Goodbye to 2011...

So, we've finally seen the back of 2011... Can't say I'm too disappointed!

It's been an interesting year in many ways - some not so great! As I mentioned in great length below, the year started with a horrendous dose of the flu (no, not man flu this time) which perforated both my eardrums - nay, blew them entirely inside out. As I was getting over this, I was then hit with Bell's Palsy. Horrible scenario...

Anyone else also notice that 2011 was a pretty tough financially year? Yep, thought there may be a few takers! A good bit of belt tightening all round and a weather eye on the jobs market as the cost of living for the average middle income (us) family skyrocketed and yet again my income was fixed for the third year in a row. Things are starting to hurt and I'm now seriously considering a second job as a rent boy at Leith docks.... Only joking, I'm not pretty enough any more.

On the upside, the summer brought a great celebration in the form of being a guest at one of my oldest mates, Robert, and his marriage to Carol. This was a fantastic day in the brilliant sunshine of Stirling Management Centre. Plenty of chilled white wine flowed throughout the day and old friendships were re-kindled. One of note was that of Dawn and David Mathieson - David whom I hadn't seen for many years. The conversation and company was out of this world for Fiona and I - catching up on a good 20 odd years worth of stories. There were even one or two photos (thanks Dawn) which probably shouldn't have seen the light of day but ended up splattered all over Facebook!

August saw the long awaited release of the SQA Highers results and we could find out just how brilliantly Christie had done... 5 A's! Absolutely could not have done better and made us all so proud. As I said to her, no-one can EVER take these away! Some of the most important qualifications of her life and she excelled! We were and still are delighted!

On the Music scene, I'm not going to post too much - it's all on The Shine's site www.theshineonline.co.uk. Just a couple of highlights - sadly, bass player Stevie Partick moved on around the middle of the year. Stevie is a great guy and we had some fantastic laughs during his time with the band. Good memories... Within 48 hours of his departure, John Petrie joined the band on bass - and we took on a new lease of life! John's a stunning player and an absolute pleasure to be with. Also in "Shine-world" we were absolutely delighted to have not only gained a new venue with Saucy Mary's in Kyleakin but also some new friends in Laura, Danii, Sammi & Ali. Fantastic place and fantastic people!!

So we now enter the unknown of 2012. Surely to God things will start to improve this year. Here's all my best wishes to everyone - as I go and play with the fantastic new toys Fiona bought me for Christmas!!

Best of luv,

Neil