martinlittle.com:thinkThin

Last weekend was a most superb time, although too short, as always. On Friday Grant was in town, so dwlt and I took him out for a few quiet beers. It's always a huge pleasure to catch up with Granty, and the chat was top notch.

On Saturday, I was up bright & early to get some domestic tasks done before knocking out a reasonable five mile run, although it's funny what a few beers do to you! In the afternoon, Hazel and I zoomed over to Paisley for Michelle and Gareth's wedding. Due to a small time (or lack of) issue, we decided to stay at a TravelInn in Paisley itself. These things happen ... and it did us for the night, just.

The day itself was wonderful. The sun was shining and the sky were blue. The wedding ceremony was excellent -- the minister was a family friend and had done a lot of work to make the wedding address original and personalised, and was really well delivered.

After the ceremony, we headed to Paisley Town Hall where we drank Champagne whilst the photos were being taken. Many many years ago, I used to be involved in multiple musical groups. Alternating Saturdays and Sundays would see me rehearsing with the regional orchestras or concert bands for a final show in the Town Hall, along with Michelle and Gav. To be there after all these years felt quite strange, and most likely we all did a good job of boring Hazel to tears recalling old times.

The Town Hall has undergone substantial refurbishment since I remember it, and is now a really smart building. The main hall looked fantastic for dinner and later the ceilidh. The food was excellent (again, I think, made by a family friend) and the speeches were all heartfelt and fun. My entry into the sweepstake for how long they'd run for fell quite a bit short of the mark, though.

Being a big fan of real ale, Gareth had selected some locally produced beers from the Houston Brewing Company which were top notch. The ceilidh band were also excellent, if a little off their rocker(s) but got everyone up dancing all night, which is the whole point of them.

The whole day was really excellent fun (thanks, guys!) and I'm really hoping that they do move back to the UK as planned later this year.

On Sunday, Hazel and I headed over to see my parents for lunch. As always, the food was fantastic and I didn't waste any opportunity to fill my big belly. Lunch soon stretched on into the late afternoon before we had to drag ourselves away and get back to Edinburgh to prepare for the week ahead...