The Front of the Clachan Pub in London

Life took over. This is my first real opportunity in over a week to write. That opportunity coincides with my wife's birthday (Happy Birthday, kitten) and my one-year anniversary at the job I've held for nearly 6 years. Scarborough Renaissance Festival has started for good or for bad. I'm no longer free to come & go (or even choose not to go). I must be there to maintain & operate my shop. East Wind Games is going well. Better than expected, not nearly as well as hoped for; but it's certainly in the realm of reasonable expectation. Weeks of routine maintenance and thumb-twiddling have ended as suddenly multiple projects, each with their own pressing deadline, were thrown upon me at the same time. My leisure time is less, my ulcer is more. The photo you see here is the exterior of the Clachan pub taken from the front. It's the same pub I wrote about in my previous post and nothing about it has changed, so read that. Barcelona have bested AC Milan in Milan in leg one of their Champions League semi-final tussle. AC Milan have an uphill battle next as they travel to Barcelona to attempt to even the score. Arsenal play Villareal tomorrow in the first leg of their tie. That match will take place at Highbury where it will be greeted as the final European game to be staged at that fine old stadium. Let's here it for the Boys. That's it. Off for beer then I'll be taking my wife to dinner. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Fields of Athenry by the Dubliners)

The Clachan

After leaving Shakespeare's Head, we spent some time shopping in the hustle & bustle that is the Oxford & Regents street mall. Kelly, Joseph & Edward went and did their own thing, but I don't recall what that was. This left Marita Beth & I doing our own thing until we had to head to the theatre later in the afternoon. We're walking through the crowded streets of Soho, London in a fine warm afternoon. Marita Beth wants to shop, which is no great surprise, she always wants to shop. So, that leaves me shopping...Or doing something else. I chose something else; and what should that something else be? Hell, I'm in London, that something else is going to be ale. So around the corner I strode, after warning my lovely lady that I was leaving her to her shopping, and espied The Clachan. Fabulous. The Clachan is a Victorian structure tucked into an alley behind the Liberty (that grand Tudor style building you can see in the background). Built somewhere around 1898, it has been modernized but retains much of its original fittings & fixtures. It used to be called The Bricklayers but at some point it's name was changed to The Clachan and no one is really very sure why. The word clachan means "village" in Scots Gaelic. I sat and drank my 1/2 bitter while my wife window-shopped. Eventually she joined me, I finished my bitter, verified she didn't want one and we left. Jens Lehmann has been given the nod by Klinnsman as the number 1 for the German squad. And it's no wonder, he's been in righteous form for the Arsenal for the past few months and truthfully deserves it. At least considerably more than that blonde baboon that has been the German number 1. That's it for the day. Scarborough Faire starts tomorrow, so it's my first "official" day in business as East Wind Games. It's going to be a gas. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Response by Gary Burton)

Shakespeare's Head

I seem to be a little jumbled. The other day, I wrote about a visit to an Italian Ristorante in London. Well, that visit came after drinks at the Shakespeare's Head Pub. At least, I think it did. I recall sitting in Shakespeare's Pub waiting for Kelly & Joseph (and maybe Edward) to arrive. I wish my memory was better, perhaps Marita Beth's travelogue will provide the correct answer. Either way, the Pub was very fun & sits in a lovely Yuppie part of London with gads of shopping in a walk-only open-air mall. Delightful Arsenal, for the first time in the very long, very rich club history, are through to the semi-finals fo the Champions League. On the heels of their 2-0 win over Juventus a week ago, they played in Turin last night and forced a draw from the Italian side with yet one more Juve seeing red. Marvelous performance from the team. However, it's not over; and if we want Henry to stay, which we do, we really need to win the cup. We have Villareal next, and then hopefully after that 2-leg tie we'll see either Benfica or Barcelona (I'm hoping for Benfica, personally) in the finals. It's important to Henry, it's important to Arsenal and it's important to me. On the weekend we have ManU. This one is critical if for no other reason than for morale. If we can take ManU, we'll jump Tottenham into fourth. From there it's a matter of clinging arse-tight to that spot. Come on the boys! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Ring of Fire by Social Distortion)

Arsenal Stadium

The time had finally arrived. I'm a life-long Gooner. I've been to London numerous times. I'd never been to Highbury. This was my time. We had originally planned to do the London portion of the trip on the front end but something, I cannae remember what, forced us to switch it to the hind-end. Call it serendipity, call it coincidence, call it what you will; but because we moved our London touring to the Arse-end of the trip, I was present at Highbury, standing in queue with a million and half other Gooners to get the new strip. Yep, that's right, this boy & his wife were there when the new strip for the final year at Highbury was released. I cannot even begin to describe that feeling; I was in awe and completely overwhelmed. So much so, that I failed, despite my wife's urgings, to take the club up on their free tour offer. I'm such a dolt. We did spend some considerable time wandering around the Marble Halls and looking at the exhibit that they had set up. We also took some time and went upstairs to the Gunner museum. Just a completely amazing experience. Since Highbury is to be replaced soon, this was my last chance. I'm so thankful I took it. And speaking of the Arsenal, what a win last night! 2-nil over Juventus with Fabregas (the man of the match) proving to the world that Wenger was right in holding faith with the youngster. Poor Paddy Vieira was put into his proper place by an 18-year old. hah. I'm delighted the Gunner faithful paid Patrick his due respects and greeted the icon with warm applause; but I'm doubly delighted that we kicked the sod's arse up & down the pitch. Now, let's do it again in 10 days time! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Tales From the Vienna Woods by Johann Strauss)

Attilio's Ristorante

London! We can feel the trip closing to an end and we don't want it to, we really don't want it to; but it's the inevitable conclusion of any vacation. Kelly, Edward & Joseph had beat us to London, so with the wonder of the cell-phones that George had so very thoughtfully provided, we were able to get in touch with those crazy kids and arrange a meeting. Kelly & Joseph had, the night before, located this charming little restaurant somewhere near King's Cross, so off we trundled for good ol' Italian food, the English way. Actually, the food was delightful, the wine was good, and the company brilliant. I'd have had it no other way. Marita Beth & I were in a bit of a hurry, sadly, due to theatre commitments that we had so our dinner was a bit more rushed than I'd have personally liked; but great nonetheless. Kelly, Joseph, thanks for locating the spot; Edward, thanks for joining us there. It would be the last time we saw these fine folk on this trip, so we made it as wonderful as we could. Thierry still has not put pen to paper on a very lucrative contract; but I like to look at as though he's already made the commitment to stay and proves it on the pitch. He's a right purple man at the moment and when he goes purple, so does the team. The Arsenal have Portsmouth on the weekend, which hopefully will be somewhat of a waltz. However, Pompey are in desperate need of the points, too, so it may be more akin to a polka. Then there's the fact that both Reyes & Campbell look to be fit again. Of course, Wenger puts it more delicately in Sol's situation by stating that he is 90% read to compete for a place. Delighted to see that the overblown centre-back isn't just going to be gifted his starting berth back. It looks as though he'll have to prove he wants it more than Senderos or Toure, who have been marvelous. Lovely time, this. It's Friday. I'm staring at the arse of the week and thinking of having a beer to celebrate its leaving. So, that's it for now, headed to the pub. Wastrel On! (Listening to: On a Carousel by the Hollies)

The Peacock

We've left Arbor Low and scouted out a location to spend the night. We've gone as far as we could and have ended up in Matlock, Derbyshire at some hotel called the Grouse & Claret. A nice enough place owned by a couple of decent folks who, oddly enough, seem to care for their tenants. The owner actually even came up & unscrewed our window so we could open it, as it was blistering hot outside (and inside our room, too). Just down the lane from the Grouse & Claret was this charming Inn & Pub, they were full up (and expensive). The Peacock has a charm & appeal to it that struck me. I hope to visit it again and actually stay within it's confines for a night or two. The Peak District in Derbyshire is beautiful & full of great walks and sights. Of course, I gots to lose me some of this extra weight I'm carrying about at the moment so that the walking isn't such a chore. That's it today, have to get to work. I've lost an entire week's worth of time with these crazy webmeetings I've had to host. So now back to coding. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to: From Hillbilly Heaven to Honky Tonk Hell by Kenny Chesney & Terry Lawrence)

One Last Image from Arbor Low

Well, my personal goal of posting a write here every weekeday until my journal of our Trip2Scotland is complete is shot all to hell. It's been very busy at work, and I just don't think about it when I'm at home. This is one last image from Arbor Low. I have dozens of them I could have used, but this one I liked best. The cows in the middle, the wife off the side, the beautiful, if hazy, English landscape in the background and the astonishingly green verdant in the foreground struck me. As I mentioned, Arbor Low became, for us, a very special place for a short while and we were loathe to leave. But, leave we had to for we still had no place to stay the night. I expect we could have slept in the auto practically anywhere, but I'm pretty sure we both wanted something a little more upscale. So, there you have it. It's Wednesday & I'm knackered already. Guess I need a beer. Inter Milan is claiming interest in Henry (of course they are) along with Barcelon & Juventus. Real Madrid claims a new coach has been established, but won't tell us who. My money's on Eriksson, and as far as I'm concerned RM can have the windbag; he suits them, they suit him. Match made in hell. Liverpool demolished hapless Birmingham yester-eve in the FA cup while Chelsea take on the Toon army today. Come on Toons! So, that's it. Back to the grinding stone. Wastrel On! (Listening to: And You Don't Remember by Mariah Carey)

Arbor Low

The Arbor Low circle lies cradled in the midst of the Peak District in England and on private land. We parked in the small lot provided for us, dropped a £1 a piece in the tin and purchased one of their little booklets for another £4. All of this was based on the honour system that we would pay to enter and that we would pay for the book. I hope the "owner's" trust is rewarded appropriately. They certainly were under no obligation to open their land to public spectacle. But, since they did, and since they trusted, we rewarded the trust and paid our price. The stones are hidden from view until you are practically on them. Tragically, they have all fallen prone over the years and lie flat on the ground, although in itself that makes for a grand vista. The owner make no attempt to keep the sheep & cows out, and nor should they in my opinion; although it certainly made walking a little more entertainingly treacherous. In the upper right of the photo you can just see one of the many cows in the area. All in all, it was a beautiful experience; even if we were a day early. It's Friday, I've not got much impetus in me to go research footy bits, so you're spared that today; although I will tell you that the Arsenal play with Charlton on the weekend and are doing it without Reyes who pulled up early week with a hamstring problem. So, possibly, we'll see Msr. Walcott who has just turned 17. Right, then. It's been a poxy week and it'll be good to see its backside. It's also Saint Patrick's day, so go have a beer or five. I know I will. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Hymn 43 by Jethro Tull)

Marita Beth on a Stile

During our trip, I miscalculated and made an error that could have proved to be much worse than it was. My wife wanted to be at a circle on the solstice; I didn't realise how important to her this actually was, though I should have. Had I known, we'd have dallied a bit longer in the North then made a hell-bent drive South to make to London in time for our departure. However, like most things in our travels, it worked itself out just fine, when she located this ring. This unadorned, barely known ring of stones in the North of England was secluded, completely off our track and worth every bit of effort we made to find it. I don't recall the name of the circle, although I'm sure my wife does; however, it was likely one of the most peaceful places on the planet for the while that we were there. This photo is of Marita Beth stepping over the stile into the pasture where the ring rested. In the background you see a mound that encompassed the ring. Man-made however long ago, it was a nearly-closed circle that held within it a ring of stones lying on the ground. Simply marvelous. More tomorrow. Arsenal have apparently signed another youth out of Spain. Can't wait to see how he does. Arsene's faith in his youth has created gems like Flamini & Fabregas & Lupoli. Let's wait & see. In other news it appears that we are not responsible for global warming, but instead a meteor that struck Siberia in 1908 is responsible. Shrug. Whatever, however, it's freakin' hot, and it's only March. You know that no statute of limitations bit on murder? Well, I'm all for it, but this seems a little extreme. Sheesh. That's it. Gotta work now. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Piano Sonata #3 by Chopin)

The Unknown Pub Somewhere in England

How's that? I can't recall the name of the pub, I can't recall the name of the village. I can't recall where in England we were or where we were headed. Amazing. If anyone recognizes this spot, please drop me a line and let me know. I do remember that the proprietor and staff were sitting outside enjoying a pint & a smoke while we sat inside. We were essentially instructed to help ourselves if we needed anything. I love small-village Britain; it's so refreshingly trusting. Robin Van Persie & Sol Campbell both came through last night's reserve game unscathed, so we may see one or both of them on the weekend. Although personally, I believe that the back four have done just fine without Sol in the lineup and a few months on the bench may do his over-inflated ego (and belly) some good. Arsenal, according to Hill-Wood are NOT going for Beckham. Good on us, we don't need that overblown maggot on our pitch. But, Madrid have indicated great interest in Fabregas. Hands off the boy, ye wankers! Although not a Celtic fan, it's always sad when a true great leaves us. Jimmy Johnstone, a Celtics legend died yesterday at 62 years. His legacy is legendary as was his football. They didn't call him jinky for nothing. My condolences to his family. Some would have us believe that Noah's Ark has been located. Personally, I don't believe it, but I'll reserve full judgment until the facts are in. If you have the time, or the inclination, go read my other writings. Ok, that's it for today, I'm at work & headed to meeting. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to: Innocence by Keith Jarrett)

Dwelling

Yes, we've finally left Scotland and are into England now. Not too far into our journey South, we espied one of those rather ubiquitous brown signs that say, "Yo! There's something interesting over here. Get out of your auto and check it out." So we did. In the middle of this field was a reconstruction of a henge of wood and a series of dwelling surrounding it. Marita Beth is shown emerging from one of these structures in today's photo. It reminded me of a crannog only much smaller, less well-constructed and nowhere near water. Ok, so I guess it didn't really remind of a crannog after all. The whole "display" was all placarded well and when we finally did leave, we felt more smarter than before. Of course, I don't remember any of it now not even where in the god's green country this was; but for a brief moment in time, I was the better man for having obeyed the instructions on the little brown sign. I don't recall, prior to Saturday, when the last time I pulled for Chelsea. But, on Saturday I nearly made myself ill wishing for them to win against the Sp*rs. Of course, even through the hoping & praying that Tott would drop points, I was still vile in my threats and epithets verbally launched at the telly. There's no excuse for a grown man to behave so. I blame it on the coffee. But, in the end, Gallant Gallas the left fullback for Chelsea scorched the back of the net with a helluva shot that secured three for the Russians Blues & Zero (hear that? that's naught) for the Hotsp*rs. Now if only Bolton & Blackburn will lose a few also to give the Arse some breathing room, that'd be alright with me, too. Right, then. it's Monday & there's bugger-all going on. However, it seems that perhaps the patent process in Britain is as broken as it is here. Wallabies have been sighted at Loch Lomond, Hairy crustaceans are being pulled out of the water near Easter Island, and there's water on one of Saturn's moons. And that's the cat's knees! Wastrel On! (Listening to: Chasin that Neon Rainbow by Allan Jackson)

Coldstream Country

Now I will get sad. It really is time to leave Scotland. This is the bridge in Coldstream Country that stretches over the River Tweed to England. Just below the flowers in the photo is a wooden saw horse with the words "Coldstream Country" burned & carved into it. This is the last view of Scotland we were to have, although we did spend quite a bit of time here. We walked midway across the bridge, actually entering England before deigning to make the drive over. Farewall Scotland, home of my heart. I will see you again. Arsenal have drawn Juventus in the next Champions League round. That means we'll be seeing that fat bastard Vieira again. After he abandoned us for Juvey I've really just ignored his career. I guess I should pay some slight attention to what he brings to Juventus. For the fixtures on the weekend, Arsenal host Liverpool. Let's see if we can put those 'Scousers in their place. With Liverpool sitting two spots ahead of us and their eye on second place we need to ensure that we secure all three points. At the same time we need to pray that those Russian prats in the South of London Chelsea put the Sp*rs in a full nelson and rob them of all three. We still have the option of fourth place, but need to win every game while the Sp*rs lose. Right then, it's Friday and time for a beer. Wastrel On! (Listening to:

Cemetery at Coldstream

Alright, we're still not out of Scotland at this point. We're headed toward Coldstream which is a true border-town. We actually adjusted our trip to swing through Coldstream because I was looking for a contact I had established there for braces manufacturing. While there I tried to locate them to no avail. I sometimes despair of every finding that company again. During the trip I'd been carefully & studiously avoiding graveyard photos because I consider them ubiquitous and somewhat cliche. However, the lighting for this one was just so nice I couldn't help myself. So, there you have it. I also have one in black & white that's nearly as nice. Well, although I didn't get the opportunity to see it, I hear tell that Arsenal v Real Madrid was the best nil-nil game you're ever likely to see. Yes, nil-nil, which means that 9 time Champions League winners Real Madrid fail to pass the test and went home losers. Apparently the officials tried their damnedest to give RM the boost but the Arsenal were more than equal to the 12-man team that were Real Madrid. Liverpool lost on the day to Benifica and with Chelsea having lost the day before, Arsenal are the only English team to move forward in the competition. Up the Arsenal! Oh, and styromfoam can be recycled. Groovy. And that's that for today. Wastrel On! (listening to: Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by the Animals)

The Ship Inn in Melrose

I had a difficult time leaving Scotland phyiscally, and now I'm having a hard time leaving it figuratively. So, I'm writing about Melrose again. This is a photo of Marita Beth sitting next to a window in an overstuffed chair in a charming little pub called the Ship Inn. Whether it's really an Inn or not I don't know, but it's definitely a pub. A pretty young lady & and an old publican behind the bar, regular patrons on the stools, football on the telly & Belle & Sebastian on the jukebox. It was home, at least for the duration of a McEwans & a cider. Marita Beth spent some time while here to write in her travelogue while I drank the stout, watched the footy & soaked up the atmosphere. I could've spend hours here. I suppose maybe tomorrow, we really will leave Scotland; but until then Wastrel On! (Listening to: Horizon by Enya)

Melrose Abbey

It's time to leave Scotland behind and enter Merry Ol'. However, not before visiting the Abbey. We'd already picked up my 7's jersey (sweater, strip, kit, shirt?) so we headed on up the road to the Abbey signs. What a beautiful place. I'm sure it was even more beautiful in its hey day. There has been an Abbey of some sort in Melrose (Mailros as it was once known) since 650AD. The first one being founded by St. Aidan of Lindisfarne about two miles east of Melrose at a little spot in the crook of a River Tweed bend that is now called Old Melrose. The Cistercian's built the current abbey in its location in 1136 at the behest of King David I. Apparently they needed more farmland than the other location afforded so negotiated for this new tract. It was closed to the public, or we couldn't find the entrance I don't recall which, on the day we went. So we walked about the grounds, climbed on walls and took photos. Then off we headed to England. Our trip to Scotland was over & I was sad. Wigan hosted ManU at the JJB today. At the half Wigan had played the better football with 7 shots on target, however it was a draw at nil-nil. Second half saw each side put one in the bag until the 90th minute. Than the unlucky sod Chimboda dropped one into his own net sealing a lost for the valiant Wigan. How great would it have been for Wigan to steal 2 points from ManU! Very, very great is the response you're looking for. Chelsea have trotted off to Barcelona for leg 2 of the the Champions League tie with Mourinho being spat at for his troubles when the bus arrived at its destination. Real Madrid, however, found no such behaviour greeting them when they arrived trouble-free in London to play the Arsenal in their second leg. Let us hope that that historic win at the Bernabeu a fortnight ago followed by this weekend's romp at Fulham's expense (4-nil the score) will boost the confidence of our red-currant players to famous levels. Madrid deserves the dousing, so up the Gunners! That's all for now, kiddies. I'm tired & I want a beer. Wastrel On! (Listening to: Bossa Nova by John McLaughlin, Al di Meola & Paco de Lucia)