If I keep smiling....

...no one will realise I don't know what i am doing!!!

Making bread...a 1st for me...making bread in a high security prison..a 1st for me...and I would imagine....for a number of bakers!!!

Here I am..this is me in December 2009....and it is cold!!!!!..check out the visitor badge..SPS...Scottish Prison Service..."any sharps Mr Bly?"..."erm...speak to George" was always the reply....bill hooks...bow saws..loppers..rope...wooden poles....wood for burning....hammers...stakes...all brought in and taken back out again.

S

If it wasn't so damn correct..it would be annoying...well..

....actually.it is annoying!!!..but in a good way..so I received a Christmas card from my uncle in France...i haven't seen him in a year (more I think is it not Pat?)..you know how it goes...e mails become infrequent and life takes over...sorry Pat..anyway...inside the card is a few words from the man himself..as always...succinct and to the point..and bloody right as well!!!!!

Thanks Pat.

These are the words of wisdom:-

"I hope next year will be calmer than 2009"...does it seem that manic?...well..I guess it does...what a year indeed....should be calmer..."that you will land a full time, permanent job"...that is the goal..but very difficult in this industry...it is why we are moving on the PR side of things and working with the Criminal Justice to raise the profile NOW so pressure can be put on those in power to make it permanent.."and that you meet the right woman"...is there such a thing Pat? It may seem I have taken up with a succession of bams who really were not that good for me....but i couldn't possibly comment on that....ahem.

If you see my previous entries over the last wee while...it may be that I have found someone who is good for me and they think I am good for them....so we shall see.

"Meanwhile, look after your health"..i am trying to.really I am...hhmmmm...could always do with drinking less beer...ahem..."lose a bit of weight"....seemed to have lost half a pound but could do more..."work less"..trying to...trying to.....even scheduled in annual leave in November rather than work all the way up to December and be forced to take them when I didn't need the time off..."and keep the blog going"...done and done.

In the space of 5 lines ALL the priorities of my life have been bulleted...amazing....how well you know me. Thanks for caring.

Speaking of women...or a woman!!..careful..get me into trouble...the lovely Lady C shall be accompanying me to Strathaven and then Strathyre on the way back up....which will be nice....a 4 day break...5 with driving...to places she has never been and without which I would have not ended up in Aberdeen and with her..hurrah!!

Back for 3 days and then off for Christmas....right up until 2010..even better.

Tara

Festive Times

Well..the festive season is upon us and all is fine....ime tired today...but then a good kip always helps..as does going to bed on time but I never seem to manage that very well!!!! Luckily, my trusty steed, the coffee percolator, keeps me riding the roads!

Well, tomorrow will be emotional...the end of Bridges (jail side) project....what a 6 weeks it has been...won't miss the 12 hour days but will miss the boys. really looking forward to tomorrow and the celebration...and that is what it is..a celebration...we really turned up the heat and the boys kicked ass....what am i talking about?!!!..he he...they did it..they stepped up to the plate and delivered in spades...now..all i have to do is think what I am going to say!!!!

ah well...it seems..dare I say it...that I have found someone that can put up with curmudgeonliness..can you believe that?..I can...and I am happy....had a scare which may have fecked it all up but all is well and I can look ahead...I do so hope it works out. I smile a lot these days.

An early night for me?....perhaps not.

Tara.

S

Ruff

Oh dear....as much as I love my late night show it does seem to make me feel crap...I really enjoyed it last night...but getting up today....drive...meeting...drive...office...drive...meeting...drive...event....drive....home...and all of it very cold...I feel crap...just as well the slot is being swapped....hurrah...but I have to wait until the new year for it..I will be pre recording on Sunday for the Monday show a week away....but still going on the next night...poo

Me and C will be going away for a few days...car booked as well...very exciting....looking forward to it.

sniff sniff

What a month!!!

Hey there...well a month has gone past and what a lot of changes.

First, the pic in the title bittie is the Brig O' Balgownie...on the Don (north of Aberdeen....Dee to the south) as it expands into the estuary and Donmouth Local Nature Reserve. This was taken on the very 1st health walk entered on the winter activity schedule...never done before so very proud it had been included with another 3 for next year. bad publicity (as in none whatsobloody ever..well..almost) and our pamphlets going out late (today) meant the uptake was crap. We had stated the event was bookable so we knew who was (or not) going to attend but the only bloomin article in the paper did not say that SO I had to turn up just in case...and one person turned up so we went with it..I had recce'd the route the week before (9 miles) and was happy to do it again as it went from Persley Bridge all the way along the Don on the north side to Donmouth and back again on the south again. the weather was ace as you can see and the guy who turned up was walk leader from Mastrick...I had know walks went out from there but never had the time to find out who organised them...AND you don't want to see to be invading their territory now, do you?..so it was nice to chat to him..he had always wanted to know how to join bits of the walk up to make a whole loop...and we did it...he was happy with the route which made me feel good...as I had out them together...you know what you are doing and why but you are always pleased when someone in the same sector of work agrees and affirms with your thought process. My goodness though...it was a long walk...took us 3 hours which is pretty good going.

This pic here is me at the breakfast club...approx 7.50 am!!! These kids from surrounding schools go there for what is probably the only way they have a good start to the day....with their breccy...and then they sometimes do stuff with me....they have been developing an area of amenity cut grass and turning it into a wildlife area...with compost bins as well....wild flowers and logs which they painted..all good and they all work well together...some of them had worked with me at Hilton doing shelters and such like...ad I had promised this group a shelter on their site as it was locked so should be saved. This is the final stage of the garden project for me...where they are all constructing a shelter after designing it....this was a challenge for them all really...even those who had been at Hilton...the task of joining 2 poles with twine was a complicated one...and wasn't working to begin with...so I had to think on my feet and break it down to 2pass to x, then to y, then to z and the back again"..click....they got it and i just stood back!!! A challenge for me to be doing this at that time of the morning but it is having a positive effect as the teachers from Smithfield have asked me what i was doing..so the kids are obviously talking about it at school..all good!!!

In an effort to manage work time and personal time I have now moved from Northfield....living in the area you work is not good for separation...it had also become apparent the effect living in a fairly unclean place is...I don't just mean the house but also the area...the noise and crime and suppressed aggression was getting to me...unfortunately...people bad mouth the area and..to a certain extent..they are correct...which i didn't like admitting. Living here with no planes over head...no gadgies on the streets...no bike whizzing about..no dealer's dogs barking at the bikes whizzing around and the "niceness" (make sense) has increased my feeling of well being...quality of life I think they call it...it is a sad state though...when you know the people you work with have so much against them to succeed...they really have to leave to do it..to rise above...but then...it also makes me proud and passionate that i work with folks who don't walk away...they stay there and fight for their people...all in attempt to break the cycle or, at best, give folk a leg up. so, working there is fine but living there is not good for me as a person..especially as a lot of the criminal fraternity clients also live there or there abouts....safety issues came into it.

So, now I am in Bridge of Don..paying a whack of money but then not paying for bt internet..a reason i have not updated in a while as the guy here had problems with his....I have a lovely room in a lovely house and feel very comfortable....and i know the local boozer as i used to drink there with M...now I am back!!!...and living far enough away from M not to worry her...she had probs with a previous ex who stalked her (been there and been subjected to it..from someone else I hasten to add) so i would not want her to feel that from me.

It was a bit of a rush and hassle to move but it went well and I recuperated sooner than i had though. Only thing though is that the traffic is crap....used to sitting in a queue listening to music which is fine....a small price to pay...my other option was in Dyce..which would have had the same problem if not more as there is only one main route in and out.

Work continues apace and I am looking to change my Monday night show...it just hurts too much for the rest of the week..i am feeling it today still...crivens...shouldn't be too much of a problem though..either pre record or change with a guy who asked me to take on his 8 to 10 slot on a Sunday...which is more human really...we shall see...but I do love my music..the one constant in all this time.

I have also met someone special...he he...yes....i can hear you all moan...NOT AGAIN!!..but we shall see. went on a 1st aid course and there she was....since i always give Simon hassle that he used events and activities to obtain phone numbers....I never said anything...but did tell her about my show...so...2 weeks later i received a text asking for a tune...i texted back...and then we took it from there...complicated personal life but all done and dusted by the time i arrived on the scene which is good...so we shall see. 1 month has passed and we have taken it slow...and we seem to get on...very close and caring...which is nice for me...and for her I am sure. Don't want to say too much but I hope this works out...she is a very special person.

That will do for now I think.

Tara

Phew!!!

Finished the 5 day sessions and all went well....my throat is still shredded though..but it was good...soozy stepped up to the plate and delivered both barrels...a feisty young lady if ever I met one..even on the Wednesday with 2 challenging groups!!!..man..i have never had any PS group so full on...having to wedge your body between to kicking and punching kids was never the deal..but they did have a positive experience and the staff were happy.

But now is the time for catching up...6 hours in the office yesterday..and sorting out kit/planning for the new bridges project which kicks off next week. Met some of the lads who were back in...a bot emotional...all convictions and arrests...not their fault it would seem..like...yeah!!..one was angry...one was stoic (on the surface0 and one was seriously dishevelled and depressed...very concerning..all we could do was reinforce the positive points and keep things going. let's not be naive here...some of the crimes we have been told about were awful...slashing...mugging...theft...but we are there to engage and attempt to raise the awareness there is another way of life...they are not saints and we are not there to convert them...just offer opportunities.

Anyhoo..the show moves on...radio tomorrow...all day outdoors on Thursday and supposed to work with CSO on Friday but I cannae see that happening.

back full time...rock and roll!!!

Tara

More apologies

Hey there..a whole bloomin month has gone by with no post..no..it is not because I canna be aersed...i literally have not stopped for a whole month...work (yes, yes, need to have a balanced work life ratio!!!!)...looking for somewhere to stay...being poorly..hey ho...the usual tapestry of life.

So...Work

Well..i have been trying to cram 5 days worth of work into 3 and it hasn't really worked..so I have been doing what I love doing and doing it for free on my non working days...big projects..prep..meetings..all of that. It has been fun but i am definitely feeling it and really need some down time. In addition to work I have been mentoring this young lass who is looking for outdoor education experience...it is an opportunity for me to put back in time that so many many people gave to me in my meandering route to this post....so t is nice to do but takes up quite a bit of time. this young lass is taking on a week long set of sessions (due to start tomorrow!!) with a regeneration school in an urban woodland...a big ask of her to be honest..don't think her fella is overly impressed by the fact he comes up here and she is off with a grizzled old codger like me...tough!!!..she works hard and so do I..from inception to prep to delivery to assessment..she will be doing it all..hurrah!!..but I will be glad when it is done and i can get back to on the ground work.

So, I am now formally switched over to the Council...having successfully interviewed for my own post...and now wear blue and am being paid for 5 days work..shame I am now doing 7!!! BUT...I have booked 5 days off in line with the break in the Bridges Project...and i will not be working!...already been asked to attend meetings and..with cold sweat on my brow...stated I will not be attending..but what will I do?...well..I was going to go on holiday but..having just moved in to my new lodgings by that point..I will have no money...so...sauna...pub...walk..pub..sleep...i think will do for me!!

By Jimminy...I am tired though...and it shows....extra grumpy!!..although I have tried to address the situation for this coming week by putting pre recorded shows on the system at SHMU..which means i can get to bed at a decent time on Monday and the show is covered on the Wednesday..phew!

Simon is back but a wee bit weak..his eye doesn't take the sun too well and he physically finds it tiring to be out and about...even though he winnae admit it!..bless him..he looks like a tiger or bear took a swipe at him and ripped his right eye about....a lucky man....shame about the car though....glad to have him back..especially as it gives the student room to experience rather than deliver only.

Home...well..i have decided to move out of here and found somewhere in Bridge of Don..north of Aberdeen....it makes that distinction between work and home where I now live in the area where i work..it has me in a more modern and clean house with a landlord who is clean as well...although maybe a bit too keen on keeping things aseptic!!..it has a garden for nice days..which is not accessed by all and sundry...and it is quiet..and i don't have to pay for tinternet. More money though, but i think it will be worth it. This will be at the end of this month..still to pluck the courage up to say to landlady...we are avoiding each other...no...she is avoiding me at the moment..which isn't a good set up really is it..especially as I didn't do anything wrong other than ask her to help me empty a bin and do some bloomin cleaning.

Life...when do i have the chance to meet any ladies?..exactly...so no more to say on that one. Our next door neighbour back home passed away after a battle with Alzheimer's..a blessing really as the person we knew as an uncle had long gone and was a serious physical and mental drain on his good lady. obviously...we would all rather have had him here with us still and with his good lady but...what a release for her..it was having a serious impact on her health. I couldn't make it to the funeral but mum and dad did..which was good to represent the family...such as it is.

I think i will be more relaxed and positive when i move...less of an overhanging atmosphere...don't you think? I am making time for me as i have recently gone to the health suite at the beach..lovely....sauna and steam room..great...good for tired muscles..although the last time I was in the steam room some big fat bloke came in and sneezed without covering his mouth...the git!!..I almost throttled him..sniffly since. Anyhoo..it is a nice way to end the day..and cheap as chips although I do have to be aware it is used as a gay pick up joint...stare straight ahead and keep your distance!!!

Right..gotta go and pay the deposit.

tara

here we go then

Well,

What has been happening..or should i say...what has not been happening!!!

I guess the biggest bit of news is that I interviewed for my job..it wasn't a dead cert either as the new area manager was interviewing me..i did a good interview as well...pleased with myself..and I got it as well. Typical of the situation...asked for it to be 1st thing in the morning so i could then go straight to SHMU and do my show..about the job I had just interviewed for...bizarre.

Anyway, this means many things. It means that I have a job for another 18 months..which means I will have stayed in one place for 4 years..thinking about it...this is the longest since..actually...it is the longest...cos I was in Dudley avenue (Edinburgh) for 3 years only...crikey...on the road for 10 years..that isn't good really is it? However, the plan is to IMMEDIATELY start work on justifying the post as permanent..having done the ground work and proved it works in the last contract...using the Community Service Order work as a source of funding and matching with Forestry Commission Scotland.

Still hasn't sunk in yet but sure it will when i get back to wearing blue and earning proper money!!!

In addition to the job, maybe I can now start thinking about relationships (oh yes, I know my track record would advise against it!!)..now it may well be the case i end up here for most of my working life..what a thought!!!

On top of all this job stuff, i have been away on a business trip in my FCS role...down to Glasgow..although the office was near my flat on Dumbarton Road I managed to get lost 3 times and even ended up south of the Clyde!!!!..a total of one hour late...interesting to see how the WIAT project is ticking over there..then to see James and Gorgina in Strathaven..then John in Strathaven...then an Forest Education networking event at Chatelherault..then a meeting in Strathyre with a Trust officer with the National Park...then back up here....it was great...back in Strathyre...seeing chums and old bosses in Strathaven...and a (very wet) networking event as well..all good and on expenses with a nice FCS diesel injection Focus estate....vroom vroom!!!

I am just back from another trip south..only this time to Fife. Managed to give dad his digi frame and show him how to work it...he has managed so far I believe! Visited the Hermitage..which was nice....nice to see it is still being looked after although the half burnt out caravan kind of spoils it...dropped off hoover at flat with tenants...went for a walk with dad as well..followed by a few pints...always good on a Saturday afternoon.

Yesterday, went to a pub on the outskirts of Edinburgh to meet a classmate from Napier, her husband and children and another classmate. I felt very comfortable with them and hope they did with me..just struck me that I never intended to NOT talk to them but i guess everyone goes about their business and things take over...Donna is Jemma's daughter's God Mother but she only gets to see them every couple of months as it is...so...it happens...Donna came up from Lasswade and Jemma from Peebles...just to see me..i feel privileged for that. Now, I can plan maybe meeting people..all as a result of knowing there is a really strong possibility that I may not move again...all very strange to get your head around.

As much as i love my job, where it is and who i work with I must admit it was nice to spend some time with people who are not living in an aggressive environment and the children recognise boundaries...i found that strange to begin with...the kids aren't swearing at me or each other...nor do they seem to be aggressive or threatened...great....but back to it today though even though I am not working.

Dropped of the hire car..with minutes to spare...up at 6.30 am and on the road by 7.30 am..drop off stuff in the house...and down there for 10.15 am...phew...then to the Project only to find a 5 day trip almost leaving..so...helping with the bags into the bus and waving cheerio to the kids...to see these tough ladies greeting as their kids went off was quite touching. In fact, one guy left before they did as he was almost in tears as it was...bless!!!!

Life goes on eh?

Talking of staying in one place..well..I mean area..as i am looking for somewhere to stay other than here...sick of the filth and grief from asking to share the cleaning...pretty difficult though because anywhere semi decent costs a bomb...unbelievable...and some places are just disgusting for the same money I am paying now...so we shall see...but i would rather leave as soon as I can...I have been here almost a full year...crikey..long gone are the Gourdon days...but i bet if i went back to the pub they would still be there..shouting..as they do...and getting rat arsed!!!!

Hey ho..all good though. I haven't yet looked at all the previous posts but i am aware the road to securing this job has taken a long long time...if you're stressed reading it then try and understand how I felt!!!

Tara.

S

Apologies

It is almost a month since my last entry...crivens..crazyness. matters have settled down here and..with the exception of not really knowing for sure about the result of my applying for my new job...well..old job but new job if you see what i mean....i think i am pretty secure.

It is only now that I realise the stress I have been working under since November...and Matt..my FCS line manager stated he had been concerned but never been able to check up on me..which is quite something if he is saying that. i think i have done quite well to keep going..in a professional manner...throughout all this ups and downs.

Settling in to my part time post with FCS....been up to Huntley a few times..met the team...good to see some folk not chatted to in a while...nice office..all trees around them....total shock than the usual granite and burned out bikes for me..good to be seen though...an something we hope to continue after..well...after i get the job....even though i will be back in the blue of the cooncil.

Health walks and bushcraft is the order of the week this week..and perhaps a bit of practical volunteer work..left the Bridges guys alone for a bit so need to push on with that. Stimmer mungous.

There is also talk of working on the future as soon as this new contract starts...now..we did start pretty prompt last time...but no one wants the same again. Contracts being signed up with Community Service Order for one day a week..now..at the moment..this will provide a stream of income for my team mates but it may..in the future...be a way of funding alongside FCS and still hosted by ACC..on a permanent basis...but that is for the future..well...a few months down the line..but it all looks good.

I am now enjoying my Monday night shows...my days are kinda long now but seem to be managing...multi vitamins to the rescue!!!...still don't like locking up and setting alarm at midnight...but it is fun and I can feel me slipping into the routine...even Tuesday mornings are not that bad...a quick kip around midday does the trick!!..lucky I have an unmarked van eh? i spend a fair bit of time there...which isn't a bad thing....as it is good to mix and mingle...ime enjoying my music and have figured out how to use a usb stick.

Finally bought a digi pic frame for dad...scanned some really old pics and copied them onto the digi frame....looks good..so all I have to do is get it to him!!! Big trip in august...down to Strathaven and Strathyre....and meeting some FCS guys as well....should be good...but think i will maybe hire a car and visit dad the week after....Ian is coming back from New Zealand and i think there is some sort of shindig on for him...so I could go to that as well...as it is in Dunfermline...dad will be so chuffed with the frame...the pics have scanned really well..although one really old one broke in the post....managed to scan it then laminate it so it will last longer than dad or me!!!!

Ok..I will leave it there for the now...catch you later.

S

X

Part Time!!

Well,

Here I am on the first real days off due to part time contract...and I have a sore throat..bah!!! Think this is part getting caught out in the rain on Tuesday (yes, I know that doesn't make you ill on it's own but I think I had a wee bug anyhoo!!) and the fact that the session was the first outdoor shouty one in a long time....felt good to be barking across a field at the kids...and it seems they loved the day as well...lots of games and mnibeasting!!!!!

Even though I am off there is one big project to finish and that is the health walks...only 2 more to write up and then pass to the lassie from NHS for review. So..I will be doing that this afternoon and probably tomorrow morning..but then that is the main part finished..hussah!!!..then off to the printers and out to GP's...catch the tail end of the summer..which should be good.

I like not working though....all I need to do is find something to do with the time....I think walking is a good idea as I continue to fight the good fight against the bulging tummy tum tum!! no way I am going swimming when i feel like this...have been there too many times....it just gets worse and worse and I definitely do not want to be in the position I was in last year...hacking cough for weeks..no way...so..sit tight and behave..a walk will be fine though.

My job..sorry..the job...is supposed to advertised now but I cannot see it on any website...sure it will pop up soon..and then i shall apply. Difficult not to become too confident but, since I have just had a high level meeting with CSO regarding starting to facilitate Orders ASAP and agreements being drawn up next week AND the fact they want me in there to do it...it is difficult not to be. Hey ho. Keep going and look forward to September....there will definitely be a break in post so may even go off for a few days...I fancy a cheap flight to Magaluff or somewhere cheap and tacky...pool...booze...food...and yes....ladies!!!!!! we shall see.

Tara

Happy Days

Well...the coffee is kicking in on this..a very dreich Aberdeen Sunday morning..and what do I have to do today?...nothing!!!

Mind you..i did work yesterday...well..volunteered...at an over 40's ladies event yesterday..it was absolutely sweltering I tell the....and there i was the only fella in a sea of ladies!!! Yest another "indoor gardening" event..which is quite ironic really when you think about it...as I do not really know owt about gardening..he he...but it went down well..free pots, compost and plants...and some seeds as well..so all was good. I have to say..although I don't really know much about gardening that it is quite fun...I liked playing in the mud!!!!..nothing much changes does it. I asked one of the new exhibitors if they had a good tie and they replied that they seemed to be networking more than providing information to the public...and that is what I love about it...I know most of them anyway but it was good to catch up..especially as a lot of them had been in the loop about contracts and had thought my post was finished!!..so was like..."hey..how you doing?"..all very nice..all about the banter!!

So, now I am part time and have days off I am actually trying to not do work things....about time really as I have always had a work life imbalance..but now it is highlighted...what to do with 2 days off per week?...hhhmmmm...it is really difficult not to pick up the phone or go to the office and do some e mails...as there is always so much to do...but i see this current situation as an excellent opportunity not to be missed..do something else!!!..work can wait!! In fact, when I visited the Forestry Commission Scotland's office this week to meet all the folk, I met the high heid yin for the north east and he specifically said..."now, you only have 3 days per week, don't go sneaking into the office and try to do some work"..which I thought was pretty good...so I will have to do what I am told.

So, what has been happening? I have now started my part time short term contract with Forestry Commission Scotland..this has involved support from upon high and plenty of string pulling..as the funding was meant to be paid over to another employer and then paid out as salary..ACC has in turn committed the van, phone and office logistics..which is pretty good. This to maintain continuity over the summer months and terminates in August by which time the big post should have been advertised, applied for and satisfactorily obtained by me!!! This post will be hosted by ACC but 100% externally funded..the targets we strive to achieve will be FCS and HLF so we should be cooking with gas.

The benefits are already been seen for me....I have taken on bookings from clients worked with a wee while ago and now..having been kept in the loop...they have come back to me. Bearing in mind the new focus..or same focus but more focused..if you see what I mean...to have feet on WIAT ground..i have booked them onto the sites..he he....no wet weather option!!.so we will need to get our shelters up nice and quickly!

So it looks like i will have a gap between contracts again but not as long as 3 months!!!...which is a good thing really. I tell thee, i had better get the damn job or there will be trouble..but it doesn't seem likely i won't...why would folks do all this if they didn't want me here?...keep the faith...seems to have done the trick so far.

I am trying to gee myself up to take up kick boxing as it sounds like really good exercise...plus a good way to expend any issues. The only thing is that it is on a Tuesday which is usually when i am tired after the late night show on Monday and then work on Tuesday...but perhaps this is an excuse. Anyway, it sounds good to me so we shall see...still enjoying the radio although by 11.45 pm I am a bit eager to get home!!!

Onwards and upwards!!

Tara

Life Changing Moments

Hey,

After many years I have finally managed to sew my own trousers!!!...how embarrassing but very very true!!

I can do it..not very well..but it keeps it all in..as I am sure you can imagine.

Today was the last day of my ACC contract...a bit daunting but easier to deal with as I know my FCS part time contract will start in a weeks time. Had to leave my van at Doonies along with my keys..G was kind enough to drive me to Torry then I walked in..I felt quiet excited really...freedom and possibilities...but still a bit anxious.

Walked into town in preparation for tomorrow's big walk with the walking group at Northfield parish Church..that is going to be a biggy...but fun....went into Game to see if they had an Xbox controller..mine seems to have gone missing in the numerous moves....but the guy (who seemed to be paid extra for his apathy and condescension!!) said they don't make or sell them anymore...damn..did I feel like an old fogey!!!..I could have gone and asked for a Megadrive and felt better...hey ho..so i have to try and find one now...but if one controller is all I have lost in all the moves then i don't think that is too bad.

A few beers after and 2 pizzas..yes..I know...noo need to say owt...and I have had a kip...now awake and about to watch some tv..hhhmmm...strange days.

Tara

S

All Change!!!

Hey,


I just read my last entry and it reminds me of how I was feeling at the time...all was very bleak...seriously...not just me moaning.


The reason I have not put in an entry until now was really..apart from being busy and all over the place...there were movements above me and around me that could not be confirmed until now. It all seemed to move so fast having been so..not fast...and....nothing definite...it seems to have all come good. before i talk about that, I want to talk about this...


Dad's exhibition!!!! At the age of 75 years the old fella had about 15 pieces of his art exhibited..along with 2 other exhibitions....at Lochgelly Community Art Centre...his was placed in the cafeteria area..which was nice and chilled. One of the exhibitions was a bit full on....called migraine..with photographs sliced up and re arranged into weird warped images...like..as if you had a migraine...pretty hard to get to grips with...and some pretty offensive sculptures as well.


Anyhoo, his pictures are there for a full month but there was a private showing..for him and the other exhibitors....I felt it was like him going to my graduation...I was very proud to be there for him and chat away to folk..I hired a car...drove there on Monday at midday....got there..dressed...wnet to the exhibition..back to Carnock...then drove back up here on Tuesday morning...long 2 days..but worth it. My goodness..the ladies do love Mr Bly!!..was nice to see him be himself and chat away....very smart...but the ladies were a bit familiar...bless...he was loving every minute of it...everyone was saying.."oooo, I bet you didn't know your dad had talent like this?"...and my reply was "yes I did, I have been trying to persuade him to show his bloody art!!!" I think he appreciated me being there so it was all fine. He sold 2 pictures on the 1st night...one for £185 and one for £85..which was brilliant..I don't think he wanted them priced but the lady organising did it for all of them..from what i could see from the other exhibitors..none of them had sold on the 1st night...so...get it up ye's ya bas!!!!


Apart from that, I have been working hard to complete projects before the end of the contract..so working weekends as well...and doing my tax return. The way i look at it...I could be going into a stinky gym room...why not put in the effort on some projects....have the exercise outdoors and help other folks as well...everyone is a winner...especially me!!!! so..not a case of doing too much work...just doing what I love...getting ahead..and helping folks out at the same time.


Anyhoo..so what has been happening?


Well..i took a call for the boss from the Heritage Lottery Fund...she was asking for him but I asked her if she could speak to me as I thought it was to do with the grant money...she told me it was and asked me if I wanted to know the result?...I was papping it....part of me didn't want to know but i asked her to do so...and she said it had been authorised that very morning!!!! Now, had that not come through it would have been game over...totally..so i was relieved...slept well that night...think I had been suppressing the stress all that time. So what was next?..well..we had a pre agenda meeting to get through with the same fella that turned down the previous contract extension....if this passed then we look to the resource committee proper in June the 16th. We have the council's economic planner on board and she has this fella's ear...so she worked on him..and the fact we had the full funding..50% from FCS and 50% from HLF put us in a strong position...it passed no bother..albeit grudgingly from the fella...so now we need it to pass in June..which should not be a problem as he has openly said it can be added to the agenda...although he did the same with the extension..but it is a much cleaner proposal...100% externally funded and less than 24 months..which has enhanced benefit issues attached if the 24 months are exceeded.


So now all I have to do is apply for the job..which will be to start around September... if it passes in June and then hope to be successful in that...which I should as I helped construct the HLF proposal...and the FCS wants me in the position.


What about the interim between end of contract with ACC and the start of the position due to start in September? Well...the fella from FCS I deal with had had in mind to divert the 50% which was meant to be paid to an employer to then pay a salary to pay direct as a temporary part time contract. trouble is, he needed authorisation from a very high level in Edinburgh's as it was changing the nature of the funding..Government funding...but the high heid yin in charge of the north east of Scotland...the one who came out last September and saw what i was doing and met some of my clients...was totally behind me and gently kept the topic in discussion with the Edinburgh fella...and we had word 2 days after HLF that it had been authorised. It looks like it will go through as well...and they will give me a vehicle. So..part time means less money but it means I can rest up to a certain extent...which is good as I feel I need it..be good to keep working and recharge the batteries...regroup and re focus...use the spare days for trips to other FCS people...training...with fees paid of course!! i could always do some casual work as well if it came to it..but i hope not...50% FCS is slightly over 50% for the salary..so should be 3 days a week really..which is fine.

So..hopefully...i should be working for FCS between June and August/September/whenever...then move back to ACC to continue the same job i have been doing...except in a different uniform...then we start to look for other sustainable funding.

As you can tell from my last post..I was pretty down..and I don't think i was out of order to be...it was quite bleak...but then you can change from looking to tie things up and leave to planning ahead again..but with caution until it is all sorted...weird really...and not entirely pleasant....kinda...wanting to feel relieved at it being sorted but then not too happy as it may be pulled away from you with no notice...hey ho...keep the faith.

The most flattering thing has been the support from my clients...letters and e mails to those in charge....management moving to support and resolve any issues...all very flattering indeed...just shows I am doing the job right..I hope!!!

So...there you go...all change and all for the better.

See what the next few weeks bring.

Tara for now.

On The Move Again!!!

Well,

They made their decision...they decided not to authorise the extension of the fully paid contract. As the business proposal was linked (simply by mentioning it) to the HLF funding the Convener dismissed it out of hand. Apparently, my boss was there for 4 hours waiting for the item to come up...the guy simply said he wasn't happy with it and did not want to authorise is...was there any questions?...there was none...bosh....done in an instant.

Now I have to wrap matters up here...try not to become upset when folk tell me how upset they are and get on with it. So..now i have to think about moving all over again...the packing, moving and unpacking...the job applications...the room hunting....the changing of broadband (I don't think I will be able to do this and have to take the hit for ending the contract early this time)..all of that...change of addressess...damn...I can't be bothered to think about it.

But I have to.

Called dad to ask him to send me my back up memory stick as it had all my applications from a few years back..not for here obviously...as that was lost when the previous stick was wiped through the Council PC..it arrived the next day and I have had to use it already. Went in to work yesterday...got to do it as big Projects need to be completed and I do not have much time...and looked on websites for all the Council's....finally checked the job centre and, as previously happened, there was a job on there that wasn't on the countryside jobs website...hussah....switched to the Council website (kicked myself for not checking before) and then noticed it said midnight on the 10th of May was the cut off date...looked at the time...1 pm....left the office and came back here...started at 3.30 pm and finished at 10.30 pm...got it done and submitted in time....had to really start from scratch as it was a web format and asking some specific questions. This is for maternity cover back in Perthshire..we shall see.

Anyway, we shall see what happens. Not the best though.

Tara

SB

Day Of Reckoning

That's right, the day of reckoning for the extension to my contract is next Tuesday!!!! It would seem the CSO are coming up with the goods with regards to pat funding the extension of the post...which is good..a surprising call from Mr T regarding this..perhaps more to settle my nerves than anything else...but at least we know the money is on the way...hopefully.

BUT

Tuesday is the Committee day when they will decide too pass the extension AND whether it can go past July..which they have raised a question about in the pre Committee meeting meeting...damn..no wonder Aberdeen Council is in a state!! so, no point in worrying about it because I can do nowt to sway it either way.

In addition, the HLF funding application is still in the pipeline and we are set to go to Committee for the "new" post in June. If HLF comes back good then we go to Committee...if not...then I have no idea what I am going to do!!!

So, I just carry on with the job...I thought my last entry was an age ago but i see it was only a fortnight..so much has happened in that time..it is crazy.

This last week has been the most hectic of all...presentation to psychiatric doctors and nurses at Cornhill as our client has been discharged into highly supported accommodation (well done big fella!!!)..this was so nerve wracking i tell thee..i turned up a few mins late and ended up at the back of a long, narrow room filled with these professionals..had to walk to the front to chat...damn....really nervous..but i just came out and said it was because I wanted to right by him as he had done for us...that settled me...but it seemed that these professionals wanted to 2focus on medicine as the key to a cure/progression and NOT the normality of the situations he found himself in with the ranger service or the relationships he developed outwith an institution OR the fact that i did not simply take him out to do menial work but worked on the threads initiated by the staff..hey ho...although one did ask if I worked in the Shire and ants me to contact her...which I did...would be good to have 2 clients having worked through....then they couldn't poo poo me!!!

Prison!!!..my word...i was really nervous going in there to deliver the Bridges Project proper...again..wanted to get it right...this could have a major impact on their lives...plus becoming acclimatised to Prison regime and the workings. Everyone seemed happy with it but itching to get outside (as in...the exercise yard) and get stuck into the manual work..shelters and all of that..but that is next week. we have a conundrum..these guys like to have a coffee at the start as they are locked up a lot and it is a process of "normalisation"..which i understand and want to give them the space..but next week I will have a van full of kit..which can't be left alone in the yard for obvious reasons...the other option is to wait outside and set up while they have their coffee...but I am not allowed to be there on my own...again, understandable..so what to do...ah well...we shall see. This is a pilot so we shall use to iron things out. as for the participants..i know they are in there for some pretty bad crimes but they treat me with respect (I am under no illusion they have not been told by staff what the deal is!!) and I get on fine with them..obviously i do need to be robust in my approach just like with any of my other clients..but no different...some of them even asked for homework! Looking forward to next week.

Yesterday was back to physical work...great...log moving.....corrugated iron dragging and loading...and planter pick up/drop off'ing. sweaty but good.

Now...I have my Bank Holiday an i am not going to o any work..a walk..?...gym?...a bit of both i think. Maybe do some risk assessments on Monday as it is going to rain but..apart from that...nowt.

I have decided not to look further into getting a dog..my life is too fluid to be fair to an animal....it would end up being stuck in the van for a lot of the time..contrary to popular conceptions regarding a countryside ranger..but i guess I am not really am I?..more of an urban ranger..in the crib!!!

Radio work continues apace..Wednesday's Ranger show is going fine..trying to have more guests on the show to have a different voice. The Monday show is going fine as well..I seem to be becoming used to staying up late and working on the Tuesday with the usual 6 hours sleep...I think I do prefer live than pre recorded...feel the pressure for the tunes...heartland was different..it was every fortnight...this is every week. check me out on shmu.org.uk..then go to radio...the Monday....Mr B's Beat ox..click on "listen to previous show2..and off you go....or listen live between 10 pm and midnight (GMT)...beware..language may offend!!!!...OR..go to Wednesday...Around With A Ranger..and do the same...so...3 hours per week on a radio station broadcasting to Aberdeen and the world...hussah!!!!

Thing is, music has been a constant throughout so many fluctuating situations and is part of me...I love it and I love playing it...yay!!!

Right..I am off for the noo.

Tara

Happy Easter

Hey there,

Matters are as hectic as always...off to the jail tomorrow as well....just for the day though, thank goodness..well...I got another one on Wednesday. We are presenting to some prisoners to entice them onto some courses...one of which is the John Muir Award which I am running. I have been in there before just to overcome the initial "oh my goodness!!!..I am in jail!!!" feeling. On the one hand I am looking forward to it as it is a pioneering Project but I also feel quite claustrophobic...I guess everyone thinks it is only the prisoners that are incarcerated...and this is true as they can't leave..but I felt hemmed in as well..the guards can only work in one section at a time and need to wait for relief before they can move on...and they seem to work in two's at the most...the light is all artificial and low as well...we went onto the pre wing wing where new inmates are housed before introduction to the main wing..we were shown the suicide room and a normal room...man..they were tiny...but then they are there as punishment. i saw 2 guards in their office outside this big door to the main wing...they looked minuscule in comparison to their surroundings...but then i am sure they have a response squad as well. Why would anyone mess about anyway...they are all on short term sentences...why spoil it?

Anyhoo..this is just one of the projects i have on the go...and can, indeed, move forward with any confidence due to funding (more later). I..or should I say...we are proud to confirm the client from the psychiatric hospital has progressed so much over the past year that he has applied for and won (against 6 others) a place in supported housing. This has been put down, in part, to my intervention and involvement with the client and the one to one work we have done. I find it hard to accept the praise and highlight the fact the client drove the initiative and kept going...although part of the success was my relationship management and chivvying along withing a supportive infrastructure..so it is all good and I am very proud of his achievement...now we move on to more challenges..with more freedom comes more opportunities for crises..but then..I think we would all rather have that than no discharge at all. More to the point though, I have been asked by the leading psychologist to present..alongside the client..to doctors and nursing staff in the hospital...woop woop....so that is next week and I will have to pre record another Wednesday show for that..just like I did for this Wednesday's show.

Oh, I could go on and one about all the other stuff...crazy when I think back to Aviva..wondering how the current situation has been affecting them...and how I set out on this road to work in the countryside..and indeed did do for a while..would I have It any other way?...nae chance ken.

Anyhoo...managed to get everyone around the table..literally...to discuss what is needed from whom..in terms of agreements, etc. Everyone knows what is expected of them but, as usual, Mr Criminal Justice system has been aloof and off on hols....but we are all moving on trusting him..he better not feck it up.

So, we have extended the contract until May..the full extension goes to Committee in May..if that goes well we will extend the current contract until the end of August. You never had to submit a business plan for contract extensions...just come up with the dosh...apparently this has changed.

In the meantime..the Heritage Lottery Fund application was sent last week..we should receive a response from them by June...just in time for the Committee hearing for the new post..if we don't get the funding then the job will terminate in August and that will be that..if we do get the funding and the Committee hearing goes well...management will carry out a "recruitment exercise" which will hopefully end up with me in post ASAP. It is likely that this will be after August so will need to look for an interim job..hey ho. Thing is...the HLF was supposed to be for 2 years but we can't go past FCS funding...so it will only be until March 2011...1 and a half years...so pressure is on immediately to look for more funding!!!! Bu hey...you gotta be in it to win it!!!

Everything else is going fine and dandy...me and the missus are still together...yes...I can't believe it either..but we work well together and enjoy each others company. I spend a few nights here at the hoose and the rest over there in the suburbs...a lot less than before though as this was a contributory factor...no time on my own and too much running about. Good to see the landlady now and again as well...you know. Just seen some of the pics the missus took when in Fife...gonna try and get one of them and upload...it is a cracker...Castle Campbell at Dollar.

She is losing weight while I am not..the cheeky mare....need to do something about that pronto!!!

Got my tax return to do as well...not looking forward to my Capital Gains tax...hopefully the high valuation on the mortgage papers and relatively low selling price will mean a low tax demand...otherwise it will use up the money for the replacement of my boiler in Glasgow...and I still have to find out if the fella is going to stay or go....especially due to the jiggery pokery from Scottish Gas...gits!!!..having said that they are refunding one charge of £164 and discounted the standing order....still do not trust them though.

Next month sees me taking 2 days off and hiring a car overnight to go to Fife and take dad to his gallery showing. I am so proud of him...he is showing a set of his paintings in a community arts centre in Lochgelly and there is a private viewing for artistes...so I am going down to give him a lift and see how things go. I think I will have to look out my suit as well...crivens...but I am looking forward to it.

Tara for now.

Progress!!!!!

..except my keyboard is packing in.....my shift key is obviously knackered from msn use!!!!!

Anyway..keep this short as off to the missus'...had a lovely weekend down at dads with her and the hire car...went to Gullane and Haddington on Saturday...revisiting the old haunts..weather was a lot better than we had expected..and we walked a total of 8.5 miles..and the missus managed to buy a nice bracelet thing..while I got savlon for my knackered finger..which is healing fine now as well.

But I got a stinker of a cold..not man flu..never succumb to that...just sore throat and all snotty..lovely!!!!

Job wise is a bit better....although the Heritage Lottery Fund seems to be becoming more complicated...I think there is a lot more work to be done there before they accept it....which is surprising the pre application seemed to go with no problems...never mind.

So...we were looking at a bridging fund and I managed to sell the idea to both CSO and FCS...and they both bought it...then I had to get CSO chappy to the table with FCS..which took a few weeks (tick tock tick tock!!!!)...I had to remain calm and chivvy along while not seeming to put pressure on him...then they met and all was fine...until my boss comes up with..."it will need a business plan passed by Committee which won't be until May"...rubbish..that's not what I said but he got the picture after a few mins...I have worked in a good number of Ranger jobs and money appears so they simply extend the contract by issuing an instruction to HR..really surprised me the way he didn't seem to be aware of that and referred up...which was referred back to him....at which point he contacted HR/Staffing..by e mail...we had a final WIAT Forum day whereupon FCS chap and I cornered him and explained/introduced the concept that e mail is fine when you have the time but not when you don't...telephone call is the way to do it.

So...again...it was my role to chivvy, remember and remind to call this that and the other...the upshot being an extension of 1 month has been issued....this serves the purpose to illustrate it CAN be done..it illustrates how it can be done for future use...it will illustrate how the money comes in from CSO/FCS until our major funding stream kicks in..now we need to collar CSO chappy to front up the money for April...discuss how far he can bridge fund..and other possibilities...so we are still in the game and fighting on all fronts!!!!

One more permutation...it is possible...irrespective of CSO/FCS funding...I can only extend to 24 months....having been on contract for 20 months already...due to Council policy...after 24 months they have to redeploy you NOT simply punt you out....I am going to get round that by signing something saying i am not interested...as the big funding stream will mean a new post..so this one will become redundant.

All this on top of jobs and property stuff!!!!...and I am now doing my weekly Monday night slots on SHMU...10 pm to midnight..all the fun of the fair.

Well, life would be boring if this wasn't the case.

Tara for now.

SB

Here we go

Right...I am sitting here with a broken down heating system but with a gas fire on to keep my tootsies warm!!!

Today, I have a planting activity....and I have no gardening experience at all..hey ho..hopefully the "over 50" group will give me advice...having freecycled and obtained kilos of compost..pots...and bulbs...and I was given a small budget to buy some seeds...so..that is it...possibly not enough pots BUT I wld rather not buy too many..cost the Project..and then not use..so...we shall see.

So..the job....and it has moved on from the last post.

Forestry Commission Scotland agreed last year to 50% funding for 2 years. So..we were looking for the other 50% and went for the HLF fund....well...the legal department sat on it for 2 months and only signed/released the application form at the end of January..so...it takes 10 weeks to have a decision made...so we won't know until the end of March and then we have advertising for the post...interviews..selelction (hopeful me!!!!) then the HR procedure until a contract issued. This takes us into late May/early June!!!!

What to do in the meantime...assuming I am successful in the selection process...?

Well..I am being factored into adult learning....offenders literacy...projects which start in April..in fact, I visited the prison on Tuesday..what an experience but an essential one...they want me on board...the Community Service Order manager wants me on board to use the ranger service as a training organisation through the work we do..on a long term basis...which could bring us in some money as well...BUT....I made them aware..having put the whole scheme together!!!!...they cannot do either (the guy involved in adult learning knows the guy from CSO who knows the guy from the offenders project who knows...etc) unless I am in post...soooooooooooo....I have put it to the CSO guy that he needs to calculate the amount he could put up for a "bridging fund"..then the FCS guy..who I approached as well....would put another sum of money on the table...put together a project..not a contact....this money is funnelled through a social work payroll...I do the project which has no timescale although we do need to ensure there is enough funds for a few months at least..to see me to the start of the mainstream funds...I undergo social work training/prison induction, etc whilst through the social work...still maintain the community work..but more slanted towards the criminal justice system/adult literacy for the duration of the project...THEN..once I am back in post with 50% HLF/50% FCS BUT taking on CSO for one day a week..the remainder of my time will be split as it is now...community work and John Muir Award/adult literacy...phew....

The main issue here is that the role continues..in some form....until the main funding is in place....continuity is key here..and what is flattering is that all parties concerned are wanting me in place to deliver the sessions/projects.

The beauty of the bridging funding...for the project is that I am not tied into a contract...if the funding does come in quickly we can wrap up the project and switch straight over...or...we can see it through...take the training and then plan out the new role and hit the ground running.

Now...my line manager and I have been working hard on all sorts of application forms and I appreciate that very much BUT it is me who cogitated, ruminated and then networked like a dog...meetings...review meetings...selling the idea/solutions/possibilities...all the while the other stuff was going on..as stated in the previous post...so now I hope you can see how much pressure I was..and am to a certain extent...under....man....it was intense..so the last thing you want to do is talk about it after living it 24/7!!!

Anyway..I have done all I can and it is now out of my hands. I now have word that CSO and FCS are meeting next week..cutting it pretty fine if you ask me...but it may all work out.

Steady as she goes!!

Tara

He he!!!

Well,

I had an e mail from my aunt...a gentle reminder.....to update my blog....well..we all need a kick up the ass now and again!!..thanks...he he...here I am again!!

I read the last brief entry and I can see it was a bit negative..and..to be honest..it wasn't a really good time at all...you know when you are trying to deal with a lot of things and you think about it all the time..and then try to resolve all the time..the last thing you really want to do is write about it!!!...you kinda need a break...ken?

However..and after the aforementioned prompt...I shall try to break things down into the relevant headings!!!!

Relationships

At the time of the last entry it had all gone Pete Tong and come crashing down and was all very upsetting. what was the most upsetting was my life was really half empty without this person..but I couldn't do anything about it...didn't want to get hurt again...but I knew I had a lot to do with it as well...and said so in a long long letter...which was pretty good for me..rather than shutting off...i wanted this person to know how I felt and that she was not all to blame..which I knew she would think unless I told her....so...after a few weeks she suggested we go for a walk..which we did....turmoil all around...in the end we ended up in my van..both in tears and saying how rubbish it was without each other..so...we said we would see how we would get on again...cept I am running about less..and having "me" time...or should that be "M.E" time?...and getting on with work and stuff with less stress and pressure.

So...we shall see...BUT..it isn't simply a case of..hey ho...let's try again....much more than that..if it doesn't work here then I can't see me working with anyone else..so there!!!!

And..she is a damn fine cook!!!..ha ha!!!!

Properties

Well...Glasgow has been a nightmare..I took out insurance for the boiler and then the engineer went out to check the system...I received a "fail" certificate but only found out 7 days after..by the Letting Agent bollocking me off...that the geezer had shut the system down and walked away..anyway...there then ensued phone calls left right and center trying to find out what to do..then order visits...pay for them....have another visit stating something else needed done that was not quoted before...and cost me as well!!!...all the time this tenant was without heat and hot water....during a really harsh winter on the top floor of a block of flats...damn...if he moved out that would put me in a financial tight spot..worry worry...if he moved into a hotel..which he could have done...I would have had to pay for that...worry worry...call centres giving different answers to the same question...letting agents giving me grief....eventually...the policy was reinstated..the system up and running..and then they asked if they wanted another engineer to go out...no thank you very much was the answer!!!!

The policy was taken out to ensure the tenant was inconvenienced to a minimum...the letting agent was kept happy...and I was stress free...rubbish...never happened!!! However..now the policy is up and running...any break downs and the engineer should be out within 24 hours..and any parts should be free...I am in the process of putting together a complaints letter though..as the service was appalling..from a number of different sections of Scottish Gas...I have also received a final demand letter for an invoice I paid 2 days after receipt..cheeky buggers!!!!

Now I need to obtain quotes to replace the system..but that can wait until June or July...if I have a job of course..worry worry...money with no job...job with no money?..always looking ahead....stress stress!!!

Now for Perth...not too much but there has been a few repairs..bathroom looks good after the painter treated the ceiling...which was a state after the previous fan system didn't draw away the steam from the shower...pics are good as they show new ceiling and extraction system...the tenants had asked to paint the kitchen..which is a good sign as it indicates they are "making it theirs" and should stay a while...they moved in a few years before the massive influx of Polish...so..they are serious and not following a trend. Then the oven went...had an element replaced..then the electrician came back and said it was bigger than that...wiring was wrong...control panel goosed...so...I suggested quotes for replacing the hob/fan/oven..as it looks really bad...they sent me a pic of it..very old..especially after the tenants had painted the kitchen...so...that is going to cost me BUT will be worth it if it helps keep them there and increases the value of the property...relatively..of course..in this market. However, once this is done I can't see anything else to replace..touch wood...as I have done most of it anyway!!!

Edinburgh...well...I went down there last week to see my old Uni chum...Donna..and her fella...and..as it turned out...to see Scotland destroyed by Wales!!...was supposed to arrange to change mortgage but..come Monday am...had a few messages from my IFA from his home...called him at the office as the appointment was not until 2 pm...he says..."thought I would call you to save you a journey down"...he he...I told him I was coming down anyway so not to worry..such is the state of the economy now he has advised...and I thought this before as well...to let it change to variable as the interest rate is so low that..even with the added percentage..it is still a better deal than any product on the market now...so...as long as the interest rate stays the same...we sit tight...easy...and I had a really nice time down by..walking all over the place..down many memory lanes!!!

One last thing..to give you an idea of the pressure I was under....looking ahead to no job..and having to replace the boiler system in Glasgow....and being hit with Capital gains Tax from the other Perth sale....I received a tax assessment from last tax year..stating I owed them £1,680.00!!!..great!!!!..so I wrote to them and asked them to change the code so I could have it deducted over 2 years from any salary..this would cancel out any jobseekers allowance I may receive..so..poverty!!!!...they then wrote to me and matter of factly stated they had made a mistake...they had put in £181.00 had been paid by Aberdeen City in tax..BY BLOODY MISTAKE!!!!!..instead of £1,810.00..so I now owed them £2.67..bloody hell!!! It all ended well but..as Joyce said..my land lady...that could have tipped someone over the edge.

To be honest...it is small change for me considering I have paid out over 14K in reparatory work this tax year...so..I was pretty numb to it...but...the buggers eh?!!!

I think I will leave the Job stuff to another time after all of that.

The Rest

How are things here?...well...apart from the land lady's pretty low hygiene standards..pretty good...I got the place to myself now for 2 weeks as she is off to Turkey to stay with her fella..hussah!!!! So...after my Sunday event...pine cone bird feeders and glittery butterflies...I set to the bathroom and kitchen with cream cleaner and brillo pads...better now...although I have no sponges left to clean the dishes...the dishes she left for 3 days!!!...and no liquid to mop the floor with...but that will be done on Wednesday. At least the cooker is clean...not the grill..not even looking there!!!!...and the bathroom is nice as well..something will have to be said when she comes back..ime her bloody lodger not cleaner!!

So, we have tree planting this Saturday...then the following as we had to cancel last weeks due to the bad weather. had it just been snow on the ground that would have been fine as the snow insulates the ground and makes it easy to dig..BUT..there was heavy snow and driving conditions were pretty bad...not good for Jo Public..so...2 weekends back to back and then digging a bog..hussah..although I will try and get out of that and burn something.

Life in the inner city continues to be interesting...next door neighbour to the right..their son..a ruffian..had an argument with a pal..in front of our house..the pal walked off and smashed the neighbours..to the left..car window...just like that..could have been mine and then I would have been in trouble!!! Anyhoo..all settled down now.

So..just the job to talk about,...and I can do that another time...if not tomorrow afternoon...Wednesday evening...promise Aunty C!!!!!!!

Tara

nae news is bad news

Hey there,

Bee a while since I posted...this is because all sorts of fairly unpleasant things have been happening...boilers, bust ups, job crap...everything you can think of....so not been the best. I am not going to go on about it as it will all just be grumbling.

Will post at the end of the week when I have the weekend off ad..hopefully..I have good news.

Tara

S