Alberto's Hutte

  31st December 2024 (Tuesday)   09.45 ....  "Strong winds and heavy rain" is the forecast for 'Glenfuir' flags. our area  today, but, although it has been raining (all night by the look of it), it isn't raining now!   (That said it could start raining again).   As you can see by the way the Glenfuir flags are blowing it is windy;   not 'iggzactly' a morning for the beach but try telling dogs that!   The weather is going to 'improve' slowly (I'm hoping for sunny spells later) but it will turn colder with a Yellow Warning for snow for the hills of Fife tomorrow.   Methilhill, Aberhill etc., not Elie and The Royal Burgh!     15.00    Just a quick update before I settle own in front of the tele .... for a catnap.   The sunny spells arrived... actually they didn't;  bloo patches came over.... but the sunny spells were somewhere else.   Nevertheless the patches of 'bl...

30th December 2024 (Monday)    10.00 .... I decided to use a different shower gel this morning;  The Episcopal kirk. M & S Burgundy 'Woodspice' for Gentlemen!   A guid dollop o' that should get me fired up for the day; and, after the day I had yesterday, well I needed something 'different'.  And the Woodspice' was 'iggzactly'  that... 'different'.    I applied a dollop of gel to my hair;  my word... that was magic!   The next thing I knew my head was covered in, what felt like, a 6 inch layer of foam (nice smelling foam) down to my shoulders.  And...after having been under the shower rinsing the foam off, I was 'stood staunin' in six inches of foam!  I feel really refreshed, so I'm happy with the end result; but will use a smaller dollop'  tomorrow morning!  It's hard work bein' 'me'! There's a brisk wind with rain blowing through now and again so not a bonnie morning;  and tomorrow is also going t...

29th December 2024 (Sunday)     07.30 .... It's a breezy morning, the sun doesn't rise until until 08.45, so it's still dark.   The weather forecast for KY9 is 'strong winds with light cloud' all day, so it will feel cold out in the open, but not as cold as we'd expect at the end of the year.   I'm feeling almost spritely and hope to have  'leg stretcher', perhaps as far as the beach sometime today  it depends on just how strong the wind is.  It's breakfast time! 20.00   I went for the paper, but it was to windy to go to the harbour so I set home by Balbuthie and Kinneuchar.... then changed the 'plan' and went to Ainster Store to stock up with food for the New Year.   The shop was very quiet so I had a browse up and down every aisle.... and finished up with a few vital 'extras'. The roads were quiet and I was back at Ivy before 10.00.   When the messages were stashed in the appropriate places I had a well e...

28th December 2024 (Saturday)    11.30 .... We had a gorgeous sunrise this morning;  not a  good sign as far as weather goes .... but awfie bonnie.   I went to the harbour to watch he sun coming up, with the lighthouse in the foreground;  then  got a load of 'cosy glow' photos after sunrise.   A successful mission.    Monica, and another young lady stopped to chat while on their way to the harbour.  A lot of people were taking advantage of the bonnie morning... and it was reasonably warm in the sun. 19.30    I've has another restful day, but at least I 'stretched my legs' when down at the harbour, and did some small jobs around Ivy, so don't feel as if I've just been bone idle!   The washing I hung out didn't quite dry; but is now dryin off in front of a radiator. I had a surprise phone call from Calumn (my Apprentice at the Craw's Nest) this afternoon.   He now works in the Oil Industry (Hea...

27th December 2024 (Friday)     09.15 ..... from the look of the sky, the place to catch 'sunny spells' is the Borders.   We have another grey and damp morning.   However, the sky is slightly more promising looking than it was yesterday, and sunny spells might drift our way in the afternoon.   If sunny spells do come our way, I might drift down to the beach.    Right now, after a long and good nights sleep, I am well ready for breakfast!   I'm going to grab the 'Radio Times' from Gromit, and see if there's anything worth watching on the TV today! 11.45    I've been up to the baker then home by way of Balbuthie and Kinneuchar.   The sky was mostly overcast at the time, but is beginning to break up now;  so we should get sunny breaks in the afternoon.   I was surprised to find the villages quiet;  with only a few holiday makers wandering around.    21.30     W...

26th December 2024 (Thursday)    10.30 .... After a brief, bright sunrise, it didn't take the sun long to climb above the cloud layer, and  we have an overcast sky with light rain.   A good 'lazy' day after the hectic few days before Christmas.   Izzy and Alice are bringing lunch....  'Meals on Wheels' by Jaguar ....  for a Royal Burgh!  And... I don't have to worry about food today.   Actually I slept in this morning so this could be a 'rest' day! 15.30    Izzy and Alice arrived with MOW (Meals on Wheels) in Jaguar.   Not only does Izzy bring the food, she also brings everything else; the table, cutlery dishes, mulled wine... and non alcoholic wine!  Alice and I sat and  enjoyed a very tasty Boxing Day lunch,..... served by Izzy.  My word what a lovely way to brighten up Boxing day.   A dreich Boxing day I might add!   Thank you Izzy... and Alan who did the menu!  ...

25th December2024 (Christmas Day)    "Merry Christmas to all my friends far and near" love you all, stay safe. xx 10.45 .... We have an absolutely gorgeous Christmas Day morning;  bright, breezy and warm.   And  nothing to do with Christmas) it's a good drying day!   I went down to the beach to catch the sunrise, but low cloud meant that the sun appeared, above the clouds, 6 minutes after actual sunrise time.   The beach was busy, and a big group of the 'Blue Tits' swimming club had either been in for a swim or were going in.   The camera battery went down and I didn't have a spare on me so didn't get a photo of them entering the water. My Christmas Lunch is organised (even remembered to cut crosses in the bottom of the Brussel Sprouts);  how it will all turn out is sort of in the lap of the Gods.   Julie offered to bring round lunch, but I'd already done the tautties etc. last night so regrettably had to turn h...

24th December 2024 (Tuesday)     10.30 .... The sunrise sky was something else this morning.   I went to the beach to photograph it.... it was so colourful.   The first time I've done that for a long time so I must be 'on the mend'.   I bought another 'Difflam' and more Strepsils this morning to help get rid of this cold.  I've been told  that it takes four weeks, or more, to shake this cold off completely.    Which is why I've had to make a change in my Christmas plan.   Instead of going up to Iain's we'll do as we did during the pandemic;  I organise my own Christmas lunch then we do Skype.   Actually I quite enjoyed doing that, and look forward to seeing everyone .... without spreading the bug around.   And we had a n early 'Christmas Lunch when Emily and John and Henry were in November.   John is  in the Mediterranean this Christmas.  The new plan is to go to Iain...

23rd December 2024 (Monday)     09.30 .... the sky is heavily overcast with the look of rain about it this morning.... and there's damp feel to the wind.   (I've just had a look at the weather forecast and light rain is mentioned, and not very far away by the look of the sky).   I thought of going to Specsavers (Leven) to pick up my new glasses but I'll leave that until later;  probably after the Christmas break.  I'm feeling sluggish at the moment.   This is going to be a rest day. 16.30   I should feel sluggish mair often, because I've caught up with some of the 'ousework that was neglected for the past two  weeks or so.   I did watch an interesting, historical programme about Alexandria (Egypt) in the afternoon.  There are some interesting programmes  on the Tv;  it's finding them among all the 'rubbish' that's the hard bit.   I kind of depend on Alice for that. I had some glass ...

22nd December 2024 (Sunday)    09.15 .... Thankfully the wind has moderated and we have a calmer, bright and sunny morning;  but there's still a cold, frisky breeze.   A nice morning for people doing the Coastal Walk.   I might try to go to the beach later but I really think it's another stay in out of the cold wind, for me.   Loads of 'ousework to catch up with so I might do some of that.   10.00    The wind might have moderated but it's bitterly cold out;  and I've only been as far as the gate!    That said, I'm still in my loungers so the air might feel warmer once I get into day claes.   I like fresh air but this cold air does not agree with me at all.  There's a spell of warm air coming our way on Tuesday which is to be with us for a few days;  I'm looking forward to that; but the  weather is 'all over the place' nowadays. I was wondering why I'm feeling hungry;  I haven't...

21st December 2024 (Saturday)    09.00 .... we have a frisky old wind this Winter Solstice morning, and it is not warm.   But it isn't raining.   This is Christmas getaway weekend and the roads will be busy.   I'm going to Leven and Methil, and will be able to tell you about the traffic on the main road into the East Neuk.   You will be looking forward to that.   Must have another cuppa. 21.00    It has been a bonnie but windy day;  and cold because of the wind.    We had some spits and spots of rain blowing through at times, but it was really the wind that spoilt a nice day for this time of year.   I went to Methil to see how Alice and her pals were getting on.   I didn't do any shopping because Karen (Alice's daughter), said that the queues at the checkouts were long and slow moving.  Anyway Alice and pals are all well.... and organised for Christmas. As expected the roads we...

 20th December 2024 (Friday)     08.45 .... It's overcast and dark at the moment though sunrise was at 08.42.   However, 'sunny intervals with a fresh breeze' is the forecast, so the day should be cheerier once the sun gets going.  Thankfully tomorrow is the shortest day, which means that tonight and tomorrow night, must be the longest nights.    14.30    I've been delivering cards in Elie and Kinneuchar.   It's a nice enough day but it's a cold wind. 15.15   I've been to the Skeith Centre (Anstruther) since the 14.30 update.   As expected at this time of day, and with the workmen breaking off for the "Happy Holidays Season" (what's aw that aboot?) holiday, the roads were busy.   The sun was low in the Western sky coming home, and very much in the eyes, especially coming out of Anstruther:  and I don't know how it happened but, I was the lead car of what looked like six vehicles, all the...

19th December 2024 (Thursday)    09.15 .... It's a nice morning, and will be a bright and breezy day once the sun gets going.   I've hung out a washing and, although it's a good drying day, it's a cold one.   The plan is to deliver Christmas cards .... and take some photographs on the way.   I'll have another cuppa before I go out;  by that time the sun might have broken through the early morning cloud. 20.30   We've had a bonnie day, but there was a cool wind.  That said, I actually made it onto the beach when out delivering Christmas cards and it was pleasantly warm in the sun sheltered by the dunes.   Everybody walking the beach was well wrapped up.... and no one was in, or on, the water.   I'm making headway with the delivering and should have it finished tomorrow.  Unfortunately I had  the sore throat at the crucial time and have been struggling to catch up with things.   It was a g...

18th December 2024 (Wednesday    08.45 .... It's breezy this morning, but dry.... and there's an  interesting sky, that's promising some bonnie clouds.  'Strong winds with sunny intervals' is the forecast.   The strong wind will moderate in the afternoon;  a bonnier day ahead.   Mind you it wouldn't take much to be bonnier than yesterday was!   That was one miserable spell of weather.    After a good night's sleep I'm feeling almost playful.   I could cope wi' an exciting game of Ludo this morning!    Can you still get Ludo and Snakes and Ladders in the shops?   I imagine there's  an electronic version, that involves gambling, shooting and killing.   Old fashioned Ludo, and Snakes and Ladders can be bought, in shops and online;  and, as far as I can make out, neither has reached the gambling, shooting and killing, electronic stage.   Imagine me being so cynical a...

17th December 2024 (Tuesday)    09.00 .... We have a bleak looking, and wet, start to the day;  I won't be going far today.   I have a small package to post and might venture 'somewhere' to do that;  but, it's one of those days when getting 'up' seemed pointless.   Anyway, 'Blob' has been fed, and didn't seemed bothered by the weather.   I'll have another cuppa and come up with some kind o' action plan.   Although dreich the sky did have a promising look about it when I was out at the bucket a minute ago. 12.00    The Post Office van is going to be in Elie tomorrow so I'll use that to post the small package.   I thought about going to the Pittenweem Post Office  this afternoon, but the parking at the Pittenweem PO is very limited;  and Pittenweem always seems to be busy nowadays.  Everywhere is busy nowadays!   I'll bung the parcel in the car and go up to Colinsburgh to fuel up the ...

16th December 2024 (Monday)    09.45 .... It's a bonnie morning, in fact it could be a good drying day, but there is the threat of showers later.   Regardless of the showers, I have a washing going through the machine and have every intention of hanging it out on the line.   I'm feeling brighter, and my throat is much better, but my voice is still rough.    17.00    I have bene a busy boy today.   After morning coffee I went up to Elie in the car to hand in the 'Rotary' cards at the 'paper shop', and bought other bits and pieces, and;  came out without the paper (Courier).   Anyway I wandered back to the car, took the above photo and decided to go for run in the car.   I ended up at The Store in Ainster where I bought a few bits and pieces, before coming home by way of the Kellie Castle road.   There wasn't much happening, even Arncroach was quiet; I'd gone that way for a change of scenery. B...

15th December 2024 (Sunday)     09.45 .... It's cloudy with a SW breeze this morning .... and it's warm.   Much warmer than is normal for December;  I'm not complaining!   All the Fife weather cams show a mostly cloudy sky.... but the Lochgelly one had a big patch of blue showing.   We might have a few sunny spells!   The wind is freshening and will be up around F7 in the afternoon and through the night.   I'm wondering if I should do a washing. I'd hoped to feel like Spring lamb on steroids this morning, but feel more like a sloth on sleeping pills.   A mug o' coffee shod get me going.    I want to finish writing the cards today. 15.30    It has been a perfect day for writing cards, and the card writing mission has been done.   I'll hand in the Rotary ones tomorrow morning, and buy any bits and bobs I need for posting to sunny Sussex.   At long last I feel that my th...

14th December 2024 (Saturday)     09.00 .... it's a bonnie morning and the forecast is sunny intervals with a moderate breeze.   That means it will be cold because there's a frost, with rime on the car windscreen.   I'd like to go to the beach but my throat is still sore (it's more than a 24 hour thing).  However I've been out, and done the important job.... fed 'Blob'.   It's now time for my breakfast! 22.00   Although not I'm enjoying staying 'in', it does seem to be working because I haven't coughed as much today.   Maybe the 'bug' is just running it's course;   course that is longer than I thought it would be.  I went to the Toll Green post box to post another three cards, but that was as far as I went;  didn't even feel like going home by way of Balbuthie and Kinneuchar. In the afternoon, thinking it was Sunday, I went and put out George's bucket (blue);  it was when I was putting it out...

13th December 2024 (Friday)     08.30 .... Mornings are really dark a just now, especially when  its cloudy;  however in another 8 days it will be the shortest day (or longest night), when we begin the journey towards a sunny, and warm, Spring and Summer.   Hey ... I sneezed;  that cleared the breathing tubes.   I'm feeling brighter but still choked up, so another day of staying warm;  and drinking numerous cuppas etc. should have me loupin' aboot like  a lamb on steroids!   12.00    Progress with the card writing, though slow, ... is steady.    I have done two so far!   Unfortunately I was diverted by an episode of 'Australian Railways'.   It was filmed in the summer (Oz) so much brighter, and warmer, than the weather here.   This damp air we have just now is not agreeable.   I'm going to have a late morrrrrrrrrrrning coffee, switch off the TV, and put a Ji...

12th December 2024 (Thursday)    09.30 .... We had a bonnie sky at sunrise;  unfortunately I wasn't on the beach with the camera, but the photo from Ivy gate gives you an idea of what the sky was like.   Although the air doesn't feel as cauld as it was yesterday, it was too cold for me to go wandering.    Today will be a card writing day. I remembered to phone Specsavers (Leven) to cancel the appointment I had for today .... and discovered that it, Audiology appointment, is for next Wednesday (18th) anyway.   Off to make a fresh cuppa!   15.30   I finished writing the cards for posting, then took time out to go up to the Post Box at the Toll Green and posted them.   I have started on the 'Rotary' ones and they should be done, and posted, hopefully tomorrow.    The sore throat isn't as bad as it sounds, it seems to be a 24 hour thing.  The stuff (Difflam Spray) I got from the Chemist worked wonders...

11th December2024 (Wednesday)    09.30 .... We have a frosty (with rime) start to the day, but the forecast is 'sunny with light winds' so, with a bit of luck it should brighten up..  The car is covered with rime. And I have a sore throat so won't  be going far today;  however I'll have to go to the Chemist to get some throat sweeties .... or whatever.   After that it will be a stay in and stay warm day wr iting Christmas cards. 12.00    I've been to the shops (Chemist and 'paper shop';  then to the 'Pav'  for a quick cuppa, and to buy a copy of Graham's book, 'Earlsferry and Elie a Scottish Golf Heritage' .   I didn't stay long because of my sair throat ('Man Throat'), and the Chemist advised me to stay in and warm (which I was planning on doing),... and stay hydrated.    When I left the 'Pav' I met the Thistle girls getting organised to play the 'Wee Course', and I seriously thought about staying to get them...

10th December 2024 (Tuesday)    09.00 .... It's a bonnie morning, and there's a good chance of sunny spells by the look of the sky.  There's a touch of frost so it isn't warm;  luckily there's only a light breeze so not much wind chill.   I might go to the beach in the middle of the day, but it's not going to be very warm if the forecast is right.... a high of 2C.   I'll spend most of the day writing Christmas cards. 16.30    What a difference to sun makes to how active I am.   I went for the paper, and other bits and bobs this morning, then down to the harbour ... in the car.   Being in the car, instead of the bike, limits the places I can stop to take a photograph, so today's were taken on my 'normal' Elie, Balbuthie, Kinneuchar paper run.   Actually there's was a lovely light at this time of year so I got myself a fair number of photos tae play wi' later.   Luckily there was hardly a breath o' ...