Sir Andy at the Gallop? –

I Don’t Think so as Hip Still Painful

Regular readers of these musings will know that I am a HUGE fan of Sir Andy Murray and even journeyed to see him in action last year, so you’ll not be surprised when I say I am worried about the Great Scot’s health and well being with the Australian Open tennis just a few days away. It seems Andy can’t even walk pain free and he’s in Brisbane ahead of the Open. Andy feels that he is in a better place than last year when the former world number 1 first contemplated hip surgery. Eventually he had it in Australia in January 2018 and came back when I saw him. However, he ended his return in September to recover fully for the 2019 campaign. But it may not have been enough time as hips are notoriously difficult for sports people to recover from. In fact I can’t remember a single one that has made it back to past heights after this kind of surgery.

Grand Slam, Well Nearly!

Andy always plays well on the Australian Open surface and at 31 years old Andy is a five times runner up here. He just was unlucky in running into Novak at his peak. Sir Andy’s 2018 season ended with a quarter-final defeat in the Shenzhen Open and has dropped to a world ranking of 256 which means Andy will be unseeded in the Australian Open. That also means that he might meet one of the in-form big guns in the opening rounds, but he can’t get his ranking up without playing lots of matches and that in turn will put a lot of strain on his hip. I so hope it all goes well.  BEST WISHES ANDY! The Australian Open takes place in Melbourne from 14-27 January

No Strain

If you want to take the strain off your life, well you are in the right place at James Pirie the home of value and service since 1890. Take for example this handsome fellow a Pheasant Slate Serving Tray with Copper Handles.  This real slate serving tray has been engraved with a hand-illustrated drawing of a pheasant adding a classic highland touch to your home. It’s the business.

https://www.jamespirie.com/pheasant-slate-serving-tray-with-copper-handles.html