Alberto's Hutte

31st July 2024    (Wednesday)    08.45 .... It's bright and sunny with a light breeze from the NW.... Janice and Michael (in the middle of photo). there's actually an autumnal feel to the air;  I'd better check the trees to see if the leaves are changing colour!    It was really warm last night (certainly not autumnal) which meant another restless night.    I'm as organised as I can be for Michael and Janice coming... the train arrives at Leuchars about 15.30.   Slight 'Flap On' now.... got to have breakfast before I do a shopping. 21.00    I've a relaxing day... and feel the best I've felt for about six weeks.    I had a quick trip to the Store to buy foodstuff, then a quiet run home via the 'back roads' (Arncroach).    I then had '50' before setting off for Leuchars to meet the Aiberdeen train at 15.34.   The the road between Cairnie crossroads and Peat Inn is being resurfaced so there are speed restrictions in place.   Most people were

30th July 2024 (Tuesday)     14.00 ..... I had to discard my jersey due to the heat, at one point this morning;  it must definitely be summer!     I haven't been anywhere exciting, but have been talking to Michael on the phone a few times.   Michael (Mike) and Janice are coming up from 'Sunny Sussex' (even warmer than here) to 'Sunny Elie and Earlsferry' tomorrow.  Actually there has been a 'Flap on'; but I do 'Flap' mode automatically as soon as something unexpected 'appens....and taking my jersey off outside was unexpected.     16.00   Kirsty came round with the latest Donna Leon book (Venice) and we had a seat in the sun,  on the sheltered  and warm patio:  it's warmer outside, than it is inside Ivy today!   I didn't think to have coffee and biccies out there:  but it was braw sitting in the warm sun chatting.    I must buy proper patio chairs sometime. My near neighbours Ann and Bob came wandering sown the Road, having been for their

29th July 2024 (Monday)     09.00 .... Although it's cloudy just now, "sunny with a moderate Porridge oats. breeze" is our weather forecast.... so we should have another bonnie day.    I haven't got a plan for today, but Michael and Janice (Sussex)  are coming up on Wednesday so I might try a bit of ooverin' and dustin'.  Actually, forget 'might' do' .... I should 'do' a bit of ooverin' and dustin'.   But I'm not in an ooverin' and dustin' mood.     15.00    I surprised myself having actually done some 'ousework.... but still have the ooverin; and dustin' to do.    That will be done tomorrow.    It's a lovely if slightly mauchless, day.   I haven't been anywhere because of the Olympic 10m diving competition, (and show jumping).   Tom Daley and his partner won the Silver Medal, which was amazing for somebody who can out of retirement to compete.   The Chinese took the Gold  Medal; and deservedly so, they

28th July 2024 (Sunday)    11.00 .... It's a bright and sunny morning, with a nice breeze so loads o' fresh air.   I've been for the paper and down at the harbour.... and it was busy.   The tide was in at that time (08.20) and will be going out  now so there will be a big beach needing to be played on in the afternoon.    The antibiotics are working, so that's a step in the right direction.   I seem to have been going in the wrong direction since I had the 'tummy bug'. 18.00    It has been a perfect summer's day.;  the villages have been busy, and imagine that the beach wold be mobbed.    It was a perfect day for the beach!.  I imagine that the beach would be mobbed. What did I do?.... I went up to St Andrews Hospital because my 'pet' hernia was sair and Dr Francis told me that if is ever sore ....  see a Doctor.    So that I is what I did..... via NHS 24.   I've had the hernia for a long time; the pain was new, hence why I  did NHS 24.   It was

27th July 2024 (Saturday)    09.30 .... The sky is overcast and we've a few spits and spots o' rain;  but it's a nice enough morning..... and sunny spells are expected later.    I'm going to spend most of the day pottering around Ivy.... and watching the Olympics.   And catnapping!.... I'm an excellent 'catnapper'.    21.00    It has been  a really bonnie day here.   Ferry Road was busy so I'm thinkin' this is a changeover weekend.  Actually when you think of it, every weekend is a changeover weekend, because we're getting visitors all the year round.   It's not that many years ago that Earlsferry (the Royal Burgh of)   was more or less empty at certain times of the year....such as from the end  October to a week or so before Christmas.... and after New Year to Easter.   Earlsferry is a proper community again.... all year round. I've been watching the Olympics we have a Bronze in the Women's diving!   OK.... the Aussie made a catast

26th July 2024 (Friday)    08.45 .... We have a beautiful  morning .... and... there's a fresher feel to the air  .... definitely a 'play day'.  I had a restless night due to it being overly warm;  didn't have a decent sleep until  about 04.00.   Then woke up at  06.00:  this could be another 'lazy' day.    09.45    When I went to answer the doorbell  half an hour ago, I was surprised to find a Nurse (Philippa) at the door;   she was going to change the catheter.   The original 'plan' was to go to the Skeith Centre this afternoon.   Alice is coming (11.30 ish) ) bus.... and bringing lunch with her.   Must 'go' .... no... there's 'no Flap On' now;  have another cuppa Alber' my boy.    22.30   I met Alice off the bus on what has been a nice day:  we didn't do anything because the anti-biotic pill has side effects.   The most annoying one is a sair heid;  so I wasn't the best company today.  The pill has an effect that I di

25th July 2024 (Thursday)    08.00 .... It's a quiet morning with an overcast sky.... with thundery showers forecast for later in the afternoon.   After a better night's sleep, I'm  'sort of vertical'.   I'd wouldn't say I was 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' .... (a couple of degrees under the weather would be more like it).   I should brighten up after I have a shower.... and breakfast. 20.00    We had some big clouds around us but, luckily, the thundery showers missed us.... and the shower towels that I washed.   The West coast had the thunderstorms.    The 'bug' I woke up with didn't go away but I am now on anti-biotics, and an appointment made with the Urologist.   It's actually quite amazing;  I'm retracing Jimmy's steps because he had the same problems.... including a sair knee. I got a pleasant surprise when Alice phoned to say she was on the '95' passing through Kinneuchar;  I promptly louped into the car and w

24th July 2024 (Wednesday)    11.00.... What an absolute cracker of a day we have;  I would say that this could be a play day.  It's also a good drying day! I've been for the paper .... plus a punnet of Blacketyside strawberries, and milk for the Cornflakes.   I then went down to the harbour.   Out on the bay, Tom was finishing off at the creels, so I got a batch photos of him coming in, with different views of Elie and Earlsferry in the background.  I'm a very 'happy boy'.... but rapidly falling out of love with the catheter. 13.30    So far I have managed to resist the temptation to go out on the bike;  I don't want to agitate the catheter.... there's still blood in my urine so it would be daft to go biking.   To take advantage of the braw weather I washed the shower towels, but that's all I have done as far as 'work' goes.   I can't go out (in the car) 'cos the Nurse might phone:  I'll have a cuppa then contemplate doing a wee wor

23rd July 2024 (Tuesday)     09.00 .... Although cloudy, with a chance of light showers it's a beautiful, quiet kind o' mornin';  with interesting clouds.   Nice morning for the bike but I'm going to leave that until tomorrow morning ....when I might go for a trial run 'roond The Ferry'.   Not going out on the bike is ever so slightly frustrating! 21.00    I've had a 'lazy' because I had to wait for a phone call from the Nurse (Skeith Centre).   I had multiple cuppas and did some 'ousework to pass the time while waiting:  the outcome of it all is that 'all is good', and remains as is for another week or so.   And I have to drink copious amounts of water:  I do that anyway;  I begin my morning with a litre of water while checking the news on the computer etc.   But it's all very frustrating. The weather has been lovely most of the day, though it is cooler now that the breeze has backed to the East.    I went to Methil to visit Alice,

22nd July 2024 (Monday)    09.00 .... It's a lovely peaceful, morning in spite of the fact that it's Largo Law from Leven beach. actually raining!    there are 'bloo' bits in the sky so we could have a bonnie, sunny spells day to come.  I have only been as far as the gate but might go out in the car later;  at the moment I'm contemplating breakfast, having slept in after a restless might because it was so hot. 11.45   The light rain has moved away and we now have a bonnie, slightly humid day to 'play' with.   I took the car up to Elie to hand in my prescription  (I didn't go for a paper 'cos I haven't yet read the Sunday Post).   From Elie I went to 'The Store' (Ainster) then home by way of the 'back roads'.   I am now seriously thinking of getting the bike out and having a short run to Chapel Green.   I have the correct kind of bike seat so there should be no problem with the catheter.  There is the chance of light showers in t

 21st July 2024 (Sunday)    10.00 ....although there's a layer of lightweight cloud we have a lovely, Curlew. fresh morning;  yes it's cooler, but the air is fresher .... and the auld tubes are working.   Actually this is the best I have felt since I had a tummy bug a couple of weeks ago;  not yet a 100% 'me', but 'on the mend'.   I've been for the paper.... and down to the harbour.   There was a brisk southwest breeze, so a bit o' wind chill at the harbour, but I was enjoying the freshness of the air;  and was well enough wrapped up.   I came home by way of Balbuthie Loan and Kinneuchar.    With me feeling better I know that I'll be tempted to do stuff;  but I am going to have yet another 'rest' day.   This is the last day of le' Tour, so I'll watch that (time trial) in the afternoon.   Right now it's cuppa time! 19.38    Having done a small washing (I've only got short lines just now) it can be said that I haven't had a

 20th July 2024 (Saturday)   09.00 .... It's a really calm and peaceful morning, but .... there's a lot of cloud and drizzle is mentioned in forecast.   At the moment it's a pleasant morning... dry and warm with sunny spells.   I might add;  it's also migraine weather!    As I can't go out on the bike, I'm thinking of going for a short wander to the beach after breakfast;  depending on how 'mauchless' it is.   21.00    I've had an exciting day watching Stage 20 of le Tour.... the penultimate stage and a mountain one.   Tomorrow's stage is a Time Trial so I only watch it now and aging until the last hour.   Today's stage was thrilling from beginning to end with the top two competitors, Pogacar and Vingegaard, finishing first and second.   Brilliant afternoon, and an enjoyable 'rest' day.   I missed my afternoon sleep because of the race! Yesterday's IT outage shows us what can happen when you put all your eggs in one basket;  in

19th July 2024 (Friday)    08.00.... It's a beautiful morrrrrrrrrning and I am seriously tempted to get the bike out!..... but I won't;  which is really frustrating.   Anyway we have a beautiful summer like morning.... even the temperature is near enough where it should be in July.   We're due a decent spell of summer weather. 17.00    It has been a really nice summer's day;  I was out without a woollie hat!   After an early morning migraine I went to Methil to have morrrrrning tea with Alice, then go to Leven to get a couple of items from B & M's then onto Sainsbury's.   It was very warm and mauchless at this time.    We then went back to Alice's to have lunch:  and that included a new and tasty, version of Eton Mess!    We then had coffee before I bumbled my way back to Ivy. I keep on about how busy the roads are now;  I think today was the busiest I have ever seen the A915: there was a steady stream of traffic both ways.... including cyclists.  It ce

 18th July 2024 (Thursday)    09.00 .... Although the sky is mostly cloudy there are promising signs of possible sunny spells to come.... and it's warm, with only a light breeze from the SW.   We've had some overnight rain but it's fine now.... but light showers are mentioned in the KY9 forecast. 19.00   The sky has been overcast most of today, but at least we've had very few showers.   As planned I have had a relaxing day;  anything I have done (and needed doing) has been done.... slowly.   I went to the Skeith Centre,  Anstruther;  from there I went home by way of Balcarres. It wasn't the best kind of light for taking photographs from the Balcarres ridge but I got a few usable ones.  The car has been booked in for a new timing belt and service (1st August).   Having done all that I then watched the last hour of Stage 18 of 'le Tour'.  21.00    Apparently walking in the rain is good for us..... the raindrops hitting the ground etc. release positive ions t

17th July 2024 (Wednesday)     10.00    After getting 'up' early to fire up the washing machine, then hang out a washing I had a cuppa before loupin intae the car and going for the paper;  and I actually got it.   From the 'Paper Shop I went to the harbour (for the first time in a couple o' weeks).   It was cold down there... the harbour, being exposed, can be  cool but you expect to be warmer in July:  after all this is summer!    Stewart (Harbour Master) was chatting to the bloke levelling the car park .... and  I got a few photos before driving round to the Toft and taking a few more to 'play' with in the evening. 17.00  Having been 'at it' since 05.30,  I'm awfie tired but awfie happy;  I managed to get all the bedding and towels washed and dried!   Today was the kind of drying day' that I wanted.... and needed!   But it has been tiring.   Janet dropped by with a magnetic 'Appointments' calendar;  and I need it!   I'm most forget

16th July 2024 (Tuesday)     08.15 ....  The Fife Weather cams  are all 'grey' this morning... and This morning. there's a Yellow Warning for heavy showers o' rain;  it is not a good 'drying day'!   I have a 'blood test' appointment with Laurie (Nurse) this morning, and that will be followed by a trip to Methil, to have morning coffee with Alice.... and maybe  a small bit of shopping when in Leven.    At the moment the sky is overcast and  it's misty... but not raining.   Thundery showers usually mean  big interesting clouds so the mist might lift.   Must 'go'.... medium 'Flap On' this morning!... my appointment is at 09.05. 19.00    I' am not a 'happy boy';  I could have washed the downie cover this morning, and it would have dried, because the rain didn't arrive until later in the afternoon.   Apart from that I've had a good day.  My appointment was over and done by 09.15.... and I remembered to ask Laurie (Nur

15th July 2024 (Monday)     09.00 .... We had an early start this morning as Jackie is going back to work (Aberdeen) after her Scottish Guitar Retreat week at St Andrews.   She set off just after 07.00 and should be in Aberdeen by 10.00.   Jackie stripped the bed so I have half the bedding on the line;  it's not the best  'drying day' but I'm expecting sunny spells (long).... and hope to get the other sheet on the line after lunch.   I don't know where Maggie got the sheets but they are huge. I'm feeling sluggish now... oh, that reminds me;  I took a photo of slug yesterday .... I'll put it up tonight.   I'm going to have a cuppa and see if that brightens me up. Scots are amazing people;  England getting beat in the Final of the Euros is celebrated as if Scotland had won the Euros!   Why is that?   England were the last of the UK teams in the competition and I wanted them to actually win.  I must be losing it;  or I'm too fond of sunny Sussex! 21.30

14th July 2024 (Sunday)     09.30 .... We have a  lovely morning.... it's sunny and warm just now.   Unfortunately I overslept (08.30) so missed the best part of the morning;  however I am up, but not quite running (I'll leave that until after breakfast).   I have a washing going through the machine which I'll hang out before I make my mind up as to how active I feel.   I might take the car up to Elie for the paper.... and maybe to the harbour to see what's happening down there, then make a 'plan' for the day.   At the moment I am two hours behind my normal schedule.... and  in 'Flap On' mode.   10.15    The 'light showers'  should begin soon;  the  washing is on the line.   It's actually a nice day but not a good drying one.... but tomorrow should be so the washing can dangle until then.   I doubt if I'll go far today;  I still feel sluggish after the 'tummy bug'. 20.00    It has been a nice day:  the 'light showers' me

13th July 2024 (Saturday)     09.00 .... It's a peaceful, but damp and grey  morning;  not the best of weather for Elie Fayre Day;  hopefully it will  improve by the afternoon.   The actual forecast isn't promising;  unfortunately the easterly breeze is bringing the dampness in from the North Sea.   As for me ....I 'm feeling "bright, but not quite breezy" after a long night's sleep.   I didn't wake up until 07.30. so I'm feeling guilty because I overslept!    Jackie will be going to St Andrews in a wee while:  the 'Scottish Classical Guitar Retreat' finishes on Sunday evening. 17.30    Welllll .... the weather might have been boring but 'le Tour' wasn't.    Stage 14 was another mountainous one....this time in the Pyrenees.... ending with a summit finish.   Tadej Pogocar had a well deserved win, and increased his time gap over the defending Champion Jonas Vingegaard, and it looks like he will be hard to beat ....barring accidents o

12th July 2024 (Friday)    07.00 .... It's a nice, quiet kind o' mornin' with a layer of light cloud; The Bass rock. which I'm hoping the sun will burn it off to give us sunny spells  in the afternoon.   I've had a restless night and had hoped to go out on the bike, but will wait until the sun breaks through;  and see how I feel after breakfast.    15.00    It is a gorgeous day and 'The Boy' has had an eventful one.   It began at 03.00 when, with what I imagine was a 'tummy bug':  but my water works went into 'retention'.   I had to contact the surgery who organised the fitting of a catheter.   This was done at the Skeith Centre (Anstruther).   The Nurse at the Skeith Centre was saying that there are various 'bugs' doing the round just now.... and to catch up o my water intake!   I'm now catching up with my water intake.  The 'tummy bug'  has settled down.... and I hope to get out on the bike later. 22.00    I didn't

11th July 2024 (Thursday)    07.45 .... We have an overcast sky, with light rain and a light NW Clydesdale. breeze just now;   so a damp start to the morning.   The forecast,  "cloudy with a chance of precipitation at times", isn't 'iggzactly' the most cheerful for the middle of July.  On a positive note;  the pollen levels will be low..... and, this is a bonus.... we're not having to buy costly sun cream.    19.30    we had a spells of light rain in the middle of the day; apart from that it has been a nice enough day.   I went to Methil, (via Colinsburgh Filling Station to feed the car) to have morrrrrrrrrning coffee with Alice but she was out, so I did some shopping in Sainsbury's and had coffee when I got home.   I'm becoming used to the roads being busy now.... but you daren't take your eye off the road to admire the greenery!.... and the countryside is looking bonnie just now. I watched Stage 12 of 'le Tour' in the afternoon.... with

10th July 2024 (Wednesday)    07.45 .... The rain cleared away in the middle of the night because Ferry Road is dry just now.  The sky is heavy towards the East, so it looks like there's mair rain tae come, but at the moment it's 'overcast but dry'.   I wouldn't call it a bonnie looking morning, but it's bonnier than it was yesterday afternoon...... and evening.    The bike won't be out anytime soon.... which is a bit o' a bummer; because I feel friskier than I have done since I had the June COVID booster.   That said;  the sky is showing promising signs towards the West....this has me thinkin' "sunny spells". 19.00    The weather turned out fine.... albeit with a cool breeze, and  light rain in the evening.   I've been watching 'le Tour' , but took time out to go for a run up to Kinneuchar for a change of scene.   But .... back to 'le Tour'.    Yesterday's Stage (10) was a 'sprinter' stage and kind of bori

9th July 2024 (Tuesday)     08.15.... it's sunny and warm, in spite of a layer of light cloud.   There's a Yellow Warning out for rain, effective from 22.00 tonight  through to midnight on Wednesday.   The pollen levels will be 'low' tomorrow.   I must bike 'roond the Ferry', then charge up the battery and have a longer run in the afternoon.   Jackie will be at St Andrews in the afternoon. 21.30    I enjoyed a bike run to Chapel Green to discharge the bike battery.... and enjoyed the sunshine;  but the easterly breeze was annoying.   I was taking a few photos of Kincraig cliffs, when Jenny (Gilderdale) appeared, walking her friendly little dog (top photograph).   I enjoyed chatting to Jenny who I haven't seen for a while.  On the way back round to Chapel Green I had a break at at Jim's memorial seat.   He was in a good mood..... as was Maggie!    All is good with the Memorial seats at Chapel Green.  Back at Ivy Jackie was was organising stuff for her af

7th July2024 (Monday)     08.15 .... we have a sunny and warm morning with a wall to wall 'bloo' sky;  this could be summer.... and a good drying day!   I've hung out a downie cover (not my favourite job)  and  now ready for breakfast.   I might take a turn up to Chapel Green on the bike later today..... after some last minute 'ooverin' and dustin'. 23.00    This has been more like summer (actually in Scotland this might have been summer).... I'm definitely getting the sun cream out now!    Probably be rainin' tomorrow.   It was such a bonnie evening that I went up to the seat at the 17th green to get a few golf course photos.   From there I would see Jackie  going down the road ..... if I she turned up when I was out.   As it happened she didn't;  and I got a lot of good 'evening light photographs'.   Jackie arrived just after 20.00 .... the roads having been quiet all the way down from Auchnagatt. The Leven shopping mission in the morning

7th July 2024 (Sunday)     09.00 .... It's a lovely morning;   there's a lot of light cloud around but it's of the white fluffy kind..... and we have long sunny spells.   I'm likin' it!   I've been for the paper, in the car 'cos I was short of milk for the Cornflakes....and didn't go to the 'arbour because I hadn't had the aforementioned Cornflakes.   It's a lovely morning and I might get the bike out later:  it's still not as warm as it ought to be in July, but it's sunny and should warm up.   Light showers are forecast for the afternoon. 10.00   Welll I've had breakfast, hung out a washing.... now I'm thinking of 'morrrrrrrrrrning coffee'.   I'm feeling tired, but that will be because I made up a bed yesterday;  today will be a 'relax and unwind' day.  Morning coffee it is. 19.30   We've had a busy and interesting sky today.... even though the huge thundery clouds did give us a few short showers of h