Alberto's Hutte

31st July 2026 (Friday)     07.30 ..... It's a bonnie morning, with a nice fresh feel to the air;  a day for doing things.    Me? ..... I'm going to have a 'rest' day.   I got 'up' at 06.00 as planned, but I don't think I'll be doing much today.    I didn't do very much yesterday, but walking round the supermarket tires the auld legs. ... and I'm excited about the 'Troops' coming.    Yes... this could be a 'rest day'. 20.30    'The Troops' are here!    'Ivy Cottage' is alive;  with young, happy (maist o' the time) sounds.   Sometimes they both want the same thing, and that can lead to .... a temporary tiff.    I'm surprised at how advanced they both are:  and how inquisitive they are.   And Ivy Cottage is full of things that need investigating!    The TV 'button' have been for a couple of walks;  and are now in a 'safe' place. As planned I had a 'rest da...

30th July 2026 (Thursday)     09.20 .... we have a lovely morning;   'bright. breezy and warm' a  grand morning to be on holiday.    I'm feeling 'bright eyed and bushy tailed' this morning;  and it's a good drying day so there's a washing on the line.     The 'plan' is to go along to Methil and annoy Alice;   she has also been 'under the weather';   of course, it was wet yesterday!    Must 'go' slight 'flap on';  the 'Troops'  are coming! 17.30    I have been busy today:  but it was too hot in the afternoon for me being active.   However I worked really hard in the morning!    Nearly forgot;  the 'Slight Flap On', of morning time, has been upgraded to 'Flap on State - Serious' now.   I will do some work after dinner. It was 'hot' this morning ;  I was glad to get in to Sainsbury's cool areas.    The shop was quieter than usu...

29th July 2026 (Wednesday)     09.00 .... It's cloudy and warm, with light rain and sunny spells  forecast for KY9.   Nice quiet morning actually; but it will get louder once I put my hearing aids in.   No 'plan' for today;  but I might venture out for a short walk after this update:   the sky is looking like a sunny spell could be on it's way.     13.30    I had a short walk;  the phone box, Thistle Clubhouse, Rotten Row Ferry Corner and home.     A short walk, but enjoyable just the same.     I am glad that I did all the walking and biking that I with Maggie,  with friends, and on my own, when I was able;  and have the photographs to browse when I'm old!     There are bits of blue in the sky just now so we could be in for a bright, and warm,  afternoon.   I'm contemplating doing some 'ousework;  that means I saw the Hoover and ...

28th July 2026 (Tuesday)     10.00 .... We've had some light rain overnight;  with heavy showers and sunny spells forecast.   I can see a big blue patch coming over just now, so sunny spells are definitely in the mix,  albeit with the chance of a shower now and again.   Actually, we might get lucky with the heavy showers;  they could me be more towards the West of Fife!    And,  I've abandoned the haircut 'plan' for today, because there's something in the air that's upsetting the auld tubes this morning.    Funny thing is;  I feel almost frolicsome. 11.30    I set off to wander down to the beach, but only went as far as Ferry Corner.    Whatever is in the air is still 'in the air', so I'm going to take an anti histamine pill. 17.00     By the time I took the anti histamine pill it was too hot to go to the beach anyway;  even with the freshening breeze.    So...

27th July 2026 (Monday)     10.00 .... We have a bright and sunny morning;  in fact we had 'wall to Speckled Wood. wall' blue sky earlier but we have  clouds drifting over..    Actually the early morning air (06.30)  had that lovely, fresh feeling that you notice at this time of year:  I suppose you could call it the first sign of Autumn.    Anyway the sun soon changed it, and we now have a warm Summer's day.... that could turn uncomfortably hot. I have been almost busy this morning.   There's a washing on the line;  and I'm now organising 'The Hutte' for Winter .... oops .... er for Summer and Autumn!    I'm feeling playful.   16.45    Joyful 'me';  I've had, what could be called a relaxing day.   I've done 'bits and pieces'  around Ivy, and 'The Hutte'.   Actually it was too hot, in The Hutte, to do anything after 13.30, so I came in, and caught up with w...

26th July 2026 (Sunday)     09.00    We have light rain this morning, with sunny spells to come our  way later;  it's actually a nice quiet morning.    It's heavy rain the firefighters need in the Cairngorms, to help put the wildfires out.   In Europe some of the fires are  out of control;  they too, need really heavy rain.    This has brought back memories of a small forest fire at Crathes, in 1946.     Meanwhile, I'm going to Methil to annoy Alice, then we'll go to Leven to so some shopping.... after I have another cuppa. 21.30     It had been a lovely day;  and the spells of heavy rain  are included!.... because flower the tubs have been well watered today! Alice enjoyed her Coach holiday in Wales;  she made some new friends, did some touring, managed to find some shops, and generally had a good time.   We found one shop today;  Sainsbury's, where we...

25th July 2026 (Saturday)     10.00 .... There's a lot of cloud this morning;  and some of them could be a light shower cloud.    Apart from that it's a nice morning;  and, I haven't got my hearing aids in;  so all is quiet in Earlsferry.   The immediate 'plan' is, to have another cuppa then go up to Elie to pick up my prescription.     I thought about taking 'The Buggy' but the chance of showers has put me off that idea.  Off to put the kettle 'on'.    I've already had a litre of water this morning, and this will be my second cuppa!  Must drink plenty liquids in this weather.... especially after a warm night. 12.15    Elie was busy when I was at the Chemist;  with people, and traffic.   I met Kirsty in Elie, and Michelle, Derek and Eileen's daughter:  but Elie was mostly busy with holiday folk.     I came home by way of my stopping place at the junction on ...

24th July 2026 (Friday)     10.15 .... There's an even mix of clouds and blue sky just now, so loads of sunny spells.... and they would be hot sunny spells if it wasn't for the fresh breeze.  I have the feeling that it will be too hot in the middle of the day.    A good drying day for any washing!    I'm thinking of preparing the outside of the 'gless' door for painting.   I'll see how active I feel after 'morning coffee'. 19.45    We've had a 'bright and breezy' day, and even though breezy it was still too hot for me outside from, round about 11.30..   Which was, for a change, lucky;  because a bundle of photographs came in to the Frameo.   I haven't got the hang of going in to the Frameo and altering it from 'random'.   So I had an enjoyable hour and a half , waiting for the 'new' arrivals to randomly appear.    The Frameo booklet might be my bedtime reading tonight. There has bee...

23rd July 2026 (Thursday)     10.45 ..... I was browsing the Living Room (sometimes Lounge) when  my eye fell on the Hoover that was 'stood staunin' in the middle o' the floor ready for action;  (but I'd finish my cuppa first)!   Anyway my eye was on something written on the side of the container that the dust goes in.   On closer inspection it was the word 'MAX';  and the dust was only 5 mm below the mark.  'Immediate Flap on'.   It looked like it would be an easy enough job;  but where was the book of 'rools' that came with the vacuum?     Funnily enough I found it where I thought it should be;  but didn't expect it to actually be there!    Vacuum emptied;  'Flap Off', and kettle 'on' again! .... we have a happy boy at Ivy.    Oh and I've done the 'ooverin'.    19.00    It has been another hot day;  absolutely perfect holiday weather.  ...

22nd July 2026 (Wednesday) .... 09.00    It's a nice, quiet morning;  apart from the Wood Pigeon trying hard to attract a female.   Not the birdsong(?) I really want to hear!   Forget him (the 'Woodie') I had a wee bit of excitement this morning as I was going for a shower:  a butterfly on the inside of the ff the back door. trying to get out.    It's a glass door.   I immediately went for the camera;  and got a reasonable photograph of it.... a 'Meadow Brown'.    A common butterfly on the golf course, but a first inside Ivy Cottage.  It was when I caught the butterfly, and and put him outside I realised that the camera was all I was wearing!  Not a pretty sight (oh the camera was OK, it was what it was hanging on that wasn't a pretty sight);  no wonder the butterfly was trying to escape!   Anyway;  the top photograph is of a Meadow Brown butterfly:  and, yes! .... I am going t...

21st July 2026 (Tuesday)     09.15 ..... It was really quiet, and peaceful, when I had a short daunder up to the Phone box, then down to Ferry Corner with the camera.   The only sound breaking the peace was a 'boy' Wood Pigeon trying to impress a 'girl'.    Not the most interesting of sounds on a nice morning like this.   She wasn't that impressed either!    Anyway it's a lovely morning, albeit not a very romantic one for our Boy!   Not me ....The Wood Pigeon!    20.00   It has been another bonnie, sunny and warm, day.    Perfect for the holiday makers;  but nor for me.    From midday until 17.00 I'm only good for watching TV and dropping off the sleep now and again. However I did have a busy morning.   When I set off to Elie (in the car), to hand in my prescription at the Chemist, and my BP list at the Surgery; that was the 'plan'.     But, on leaving t...

20th July 2026 (Monday)     10.00 .... It looks, and feels like  this could be a hot day;  I noticed the Photo Courtesy BBC News Channel warm air as soon as I stepped outside this morning.   There is a light NW breeze, to dry any washing .... and take the edge off the heat from the midday sun. Today we have the 'changeover' of Prime Minister's at  "No 10": Sir Keir Starmer moving 'out', and 'Andy' Burnham moving 'in    It will  be an interesting day;  in fact we could be in for a few 'interesting days' over the next couple of  years. 16.30    It has been a bonnie sunny day, but too hot outside for me in the afternoon.   However the washing dried perfectly;  in fact I'm wondering if I need to iron  the sheets!    I forgot the pillow cases, but I'll put them through the machine after this update.   They might even be dry by sunset time. Photo Courtesy BBC News Channel. With t...

19th July 2026 (Sunday)     10.00 ..... It's a nice fresh morning;  sunny with a light, slightly cooler, breeze.   And, for the first time in more than a week, I can see the 'Glenfuir' Union Flag;  this means that the breeze is from the SW just now.   However, the wind direction is to be variable today, and go back to the Easterly direction later.  After another long, unbroken, night's sleep, I'm not 'iggzactly' feeling frolicsome, but I might take the camera for a short walk after morning coffee.  I need to do a wee bit of Hooverin' first. 19.30     I went into 'slight flap on' mode this morning, when I realised that the end of July is nigh;  and that's when Emily John, and the great grandson's Henry and Austen, are coming for three nights.   Anyway I stripped the double bed and have washed the duvet cover.   The sheets are in the machine and will be going on the line tomorrow morning; early...

18th July 2026 (Saturday)    09.00 .....  It had been a quiet morning; so all is good at the Ferry end of the villages.   A group of brightly dressed joggers pattered their way down Ferry Road, .... but not much else happening.    I had a  a night of 8 hours, unbroken sleep last night;  I knew I was tired when I went to bed, but I didn't think I was that tired.   I'm going to Methil to annoy Alice (before she goes off on a weeks Coach Tour to Wales) and Leven this morning;  got some bits and pieces to buy.   20.30    It has been another sunny, warm (hot in the middle of the day), day:  too hot for me, but perfect for the holidaymakers. I went to Leven as planned, visited Alice to see if she had packed her case ("not yet;  got all day tomorrow"), had a cuppa then went to the the Bargain Store and Sainsbury's.   Both shops were busy;  with some well filled a trolleys in Sainsbury's....

17th July 2026 (Friday)     09.00 .... The sun is beginning to break through the light cloud, that came in from the North Sea overnight:  it should be sunny and warm by midday.   Bonnie holiday weather.  The villages are busy with holidaymakers, and day trippers;  the East Neuk is a proper holiday place now. 17.30    Unsurprisingly, there was a big turnout at George's funeral.   George was a popular. and much liked figure in the local Community, and will be remembered for his happy, beaming smile and willingness to help.   His contribution(s) to the local pantomime is legend, and will long be remembered by young, youngish, and the not so young!    "Our George" will be sadly missed!  From the Crematorium (Brewesterwells) we went back to Elie Kirk Hall for ad 'After Service' cuppa, sandwiches,... and sweet.   Kirsty and I had a wee run along the Crail road;  we missed the opening to the Cr...

16th July 2026   (Thursday)    10.15 .... The sun is already threatening to break through the light cloud to give us the "sunny intervals, with a gentle Easterly breeze" that is forecast.  The garden thermometer is at 20C;  a nice day for the beach and other holiday pursuits.    Me? ..... I'm having another quiet day at Ivy, but might get 'The Buggy' out, if the roads aren't too busy and have a turn round The Ferry later.   11.30     I've just seen the Argentine Football Team with the 'Malvinas Banner';  that demeans their win, and brings it down to the same level as the person that painted the banner.   It's very disappointing; football, in fact all sport, and politics should be kept apart! 22.00    I've had a fairly active day;  in fact I've just finished watering the flower tubs.    It's actually one of those balmy evenings, when Maggie and I would sit outside with our coffee, listenin...

15th July 2026 (Wednesday)     10.00 .... We have low cloud this morning, but it's not as heavy yesterday's cloud;  in fact it looks like the sun could break through by morning coffee time.  This would be a welcome improvement on yesterday's 'sunny spells':  if I remember correctly we only had one sunny spell yesterday, and that was late in the afternoon!       My morning began with a migraine, which is a bit o' a nuisance;  but I've taken the pills, and will spend today doing what I'm good at ....pottering around Ivy.   The first thing I'm going to do after this update, is do a BP reading. 16.30     We have 'wall to wall' blue sky just now;   I imagine the beach will be busy this afternoon, though there is a cool NE breeze.    The garden thermometer was at 22,5C when I checked it 10 minutes ago.    I've been sitting it The Hutte, but it's too hot now so I've put the kettle 'on...

14th July (Tuesday) 2026      09.30.... A cool NE breeze has brought a bank of low cloud in, from the North Sea;  but the sun should burn the cloud off by the afternoon.    At the moment the air is chilly, but will warm up when the sun does break through.    That said, it here will be a cool onshore breeze on the beach. I have my appointment with Laurie (Nurse) this morning;  but, do I have have time for another cuppa before I go? ..... of course I do!   'Slight Flap on' .... got the kettle to switch 'on'. 15.15     My BP appointment went well;  but the reading was high.   'White coat' (in Laurie's case 'blue coat syndrome')  would contribute.    I have to do a weeks worth of readings at home, to eliminate the 'blue coat' syndrome, and see where my BP is at in normal conditions.    The sun has let us down today;  it has yet to break through the cloud.   Actually i...