Steady as we go.

I'm pleasantly surprised to report that the Blue Brazil played OK and went down principally because we lost 2 players to red cards. So 2-1 to Arbroath isn't as bad as it sounds. Or am I spin doctoring?

Spent the weekend at mum's which was fine. Another couple of job applications in which is a step in the same direction I've been taking. So the week ahead may not be with out news (I hope).

We arra peeple!

Shock, horror! The Blue Brazil have just been promoted. Admittedly, it is because Livingston FC (or Meadowbank Thistle in the Country) were not exactly solvent at the end of last season and were forcibly demoted from the 1st Division to the 3rd. Accordingly, the BB go up into the 2nd div and Airdrie United (Airdrieonians Really) go 2nd to 1st. Splendid - except this was announced TODAY and the season starts on Saturday. So instead of playing East Stirling in sunny Larbert, we are hosting Arbroath at Central Park. Don't you just love the efficency of the Scottish Football League? No, because the vital buying close season was done with the prospect and the funding of the 3rd Div in mind and people who might have signed for a 2nd div club or even stayed have been missed. Darn it- this is sloppy.

Good news.

Some great news for a chum who has been in the line of fire for the last wee while. Kenny has been firing off recently at the local orange mob in his West of Scotland patch and vocally opposing the proposed Walk. This has led to some extreme and frightening nastiness, if not from the office bearers of the LOL and RBP, then from their more unpleasant and Neanderthal associates. Reassuringly, the hierarchy has been supportive and there has been a victory of sorts for Kenny, in as much as the Cooncil have taken Polis advice and have withdrawn permission for the march. They are appealing against the decision and the local Sheriff hears the case tomorrow. Congratulations to Kenny and continuing prayers, as there is always the danger that this is not the end of the nastiness.

On the moving forward front, it was ages ago that the Careers service suggested I get some current voluntary work experience under my belt - good for getting back into a work routine and helps with job refs. But motivating myself to it - ay, there's the rub. Quite possibly I was much more depressed than I knew or cared to admit. But I have just been accepted as a volunteer for the festival of Spirituality and Peace in Edinburgh and I am looking forward to the experience. At least I'll be engaging with people and somewhat re-skilling myself. It may be that I go up and down as I move out back into the real world and engage again with other human being but it does feel (the noo onywies) that I have moved a wee bit and in a good direction. Especially since last night, instead of rushing off after a support meeting I went out with some of the group for a tomato juice and a social chat. The fact that I didn't need a chaperone or someone to prompt me was again a small move in a good direction.

Tasty Tips!

A tip if you feel like a light meal: jazz up the scrambled eggs! I wasn't especially hungry tonight, so I thought that scrambled eggs on toast with a little bacon would do nicely. But scrambled eggs are (no disrespect) bland and horridly Vicarage before bedtime-ish. So some garlic was shot into the mix and the late discovery of a small daud (a technical measurement in Scottish cooking - The Ed) of Roule in a Tupperware led to positively Gallic scrambled ouefs for supper. Vive la cuisine! Well, I recall reading about something similar in a Lionel Blue recipe book, so I'll tip a hat to the good Rabbi! Obviously, he skipped the bacon!

Incidentally, the Yanks really have decided the Moratorium is over: in the Episcopal elections in Minnesota and LA the slates include LGBT candidates. Of course, the respective electorates may decide to desist from electing those candidates (or simply and reasonably decide that the individuals nominated are not the best available candidates for the post) and delay the inevitable rumpus in the Anglican Communion. But part of me hopes not. That'll be the "lets get this sorted once and for all" bit. Once we know who we're in a relationship with vis a vis the Anglican Communion we can simply get on with it and let the assorted factions play in the sand if they so wish or get on with being the Body of Christ they are called to be. I hate the thought of split and division, but this really has gone on quite long enough and the time to decide where we are going (US or Lagos) is approaching. I'll pick the one I don't need jags to go to thanks!

Surprises galore

An unexpected 1st on Saturday: whilst visiting Mum I discovered the Blue Brazil were playing Morton at home and I took myself off to the game. That doesn't sound very exciting, until I recall that I haven't been anywhere near a game since March and the last time I tried, I suddenly clammed up and cowered in the house all afternoon and evening. Perhaps being able to sail under my own steam to Central Park is a measure of some level of recovery. A pity we lost 3-1 and are out of that cup competition. And the steak pies were overcooked. Bummer!

Totally out of the blue, friends from my Glasgow days I haven't seen for ages turned up. They were on holiday and had gone to Falkirk expecting to find me at Church but tracked me down via the Wardens and dropped in. I was utterly gob smacked and delighted. Scarily, their tiny daughter whose teddy bear in a Franciscan habit I used to bless at the altar rail is now 17 and looking at University campuses. God, I am getting older! Still M is proof that one can go out of parish ministry, survive and still have a life and be a priest. Maybe they were sent as much they came. Thanks God.