Nice

Well,

Back from the big family day...bigger than anyone expected I think...C's dad's partner's son brought his girlfriend and her brother..so an extra 3 mouths to feed...lots of mouths...but nice too...plenty of food..all were fed...I am still full...turned down some chocolate just now as well...just shows you.

I have received a lot of stuff...more than I ever expected.....really nice....nice day here and there and back here again..chilling...and time with C tomorrow after we drop the kids off at their dads.

I look back to the past year and see so much has happened...so many ups and downs and revelations and work to do and happiness and sadness and travelling and seeing folks...what a lucky life I have...shall next year be the same or more steady?..steady I hope as there has been a lot of things worked through, discussed, dissected and resolved plus work changes after the 2 years so hopefully that will be another element of stability.

All good.

Tara

Merry Christmas

It is now 10.40 am and all is quiet..or should I say...the noise has moved upstairs....up at 5.30 am this morning and putting out stockings....pressies opened up an hour later...paper put away though...but all sorts of goodies lying about...Pink playing upstairs and the kids playing WWF 2011...C down here looking at the new lap top (ids decidedly unexcited about it...the bams!!!)..I am on mine and doing this....Ry Davies on the hi fi down here....all very nice but strange as well....first ever Christmas where I am the parental figure...seems fine...but have already napped a few times..now planning the expedition to C's dad's (11 people for lunch!!!!) and then back here...in the evening...so lots of people and chat....see how that goes...but I am NOT playing charades....Boxing Day sees us taking the kids to their dad's at 11 am to be returned on Monday at 11 am....a day to ourselves..champagne chilled and ready to go....Stella ready to go...and all sorts of other boozy stuff as well...all very nice though.

Checked my bank accounts and looking good for the December 2011 target of £10K...probably more than that if I am honest..although the Perth property requires some repair the other property owners have not fronted up money for.....so I will have to pay the £2.5K and then take them to court to recoup the money...hey ho...I have it and will spend it but I will be damned if I don't get that money back...disappointed but it has to be done....a reminder letter first though...ok...better go and get ready for the ff.

Merry Christmas to one and all!!

Tara.

And Another..

of me!!!!

BBBRRRRRRR

This is what someone had made ina one of the Council's public parks...ace isn't it. My colleague Ruth went inside but i didn't dare. imagine if it was me that was responsible for knocking it down....have to leave town!!!

Damn This Snow

...damn and blast it to hell...to a melting watery grave!!!

An interesting point here...for me that is...my Friday bunch of ne'er do wells have taught me skills in getting out of snow and mud...using techniques they learned and developed whilst nicking vehicles!!!...I have to laugh..had they not shown me...to get us out of being stuck due to my crap driving...I would not know how to!!

I must also admit to having a mischievous grin on my face when I try a wee skid or doughnut!!!...damn those boys have taught me well!!!

Seriously though...this snow is intense...I am back here at my second (single) home and the snow is coming down...came back tonight expecting my audition to go ahead tonight but it has been rescheduled until next week..hurrah and boo...not sure if i will get out tomorrow but if not i have my lap top here to do ALL my office admin work...but do not wish to miss my show on SHMU or miss working with Alec..but hey..I am not going to crash to prove a point..and there is a pub here!!!

Well, C and I drove south last year a few weeks into December and the snow was awful...vowed never to do it again..so....after the jail project finished a few weeks earlier than last year...i left (on my own this time) for Strathyre...lovely time with Steve, Jill and the rest...then over to Edinburgh to meet the Godmother...then back up to Aberdeen..just as the snow came in...and from that point on it has been white white white..now it is a bit boring...but as stated above...i seem to have developed the skills to get around.

That was a good day but a hard day's driving...Strathyre to Edinburgh..major leg ache...then Edinburgh to Aberdeen...a lot of miles and a lot of metal on the cd!!..but it was nice...when i was a seasonal at Loch Lomond...a full time ranger said to me...enjoy it while you can before you get settled...i wouldn't go that far..but I do miss the movement...the unexpectedness of it all..the feeling of movement and cramming as many experiences into a short space of time...seeing places and people all at the once...love it...and I had a lovely time.

Now back and working..although had to cancel tree planting with a nursery group tomorrow..the snow is approximately as deep as the nursery group...and I can't find my saplings stored at the office in the snow!!!...which is nice.

Matters are a wee bit more formalised and positive than the last time I was in the position of the contract ending....too much to mention...all that is to say...if they extend past March 2011 then i am in for over 24 months and they must source funding or provide themselves if not....woop woop!!!

Jail project finished last week and I was very proud to be there and present their John Muir Awards...a very focused 2 groups I must say...although some young bucks were fecking about on the day..and i suspect a large amount of heavy petting was a way of passing material back into the jail...eve though they knew they would be strip searched after they left the room...I hope they did not as it would result in extra months..we shall see....be back in to finish the composter and then both that and the planter are to go to a nursery ASAP..if we can get through the snow that is.

Family life continues apace and all seems to be going well..as well as it can with an 11 and 13 year old...we shall see..I spend more time there than I do here...which is why i am moving out.....or in...depending on how you look at it...as i am moving to town...a nice part..where the rent is significantly less than here..which will help me save for a deposit for a property in Aberdeen....this time next year...we shall see....but it makes sense to pay less for not being somewhere most of the time.

All good though.

Tara for now.

Bleaurghhhhh

..look at the time...ready to go..well..almost...another day in the jail...weather seems to be holding so should be able to work outside..hurrah!!....well..I mean outside on the inside if you see what I mean...up earlier tomorrow...need to be at the bus stop for 6.45am in order to get to Aberdeen by 8...very very important meeting with the CS..all to do with funding..critical for moving on....then off to pick up the hire car..hurrah!!

anyhoo..better gan awa.

Tara

Just to be fair...

...here are both L and C's pumpkins!!!

Bless em, they told us there would be guisers and there was!!

Long Road Indeed

Well,

How are things going with one and all?

For me, it seems like a distinct new road in my life but with the same person as before...oh...and 2 kids and a Bengal cat (me no likey!!). As always, i do have a high propensity for messing things up but there does seem to be a significant change in awareness both for me and C as to how we are as individuals and as a couple.

A new approach with the children and different "visiting times" when I am more relaxed and fresh seem to be working this time. Now...prepare yourself...last weekend...I shared a joke with teenage quine!!!!!..unbelievable!!! we shall see how that goes but looking good and a sound base to move forward on. Instead of the git that came i and barked at them to do this and that and therefore should be hated, etc...I am just another loon on the block and subject to the mood swings of a teenager...all fairly normal and not specific to me. In fact, it is more C that loses her temper....he he.

As for C..she has progressed so much since i met her. It is now C, not me, that is moving matters on with her ex idiot (not that I class masel as the current idiot!) and applied to the child support agency as he has not really paid any money..this was a tense time but C was amazing..she is the one that is pushing, I am simply supporting. Apparently it is all her fault and blah blah blah..I was on the phone to dad last nite and we were chatting about it...quite rightly..he recalled when mum left..he didn't even flinch when money came into it...this was sorted out straight away and with no quibble..."he has an obligation to look after his children"...a proper man, indeed.

And me?..well...I have been seeing someone in an attempt to unlock memories and emotions in order to be a better person for masel and for my partner/kids. It has been and will continue to be a difficult process but one that is paying dividends on all fronts.

As for work....here we go again...funding and the resource committee..we have funding for 2 days on the table from SURF...and we currently have 1 from Community Service Order..we are hoping to increase this to 2 days which will actually fund for 3 days of my post....clear?..he he..CSO are havering but i think that is because they are not keen in dealing with Ian..so I have a meeting with them on Friday am prior to my boys going out and about...i need to clinch it there and then and have the wheels in motion..no pressure then. Once this has all been confirmed we then move to the process of having the resource committee authorising it...in this day of cuts and the like...a fully externally funded post which brings in all sorts of benefits should go through.,....but this committee are not the best or common sense!!! We shall see what happens. The SURF (Sustainable URban Fringe development) looks interesting..a move away from my usual activities while still retaining some...lots more meet and greets and then some liaising with land owners and contractors..interesting and a bit higher level than before.

Outside work, I have a family life...can you believe it....and also trying out for a barbershop chorus..although I seem to find it difficult to find the time to learn my words or listen/sing to my cd's...only seem to manage 45 mins before my Sunday show...in the studio...hhhmmm...my voice is not going to make it i think..but I will try and see how it goes...you can but try...it is fun and the guys are nice as well..very supportive.

Hey ho...off to work I go.

Tara.

Still Here

Hey there,

Just to say I am still here and still working away.

The past few months have been full of ups and downs and revelations and consideration of the past and how it affects the present and all sorts of oher things.

One of these is a seismic shift in understanding what family is about and the very ones who accepted me as family were the ones I thought were rejecting me now. C and I have had some major talks and listening sessions and felt that there was a way forward (taking into account previously mentioned) and we also put it to the children what they wanted to happen.

The result being we are together again but almost different if you see what I mean. new approaches from both of us and different periods of time per week spent with the family. It seems to be working...and we are working on it...so fingers crossed.

Right, better go and get ready for the jail..working outside on the inside on a day like this is not good..how to motivate my con participants it is all good fun?...bbbbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Tara
SB

Freedom and the Pain

Well,

This is possibly the most difficult post i have ever done. C and I have finished today. After a year of ups, downs, challenges and joy it has finally broke down.

The significant event was fuelled by extreme fatigue and lack of control. No excuses just explanations...did not behave as I should have really...and that I will always be sorry for. However, there were always the same issues in the back ground and it seemed doomed from then on.

I think it is difficult for anyone who does not suffer from ME or CFS to understand how bone deep the fatigue goes, it grinds away at your life force, it depresses you, it makes every movement a trial. It makes you world go grey. I have to admit, I was responsible for this lack of responsible behaviour to look after myself. However, I thought it was what was needed (over compensating?) to make things right. Working through illness and fatigue to make things happen and only making it worse. When I tried to explain this I was told i was wallowing in self pity..for all those CFS/ME sufferers, have you heard this before? I guess she was angry and I can't blame her for that. Maybe one day she shall know what it is like..I hope not.

As I say, my behaviour was not really acceptable and an over reaction to being pinged right in the nose wrought havoc and an end to our relationship. This was in no way her fault but mine. I would say that with fatigue comes a reduction in control measures but that doesn't really say it all.

Working hard for me...working hard on properties (sometimes I wonder of it all worth it to be honest) and paying money out left right and centre...working hard for her and the family...constant feeling of being disliked by he kids...who can blame them really...hard for them but the right thing for her to do..all pants really.

I know it can't work but I miss the texts from my pal...the person I spent the last 12 months working with, laughing with and crying with. Hard to look at the pics from those times as I remember the feelings at that time.

I am sure the pain will pass in time and I hope it does for her to. Plenty for me to think about moving on but right now it just isn't fun...and on my birthday as well..good timing Mr Bly...stop looking at the phone...there will be no more texts!!!...but I wish there would be...but I know it is best there isn't...but i wish there was....bother....what a bag of pants!!!!

Tara

Winter Approaches

Hey hey,

Just noticed it has been a long time since my last post. As usual, I have been pretty busy with work..yes....had to do some weekend work over he past month but it has stopped now...family lie as well..with all its trials and tribulations.

When I have not been work working I have been garen working...blimey.....the front garden is now finished..it took me and Jimmer a full 2 days to strip it back to the way C wanted it and then another day of frantic driving about (surreptitious tipper truck tipping during the week)..shovelling on and shovelling off...with wood chip to complete..plus a bit of painting as well. All done and all happy it would seem. also, the problem with the kids running through the front has been resolved..the work done to the low fencing and garden gives the place a more "looked after" vibe.

Another factor is that the tree squad...when i was trying to sneak in with a tipper of wood chip....came along and trimmed the lower branches of the trees at the back...we were worried the kids would think that was down to us..which I think it may have been...but there has been no trouble.

The search for funding has started again..actually...we have been trying to chivvy along the relevant parties for a while now...so we shall see what happens....2 days CSO....plus the remainder coming from SURF fund...whatever that is...will change where I focus my work on but hopefully not too much as my main work is in the north anyway. SURF have a lot of unallocated funds and are looking for projects to spend it on...so here's hoping.

I am about to leave for Forest School in Powys. These kids are never dressed appropriately and we have been lucky so far but I think it is about to run out. Cold, dark, windy and wet is the order of the day and I have a stinking cold..poo.

Well....i know it has been a short entry but I got to go.

tara.

How do I get past them?...

Found this main pic on my USB...when I was at LLTNP on the West Highland Way..bloody blog cuts it all off really....remember the scene with Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny when BB managed to trick YS into a room of lions and he had to tip toe through?...well..I had to do that with a bunch of very large (when up close) coos....wading softly through ice, snow, water and slurry....great fun!!!! Ah..those were the days!!

Well, what has been happening?...a journey for me.....both physically and emotionally..a new phase begins I think...demons put to rest...well..some of them...and a more focused approach on the future. I ended up back at the Edinburgh on the second week of my annual leave...really to walk around and take it all in BUT I found my flat to be in a poor state....and still having folk view it as well!!!...the guy has moved out (and still paying) but the chaps at LJ's were still viewing the flat with TV cables all over the shop..stains on the sofa...ripped sofa....old bed clothes on the bed....cooker still wasted after cleaning....new heaters looking tardy...all contributing to a general feeling of not being looked after...no wonder there was no takers...anyway....kicked them up the back side and need to chase (tomorrow I think!!)..and broke up a large table and set of chairs...he he....midnight placement in the local bins!!!

And that cheeky bugger still leaving his motor bike in my space....retribution will be mine and served swift ya bam!!!!!!

I also went walk abouts all over Edinburgh...went out to Portobello to look at a "live" exhibition...which the bloody blog seems to have put up there!!!..anyway....puggy machines with batteries...to make the lights work...on a beach...looking like those NZ monoliths on Easter Island....was crazy to see but rally good...started to think what they have been through to finally end up here.....who signed the safety forms on the back?...who had been beaten up against?..who had made love against?...all that.....was really good to see...bu not as much as it could have been...my love and life was not there!!!

Edinburgh has changed so much..really...all for the good I think as well...was good to see it but sad as I had no place there...my place...it was obvious....was back in Aberdeen...who would have thought it!!!!

So I came back on a much more pleasant journey than on the way down in more ways than one..spent the weekend with C and the kid...wen north to Macduff and sea world..was great...to get out of Aberdeen...to see the fishies...and to spend time with the missus and the kids...great.

Work continues apace but this term I am trying to manage it so I do not over work maself..and so far it has worked...Forest School then Bridges....and not a lot in between..although I suspect there will be a lot of NHS work to do since the Graphics guy had his butt booted..well..i think he did anyway.

At the weekend I try and make sure time is spent with the missus and the kids if they are around..it makes going to the studio a bit difficult for me as I want to stay but, just as C is a major part of my life, so is music and the show...up to 4 hours now....2 on a Sunday....1 on a Wednesday which is repeated on Monday now...hurrah!!!! I love it, and it is good for me.

I am also going to the sauna and steam room at least once a week...2 meditate and medicate. My knees have always given me gip since volunteering and having a few accidents...but my back is killing me.....i searched on the internet and it seems all those who had the same operation as me on my back suffer the same...well..actually..they seem worse....really bad...."flat back" and pain all the time...I think all my aches are connected but also that I am lucky the size of the rod is such...and the op was so big.....that I don't have the hunch and am "propped up" anyway....the deep heat helps recuperation and circulation. From what I have read, the reversal op is not an option...recovery time would mean my career is over...and there is no guarantee of success...waking...heat...and losing weight seems to be the key. Quite a thing...to realise that the ache you always thought/hoped had nothing to do with the surgery was indeed a result of it and thousands of people around the world are suffering the same/worse than you...inescapable...at first depressing but not now..keep doing what I am doing and see how it goes.

One of the things I did when in Edinburgh was to travel to the hospital but I should have known it was never going to be there..it looked half shut the last time i was driving by.....and the new Infirmary had been operational for a few years. It had all been developed into some nice houses and some strange looking apartments....I could feel it though....the way I did walking up the driveway...damn...took some pics...I knew where the entrance used to be...surprised no one contacted the fuzz as I looked so out of place...and then I left...no place there anymore...but it was good...kind of saying goodbye.

...and so back here....where I belong it seems....and back to funding issues...were is the money...?...what if it doesn't turn up?..what then?...well...I don't want to leave here so that makes it a lot simpler..all I have to do is make decisions based on that.

And on that note....tara.

Nae Towels!!!

Wish my land lady would sort the heating out...she says it is some fault with the thermostat but i think she just doesn't want us to use up the energy!!!!...upshot is that ALL my towels are now outside at the mercy of Aberdeen weather...which means they will stay wet for the rest of the day...one of them smells as well....nice..and I need one for my holidays!!!

Hurrah!!!...whoah...stop...just had a look outside to see a sheet of water coming down...so...I shall commandeer one from the laundry cupboard...off on hols!!!!

For a number of reasons i think this has come at the right time...although I do love Aberdeen very much it is only when you are away from it do you see how grey it is...due to the granite...and very industrial...it is a weird set up....with the port right in amongst the city offices...God only knows what it was like back in the day.

I saw some footage of Edinburgh this week and it seemed to get me...don't know why...but I feel like I want to go back and intend to do lots of walking around (and cd buying!!!)...so that is what I shall do.....walk..buy cd's and consume some beer!!!

This week I have been dealing with a number of things but have found time to go walking, swimming and a few sessions in the steam room..which has been good as it has loosened up my back and knees ad have been pain free now for 3 days...which is amazing....I need to make sure I get out and about or make time to sauna it...always make excuses when I am working....an excuse not to sit in a steam room/sauna and allow the heat to work its magic on my ligaments and tendons...fool!!!! I am sure the problems with my knees come from all that cycling when I was superduper heavy....grinding away those miles...but hey...hindsight is an amazing thing is it not?...my back is not going to get any better..just hope it doesn't get any worse..again...exercise and steam action should be good enough.

Anyhoo....just checked my ticket and the seat is booked for a slightly later train...brilliant....as I need to travel from the north of the city to the centre before I get to the train...so that helps. I will be staying at the flat to check the work that has been completed...and see if the guy managed to move on the huge dining room table and chairs!!!!..so will be cost free, close to public transport....with my lap top so I can play tunes!!

Then back to work....haven't even looked at my diary and I don't intend to either!!!!

Catch you on my return.

Tara

Almost a month

Hey hey,

Knew it had been a while but not almost a full month!!! As usual, matters here have been hectic with a lot of work going on and a lot of toing and froing. Some good and some not so good but glad to say all seems to be settled now.

My landlady was away for a fortnight so I had the place to myself..hurrah!!! Clean and quiet and no dogs...as much as I love them they do create a bit of a mess..especially when moulting. They ALL came back yesterday..change 2 tenants for 1...and the bathroom I had cleaned (again!!) for heir return had 2 big black hairy dogs in it,having their coats shampooed...hurrah indeed. Good to have folks back though as the house is way too big for just 1 person. i can see why the land lady wanted lodgers..way too big for her and the pooches.

C continues to have trouble at the new home...guess it is settling in issues..or more to the point...settling in away from Dyce and in the area she is...not a bad area in itself but surrounded by the areas and communities I work in..challenging...i feel the kids find it hard as well....so we shall have to chat with them and come up with some ideas/solutions.

Always the new age man, I sewed 2 pairs of my troos last night. I put 1 on this morning to find I had sewn some of the leg into the crotch area...it still works and I can still walk so I am going to leave it just now....he he...tube!!!!

I have 2 weeks coming up after this 1...can't believe it...2 weeks of annual leave freely taken and in the mile of a busy period...well...i am never really not busy but, you know what I mean...what to do? Think C and I are going away to Strathyre...although i think I left it a bit late to organise for a room...and some away days with the children..which should be fun. definitely a change in C's daughter...a lot of work and commitment gone into that situation by C and I...although i think the rest of the family also have bee having a few words..not sure though...so we shall see how that goes.

2 weeks off!!!!!!!!!

One piece of work related news...as part of my CSO work we are working at a nursery in the Deen. A big project with a lot at stake..a lot of work involved to bring it up to standard for outdoor learning....Kenny MacAskill...Scotland's Justice Minister came up to the north east to see all things criminal orientated..including the female wing at Craigie being re opened!!...anyhoo...my project was suggested annd along he came...what a bizarre experience..a media circus with all the press and STV news and his private secretary and their representative and all and bloody sundry...all I wanted to do was get the job done. So here I am, a country boy from Fife on his second career chatting the the Man whilst photo's are taken and directions given...just walk towards us and chat naturally..I would chat naturally if you would stop telling me to do so ya bams!!....he he...anyhoo..it went fine and I chatted to him for a good wee while...very interesting but very nice when they all went away and left us to get on with the job!!! Catch it on STV News website...Grampian...videos....go to 13/07/2010 and see me half way through..basking in the sunshine and advertising Canterbury of New Zealand kit as well...they should pay me.

Tara

Update

Just a quick update so everyone doesn't worry.

I am off to pick up some kit in a bit....helping SHMU move their kit to Hilton Gala and then off to middlefield to help them on their family fun day. then back to take down SHMU kit and then off to C's for the night and tomorrow then show with a volunteer and then home and then work again!!

He he. Just the beginning.

So all is fine and busy. Work is fine and varied as usual...just finished my 1st CSO worker...the bugger was given the choice to work or not work and we can write off his 5 hours....damn...thiught he would have stayed but he left. I could sense he was was i 2 minds...and he even hung around afterwards...said he was calling his mum but I don't think so...helped load up the van...he had to go though..once he made the decision...the group moves on..and they did a power of work as well...which was great!

I have A VVVVVIIIIP coming up to Aberdeen who will be meeting me and my team on a Tuesday....keep you posted about that one.

Tara for now.

Almost the weekend!!!

Damn 4 day weeks..almost the weekend again!!!..mind you...makes no difference to me really as i am due to attend a get together at Sunnybank park and also work on NHS Map Packs as well..yes them again!!

Well, we had a lovely time at the wedding last weekend. Travelled down on Friday night (bloody suit in a bag!) and into the hotel..which was really nice...C had stayed in a premier Inn...before Lenny Henry became involved...a good few years ago and was worried about the state it was going to be in...but it was lush....right at the far end of the hotel with a nice view of the city...i took C for a walk as she had not been to Glasgow before..at least...not for a long time..she loved it....a few drinks and then to bed for the big day.

James was looking fine and dandy if a bit nervous...the sun was out...his boys looked like proper young gentlemen...proud of them indeed...slight hitch...the bride was late and no one knew why!!! James was sweating it a bit...registrar's are on a tight timescale..but Georgina arrived looking lovely...apparently they had been held up in traffic and then the paige girl puked in the car...they managed to direct her away from the bride who only suffered from minor splash back!!

Straight to Arta which was gorgeous...C loved it....Italian villa type feel..very dark and moody...lovely...the loos had an Italian phrase cd running all the time...bit weird..the meal was excellent and we ended up sitting next to 2 couples who tuned out to be very nice6 indeed..the function room was small and intimate and again had the feel of an Italian family meal...great..then downstairs to the disco for a boogey...which i did believe it or not..long time since that ever happened...paced ourselves on the drink...half pints only..which worked out fine!

He he...swayed out of the place through another door...the upstairs was now a throbbing club with Glasga's fashionistas!!!..and hailed cab...I knew we were close the hotel but we were not sure...crivens..we got in..the taxi pulled off....round the corner and stopped!!! He refused to take the fare or even some wedding cake....what nice guy..bless.

Sunday, we dropped off some kit at the railway station and headed to Hillhead...wanted C to experience the Glaga underground and the bohemian side of Glasgow out at Ashton Lane and Byres Road....really nice but very hot for me as I was still carrying the bloody rucksack!!! After 2 expensive drinks we headed back..onto the train..up to Aberdeen...bus to house...and that was that.

What a fine weekend!!!

Tara

Proud Moment

Well,

here i am ready to hit the road with my lovely lady off down to Glasgow for a wedding...no...not mine!!!!..you can relax now....a good friend of mine who i shared a house with during my 1st season..it was the house of the broken and transient...and a dirty old landlord...he he....bless him...anyhoo...there was me and James and he always said he would never mix it up with the ladies again.

He has gone through a nasty separation and come through it with the love of his kids and his own sense of self worth..and he met his lovely lady as well. I have met her twice now (or is it 3 times?) and C has met her once. So, much to my delight, we were invited (both names on the card, mind!!!) to go tae Glasga toon. I booked an extra days hols sue to a misunderstanding but at least that means i will be off on Monday as well..hurrah!!!! Good to chill with the missus and have a wee look around Glasga again..although it does seem like it is going to be a marathon event.

James has booked a bus from Starthaven which will take everyone to the registrars at 1 pm and then onto a meal (woop woop) and then straight through to a club where there will be a buffet and then a shindig all the way through to 3 am!!!!

Bearing in mind this whole new way of thinking and lowering the drink and looking after myself for me and us and the future (and C is worried as well although blaming me1!) i am really quite concerned about lasting the distance. James didn't seem to get what i was saying about having a break and coming back out or going straight on and then leaving early..but hey....we will do what is best for us and leave it at that. I just want to enjoy my mate's wedding on my (our) terms and have a good time!!!

Should be good and looking forward to it.

Tara.

Family Life

Think C nailed it in one sentence...."who would have thought all that time ago at a 1st aid Course this is where we would be"...indeed...at a family fun day for the boy's Scout Camp...he he....aye...who would have thought.

Was fun though...even the weather held off and fun was had..BBQ protocol?.....how soon do you go up for seconds or thirds...well...I did behave myself and waited an appropriate time before i went up..and then the guy said..plenty to go round...uncovering 3 metal containers of sausages/chicken (a dinna hink sae pal!/burgers...I fancied getting a meat sweat on but decided not to due to the fact I was in public.

I even did the dropping off of aforementioned boy o the Friday...causing traffic mayhem as i abandoned the car in the middle of the entrance...well...how was i supposed to know. the important thing for me is that the boy was asked beforehand 9a few days before to avoid stress) and he was fine with it...which i think is very brave of him. Was nice.

Seems I leave here (newtonhill) and then come back a few days later...strange feeling...coming back into someones house and having to assess...where is?...what can I deduce has happened due to state of house?..all that sort of thing...but it is fine. Indeed, it will be better once some folk have moved out (I hope) and be more relaxed and clean..especially for the land lady.

I made it through the 3 big projects a week situation and have only 1 weekend work to do (in addition to tax...must remember) to catch up. i won't be doing that again (note to oneself!!) as it was too much. The only time to catch up was at the weekend and that is good for no one. So..Forest School finished...Bridges finished....hurrah!!!...although Bridges lives on...was walking along to St nics and traffic had stopped...a car full of folk.."you'll nae find any f****ing trees here"..he he...was a Bridges client on release...he had been on the radio show with another client..who had come back the week after and drove the show on his own...Bridges in motion!!!

I am supposed to be strimming today but, looking at the weather...not too good...might have to get my sheep dipping dungarees on and get out there!!!

Tara for the noo.

Final Week!!

Final week of 3 big projects at the same time. Forest school with Suzy ends today, Bridges 3 ends on Thursday and CSO keeps on rolling..phew.

Well, I felt a bit of a fraud last week at the CSO Awards in Glasgow. I had a small part to play (John Muir Award assessment) for the Torry Tidy, which my name was down for. I slept most of the mini bus journey down the road and, to be honest, most of it back up!!! The ceremony was in a swank hotel in Glasgow Central and it was all verra posh like, ken? String quartet and fizzy wine in the atrium...3 course meal in the main hall...podiums..pomp and ceremony all round. Dougie Vipond was hosting (Deacon Blue drummer fellie) with Mr Kenny McCaskill opening and closing. I like him, he is a funny and honest man..well..I guess he would have to be honest as he is in charge of justice in Scotland!!!

Aberdeen put forward 2 projects in 2 different categories. Out of 84 projects there was a short list of 12..both Aberdeen's projects were short listed...what a result!!! The project could either win the category, be highly commended or commended. We never won our category but received highly recommended and the other project received a commended. The project that won our category went on to win the overall best project...beaten by the winner's winner!!! What a result for first time. Next time ya bams!!!

Oh, did I mention that all winners of each category came from Glasgow...in a Glasgow based competition?...ah well..sure it was a coincidence!

Good thing for me was to have the opportunity to chat with the other Supervisors (the Shire folk kept themselves to themselves) when I could...lots of advice going round...great.

Next day i was back in the woods in charge of the Forest School...bit of a mind bender really.

So today, if my understanding is correct, we are showing bods around Kincorth Local Nature reserve and talking about urban forestry operations and the impact on the local community. Kincorth is a WIAT site and I am a product of WIAT..we will also be talking about other WIAT sites in Aberdeen..especially the one I am supposed to be working on instead of chatting to yous!!! Why is it important?...because a few (if not all) sit on the WIAT Board and they decide where the money goes in future...no pressure there then...especially when we are currently trying to push forward the indefinite extension of my permanent "time limited" contract...lucky I never went to the pub yesterday evening then is it not?

Family life continues apace..well..that is what it is when i am there with C and the children...i like being grumpy dad!!!! The children are going through a tough time just now so i am pretty relaxed (by my standards!) about things. The strength, courage and determination to make a new life for herself and her children are to be admired. (mwah..I know you are reading this!!)

Anyhoo, let's see what today brings...must go as it is time to brush the gnashers and saddle up.

Tara

Crazyness

Morning,

I was standing in the exercise yard of Craiginches Prison, Aberdeen, ruminating and looking up at the cloudless sky and said to G....if you had told me all those years ago that I would be working in a jail in Aberdeen delivering the John Muir Award on an area of land smaller than some folks lawn, I would have said you were crazy.

If you had told me I would be spending the weekend with my partner and her son and daughter...picnics on the beach..queuing for ice cream..gardening...ARGUEMENTS!!!!...and then a 2 hour radio show broadcasting to Aberdeen and beyond (through internet)I definitely would have said you were crazy.

Finally, if you said...you will b getting out of bed at 6am to go to a pick up point to drive to Glasgow to represent Community Service Order, Aberdeen at the Community Service Awards with Mr Kenny McCaskill presiding and in with a chance of winning....well...I would have laughed.

But here I am....dress casual is the code...no craghoppers for me today.....take my shades for the snooze down there and back up...and fixing my mind for Forest School tomorrow..all very bizarre...this is the first opportunity I have had to think about today...quite something really...I don't know of any other countryside ranger in Scotland or UK that works as part of a CSO team...they didn't have to ask me to go...and this was from the top of the tree mind...so all very good.

Of course, should we win or should i bump into anyone from politics i will mention the situation about funding and pushing for extension to my contact and all the good work I do up here..in conjunction with my team mates..got to be done...no time for dithering!!!

Tara

Here We Are

Well, matters have moved on in a positive way since the last post. been working hard (as usual..actually..that sounds a bit arrogant..not meant to be)...and working hard on our relationship. We spoke a lot and made it clear to each other that it is each other we want to be with...there was a lot more than that but I winnae bore you with the details.

So, we are stronger having come through 2 crisis points..and a learning experience for me I am sure...rewiring the hard wiring of years gone by.

C is in the house now although it does require some final touches and tie to sort everything out. What a difference since we all started this!!!....very nice....a home now instead of a shell. Hard to think what it was like before...lucky I have the pics..worth it though....think I will invite Jimmer to bash the garden and remove some of the slabs..that way it is done and dusted and C can potter away on her own...roses are going out i think!!

Week four for Forest School and Bridges....phew...amost there!!..all sorts of other things going on as well..busy busy!!!

AAAANNNNDDDDDD I spent the day yesterday doing my tac return number crunching as well as a late night show...pooo!!

Tara.

???

For some reason my panoramic views don't seem to be liking this bloomin blog!!!

Aha!!!!...not as big as it would have been up top but nice enough. Both taken a t 7.30 am at Torry Battery prior to jail time work...which was by all accounts a bit of a disaster...however...the morning was fine.

Well, it would seem i have well and truly done it this time...this time it was all down to me. Now...I know that C can access this from her bloomin phone (I remember the day when they were used to make phone calls!!!!) so i don't really want to go into too much detail. but i mared it up on her birthday by going out the night before and being rough around the edges..it also does not help when you have just completed a 13 day stretch with no break...what did I say about work life balance...I should have just stayed at home and gone up on Monday....if I had that option...my night/day ended by sitting in my van for 4 hours as it got colder and coder 9serves me right really) and i sobered up enough o drive back home to my own bed. just to give an idea how "not well " I was and how in touch with my physical state...I passed on 1 round and the stopped totally later on.

My communication skills were up to their usual and this is where it all goes pete tong..fatigue to mild depression (spoiling it for everyone) to detachment (this will help) to total withdrawal..should have seen it coming as it is a character trait well known...actually...I did but there seemed nothing i could do about it. Anyhoo...it appears i ruined her birthday (well, it was actually) and behaved like a dingbat towards her sister and brother in law (I did and they didn't deserve it at all. Sometime in social situations...strange for someone like me who is totally mixing it up "socially" when I am working...I feel slightly paranoid and intimidated in small gatherings..I prefer to shy away from them...I think this played a part hr as well..either way..I totally mared it up and whatever happens from this point on I really have no one to blame but myself and lifestyle choices. What a tube!!!

After 4 hours of sleep in my own bed I ave cleaned kitchen and bathroom and have a wash on....so the chores are done at least. I will do my show later on...especially as I won't be in Wednesday or Sunday next due to a trip south. Keep on keeping on and see what the day brings.

Tara

Oh Dear...

Had a brief look at my last entry...it was all very raw at that time...but at least i was being honest..for who's benefit...I guess mine more than anyone who may read this. apologies for anyone of a weak disposition for that last entry.

Having prepped some kit for this coming week...and been to the pub (yes, I know..not the best thing to do)...I have calmed down and checked how I feel...well...unbalanced and unhinged to be honest...is it because I am scared of being alone or the fact that I don't really want to live a life without C...time will tell I guess but I took the "never heard of before" step of writing a brief letter..apologising for any upset and explaining...or trying...how I felt...and thanking her for being part of my life up to this point. Never did it before and never felt the need...this was not done to weasel my way back in but just to say....cos she deserves it...not...I assume...that it will make any difference...not that I am sure I want it to make a difference...I just don't want C to feel our time together was unvalued...blimey...that doesn't really make any sense does it?...ah well....I did it and hand delivered to the house where she will be painting tomorrow....I hope she takes it in the vein it is intended..nowt I can do about it now...i know I did it for the right reasons...well..for me...if not for us.

Tara.

No break, tired and angry!!!

Too much work and not enough time. Tired and...yet again...probably single. Aha...i hear you sigh...same old same old...we shall see.

I have to look deep inside myself and ask..am i happy?..well....I am and was...and it hurts to think of losing such a special thing...but I am tired and fed up....and am sure C is as well.

Crap.
Crap.
Crap.

I like being on my own....what exactly is wrong with my hard wiring that I feel that way?...is it wrong?...I don't know but I bloody well tried....I swear I did....and I enjoyed it...I don't have the energy the noo.

poo poo and tara.

Almost there!!

Updated main pic to show SHMU FM's Awards....the sHMUfties..already been and gone but a nice card anyway....check out the SHMUftie's themselves...metallic coos!!!


Anyhoo...almost finished a big Project with Oldmachar Academy this morning...8.45 am start with drills, hammers and big big nails..will post pics next time of completed work...obviously..without the kids in them!

This post was started but not finished due to my lap top going doolally!!!..the project is finished!!!...hurrah!!! Thing is, we dragged the cross sections to the base we had post fixed in....and measured so it wold all fit...and it didn't!!!..much sawing was done while Simon helped drill the other 1...well done to the 2 young fellas that helped me!!....real life practical workings....worked fine and dandy.

Now....working on Sunday for the Forest School we thought was never going to go ahead but is (advised at 8.10 am over the phone while I was drilling holes in the timber at Oldmachar!!) o we now have to sort everything out NOW....pants!!

No rest for the wicked I think.

Tara

Tired Tired

Oh dear me I am tired...been getting to bed early and staying down here..but it seems to be sticking..but then it was a full on week before..non stop with work and house....and I had some sort of bug...all very stressful..but it seems to have paid dividends....all the workmen turned up on Monday and Tuesday so now C is running around looking to buy things...oh dear me!!...without me there to rein her in I suspect a jacuzzi will turn up!!!...only joking....I have no role in it except budgets just now....guess i will be involved again when it comes time to paint. So, I had better enjoy the rest!

Check out the wall paper.....I can remember the stuff on the left but have never seen paisley wall paper!!....crazy...and all this covered avocado green paint on the walls of the bedroom....and a huge dart board...jimmer managed to fill all the holes in...see..it does pay to have a wooden board behind the dart board!

At last, it is sunny here....nice to see the dogs out in the sun at the back...will it last until tomorrow with my health walk?...he he...never does usually.

Tara

Wood chip!!!!

DO NOT talk to me about that stuff!!!!...it is said that after a nuclear explosion cockroaches and other mini beasts will be alive...well...I can assure you...if they are hiding under bloody wood chip they will be safe and bloody sound!!!

Spent the last 3 days (with the help from Jimmer..oops..and C) stripping back the house C has been given by the Council. A lovely area with nice neighbours and no trouble as far as I could see..but....the decor inside was pretty "dated"..vinyl floral prints....wood chip by the acre...hack it back to expose more lurid wall paper..I will post some pics later on..cracking!!...the smell...oooyah...revealing many walls with a touch of damp and some where the plaster fell off. It has been worth it though...a major stage in settling the missus in to a new way of life...once the Cooncil have sorted out what they are going to do we can move onto decorating..although some can be done now..I am cut and burned and aching all over...but it is worth it and I will continue to work on the house...after a wee break!!!

C's son was 11 a few days ago and he had asked about coming on the show...it was all set up and he bailed....then his gran "persuaded" him (I remember that type of persuasion from a long time ago!!...and he wanted to do it again....C's daughter also came along...we had said it was just for a look but...lo and behold...they both went on the mic...they were excellent!!!...and they stayed for the full 2 hour show....it was really nice to see their self esteem rise....C's daughter is not the most confident..although she can kick ass at Judo...but she did it....fab!!....and they qualify for SHMU as well due to the location where C will be staying.

2nd week of the Easter holidays and it is quiet...well...for me....time to do some work, some prep and get things straight in my head for the next term....we are all flat out....I have a new Bridges project coming up....apparently an MSP is coming to see me and the CSO boys this Friday so that will be interesting...and I have still to buy some bloomin tarps from the Bridges budget..where will this time come from?!!!

Anyhoo..things are good..so far...and we move onwards and upwards.

Tara

Strip and Rip

The missus was offered a hoose through the cooncil..and it is a peach!!!

But....it requires a lot of DIY so this week (including the bank holiday) will be spent stripping back, steaming off, sanding back, ripping out and taking it all away!!!!!

All good fun but i felt really knackered at the weekend so took it easy in the knowledge that this week was going to be tough. Work isn't too bad so i guess i can use all that flex i have banked up....over 10 hours and you lose it..so...why not?

My first week as a "significant other" up at the caravan...was good but tiring...all you parents out there...I doff my cap to you!!! But I do like them and I love my missus more each day..crazy really isn't it....if this doesn't work out i think i will be disappointed with myself really.....I don't really wish to be without her...bit soppy for a Monday I know but if i cannot do it here where can I do it?!!!

I need to find some pics I can put up here don't I?....will get on it ASAP.

Tara.

Typical!!!

...the last session with this primary school...parents invited....other pupils coming down...we are ready to go and look brilliant...then the weather turns and all goes to pot....hhhmmmm...not raining just now but it has been overnight...and it has that "only in Scotland" hanging in the air quality about it!!

Hey ho..we shall prevail...good for the mini beasting mind you..and it will make the shelter building go a lot faster!!!!

Starting to feel better now after a good nights kip and a good show...no texts and no calls....hey ho....better than being harassed I guess...the tunes were flowing and I was jiving on the chair..although this hamstring thing is killing me...guess i shouldn't sit down as much then....maybe play from a standing position..?

C's kids had the Wii wired up at the static caravan...almost missed the show to be honest....tennis then ten pin bowling....talk about competitive...he he....you can see where the wii's benefit is though....it was gid...although there are other consoles on the market, I must add!!!

Did you know Goldfrapp released a new album?....they never even told me!!!....cheeky bams....the single doesn't sound to hot to me (strike me down for such blasphemy) but then i am sure it will grow on me.

Tara.

S

Cox!!!!

Ahhh...what better to ease you into the day than a bit of Carl Cox!!!...Black Rock Desert....thoroughly recommend it....2 disc set and lovely cd cover mount package thing...anorak!!!

....and some coffee of course!!!

Today is going to be a long one for me...a bit of running about...to save me time as there is a volunteer group out helping me on a big job...lots of paperwork and a lot of digging...brought in a substantial amount of timber last week for an outdoor classroom so that needs to be dug in...and then there is this infernal "digging area"....which I have to dig up first...pick out bits..and then put back in after a lining goes down....ooo...oo...I almost forgot...the last NHS map doodle will be done as well..let's see the guy dodge the work now!!!

Had a walking group on Saturday.....man...they walked me into the ground as well as the other group did...they were all of a certain age which made me nervous...cos these clients usually were fitter than me...and i wasn't wrong in this instance....made it though.....just under twelve miles and 4 of our sites covered...really good weather..well...not raining...good for Aberdeen....and five and half hours later...hurrah!!!!..even managed to do a bit of freecycling as well.....found a huge amount of plant trays..think they were plug plants....at Seaton on a Monday after we had finished with the St Peters RC group..about 40 trays....they were heading for the skip so I snaffled them and moved them on..hurrah!!!

I am tired though...permanent bags under my eyes...hmmm.....know I am pushing it with work..but things need to be done...actually left my diary and "to do" list back at work last night...enough is enough....and have no work at the weekend but am going to drop off some tools for another group I seem to be involved with...and will finish off the work from today as well...seems to be a lot of loose ends that need sorted...and then my Sunday show...but hope to have time with my missus.

Who has been offered a place not in a war zone and not surrounded by radges!!...hurrah...having just moved into the static she will be moving out again...well..not that soon as work will have to be done before she can move into the hoose. It was emotional for her to move out of her previous living space and I will let her tell you about it if she wants to..but I am glad it is done and can see a difference in her and in the children for it happening. I was hanging out with the kids last weekend and will do so again this Friday...nice to have that time as it never really happened before....circumstances and all that...definitely would not have been able to do that in Bridge of Don..git.

Did I say...he capitulated...on the last day...as if he was playing a poker game and was a tough guy for it....he sent the cheque to take my deposit back to £400.00...which is what i wanted anyway..he stated he "did not have the time or energy to waste on the matter"...which means "I agree i have been unprofessional and unreasonable and do not want it in the public domain and I know I would lose anyway so I would rather not thank you"..."oh...and I am a git!!"

Oops...did i just say that?....you betcha..coffee kicking in and Coxy getting higher...yay!!!

Phoned dad last night...I forgot about his hospital appointment last week...he said he hadn't been well...i was a bit peed off he never called to say but I don't think it will happen again....he went into detail about the endoscope thing going up...well...never mind...it was more uncomfortable for him than the last time but it seems all clear. I find it unsurprising that he suffered afterwards....I wouldn't like to go through that but then it will happen in time perhaps. ice to hear from him though.

My volunteer, Suzy, has an interview!!!!..hurrah....spoke to her last night...so proud of her..although if she gets the job I won't have an assistant....which is pants....well..I will have a word as we need her for Smithfield PS' Forest School next term. Well done to her though....only volunteering for 6 months and already a main grade post with the Play Forum...that's my girl!

Better go....remember the show on shmu.org.uk...Wednesday...Around With A Ranger...or Sunday..Mr B's beat Box....click on "listen to previous show" and enjoy.

Tara.

SB

Yawn!!!

Now...you see..that is how you are going to feel after a show from 8 to 10 then back home and 2 beers...well...you can't simply unwind when ure on the cutting edge of community radio....and it was George Michael who let me down last night...not any of my metal cds!!!!

Here we go for session number 3 out of 5 with St Peters RC. Having reviewed my NHS walks yesterday afternoon (oh dear, I had given the wrong proofs for my bss to read!!!) and then the CS Award proposal and then off to the cop shop to give a statement regarding the situation my landlady has with her neighbour...it was off to the show...so i am not too chirrupy this am...will feel it later today I expect...giving one of the FEI representatives a tour of our FS sites..so won't finish until late...I suggest a nap in the van may be required before coming home..this will be fine as I need to swap pick up for van anyway...hey ho....happy days!!!

I have been spending some quality time with the missus (5 months!!!!..hurrah!!!) just chilling out so all is fine and well there. In fact, she has decided to move out of the hoose while waiting for Housing to grind the wheels of bureaucracy and move in to a nice static caravan...which is secure and well looked after. I am so happy about that I cannot tell you how much. this is going to be a huge change for her and i will be there..f course...to help and comfort...mixed emotions, ups and downs but she will be fine.

I had some pics I wanted to put up here but will do another time. See....when I get up I have a shower and put a brew of coffee on..but my guts (and me) don't really start to work until a while after..so...while I am waking up and focusing on the day...I type in this..not that I don't givit much thought dear reader (s?) but just wanted to explain why some of these entries are so bloody early!!!

Work has been hard the last few weeks...mentally as ell as physically (which is good) that i have come home, chilled for a few hours and then conked out at the early hour of 9 pm or something like that...dear me!!!...but I have felt good the next morning...so if that is what has to be done it has to be done.

Tara for now.

S

Lottery Winner!!!!

Ha ha....just the fiver this morning from last nights Daily Play!!..no need to retire yet!!!

Put these pics on from yesterday at Hazelhead..checking out the site for working today and tomorrow....very cold...try to capture the whole spectacle of ice burning off the vegetation and walls...steam coming up everywhere!!!!....and then there was this shot walking back along the path...hmmm...not sure if I captured it or not..?...50/50? Anyhoo...imagine my surprise when I turned up to the last remaining bit of the arboretum that required cutting back to open it up to the public..or so I thought!!!...the CSO boys must have done it last year and never said..hurrah!!!...although that leaves me with the conundrum as to what to do now...so i will work on the entrance which does not look good at all....does not say "there is something in here that you need to walk through....so that is what we will do today. Supposed to be minus 3 now so hopefully it will have burned off and heated up by then.

So, I received a letter back from my old landlord, giving me a paltry sum back and an explanation. Of course, I am an old hat a this..although a bit rusty I must admit, so I sent a letter back stating i did not agree and all of that..and that I was going to a small claims court to reclaim some more of the money..so we shall see what happens there..bit stressful but i have nothing to lose...and I do feel i haven;t been treated in a very professional way at all..so...there is nothing better than a good old morale battle of wills!!!

Tenants have moved out of Perth...seemingly a split..which is always a shame to hear...as in the break...not the loss of rental income...although that is a bit of a poo poo..but we will get there in the end. Heaven's above!!!...a prospective tenant wants the tartan sofa bed removed..he he...ok...tartan isn't everyone's cup of tea but damn...that was a beast to get up 2 flights of stairs!! He also wants the bed removed but he can dangle for that...it is in perfect nick.

My good lady..and I have to be careful her as she now is in control of the black art of blogging......treated me to a night away at a four star hotel in Inverurie...Thanestone Country House.....decided to do the lady justice and buy a new suit...I wasn't about to walk into a four star restaurant in a pair of jeans...even though some did...the food was excellent and vfm....the hotel was lovely and it was really nice to chill out with my lovely lady. Not that I don't like doing so in amongst all the kids and life's complexities..but it was nice..slippy floor in the bathroom though...dangerous in heels...her not me.

back to work and have the sniffles.....after going out without a hat on and neck warmer thing...should have known better than that so no point moaning...early nights seem to be making a difference.

Lots of work coming up..including a school which has dropped me in it..hence the early rise to try and sort it for next week...also working on Saturday with the boys...S has had a monitor fitted to his chest in case he has another seizure and then we are supposed to man handle his chest to switch the fecker on..i said to R yesterday in the office that I would rather be concentrating on making sure he doesn't swallow his tongue rather than operate the fecking machine...he he...bunch of cyborgs in this team..me with my back and S with his heart thingy.

Ah well...I could always be chained to a desk taking crap from a despot whose only opportunity for control in their life is to shout and physically intimidate their staff while they sell their souls for someone else's profit. Not likely..get it up ye's..on the same salary for a job i love to do.

Tara.

Made It!!

He he...this is what i get for trying to be arty farty...putting my camera onto black and white...the colour ones aren't much better as the lens isn't good enough to focus at those distances..all very blurry!!! we weren't wanting to hang about either as there was a couple (I assume only 2) canoodling in the car by the harbour....not one to spoil anyone else's fun, we made a hasty retreat!!! This was, of course, at north Queensferry, having made it to carnock we decided to vacate for tea..my goodness...it was freezing!!!!! as soon as we passed Brechin there was no snow...it was like another country..bloody Aberdeen..and there was sun and light!!!..hurrah!!!!!!

The hotel was ace..although we made it there a wee bit late....last sitting at the restaurant was 9.15 pm and we checked in at 9.00 pm!!!..staff were excellent as well...they weren't hassling us to go away..which was nice..the room was lovely..and the breccy!!!!...i made it clear to C I was going for a meat sweat!!!...I had a slight rind on my forehead but not as bad as I have had it...guess i never went back for 3rds because of the company...mmmmmmm...was lovely....and I saved £120.00 as well by booking through latebookings.com.

Hmmmm...I have put on one of my cheap cd's from the library...napalm Death at 7.57 am is perhaps not the best..especially as there are little tots coming into the house now for Ali Baba's nursery..he he...that will keep them quiet!!!

Anyhoo..we all had a good time although I can see having folk around all the time is a stress on dad..so next time we will stay at a hotel I think...at least then I don't have to sleep on the bloody floor in a sleeping bag. His hearing has gone as well so I have to repeat everything twice..or raise my voice so he can hear me...then i get told off for shouting...crivens!!!...what is a man supposed to do!!! So..I am back in Newtonhill and working away...helping out a CSO group today who were promised a John Muir Award on their Order but this never happened...so..step into the breach Ranger of Danger...looking forward to it but it is time pressured so I need to hit the mark straight away..should be fun though...1st time working at Torry Learning House....1st time 2 of my peers will be there...so gotta be good!!!!..then CSO tomorrow...see if more than 1 of my Orders turns up...I need to have a team with me in order to tick off jobs that need to be done....I have 1 regular but I definitely need more if I am to lift turf....move wood chip..all of that...we shall see what happens.

Tara.

S