Alberto's Hutte

31st October 2023 (Tuesday)    08.00.... it's a nice morrrrning with a chilly, NE breeze;  a good drying day.  I might do a washing, because it could be a few days before we have another decent 'drying day'.  I don't have plan action for today;  Actually that's wrong because I'm going to wash some towels etc, but I don't have a proper 'play' plan.  The temperature is unlikely to be in double digits so I doubt if I'll go biking.   Actually, that's a bit of a sod, because I'm feeling playful.   I'll put the kettle 'on' .   Oh, nearly forgot; 'P ort Servicer' has left Methil and is sailing across Largo Bay.... must still have work to do at Woodhaven. 13.30   I've had a productive morning drawing;  now I'm having an after lunch cuppa before going for a wee run in the car.    I did a washing which to take advantage of the drying win.... and before the wind and rain of the next Atlantic low arrives tomorrow.  Wedne

 30th October 2023 (Monday)    08.00 .... It's a lovely morning (it isn't raining) and looks like being a nice day... we might have some sunny spells.   I've hung out a washing, but I expect it will get an extra rinse as there is a 'chance of precipitation'.....and it's cloudy just now.   There's a drying Easterly wind, but that same wind is bringing the clouds in from the North Sea.   If the washing disnae dry today it will tomorrow because Tuesday is going to be brighter.... with less chance of rain.   I'm  hungry... it's breakfast time. 19.30    I always enjoy my visits to Methil and Alice;  and our wee shopping session with Karen (Alice's daughter).   I got all the messages I went for plus, a wee top up for the 'Emergency Ration' tin ... (goodies).   We ended up with a perfect 'drying day'.... and .... no precipitation of any kind!    I had a run down to the harbour at sunset time and found 'Port Servicer' (utility v

  29th October 2023 (Sunday)    09.00 ....he sky is not interesting this morrrrrrning, because we have a boring, 'wall to wall grey' sky;  not a sky that I can get myself into a state o' excitement about.   I don't like 'boring'.    Having said all that it (the sky) could become 'not boring',... in fact it could become an  'interesting sky' because the weather forecast is 'strong winds and thundery showers'.   There's a Yellow waring for rain... and a flood warning, both include Fife.  I'm beginning to get excited.   Calming cuppa required. 15.30   I remembered to change the clocks this morrrrrrrrrrning and on the same time as everyone else; I have been known to work on 'Ivy Cottage' time for a few days!    It has been a good day for working with the pens, pencils.... and the kettle.  I did contemplate going to the beach but there was rain blowing in the wind so I only got as far as the gate.  In fact I was outside the g

  28th October 2023 (Saturday)     07.30 .... Although raining at the moment'.... 'light rain showers, with a moderate breeze' is the forecast .....we should have short sunny spells now and again.  The sky is showing promising signs but I doubt if I'll go out on the bike; unless a string o' sunny spells come our way. 15.15   I took the car up to get the paper (we had regular spells o' light rain/drizzle at the time) and had a run to the harbour to take a some weather photographs.... there was an interesting sky at the time.   With this being the half term school holiday in England the villages are busy; I had to park at St Margaret's (Earlsferry House) when I got back home.   Luckily the rain was of the light kind at the time.  Since then we have had a mix of weather ....including a decent sunny spell, when I took a wander down to the car to pick up my reading specs.... and, as there was a parking space in Ferry Road, I was able to bring the car up to Ivy.

  27th October 2023 (Friday)    08.00 .... Although rain (of the light shower kind) is mentioned in the weather forecast, it's not here just now, and it's not cold considering the moderate Easterly breeze;  I might go for the paper (on the bike) once my eyeballs get used tae bein' five feet from the floor.   I had a good night's sleep followed by a good old stretch before blundering into the shower.  Yep.,.... I'm nearly ready for a 'play day'.    09.00    The sky is not as interesting as it was, with light rain blowing in the breeze;  the biking has been put off until drier, and sunny, interludes make their way to Elie and Earlsferry.... around about midday. 16.00  Biking has been put orf until the next decent spell o' weather.    I nearly went out couple o' times,  but eventually decided that it was a 'drawing day';  and I have enjoyed that.   Today's weather has been disappointing ....tomorrow might be brighter but I'm not planni

26th October 2023 (Thursday)    08.30 .... we have a damp, overcast start to Thursday;  it' s not raining just now, but the weather forecast is 'heavy rain with a moderate Easterly breeze'.   The early part of the morning looks like being the best part of today, as far as the weather goes, and it ain't that bonnie.   This is annoying, because I'm feeling reasonably frisky and was looking forward to going out on the bike;  however, it's a good day to be going out for lunch.    It started to rain when I was out giving 'Blob' his breakfast (McVities Digestive bicci crumbs) and it looks like it could be on for the day.   I was hoping for a few sunny spells before the rain. 12.15   The sky lightened up for a wee while so I got the bike out, but only went as far as Chapel Green because the bike battery was low (it's on charge now).   There was a lot of folk a taking advantage of the fact that it wasn't raining but you had the feeling that the rain wa

 25th October 2023 (Wednesday)    08.30.... My word... we have a bleak looking start to Wednesday;  'light rain' is the weather forecast and 'light rain' we have.   On the positive side, pollution and dust levels should be low.   It is a 'stay in dry and warm' morning; I'll be working in the kitchen.... and drawing.  The sun should start to break through by midday to give us a brighter afternoon.  11.00    A short update before morrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee:  I've been for the paper(s) and down to the harbour  and taken a few 'damp look' photographs for the archive.   I'll peel tautties after the coffee break and make everything ready for a big effort this afternoon;  Cottage Pies for the freezer. 17.00   If the sun broke through it must have been when I was cat napping;  the sky did brighten for a while and the rain stopped, but it has not been a day for going out. Unless you have a dog!   Our doggie pals need their exercise even in the rain. 

24th October 2023 (Tuesday)     07.30 ....There's been some light rain overnight; it isn't raining Late afternoon sky. now, but it's awfie damp;  the light rain mentioned in our weather forecast, should move away in the afternoon;   we could even have a few sunny spells later.   I plan to go shopping (Leven) in the morning, though that depends on how I feel after breakfast, and how the weather is.  The afternoon is going to be spent in the kitchen. 19.30   The afternoon wasn't spent in the kitchen;  I'd forgotten to defrost the mince;  tomorrow afternoon will be spent in the kitchen. This morrrrrrrrrrning's shopping mission was successful.... and I enjoyed my morrrrrrrrning coffee with Alice.   We're both shaking off the bug that's doing the rounds so it was good just having a good old natter and laugh.  When in Sainsbury's I bought a cheap pair of earphones so that I can chat on Skype;  one of my speakers has gone on the blink.   Anyway the earpho

23rd October 2023 (Monday)    08.45 .... There's a light frost (car wind screens needing de iced), but it's a lovely morning and the frost will lift rapidly when the sun gets up.  Convincing myself  that I want to get out of bed on these dark mornings is not easy...then I think of the kettle!  Anyway I'm vertical, and nearly rarin' to go.... with my second cuppa at hand.   I'll get the bike out later;  there could be icy patches in corners sheltered from the sun.   The clocks change next weekend (29th) making the mornings lighter earlier.    I remember working at Glenrothes in the winters the clocks weren't changed (1968 - 1971): we were just getting used to permanent  BST (British Summer Time) when they stopped it.   It was part of knitting ourselves into Europe.   Now we're  no longer in the EU.... and busy knitting ourselves into the USA way of thinking;  how long before we become the 51st State? 09.30     I have been using 'Well Safe Guardian',

  22nd October 2023 (Sunday)    08.30 .... We have a bright and sunny morning;  it's a 'play day'.... and a good drying day!  The washing is on the line, now I can concentrate on 'playing':  I'm going to visit Alice so I'll pick up the paper on the way to Methil, and go out on the bike later in the afternoon .... when the air is warmer.   Right now it's breakfast time.   15.15   It has been a cracker o' a day;  and especially welcome after the horrid wet few days we've had.   I went to Methil to torment Alice;  we did  wee bit o' shopping (Eddy's in Buckhaven) then went to the former Buckhaven Harbour site for a daunder.   It was great being out in warm sunshine.    I'm going to have a cuppa then get the bike out and have a run up to Chapel Green. 21.00   It has been a lovely, enjoyable day.... but I never got the bike out;  I fell sound asleep and  never got going again.   Another good sleep tonight and I should be, more or less, b

  21st October 2023 (Saturday)    09.00 .... Probably because it's the third such morning in succession, this morning looks and feels like the bleakest morning ever.  It's wet and windy and cold;  however the wind has calmed down to around F5 - 6... and will veer to the West, and the rain move away, in the afternoon.... Sunday  is going to be sunny!    My internet connection was 'iffy' last night but it's working fine just now: there was an 'Outreach' technician working in the Green box up at the phone box yesterday so there must have been a local problem.   It's breakfast time. 11.30   It's another day for staying in and warm... so won't be going to the beach!   Actually, I'm feeling almost 'bright eyed and bushy tailed'  (in spite of the weather), having shaken off the 'bug' I had..... and should be back to 'normal' tomorrow.    'Blob' was in a good mood when I gave him his morning coffee snack (McVities Di

20th October 2023 (Friday)    08.00 .... Bring on Sunday, when the wind is forecast to veer to the West ....bringing sunny spells with it!    At the moment it's windy, wet and cold;  a good morning for doing the Coastal Path with a waterproof camera....there will be big rollers thumpin' onto the beach (high tide 06.30).   The wind at present F7-8, should start to moderate after lunch and we should have a quieter night tonight; the rain should begin to slacken off by lunchtime.... I'm thinking positive and looking for a sunny spell later in the afternoon.  11.00   The wind strength is currently F8 in the middle of the Firth, and, I imagine, not much less on the beach.  I won't go down to find out.   I spotted a short clip (BBC), taken on Elie beach, of a dog walker... and it was wild;  not the dog... the weather!   I think it was taken yesterday.   The Fife Weather cams are starting to show encouraging signs in the sky;  I might go round the villages (in the car) after

19th October 2023 (Thursday)    07.30 ....The wind freshened and the rain arrived about 05.00 and we now have strong winds (F7 - Saipem 3000) and rain.   Not a morning for being out; however dogs (they don't mind a bit o' dampness) will take their owners out for a walk on a dust.....  and pollution free morning.  I won't be going out until sunny spells are back;  I think that will be Sunday.   It's a drawing day.... in fact it's probably a couple o' drawing days. 11.00    It's not a day for being out and about..... so I won't be going beyond the front gate: however, good progress is being made with the pens and pencils so I'm happy.   We (Kirsty, Myra and Alber) were going to the 19th for lunch today but have cancelled, and will go next Thursday instead.  The inclement weather should have moved away by then. 14.00    The wind has moderated a bit in the last hour, and the rain stopped;  the wind is going to freshen later in the afternoon and the rai

18th October 2023 Wednesday    08.00....  There's a brisk Easterly breeze, but, strangely enough,  it's not a cold wind; I might get the bike out and go through Elie Estate before morning coffee,....depending on how frisky the wind is.  'Strong winds and light cloud' is the forecast for KY9 today;  the wind is to freshen to F7/8 with rain moving in later in the afternoon.  It's to be windy and wet overnight; Thursday and Friday will be good drawing days.    21.00   I enjoyed a slow bike run through Elie Estate this morning ....and took a load of photographs;  enough to keep me happy for the next couple o' days.   The weather forecast for Thursday and Friday is  "strong winds and heavy rain" so they will be drawing days.  It was quite pleasant on the bike, especially in the estate where I was sheltered from the wind.   That said, it wasn't cold.   The autumn colours are beginning to show and the estate should be bonnie in  a couple of weeks;  assu

  17th October 2023 (Tuesday)     08.45 ....we have one of those quiet autumn mornings;  even the Jackdaws seem to be enjoying it.  I suppose it's the calm before the wind and rain....if the weather forecast turns out as predicted.  There's a light SW breeze just now (not much wind chill) but the air is cool.  I have the urge to sing; I hope that wears off quickly.  I'd better get the bike out. 19.30   The 'singin' session only lasted as long a a couple o' verses o 'The Buchan Vet'; I gave up before I ended up wi' a sair heid, and decided to go shopping.   I birled along to Sainsbury's (Leven) then up to Methil to have morning coffee with Alice.   We're baith nursin' a cauld just now, so we're lyin' low for a few days.  I'd bought frozen stuff so didn't hang around annoyin' Alice too long (long enough to have a cuppa and a good natter) and was back in Ivy by 11.30. By the time I'd put the messages away it was lunc

  16th October 2023 (Monday)    08.30 ....it's a bonnie start to Monday and should be warm, (sheltered from the light SW breeze), once the sun gets going.   I haven't been further than the front gate so far; but I might get the bike out in the afternoon, if the air is pleasantly warm. The main 'plan' is to stay in and warm, so it will be (mostly) a drawing day.  I hear the workmen working on the roof next door.... so I have company if I feel lonely. 20.00   My drawing project made good progress today;  almost as much, as the workmen on the roof of the Earl's Lodge extension.   Once the roof is done the scaffolding, in the back garden, will be no longer required; although they might need the scaffolding that's on the high gable.  I'll be glad to get rid of it (the scaffolding) as it's right in my face whenever I go out o' the back door. After lunch I decided to go up to Balcarres (in the car) to see how the autumn colours are coming on:  it will be

15th October 2023 (Sunday)    09.00.... It's a lovely, fresh morrrrrrrrrrrrning....but there's a cold, wintry feeling, North Westerly breeze.   I've only been out as far as the gate, but might venture further once the temperature rises;  it's 4C just now, but it feels lower because of the breeze.  I might wrap up and get the bike out later. 16.15    Earlsferry was busy with people out walking, when I went up to Chapel Green, on the bike, in the afternoon; it was a bright and breezy afternoon; it was a good day for being out and about, but it was cold when exposed to the wind.   Up at Chapel green you can always find a seat that is sheltered, from the wind.    20.30   As you know I have been researching Kinneuchar kirk for my project; the following poem is from 'Annals of Colinsburgh' by Robert Dick.... the Minister of Colinsburgh Kirk in 1896.  In the mid 1800's many Scots emigrated  to Australia, New Zealand and the USA... including a considerable number

14th October 2023 (Saturday)    08.15 ....I'll have to bring the garden thermometer into Ivy;  it's 4C out there....and feels colder.   It's a lovely morning and will get warmer, but it's always going to feel cool on the lugs.  I'll visit Alice in the morning and go out on the bike later in the afternoon.... maybe. I haven't been anywhere this morrrrrrning;  I'll have breakfast then go for the paper. 09.30    The paper has been uplifted .... and milk for the Cornflakes, so that's me for the weekend.  I met Dave outside the 'Paper Shop';  I forgot tell him that 'M' in New Zealand was asking for Joyce.   As far as I could see all is good around the villages, with loads o'  (well wrapped up) folk wandering about.  It's a good day to be out.    19.30    I always enjoy my 'Alice Time';  she is always cheerful, and doing things for other people.  We had a braw morning sorting out the world, drinking tea and scoffing Alice'

13th October 2023 (Friday)    08.00 .... Getting out of bed on a dark (and cold) morning is easy enough, but not much fun.   Anyway, I'm vertical, on a breezy but not very bright morning and can't imagine me going out on the bike today, as the wind is forecast to freshen in the afternoon.   Not a play day'.     13.00    I had a run to the harbour, it's a bit cool and breezy for me on the bike today, so I was in the car.     One or two people were getting their boats ready for 'Crane Out' on Monday.... but I didn't see anyone I knew.  It was breezy at the harbour so I didn't hang about.... it's F6 out in the Firth (Well Safe Guardian).   I've done a washing (I can only do small washings due to short washing lines);  the 'plan' now (after another cuppa) is to begin inking in a Kinneuchar project drawing. 21.30   The weather forecaster mention snow for the mountains this weekend;  and, no snow, but the temperature down to 3C at sea level. 

 12th October 2023 (Thursday)     08.15.... It's another lovely autumn morning;  slightly cooler than yesterday but not as breezy so a bonnie morning for getting out and about.   I have my dental appointment (Anstruther) so I'll get a few photographs from around the harbour area;  that's my 'out and about'.   I also want to get some pics of the progress on the NnG (Nearth na Gaoithe -Strength of the Wind) windfarm off Crail so I'll do that too, then travel home via the back roads. 13.30    That's the dentist done for another year ....I'm glad to be back to the pre COVID routine.   The tide was out so I didn't take many photographs in Anstruther; and didn't go down to Crail harbour, but did get a misty photo of an NnG Wind Farm turbine.  I came home by the Higham Toll 'back' road, then Largoward, Colinsburgh and Kinneuchar:  the roads were busy.  It's time for another cuppa ....and  a catnap. 16.30    Today we're having a reminder

  11th October 2023 (Wednesday)    08.00 ....We have a gorgeous Autumn morning;  the air is cooler (more where it should be at this time of year), but not as cool as it is forecast to be at the weekend!    I haven't been for the paper yet, but the washing is on the line (it's a good drying day)....and I am feeling much friskier; the after effects of my trips to the attic are wearing off.  I'll go for the paper after this update... and another cuppa (got to keep hydrated... even in the cooler weather). I was watching a lassie being interviewed on the BBC News last night (I don't remember her name) and she said there are no winners in a war.;  and she is right.  That said the Arms manufacturers and dealers are laughing their way to the bank.... in every war.   (They have much to answer for).  There's too much hatred being stirred up around the world: and we can't un-invent the guns and and bombs... with all the weaponry around the world  we'll probably blunde

  10th October 2023 (Tuesday)    08.30 ....We have a bright and breezy start to Tuesday.... and I am feeling 'bright and breezy too.   The past couple of weeks have been stressful, but I am beginning to feel my 'auld sel' again.... not 'auld' as in age.   The plan is to go to the Bank (Leven), have morrrrrrring coffee with Alice, then get back to The Royal Burgh and into my new routine.   Some would call it a rut.... but I like my rut.   It's going to be breezy in the afternoon, with chance of 'light showers'. 11.30   That's the Leven mission done;  and morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee with Alice.   Alice keeps her garden neat and tidy, so I am having a cuppa and contemplating doing some pruning in the front garden.  I want to go out on the bike, but the sky is overcast just now (the sunny spells mentioned in the forecast, have been few and far between)....but it's quite warm even with the brisk breeze. 18.00    The pruning 'plan' never