September update

Well now it is nearly 3 months since I returned from my Asia travels, and I’m due to depart for the USA on Monday. I am looking forward to being on the move once more.

I seem to have been pretty busy over August and September, but have nothing very exciting to report. I managed about 6 shows at the Edinburgh Festival, mostly pretty good. Newsrevue has become a regular for me and they were up to their usual standard. I’ve had a couple of trips up north to see friends and relatives. The landmarks were the 25^th anniversary of my father’s death (although I can hardly believe it has really been that long) and Ali Baxter’s 21^st birthday. My nephew Douglas has come to stay for his 3^rd year at Glasgow University; so I have had to do a bit of adjustment to the setup here to fit him in. I am pleased to have him here though, and know that I will feel happier on my future travels to have someone living in the place.

Last week I had a “first”, in working for a day as an extra in a film that the BBC are making – a remake of Buchan’s “39 Steps” which I understand is due to be broadcast on Boxing Day. Don’t expect a major presence from me though. I am just a face in the crowd (in the scene where Hannay suddenly and unexpectedly appears on the stage at an election rally and has to make an impromptu speech). They want me to go back on Sunday for some more of the same. It is all quite interesting as a new experience – but I’m a wee bit disappointed that I will miss out on another (more interesting) scene while I’m away next week.

On Monday I fly to San Francisco, for just over a week of being a tourist there before heading to LA to meet up with Elaine and Chloë for our trips to Disneyland and the like.

My photos are of the ski team reunion in Edinburgh, and me in my 1914 working man’s gear for the 39 steps!