To diarise my "ripening" is to catalogue the events I have become involved in and, other than my wine ventures earlier this year, the last few weeks has turned out to be the most unexpectedly engaging, enthralling and invigorating of my year so far.
Until three weeks ago I turned away from the media whenever they commented on or featured the discussions of Yes v No. The Commonwealth Games were a welcome reprieve from all the political discussions which in no way interest me (not least because I don't really trust any of them - exceptions do obviously apply) and when they were over I was frustrated at the thought of the next few weeks being full of political rhetoric and soundbites.
But then something happened - the whole country became engaged in the discussion and the debate. You couldn't go anywhere without it coming up and, given the company I keep, there was nothing more invigorating than standing out from the crowd and declaring yourself Yes. Oh the quizzical looks, the blank expressions, the non-comprehension.
My point is not to cover the ground I covered last week. Rather it is to say a big thank you to those who brought this referendum to the Scottish people; who made us sit up and think and engage and discuss and heatedly debate and question ourselves and demand more of our politicians. It is true that the political landscape and the sense of citizenship in this country have changed forever.
I am truly grateful for everything around me having changed and forced me to really think about who I am and what I believe in. And to develop the backbone to stand up for that when it is against the norm (I reckon the No campaign had to have specially made banners for the windows in the mansions of Alloway and Troon which otherwise would have been dwarfed by the sheer scale of the properties - I'm not having a go its just genuinely funny).
What worries me is that there are people out there who are following habit - who have not gone back to a neutral position and considered the information afresh - after all this is not a standard general election where we vote for who we, and sometimes our forefathers, always have - this is drawing adversaries together and bringing a different debate to the table.
But enough is also enough. What concerns me even more is how, in the last few days, there has been a new fuel to the fire. Whilst the two campaigns should be focused on convincing beyond doubt those who are yet to decide which way they will vote, the debate and discussion is being diverted to matters of entrenched divisiveness. Certain factions on both sides are becoming so entrenched in their views that there is a negative side in all of this starting to rear its head. Trying to out jeer each other, blocking other people from expressing their views, being activist on both sides of the debate.
We are on the brink of one of the most significant times in modern history. Our moment to make a choice and be accountable for it. To tell the generations after us the part we played in this decision no matter which way it goes. Something that is a part of the story of this country forever.
So lets bear this in mind. The world is watching. Lets not 'lose the heid' but keep calm in these last few hours of campaigning. If you've made up your mind one way or the other then it no doubt won't be changed so we should respect that in each other and not dig our heels in and make a show of ourselves. We should have pride in the mature way in which this has all been handled to date and not lose it in the last day or so - not let our emotions run high and try and outdo each other or lose respect for each other. Be a proud nation who will focus on helping those in our country who have not yet decided to make a decision rather than just digging in and spouting the same arguments they've heard time and time again.
We need to respect the fact that for some people this is truly a terrifying decision that they will not make until they are at the ballot box. I have heard stories of an elderly gentleman so afraid of what the banks said last week that he got on the bus and came into the city to try to get an answer as to whether he needed to take all his money out of the bank for it to be safe. Rev Fraser Aitken of St Columba Church, Ayr (my favourite Church of Scotland Minister - well to be honest the only one who I look forward to going to hear) is opening his church doors on Thursday for quiet reflection and contemplation as well as three sets of prayers throughout the day. We shouldn't lose sight that for some people this is an extremely hard decision and scary time.
We also shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Friday is a new dawn in our history whichever way the vote goes and; to quote all the other politicians out there; we as a nation have to come back together and get on with it. I have no doubt we will, after all we're used to waking up in the dawn of defeat - we support Scottish football!!! But I believe we are a proud nation and that whilst we all have our views and our votes, whichever way this goes, we will all come back together as citizens of a stronger country with a shared interest in making Scotland better.
So thank you to those who brought this to the table and in doing so energised my country to engage in wholesome and lively debate. But enough now of expressing your views if you've already made up your mind. Stop with the extremities for they only alienate your side of the debate from those who remain undecided and do your campaign; whether yes or no; damage.
Lets stop, use tomorrow to reflect and then vote on Thursday. The time has come. Its in our hands to determine where we go from here.
Whilst pre-occupied by the independence referendum coverage, I...
...HUNG OUT AT...Clydesdale Banks main banking hall in St Vincent Place on Friday night for the first performance by the staff choir brought together by my dear friend Lorna and featuring a number of my old colleagues and friends including Mr Phil Cordiner. What an amazing performance in a stunning setting. The only thing missing was Gareth Malone though Richard Mais did a good impression. Full of talented individuals and the choir which is only six months old, this was a great night and I really look forward to the next performance - a Christmas concert perhaps??
...WINED ON...very little - a week of abstinence as it turns out (except the standout gins I shared with Alex and Erica)...
...DINED ON...mums home cooking - a wee weekend at mums saw me enjoy, amongst other things, her chicken cacciatore. Yum.
Until I see you on the other side - have a great week and cast a conscious vote.
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