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)

different post

I can't ready an image to post because of the shite that is our IT department. They have worked for 2+ years to prepare computers for the monkeys that work in this company. Completely locked down, employees cannot write anything to their c:\ drive. Every box is supposed to be identical to every other. On the surface it's probably a good idea, but underneath where the real work gets done, it's fucked me. Now, I can't even open my copy of Photoshop to work an image. Yeah, great job, IT, you ball-less wonders. At least some good news on the footy-front. Bergkamp & Ljungberg could be back for weekend action against Fulham. Robbie van Persie remains out, though and it's looking like Cygan will be ready in 1 week, Sol Campbell in 2 weeks (year, right) and Ashley Cole in 3 weeks (prat!). Ashley Cole is suing News of the World because he's not included in an article about gay footballers. Go figure. Robert Pires was offered the Dennis Bergkamp formula in terms of his contract. That is to say, one year, plus one year, plus one year ad nauseum. Alexander Graham Bell, that famous Scot what invented the Telephone, was born on this day in 1847. Did you know that the Decibel is named after him, too? It's Friday. I'll soon be Off to drink healthy beer, then play some Mah-Jongg Wastrel On! (Listening to: Delcicate by Patrick O'Hearn)

Bed & Breakfast in Melrose, Scotland

Here we have arrived in Melrose, Scotland home of the Sevens Rugby Football Club. We are staying in this wonderfully old building that has been most thoroughly modernised. It used to be the school house for the nearby Melrose Abbey, but is now privately owned. The morning we left this location, I spied on their wall a tasteful watercolour of a Rugby match. I enquired of the town's infatuation with Rugby having seen numerous strips while out & about the night before. Apparently, Melrose is known for having created the 7-a-side Rugby phenomenon. So, I had to have a shirt; I just had to. The B&B owners are apparently tight with the club, so they rung down the arena and arranged for someone to go and open the gift shop that I might purchase my shirt. Not a cheap thing, it was £70 (iirc), but I have my black & yellow hooped rugby shirt that I now wear frequently. Hell, if I'm going to pay $130 for a shirt, I damn well should wear it every day! In footy bits, Djourou did indeed get his debut in the second half of Switzerland vs. Scotland (which the Swiss won 3-1). By all reports both Senderos & Djourou made good accounts of themselves. Spain vs. Ivory Coast ended 3-2 to Spain with Cesc (the youngest player in 70 years to make his debut) setting up a goal and Reyes coming on as a sub to net one for the team at 17 minutes til time. Well done, youngsters! And here we have yet one more reason to continue our long-standing boycott of Domino's Pizza. What a maroon! Rocky 6? You've got to be kidding me. and, whoever did this has WAAAAY too much time on their hands and far too manyLegoss. Wastrel On! (Listening to: The Silken Whip by Afrocelts)

Unknown Tower Ruins

Just down the road and on the other side of the Tweed from Neidpath was this structure. We're unsure what it was, but considering it's very definite non-strategic placement, we presume it to be an abandoned croft or farm building of some sort. We were driving along and it just appeared out of the mist in the middle of field. We could get no closer than perhaps 200 yards due to fencing and there were no signs anywhere to tell us more. Nor was it listed in any of our maps or guides. But, ruins of any type generally fascinate me. I'm positive that were I someday to get over my anal-bit concerning clean hands, I'd make a fine archaeologist. But, until then, I'll just admire the ruins from afar. Talked to my Magic 8-Ball this morning. These are the Oscar winners as predicted by my trusty ball.

• Best Picture - Brokeback Mountain
• Best Actor - Joaquim Phoenix
• Best Actress - Reese Witherspoon
• Best Director - Paul Haggis
• Best Original Screenplay - Crash

If I'm wrong, remember it's the Magic 8-Balls fault, not mine.

Cesc Fabregas gets his first call up to the Spanish side to play against Kolo Toure & the Ivory Coast today. Senderos & Johann Djourou were both called up for Switzerland with Djourou making his first senior team appearance. Robbie Van Persie was exonerated yesterday of the rape charges that have been hanging over his head for most of a year, due to a lack of evidence. Lehmann is optimistic about a new deal, but rumour has it he wants 4 years, while Arsenal's policy is 1 year at a time for the over 30 players. Sol Campbell is out for another month after a scan revealed that he's got some sort of bone thing going on that could result in broken bones were to suffer a collision of any merit. That leaves Rio Ferdinand & John Terry in the centre for tonight's game against Uruguay. Theo Walcott debuted on the England U-19 squad last night and marked it with a goal helping England to a 3-1 win over Slovakia. Freddie Ljungberg bows out of the Sweden v Republic of Ireland friendly with a calf injury, possibly opening the door for a Walcott debut in the domestic charge to the finish. Last week Arsenal entered a $350,000 agreement to use Israel as the official & exclusive tourist destination of the Arsenal FC. This will be an interesting arrangement as Fly Emirates are the official sponsor of the team stadium & kit. This will likely set the club & their sponsor at sixes and sevens. In fact the Emirates are so strongly anti-Israel that in order to obtain a visa for entry into any of the seven emirates you must satisfy "The three entry requirements of obtaining a visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) are that you are not a citizen of Israel, that your passport doesn't contain Israeli stamps, and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your arrival." Look for further argy-bargy on this one. The England squad face Uruguay in the first national-side game since Eriksson announced his intent to leave his post immediately following the World Cup. Lampard has pulled out of the squad with a "tight hamstring" giving Michael Carrick another cap. Up front, Darren Bent will have a debut alongside Rooney. Since both Alan Smith & Michael Owen out, I see this as a very logical choice. At the back Ashley Cole will be replaced by Wayne Bridge and as mentioned earlier, Sol is out giving Terry & that over-priced hack Ferdinand a chance to cement their partnership which can only be good for England. England have a VERY strong squad and stand every chance of winning the World Cup if they'll play as a team. Under Eriksson, however, they have played more as eleven individuals and that has hampered them. The FA announced yesterday that they have compiled a short-list of six to take the position of England Manager, but won't reveal who's on that list. The sooner the better I say.

Wastrel On! (Listening to: Low by R.E.M.)