It bulges with opportunity. Mulges.
Monday 16th December:
It's the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. And the 47th anniversary of the (real) Sex Pistols last London gig. Coincidence? Yes.
Back in 2024 I got up with the lark in the dark, wolfed down some breakfast, tanked up on Lemsip and hoofed it down the hill. Relieved that public transport was working efficiently. Resisted the urge to buy a vape for the journey and rewarded myself instead with a coffee and egg sandwich from Pret. Living the dream.
Pleasant journey although I could really feel my arse bones and found myself wriggling a lot. There was an intriguing posh couple sitting opposite, talking very intensely. At one point I thought he was in the air force, at another I wondered if they were involved in film. They eyed me suspiciously; they could obviously tell I was trying to eavesdrop. So I was cheered when they departed with a cheery "I like your hat!" I wished them a Merry Christmas and the best of luck with their cloak and dagger espionage, although only some of this out loud.
Arrived in Edinburgh before 13:30. My favourite town. It smells of beer and looks like Gotham City. Phillip was waiting for me at Waverley and took me on a tour of the secret gardens hidden off the Royal Mile. We ended up visiting the Scottish Parliament. My studded belt set off the security alarm. I had never been before and was very impressed. The debating chamber was empty and looked much bigger than on the telly. I felt almost patriotic with Arthur's Seat looming imposingly through the large windows. I asked Phillip if he thought there had been any tangible benefit to devolution. His answer was inconclusive but I think symbolically at least it is probably quite an important thing for many people.
As we rushed to catch a bus from Princes Street, me struggling to keep up with the sprightly 79-year-old, I was taken by a quote from Walter Scott in the station: "Life is too short for the indulgence of animosity". I expect I will be reciting this later in the week.
I asked P if he had any ammo for the inevitable battles with Craig over electric vehicles etc. He said to tell Craig that he had never looked back since switching to electric. He said I could tell him that they charged it free from their solar panels. This was completely made up but was most amusing.
Liz had made an unusual but actually really nice concoction of pasta and carrots. She went to bed early while P and I continued to struggle with crosswords and other puzzles from their vast library of newspapers. I'd thought we might be on for one of our whisky-fuelled spilling of family secrets but he was very engrossed in his sudoku so I was in bed before 23:00. Fell asleep to the reassuring sounds of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue ...
Today's expenditure:
Tube: £4.40
Coffee and sandwich: £7.40
Bus: £2.00
Total: £13.80
Alcohol consumption:
1x mulled wine
Approx half a bottle of red