Mike's Meandering Mumbles

248 and GONE

2008-03-05T00:29:00.005+08:00

Well, I have decided to transfer, so far only to WordPress own site, but I may well host on my own very shortly.To follow me please go to Mike's Newest Blog, where I am a shade older than when I started this blog some years ago.So long, its been good to know you!

KISS

2008-03-04T13:26:00.005+08:00

My keyboard has been burning as I try and solve my little problem of picture sizes here at Blogger, and it seems impossible. Since the pictures seem to reduce in size as I move them within the blog I even tried writing a post paragraph by paragraph from the bottom up, so pictures could be placeds without much movement. As can be seen even thos does not help. So soon I guess I will make the move, I go on leave in three weeks and can live without my main email (after all I have a number of others) for a week at that point and then the simple solution of moving to WordPress will take place.
Tlaking of simplicity, for some time I have been seeking a replacement for my all-singing all-dancing Windows Mobile handphone, complete with slide out keyboard. However apparently only the immensely rich can afford the type that I seek, which is rather a depressing thought. Indeed I am also seriously thinking of changing my beloved Pajero for a simpler model. And before irritation comes from the somewhat thoughtless UK moral majority I would point out that living in the Philippines and having a farm makes a 4x4 a necessity.
Continuing more on the simple life we have suffered a number of site accidents recently here in the Qatar construction world. Many signs direct workers attention to safety but I feel that one pointing out thought is useful would be sufficient.
It's a depressing thing that no matter how I try to improve matters I am always heckled by that group of people who consider that they have seen and done it all and that my poor efforts to reflect on life and perhaps try to improve it are not worthy of consideration. A pity I feel, but there we are.

Variety

2008-02-28T19:15:00.017+08:00

The more things change the more they stay the same. (Muffled cries of "Hear, Hear" - damn, I must stop rereading the early chapters of Pickwick Papers.) Of course one thing will always remain unchanged, my view about Scotland.

But this was really brought on by my looking at that delightful picture taken in the Shangri-la in Kuala Lumpur and realising how similar it is to something my charming wife took in the Marriot in Doha just an evening or so ago. Older, balder, fatter but still doing all the same things. Do we ever change I wonder?
Well, I still like a drink and although single malt should be my tipple I have (when red wine is not available) settled on JD, partially because you can do things like add pepsi/coke or otherwise adulterate it, which is certainly not acceptable for a decent malt.
Something else not really acceptable is bloody silly cat pictures but as an exception to this rule I include one picture because other than the Cheshire Cat this one must be the most exceptional feline around.
But perhaps the biggest change is in my social interactions, as a shy and retiring youth I found it difficult even in the sixties to laugh and dance with abandon. But as I age I find that it is possible and now, with similarly outgoing people, I can let loose my inhibitions and dance.

Bugger it; still the same problem with picture sizes. I actually got hold of WordPress but my host does not work with it, when I found a decent new one I discovered that it would take a week to transfer my main email so I decided to put it off until I am out of contact for a while, probably in one month. But I did put up a simple post at WordPress.com just to see how easy it was, so we'll see whether more change comes in the near future.

Birds

2008-02-25T15:59:00.002+08:00

Back in the sixties, or thereabouts, birds was a, non-derogatory, term for ladies but as I grow older and even more firmly embedded in my happy marriage I find my eye wandering to them less and less; even in the unlikely case that they should try to catch my eye.
In any case there is so much of interest to see in "real" birds that there is little time to view the unfeathered kind.
And since the feathered ones are so curious and like to investigate my camera, or that of Liam McCaffrey, I guess I might as well accept that the interest will always come from them in future, rather than the curvy kind.
But to be honest I find that the extra interest of birds can be a bit scary, there is a certain concern is seeing one of my farm ducks heading over to have a serious discussion with me. This is of course the main reason that we do not expand our range (presently two types of duck and two of chickens) and try swans as well. Having been informed as a child that they all belong to the Queen, and that they can break your arm with one wave of a wing, I am a shade nervous about them.
Consequently I do sometimes still try and seek out a resting bird of the human variety and see if I can get an interesting snapshot. It's never guaranteed, and this perhaps is one of the joys of photography.

Changes

2008-02-22T12:15:00.003+08:00

I have become rather unhappy with Blogger, no speelcheek for ages, pictures sizes apparently randomised. So I am expecting to move to using WordPress on my own hosted site in the reasonably near future.
I should be able to arrange a forwarding system, if not then I will put the address in my final blog.
I also gather that I can import my entire blog, although requiring an add-on to transfer the pictures. So I need to get myself up to speed first, maybe even get some-one in?

Music Lover

2008-02-20T19:17:00.004+08:00

I have always been keen on music, which is a little strange since I have absolutely minimal abilities in that line. I was asked to be roadie and general on stage maniac (wasn't it Chas in Madness who initially had a similar role?) back in the sixties but decided against it on the basis I might have to carry heavy things. And when the pop star outfits were seen I definitely decided against it.
After some thought on fashion I did fancy an opportunity to join a topless band, or even a full nude group. After all it should distract from my playing and if Sid could get by playing in such a way that even Lemmy though he was unteachable then surely I could manage.
But it was not to be, on the few occasions that I was to perform somehow I was not seen as a forthcoming star.
No doubt a pity, but I never had the necessary charisma and there was not a "J" in my name so the chances of following Jim M, Jimi H or Janis J to stardom and an early death were pretty small.
So there was nothing for it but to become an expat.

Tennis Loneliness

2008-02-20T17:43:00.003+08:00

At the moment I am a tennis widower as Alice is off to the Doha WTA Ladies every single day, normally getting back after I am asleep. I can't begrudge this because she enjoys watching almost as much as playing, and any "constant readers" will be aware that she is quite a good player.

And the international players are generally such sweethearts, happy to sign the big tennis ball she bought and to pose for photographs with admirers.
This was similar at the recent mens also where, as a Brit and indeed a Scot, I was very pleased that she got Andy Murray's autograph on her ball.
A Williams sister did reject giving an autograph, but politely as she was being whisked from an outer court through vast throngs of admirers, so she has not lost a fan.
Sharapova, who I have long thought was an arrogant and unpleasant woman, however rejected all comers with the comment "I'm not going on Ebay". In fact, since the fans were interested in her they would be unlikely to try and sell on a scrawl from her. But at least Alice now agrees with my opinion and will no longer be a supporter.
All others though seemed very polite and helpful and will benefit from a stronger fan base than before. Some of the lesser, or younger, stars said they were not important and I truly hope that this disregard of their status remains with them as they advance up the ratings.

If they remain as affable as one of the "greats" was to all and sundry they will have a wide fan base their entire career.And why can I no longer choose my picture sizes accurately? it's a real irritant!

Learning

2008-02-18T19:42:00.001+08:00

There is much to be learnt as an expat, from the first realisation that if you keep underwear in the fridge it is a wonderfully cooling experience when you change after a day in the desert. (Information for Cooper) But there is so much more to learn, starting with coolness under pressure, especially when you are not quite sure if it is rebellious or governmental troops with whom you are having a quiet chat.
How to make quick decisions is also quickly learnt, as you come over a ridge to see a small snake. I was never very fond of these but one becomes used to them after a time.
One also learns that often modern things, like the jacuzzi, are not easily found, but thankfully staff are very cheap to hire so there is a fall back position. Having said that I find the modern version has greater staying power and the bubbles last quite some time longer.
While vaguely connected with thoughts of the female sex one thing all expats learn, usually even before their first Bangkok trip, is that one is appreciated less for one's style, brains or kindness as for the ability to pay. But then this is hardly really likely to amaze one, surely.
And so we end with the small indicator that shows how the sexes around the world seek out one another; just to simplify the search.

Expat Concerns

2008-02-17T16:44:00.011+08:00

It has passed through my mind as I wander the world that, nice as it is to see other cultures and meet people of a different background, sometimes there have to be a few concerns.
For instance, although I thought that Bigfoot was a resident of North America, it was when I was in Africa that I saw my first indication that he may in fact exist. And to a man somewhat overwhelmed by Nigeria I rather hoped that I would not meet him.
Elsewhere the concerns may be more about whether one will die on the roads. As a typical Brit, used to our style of motoring coming across Arabic style car travel was rather a shock.
But wherever I travel it seems a truism that if you put something nice in the 'fridge then it is almost certain that there will be a midnight snacker that will sneak in and get it, thankfully not always cockroaches.

St Val

2008-02-13T19:53:00.006+08:00

Well, the big day comes round tomorrow and the birds seem to be aware of it, showing hearts in all directions. Rather nice but how my wife managed to arrange it I really don't know.

But then she always did have control over nature, and when we were in Malaysia she certainly bred a vast quantity of budgies, so I guess that the birds are aware of her powers.
Of course, this explains why the table has been booked for quite some time. It's not because I am looking forward to the wine and roses at all. It's just to show that we are still deeply in love, and will remain that way as the decades pass. Seventeen years married now and still like a honeymoon. There is no doubt that we will be cuddling up together as we age and how happy that makes me!
So to all lovers, young and old, I extend my best wishes for the (banned in Saudi) Valentine's Day pleasures.

Decisions

2008-02-12T16:36:00.016+08:00

As we stride along the road towards a new future there are times when one has to make decisions, as the Americans are now doing, and how hard that can be.
One can only hope that their skills remain intact and the correct decision is made, choices . . black, white, male, female; how difficult it all is.
But since I worked on a project in the north of England I naturally have learnt to like brass bands, not loved by all admittedly but they have a charm of their own.
Pity the poor conductor then as he must make his choices amongst the throng of talented applicants, desperate to show their capabilities and join that exhilarating marching brass band.
So I do tend to think that, like the conductor who decided to go for a cider instead, Americans should seek a solution outside the box and perhaps go for the Stainless Steel Rat.

Money

2008-02-08T12:42:00.000+08:00

Here in the Gulf we have suffered from both the Mediterranean cable cut and also the cut cable between Qatar and the UAE, this has affected not just the net but also international calls. Luckily there are special handphones which provide a service without trouble.

It is so useful to live (and work) in an area with money as there are always shops with the latest indeed the ultimate technology products. The major problem is that life is a shade repetititious, although occasionally one sees something of worth or interest.
Of course those who like to see lovely ladies can get a little bored with the continual guiness bottle or black abaya worn by all Arabic women, but even there it seems some girls' variations on the theme can ensure an additional glance.
But we can cope with the boredom since we are here for the salary, and zero tax, and our future is being assured. But I have been thinking about things and have actually come up with a way to assist both myself and others: -

Sports

2008-01-26T20:17:00.001+08:00

It hardly matters where you go in Qatar at the moment you are pretty well bound to see some sign telling of the bid for the 2016 Olympics. The charming lady archer and driver is heavily involved and is role model for Arabic girls to get involved in sports. One hopes that they will follow in her footsteps.
Mind you I understand that the level of women's football is somewhat outdated athough personally, and looking at, and thinking about, UK footballers, I tend to find that a good thing.
Whether there is the capability to contest in other spheres is debatable, after all the training in other forms of shooting, that our American lady cousins get as girls, is missing.
As for me I am very tempted by the climbing up, over and down the unsupported ladder event. This was a regular event in the bar as the Nigerian Rock or Cameroonian Star beer took effect so strongly back in my days in Africa. Personally I never succeeded but am convinced that, like wine, as I age I improve.
Unfortunately all who know me are convinced that this is not the sport at which I would excel and I have been very clearly informed that neverthless they feel that I do have a particular affinity for one race. I am not sure that I agree, though.

Chill still

2008-01-19T19:05:00.000+08:00

We still look out of our windows at a bleak and chilly world, and the population of the mall seems a shade strange compared to what we are used to seeing.
But we always try and stick by our motto and make the best of it, for there is always something good to be found in every situation, with the possible exception of diarrhoea. Which struck me recently and left me with low bloodpressure such as to make me dizzy and fall over. Most unususal since normally I must take pills to lower my BP. I am not sure if it was the way my brain was affected but I could almost swear that one of the many camels came to visit and was rather more seductive than the norm, as can be seen here.
But perhaps I was rather more under the weather than I thought, certainly Alice even phoned BUPA back in the UK to see if I should go to hospital. Something I was against since I was unable to stand and rather wanted to avoid any chance of being considered drunk.
But shortly the BP rose again and I returned to as near normal as I ever get. More than ever convinced that . . .

Cold and wet

2008-01-14T15:08:00.001+08:00

While here in a desert land one tends to forget that it can get pretty damn cold, as apparently did the SAS in the first Gulf War. But I recently had to buy a bodywarmer and a coat for use in the offices in spite of the fairly useless electric radiators installed there. We are not, of course, talking about cold levels as seen in Jenny Cockburn's picture here but still we are suffering!
And now the rain, Qatar is supposed to have about 75mm annually according to their Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture website. It seems it has all fallen in the last two days! The roundabouts have required attention from pumps, causing traffic delays to increase even more. But at least we have rather more amusement, especially if camera vigilance is maintained, in scanning the roads at the moment.
But no matter how carefully and regularly I may look, with camera in hand, always seeking worthwhile records or amusing incidents, I am still unable to get that special record of a lady enjoying the warm rain that others have been able to find in Asia, I guess I am just hoping for too much!

A New Beginning

2008-01-04T17:37:00.000+08:00

As we get further into the new year I am somewhat torn as my guardian angels fire differing ideas into my mind. How difficult it is to tread the moderate path in life and how little help we are given as we make our simple efforts to avoid excess and take the middle way. Especially when we are surrounded by others making suggestions hard to resist.

It's all made even worse by striving to stand out from the crowd, not as easy as it may seem at first glance although some of my amphibian friends seem to manage without excessive effort; but I suspect that my glasses would fall off. And to be unable to see the reactions to my individuality would not be useful.
And I really do not want to go to the extent of the lady shown here, not least because I do not really have enough hair to make it viable. I have attached the odd balloon to my ear while carrying Alistair as a kid but it was more for convenience really. And I should hate to be taken for one just left a McDonalds' party or something equally proletarian.
So I suppose I must fall back on my old faithful, the hobby of the oddity, or as my youngest son says "being a plonker and embarrassing" him. Why do our parents always embarass us? Conformity is perhaps the main aspect of youth, I guess.

That Time of Year

2008-01-02T17:53:00.000+08:00

I have been thinking of Alice and I having our 17th wedding anniversary tomorrow but feel I should also pass on the usual annual greetings as above.

Indeed I trust you all had a good feed on that most prolific of animals, far more useful to the world than merely ridding it of another turkey. I took the day off work, its after all an Islamic country that we are presently in and we went out for the feed, quite enjoyable if a shade commercial.
We also had a few friends drop by for New Year, as I trust you did also, it's a good time to see old buddies or at least contact them. Skype must have had a bonanza day yesterday if our place was any indicator.
But enough, I should try and catch up on the work delayed by Eid, Christmas and new year, in fact my colleague Vic made a major mistake by taking leave as he will have booked a considerable number of days which he would have had off outside his leave period if he had stayed in Qatar, still it isn't the most enthralling place in reality. But, turning back to typing, I need to keep the faith and show the world: -

Back with Animals

2007-12-12T15:08:00.000+08:00

We have just had a flying visit home to the Phils where I was able to see my pigs and piglets. Recently one very good mother gave birth without calling for the usual night assistance they seem to like. And giving birth to the fifteen healthy piglets unaided means some of her kids will become breeding stock rather than being sold later for lechon!
But what a difference between the UK, or the Gulf, and the Phils where animals abound and are both interesting and useful. A glance in the trees as you drive along can often spot a nesting animal, which can be a sight well worthwhile. Especially if you have your hunting gun with you. Personally I do all my hunting with the camera, and do not admit exactly where I have shot any particular animal in view of the fact that Filipinos seem to take after the Chinese in the way they will eat anything that lives!And, of course, as can be seen below, they also make sure that animals are made useful members of the community and they provide some proper input to the work of a farm.
But, as to me, I just like, as is well known, to see the odd frog or two, since somehow they warm my heart, whether climbing around our trees or sitting down for a chat. Unlike Charlie I talk to frogs, not to trees; and another difference is that my wife is beautiful, as I tell any frog who will sit and listen for a moment.
However there a some rare times when I miss seeing the well trained animals and their riders providing protection to our Royalty back in the UK.

Women

2007-11-22T18:51:00.000+08:00

This photo has done the rounds at such length there can be few who have not seen it as yet. While I find it somewhat true it is also true that many Europeans can also go to excess and the fact is that it makes them even less attractive than the Americans.
Without question neither come across as what we want in the real world, some-one with the ability to look after their man while also benefiting the farm with their ability to work hard. Of course there are some who don't quite fit the bill even with their innate strength.
But a good hard look around the world will usually find the one you require, me being very happily married man, of course I merely take on additional farm hands but it does make a difference to have properly capable workers around the farm.
All this is said, of course, with the knowledge that there are feminists around who will take exception to the idea of men having an ideal that should be matched to provide the woman best suited for marriage, hiring, squiring around or whatever else.
To them I say . . .

'Nanas

2007-11-21T14:55:00.000+08:00

What a strange thing happens as one's body becomes acclimatised to a new regime. I seem unable to stay away from the addictive banana. I vaguely seem to remember that it has three different sorts of sugar in it so I really should not over do it, I suppose.
So I have considered trying them as other useful things, not just as a snack. But so far the the result has not been perfect, dammit.
The strong desire may be a hangover from the war, or just post war, period when exotic fruits were not readily available in the UK, too many U-boats around to make fruit imports a worthwhile exercise. Which meant of course that the rich (and lovely) might get them on rare occasions but they were far beyond the dreams of ordinary souls like my family.
But I do remember being told a wonderful fact that may, in my pacifist old age, be the reason why they are so alluring. But then how many apples, pears or pomegranates actually cause death deliberately? Of course we can't be one hundred per cent sure since not all of us talk to plants like good old Charles, possibly because those of us with less horselike wives prefer to talk to them, probably with a far higher likelihood of getting an understandable response.
Having said that we should always remember that the wild banana if not properly fed, housed and, especially, trained has been known to turn on its owner, a very terrifying experience to those not used to the world in the raw. Luckily my experiences in Nigeria have prepared me for sudden and unexpected dangers.

Changes

2007-11-17T14:09:00.000+08:00

After many moons of investigations the doctors have decided that my body is collapsing, pre-diabetic, liver functions and blood pressure all to

hell and gone and other such depressing nonsense.

So for a month I have been drinking no alcohol, and have just bought an electric running machine, which seems a misnomer since I am the one who has to run, and am actually using it, so far in brief attempts and at a fast walk rather than a run. Unfortunately, although I may incline to the poster idea that is not an option in Qatar. However not drinking wine with meals has expanded the number of restaurants that we can enter dramatically!
And, naturally, the waiters do not have to carry quite such a lot to me at one time, freeing them for other duties.
And my wife has pointed out that I should listen to, or perhaps view, the sentiments of these ladies since there are undoubtedly a number of advantages. I am not quite so certain as Alice but there is no doubt that there are certain conversations that we do not need to have these days. Which is the only advantage that I can think of.

Woes

2007-10-24T19:02:00.000+08:00

Waily, waily, waily. One thing after another. First migraines, then an ingrowing toenail minor operation then very high blood pressure, liver enzyme functions double what they should be and it all seems a shade too much. A trip to the Booze Shop was indicated (reopen after Ramadan at last) except for the fact of the high liver function levels.
But with my aging bladder and increasing prostrate size it would only mean being stuck in the loo if I did retreat into alcoholic cheer; so perhaps I need to look elsewhere to ensure cheerfulness. Although if I had a "two holer" and could be joined by such charming company then perhaps there might be reason to forget the liver levels!
My cholesterol does not seem to bad so perhaps I do not need to join this lady who is more careful in how she maintains her calorie intake.
You would not believe the sadness that I have felt as I restrained myself from the red wine that is my solace, especially these last few days with Alice back in the Phils to sort out a few necessary things for us at the farm and in the Immigration Office. But we are in the new flat which is so much better! But space and comfort do not mitigate the loneliness in the same way that Jack or red wine do.
Never mind, I talk to my pet, at great length in the absence of Alice, and find his relaxed attitude quite refreshing. Thinking it over I feel he is sensible and I wholly agree with him.

Seafood

2007-09-29T17:44:00.000+08:00

I have always been fond of lobster, more so that of crab, here I am seen tucking in to a small one at Cherating on the east coast of Malaysia. Unfortunately this was the first time there and while enjoying the Tiger beer I had not yet discovered that hidden out the back they had some wine.
Mind you it was nice to have the beer anyway, and it is pleasant here in Qatar to be able to get it (or wine) in the hotel restaurants. Although my other favourite will probably not be available anywhere here.
But there are Japanese restaurants around and I do love sashimi, although not sushi so much. A big plate of sashimi though, especially with a decent amount of octopus, is something that I find very hard to resist, especially if properly presented.
But there are so few places that can present it in the way that best grabs both your eye, your taste buds and all your various appetites, don't you find?

Visits

2007-09-18T19:50:00.000+08:00

Just recently my friend (and an ex-boss) Dave came on a flying visit, looking more Pickwickian each time I see him.
He was keen to see the sites of Doha, a somewhat restricted list to be honest but we obliged to the best of our ability.
He saw the desert, the wild (and domesticated) life that abounds.
Then on to see the exotic, but unfortunately he and I could not enter, "Men NOT Allowed", as can be seen if you click on the picture and see the original.
Then on to the major interesting buildings such as the Police Institute as, to be honest, as I pass it on my way to work every day I never fail to be amused by it.
But we stayed away from dentists although I should have been searching for one as a tooth thickener has cracked and partly disappeared. But I have never really enjoyed dentists and fear that here they may be of different standards to in Singapore.

Women

2007-09-10T14:29:00.000+08:00

As we all know women are wonderful creatures, capable of anything. Although I do feel some are too sports minded to suit my own love of animals and children. At least I saw nothing like this as Henin recently do so well. And we all know that rugby players will do anything so there is less surprise there.
But it is indicative of feminine combativeness, whether it be ladies scaling the walls to release those held in odd places by the US forces or just showing a copier that it really should work if it wanted to survive (after all, I have to!).
My own wife of course is an absolute Angel and, apart from an occasional foray into my Jack, has no connection with the usual unpleasant self-assertive female traits. Perhaps, like me, she finds things to reduce her aggression; but while she normally uses tennis, I end to use wine!

Dog Days

2007-08-27T19:23:00.001+08:00

Well, its odd how the sadness continues, a dog is not a person after all. And yet we can get so attached to them, especially as one sees that the 'love' given is returned and the faithfulness becomes evident.

But I recall the days when he was young and he and I (and Jasper) would sit in the garden of our city house enjoying sun and togetherness. I have not wholly lost my love for cats, which was partially based upon their less devoted nature, but I do not miss them having them in the same way that I miss Muggins.
And of course he also got me the odd bit of exercise, as he and I, together with Jasper and Alice (not seen since she is taking this photo) stroll along the beach so near to our city home.
He was intended to some extent as a guard dog but he became rather more and will be sorely missed.
And so I have to turn my mind to other matters, deep and philosophical matters that the world can read, learn, inwardly digest and benefit from. For example: -

Desolation

2007-08-26T19:15:00.000+08:00

We were awoken last night by the telephone with appalling news, my wonderful dog Muggins has died. Apparently the victim of rat poison.I am really sad he was a grand companion although as he grew (and grew) he had to become one of the outside dogs being too big to move inside the house that is somewhat overfull. But his friendly nature never changed even as he was wonderful protection for the family and home.

He still enjoyed the odd trip out although getting him into the Pajero was a bit of a squash. But he was always eager to explore. Admittedly once he got to the destination he could become a bit more unhappy sometimes, but no more than me going to the dentist, I feel.
We recently bought two Shih Tzu's and very charming they are but with all due respect they cannot take the place of Muggins, my dear Akita.
As we seem to be specialising in either mongrels or exotica I am starting to think that the only answer is to really hit the exciting breeds. Do you know where it is possible to get one of these in or around Cebu?

Tomorrow never comes

2007-08-22T18:33:00.000+08:00

At last Alice is coming home, only one more sleep (as I used to count time while waiting for Christmas as a Kid) and then she and Alistair will be here. Of course they have been enjoying decently cooked pork and such while I have been striving to look after myself.
Its such a drag having to do the shopping myself and since my immense age means I am well knackered after work I hate popping down to the shops.
Especially because in a less exhibitionist country like Qatar the likelihood of eye candy such as this passing through the Souq is pretty low. But in fact since Alice is my ideal I usually hang out in the malls while assuring myself of being protected from such sights. Mind you I sometimes feel that perhaps I am being a shade too showy; but one must follow one's dream, even if it leads to becoming a little foolish looking.
But the worst of being alone is the tidying up to do before she gets back. Since I have my liquor permit I have been eating sensibly in my wife's absence, but I can't say the same for the drinking and I may have the odd empty to dispose of.

Missing her

2007-08-21T21:25:00.000+08:00

Well at last I can see the return of Alice, she having stayed in the Phils an extra ten days after me (just long enough for Alistair to recover from his chickenpox, poor lad. And sitting here in Doha, even as a seasoned expat, there is absolutely no doubt that I felt very much a stranger. What an odd feeling, after living in various parts of the world for so long I had decided I was not a stranger anywhere. But there is an empty feeling without one's wife.
And soon she will be back with that terrible need to make a decision as to whether to have the evenings drink, knowing that if she does I will certainly join her, to the detriment of my so-called diet; most ineffective in her absence!
The good thing is, of course, that she usually succumbs and I can see her beauty through the bottom of a glass. Very similar to a Friday brunch really I suppose, where I can easily be tempted to a second bottle of wine as we browse amounts the buffet delights.
But at least there no fear of being caught as this lady caught her husband. And if I was then I suspect that the queries response would not have helped much! But to be certain I suggest that you click on the newsprint clip to read it more easily.

Gifs not working, top two pictures, why?

2007-07-30T19:02:00.000+08:00

Very soon now I will be leaving the humdrum working life for a few days as a holiday maker. This is particularly nice since Alice (and Alistair) flew ahead of me and I have naturally been missing them a great deal.
So in about forty eight hours I will be heading for the airport and the paraffin budgie to get me away from here and back with my wonderful extended family. It seems that I have been doing this sort of thing for centuries but, of course, in reality it is only decades.
Not quite the same life as many people I suppose but on the whole I have enjoyed it and I do tend to agree with the blob person's sentiments on the right. And passing through so many different countries and cultures I have grown to realise that the world would be a much less interesting place if we did not have so many differences. So I do not recommend trying to change places by invading them.
However if our differences were all as obvious as this army type then perhaps there would be less invasions!

Youngest Arrives

2007-07-23T21:38:00.000+08:00

Alistair has recently arrived for the summer holidays, although in fact much of the time will be spent in the Phils and not here in Doha. Naturally we went straight into tourist mode and headed out into the desert, where he proved to have out grown his mother but not, quite yet, his father.

We visited the Corniche, to see the dhows seen in front of the tall buildings around City Centre Mall across the bay. A nice split between the old and the new here in Doha. And talking of the new, we visited an outside upstairs Chinese restaurant with a fine view of the gondolas inside Villagio, there are times when the exotica of Arabia really comes to the fore, don't you think?
As this photo, to the below left, records both Alice and Alistair (and I though not portrayed) are having an absolutely splendid time. They went ice skating yesterday and generally are rushing around almost like genuine tourists rather than expats!
But of course there is always the minor niggling concern that more demanding tourists may arrive at any moment, even without the support of Blair. Because we all know that there are those with certain demands that they want to be met at all costs.

Choices

2007-07-15T20:48:00.000+08:00

As I labour away I sometimes think of the many choices in life that I have taken. My charming wife having recently put me back on a diet by banning beer and cider and limiting my wine except at weekends when we eat out has made me consider deeply about which is the greater pleasure; food or drink. But I think that drink wins by a nose.

The pleasures in that line are so self evident that I am quite sure I could get as mixed up as this fellow, for whom I have the greatest sympathy. An easy mistake to make, surely?
And there are so many ways to mitigate against the affects of excessive food that one has to feel that this is a lesser worry, let's concentrate on the one hobby that genuinely gives pleasure and cannot be as easily overcome by a simple "sanitized" product as eating prodigiously.
Of course one should perhaps consider hobbies generally, and food and drink far outweigh most other for me, except perhaps reading or listening to audiobooks. There is a whole lot of time happily consumed by listening to the Pickwick Papers for instance.
But, cutting through the convoluted though processes, I cannot but feel that this gentleman has really brought his hobby into the realms of an art form.

Evenings?

2007-07-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

Following a big breakfast, missing my usual bacon, of course, I struggle to get through the day, trapped at a desk without even the useful glasses that this young lady has to disguise my languor, I dream of the coming evening and the pleasures to be had at that time.
Mind you since at least one of the bowling alleys is "ladies only" I suspect that even should I get that energetic it is virtually guaranteed that the best dressed ladies would not be about for my viewing but hidden away where no male eye can sully their perfections.
So I guess I need to turn to that most helpful item, the computer, now perfectly set up to provide my evening needs speedily and efficiently.
But even these thrills can pall and so one has to investigate the internet to track down something that could perhaps give a jaded mind something to enthuse over. And it can be found (although I did need to go back to my regular keyboard to speed the search). How can be interested in beer or even wine when there are so much better things available for those in need of a little extra excitement after work.

It's nice

2007-07-07T15:52:00.001+08:00

We rather like Doha, which has a certain amount of charm. Not a vast amount of excitement perhaps but nevertheless a very pleasant place.

The corniche is very well kept and swings round the bay, so that from the Pearl fountain one can see all the way across to the buildings around the City Centre mall, that is when the airborne sand permits!
The dhows are always of interest and I really love the minaret close to the souq area. I pass it every day on the way to work and back and I find it quite fascinating for some reason.
And now that I have installed Skype Alice can phone home regularly without breaking the bank. A major advantage! I will be installing it on the family computer at home next time I am there and we will be using it even more, and even more cheaply from then on.
Much as I like it here I am looking forward to seeing my dear pig's smile. They are such charmers and are missed a great deal; as is bacon and pork chops! The receipt of my Liquor Permit means that I am not deprived of a relaxant in the house but I am sorry to say that although I have searched the souqs and the Malls I have failed to find the one shop that could cheer an exiled Scotsman.

A Quiet Glass of Wine

2007-07-05T13:43:00.000+08:00

Reading through my last I thought I should show what I sometimes mean.

Tourists maybe

2007-07-03T18:55:00.000+08:00

After what seems like an eternity of being locked in the office at last a two day weekend came round for me again, by needing to adjust by a week I have had three one day weekends in a row and believe me it seems like a long sentence!

We made the best of it, having a visit to the old souq, where Alice found some of her spices. Indeed she found some that we had no idea how to use. But Alice is nothing of not adventurous so I expect I will be having some exotic meals in the near future.
And we also decided to go all touristy and headed out to Al Khor to join the other happy snappers enjoying getting records of their holiday breaks. Mind you getting out of the car was a bit of a pain when one considers the rapidly rising temperatures, recorded in the top right of the data screen in the Pajero, we are temporarily using while the CRV is repaired. But we had to get a record of the desert, did we not? So we braved the amazing amount of sand in the air, although not a sandstorm due to the wind being merely moderate, and got our driver to take that record.
But soon we were heading back home to Doha, along the corniche where we could see the record of the well-known pearl diving that was once the mainstay of Qatar, before the oil and, even more importantly, the gas made such wealth changes to the country. And how nice it was to get back to a modern hotel restaurant and have the opportunity for a feed. A feed that gives the opportunity to have a quiet glass of wine with a beautiful woman and without any concerns that you might inadvertently upset someone and be subject to an extremely unfortunate: -

Pain Again

2007-06-24T20:30:00.000+08:00

Some time ago when I was permanently in pain, before the last operation in Singapore improved matters so dramatically, my blog was entitled (if I recall correctly) "Moaning Mike's Miseries". How nice it was to be able to change the name. Somehow I cannot bring myself to be a very nice person when in pain.

So when I went completely "a over t" when going up the steps to work last week I was not a happy man. All sorts of bit of me hurt, but I refused to see the first aid people; the last time I did that I got a tetanus injection so I figured that we could stay away from such risks. But later in the day I found Alice and I making our way to the American Hospital, here in Doha. My mind was hoping for charming nurses without hypodermics, and I was spared this; although there was one who wanted to test my blood sugar level but who retreated at a snarl.
So after being questioned, poked and prodded at last they decided that some gels, tablets and an immobiliser would have me sorted fairly quickly. And to some extent this is true but there are disadvantages to these wrist thingies, in spite of the clear improvements over plaster of paris. They can be pulled pretty tight, this naturally reduces blood flow to the fingers, and makes the wrist rather sweaty in temperatures in the high 50's centigrade.
And as a result the digits get angry and I am just a shade concerned about my safety, not just for walking without falling but for living at all.

Old Pals

2007-06-21T19:57:00.000+08:00

Last Friday, and it shows I have done some work this week that is only now I come to record it, we were walking into the Villagio. Not unusual as we often drop into the supermarket before lunch. What was odd, was seeing an old friend that we had not seen for about seven years and we did not even know was in Doha!

Some years ago I was the Godfather to a couple getting married in Kuala Lumpur, a very nice couple both Philippine, one of whom worked with me. But it was not Catherine we saw but her husband Joseph. But to our amazement Cathy would be coming here to work perhaps next month, initially leaving the three children with family. We have not seen them all, as the last time we were together, seen here in our place in Malaysia, Cathy was still pregnant.
Well as you can imagine such a pleasant surprise could not be ignored so we dragged Joseph off with us to share the brunch we often indulge in on the Friday off.
Mind you, there was a certain amount of confusion as Joseph had overindulged in the seafood starters not realising that the other side of the buffet had a selection of main courses!
But never mind, we enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to seeing Cathy when she gets here. Although I trust I will not have to forcibly remove any bottles from her; but overindulgence at a wedding is compulsory, is it not?

Problems

2007-06-07T20:19:00.000+08:00

Getting "caught short" has always been a fear, particularly as I age and the prostrate enlarges, and when the sign implies a major trek to find the loo it is somewhat worrisome.
Alice is even more concerned as she does suffer from a fairly regular need to go, as indeed do many ladies, I understand. Mind you, this lady will not get relief by lying down, rushing (even with legs wound around themselves) would surely be preferable?
Or perhaps she is resting near to this type of loo until she is wholly convinced that no intruding male is likely to be around.

After all if you are heavily engaged upon some action then interruptions are not at all welcome. However personally I would be far more likely to be clutching a book than a shoe, but each to their own as I so often say. And what a sweetheart Millie was, why can I not find my old albums of hers?

Respect?

2007-06-07T16:33:00.000+08:00

Everybody deserves respect if they carry out their duties well, however surely it must be earned rather than just demanded? And surely these women should equally be due respect for plying their profession ?It is a difficult subject but I am not an advocate of violence and am convinced that the spanker below could have found another way of encouraging his staff to their best efforts? Oh well, man (or woman) management is not my forte so I guess I must accept that this is the proper way to obtain the best performance from the working girls.

Here we are

2007-06-03T21:26:00.000+08:00

As we get used to being in the Gulf again we start to notice more about the place, which I have to say is quite a pleasant country.

As we are not great linguists we are very pleased to have the opportunity to speak Inglish rather than Arabic and head for spots like this usually. Having said that Alice was on the Corniche buying "just landed" fish yesterday morning. And she has noted that these very fresh items are considerably cheaper than those found in the supermarkets.
Other things of interest are the fauna of the area, and how they are moved around. Working in construction I see all sorts of things being lifted into the sky but not all animals are as patient as this. Of course, I tend to view camels in a new light since reading Pyramids (Terry Pratchett) which I heartily recommend, as it will give you the odd chuckle.
Another thing of interest is the low cost of electronics and I am so pleased to see that in what seems to be an increasingly difficult world the guarantee that whether you want to watch "the Ten Commandments" or something less epic the ability is built in to the machinery to allow you to see it without being turned into a fundamentalist.
Of course amongst all these interesting things we are still left with a hankering after a few things we have to forgo, hard for some-one who happens to be a pig farmer at home. But although I have searched I cannot find the right drink: -

Ladies

2007-05-24T20:07:00.000+08:00

Now that we are more firmly established in Qatar we are naturally becoming used to seeing ladies exposing rather less of themselves than may be usual in many other places around the world. Each to his own, say I. Although perhaps I should be saying each to her own in view of the tone of this blog.

Nevertheless we do note that the changing fashions over various decades may well lead all to look the same in the reasonably near future.So it is quite nice to see that as yet there remain many delightful young ladies who are still keen on delighting the eye of all who may see them, for whatever reason, their own amusement, the viewers pleasure or just to ensure a reaction from those more elderly amongst us. My own fear is that if I see too many of these charmers my bloodpressure readings will be rather higher than I would like.

Of course, as a "rebel" in my youth, I also tended towards ripped, torn and faded jeans; of course the rips tended only to be around the knees (I taught the Ramones how to dress). It is a fact that I never completely forgave my mother for throwing out a pair of faded and smooth brushed denim flares I put in the wash and giving me money to buy new ones. After months of hard labour getting them just how I desired I was less than happy! But mothers tend to have different ideas on dress than their teenage offspring, do they not?
But with all these tempting spreads of pulchritude almost everywhere in sight I fear that an older style of wedding may well be forced to come back into fashion.

Useful?

2007-05-21T21:16:00.000+08:00

We have now been in Qatar for a week and at last I drove to work along the Corniche to a clear sky. Previously the dust in the air made it sufficiently irritating that we only went to Malls and the Souq (and restaurants). And what fun the Malls can be with quantities of the most amazing things but it is important to remember the thought expressed below.This is perhaps well expressed in the assortment of pictures here. I am sure that the owner of the building with the halt spot half way up the wall is not impressed by the usefulness, if any, of the road (wall?) markings.
Equally, and remaining with transport, the look on this young rider's face expresses his clear and strong belief that to have something unique is perhaps not the be all and end all in life.
Americans, of course, do sometimes tend to excess and we can do no more than look upon their wonders and consider our reaction. Although in this picture it is reasonably obvious that the lady is very definitely considering whether a unique hat can overcome a perceived lack of usefulness.
Of course being intellectually gifted is also to be somewhat unique. And how many times have we seen the lack of commonsense in those who undoubtedly appear to be our superiors in brainpower.

Whine

2007-05-14T17:31:00.000+08:00

And here we are in Doha, with me once again back working and rather wondering how long it will be to get an alcohol licence, so I can get into the pleasures of wine at home rather than having to visit expensive hotels for the occasional spot of refreshment.

After all there are those who can take delight in group access to wine baths and yet there are those pitiable creatures such as myself who have very little chance of such good cheer and free flow that is conducive to happiness.
And when I think of my pal Jon back in UK enjoying a jar with the looser sort of lady (?), I feel positively miserable. This is not actually of Jon, having rather more hair than he, but the smile is identical.
There are plenty of hotel bars in Doha, although I am informed that the difficulties of single women under thirty getting a visa means that the charming available ladies there-in then to be slightly shopworn mainland Chinese; but being a man who tends to enjoy a drink in company with decent food I tend to agree wholly with this charming young lady.

An occasional jar is good for you

2007-04-30T18:37:00.000+08:00

The lady above is so sure that vodka, and I admire her choice, will remove all problems, so who am I to deny her ideas? But instead I merely try to have the odd glass of red wine (obviously for only for the sake of my heart) to improve my own life.

One can of course run into excess, if a certain amount of care is not taken, but we should note that it is ladies that need to maintain the flow even when they are "busy". We all know that moderation is worthwhile (which probably includes avoiding invading other's countries) but the odd G&T or martini could surely not hurt any-one?So pass me that martini and let's see how it goes in the future because it is after all a drink that is much screwed around with, to me less than 3:1 is only lemonade!
But the idea of drinking shorts while dining is atrocious, wine is the only answer. And even the rebellious people now striving to run the world have started growing their own wines and should try drinking them, or preferably Chilean wines.

But at least they have realised the need for a drink occasionally, especially to improve the team performance at work, or at least as considered so by our brethren.Please click and read the note!

I am getting old?

2007-04-30T07:50:00.000+08:00

Last Friday our eldest son Zaidhe married Rhevy who lives quite close to the farm. This was just a small affair, presided over by the Mayor, as the church wedding will take place later. Paul, her father was widowed some months ago and many are convinced that to have a wedding in less than a year from a parent's death is ill-omened. So I pointed out that a civil wedding makes things legal and the "real" church wedding can take place after the period has passed.

But I really believed that marriage should take place now and so it transpired. And here are the young couple toasting each other in Chilean wine, although Rhevy's face after showed she did not really appreciate wine!
It was both sad and strange to see another going through what I had earlier. Becoming a widower is not pleasant and Paul had the worst of it since he could not even get back from working overseas as an Engineer to be with his wife at the end.
But Alice and I were pleased that at least a civil wedding was held and were happy to stand with the young couple at the ceremony. There is something charming about love; but I was pleased to hear the Mayor, for 31 years previously a policeman, give a solemn warning about the standing of marriage and pointing out that the jail was always ready to be of service to them if either strayed. I was particularly fond of this clear statement, as it rather reflects my views on how important marriage is.
And to complete the pleasures of the day even the wildfowl decided to show their happiness about a marriage!

Gas Passing

2007-04-29T10:45:00.000+08:00

I sometimes wonder how accurate scientific reports are, certainly 14 seems quite a small number.

It is true though that the action can sometimes be violent and unexpected. Not that I have to worry so much as a trouser wearer, of course. However although we men feel we have exemptions over certain actions, we are often reminded by the ladies that we can misread situations and act in a manner likely to get us into trouble.
Of course women avoid the problem by making us aware of the actions to be expected; and we blunder on entirely at our own risk.
And, as my loo seat tells me, there is a risk and being aware I can take such steps as may be necessary to ensure my welfare. Nevertheless it does sometimes happen that a charming lady may fail to give proper warning and then the handy, fold-up sign can provide at least some relief; since it is easily folded into the alternative shape of a fan.

Dip me in Honey

2007-04-29T08:10:00.000+08:00

The above rather amused me, I am prone to getting the wrong end of the stick myself but I trust that this would not have happened to me. Mind you the "Leader of the Gang" came an awful cropper in later life so it's all possible I guess.

However I was reading an extremely cultured book the other day and my mind went off from the nastiness of unkindness to kids and flew to lovely ladies instead. Mind you I am rather terrified in case strong minded women decide that I should be punished for such thoughts and thus took steps to change my way of life completely. Although I admit that I am prone to exaggerated clothing, whether my esoteric ties or loud tee-shirts but I have to state categorically that I do not want to progress even one step further in standing out in a crowd. But this fellow looks charming and each to his own I say, except for people of a like mind to Paul Francis Gadd, naturally.

Dog Days

2007-04-26T12:33:00.000+08:00

At the risk of becoming even more boring than I normally am I am returning to dogs. Alistair was previously a lover of cats and hamsters but seems to have been converted to dogs on his Easter visit. Or is it just the enjoyment of laying out in the sun doing very little that attracts him?

Alice of course, being a motherly sort, treats Jasper and Muggins in particular as her latest children, although Muggins does look a shade fearful as he enjoys this cuddle. Mind you he also knows her as the main disciplinarian of the home and her merely saying, "where's my smack" is enough to send all dogs off towards safety!
Myself, I am an easy going soul, as all know, and the gentle stroll along the beach with the occasional halt to stare aimlessly at the sea or a camera is a great pleasure. I have recently come across photos (although not yet scanned) of my previous dog Rosie, an Old English Sheepdog, and at some future time will portray her. Also tell a mildly amusing tale of her protectiveness to Alitia.
But I am glad that Alistair has finally decided that dogs can be loveable, at least at times, and I strongly believe it was one of our mongrels that finally persuaded him. After all who could not fall for the most interesting nose in the world.

Music again

2007-04-26T09:23:00.000+08:00

When we drove up to the farm we stopped off to buy some bread and I was so pleased to see the harpist was back. My first, late, wife was Welsh but it seems strange to see Philippine exponent.

Otherwise I tend to a somewhat eclectic music mix, although here we will stick mainly to one format. After all what could be better than being ill with "White Line Fever"?
Mind you one would have to be affected by something even in the '60s to think that Jimi would have people so unknown as to be regularly asked "Who?" as his backing band, don't you think?
Throughout the years though there have been people who lasted longer than, say Jimi, Jim, Janis or Sid and I salute them.
Kief is naturally my all time favourite, falling out of the tree or not, but although less prolific, being rather idle, I am awfully fond of Billy. Maybe less widespread than Kief but anyone who can do a Morrison song and make it seem right must have something going right for him.
Strange that I am not a greater fan of dedicated dance music really since the music I like does tend to create a hip swivelling mode. On the other hand, perhaps with my shape it is just as well.
But as my liking for Sid implies I am fond of punk and consider that there were no finer examples of the art than "Vic Vomit and the Vile Farts".

Paraffin Budgie

2007-04-20T08:22:00.000+08:00

The youngest son turns thirteen today and spends the day flying back from Cebu to Manchester, perhaps not the most thrilling of ways to spend a birthday.

However we have had great times, although he has not quite got the knack of dog control, as can be seen as Muggins and Jasper pull him along the beach!
Alice of course has complete control, but then she has this over the entire extended family and, naturally, me.
To get back to the sprog, he has had an extended holiday, flying early and going back late. This due to the problems of getting flights. Indeed to my horror his waitlisted section Doha to Manchester remained waitlisted and we eventually had to send him Business Class at great expense.
Of course, he is worth it although recalling his younger days I never expected him to become a Business Class world traveller at thirteen.

Times

2007-04-18T18:19:00.000+08:00

My charming wife had me at lunch recently together with a nephew and his fiancee, Cherry, who is a hardworking sweetheart.

I always like to sit opposite my wife, hence the shot to the right, apparently in much of Asia "lovers" sit next to one another; but how to look at her beauty?
To my amazement they are a totally charming couple and also did not in any way play on the rich westerner syndrome. And do we help them; well, they are family and they were pleased at what little we gave. How nice it is when one is not paying skin tax but are genuinely given thanks.
But enough of this being nice, let's look at me ensuring that besides my bottle of wine I get total value from a "bottomless" Diet coke. Notice that "diet", I have to tell you that it does not make you slim.

No Time to Blog

2007-04-17T19:47:00.000+08:00

We have been extremely busy rushing between the houses, buying more farmland and the like and I never seem to get time to sort myself out at the keyboard.

Thank the Lord that it is Tuesday.

For Knife See Pliers

2007-04-12T07:40:00.000+08:00

I trust that this lad did not share the fate recorded in the delightful poem: -

Electric wires,
Boy with pliers,
Blue flashes,
Boy in ashes.

One Pill Makes You Larger

2007-04-12T07:16:00.000+08:00

I have always been very fond of Grace Slick, and enjoyed the Great Society Days, although this was not to the exclusion of the Airplane period, not quite so sure about the Starship.

So it was with some pleasure I came across a few pictures from the famous (not five but) Alice books. These days I guess Carroll would have been identified as Dodgson and arrested as a perv so one wonders if the Queen would have interfered to ensure he was pardoned. After all her ancestor Queen Victoria was so enamoured of the books that she ordered all of his published output. She must have been surprised at the wealth of mathematical treatises she was given!
The second time I was in KSA I refused to watch more than two pornos in a row during the obligatory Thursday night session without the light relief of Disney's film to break the monotony. With sufficient Sid this cartoon went down a treat even with the more hardnosed of my companions.
Nevertheless there is another cartoon character who keeps popping up to ask me this question: -

Medals

2007-04-10T08:13:00.000+08:00

I am a little afraid that in my last and this mumble I may be straying from the true path of inconsequential rubbish that I always try to maintain. However I came across my father's medals recently (these are not them, he had more) and realised that the shadow of the bullet is very long.

The bomb and its ilk, however renamed, kill many and although I lived and worked in the Gulf for many years I am less likely to stroll casually around there as previously.
How pleasant it would be if the world stopped going to hell in a handbasket at such great speed and we had a little brotherly love. Or indeed any other form of love, for the more nerdish (although this implies a range of knowledge that I cannot aspire to) could perhaps wear this delightful tee shirt in the hope of spreading some of the love left over from the 1960s, portions of which I can remember.
However I guess I will need to see some strange sights down on our pig farm before the chance of peace throughout the world could come into being.

No more war, please

2007-04-09T18:21:00.000+08:00

I have just been rereading Nam, and once again am glad that I have never been so tested. Although I have been shot at, Nigeria is a fun place, I have never heard the war drums beaten in earnest.

I have never had to protect my own land or strive to take another's.
Which is lucky for me since I am an arrant coward and at the first sign of an angry military type I suspect that I would be on the run.
Not for me the courage of the lone fighter dug in during the snow and waiting for the next attack. Nope, I'm not up to it, luckily at my age I am not likely to be called to take any military action.
But, just as bad, I might, as so often happens in conflict, find that the normal foods are not available and have to try less attractive meats. So I really hope that we can get some peace around the world in the near future.

Well now

2007-04-07T18:54:00.000+08:00

It looks like I will be back at work shortly, although I am not yet sure if this is to be in Japan or KSA. I seem to be quite lucky in deciding to seek work just when the right sort of position come along but whether it is luck or my Guardian Angel I am not sure.

However working on the basis shown on the right I was not surprised by coming across the marker shown here, I had not previously known that these signs were seen outside London. Still it is sufficiently esoteric to have caught my eye.
Mind you as an older man with, perhaps, outdated ways and an outmoded sense of privacy the next thing place I entered was such as to make me feel that there were some things I did not want to imagine or to find to be real.
However there are just a few things that I can imagine but which somehow have an aura of "this is not real" no matter how nice it would be if reality was really in place for the special Klansmen.

Where tongue? In cheek!

2007-03-31T07:12:00.000+08:00

I am sorry to say that I consider it unfortunate that women can be led astray and be led into going along with wholly unfounded beliefs; merely in the hope of achieving some style without the efforts of exercise and diet.

As a reader myself I am aware of the risks and have made an informed decision to run them (although I gave up smoking many years ago). But the information women require can easily be obtained in pictorial form, thus avoiding any risk to them.
Having said that I nevertheless feel that perhaps there are others who overstate the case and may possibly take a step or two too far. There is no need for a death sentence for a woman who is merely misguided in her belief that the fairer sex should be permitted to learn to read.After all the vast majority of girls come to realise, at an early age, that there are many ways forward that do not require the struggle to learn to read.
The stress of reading leads many ladies astray and into bad habits (that's the bleached hair and the cigarettes, the booze is quite acceptable, naturally). Worse is that the feminine traits of kindness and compassion can be destroyed and instead, as seen in this poster from the First World War, they can become quite demonical.

Back in the Doghouse

2007-03-30T09:47:00.002+08:00

My darling wife, who I adore, woke up this morning with a certain amount of unhappiness; it seems that for some reason she dreamt that I hit her.I wholly subscribe to the "do not hit women" club and was rather surprised. However, as I told her, I absolutely refuse to take responsibility for anything I may do in her dream, and this was sufficient to amuse her and thus to lessen my risk.

But although probably safe from becoming hamburger I did notice that new kit she brought home the other day and this remains as an extremely unpleasant possibility.
So I have to remind her at length of the symbolism of chopsticks and our marriage shown by this wonderful ornament our son bought us as a great Christmas present and which is displayed in our bedroom at all times.
Unfortunately she strongly subscribes to certain feminine ways of thinking, these being exemplified by the cartoon that follows, and hence I may be held responsible and under a cloud for the entire day or perhaps even for longer, oh I hope not!

Fun, Fun, Fun

2007-03-29T15:03:00.000+08:00

Well, having been extremely busy recently I finally get a moment to add to the blog; but I intend to just fling up a few photos of the fun without much explanation!Naturally the important thing was the actual blessing, and after the prayers the pried went round all rooms and the outside of the house to ensure everything was covered. Then a splendid feed on the vast quantities of pork in many disguises and then to the games!Little jubilation as my two nieces failed to win!

Throwing out coins and a mucky way of plucking more from an oily coconut.

The climbing of the greased bamboo took a heck of a time!

I am not a sporty person, as is well-known, but I did join in the tomato dance much to the detriment of any possibility of being considered stylish in the future.

Party Coming

2007-03-15T10:34:00.000+08:00

We have just walked Jasper and Muggins for the last time before we head for the farm, once we have everything we need moved up there and a proper fence around the house then they can come with us and we will leave the other dogs to protect the city house.

But for now our minds are entirely on the party to come, which will include games for the kids where they can win small prizes and apparently some similar for adults! But I dislike kids enmasse so will make arrangements for gathering the less loveable in one place far from me.
There will be a certain amount of drinking and a whole pig cooked in many way; we are not talking piglet here but a pig about six feet long! And, naturally, there will be other foodstuffs to fill the hungry bellies of our friends and neighbours. Since the last time we had some friends round to the city house there was a certain amount of stomach problems for the male visitors I am hoping that this time no-one will overindulge. My problem is that I hate to see an empty glass and can therefore be too pressing in offering refills. The renowned Phils politeness leads to people accepting when perhaps they did not really want another.
But my difficulty is that although this is my adopted country and I am extremely happy with my relatives and indeed the people in general, nevertheless I do rather stand out as a shade different to the norm of the Phils.

Paddy's Day

2007-03-14T10:48:00.000+08:00

We will be back off to the farm very shortly as on Saturday (Paddy's Day) we have the new house blessed and a party for the village, we will roast a pig (our biggest) provide plenty of booze and generally it will be eminently suited to Paddy's Day! Although there will be no foolish American influences such as green beer. In fact there will be no real Guinness

either, just enormous quantities of Red Horse and a rake of Tanduay.

One of the nice things about being in the Phils is that there are no requirements to hide the filling of one's coke, or whatever insipid drink they have sold you, with Jack (or one's preference). We indulge regularly at the AABBQ where if I have wine to hand they will happily provide me with a glass, and if Tanduay or Jack then they happily sell me the diluter of choice.
But back to our celebrations, and the pleasures to come. I will make every effort to emulate the delightful Shane McGowan although I wish I had his talent and not just his capacity for liquid refreshment. Although I may be slipping these days with my intent to get rid of at least some of the excess flab.
But perhaps what I need most for such festivities on a peculiarly Irish day is not just a desire to empty all bottles around but more importantly a quick spray from something a shade more effective than just a penchant for Guinness or Jameson at transforming me into a fairly reasonable approximation of the real thing.

Hooray, 13A!

2007-03-13T07:57:00.000+08:00

My love affair with the Phils progresses, I start each day with a happy song, especially now we have the shower plumbing sorted in both houses!

And, having felt that we were perhaps seeking too much, that elusive 13A visa has just been approved, as usual for a probationary year before full finalisation. There were times when I thought we were doomed to seek this for ever but something eventually went right, to the extent that in fact the visa was approved mid-January and runs from then, but the ways of bureaucracy are slow, where-ever one may be, and it was only yesterday that it made its way into my passport.
So no longer do I feel a trespasser in this, my adopted country, which also reduces the fears of being treated in the manner such people deserve.
Now it is time to settle down, although hoping for the occasional spot of work, and grow old as gracefully as I can.

Farming again

2007-03-09T08:32:00.000+08:00

Today we are back off to the farm, we have some rectification work to be done by the plumber and the carpenter and we want to be there. Also we need to plan the house blessing and village party for the following week. The drive has its moments of beautiful views but gets a shade repetitive, oh well we love it when we get there.

The problems are lack of web, making me feel very much as if I have returned to the dark ages. I remember using what I think were 8" diskettes in the early days working in Saudi. KSA was where I bought my first computer and how things have changed since then, I remember a computer shop in UK being amazed at my having 4Mb of ram installed. Now I have 2Gb but I think I got as much pleasure from the early ones as I do now, or maybe I do like the net enough to say I prefer it now?
The other farm problem is the lack of wine and my diet, as I am regularly reminded by Alice, precludes beer, even the delightful Red Horse. A great and cooling drink, which sort of sneaks up on you and makes you fall over. But Alice likes me to stay away from this fattening stuff. I am a lover of Perrier and just hope that it could be improved more to suit my tastes.
Actually, again casting my mind back to Saudi and my second and longest period there, there was one water that I prefered to Perrier but I really cannot recall what it was. Perhaps because of the amount of Sid I consumed, being a fairly newly bereaved widower.
Anyway getting back to the point and the differences between our two homes. The farm house is great and slightly larger than the city house but the lack of web and satellite TV makes me feel that it's a somewhat ersatz existence.

More Movements

2007-03-08T16:12:00.000+08:00

We are back off up to Tabogon tomorrow for a few days so we won't be walking the dogs by the sea for a short while. Here you see Alice and Muggins; well actually we only walk Muggins and Jasper. An interesting mix with one almost six month old Akita, already pretty huge, and a slightly older miniature Dachshund, both of whom are quite pleased about their stroll.

As are we because we like the sea and could sit and gaze at it for hours. The pre-dawn sky, when we visit to buy fresh fish is amazing and almost makes it worth getting up before five!
Although I also look forward to the future when we can hold hands at dusk both of the day and our lives. What a pleasant thought, sixteen happy years of marriage so far, I wonder how many more to come in our semi-retirement.
I have mentioned previously that we are not directly on the beach, but set back some 75 metres or more. This means there is a short walk to get there but even this is of interest, especially when the fleets are returning.

Hands

2007-03-08T08:00:00.000+08:00

Alice and I tend to hold hands, unless we have seen a too age unbalanced couple strolling near us in SM City, leaving but one hand each for carrying things naturally. But it is nice to hold your partner's hand. In fact I hope that we will still be doing this at an advanced age. There is something extremely pleasant about seeing an old couple holding hands.

But it seems the younger generation (to me this is nearly everyone!) have a different view of hand holding. The whole point is surely to hold the one who matters to you.
However youth seems to be able to spread this further around, or maybe it just shows that the fickle female is seeking out a new partner before discarding the old one? But it does show a different view on the reason for hand holding.
However I have decided views on the "live and let live" style of tolerance and so I must just say it may not be my style but let them get on with it.
And to fortify my strength of character I must quickly go and see another pair of hands preparing a concoction to maintain my tolerance.

My pal Jonboy

2007-03-07T14:57:00.001+08:00

I really must get down to emailing my good friend Jonboy, back in UK; he is normally good at keeping contact and, indeed, keeping others aware of what is happening to each of us. But over the last year or so things have got a bit thin. So I thought I should get into action and draft a lengthy tome to him in the next few days. He is a person that fully deserves the title of friend and Alice and I like him a lot; even this much:-

Mind you, he and his boyhood pals could be a shade on the naughty side in their youth.

Up at the Farm

2007-03-07T13:48:00.000+08:00

We have just had a few days up at the farm house since the city house was gettng sorted out after the delivery of our Singaporean belongings. So we did the usual run.

And as usual I found a few things to shoot through the windscreen, being a shade irritated with the pick-up since our Pajero is also a Mitsubishi product and we are quite satisfied with it. Oh well, perhaps each persons opinions are bound to differ.
What an immense pleasure it was to reach Tabogon and drive over the sub-base laid for our access road after previously having had to park some metres away and have everything carried up. But now we have full access after buying some additional land and a right of way. Now the cement is being laid, even as I blog, while we are back in the city.
Alice and Ay-Ay did sterling work and the farm house is coming on extremely well as this photo shows. Mind you, looking in the opposite direction one can see a number of boxes still to receive the unpacking and sorting treatment so we will have another few days there this coming weekend.
But even with a certain amount of work still to go we are in the happy position that we are. as they say, getting there at last. Of course there is still the (smaller) shipment to arrive from UK.

Food

2007-03-02T08:20:00.000+08:00

I am much impressed by China, perhaps not least because I met my wife in Hong Kong although admittedly that was while HK was still British. But to read of the plan to revitalise the Great Wall, a very much admired structure, was wonderful. I think that if the USA was to do something similar, rather than just build a bare fence, to "cut-off" Mexican immigrants then it would receive less criticism.

Not that there are no preconceptions and baseless (?) thoughts about the Chinese eating habits, most expressed of course in the rest of the world as they come to terms with the menus in Chinese restaurants world wide. I remember years ago in Maiduguri (north Nigeria) the only trustworthy source of food was the Chinese restaurant. And yet the menus do reflect the tastes of the host country to some extent; was not California the birth place of Chop Suey, for instance.
In spite of this there is a continuing impression that pets are a staple diet, exemplified by this cartoon. I feel that in UK any fears of losing one's beloved pet have reduced as we become a more diverse society. I fear that the States have a long way to go in the more central areas, away from the cosmopolitan centres, and this seems to be proven by the irritation displayed by this sign outside a Chinese restaurant.

Long Times

2007-02-27T14:02:00.000+08:00

I came across this on the net recently and it rather amused me that I should equally recently have found this charmer with a somewhat different message to importunate males. It is a fact that there are many who chase the Asian ladies and although in no bar have I actually been accosted with the words forming the title of the video I have heard it said.

In view of these hotel advertisements I have recently photographed here in Cebu, I suspect that the tee shirt wording is more true. Should anyone want to read the adverts' wording they will naturally have to click on the photo to enlarge it.
I have never entered a hotel such as this but there is a branch of the "Place with a touch of Class" quite close to our city home. I had thought about dropping by to see if they have a restaurant of any standard but on reflection I suspect that it would not give any great success.
Many Philippine homes have a great number of relatives living there-in and my belief is that these hotels are used by those seeking privacy, for whatever reason. It must be daunting having to decide how long one requires. I am sorry for those city dwellers who do not have the same opportunities for seeking respite from people as countryfolk by strolling in the farm lands.
And with the short time periods quoted I suspect that the goods purveyed by this shop, also photographed in Cebu, would be a help to any male thinking of using the hotels.

Sea Travel

2007-02-27T10:13:00.000+08:00

While listening to the Animals this morning I thought of Alan Price's fear of flying and their break-up. Sea travel does have a special cachet, although the numerous tourist class cruise boats these day are not in the same class as the real, stylish, transatlantic ships.

Mind you I personally have a fear of travelling by boat; especially with the numerous shipping disasters around the Phils and Indonesia. Perhaps my first equatorial "crossing of the line" put these in my head. It certainly looked to me as if we were about to hit something fairly substantial and dangerous, but apparently it is merely a painted line.
But, especially after reading (and listening to) the Discworld novels, I always had the fear of the edge (nothing to do with U2) and the possibilities therefrom. For either big or little ships the danger remains and is definitely not something that I care to encounter. Nevertheless occasionally I need to travel around the Phils and, not being a strong swimmer, I consider it advisable to have my own rescue equipment with me at all times. I have not had to use it as yet but it is wonderfully comforting to know that it is with me, just in case of need.
My work has taken me around the world and I have become inured to the discomforts of the paraffin budgie but I do wish they could produce something for air travel that was more in the way of the old liners and hence might provide rather more comfort.

Busy Times

2007-02-26T06:37:00.000+08:00

The belongings from Singapore have finally arrived and we expect the UK stuff to arrive shortly. As seen with Alice while in Singapore we had a few books (although those seen are only from one area in the condo) and a rake of ornaments.

I have realised that it is just as well we have two houses since the fact that we have numerous others (and dogs) living with us makes it impossible to get everything into one!
As yet we have only opened about half of the boxes but the labels have enabled us to choose those to go direct to the farm house, which will happen tomorrow. At the same time we will send furniture there and arrange for new settees and the like for the city house.
It really has been all go for quite some time but we are reaching the end and I can now turn my mind to seeking some more work; semi-retirement means I need some occasionally and so far I have only had a couple of weeks in Jakarta and a day's work for a Japanese company, done at my computer here in Cebu. Still the difficulties of a double move and building the farm house have kept us busy. It would be overstating the case to suggest that some of our stuff travelled as shown but still it has seemed that hard to get everything here!
Perhaps it would have been easier to stick with old fashioned methods?

Differences

2007-02-25T11:38:00.000+08:00

The visible difference between European and American ladies has been well documented all over the net. The jpg even provides an indication of the obvious reason, food and drink, for the clearly visible difference. However the rice and viands eaten by the majority of Asian ladies provides them with extreme grace, seen in all of their movements.
However I would say that I am so glad that as a man my underwear is considerably more substantial, although the access flaps can be a nuisance in the occasional times of extreme urgency, particularly with my bowels.

There are probably even more handphones here than in most other continents and the combination of handphone and thong is an interesting sight, as one might expect.
Having said this it was not until I moved permanently to Asia that, to my great surprise, I discovered that in this part of the world the thong is not just displayed at the rear. Not that I have any major complaints, of course. Particularly since my wife, an extremely sensible woman, makes me stick to the good old motto "you can look but you can't touch". The Filipina's knowledge of the more esoteric use of scissors would help me to accord with this in the highly unlikely event of me even considering straying!

A Moan

2007-02-23T13:43:00.000+08:00

When you leave the above for the right then the first thing one notices is the plethora of insects; all of which are far more interested in you and bigger than you are used to. Luckily my time in Nigeria had previously prepared me for what might otherwise have been a shock.

Nevertheless that size of the things still does surprise me a shade and children can easily be borne off by some of the things.

Even flies are far larger than the UK and the amount of flyspray required to bring one down does mean that one's entire shopping budget could easily be spent on the stuff.
Insects will invade even the most palatial of homes and turn up in the most surprising of places. I have to say that I am not a lover of them and yet somehow I seem to be the most attractive to any marauding flying nasty.
I gather this is partially due to the different diet leading to one's exudations being more interesting to the things.
But whatever the reason I seem to have almost as many injections from mozzies as I have had from medico's and I am just a little tired of it.

Repentance?

2007-02-22T16:08:00.000+08:00

But is it in this blog? I feel a bit naughty for indicating our house was as shown last post, and think I should make sure any (unlikely) reader is aware that I am rather pleased with where we are. Ranging from the friendly people to the wonderful sunsets and sunrises; as is this particular shot taken on the beach when we went to buy fresh seafood for breakfast one morning.

Following this of course one has to sit back and actually enjoy the meal, hard for me since I am presently banned from that wonderful mix of champagne and fresh orange juice that is so suited to the first meal of the day. Dieting is not my favourite occupation.
And then I consider again my tendency to hyperbole and exaggeration and wonder if there is likely to be some-one prepared to check and realise that there may be an element of misdirection and will this lead to my being captured and led to trial for such verbal excesses?

Housing

2007-02-22T09:30:00.000+08:00

I never had a tree house as a child, so seeing this sweet type, on the right, I had visions of the future. The nearest I came was buying Alistair a plastic house, here seen in the garden in PJ when we were still in Malaysia, and a favourite spot for one of our many cats. It was not until we came to the Phils that we went wholly overboard for dogs.

This house was a reward for a quite young Alistair being so good while I was having my first major emergency operation cutting out great lengths of my bowel.
Our house in UK had its points but was perhaps a shade exhibitionist for a quiet lad like myself, and also not really suited to the old guy that I am now.
So I planned that one of our houses here would really display all those things I had dreamt of and would also be a trifle showy, and it should have been as on the left.
Well, unfortunately the cost was prohibitive so a cost cutting exercise was set into place still giving a real approach to my dreams.
But as time went on I realised that even this was beyond me and we finally had to settle for something rather less than my dream and yet it has the advantage that I am living like many others and so not being elitist or asking the butler to warm the sea.

Relax?

2007-02-21T06:17:00.000+08:00

The Phils is a beautiful place in parts designed for enjoyment and much cheaper to live in than many places. This can lead to a decision to upgrade one's lifestyle and perhaps instead of the life of a small farmer, that I really am, we should be thinking of rather more grand a style. The butler ensuring that some nob's bath is to the correct desired temperature iss nothing in comparison to the real luxury of swimming off one's yacht and having the early morning sea just warmed a touch by the addition of a boiling kettle to ensure that one suffers no chill.

Nevertheless being greeted each morning in a manner clearly set up to distinguish between the "have's" and their supporting staff can take a little bit of getting used to; this in spite of having staff in Nigeria so many years ago. But we will strive to enjoy life as best we can.

The Tops

2007-02-13T10:05:00.000+08:00

Ay-Ay is now wholly well again, much to our delight. A fairly close neighbour lost one of their number to the illness. Due to shortage of cash he was treated by massage; a well loved Philippine remedy for virtually anything. But not for this and in just a couple of days he was dead, poor soul.

We decided a pleasure trip, rather than the innumerable runs to arrange for the final steps of farm house completion (large water tank and pump, dirty kitchen and the like) was due. So we took a trip up into the mountains running down the spine of Cebu Island. Alice drove us up to the Tops, where to our surprise we did not just have the wonderful view over Cebu City but also a clear sight of the preparation of a group's video.
There was a young lady standing off to one side, soaked in water, regularly resoaked and included within the filming. What this was for was never properly discovered by us, but she was a nice young girl, although not as charming as Ay-Ay naturally.
Alice disgraced herself by eating three ice-creams, while Ay-Ay and I had but two each. I admit I did have a Red Horse beer, but only a small one; so I feel that I showed as a better dieter than Alice!
Having said that this photo shows that I am much more in dire need of the dieting than she is. Never mind, after Valentine's Day (with its need for good food and plenteous wine) I will try and cut down on alcohol consumption, which is my main downfall.
It was a great afternoon but we decided not to stay after dark to see the city lights as the road is precipitous and we figured another trip to get Alice used to the road was best before staying after dark.
Perhaps just as well; our brakes started smelling and steaming as we descended and we had to stop, luckily just by a major shopping centre, seen on the right, while they cooled. I found Alice, not having had much mountain descent driving experience, had been riding the brake. So we discussed the merits of low gears in going down as well as up steep slopes and proceeded onwards.
And should you ask did we enjoy ourselves, I refer you below.

Ivy Suffers

2007-02-08T07:28:00.000+08:00

I am not a fan of hospitals, since having this as a consequence of an emergency run to hospital in Malaysia. It has given me great discomfort since although much mitigated by a operation to sew up five hernias last year.

However yesterday we had to take poor Ay-Ay as she had severe diarrhoea, diagnosed as amoebic by a doctor but not unfortunately cured. She was losing strength rapidly after the first few days so we bundled her and her sister into the Pajero. Just as well we did since there was no parking at the hospital so she could be escorted in while we found a parking place and took a taxi back.
There was a considerable number of people there suffering similarly, and the entrance hall, where inital viewing and indeed hours of recovery were spent, was split to cover a number of different types of patient down to young babies.
When I complained that while waiting Ay-Ay should have the chance to lie down it was pointed out that they only had so many stretchers and a bed was reserved for those clearly dying.
Alice then told me we were at a public hospital and I felt so sorry for those with elderly or young relatives being brought in. The doctor said that most people waited too long before coming. Understandable since although the doctors and nurses were free everything else, tests and drugs, cost; I expect this in private hospitals but with the UK National Health as a background had rather thought there must be some aid for these poor souls.
But no, and indeed although the doctors would recommend nearby pharmacies (holding a far greater drug selection than the hospital) as being cheaper and more likely to have a needed drug still the patient had better damn well have someone with them to go out to buy the necessary, or they would do without!
So Ay-Ay was provided with a plastic stool and a drip but as the drip stand had to accommodate another patient, who was male, necessary toilet runs were a bit awkward. Generally it all seemed a shade old fashioned.
While we were in the hallway we saw three deaths, there may have been more of course that we did not notice. But we were relatively rich and we could buy all suggested drugs together with dextrose and vitamin drips. So during the course of the day Ay-Ay slowly perked up, and we figured she was well on the way to recovery when she started showing an interest in all that went on.
As indeed she should since as soon as her sister completes her nursing training she will go back to college to complete her own, regrettably halted for a while. We are naturally paying for these two girls to get the education in the hopes of a later decent job for them both.
Now she appears recovered but I recommend you to the below.

Left Behind

2007-02-07T08:09:00.000+08:00

No matter what one says there has to be a tiny pang as one leaves one's country for full settlement in another.

However the recollection of waiting for a bus (even worse than Godot) in the country winter soon takes one back to earth to realise that one's gains are far greater than one's losses.
Amongst the losses are the BBC early news issues, but of course now that I have broadband installed this is less of a worry, due to access on the net. But one cannot help but sorrow over the loss of the personal touch previously provided.

A lesser concern is Stonehenge, sad though I am at not being able to at least drive past it. But I remember being able to walk among the stones so the new regime, although doubtless protecting the stones from vandals, provides less pleasure. So I can discard that also.

The British pub and landlord should have been the biggest loss but for many years I have found that I prefer drinking at a restaurant table or in the house, perhaps since I am not a social animal. So even that does not disturb me.
So, all in all, I am rather pleased to have bitten the bullet and transferred to Asia from the UK. And hence I have to agree with the sentiments expressed by this charming young lady; who is very clearly a good judge of locale and its benefits.

Perhaps the only downside is that my skin colour regrettably leads the real locals to the wholly incorrect assumption that I am merely yet another foolish western tourist.

Travel cont'd

2007-02-05T06:44:00.000+08:00

Moving on to jeepneys, sometimes prone to problems, I notice that these are less frequently so highly decorated as previously; possibly as slightly more modern vehicles are used as the basis for the "bus". But whatever is used, once on the road there is an absolute guarantee that they will be crowded. Given my bulk and my inability to hang on the back or fit into small spaces (my rear not being especially small) I don't find them the most safe and comfortable way of getting around. Perhaps I would be better having the extra space given this pig and his friend, although I do prefer aircon of the usual variety, rather than that provided by the wind caused by driving really fast.

Back to Travelling Around

2007-02-04T18:46:00.000+08:00

In UK it was always easy, if the car was to be ignored, just to catch a bus; although this picture makes it appear rather more difficult than getting the usual doubledecker actually is.

Here in the Phils of course these do not exist and jeepneys are the norm, although there are long distance buses, some even with aircon! However the two main sources of transport are the trike and the jeepney.
I like the way the trike is different in the province than in the city. The city has backward facing seats at the rear, while in the province the need to carry things makes it more reasonable to have a load carrier. These two photos were taken near our city house and on the road back from the farm house, just to record these differences.

The number of people that can fit on a trike is incredible, although perhaps I should not be surprised in view of the numbers that can fit on a simple bike.
Of course this is just the same for the jeepneys but as I have had a busy day I will leave discussion of these until tomorrow, but provide a drawn long distance bus (rather than photo'd) to show the style.

Rabbie Burns Day

2007-02-04T18:24:00.000+08:00

I am too lazy to check but I have this vague feeling that I failed to record my treat on Burns Day, when I chose my own cake and label. This caused a certain amount of hilarity amongst the charming young ladies working in the cake shop.

Nevertheless I am sure it was enjoyed by the family even more than this youngster is enjoying what sometimes seems to multiply in our garden; not surprising I suppose in view of the numerous dogs