Autumn

Well here we are again, a new month and a new season. it's time to use some of those great Scottish phrases such as "The nights are fair drawing in." This can be used as an ice-breaker or when you run out of conversation!

Another phrase widely used at this time of year in this part of the world is " Have you noticed that is turning a bit colder in the evenings?"

Once again this can used when you run out of conversation.

Someone who never runs out of words is your very own Raymond Brown.

Yes folks he is back and he is out and about already. Today saw him visiting an organisation in Edinburgh and he tells me that when he was introduced to the group the person introducing him said " Please welcome the man who gave us a highly entertaining and memorable presentation last year."

He then turned to Raymond and asked"What is your name again?"

Only joking on that one of course he knew Raymond's name - he had a name badge on!

What a welcome - no pressure or anything like that!

I am just glad the person introducing Raymond got his name right!

My moles tells me he was highly entertaining and he will probably be asked back next year.

Well done Raymond.

A memorable man.

Last week's outing to the farm was wonderful and if you are ever visiting Almond Valley Heritage Park in Livingston please take a close look at the duck pond.

What used to be a heavily overgrown area is now a haven for ducks. All thanks to the efforts of the CIOBS team.

The only serious injury to a member of the team was the broken nail sustained by Peter Moir.

Don't worry Peter it will grow back.

Next week sees a visit to CIOBS by a group of bankers from Vietnam. As far as I am aware this will be the first time we have received a group from this country.

We have had visitors from many parts of the world in the past and it is always interesting to meet them and find out a bit more about their country and the banking system there.

I am assured that the group all speak English - I am happy about this as my Vietnamese is limited- Some previous groups have brought a translator with them.

I have always enjoyed hearing my words translated, however I often wondered if the translator was maybe adding comments about me!!!

We are always pleased to receive any comments on the blog and any little anecdotes or stories that you might think would be useful.

One of our younger readers sent in this contribution last week.

" I have just bought a new CD called Sounds of the 80s, but it was just full of old folk coughing and complaining about everything."

Thanks for that Miss X from Kelty.

We have passed your name and address to your local old folks group. You can expect a visit from them soon.

Michael (Will I ever be memorable?)