Holyrood superstar

Well, that's July almost over and it's the countdown to Christmas, well not quite, but amazing how quickly this month went. Actually I'm lucky to do this update as my bloody compuer needed this password and that to get into google account, got on my royal chesticles it did.

Month started off badly, woke up with what I thought was a head cold, but was ill for about 2 or 3 weeks, got drugs to clear my lungs (just like 6 months earlier in January) and am back to normal now. Was not off work, but my voice was weak and I struggled a bit. 

Got the back of shed repaired by Lee who lives in Kinghorn, was needing it as back of shed was a bit rotten near ground, also got a hole in the the roof repaired, so hopefully it will last a couple more years. Was out cutting the grass today actually, think it was the first time this month too. It's the dead ivy leaves that fall everytime it's windy that is a real pain, so raked these up before cutting, but I know that in a day or two, more leaves will be out there. 

What with the shed, the car MOT /repair and new house insurance it was an expensive month. Had to dip into savings again, but at least I have savings, better than some people. Will try to moderate my spending a bit and have had a few days off the beer recently in order to lose some weight and save some money. Might not have the month off the bevvy, but a couple of weeks will do me no harm. 

Got the dog Molly in the flat again, her owners are away at a wedding for a few days, think they come back in 3 days or so. Was out with her earlier and all was going well until the heavens opened and we got soaked. Think the plan is to get Molly for a couple of weeks in November too, so more bad weather can be expected! 

Was up the farm to wish my Aunt a happy 94th, though will have to go up again next week. Was in Edinburgh once I think, my favourite pubs were visited of course, but also visited Holyrood Palace and did the tour, very interesting. The ticket lets you in for free next time within a year, so will probably refresh my history and go again this year. 

Been watching the Traitors, at moment on the Australian 2nd series, near the end, after that will do New Zealand and Canadian versions, it's quite addictive. Kenny the budgie has been squawking all day as usual, Charlie has been a bit shaky, was worried about him for a while, but he still flies around and is eating as normal. 

Here a few photos taken this month..my Aunt up the farm, Molly on the beach, and me a bit knackered after a long walk to edge of Auchtertool, on to Kirkcaldy and back along coast, you don't see the can of beer in my hand, this was in my secret wee bit along the coastal path. Made steps target farly easily, the treadmill helps, not that I've been on it for a few days, my neighbour says her flat downstair shakes when I'm on it ;-) 

Twenty years of havering

Last day of June, been over 20 years since I started this blog now. At first I tried to make humorous comments, mostly unsuccessfully, but it quickly became a (sometimes censored) monthly record of what I got up to, this is for my benefit as time passes so quick I forget when this or that happened. 

On the 3rd of this month we flew to Tenerife, the first time there since 2022, and this time I didn't break any bones or lose any teeth at all! Weather was great every day and the time zoomed by. Did a lot of walking along coast, also climbed the hill nearby again, so the step target was easily achieved. Stayed at the Aguamar apartments again, just like 4 years ago, though this time in apartment 009 which had direct access to pool area, was perfect place to stay, no complaints. The worst thing were the flight times with Jet 2, arriving at hotel near to midnight and not flying back until about 9pm, meaning 2 am arrival in Edinburgh. Think if there is a next time another airline will have to be used. Not the last sunny holiday of this year as going to Portugal in September, but more about that another time. 

Been watching the football and Scotland as usual let us down, though the fans seem to have had a great time! At least the scowl-faced manager has finally resigned! Far too negative, hardly had a shot on opposition over the 3 games. Was ill with man-flu yesterday so missed Germany and Holland being eliminated on penalties. We'll see who wins in the coming weeks, hopefully not England or France. 

I spent a lot of money this month, often not totally soberly as evidenced by my acquisition of a treadmill which now has pride of place in bedroom next to my bed. In fairness it was something I was thinking about and have used it 3-4 times recently, probably best in winter. Well, I need to remain slimline and gorgeous after all! Not content with just the treadmill, bought a tyre inflator machine, hasn't arrived yet though and also donated to a local rabbit rescue. 

Another thing I will be spending on is the shed in garden, having a local handyman replace a couple of wooden panels and repair the roof. He should do this on Friday weather permitting. Talking of weather we had a few really nice days, not the heatwave England and the rest of Europe had, but nice all the same, would be nice to think we won't have a July washout this year, fingers crossed. 

Was at doctor for second blood test earlier in the month, am to get another one in August, crivens, what is going on? Oh well, I won't fash myself about it. 

Squeezed in a trip to Edinburgh on a rare weekend off this month too, intended to do a lot of important things, but one pint led to another and the usual pubs were visited. Next time maybe Stockbridge for a change. 

Walked Molly the dog as well this month as well, an a nice day out we went to the Black Rock, very nice when tide out. One photo with Los Cristianos below me, the other at/near the Black Rock. 

Car, Perth , Edinburgh and Whitby

 Last day of May already, the forecast was shite for today, but I have the blinds closed so I can see monitor to write this. Was at work today, but a 7am-1pm shift is much better than a later shift, obviously I had to moderate my banana rum intake last night (got a bottle in Morrisons the other day) in order to be fresh as a daisy this morning. That said I seem to have a head cold that has made me feel miserable most of the day. Think I'll have a wee rum now to see if it helps! 

Had wee Molly the dog for long weekend at start of month, she was fine as always, though full-time dog owner is not on the agenda right now. Had to get a new number plate for the car as the front one has been bent out the way by some wee scroat probably, anyway got it replaced and all now good. Had the car serviced by an RAC mobile mechanic this month too, though I'm not too convinced it was as thorough as hoped. Got a new battery (was under guarantee) at Kwik-fit and 2 back tyres. Car is still running well, but it does bring a lot of expense when you don't expect it. 

I went down to Whitby in middle of month, just for 3 nights, it was good. Walked to Robin Hoods Bay on the first full day there and many pubs were visited, though only a fraction of the total number, unbelievable the number there. Involved 3 trains to get there and 3 trains back, takes a bit of time, 5 hours or so, would be quicker to London! 

Was in Perth a few nights ago for a Kenneth Williams show at the Theatre there, no, he isn't back from the dead, but it was a guy who can impersonate and tell a few stories about him. Am rarely in Perth so took the opportunity to visit a couple of pubs there. 

Other than that not much to report, cut the grass a couple of times and started attacking the ivy, this is a struggle that will continue this summer. Off to sunny Tenerife soon, more about that on next update, also this blog is almost 20 I notice, getting auld. 

Oh, I went through to Edinburgh and visited the old work building in Sighthill, the place is now just a shell, no one there, very sad, I remembered how many people worked there during my 1998-2011 era. I then walked down the Union Canal into the city centre, is a fair distance. 

Hobbling Chester fan

This blog has become a series of posts detailing my illnesses and misfortunes it seems, so I don't want to disappoint you dear reader. The sun is beating down outside as I write this, but it surely cannot last, actually, it won't, just checked the forecast.

Month started with a hospital appointment for the broken bone in hand, was a waste of time as the break was a month before, basically it will heal mostly on it's own, but do still have a small lump of bone, which, apparently should diminish over time. The hand is more or less ok now, other than a bit of stiffness, still, if I was a boxer it might be a problem!

Went to Leven by train, walked to the Railway Inn in Lower Largo and back, it is a nice coastal stretch in good weather and the rail link to Leven is great, but I'm sure I've said that before. Went again to Leven for steak pie at the Windsor a few days ago, alas the great food there is soon to stop for whatever reason.

Near the middle of the month my next issue arose- a horrible gout attack on the big toe joint on the right foot! I was basically disabled for 2 days, but amazingly got a doctor appointment and hobbled into the surgery. Got 3 different drugs which made it possible to walk with discomfort within 2 days. That was just as well as I had to get bus to Manchester on that day, at least that was the plan, but as I waited for train to Edinburgh on morning of the 15th, I got a message saying Flixbus was cancelled! So I had to rebook on a bus to Leeds, then got train to Chester from there, total stress! The normal train from Edinburgh to Chester wasn't available due to rail works. 

The week in Chester was again very good, this time with Clemens instead of Oliver. Third time in a row in the same cottage next to the city walls. The time went very quickly and much ale was drunk, though maybe not up to my usual standard because of previously mentioned medications. Was in Manchester, also in Wrexham during the time in Chester, Wrexham isn't up to much so should have got train along North Wales coast to more scenic areas. The pubs in Chester superb as always, surely won't be my last visit, we'll see. 

Made my steps target despite the gout attack, I was lucky really as had the attack been even a day or two later I probably couldn't have travelled at all. I am due for a blood test at doctor in a week or so, we'll see what that brings. 

I really should be out the garden cutting the ivy on a day like this, but had a couple of beers and I cannot be bothered. Both budgies seem happy enough, they don't like winter, but sunny days remind them of their Australian homeland I'm sure.

Here a few photos, a fat bore outside the Fat Boar in Wrexham, a view of the cottage from the Chester city walls, and the famous Chester clock, apparently the second most photographed clock in the UK. 

Sober old shatterhand

I injured my hand end of last/start of this month, no big fall or anything, relatively minor bang, thought it was just sprained or so, but the days and weeks pass and it is now confirmed to be a metacarpal break in bone leading to right hand ring finger. Right hand! So that has been a pain in the arse, and made wiping it almost impossible,  the pain is bearable now, though a bit uncomfortable. Was at hospital for an x-ray on Friday and will be referred to Orthopedics at the Vic Hospital in Kirkcaldy, it will likely need an operation as it's hardly a fresh break. We'll see how things go.

In other news, month started in Edinburgh for the Nigel Havers stand-up show, was good, stayed in the Premier Inn near the Royal Mile afterward, booked in advance so was a reasonably good deal, though the check-in was a farce with the self service machines not working and a foreign guy with little customer service skills manually checking us in, but got there in the end. 

A few days later Molly the dachshund arrived in the flat for about a 9 day stay, she was no problem at all, and thanks to her the steps target was fairly easily reached this month. Went the usual routes with her, mostly toward the Binn and back the field, was good exercise for us both.

Daniella from Potsdam was staying in Kinghorn for over a week so saw her a few times in pub, not that she was staying in the flat, she drove herself around Scotland as she's a big fan, shame about the blown tyre in the middle of nowhere though! 

For the first time this year I cut the grass, well I cut half as my hand was playing up, will finish the job when we get a couple of dry days. Sheena downstairs had her ivy cut back, was quoted a high sum for doing so, I turned down the quote as it's the council should be doing it for free. Might eventually go to lawyer about it soonish, have to change my Will anyway.

Work has been ok, I put a request to only get early shifts and it was accepted, though doesn't apply to Bank Holidays however, and there 2 of them in May, so will see. Am happy enough with my designated desk at work, think I have a reputation for being difficult :-) 

Been off the booze since 5 March, been drinking Guinness 0.0 when in the pub, it's actually not that bad, costs the same as real beer too. Will probably get boozing again on Easter Monday as a month would have passed by then. The week after that I'll be heading down to Chester, and knowing Clemens, my liver will be under severe attack. 

Until the next one dear reader! Here a few photos taken this month..

Stalingrad muddy monstrosity

This has taken me by surprise a bit as I thought I had more time, but the second month of 2026 is now almost over!

I made my step target a couple of days back as I knew it would be a challenge, in other words going out in crap weather to be a autistic step obsessive. 

Whisky played a part, on the 12th Feb I was at the Crown's whisky evening, then on the 19th was at Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh which was fine also.

The story mostly is stress, I am now in full knowledge of facts regarding my father's estate, wrote this before, but there will be big changes now.  I have a smaller family. Maybe I will post here the true picture, just not right now. I will be off the booze for a month before next weekend as it's a tradition. Looking forward to Chester already! Here are a couple of photos that I wish didn't exist, the end of the carpark in Stalingrad , sorry Kirkcaldy, and the horrible muddy mess that someone who doesn't want walkers passing through near Kinghorn Golf Course. Nothing deters me however! 

At work I have a flexible working request in, we'll see as I am relaxed about leaving the place if rejected.

Tomorrow I have off from work, Nigel Havers awaits in Edinburgh!!

Molly old buggered lungs Oban

Hello dear reader, not been the best of months as was ill from the new year for about 3 weeks, what I thought was a head cold went into my lungs and a course of antibiotics from chemist didn't clear it, so actually got a Dr appointment and was given stronger drugs, which has been mostly successful as lungs much better now. Was off work too, so not all bad. I think my main health issue has become insomnia, basically waking up in middle of night then being unable to sleep again, my use of games on my phone (have a Royal Kingdom team and also a Golf Clash one) is taking too much of my time up and is taking away relaxing time. 

Added to this is family stress, my father's will is causing a lot of stress, especially as he left a will not designed for harmony, most unlike him, yeah sarcasm there. I will not go into details on this forum, but money brings out the worst in people, the very worst.  You think you know people, but then they are only out for themselves by being devious and manipulative. Disappointing for sure. 

Looked after Molly the dachshund again for a couple of days, she is no problem, just got to keep an eye out that you don't step on her in such a small flat!

To try to destress we went to Oban for a couple of nights, only got back a couple of hours ago. A nice place, but a bit cold to undertake trips to the islands, instead the local pubs and restaurants were visited. Had meant to do the distillery tour, but didn't get round to it this time, will certainly go back when weather is warmer. 

Yes, I am now even older than I was, have resigned myself to being an old duffer now, got the flat cap and everything. You find people who you think ancient are not that much older than you, oh well, better than being deid I suppose. 

As always, here a couple of photos taken this month, two featuring my gorgeous pus, the other is from the ruins of cottages at the Rodanbraes, not far from Kinghorn Loch, if the walls could talk..

Oh, I made my steps target yesterday, no runs at all this month though, my lungs just weren't having it. Hope the rest of the year gets better. 

Auld Reekie visitor

 Another year almost over, goodbye 2025. 

Not been too eventful for me to be honest so a short update this time. I made my 200k steps target yesterday so was not incredibly active, but not a couch potato either.

Went to Auld Reekie a couple of times this month, the last time a couple of days ago, had meant to visit Xmas market, but the general pubs of Edinburgh were mostly visited. It's an expensive city, but no December is complete without a pub crawl or two there! Have plan to visit there again maybe on this coming Saturday, the Johnnie Walker experience might be visited, or plans will change and will end up on a train back home pie-eyed with a kebab in the hand. 

Took the train along to Leven today, there is a great pub with nice steak pies, cheap too, the train line to Leven is a great thing, but I mentioned that before. Talking of trains a trip to Oban for end of January has been booked, £19 return again, hotel for two nights under £100, not bad at all.

My father's estate is still not settled, this should be sorted in January though, an absolute disgrace it has dragged on, the lawyers are bandits and well see if we take action against them. Does an estate really need to take all this time? The Queen's took much less and we're not talking about a multi-million fortune here!

Not going out to pub later, working tomorrow, early start, so maybe a couple more drinks before hitting my bed and lights out around 8pm hopefully. I worked over Christmas too, it's ok, hopefully not too icy tomorrow like it was this morning. 

Here a couple of photos taken this month, wore the jumper and Santa hat to the pub on Xmas day after coming back from work...mirror has been cleaned since.

See you next year!

Molly Mallaig

This update is sponsored by Acnecide zit cream, well not really, but my puberty is dragging on and the cheap razor I bought came back to haunt me as it basically pulled the hairs out, ok I have an electric too, but you miss bits when using it. Anyway, it causes spots, a couple of beauties that are probably worth naming are nearing the end of their natural lives..

Well, canne remember November is almost over, and I did my best, but probably not completely pissed on some days, a pubertal geriatric I am becoming! 

Took the train up to Mallaig, was great, though to get the ferry to the islands wasn't available on the day, will go back as just £19 return is available now and then to old people like me. It's a beautiful train journey from Glasgow to Mallaig, the windows on the train needed cleaning though so probably not many stunning pictures. 

Looked after the gorgeous Molly the dachshund again, Paul and Sharon neighbours, were away a couple of days, it's no bother, such a wee stunning beauty. 

If I could abolish one month it would be November, but I made my steps target despite the rubbishy weather, got my Xmas rota, was not too bad, working most festive days, but early, could be worse. Note to self - don't be in this job next time. 

Not feeling festive, was through in Edinburgh a few days ago to see the film Nuremberg, was ok, Russell Crowe good, but the twisting of history is to be expected in the woke dictatorship the west has become.  

Chilling now after a couple of days at the coalface...here a few photos, as always taken in the month I post in..doggie at mine, katzchen up farm, Mallaig and Kinghorn.



 

Sober calendar boy

Been looking forward to Halloween all month, chiefly because it's the last day of sober October that I was forced into. Normally I do a month off in March/April time, not normally at this time of year which is depressing enough in my opinion. Still, saved some money and lost 2.5kg or so. It's actually not that difficult, but I missed a lot of gossip in the pub as was only there about 3 times all month, actually just returned from there right now, but only a Guinness 0.0 was partaken of. Actually did have a lapse on 19 October, but only because I had intended stopping it then, then changed mind as hadn't intended doing the full 31 days, so I'll count it as a month. 

I didn't take many pictures at all this month, just been walking, with a bit of running, the usual routes, nothing of massive interest happened, wasn't even in Kirkcaldy town centre let alone further afield. Got my 200K steps fairly easily as the weather wasn't too bad most of the time.

One of my photos, taken months ago, has made it on to an official calendar. It was taken with my phone, nothing fancy, so was surprised to be honest, first time ever that's happened! I got a free copy of the calendar for my efforts so will post a pic here. 

Heading up the western highlands on Tuesday by train, heading to Mallaig for a couple of nights, then back again. The train ticket cost only £19 return per person, it's on offer that's on a couple of times a year for those holding the Club 50 railcard, not bad, we'll see how it goes. Will be passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films, probably only get a reasonable view of it on the return journey as it will likely be dark when we cross on the outbound journey. The train takes hours but is one of the most scenic. 

Not inspired to write much more, as it's been uneventful, work is much the same, never really satisfied with the shifts, but they could be worse, I think I write about leaving every year at this time, but we'll see what the Xmas rota is like before making decisions. 

Here are a couple of photos, the one on the calendar was taken a few months ago, the other one of the Kissing Trees this month. The other photo shows a sold sign outside my father's old house, I won't see a penny of it and his estate is still not settled after 2 and a half years, don't get me started..

Clem Cov Cuz Belfast Oz

Yes, winter is approaching, the nights are getting darker, not even 7pm and the light is fading here, I don't like it, I like the light, but am not rich enough to go to Australia in winter, but Australia came here this month, a few second cousins announced their arrival quite suddenly, no notice at all. So I headed up the farm and we met Sandy (last met her 1986) and her brothers Ross and Bruce and their partners. Shame my mum isn't with us as she would have loved it, my aunt Agnes certainly did, though a bit overwhelming with no notice. Was great to meet them, as mentioned I had only ever seen Sandra before way back then. 

Well, who knows? Will I ever go to Australia? Perhaps I should, maybe once I have finally left the vet's place as I am disgruntled as always. I appreciate that anyone bored enough to read all my posts that I regularly threaten to leave jobs, then don't.  Well, maybe that will change..

I started feeling unwell at start of month, a home test showed Covid (again!) so I was miserable for a few days, this was at same time I had a few days off, not good. A day or two later Clemens and daughter (Mara) arrived,  we went to Kingsbarns distillery and Edinburgh, first time he's been here in ages, obviously he hasn't changed and drank me out of house and home. In Edinburgh we hit the usual pubs , but also took a walk down canal to Stockbridge, the Stockbridge Tap being a nice pub there. 

A day or two later we (not Clem or Mara) were off to Belfast, the Ryanair flight was delayed an hour, but otherwise all went well. Stayed in the Easyhotel on Victoria Street which is very central.  Went a day trip to Carrickfergus to visit the castle, also, on next day, visited the Titanic Quarter and did the tour there which I can recommend. 

Have been at the hospital today, alas I don't have serious disease the GP thought I might have had, I hate the feeling of wasting peoples time. No point elaborating here! Got superfast broadband installed this month and it seems to have gone tits up, slow as a bastard to do anything, shame as I had intended sharing more photos, oh well. 

Panicked dachs carer

Another last minute panic post, I remember this day vividly when the news of Diana was all over the news 28 years ago today. It's amazing to think how quickly time goes blah blah..

This month is almost over, the weather has been ok and I met my steps target easily enough. I got a new sofa this month, and said goodbye to the old one that served me well for 26 years, it was a bloody awful job getting it out the flat, but getting the new one in was easier as the back can be taken off and reattached, still wasn't easy though.

My car made it through it's MOT, though I think a parting of the ways may be in store after all the expense, we'll see. 

I am off work now for about 3 weeks, I might book a last minute wee break away, but we'll see, not flush with cash at moment.

Been looking after Molly the wee dachshund for a couple of
days while her parents are away in Paris, she is as cute as hell, no problem at all.

Rudi is in Scotland right now, Clemens and his daughter soon too, Looks like a few drinks will be partaken of!

Yeah, another uninspired update, maybe you're living an exciting life? 

 

Open wallet car surgery, Charles and sofa

When I look back on this month it will be the amount of money given out that I'll remember, the car was mostly responsible costing 1k to get repairs last week, plus another £100 tomorrow, then there is the MOT to look forward to on Tuesday and further juicy expenses possibly. I hang on to cars too long, until they get really expensive to maintain, this one was bought 11 years ago and has been a good companion over the years, but maybe a parting of the ways will have to happen in the next little while. 

The month started off with a couple of booze-free days, then I was at doctor for a couple of things, will be put on a huge long waiting list to look into a couple of lesions that I cannot be bothered going into here. That same day I was at a whisky evening in the Crown and the boozing continued for most of month with a day off here or there. I managed my steps targets, the main one of getting 200K steps was fairly easily reached, over 270K now and should have been more, but for my laziness once target achieved. Also made another, harder, target spread over last couple of months, that the app set me, but this one involved a few long walks, including from North Queensferry, Stenhouse reservoir etc, also my Auchtertool loop was done, so every month this year so far. Weather mostly been ok, so that helped. 

Also gave out money for a new leather sofa, the one I have now is about 26 years old and has done it's duty, will be collected on 4 August if it can be forced out the flat, not looking forward to that challenge. Might be sofaless for a few days before new one- a black leather recliner 3 seater arrives. Well, it was about time, there is a wear hole in middle of the old one. 

Not inspired today at all, maybe I should not wait until last minute to update? 

Oh, almost forgot I saw Charles and Camilla in Kirkcaldy at start of month, was the most horrible rainy day too, they were there to commemorate centenary of Kirkcaldy War Memorial, near the station. Got soaked that day!

Lardarsed bloater boozer

Just realised how few photos I took this month, it seems I wasn't up to much other than putting on at least 2kg in weight. Actually about 4kg more than I should be. This would be due to a lack of activity and too many beers. Have decided to cut back on the booze in July, not cut out altogether, but have a few days off it each week. 

Was out for a walk/run today, Kissing Trees down to Kirkcaldy then back along coast, it gets 12K steps and burns a few calories that are too easily replaced at the Auld Hoose! Out of shape and will do something about it soon.

It's been a reasonable month, me grumbling about the work shifts I was given on the few occasions I actually did work, a few walks, including my monthly staple to Auchtertool, into Kirkcaldy then back coast, a route I plan tomorrow as it's start of a new month and steps are required. I made the target no problem with about a week to spare. 

I did book Chester again for next year, but otherwise nothing to look forward to, maybe I will need to book something for start of September as there are a few decent deals advertised. We'll see. 

I feel a bit empty, didn't realise I was so unnewsworthy this month. Did get train along to Leven on the new train connection, was actually nice, had a nice lunch in the Windsor, then back to Kinghorn in 20 minutes, beats the hour or so in the bus for sure. 

Was up farm I think twice, my Aunt's 93rd is on 11 July so will certainly be up again fairly soon. 

My father's estate, over 2 years since he died, is still not settled, I believe however that might change soon, a disgrace it has dragged on. I am not the big winner in the will but expect a decent pay out. Ok, will leave it there, hopefully more to report next time.

Here a few photos, the mugshot was for my Club 50 Railcard, could have got it years ago, but didn't, oh well, it saves a few bob. I shaved off my luscious locks in order to look older. The one with wee waterfall was a week or so ago walking Aberdour to Kinghorn. 

Think I have a hedgehog hibernating in my rear again, well, not really, but it's not pleasant. Oh, and am new using a new Samsung fitness watch thing, the faces can be changed, but I prefer the more info ones with steps/calories etc. 

Three sunny long walks, double blood giver

Was working today, off tomorrow, which is most unusual for a Sunday, in fact not back at the vet's place now until 2 weeks today, so that's nice. There are certain things at work that are pissing me off, especially shifts, so we'll see how long I stay. It's been 5 years and I have been guilty of staying in stressy jobs too long in the past.

What a month May has been, mostly great weather, no rain for about 3 weeks until recently, Costa del Fife! Started month getting blood taken at doctor's surgery, the month ended with me doing the same again yesterday, apparently the white blood cells too high or something, they have even arranged a telephone appointment with a doctor for next week, should I be worried? Don't know, we'll see. 

Made my steps target fairly easily given that the weather was great, the most notable walks were to Leven along coast, hadn't done that stretch for a few years, took just under 4 hours and the trip back from there better now that you can get a train rather than the slow bus back that stops everywhere. So, some positive things do happen and the train line to Leven is one!

Another walk was to Aberdour, not the coastal route, the other route going along the Standing Stanes road, then onto Aberdour from above, this is the second time I have done this route, did the dame a month or two ago, very good. Better this time as the Forrester's pub is back open after being closed for months. They make an effort with their ales and I was back there a couple of days back also, thought his time by train.

The other notable walk was my monthly standard walk (and wee run on this occasion) to edge of Auchtertool, then on to edge of Kirkcaldy and back along the coast, over 20K steps so helped with target. Think I have done this loop every month this year, so will hopefully keep this going. 

Am a bit tired right now, just had fish and chips, will go to bed in an hour, was an exhausting shift today. A few photos taken this month, the one with wee boats at Dysart harbour on way to Leven. 

 

Beer drinking body viewing dental visitor - update 2.

What a gorgeous day today is, yesterday was also great, both days I was at dentist in Inverkeithing, the piepers seem to like it too judging by the absolute racket they are making right now!

This is second update this month so will keep it short, got back from Germany two days ago, was a quite short trip, 5 nights in total. First two nights in the Bad Cannstaat area of Stuttgart, in a Premier Inn, the weather was not great, got soaking feet on first night at the Spring Festival, next day slightly better as I strutted my stuff along Koenigsstrasse before heading back to the beer tents. Was a bit confused how to get around at first, also the Stuttgart 21 project makes central Stuttgart a hellhole, took a while to realise which stop was best to get the the real trains for the trip with Flix to Heidelberg. 

Stayed in a hotel near station in Heidelberg for a change, had a good time with Oliver and Rudi/Jutta, on second evening there Rudi had a barbecue and that was good. After travelling back to Stuttgart, and visiting the sunny beer festival this time, it was onward to a hotel very near the airport, than back on a direct flight to Edinburgh. 

Since back, really not been up to much except the dentist visits, tomorrow I have a blood test at doctor too, back at work again Saturday. 

Here a few photos, the one with dead bodies at the museum in Heidelberg, real bodies too, was interesting. 

Sore drunken toe - April update 1

 Well, have just finished 4 early shifts in a row at my gorgeous vet's paradise and am a bit knackered now, decided I will update now, then hopefully update again this month after a boozy trip to Germany starting on Wednesday.

Chester was great as always, not a drop of rain all week, and the cottage and pubs were excellent. This time went to Chester Zoo, and a couple of trips to Manchester, during one of the the Coronation Street set was visited. I used to watch Corrie a lot in the past, now just a wee bit, but the street in undoubtably the most famous in the UK. Was strange to see it with my own eyes, now it changes your perception a bit when you see things on screen.

My body seems to be feeling it's age, first the toothache, then the knee, now an acute gout attack on my right foot big toe, to those that have never had gout, let me tell you the pain is off the charts and meant I was sleepless mostly for 2 days. The doctors being closed until tomorrow I just got on with it as I was working. Was a struggle though and driving or walking was not easy. Sure I did other exciting stuff but am a bit light headed at the moment, maybe the painkiller, or maybe the booze mixed with it!

Yes the photos show the gorgeous wee piepers, a shot from inside and outside the Rover's Return..