get the "marginalised" kids out there and experiencing the world...hey..they are just like us..they want to splash about in water..and who am I to not join in...hussah!!!!! With wellies on I was stuck in about the serious business of splashing in a stream..found leeches, may flys and a big thing that dug in...ooooo..leave that alone. Right..I am off.
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