So farewell then, 2013. Two
years ago I wrote on this here blog that 2012 would be a year of change for the
Auld Reekie Ranter. And so it proved. 2013 has been another significant year.
Here are my highlights – and some lowlights…
The
Good Times:
Getting engaged to the
lovely Marion at Loch Lomond in July. I know the ink on my divorce papers was
barely dry when I proposed but she has given me so much support and made me a
happy chappy (but don’t tell her I said so…)
Daughter Michaela announcing
she is expecting her first child in April. Of course, I’m thrilled and it’s something
we’re all looking forward to. Number one child for Michaela; grandchild number
four for the Auld Reekie Ranter. My family is fast turning into the bloody
Waltons…
Meeting the Hearts legend
that is Rudi Skacel and his girlfriend in Edinburgh in August. Eva is hoping to
write Rudi’s life story and I was humbled she asked me for some advice. Star
struck was the phrase that sprang to mind – but Rudi got over it…
Selling the former family home
in Dalkeith in March. We didn’t quite get the asking price but a quick sale was
necessary. This was soon followed by my divorce in May. The end of an era.
Marion meeting daughters
Laura and Michaela and grandchildren Jack, Hannah and Ava. Apprehension was
understandably in the air but all the occasions went well. Marion and I spent
Christmas Day at Laura’s and a great day marked a fine end to the year.
My mother moving to Leith in
August. It’s good to know she’s now just a few minutes away. With my mother and
I both living in Leith and Michaela’s partner Sean being of the Hibernian
persuasion – meaning if the baby is a boy he’ll be dragged to Easter Road for
the football – there is a school of thought which suggests I’m crossing the
great divide. Fear not – I’m a Jambo for life.
My book Hearts 50 Greatest
Games continuing to sell. Sadly, it might be some time until the next 50 is
written about…
The
Not So Good Times:
Both my mother and Ava
breaking their arms in separate incidents in the second half of the year.
Because she is so young, Ava recovered in no time at all. However, my mother’s
break is taking some time to heal and it’s an on-going process.
Hearts losing the League Cup
final to St. Mirren at Hampden in March. A driech, miserable afternoon and a
long train journey back was scarcely much fun for Marion and I. Hearts went
into administration in the summer meaning a 15 point deduction for this season
– and almost certain relegation. A 7-0 tanking from Celtic in the Scottish Cup
didn’t help either.
My Uncle Jack died in
Aberdeen at the beginning of the year. Although I had not seen him in years, I
still remember him with some fondness. Marion’s elderly aunt also died a month
before Christmas.
Best
Gig:
Eclectic is probably the
best way to describe the gigs/concerts Marion and I attended this year. From
Donny & Marie Osmond in Glasgow in February to The Osmond Brothers, The
Selector, Billy Bragg, Colm Wilkinson and Caro Emerald, they were all pretty
good. And I fulfilled a life-long wish by seeing Paul Weller perform live at
Edinburgh Castle in July (I never thought I would ever see the great man sing
That’s Entertainment in the flesh) However, my vote for gig of the year goes to
Bad Manners in Edinburgh a few days before Christmas. Ska music as its best!
Edinburgh
Fringe:
This year we saw comedians
Craig Hill and Reginald D Hunter as well as the magician Paul Zerdin. They were
all excellent.
Musical
(not so) Youth:
Oliver, Dirty Dancing and
White Christmas were enjoyable in varying degrees. I’ve never been a huge fan
of musicals but Marion is slowly converting me…
The
Year Ahead:
So another eventful year
draws to a close. 2014 promises to be a landmark year for Scotland. The
Independence Referendum; the Commonwealth Games; the Ryder Cup. The spotlight of
the world will shine on our country frequently next year. For the Auld Reekie
Ranter, 2014 also promises much in the way of change – mostly positive as I
intend to take charge of my life. Some things simply can’t continue as they are
but with the love and support of the lovely Marion, I’m confident I shall be
able to make the changes which will make a real difference.
Happy New Year, folks.
Here’s to a truly momentous 2014.
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