Category: Folk

Recovery – 8 November 2026

Posted on by Zogman

Yesterday was a busy day that started about midday and didn’t end until just before midnight. It was all because of a wedding in Glasgow that started well, almost had a stand-up fight in the middle and ended with a very noisy and boisterous finish with lots of laughter, I’m told. We were on the train home by that time.

After standing around at the station hoping for a taxi, a good Samaritan called Jonathan, (I hope I got that right) a gentleman and a scholar managed to coax a taxi driver to squeeze us in so we got home safe. Thank you Jonathan!

Today, by comparison was quite calm and pleasant. I went for a walk round St Mo’s pond and managed to capture a nice looking cloudscape that looked as if it was going to dump a load of rain on me, but thankfully it all blew past and the sun came out again.

Scamp needed a bit of a haircut today. She was booked for a procedure that required her to remove all her hair. Thankfully she had prepared for it by getting her hair cut fairly short for the wedding, but the actual ‘bald cut’ was down to me. I can now see why a lot of people get a very close cut. I’m not sure I could manage to get such a close cut, but if needs must …!

Dinner today was Mince & Tatties for me, while Scamp had potatoes with cabbage and cauliflower. The mince had been in the freezer for some time, but it tasted fine.

Spoke to Jamie and discovered that he had dug up eight Butternut squashes to keep for the winter. I think he’s digging up his vegetable patch to get it ready for next year.

We may have an early night tonight after yesterday’s long day.

Out in Glasgow with Alex – 5 November 2026

Posted on by Zogman

I got the bus from Cumbersheugh to Glasgow.

The bus was fashionably late, but the driver made up for lost time by charging along the M80 at a fair pace that got me to the bus station on time. Alex was waiting for me and we walked down Buchanan Street to a Nero where we had a coffee and discussed what we were going to do today. The rain was drizzling when we left Nero and that made us think it might be better to restrict ourselves to Glasgow today, rather than somewhere exotic like Paisley.

We walked down Buchanan Street to St Enoch’s and got some photos of the Christmas Fairs being constructed. From there we continued over to the Clyde Walkway to see what new graffiti had been added to it. The answer, wasn’t much and that made us wonder where all the good artists had disappeared to. Quite a few ‘Jakies’ hanging about the walkway and some of them were getting a bit aggressive, so we crossed the road and went or lunch.

Paesano was really busy today, but we managed to get a table for two and while Alex had a mixed peppers pizza, I stuck to Italian Sausage on my pizza. We took our time to make sure we had covered Trump’s failure to hold on to the Senate and the House in America. I have no idea what that means, buy it sounds good.

Not surprisingly, Alex wanted to go down to Guitar Guitar to look at, you guessed it … guitars. Actually he was hoping to be able to swap what turned out to be a low quality Gretch ( I think that’s how you spell it) guitar, or better still, get his money back. After a very positive response from the bloke behind the counter, we left with him feeling a lot better.

We climbed up one of Glasgow’s steep hills to get some photos of the big “Nappy Pin” that stands where Rotten Row used to be. Part of a hospital many years ago.

From there we needed another coffee and then made our way home. Hopefully our next adventure will be in two weeks time, but maybe an hour earlier, because nights are fair drawing in these days!

PoD went to a snap of a bloke standing outside the GoMA. I liked the light in this one.

Scamp and I may go out for a run somewhere tomorrow.

A walk in the park – 8 October 2026

Posted on by Zogman

Today we caught the bus rather than the car.

It was a lovely morning, very cold in the morning with a temperature in single figures and just the hint of ice on the hardy plants in the back garden. Brrr, winter’s just around the corner.

We were just in time to catch a bus that would take us to the town centre. About fifteen minutes later we caught the bus to Dunfermline. Walked round the gardens of Pittencrieff Park and then found the big greenhouses that we enjoyed so much were closed, likely for good, by the look of things. We had hoped that they might have been repaired since the last time we’d walked through the park, but it looked as if nothing had been done in the last couple of months. This looks like the People’s Palace in Glasgow all over again. No money and no desire to do anything about it. Don’t get me started on it again!

When we walked round the park we passed a couple, possibly just a wee bit older than us walking hand in hand. I couldn’t resist a quick photo of the pair. It wasn’t until we got home I noticed their feet were synchronised in the photo! PoD sorted out.

We walked back up the hill and out of the park after Scamp had a good look at the flower garden. We usually go for lunch at Wetherspoons, but today, just for a change I suggested we go to a local place. It wasn’t busy, in fact it was us and a couple of guys who were reminiscing about past glories. Scamp had a Mushroom Risotto and I had a Pizza Marinara. Both washed down with a glass of house red. It didn’t cost a fortune, but it was good to go somewhere quiet for a change.

The down side of today was waiting for the bus that would take us home. I think we just missed a bus, and it was a bit of a wait for the next one. We were ‘entertained’ by a trio of noisy weans who were definitely on something. Quite what, I wasn’t interested in, just as long as they didn’t get on our bus. They didn’t.

Next we got caught in a loooong tailback from repairs that seem to be taking far too long to complete. They should have been finished about a year ago, but were still dragging on.

The final problem was a bus that arrived late at the Town Centre and promptly broke down. We gave up and managed to catch another one that took us a round about journey round Condorrat, but eventually dropped us off near the door.

Other than that, it was a good day. Scamp got a cardigan or two and I got a new pair of corduroys. So we both came home with “A Toy Off The Rack” if you remember that!

No plans for tomorrow so far!

Out in Glasgow again – 5 September 2026

Posted on by Zogman

This time I was looking for the bloke I spoke to about tuning the new coffee maker a week ago. Spoke to Jamie in the morning and he gave me a few pointers on using the coffee machine. That helped a lot, especially the settings for the grind size. Thanks J.

When I got to JL the salesman was nowhere to be found. I guessed that he was on his lunch break, so, instead we went for a walk up Sauchiehall Street and had a quick lunch in Waterstones. I was looking for a book, but nothing took my fancy. Eventually we walked back down the street to Buchanan Galleries and by then the bloke had returned from his lunch. He showed me how to correctly remove and replace the grinder. Another good help. While we were there, Scamp found an interesting serving plate that took her fancy and added it to her collection.

With my new knowledge, Scamp and I went for a walk down to see the changes that had been made to George Square. As I said to Scamp afterwards I wasn’t too disappointed by the changes that had been made to this old square in the centre of the city. They had placed trees round the perimeter of the square which was a start, but it would have been better to have some greenery too. Maybe that will come in the future. Very few of the statues had been replaced, probably to appease the more sensitive souls who would be easily offended.

We caught a train back to Cumbersheugh and picked up a couple of pizzas and a cake from M&S on our way home. Shona was doing an overnight with us tonight and we all watched a fairly lengthy tongue in cheek SF film, which Scamp enjoyed so much, she promptly booked the sequel for next week!

I applied the changes to the coffee maker that Jamie and the bloke from JL had suggested and it improved greatly. The dial is now rising to about halfway round the ‘clock face’ (you’ll understand that Jamie). I’ve probably missed out a few things, but it’s a work in progress, and the little things will iron themselves out over time. It does make good coffee!

PoD went to a bloke (a different one!) who was tuning and playing his banjo with all his accoutrements around him, including his dog (!) on Buchanan Street

No plans for tomorrow as yet.

Glasgow Merchant City Festival – 26 July 2026

Posted on by Zogman

It being Sunday, we knew we’d get parked at Croy station and from there we would get a train to Glasgow. That sounded like a plan.

It was a very good plan, because although the train was a bit late, it was an express that didn’t stop after Croy. Unfortunately once we got to the Merchant City, there was very little to see. For once we were too early. We decided to walk round to a Nero and have a coffee. A cake would also be a good idea.

Scamp wanted to have a look in M&S for something for dinner, but she seemed to drawn to the dress department too. There is a wedding in the offing and I suppose she needed to see what was fashionable these days …
We did spot some things that would work well for dinner too and then we walked back to the Merchant City. In the time we had been wandering around M&S and having coffee, lots of stalls had popped up and the place looked much more lively. Two large balloon shaped people were running around the stalls. The Show was on.

Scamp stopped by one of her friends who was selling bangles and to quote her, “… one just jumped out at me!” So she bought it there and then. It looked good on her too.

We stayed for a while, watching a street artist hauling folk around on a long wooden rod (much more interesting than this description), listened for far too long to a tuneless jazz style band and a group called Brass Aye who could play proper, interesting music. PoD went to a group of ladies in yellow robes demonstrating why you can distort things with Chinese Whispers.

When we were finished, we went back to M&S, bought some food for tonight and got the train home.

I think we might go back again to the second Merchant City Festival next week, if we have the time.

Meeting Charlie – 17 April 2026

Posted on by Zogman


Out in town with an old friend for a couple of beers.

Scamp very kindly dropped me at the station and the train arrived seconds later. Extra kind of her to arrange the transport!!

Charlie and I were meant to meet in the Horse Shoe Bar in Drury Street in Glasgow. I arrived just after midday, a wee bit early, but not much. I had a pint and waited for Charlie to arrive. I had a good view of the front door of the pub and clocked a few folk coming in, but no Charlie. I thought I’d better go and see if he was round the other side of the horse shoe shaped bar, but no Charlie round there either. After half an hour I decided I’d have another look and there he was watching the comings and going on the other side of the bar. He’d arrived not long after me and had gone to the toilet before he’d ordered and that must have been when I went to see if he was round the other side. Anyway, we had a good blether.

Now that Charlie is retired he seems to be having a great time. Driving all round the country and claiming he’s going to work at getting his weight down. We discussed the different folk we’d worked with. He had been my apprentice for a while, before I left to go down to the Borders with Scamp and Jamie, hoping for more secure work. Hazy being the tiniest sparkle in her mum’s eye.

A couple of pints later we went upstairs for lunch. Gammon Steak with Chips and Onion Rings. About a tenner each. He paid, I’d paid last time. Only two of us because Steven couldn’t come as he was looking after his mum who was just out of hospital. More beer and more catching up, then the long walk up Buchanan Street for Charlie to catch his bus to Gourock and me to get the train to Cumbersheugh where Scamp would be waiting for me. The weather was terrible. Lashing rain and a strong wind. Not the nicest weather for April. We said our goodbyes and promised we’d do it again some time soon, if he can find the time!

While I waited for the train to arrive, I grabbed some ‘people photos’ and although today’s weren’t as good as I’d hoped, they filled a page on the blog. PoD went to a shot of the hopeful travellers waiting for their trains.

The weather didn’t improve in Cumbersheugh, but I didn’t think it would. Scamp drove me home because I’d definitely be over the safe driving limit.

Tomorrow I’ve a bit of tidying up to do.

 

An early start – 25 March 2026

Posted on by Zogman

We had a lot to fit in today and we stared with Tesco.

Out shopping fairly early in the morning is a great way to start the day. There were few shoppers around and the queues at the tills were easily managed. Maybe it was because, from the outside, it looked as if Tesco was closed. Red barriers everywhere and a less than obvious entrance to the shop. That’s not the way to encourage folk to come to your shop. If you keep making it look as if it’s closed, it soon will be … for good!

Scamp wasn’t to be put off by a few red barriers, she just marched in, grabbed a trolley and started to fill it with today’s essentials. It took far less time than it usually does and soon we were back home again.

We had some things to do in the afternoon, so with no further ado, we got in the car and typed in the post code of the address we were heading for and then the sat nav produced a selection of possible places. Unfortunately none of them were in Scotland and in fact one was in America. I had filled the Blue Car’s tank just last week, but I didn’t think we’d have enough to drive to the US. Two tries later and we were on the right road to Hamilton in Scotland.

About three hours later we were on our way back home again, having found the three places we needed to visit.

Tonight we watched another episode of Masterchef. It’s beginning to wane for me now. I think I’m full of cheffy talk and don’t want to hear another jus, roux, confit, and sous-vide. I just want Mince ’n’ Tatties, pleeeese!

Today’s PoD was a bunch of red roses. Simple and clear.

Tomorrow I’m hoping to take a camera (or two) and meet Alex in Glasgow for a wander.

It’s a Burd wi’ a Burd! – 4 September 2025

Posted on by Zogman

Now there’s a thing you don’t see every day!

Alex and I were on our way to Paisley when I caught a glimpse of this parrot (actually a Black-headed Caique) sitting on a girl’s shoulder. I don’t know how she managed to get it to sit there quietly, but I’m guessing Superglue or Araldite might have had something to do with it. Instant PoD!

I met Alex sitting on the steps of the Concert Hall in Glasgow and we walked down Buchanan Street and had a cup of coffee while we made plans for what to do today. We’d talked about going to Paisley the last time we were out for a photo-walk, and agreed that it was a good choice of venue for today.

We got the train to Paisley and started our walk at the Abbey. It’s quite a remarkable place, and one of my favourite architectural buildings now. We agreed that Glasgow Cathedral was a very dark and gloomy building, but the stained glass window panels in Paisley Abbey are so bright and colourful. I’m not religious, but I do like this building. None of the walls are parallel allegedly because the entire structure is tilting slightly after being built over a watercourse. I don’t know for the truth of that, but it’s something I’ve heard a lot from Paisley folk.

After a walk around it, we felt the need for some sustenance so we headed for the Ugly Duck, our go-to place for a burger. It’s not much to look at, and the food isn’t fantastic, but we both like it and I’d say it’s one of the most friendly places in the town. I managed to break a cap on one of my teeth, nothing to do with the food, I hasten to add, just me being clumsy I think. Phoned the dentist and got an appointment for next week. More money!

Alex wanted to have a look round a wee shop that’s rarely open when we’re visiting Paisley, but today it was open and Alex was just raring to go in. I’d say it was a junk shop, but maybe that’s being too critical. I’d certainly not be buying any of the cameras that were sitting on one of the shelves and I wouldn’t even touch the lenses that were stacked beside the cameras. I was actually glad to get out of it, but I could see Alex was engrossed with the variety of tack that was there.

When we eventually came out, it was starting to rain, so we headed back to the station and the train in to Glasgow again. Coffee in a Nero just off Buchanan Street. Walked up the hill and met a bunch of Hare Krishnas coming the other way. Haven’t seen them for years, but there they were dancing and singing their hearts out.

We parted at the bus station and Alex went left while I went right. The old single decker bus was waiting for me as I walked along got the walkway and it took me back through Moodiesburn where it drove through a downpour. It felt like it had been waiting for just that moment to catch us unawares. I got out at my stop to find the rain had stopped and the sun was shining. That’s Scotland fur ye!

Tomorrow I must clear up the back bedroom for Jamie and Simonne on a flying visit.

A dull day – 24 May 2025

Posted on by Zogman

  • After a lazy morning, we intended to go to the Lavender fields, but after some investigation we found that they weren’t open for another two weeks.
  • Instead, Neil drove us to the Lavender fields cafe where we had lunch.
  • We spoke to one of the gardeners at the cafe who had once lived with a man from Glasgow, but left him because she couldn’t understand a word he said. Cheek!!
  • Neil made Turkey Pilaff for dinner.
  • PoD was a rose from Hazel’s front garden.

A Day in the Toon – 5 May 2025

Posted on by Zogman

Not off the leash this time, but joining Scamp on a shopping spree.

Well, a shopping spree and a bit of window shopping too. Scamp wanted to look at interesting things, like Freezers (Brrr) and Fridges ( Just Cool). Me? I went looking for bottles of descaler for my coffee maker. I know it’s just about due a decoke, I just don’t know when, exactly, but it’s best to be ready for it when it occurs. I did have a look at a new coffee maker like Jamie’s, but the prices were just a little over the top.

I’d forgotten to take my sunglasses out of the car and was half way down Bucky Street when I realised. I thought I’d be able to buy a pair of clip-on shades now that I need a pair of distance glasses and also a pair of readers. A clip-on pair can be hot swapped across both pairs of specs although it’s a bit of a faff. Also I can flip up the clip-ons and give myself Mickey Mouse ears. Scamp always laughs at that. I’d have liked a pair of clip-ons, but nobody in the vicinity of Buchanan Galleries wanted to sell me a pair. Maybe they’ve gone out of fashion these days.

I got a couple of photos while I was wandering aimlessly down and around Buchanan Street. My favourite was a couple sitting eating ice lollies on the steps of the Galleries. That became PoD.

We drove home via Tiso where I was hoping to find a pair of trainers. Maybe found one pair of Scarpa trainers, but I was getting tired by that time and just wanted to get home. Maybe go back again toward the end of the week.

Spoke to Hazy for a while after we got home and heard about folk who can’t take a hint about over staying their welcome, even if they are distant relatives (not our side of the family, by the way) and that poor Tilly needs an expensive x-ray of her back legs.

Just had time to drive down to The Link to attend Kirsty’s dance class. Tonight was a full class. Six or seven couples gyrating in a Tango. We had missed last week, but enjoyed the class tonight. Some bits of it need cleaned up, but the general shape of the dance is ok. A much more compact routine than Stewart & Jane’s, but still with all the technical terms.

Tomorrow, Scamp is supposed to meet Isobel for coffee in the morning. I might go too.