Here in Glasgow there were about 20 people that I know who raised a glass to life. There may have been more as I posted it to various lists.

I was at the Paisley Beer Festival last night. http://www.paisleybeerfestival.org.uk/ There was quite a large contingent from Trout and a good night was had by all. I took the tack of choosing beers by trying those with silly or interesting names, and, as long as they fitted into my preferred dark beer category, I was reasonably pleased with the result.

I started off with Old Stoatwobbler, which was gorgeous. Unfortunately, everyone else thought so too and it soon ran out. I also had Jack's Revenge, Grantham Stout, and Black Adder. The only one I was disappointed with was Mucky Duck, which tasted rather watery.

I had quite a lot of beer so I'm surprised I remember so much of the names! I had managed to arrive before the queue began outside. I had been a bit concerned about getting there in time as I recalled having to queue for a bit last year. However, I made it by managing to get a lift to Paisley Road West from work where I then caught a bus straight there.

It was a very pleasant evening and I headed off for the last train home which I was successful in catching!

I am going to really have to give some serious thought to replacing this PC soon. It is running so slowly. I don't know if it's its age, or the dial up connection (yes I don't have broadband), or there's something running in the background which is causing the slowness. It would help if I knew exactly what was on the damn hard drive!

However, I've had a look at the 2nd hand PCs at this place http://www.laptopsandpcs.co.uk/ and they look promising. So do the laptops. I don't know whether I should go for a PC or a laptop. But the specs seem good as do the prices. And as I have been paid both my regular monthly wage from my new company and have been paid the last of my wages (and bonus) from my old company I'm in a position to make a move on this.

It will also help with being able to read the minutes for Albacon committee meetings!