All at Sea
Took the ferry over to Bruges for a midweek break this week to celebrate my sister-in-law Ann's 60th birthday with all her siblings and their partners. It was a great few days - and unbelievably the first time I have been abroad since 1980: everything was in black and white in those far off days and now it's all in full-blown technicolour!
Bruges was a magical, fairy tale wee place (although it's apparently a city) - churches, chocolatiers, lace shops and bicycles by the thousand - and then there's the dozens of bars and restaurants ...
I think we all had a great time, but restful it was not - walking for miles during the day followed by big meals (and even bigger drinks)until late into the night took their toll and I was knackered by the time we returned home on Saturday. I could handle the choppy seas and towering waves but those big litre steins of lager got me in the end ...
It's just as well we don't have these 'bonding sessions' too often - but I'm looking forward to the next one. Although nearer to home - Archerfield House - it's a whole family affair with over 30 attending. I just hope the old liver lasts out ...
Resolutions
Well, with the amazing 'duty-free' bargains on offer on board ship what do you think? Belgium was fairly expensive too, so the bank balance has taken a bit of a doing. On the brighter side, however, I have enough top quality Belgian chocolate to last me until at least Tuesday, and sufficient Hugo Boss aftershave to sink a small passenger liner. Cheers!
The economy drive will start next week, he vowed ...
Sport
Just got home in time to get out again to Easter Road. I missed last Sunday's victory over Aberdeen as I was picking up Knutt (she spoils everything!)and I was hoping that her first game of the season would be a good one. Sadly, it wasn't - although Hibs were two up in the opening five minutes they contrived to huff and puff their way through the remaining 85 minutes, and had Inverness shown any punch up front we could have been looking at a very different result. The three points was the only plus point of this particularly unforgettable encounter, a real shame as it had promised so much. Knutt, however, has become a lucky mascot for the time being.
Elsewhere, Rangers and Celtic march on (although Celtic were incredibly fortunate to be awarded a very dubious free-kick in the dying minutes of their game at St Mirren). Hearts got a good win at Motherwell but there are strong rumours that they are about to lose their top striker Velicka - that would be a severe body blow, although there may be another two dozen Lithuanians waiting in the wings to fill his boots!
What can you say about the rugby? Scotland were humiliated again - in Ireland this time. Another hapless performance, once again trying the flamboyant stuff without having a grasp of the basics like passing and catching the ball. It's becoming embarrassing to watch, and next up we've got England. Our friends from across the border beat France last night and one again they have become world beaters overnight. They are not, of course, but I fear they will still be far too strong for us - the way we are playing just now, the Isle of Man would probably push us all the way!
Politics
Having been away for most of the week I missed the city council's budget meeting on Thursday, which I understand went on (and on) for over six hours. Predictably the Lib Dem/SNP coalition got their budget through but I haven't had time to see what the details are yet.
And still on politics, it appears that Mister Speaker has got himself into a bit of hot water over his rather extravagant expenses claims. Michael Martin MP, esteemed Speaker of the House of Commons, was not a universally popular choice when he was elected to replace Betty Boothroyd - even some of his Labour colleagues thought at that time that he was not up to the job. Ever since taking office 'Gorbals Mick', as he is known to a few of the more toffee-nosed MPs, has not endeared himself to the House and there has been a growing pressure to get the Glasgow man to stand down. It seems that Mr Speaker has handed his growing band of detractors some pretty potent ammunition and while he hasn't broken any rules (rules created by MPs for MPs remember) he has been them almost beyond the point of recognition.
Mr Martin also chairs the group which has been tasked with looking into Members' Allowances and he hand-picked the committee members. That's handy!
The Speaker was defended by his old mucker Lord Foulkes on radio and television today - there's not much our George doesn't know about the various allowances systems currently in place, having been an old toon cooncillor, MP, MSP and member of the House of Lords in his illustrious career. George is often wheeled out on these occasions to deflect some of the heat, and he almost pulled it off today. However his comment about MPs being poorly paid and mention of 'penury' would have many choking and spluttering over their Sunday lunch - he's a rascal, that George! I reckon he should go for becoming a Euro MP - I think he would be the first politician to achieve that remarkable feat - the full house, a clean sweep - and if anyone can do it, our George can!
Anyway, George need not worry to much in the meantime - his old pal Gorbals Mick won't be resigning, of course; who does these days?
And finally, was very sad to hear the news of the death of Annette Lamont, former Regional Councillor and more recently Malcolm Chisholm's very able assistant. Annette was a real socialist who stuck to her beliefs, resigning from the Labour Party over the Iraq War. God knows, we could certainly do with a few more like her now.
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