Alberto's Hutte

31st August 2024 (Saturday)    10.15 .... It's a beautiful morning;  sunny with only a light Easterly breeze  and it's warm.   I'd expect the breeze to freshen later so it might feel cooler if the wind does freshen.    I've cleaned the window and, after a cuppa, I will putty and fill where necessary;  then undercoat it.   It's a perfect day for painting. 16.00    Much progress has been made with the window, having cleaned  and put new putty round most of the panes.   Having done all that I'll have to clean the window again to get rid of finger prints that are all over the glass.   Softening the putty was the job that took up most of the time; it was a sitting down job.... very relaxing.    It's along time since I did that;  probably when I was an apprentice!    The weather has  been perfect for working out on the patio;  the wind has freshened and I imagine it will be cold on the beach.   I have no intention of going down to find out!   The East wind is to

30th August 2024 (Friday)    09.00 .... we have a beautiful, bright and breezy morning, with a Prepared and ready to prime the bare bits. wall to wall bloo sky, but there is a light haze round the horizon.   It's a gorgeous morning..... and the forecast is good for the whole day ..... and tomorrow!    The frisky westerly breeze is cool, but it's really warm sheltered from the breeze.... that means I might have morrrrrrrrrrning coffee on the patio. 21.30    With it being a lovely day for painting (as in painting a window) I decided , now that the garden has been reinstated so bonnie, that I'd paint the wee bedroom window, the only window that looks out onto the patio.   It wouldn't be hard work, but would involve some hirpling around and standing painting;  that would  at least be some kind of exercise, being that I can't use my usual form of exercise;  the bike. Instead of morning coffee on the patio I'd paint the window!    The first thing to do was organise

29th August 2024 (Thursday)     08.00 .... It's nice morning even though the sky is overcast;  the sun should break through soon to give us sunny intervals with afresh breeze.   It is cool just now but hopefully it should be warmer when the sun does break through.   I expected the early part of the morning to be sunny and planned on going to the harbour, but that was rapidly cancelled ..... and the kettle switched 'on'.   The Fife Weather cams are all showing overcast skies, but there are a few promising looking breaks here and there! 19.32    Alice arrived off the X60 bus as planned, and we set off for Ivy via Balbuthie Loan and Kinneuchar.   Alice's Dad was a horseman on Balbuthie Farm and they lived in one of the cottar houses. I had hoped we could have morrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee on the patio but it was too cold in the frisky breeze;  and that's  how it was all day.   Nice enough  weather but cold in the wind. The villages are still busy with holiday makers, and

28th August 2024 (Wednesday)    08.15 .... It's sunny, with an almost wall to wall blue sky this morning;  and the first of a few days of brighter weather (with showers now and again).   According to the the weather forecast;  we to have a lovely, sunny weekend!    Anyway we have a lovely sunny morning to enjoy;  I might just take a turn round the Ferry on the bike:  I'm allowed on th bike as long as I don't overdo it... and have the proper seat.   Which I have. 22.00    Well I've had a busy day;  in fact I have probably done to much.   Tomorrow will be a proper 'rest day'.   Alice is coming along on the bus so, apart from meeting her off the bus and taking her back to the bus stop late in the afternoon I'll just unwind and try to relax. I was feeling really good this morning and that of course is the problem.   When I feel good I tend to do things.   Today I did a washing, washed the bathroom lobby and kitchen floors and swept up leaves at the front door.

27th August 2024 (Tuesday)     08.15 .... I've been thinkin' (that's unusual for a start):  anyway  Henry and Michael. I've been thinkin'... of the not so long ago summers, when we had long periods of sunshine and hosepipe bans.   How quickly things have changed.   Never mind at least the pollen count is low!     This morning we have grey sky with light rain and....  and....  the chance of a few sunny spells later in the afternoon!    Oh ..... Gromit is not on bird alert this morning;  he's still sleepin' off yesterday's busy(?) day!    Me? ....this is going to be a scone baking day! 16.00   I made a batch o' scones but did them as big rounds then cut them into triangles.... awfie small triangles.   So that goes down as a 'fail'.   They're tasty enough but a not big enough to get an unhealthy amount of jam on them.   The main thing .... I got the mix right.   So .... now that I've got the mix right I'm going to make a batch o

26th August 2024 (Monday)     08.00 .... We have a quiet start to the Monday Bank Holiday, and it looks like being a bonnie, mostly sunny, day.   This would be a good biking morning but I shall not yield to temptation.... and I am seriously tempted.   I might get the 'hurdy gurdy' out and have a 'walk' with it, but the main effort today is the double bed bedding.    15.00    Welllll .... the last big sheet was hung out about an hour ago, but I'll have to keep an eye on the weather;  showers are not far away and I don't want the sheet to get caught.    The first batch of washing is ready to iron (which I'll do this evening) and I'd like the last sheet to be ready to iron by then!   Anyway, I've had a busy morning, but, as usual I am well ready for a kip... alias siesta. Remember the problem I had with a bird pooing on the hand rail? ....  that problem has been solved.   Gromit (bless his furry lugs) volunteered to go on bird scaring duties!    You ca

25th August 2024 (Sunday)    09.45 .... It's bright and breezy and a good drying day just now.   Showers are  forecast to arrive in the early afternoon.    I've been for the paper.... and visited the harbour (not the warmest place to be) then home by Kinneuchar.   Since then I have hung out a washing.... which I hope the wind will dry by midday!   Tomorrow is a better forecast for doing the downie cover and big sheets.    I'm thinkin' a mug o' coffee would be a good idea;  that, and a look through the Sunday Post. 19.45    The light rain we had in the afternoon has moved away  and we have a lovely evening.    I've had a semi productive day;  the washing I hung out dried and has been ironed.... and I did a wee housework.   I watched Great Expectations in between doing the ironing and stuff.   So it could be said that I've had a 'quiet, stress free day'!    Quiet yes.... stress free ...no!    A bird cra .... pooed on the new hand rail.   Luckily the

24th August 2024 (Saturday)     07.00 .... This is the first morning I've been up and active, at what I call my normal time (05.30) for about three months;   and I'm feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed.   It's a pity I can't go biking!    Anyway, though I haven't been anywhere, I've put on a washing and even contemplated going to the beach, but decided to leave that until another morning .... and I'll use the 'hurdy gurdy' cos it has a seat!   Unfortunately the sun isn't high enough yet, so too cold to have breakfast outside. 20.00    I've had a long and busy day:  'long' because I got 'up' at my 'normal time'.... and busy because I went to Elie picked up my prescription, went to the 'paper shop' and got the paper, then decided needed to go to B n Q's (Leven).  So I set off for Leven immediately after I left the paper shop. Instead of going to B n Q's I went up to Methil to see how Alice was (she had

23rd August 2024 (Friday)    "Happy Birthday to Janice"... who is 21 and a bit today! xxx 09.00 .... The overnight rain (and there was a lot of it)  has moved away to the Southeast and the sky is starting to clear from the West;   we should have 'bloo' patches soon:  'light rain with sunny spells' and a fresh breeze' is the forecast.   I'm going to unwind today.... and hope to have morrrrrrrrning coffee outside in the sun!   Today might be the day to make the scones I've been threatening to make for a few days;  that's a good way for me to unwind .   Nae 'Flap On'!   Actually that's wrong.... there is a slight Flap on;  Liz the Architect is dropping in to check the finished job. 14.30    Liz has been and  been and  passed the work, so I am a 'happy boy'.    Now all I have to do is unwind for the remainder of the day and  be 'back to normal' tomorrow. I've done a washing because the wind has freshened and we hav

22nd August 2024 (Thursday)     08.30 .... we have a bright and breezy morning... and throughout the day, and, although windy, it doesn't feel that cold.   That said, I wisnae on the golf course, nor the beach!    Actually, I'm feeling a bit like the weather this morning, and looking forward  to having  lunch in the 19th with 'The Team'.... Kirsty, Myra, George and Alber'. 10.30   The boys are busy in the garden;  tidying up, moving the sheds and finishing off.   It should all be done and dusted by the weekend.    Me?..... I have been watching the 'News'.   Sadly, recovering bodies from the yacht disaster off Sicily is the main News.   My thoughts and prayers are with the families involved in that horrific disaster. 20.00    Well this has been a busy day (by my present standards).   The builders have finished reinstating the garden and it looks really good.    It has been a long time right enough, and I must thank my neighbours Chris and Julie (Ferry Lodge)

21st August 2024 (Wednesday)     09.00 .... We have a lovely autumnal start to Wednesday;  but the KY9 the weather forecast mentions strong winds and rain in the afternoon.  Before that happens,  I might have a wander up to the seat at the 17 th to get a few photos for the blog.   Right now it's breakfast time.   Oh.... I'm feeling much brighter toady, and definitely not as tired as yesterday;  yesterday was something else as far as being tired went.   I really think that my brain was overloaded with all the info!   Anyway I'm feeling better today and should be back to near enough 'normal' tomorrow.   19.00    Although we have had rain it hasn't stopped the 'troops' working on the garden;  weather permitting the plan is to finish off and tidy up tomorrow.   I am very happy with the patio.... and the handrail (I need a handrail nowadays).    I missed the 'troops' when they finished next door went off to work somewhere else.... and I'll miss

20th August 2024 (Tuesday)     08.00 .... The rain has moved away and there's a braw, Autumnal, feel to the air this bright and breezy morning.   Showers are mentioned in our weather forecast.... (nothing new there) ....but it's going to be mostly sunny but cool in the brisk SW breeze.   After the long day we had yesterday I'm going to have a quiet day.   I must remember to hand in my prescription this morning.... and I might do some light 'ousework;  but mostly this is going to be a rest day.   14.30    As my 'rest days' go this has been a cracker!    As planned I went to Elie and handed in my prescription.... (forgot the paper).... visited the 'arbour, then came home by way of Kinneuchar.   I then sorted out the photographs I'd taken....and fell asleep in front of the computer.   The 'Master Plan' for today was going to be baking scones having bought the ingredients yesterday.   That 'plan' has been put off until tomorrow.    Obviously

19th August 2024 (Monday)     07.10 .... it's a really quiet, still kind of morning;  yes ....the sky is 2008. overcast but it's a nice, peaceful start to the 'working week'.   Rain is forecast to move in, later in the afternoon, but I'm hoping the 'team' can make a start on the garden before that happens.   I've had breakfast, I need another cuppa now.  20.00   It has been overcast all day but at least the rain didn't arrive until 16.20;  and it's still raining so not an evening for going out with the camera.... even in the car!   Gerry and the Team have been very busy and my garden is well on the way to being reinstated.    It's going to look really good;  but I won't put a photo up until it's finished.   I always knew that 'Rural Developments' would do as promised and they certainly are doing that.   I went out before 08.00 and didn't get back until 14.30.... and I was absolutely gob smacked at how much progress has be

18th August 2024 (Sunday)     08.00 .... This is one of those happy/sad days.... happy because Maggie - right hand end of second top row. Maggie was part of my life for so long, sad because on this date 15 years ago she died.   Yet she is still 'around';  if I have a problem I still think.... "what would 'The Boss' do" .... problem solved!  When I have my morning coffee on her Memorial seat at Chapel Green I think of happy times together.... and the 'ooverin' and dustin' I haven't done!     It's a nice morning but there's a lot of cloud around just now;  hopefully it will melt away to give us a warm sunny day!   Right now it looks mair like it could rain.  16.30   Although a bit breezy and not as warm as it should be at this time of year, it has been a nice enough day.   I had morrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee at Chapel Green as per plan.... in fact I spent over an hour enjoying the warm sunshine.   Maggie's Memorial seat is sheltered fro

17th August 2024 (Saturday)    09.00 .... it's a nice, fresh morning, but the cool in the frisky SW breeze (F3);  a good morning for doing the Coastal path.   I'm excited about getting the garden back next week....  with a spell of summer weather to enjoy morrrrrrning coffee on the patio.   It's breakfast time;  and I can make my porridge with milk now that the pills are finished.   I'm a 'happy boy'! 19.15   Iain set up the Wii machine and I have been playing golf and ten pin bowling;  not quite the same exercise level as the real thing but very enjoyable just the same.   As with the real game my putting needs to be worked on after being away from the 'game' for a while.   And.... I actually enjoyed driving to the Store (Ainster)....  and doing a reasonable amount of shopping.    I always come home by the 'back roads' because I like the change of scenery.   That said, although I had the camera with me, I didn't stop to take any photographs

16th August 2024 (Friday)  08.30 ...It's a lovely morning but a layer of thin cloud is taking the Jackie. edge off the temperature so we have a chilly start to the day;  hopefully the sun will burn off the cloud to give us a sunny and warm(er) day soon.    The Auchnagatt 'troops' are expected to arrive about 10.30:  and I am organised .... and looking forward to seeing Jackie, Hazel, Catriona and Iain in one photograph.... a rare occurrence nowadays!  20.30 .... I got the photograph that I wanted... all four (soon to be five) of the Lawrie Family of 'Backhill of Inkhorn' (Auchnagatt) in one place!   It has been a most enjoyable day.  We had lunch at the very popular Cupar Garden Centre Restaurant (it was busy) followed by a browse round the garden centre:  the 'troops' did proper browsing:  I had quick browse followed by a catnap in the car.   The middle of the afternoon is my siesta time; and especially so after a good lunch!   And it was a really good lun

15th August 2024 (Thursday)    09.30 .... Although overcast with light rain it's actually a nice, quiet kind of morning;  I'd enjoy going for a daunder to the beach on a morning like this.   I imagine even the Herring gulls will be at peace with each other;  well maybe not.   Anyway the rain is going to move away to give us a bright and sunny afternoon.    I slept 'in' this morning, and I'm feeling all the better for it;  I wouldn't say I was 'playful' but I'm getting that way.   Iain Jackie, Hazel and Catriona are coming down tomorrow and we're going out for lunch to celebrate Catriona's graduation, Glasgow University (1st Hon).   That reminds me;  I'd better do the ironing. 12.30    I've been for the paper(s);  got money from the cash machine, with much help from Aileen (Burns).... calmed down with a run home by way of Kinneuchar.   If anyone sees Aileen please thank her for me.... I'm sure I forgot to do so at the time.  Me b

14th August 2024 (Wednesday)   10.00 .... we have a lovely, sunny and warm, day;  I might have a wander up to the golf course after morrrrrrning coffee.    I went up to Kinneuchar to get a few photos of 'The Paddocks' housing development at Colinsburgh, but there is a heat haze... so no useable photographs.   I'll have another go in the late afternoon.   I might have a short walk .... after morning coffee. 21.00    I have been busy today;   that doesn't mean that I have done very much, because it takes me longer to do stuff now.  In fact all I did was two washings (got to do small washings until I get the garden back), made a batch o' Cottage Pies, and chatted to Kirsty when she came round with a book.  That might not look like a lot o' work, but it made me happy.   I didn't go out in the afternoon;  after Kirsty set off home I lay down on top of the bed for a catnap.... only for 35 minutes! 'M' from New Zealand managed to get through tonight;  Skyp

13th August 2024 (Tuesday)     09.45    The Fife Weather cams are all showing an overcast sky.... 'Jems' - on canal boat to Falkirk Wheel. with a scattering of promising patches.    At the moment it's pleasantly warm (with a light Southerly breeze).... so I'm contemplating doing a washing.   I'll see what the weather is doing..... after I have another cuppa.   I'm feeling reasonably frisky this morning but I can't go out on the bike.   Next Monday is a big day at the Vic,....  I could end up without a catheter.    The 'plan' for today is; to unwind (I was stressed yesterday), relax and do things slowly.   Got to get used to 'slowly' now. 20.30    The plan was to unwind today.... and that is what I did.   I ran round wi' the 'oover (I had to because I'd cut my tae nails)... then  a washing but didn't get it out because of the showers.   Tomorrow is going to be a bonnie day so it will be on the line first thing in the morning.

12th August 2024 (Monday)     09.00.... The ground was dry when I first looked out at 07.00, but we have heavy rain  now.   There are active thunder storms around Edinburgh and the West of Fife, but it looks like we might be lucky and miss  the actual thunder.    The thundery weather should move away soon to give us a sunny afternoon.   The nearest lightning strike (to us) was at Kinghorn. The Architect is coming to 'sort out' the reinstatement of the garden;  I must admit I will be glad to see the job done.  There's nothing to 'sort out';  all I want now is to see it (the garden) reinstated as was promised at the beginning of the work.   It has been a long two years;   actually it was enjoyable watching (and photographing) all the work going on.... and workmen were (in most cases) friendly.   The scaffolders were a bit 'distant', but they got on with the job.  It's breakfast time. 21.30    The Architect didn't turn up but I found an  e-mail that su

11th August 2024 (Sunday)     09.30 .... There's still early morning cloud but the sun is working on that, to give us a sunny and warm day;  not as warm as Sunny Sussex, but warm enough to be enjoyable but not uncomfortable.    I'm feeling almost playful so frustrated that I can't go out on the bike.    The washing I hung out is... welll...  'hanging limply' would be the best description;  but it will dry in the warm sunshine.  It's breakfast time. 20.45    The wind went round to the southeast later in the afternoon.... bringing a drop in temperature.  Prior to that it had been a really warm afternoon; a but too warm for me.   I visited Alice in the morning and had a quiet few hours chatting, having lunch and generally relaxing.   This visit made me feel that I was getting 'back to normal'.   As ever the roads were busy;  I'm thinkin' that this might be my last year driving.   Having said that I'll probably feel different once I get the wat

10th August 2024 (Saturday)    09.00 .... I planned to wash  the shower towels this morning, but the weather changed that plan;  tomorrow is going to be the 'drying day',  with a wall to wall 'bloo' sky and a light breeze.   Today's weather is disappointing (it's raining just now) but it should improve to give us sunny spells and showers.   After breakfast I'll run crawl round we' the 'oover.... but that's it.   This is going to be a 'rest day'.   There could be some interesting clouds later. 21.30    Once the cloud disappeared we had a really lovely, warm ad sunny day; the breeze kept the temperature just right.   Probably a bit cool if you were on the beach.   I didn't go anywhere;  spending most of the day watching the Olympics, doing some 'ousework and sleeping in front of the tele.   I'm reasonably active up till 14.00.... and after 17.00. The shower towels are on the line already;  I could have done them today because