Yura Usvyat

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Tonight I went out with Yura Usvyat, Ed Aldridge, Mary Devine and Jo Kelly. Yura was leaving the bank, and this was his fare well drink and meal. 

Evening started in the sun, outside Tiles with many other people. We then went to the Petit Folie, a French Restaurant at 61 Frederick Street.  Busy, but were able to accommodate us.  We all ate well. French, very much like the Petit Paris, staff the restaurant. All the food comes from a very small kitchen. These French Restaurants who seeming can produce 100’s of meals in an evening from minute kitchens with two chefs, impress me.

The evening was young, so off to a bar, The Jam House, with life music.  Think a good band had been playing, but had just finished.  The next was a covers band, we had a good laugh at the people who were attempting to dance.  Never seen any thing so funny. Then onto a gay bar. By this time, the weather had deteriorated, and I was getting drenched in the rain.

Mai Thai

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The feeling of Internet withdrawal symptoms set in today, so went to the Mai Thai for supper and to access the Internet. The Mai Thai  Restaurant is a short walk from the centre towards the parliament. Easiest way to find it is to walk down Cowgate, and Holyrood road. When you reach the newspaper building, (on the right), and the Tun, (on the left), turn left up the alley between the Tun, and the Pizza restaurant.  The Mai Thai is on the right.  On entering, I was asked if I had a blog. The owner had been browsing the Internet, and was looking for sites that mentioned the Mai Thai or linked to his site. They had found my site, and were trying to work out who the blogger was.

The Mai Thai has two distinct sections, a large dining area with modern furniture, a light and airy feel to the room. It can cater for large parties, or romantic meals.

The other area, is a large bar wi! th pool table, TV screen showing football, wireless broad band, and a couple of PCs.  There are various modern tables and sofas where you can sit and drink, or eat a meal. Décor is modernistic, with large paintings on the wall. I like to eat here, its informal, I can watch the TV, or work in peace on my laptop while eating. I am never disturbed, other than having my glass refilled.

I ate one course tonight, and it was the duck. I ate this last time when I was with Rosemary. It is absolutely gorgeous. It is braised sliced duck breast served with a thick spicy sauce. I don’t know what it is called, but it’s my favourite.

The Mai Thai

Rob Heeney

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Today was cloudy, but no rain at least.  Met up with Ed Aldridge at Whistle Binkies for a pint, just inside happy hour.  Then full of indecision we decided on a venue to see a fringe show.  Decided on the Smirnoff Underbelly location on Cowgate for no other reason than it was nearest.  Next it was, what show?  Having just had a flier for a stand up comedian with an offer of 2 for 1, and starting in a few minutes, the decision was made.   So we saw Rob Heeney.  http://www.robheeney.com  Despite the random choice of  show, we ended up with a really good comedian.

Afterwards a few pints at the Bo bar, and then some fish and chips.

The Car

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We went off to Ikea to buy a small cupboard. Did the usual tour through the show rooms, located the cupboard, noted its flat pack location. Then had lunch of one dish of Swedish meatballs with two forks.

Of course the cupboard was not available, out of stock.

Now it was on to Luton to pick up my car. As we entered the drive to the car park, I suddenly realised there was a serious snag. I had not brought the car key with me. So back home, no missions accomplished.

Next day we successfully picked the car up from Luton.

Flight problems

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Spent some of the day deciding whether to try and get back home, or book a hotel for the weekend. Tried to book a hotel, but they were all over 100 pounds, and out of the centre. My flight back to Luton was cancelled, as seemingly all London Edinburgh flights were. No problem getting a flight back to Birmingham.  Actually travel was easy, the flight was a third full, left on time, the departure hall of the airport was empty, the security checks were quick.  This is how flying should be. From Birmingham I took a train to Banbury, with the intention of catching a connecting service to Bicester.  Alas the Virgin train to Banbury was running late, so missed the connection.  Rosemary drove out to pick me up.

Edinburgh

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5th August 2006

Back at home, our field had been mown, and turned into hay. Today it was baled and carted away.

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Flew up to Scotland from Luton. The airport was in absolute chaos at the security. At least 30 minute queue. No idea what would happened if there were some form of high security alert.

Stayed at the Apex City this week. It has been a long time since staying there. Ate at the Petit Paris.

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Tonight I ate at the Mussel and Steak, quite a good meal of Monk Fish. I just love watching the TV screens, which show the chefs working in the kitchens live. Must admit I never see my food being cooked

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Tonight it was the Petit Paris again, where I had a beautiful steak.

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Didn’t feel like going out, so stayed in at the hotel, rather a mistake, the meal was a bit lack lustre.

Mobile home burnt down

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The mobile home has now gone. The new owner decided he could not move it, so he burnt it down. Two fire engines, and the police arrived. Very luckily the wind was blowing the right way, otherwise probably some of the other house’s could have been damaged. The flames leapt high into the air, clouds of black smoke and sparks were blown acroos the builds. Again luck was that these did not catch fire. Rosemary failed to take any pictures, something to do with not being able to operate the point and click camera.

Guns N Roses

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Selina, Graham and I went to see Guns N Roses play at the Wembley Arena. The first band, Skid Row, started to play at 7.00. American Rock band, very anti George Bush and Tony Blair, kept referring to them as Tony Bush and George Blair. Next was Bullet for My Valentine, a British band who had been touring with GNR for the European Tour. AT 10.30 GNR started, and the place went wild, no one was left standing at all. The show ended at midnight. Axel Rose was taken ill during the show and did not perform the last set, with Paradise City. Instead front man Sebastian Bach from Skid Row performed. It was reported that the show almost did not happen. Axel had been advised not to.

 

  Selina and Graham

Another week in Edinburgh

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I have finished another whole week in Edinburgh.  This time travel was a little easier than the previous week.  Travel was almost on time.  Return flight was a little late, so was unable to make the party at New Horizons the new gym which has been opened at Haddeneham by Nigel Stone.  Nigel worked at Walker and Cedar for many years, and now has his own business.

24th July 2006

Flight to Edinburgh left and arrived on time.  Good days work at the bank, followed by a Meal at the Petit Paris.  Went for the full works, a Terrine to start with, followed by Toulouse Sausage, and finally a Creme Brulle.

25th July 2006

Ate at the Radisson hotel today.  Normal fare at the Ichy Coo bar.

26th July 2006

Edinburgh is still managing some good weather, the place is full of people, there will be even more when the festival starts.  Went vegetarian today, and ate at Black Bo’s

27th July 2006

Another uneventful day, and an evening in at the hotel.  The nice Scottish bar maid was on duty today, so had someone to chat to for a while.

28th July 2006

Back home on the Easy jet plane.

Mobile home sale

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Some good news though, we exchanged and completed on the sale of Mobile Home land. This has been a thorn in our side for a couple of years now. We (together with neighbours) were forced into buying the land and mobile at an exorbitant amount, the alternative was to be faced with a gypsy encampment and wholesale flouting of planning regulations. We managed to sell a small building plot, (replacing the existing mobile home), allowing us to recoup some of the money. We have come out of this a lot poorer, but at least without a mass of caravans etc next to us. So at least, with luck, all our house prices have not been depressed.