Blessed Samhain

Or Halloween if you prefer! As I get older and more used to the human world my attraction for the old pagan ways grows. I know that it has been distorted throughout history( winners really do write history and from the Roman invasion on with child sacrifice stories strangely, suspiciously echoing those of another earlier enemy- Carthage ) I still feel it has something to offer despite the rather odd expressions of it we witness.
With the decline of organised religion( in the west anyway) perhaps more of you humans can embrace your pagan past. Lack of doctrine may frighten some but, on the other hand, less to fight over!
Happy dooking....

More Danish

A little interlude appears between visiting Denmark and hosting Danish visitors, the latter action resulting in me moving out of the flat as the visitors are a family of four.However the Homeless application is delayed as my friend nearby has the dubious honour of hosting me.
I attended , as a surprise, my friend's 50th birthday party in Copenhagen- the picture above is of one of the city's churches. Although I flew back from the city's airport I flew into Billund next to Legoland( in the pouring rain), thereafter a bus through central Jutland to Kolding then train to Copenhagen. Travel in Denmark is so easy and efficient, although locals may differ. Perhaps we have lowered expectations when travelling allied to a certain degree of anxiety.
The party lasted from 3 pm to 2 am, I gave up at midnight and was a chance to catch up with those I'd briefly met over the years. Such interesting people especially the group of people who sought asylum following he Iranian Revolution of 1979. The city,as always, was a joy to walk around and I attend an evening eucharist in the Lutheran cathedral. All very peaceful but now the family are due to arrive and 6 months cleaning is to be contracted into 3 hours... 

Two years to go

Again apologies for the gap in postings. Work has been very busy. However matters are now calmer now allowing me time to catch up, especially with reading. Well what's been happening lately? Yes Scotland matters have been in the forefront and the 2012 rally in Edinburgh, the culmination of which is pictured above, was attended. I must admit to having enjoyed it although the benefits of being in a group with a common purpose must be balanced by the gnawing fear that groups can become problematic in the sense that a group mentality may take over. Luckily, as a seal, I can, hopefully, stay a little aloof. After attending a local group though and listening to well reasoned arguments about strategy I'm left with a dispiriting feeling that the vast majority of those who even bother to vote do so on a feeling largely unconnected to facts or vote against something.
However politics must take a back seat now as the cricket is now on television, although the 20 over version is not entirely to my taste it is still cricket.. just.

Forgetfullness

Having checked my previous post I notice news of my Iceland trip had already been posted. This reminds me of my growing problem with my memory. Where will this all lead? Not a pretty picture( unlike Gulfoss, so good I named it twice!)

Again apologies for the lack of postings recently. I've been  very busy with work and, of course, the Edinburgh Festival requires a visit or two. The picture above is of Gulfoss(Gold Falls) in West Central Iceland. Having returned from that wonderful country I think this image, above all others will stick with me( although there is a Selfoss(Seal Falls) there also!). I arrived late and spent the first night at Keflavik Airport and then went straight on a tour to the largest glacier in the east of the country. The second Day was the classic Golden Circle with the Geysir( well a younger version as the original has expired). It was not(alcohol excepted) as expensive as I had imaged and the people were so friendly. However I did see a few fellow seals who snubbed me.
Gulfoss was actually the subject of a bid for Hydro power over 100 years ago and, thankfully, the local farmer refused to sell. "How can I sell a friend" was his response to the request. I think Niagara's power has been reduced but upstream syphoning but fortunately Gulfoss' icy flows remain untouched. Returned to the jingoism of the Olympics and its apparent effect on our referendum. However we all need to wait, 2 years is a long way off.

This is a picture of Gulfoss, a mighty waterfall in central Iceland. Just returned from that wonderful island with fond memories of the friendliness of its people and its spectacular landscape. Not as expensive as before the economic crash although there are signs of the economy regaining strength. Although Reykjavik has some interesting places to visit the real reason to visit here is the landscape beyond and it will never disappoint. Although the above is Gulfoss(Golden falls) suppose Selfoss( Seal falls) should have been visited in instead. However did visit some of my fellow seals at a glacial lagoon in the east of the island. Back to work now...

Mair rain

There is a poem by the great Hugh MacDiarmid which, after analysing then Scottish political scene, ends in a melancholy "mair rain". I can't be bothered, to be honest, to look it up again as at one time I could have quoted it in full, such is time and its effects. However I was reminded of the poem when reading that support for Independence has fallen to around 30%. Whilst the accuracy of polls may be questioned and the recent Jubilee effect may play some part, it is still depressing that a majority of Scots feel they should vote against the simple statement that their nation should be equal to the likes of Luxembourg( I apologise to the interesting little place). However I maintain that it will be the second, or more likely the third, referendum which will secure independence and, once achieved, there won't be any returning to the status quo ante.
However rain remains the theme of this awful summer and with holidays approaching next week what can In do? I think a spot of swimming may be in order but not in the sea, what was formerly land may suffice!

Lakes and pools of rain

Sorry for the lack of blogging of late. Reason is the usual mixture of laziness and holidays. As a seal I love water but the excessive rainfall was not welcome recently as I joined my family at Ullswater, Lake District. As the scenery is so spectacular this never disappoints and, if I'm honest, the rain even enhances it to some, albeit subjective, extent. However activities are nonetheless curtailed by the weather. The only decent break from it saw us in the lovely town of Keswick, a centre for dog lovers as there were dozens on view. Our own dog, Ellie, collapsed with diabetic related problems but is now better.
I returned early to play bowls and it was worth it with a rare win. On return here the news of the closure of the area's largest employer, a meat production plant, was sad as 1700 jobs will go. Although the Council and Government are now involved the international nature of such large companies mean there will be little they can do. As a vegetarian I suppose I've not helped their cause though.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been very busy with work and also, I admit,. a bit lazy too. You know the stereotype about seals lying around? Well sometimes these are true. Nothing much happening just now although today the Summer Solstice is upon us. I hope you all have a happy and holy day. I'm going to walk to Torphichen again although this time from my home. I'll leave at 2 p.m and hopefully arrive for a meal at 6 pm followed by a Bluegrass concert. However the weather is not great but I'm determined to get fit...

Returned from down south. My friend was attending a course near Marlborough so I tagged along. Everything went well until I reversed the hire care down a country lane smashing in the back! This part of England is so beautiful and the evidence of a much larger scale of Diamond Jubilee celebrations was there emphasising my feeling that Scotland is different in this area.
Visited the Cotswolds and also Bath although the latter was a day which could have done without the incessant rain. The next day after my return celebrated a friend's 50th birthday drinking so much that the karaoke had the benefit of my intentions. Only now recovering.

Not in my name

One of the downsides of living in Britain is having to put up with the fawning attitude to the Royal Family. The media is especially guilty but, for those reading from outwith these shores, do not believe the hype. Especially here in Scotland where celebrations are hard to spot. In the West it seems to be largely members of the Orange Lodge( an extreme Protestant sectarian organisation which organises anti- Catholic marches with their attendant tensions) and in Edinburgh the few parties are organised but incomers who really don't get the local culture. Surrey by the Forth if you like.
I'm not against the Royals personally, indeed I like Prince Charles very much. The Queen just does not do it for me though. Her much vaunted" never puts a foot wrong" praise does not quite ring true here in Scotland after her ill advised remarks during the 1970's Assembly referendum campaign. However no harm to the woman. If there has to be a monarchy though it should be the above man who is the rightful monarch, Francis, Duke of Bavaria. However he's probably glad he's not involved in all the events.

Worth a prayer

Your human sport, to me, is far more edifying than your human religions.
This is Roberto Mancini who is, to those silly enough not to like football, the manager of Manchester City. City won the English Premier League after a gap of over 40 years.
Mancini has said he visited a Marian Shrine( the name of which I do not attempt to spell) to petition for victory. And it came to pass.
I'm perplexed, if this is so it would have happened at the same time as countless tragedies all over the world. Was the human god busy getting the ball over the line to bother about starving children? Maybe you should all have a look again at your beliefs? Seal worship could be better...

On your marks

And so it begins. Friday's launch of the Yes Campaign for the 2014 referendum seemed to go well. The debate around this issue seems to have cooled somewhat which is good thing and, I think. confirms the view that a long campaign is the better option. However I am not, I hope, blind to criticising some aspects of the Yes campaign. I know celebs are a vital part of any such endeavour but using artists based abroad does strike me as a little odd given the emphasis of allowing people in Scotland to decide her future. The more I hear Patrick Harvie though the more I respect him and think he would be a better person to lead the argument than Alex Salmond who can polarise.
Otherwise the sun continues. Had a great night in deepest posh Edinburgh with two former colleagues and their husbands. One brought their adorable cat to the meal on a lead. He was quite a character and settled quickly in his new kingdom. Cats are so interesting, pity my eyes did not agree and flared up in reaction!

Recovery

Well, been a while since posting but, as I'm sure you can guess, the reason is the failure of Hibs on Saturday not only to win but to put up even a half decent effort- although the referee had a lot to answer for. Anyway all history. On Sunday ventured to Uddingston to see Scotland lose at cricket to Hampshire. On Monday lost  in first round of club bowls championship. Tuesday long walk; Wednesday went with mum and dad to to Killin. What beautiful countryside and the old cliche that Scotland would be perfect if it were not for the weather rang true that day. But struggled to walk that day - see Tuesday. Despite this walked to Livingston to see "The Dictator". Bit disappointed but drinks afterwards helped. What is of interest though is that, walking through Livingston ( a New Town) can be quite bucolic with all the paths.

Day of Days

Well the day has come. Cup Final against Heart of Midlothian for those who are unaware of Scottish football- first all Edinburgh cup final since 1896. Today memories fall, like a yowdendrift as MacDiarmid put it. The early immigrants, struggling at all levels to overcome prejudice and poverty, the great players over the years and above all family and friends who are involved with this great club as well as, more poignantly, those no longer with us who never saw us win the cup.
Off to prepare now, nearly got a ticket but will be getting on the bus to Edinburgh a little excited, mostly apprehensive as we are such underdogs. At 5 p.m. emotions will be running high...

Raj

For many, many years Tam Dalyell was this area's MP. Titanic battles with the SNP's Billy Wolfe apart, he won easily in his latter days before West Lothian was split up due to population increase- largely the growth of Livingston New Town and private estates built for Edinburgh refugees who could not afford the horrendous property prices there.
However the sight of working people continually voting for a titled Old Etonian was somewhat ironic. Even his much lionised dissident views required examination as he was usually wide of the mark. We then had multi millionaire Robin Cook who once boasted that he could see his constituency from his Edinburgh home. He then moved to Merchiston in Edinburgh which even removed that link. However I suppose his replacement with a man of the people, Jim Devine, hardly ended well so who knows. Still we have had to endure Westminster representatives here who knew very little about everyday life.
Now retired Tam now says abolition of the Scottish Parliament should be on the 2014 referendum paper. A bit crowded already if increased poweres are added. A well known  opponent of devolution and, to be frank, outspoken British Nationalist, his views may seem eccentric in the extreme. He now reminds me of someone in post Independence India pining for the Raj whilst all around him is change. Still at least he has a stately home to console him.

David Platt

Still in shock at poor David Platt being punched on Coronation Street last night. I'm told I'm a little strange to love him but I suppose a seal blogging is strange in the first place. I hope he recovers soon.
Off to work again shortly. Another scintilla of evidence to add to the strangeness quota is that I actually don't mind working weekends.
Here where I live, there is a Labour/Conservative coalition, a situation mirrored elsewhere in Scotland. I welcome this as those two parties are now virtually indistinguishable and their common foe are those, like me, who favour Scottish Independence. Waters getting less muddied now, roll on 2014. Hope David sorts out his life by then.

Back again

Well we have returned from Whitley Bay. Must admit that I thought memories of 40 years ago would flood back but they did not. Place, to be honest, is quite run down with lots of empty buildings which were once hotels or pubs but the people are great. If you ever go down there Sambuco's is good for food but I would recommend Tynemouth down the road which is far nicer and more historic. On the Sunday we took the metro- had to go to local shops for change as the ticket machines only took coins and then to Tynemouth market and then on to Newcastle. The team were playing at home to Manchester City so it was busy and we had to wait as the Hancock Museum was not open until 2.p.m. That evening we ate at Tynemouth and walked back to our hotel- very pleasant, if bracing, walk which passed the magnificent St George's, Cullercoats.
Like many Scots I have a soft spot for Newcastle United and am pleased to see them doing well. Also I suppose there is a unity amongst the locals where there is only one club in the city- on the other hand do derbies create more excitement? Certainly much more civilised than the poison that attaches to Glasgow's Ugly Sisters.
Yesterday I attended a course on Oral History run by the Living Memory Association so will look forward to using these skills in the future as I have often talked to Older People and have wanted to make some attempt to preserve their experiences. By the Way Newcastle lost, we were no lucky mascots!
Finally a Scottish connection, I always find them! Whitley Bay was simply know as Whitley until around 100 years ago. Then a local died at Polton, Midlothian. The body was sent home via the railway and ended up at Whitby and the service was terribly delayed as they awaited the body and was eventually held by candlelight at 9.30.p.m. There had been similar mix ups before and therefore a local newspaper ran a poll with the addition of Bay being, narrowly, favoured. The council agreed and the name was changed.

Break

Off to Whitley Bay today for a two day break. Not been there for 40 years so would like to see the differences but can't remember the original so can't. The picture is of me on holiday taken some time ago with some friends. The weather forecast will not allow similar sunbathing but we'll have a good time. Meanwhile up here the local election results were analysed yesterday- I know I'm quite sad. Labour made gains as did the SNP- despite being in Government and the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives continue their long decline the former more dramatically. Good to see the Greens pick up seats too. I still feel disinclined towards party politics with the issues facing society now too complex for party restrictions.  More direct democracy may be the answer but who knows. Also enjoyed a nice meal last night in a posh part of Livingston(yes there is such a place),with former work colleagues; lots of catching up. Anyway off to pack..

Bugging

Despite not being a Labour supporter I have always like the three Labour First Ministers we've had, Donald Dewar, Henry McLeish and Jack McConnell, especially McLeish. How can one not like anyone who has played for East Fife.
The news that McConnell was hacked by News of The World journalists does provoke more than mild surprise though. Why bother. Back in the the old pre Devolution days Hugh MacDiarmid acidly pointed out that the trouble with Scotland was that there was no political person worth an assassination. Nowadays bugging and printing the results brings the same end result. But why bother with Jack?  I recall someone( aren't the best stories always third hand) of someone who had spoken with a former Secret Service person who was tasked with bugging ex Scottish National Union of Mineworkers chief Mick McGahey. He found this the most tedious of jobs he ever did as all he ever listened to was McGahey's wife's gossip on the phone from her Corstorphine bungalow. Corstorphine gossip, I suspect, would not furnish enough material for much, certainly not the great book which George MacKay Brown wrote about village gossip in Orkney. My memory is lapsing but think it was entitled "Greenvoe". Well worth a read.
Anyway I'm in the middle of a working period just now and the bowling season is upon us again so busier than normal but will keep the blog going as much as I can, hope no-one is bugging my talks with my teddies...