Back down to Earth

I'm home again and I've had a good sleep (first time in about 3 weeks). Looking over the last post, sent from the plinth, I'm a bit embarrassed about all the mistakes in such a short post. My only excuse is, it was 8m up with quite a breeze, a new I-phone I don't know how to fully use yet, time running out, cameras pointing and nerves like I can only compare to sitting my driving test. Now you try typing a simple sentence.... It's not as easy as it sounds. I did think I would edit the post to correct my mistake but then that would falsify my time up there so I'm afraid they stay.

Let me get all my emails answered and orders sent out and then I'll give you a proper run down of events (with pictures - whoo hoo).

Thanks for all the support. Buy Barony Soap.

What am I doing here?

I'm nearly there now so better explain what I will be doing.

I will be making some of my Crieff Chranachan bath bombs, containing raspberry and vanilla scents, scots porridge oats and famous grouse whisky.

Weather is fine so hopefully it will go ok.

First

Made it to London, and to Trafalgar Square and seen the plinth for the first time.

I have seen a few of the other plinthers in action at various points during the day, who all seemed to have attracted a fair crowd. Had a nice chat with a couple from North London (a writer for The Bill & Midsommer Murders and a sculptress) who had come to see what it is all about.

Also been to the Science Museum (spotted another Antony Gormley sculpture) and for tea at Hard Rock Cafe.

Feeling quite nervous now, less than 12 hours to go and hoping for good weather so I can make the bath bombs. Now in my hotel room
wrapping some soap samples to give away .

Dave had hoped to update our website with details of what I am doing, but alas our web site can't be updated from the i phone. I will put some more details of my master plan on here later, hopefully people will find it and understand what is going on.

Thanks to everyone who has emailed and left blog comments wishing me luck, it's what I need at the moment.

One Other Perspective

This post is written from the perspective of a long suffering husband. His identity has been concealed in the interests of his on going well being and to prevent further suffering. I'm sure you will all recognise the scenario described below. The details of your particular situation are almost certainly different but the underlying theme is still there.

It normally starts innocently enough when the female in the relationship, in this tale we will call her "Claire" ,has an idea. This idea is normally sparked off by something in a magazine or on the telly where the outcome is marvellous and ensured to improve your life in some unimaginable way. It is also normally acheived in the blink of an eye for a very reasonable cost. The idea is then discussed with several female friends who agree it is absolutely fantastic and must be carried out straight away.

At this point the male, we will call him "Dave" is "consulted". The idea is presented in an extremely enthusiastic way by "Claire" with the expectation that "Dave" will agree whole heartedly and will immediately set to work on acheiving this fantastic life enriching plan. After all it will only take 5 minutes.

Unfortunately being a man "Dave" does not see the idea in the same light, and attempts to enlighten "Claire" to all of practical aspects of the fantastic idea which have been glossed over by the source article. After some frank exchanges of views "Dave" realises there is no point in arguing and sets about acheiving the impossible for the 3rd time in less than a week.

So.

When "Claire" is basking in the glory of being part of history, having a great time on the plinth, enjoying the whole adventure and relating the whole thing to every one she knows please spare a thought for "Dave".

He will be the one who figures out how to get half a tonne of equipment to London (by carrying it himself), how to make bathbombs in the open air, in any weather, when he has no idea how to do it in a controlled workshop, how to communicate what is going on to the world when he normally doesn't say more than two words to anyone.

That is before we even get to all of the contigency planning for those what if scenarios, like snipers taking a pot shot at your wifes bath bombs. I'm keeping the solution to that one secret for the moment!

Anyway, I'm sure it will be fantastic and worth the effort, especially as "Claire" can no longer look at me like "that" for being so stupid when I buy another drum kit or mountain bike, or finally get round to building a hot rod!

"Dave"

Award Winning Barony

Hi All

As always, I've been busy. Here's a quick update of all the things I been doing under the 'Work' banner over the last month... Perthshire Showcase at Perth Racecourse (NEVER AGAIN - last year was well organised and and everything ran very smoothly... This year was a very different story (don't get me started on this one, I'm still fizzing). Talking of fizzing...Bath Bomb making with Buclyvie Primary School as part of their Eco Fair. I absolutely loved, loved, loved getting covered in bath bomb dust with the kids, so much so, I'm doing all again with the Auchterarder Library later this month.

Ok, Ok, I've held out for a whole paragraph before I had to blurt out...

'We've Won GOLD at the Royal Highland Show'.

Wow, talk about gobsmacked. The Judges were mystery shoppers on the morning of the first day (and the stall was looking full and fresh). The award was not only for my stall set up but also for my products, vision for my company's future (more info on that later this month...!?!?) and my customer service.

And we've just got back from the Scone Game Fair. A huge apology to everyone who came along to the stall to get their little stash of Barony Goodies only to find I'd sold out of a few of the favourites. I promise to have lots of my Lemongrass & Lime Hand & Body Lotion at Crieff Market on Saturday 11th July. I've been so busy attending shows that I haven't had anytime in the workshop to replenish stocks. I also have to return lots of emails, answerphone messages and send out orders (both individuals and stockists) that have come in during this week. Arrrgh, Monday morning is going to be hectic.

wee note: All of a sudden everyone is wanting Barony lip balms and my supplier of the cute wee aluminium tins is out of stock. As soon as I get the tins I'll have them back on the stall.

Air today

Attended the Leuchars Airshow yesterday as part of their Scottish Fair.

It was a bit of an eventful day overall, 1st was the 5am start to travel to Leuchars to be on site and ready to trade by 8am. This was a bit of a shock to the system as mornings are not really my thing. It was also a bit strange getting up when it was still dark.

Part of the reason for the early start is the need for security checks before you can enter the airbase. I've never had the car searched by a sniffer dog on the way to a show before (or any other time for that matter).

This was a bit nerve racking as our soap contains a lot of glycerine, but luckily not nitro glycerine. Our Stop Kidding Around soap contains almond oil. Semtex smells of almonds, not sure why I know this as I have never smelt semtex. it must be one of those useless fact you pick up just so you can remember it when a sniffer dog reaches your boot!

Just to top things off I had a large number of bombs in the boot......., well bath bombs anyway. I was very careful to refer to them as bath fizz during the day.

Tick, Tick, Tick......., Tick Booomm!

Anyway the sniffer dog was satisfied that none of our products could be used in the pursuit of evil so I was allowed entry.

The show was very busy all day but due to the weather a lot of the flying displays did not take place which was a bit of a disapointment for the visitors.

Being in an aircraft hanger meant I couldn't see a lot of what was happening but did catch a glimpse of one or two planes including a Spitfire. I was a bit disappointed not to be able to see the Vulcan Bomber (grounded due to low cloud) as I remember these flying over my house when I was a kid. Yes I am that old!

Worryingly it was dark again by the time I got home, the nights are fair drawing in as my dad always says.

Dave