Beside the Oceans of Time

I think that's the title of George MacKay Brown's book. It was a great book, but the title reminds me of why I've meant to be here but haven't. Sometimes, I am just lazing in the shallow end of the pool, or in the lagoon, to use the correct term, and time just flows by. Hmmm. Flow would mean river. Okay, but you know what I mean.

Sunny days, cool nights, long walks, people watching, they all flow together. Nothing gripping on the telly, but books to read.

So far, two: Friends, Lovers, Chocolate and The Spanish Game. The first was an excellent Scottish cosy with nothing much happening and the second a book by a young wannabe John Le Carre. Damn the stores here. I have no resistance for book stores, especialy when the have Buy 1 Get 1 half off, or Buy 2 Get 3. I lasted 5 days before I broke down and bought one. Then yesterday, I went to Borders to get a Starbucks and came out with 3 books, a DVD - Doctor Who Christmas Special on sale, a newspaper and no Starbucks. Yikes. The next book I am going to read is a Quebecois police procedural. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, mais oui!

Saints be Praised! The shower is fixed! Lucky for me as No. 11 is now occupied. It was not the shower unit, it was the switch. I know the poor Plumber's Apprentice tested the electrical switch several times, but he didn't unscrew it to see the insides were crispy-fried. His boss did, and called the electrician. Also Boss was threatening to 'have a word with the young lad'. Hmm. There was a family resemblance, so maybe it was his son. I prefer the thought of 'boxing about the ears'. Just a language thing.

Today Steve the electrician arrived, gave a running commentary on the failings of the LAST electrician, put in a new box, I heard the wonderful sounds of running water and thanked him very much. He then went off to play golf.

And they say you need a higher education degree to have a good life.

Big sneezing attack today & runny nose. I took a UK Benedryl and was out like a light. No sneezes, no runny nose. Just completely stoned.

I would still be asleep except for the calls from Mauricio, Matt, Mauricio, Mauricio, Matt and David, and my calls to Jim and Dorothy. The bathroom and window sill are done. Matt and Jim approve, payment has been made and arranged for (the extras). I didn't have to listen to the banging, or know that the sub-floor was completely shot and required 150 lbs of concrete to level it.

Been following the JHfamilies group site. I've decided the problem is all these people who have no support group except eachother - moved away from home. Lots of dithering about tax accountants, home owners insurance, and the owner of the only bar with draft beer being arrested in a gambling ring. Fervent wishes for his acquittal as many of us want to troop down for the pleasure of a 'pulled pint'.

Regarding going to Aberlemno, I went to the Tourist Board and found it easy to get to by 1 train and 2 busses. Was going to go yesterday, a beautiful day, but figured if I waited until next week my Rail Pass which is only good for 8 days wouldn't run out too soon.

Went to GoMA to see a new art exhibit. Hard to explain - it is about the different cultures in Glasgow as represented by the two major football teams: the Rangers and the Celtics. Rangers are supported by the Protestants, and the Celtics the Catholics. Almost 30 years ago, Matt and I were staying in Inverness on our way to Skye. We saw a powerful TV movie on the subject. Until then I had no idea that there was sectarian violence anywhere but Ireland.

The Lighthouse, the museum of architecture has an exhibition of movies made over a period, 1920-1978, by the City Council. Exhibition entitled Happieness Sadness is about the effects of housing and benefit programs on the city. I've seen one of the four sets, and my ticket is good for returning to finish seeing them. I love this stuff. The viewing areas are set up as period rooms and I was in the one from the 1950s.

What else? Took some pictures, printed them and sent them out as postcards. That was fun.

Tonight is the beginning of a 4 day holiday period and the youths are out celebrating. One of the down sides of being on the town square. With the bedroom in the back it will be fine.

Signing off.