Alberto's Hutte

31st December 2023 (Sunday)    09.30.... It's a nice, quiet mornin'; in fact I might have saunter to the beach later.   I am having lunch at the 19th with the girls so I don't have to bother about food today;  I'll have a sandwich in the evening.  Orf to put the kettle on before having the aforementioned saunter tae the beach. 11.45    There's no doubt about it;  'Elie and Earlsferry' is a bonnie corner of Mother Earth.   You'll have guessed that I enjoyed my 'saunter' down to Nana's Seat, but it was too wet, to sit on.   I did try to wipe it dry but to no avail; so I just 'stood staunin' there and got a load on photographs....including one with Dorothy coming along the path from the Elie direction.   It is a beautiful day for a walk... and the beach was busy with folk doing just that.   I'd better get myself organised for lunch at the 19th: I imagine the pub will be busy today. 20.30    We, 'The Team', had a lovely lunc

30th December 2023 (Saturday)   10.00.... after an early frost the sky is clouding over and rain/sleet is expected by lunchtime.   I had a short wander down to the Ferry Corner;  I was heading for the beach, but the cold, damp air changed that plan.   I got a photo of the sun rising and a few more, then scuttled back and put the kettle on.   This is going to be  a 'work' on the computer day. 15.00   We have a wet, windy and cold afternoon.... and and night, but should have moved through by tomorrow morning.   The West of Fife (Lochgelly cam) has a thin covering of snow.  It's a good day for 'ousework and working on the computer. Ferry Road has been busy with folk turning up for Hogmanay. I have not  been busy.   At the moment I'm having one of my 'Superior Quality' coffees;  I need to get back to 'full alert' mode, after a good old fashioned kip.  21.00    Jings I've just spent an hour and half listening tae Cornkisters on Youtube;  that took m

 29th December 2023 (Friday)     08.45.... the wind moderated overnight and the rain has moved away, to leave us with to a 'sunny spells' day!    I am going to Leven after breakfast to get some bits and pieces, have morrrrrrning coffee with Alice;  get back to Ivy then settle down to a weekend of research and writing. 19.38    The shopping mission was a success; and the shop (Sainsbury's) was really busy.... mostly with young folk around about my age.   I managed to get everything I wanted plus the odd 'goodie' that jumped intae the trolley.   That's me well ready for a quiet weekend working on the computer.... with regular 'cuppa breaks'.   I enjoyed my morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee with Alice.... she is always happy, and I was 'down in the dumps' now that I'm back home and missing 'the Troops', and was in need of cheering up   Unfortunately I couldn't stay with Alice for lunch as I'd bought frozen food... including fish..

28th December 2023 (Thursday)    18.30 .... Iain and I set off from 'Backhill of Inkhorn' at 08.45  and arrived in 'The Ferrie' about 11.15.   The A90 was quiet at that time, with only one slight hold up... in a queue to join the Kingsway at Dundee.  The weather was fine and the roads dry though we saw plenty water on the fields and came across only one bit of where the road was flooded;  at the North side of Strathkinnes. We stopped at Morrison's (Dundee) to buy bread, milk .... and sandwiches for lunch.   Iain was driving back home after a short rest. 19.00.... We have a windy (F6 in the Firth) and wet evening and night ahead.... not my favourite weather,  but good for getting things done on the computer.... and that is what I'll be doing after this update.  I fell asleep in the afternoon, but  managed to sort out the holiday washing.  I hope to hang it out on the line tomorrow... if the rain moves away and leaves us with a good drying day. Largoward to Coli

28th December 2023 (Wednesday)    09.30.... As per weather forecast we have a wild, wet and windy, morning at 'Backhill of Inkhorn';  there's heavy rain battering off the windows but no snow.   I've checked the Fife Weather cams and the Fife sky is showing signs of breaking up;  but it's still wet and windy in.  It's not a day for travelling.   I'll have a look at the Traffic Scotland Cams after this update. 11.15   It's really wild here  just now;  very windy and very wet.  Actually, where we are we are sheltered and missing the worst of the weather.    It will be much windier out in the open.... the same as going down to The Ferry beach.   18.00    It has been a wild weather day all over Scotland but things are beginning to settle down;  the trees have stopped walloping about  and the rain is less heavy.   Tomorrow's forecast is much better for  travelling and I will be back in The Ferry tomorrow.   We have all been doing various 'projects

  26th December 2023 (Tuesday)     09.00 .... We have a bonnie start to the Boxing Day weather; 'bright and breezy, with a touch of red in the morning sky', and it's slightly colder.   It's a wrap up morning.   Boris is 'slightly under the weather' after his morning jog to the pubs ... er... along the old railway line, and has taken a couple of Paracetemol and gone to bed. 11.30  It's a lovely morning here but frosty so I only ventured as far as the end of the driveway;  I had planned to go to the top of the hill but the road was icy so I pottered around the garden.   Jackie and Hazel went out for longer walks;  Jackie to walk the grounds of Haddo and Hazel to climb a hill.   I did think of going to Haddo with Jackie but the cold air put me off. 21.00   We've decided to postpone travelling south tomorrow due to the bad weather forecast, when the latest storm is due to arrive.   Tomorrow won't be a day for driving.... and things are to be much calm

  25th December 2023 (Monday)    09.45.... It's a beautiful non white Christmas morning here Boris looking North, and a bit dull and overcast looking to the South.   Santa (Bless his furry face) has been and left presents under the Christmas tree; to be opened after breakfast.... and Iain has just brought me a cuppa.  Boris disappeared; and was eventually found raking about under the Christmas tree.... leaving me to do the 'blog'.  Like his namesake he is a bit erratic when it comes to saying something...and actually doing it.  Oh... he's now out jogging and will take charge in an advisory capacity....later.   His jogging route takes him past 3 pubs and a Fish 'n Chip shop. 12.15    My word.... the presents have been opened with many 'oooohs and aaahs'.... with puzzle books already testing the brain!   Santa is a clever boy... he always brings things that I need and like!  Hazel set about  separating Sellotape from wrapping paper for re-cycling, while Bori

  24th December 2023 (Sunday)     09.00    We had a warm night and yesterday's snow vanished  like 'snaw aff a dyke' on a sunny day:  which is handy because it means the roads are clear. and we are planning to visit Macduff aquarium. 20.00  We had a very enjoyable time at the impressive, Macduff Award Winning Aquarium;  it's well laid out and very educational.   It's hard to believe that the snow we had yesterday had melted leaving only a few patches in sheltered corners... but a lot of water on fields and roads..  What we did have today, was a beautiful showing of Nacreous clouds at sunrise and sunset:  the sunset time clouds were especially bright.  Nacreous clouds have been seen over the northern part of the UK for the past week.   We had an exceptionally good showing of the aforementioned Nacreous clouds here at Auchnagatt at sunset time.   They are not common and certainly rarely as bright as they were this evening.   They were well photographed. We're al

23rd December 2023 (Saturday)    19.00 .... Iain and I arrived at 'Backhill of Inkhorn' around about midday.    We had heavy rain when we left 'The Ferry' and that was how it was all the way through Fife and Dundee (where we stopped for a comfort break at Morrison's).... but by now it was no longer 'heavy'.   Round about 'Peggy Scott's we noticed a light covering of snow on the fields.... this light covering gradually became heavier, and. by the time we got to the Aberdeen bypass we had proper snow on the roadside and slush on the road;  the countryside had a Christmas card look to it.   The snow was getting deeper the further North we travelled.,,,  and the dual carriageway single lane, with everyone happy to bumble along at a reasonable speed:  apart from the odd few that you always have no matter what the weather. We had decided to stop at Ellon Tesco's where Iain could get twice as many meringue's as he would have, had he bought them at

22nd December 2023 (Friday)    08.00.... The first day of winter (also Mid Winter's Day but we won't bother aboot that):  the days begin to lengthen and Spring is just round the corner; snowdrops are already through and will be flowering soon.   It's a nice morning and the air is warm, but there's a brisk breeze taking a couple of degrees off the temperature..... that said, we will have some sunny spells once the sun rises (08.43).    14.15   After breakfast I did the 'paper run' (in the car), and had a short visit to the harbour before going to Leven (Sainsbury's) to do some last minute shopping.   A load of other folk had the same 'plan' this morning;  Sainsbury's was busy.... with a lot of big trolleys full to the eyeballs queueing at the tills.    However I was only after a few odds and ends and did the 'Self Check out'.   By this time I was in much need of a cuppa and knew just the very place to go..... Alice's HQ!   I spent an

21st December 2023 (Thursday)     07.45 ....We had a windy night ... but, my word, it was warm;  I thought I'd left the heating on.    The wind has moderated a bit from where it was, but it's still frisky (F7 'Viking Neptun').....  and will be until morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee time.   Funnily enough it's a warm wind for this time of year, but you have to be well wrapped up because of the wind chill factor.   There should be an interesting sky;  sunrise is at 08.43. 20.30     'The Team' enjoyed a fabulous Christmas Lunch at the 19th;  'Puku' (Maori = stomach) was very content .... and still is.   I'd had a busy morning and was well ready for food and had no trouble clearing my plate.   I took the car round to the pub because it looked like we could have rain showers.... and we did while we were in the 19th, but they had cleared away by the time we left.  However I was glad I had the car because we had presents to carry (and a full 'puku

20th December 2023 (Wednesday)    08.30.... Jings!... even the sun isnae keen to 'rise' on dark 'Viking Neptune' - multi purpose offshore vessel. mornings!... what am  I saying.... it's because the sun doesn't rise until 08.43 (today) that we have the dark mornings... silly boy!   It's actually a lovely morning and, though the sky is mostly overcast just now,  it looks like we could have an 'interesting sky day' ahead.   I might take a few photos.... something I didn't do yesterday!   Yesterday was an 'inside' day. 11.00   We have blue patches in the sky;  things are beginning to look interesting.  I've been for the papers and down to the harbour but the sky was grey at that time;  however I have to go to the shops after morrrrning coffee so I should get a few brighter Elie and Earlsferry photographs then. 18.30    I think that I finally finished with my Christmas preparations today.... having got the last few bits and pieces this m

19th December 2023 (Tuesday)     08.00....  the sun has yet to rise but we have a nice, dry, start to the morning;  it's slightly cooler than of late but still warmer that usual for December.    'Sunny intervals with a fresh breeze' is the forecast;  the 'breeze' is going freshen up to 'strong' by night time. Tomorrow is going to be windy... with gales on Thursday. 19.30   I have enjoyed a busy day visiting and catching up with Janet (sister) in Leven, then going to Alice's HQ to have a cuppa before visiting two ladies in the Scoonie Care Home.  Janet was telling me that there's another lady in the care home that Maggie and I knew, but that  I wouldn't recognise her now.   Old age comes with attachments that we just have to adjust to.    After we left the Care Home Alice and I did some shopping in Sainsburys, before heading back to HQ where Alice prepared a quick and very tasty lunch.   The shops was very busy.... in fact it was the busiest tha

18th December 2023 (Monday)    08.30.... 'light rain with a fresh breeze' is the weather forecast for the morning, with an improving forecast for the afternoon that includes the chance of a few late sunny spells.   At this time, the sky is overcast with a damp look to it;  we could have a reasonable morning  (with the chance of a light rain); and it's warm.... with only a light south westerly breeze. 16.00   I delivered the last (?) of my local Christmas cards;  I've been working off an old list so there might be a few more as I remember them.   I'll put a card up on FB and on the 'blog' just in case.  Anyway I had a wander round by Rotten Row this afternoon and chatted to Ken (Murray),and  Eleanor and Ron.   An enjoyable walk on a bonnie, if slightly cooler than I expected it to be, afternoon.    The water table has rise so much with the recent rains that the electricity sub station (Ferry Road) is flooded and overflowing onto Ferry Road;  luckily the act

17th December 2023 (Sunday)    08.15.... there's a frisky old breeze just now but it should begin to moderate by mid morning;  it's warmer than normal for December, but wind chill demands a warm jacket.  The forecast is 'strong winds and drizzle', so not a play day.   I plan to do some 'ousework, and make a batch of  'Cottage Pies' for the freezer, (now that the cards are done). 11.45   I wouldn't say that I have been overactive re the 'ousework, but I have been thinking about it.   The ironing has been done, and two washings (one woollen);  I'm sure you will find that interesting.   Although I always say that I am not going to watch the News.... I do watch it; and it depresses me to see how low  humans can go when it comes to killing each other.   And we now know what the white flag means to the IDF: apparently nothing!   Mind you they have paid a dear price for that ....by shooting three of their own; who had been taken hostage on 7th October.

16th December2023 (Saturday)     07.00 .... Sunrise is at 08.40 and, even though it's dark just now, 'Blob' has had his breakfast.... and so have I.   The plan is to finish delivering cards today as, according to the latest weather forecast,  tomorrow is going to be wet; in fact there are weather warnings out; Fife being covered by a Yellow warning for rain on Sunday, and the West and Northwest of Scotland an Amber warning. 09.15   I've been to the harbour to catch the sunrise sky (and post a couple o' birthday cards);  now, after another cuppa, I am on a delivery mission! 11.30    I am back in Ivy, having a well earned cuppa, after a successful card delivery mission;  I even did Derek and Eileen (Colinsburgh)... and Brian and Moira (Arncroach).   That brings me neatly on to my least favourite subject....'pot holes': There's a sneaky one (pothole) just inside the middle line travelling East on the Colinsburgh strait.... it's bound to catch someone.

15th December 2023 (Friday)     08.00.... Though there's a frisky wind  the air is mild for  December;  having said that there will be wind chill with the freshening wind.   Rain isn't mentioned in our weather forecast (it's the West coast that's going to be wet this weekend) so I'm looking forward to ..... 'sunny spells' by morrrrrrrrrring coffee time.   'Light cloud with  a fresh breeze' is the forecast so we could have an interesting sky.    18.30   The weather has been reasonable today;  but there was drizzle in the wind when I was delivering The Ferry Christmas cards.... that was before lunch time.   I did the Elie ones from the car.... and remembered to pick up my pres cription from the Chemist.   The air had turned colder by this time and I decided to finish Elie tomorrow morning.   It was enjoyable  meeting old (not in age) and new friends.   I like chatting  to folk around the villages.   21.00   I've enjoyed 'today'  but it

 14th December 2023 (Thursday)    09.15..... The breeze is from the southwest this morning, Lower Methil High Street. a welcome change of direction that will bring in the sunny intervals mentioned in the weather forecast.   I'll go for the paper(s) after breakfast then take a run to Leven do a shopping for the weekend.   The main plan is to finish writing the local cards today and do some delivering tomorrow.   In the meantime I have a 'slight flap on' .... I have a letter to post;  and I need another cuppa.. 21.30    I decided to go to Leven where I would post the letter in the Leven  Post Office; it's situated in the convenience store that now occupies a part of the original Post Office.   The first thing I noticed, (this was before I left Elie where I went to get the papers) was how busy the road was;  and it was like this all the way to Leven.   The temporary traffic lights have at least sorted out getting through the flooded bit East of Mercury Motors.... but it

13th December 2023 (Tuesday)     08.15 .... my word; there's a big clear bit in the south-eastern sky so the sun will eventually breakthrough this morning.... and give us sunny spells!   I'm sure we are all looking forward to that after 23 hours of rain, of varying intensities;  there was light drizzle when I fed 'Blob at 07.00 but it's fair now.    I shall visit the harbour later.... might even venture as far as Kinneuchar as I'm feeling playful... frolicsome even! 21.00    This has been a bonnie day, even though the sunny spells never really got going at least we had a few brighter spells.... and hardly any rain!   I finished writing the cards for posting and posted them, in Elie, on my way to the harbour.   The tide was in, and we had an interesting sky so I was a happy boy.  There was very little wind, but we had big rollers coming in now and again and rolling in over the Apple rock area.... and there was a bonnie 'light ' so it was very picturesque.  

Ferry Road at 07.10. 12th December 2023 (Tuesday)    07.15.... It's warmer, and the rain lighter than I expected;  but it's not a 'play day'.   This is a perfect day for writing cards .... and drawing.   I'm going to give 'Blob' his breakfast snack then have my breakfast before settling down for a restful day as, according to the weather forecast, the rain is going to be with us until 08.00 tomorrow morning.   The kettle is 'on'. 16.00     We have have some dismal weather in bonnie Scotland, and today must be up there with the worst of them;  it has been wet, and miserable looking, every time I had reason to go outside.. and by the end of the afternoon it was just to remind myself of how miserable it was.   However I have made great progress with the card writing;  in fact I should be able to post the UK ones tomorrow sometime.   I haven't been at the card writing all day, having taken 'time out' to watch a film on Channel 82... and set

11th December 2023 (Monday)    08.15.... It.... 23 second pause..... isn't raining!   And there was me all togged up expecting wetness.   Actually we have a lovely start to Monday.... quiet, not wet and warmer with only a light breeze.    'Sunny spells'?.... I'd like to have a few come our way, but the forecast is for light, patchy rain to arrive....most likely before the Mobile PO van.   And ....there's a Yellow Warning for rain (Fife) beginning at 09.00 tomorrow morning right through until 03.00 on Wednesday. 20.30   I expected the PO van to be busier but  I was there when it arrived so it might have been busier later.   I was surprised to find that that is cost the same to send a card to Germany, USA and New Zealand:  anyway the cards are on their way and I can now concentrate of getting the inland post ones done.   I met Monica when up in Elie;  looking ft and well and smiling as ever.   Lexie arrived at the PO van just as I was leaving and brought me up to da

10th December 2023 (Sunday)    11.00 .... I've been for the paper, and visited the harbour, and I won't be straying far from Ivy for the remainder of today;  it's one of those bleak, uninspiring kind of days that we can have at this time of year.  It's a perfect day for writing Christmas cards.   Funnily enough, I managed to tale 73 photographs of dreichness... and I'm pleased with the results.   I'd rather have sunny spell photos.  That said... I'm a happy boy and will get going with the Christmas cards after morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee. 18.30    I've made a start writing Christmas cards .... beginning with the overseas ones.   That reminds me I need to be at the Mobile PO van tomorrow (11.30 - 12 -30) to post the overseas cards (4).   It has been a good day to be staying in;  I had 'Chicken Run', and 'Shaun the Sheep' to watch in the afternoon.... while writing the cards.   I'll find something to watch after this update.... a

9th December 2023 (Saturday)   08.30 .... I saw a bit of 'bloo' sky a few minutes ago and it got me thinkin' o' sunny spells;  but it was only a glimpse and we have an overcast sky with the promise of rain, with heavy rain in the afternoon.   It is not the most cheerful looking morning now... but it isn't actually raining.   I'm going to Leven to do some shopping and have morrrrrrrrrrrrning coffee with Alice;  and when I get back to Ivy the 'plan' is to write Christmas cards and get that job done and dusted by the end of this week.   Having seen the weather forecast for the next few days it's going to be good weather for writing and drawing, most of the time. 20.00    My word this has been a damp old day;  and it' still raining.    I enjoyed the retail therapy in Leven  and the coffee and lunch at Alice's afterwards.   We went to the shops early and were happy to find them quiet; however the car park, at Sainsbury's, was busy when we le