Pyramid loving beastie boy

Does not feel like Halloween, seems all the festivities ended last weekend, even the spooky walk which I normally go on, but missed, because all was too early.

Quiet at work, I have the same feeling I've had a couple of times in recent year, namely don't make long term plans, cause things might very well change. Still, if it happens, it happens, let's not worry about things.

Lazy lard arse had no gym visits this month, nor did he go running. Did do a couple of walks though, the usual along the coast, need to do better and cut down on the malt whisky writes he while savouring a peated gem from Glen Moray..

Highlight of the month was the trip over to the Cottbus region- not my last German trip of the year- for a get together of various people I don't know too well. Yeah, managed to get drunk on the whisky I bought and mentioned the war a couple of times, same old, same old. Also managed to go to Bad Muskau, then a short walk over into Poland where all sorts of Nazi stuff was for sale, managed to resist all the Steinar clothing and Hitler statues though. Got bitten to death by German midges though during my stay with Wilfried in the village of Haasow. Before I knew it we were back in the dreich Scottish paradise of Fife.

Clocks now gone back and it's getting dark as I write this, a quarter to five! I hate this time of year, the intelligent would head for Australia or similar. Photos show a couple of Fuehrer statues (there were also Hitler lighters, cigarette cases etc, SS badges etc), one of the impressive pyramids in the Branitzer park, the castle at Bad Muskau (about 200 metres from the open Polish border), and one of the many bites I suffered from the aforementioned wee beasties. Almost looks like a poppy to commemorate the war dead.

Bathroom bother

Well I have figured out now how to get photos from the new phone onto the PC at last, have to use two Google accounts, was a struggle to work out a simple thing.

Another month almost over and it has been quite eventful. Started month by walking over the new Queensferry Crossing , won a bit of a lottery to do so as the bridge has no pedestrian access, the bridge featured today too as today was the first time I drove over it! Certainly it is quite an impressive structure, should last for a few decades.

Was quite active this month, did a lot of walking, mostly to Kirkcaldy and back, but on Monday Tavis and I walked from Kincardine to North Queensferry (in the shadow of the aforementioned bridge), was a long stretch and there was a bit too much road walking for my liking, also the pubs weren't up to much, hardly a decent beer to be had.  Even managed 3 visits to the gym this month, mostly run on the treadmill to be honest, though I do use a couple of other machines.

Work has become quite quiet, been off this week and I sure don't miss it. My days off were fine-until Thursday. I had intended to go to Edinburgh on Thursday, but my neighbour downstairs was at my door just as I was about to leave. There was water cascading down through her light into her bathroom, and the kitchen and hallway too. I switched off the water for both flats then came to the conclusion that my new shower was to blame, the workman Donny had messed up. Called him, he was in Spain, will be speaking to him upon his return tomorrow evening, he should hopefully be here to repair it all on Monday, we will see. Am pissed off that it happened- emergency plumber showed me one of the connections at back of shower unit had come out. Would have been an even greater disaster had my neighbour not been at home, as there was no indication anything was wrong in my flat!! In a nutshell I have to use another flat for showering at the moment and my happiness at the expensive new bathroom has gone.

Will soon be putting my glad rags on, am invited to a wedding reception in Aberdour tonight, will go to the Auld Hoose here first because Annie and Gordon are due to visit the pub today, also I have to convince Davie Specs to come with me as our partners cannot make it.

Here are a few photos taken this month, one is of the part that failed at back of shower, the emergency plumber who stopped the leakage had to destroy one of the new tiles :-( , one is of me at the bridge walking event, another shows me in Limekilns last Monday with the new bridge away in the background. The other is of Linda Gallacher, my old Sykes colleague who emigrated to Australia in 2008, met up with her for a pint or two in Kirkcaldy.

Pictureless pleite

End of August, almost Christmas, the nights are drawing in. I notice this as I have back-shifts this week that finish at 8pm, still light when I leave, but light fading by the time I get back to my gorgeous flat, a flat with a stunning new shower room! It's a walk-in shower unit, wet-walled and tiled. Even has a mirror that has a heat pad so it doesn't steam up, meaning that I can admire my good looks even directly after a shower.. Cost a few thousand, but what is money for?

Had a couple of people in to value the flat not long after the new bathroom was fitted, got to keep all options open after all. Even tidied up and everything, the flat looked great, though my snobbishness means the usual piles of rubbish are now developing.

Went to Edinburgh a couple of times this month, went to the Craig Ferguson Show that was part of the festival, finished at 1am then walked 40 mins through the rain to Annie and Gordon's place near the zoo. Next day we had a few pints here and there. A few days later I was back in Edinburgh for the book festival with Tavis, got tickets to see a french author describe the history of french collaboration etc, would have been better had he not needed a translator however.

Walking-wise the month was so-so, did walk with Bea on a great day to Aberdour, also to  Kirkcaldy along the coast a couple of times. Last walk on Saturday was supposed to end in Leven, but Tavis and I got pissed and we ended the walk in East Wemyss instead, the drinking continued afterward in Kinghorn, yeah it's great to be immature sometimes. We had intended to make the East Fife-Raith game, but the best laid plans of mice and men etc..There was no running this month, because I just am not in the mindset, hard to explain really.

Work is a bit stressy at times, the 2018 season has opened, but there are problems galore with the system and website, are the French running us into the ground? Very possibly. 

Bea gave me a new phone, new network, but reception ain't great. Also cannot upload any pictures, so I might add later.

Out with the old, in with the new (bog)

Crivens, that's July almost gone, not been the best for weather though there were a few decent days to be sure. No massive long walks undertaken, though I did go along coast to Kirkcaldy about 4 times. Also managed one wee run, but really need to be less lazy, then I've been writing the same for months!

Getting bathroom done up, the guy who is doing it will be here soon, will take about a week apparently, so will not be staying here overnight for the next wee while. Is going to cost a lot, but then sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. It's been an expensive year so far..

My father has not had his problems to seek and is now in Victoria Hospice, he has been knackered since his operation and surely must find it frustrating being unable to talk, he was home a week or so ago, but ended up being taken back in. Will have to get his grass cut this week, mine too as i haven't done it for about 3 weeks.

Meant to get to Edinburgh this month, but failed due to one reason or other, though the fringe is about to start and we have tickets for a show already.

Nothing much else of interest happened to be honest, just the usual. Work has been reasonable, though will become very busy once booking for 2018 opens, this should have happened already. Am on back-shift, start at 1.30 pm today. It does have certain advantages, though I personally prefer going in early. Have a doctor appointment today, which one of my various complaints I'll mention in the 5 minutes I will be given I am not sure, I did have abdominal pain, but this has since disappeared after making the appointment! Anyway, must rush, loads to do.

Did not take many photos this month, here are a couple however..one in Burntisland beach on market day, the other in the local with Davie B.

USA!

Finally done it! Got to North America at last! Did it in style too on the Queen Mary 2. Southampton to New York, with a stopover in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, so that's two countries ticked off the list! Life looked great in Halifax too, a lovely day and a good lifestyle by the looks of it. After asking a local the directions to a good pub we discovered the Alehouse, a very nice pub and a welcome relief from the Canadian heat.

Was a wonderful ship, the food was excellent, lots to do, no seasickness apart from one day going to pick up a capsized yachtsman, that made the news apparently. Would I go again, yes! Though the booze prices are quite high, not only on ship, but also, I was to discover, in New York itself.

Did lots in the short time in New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Harlem, Staten Island. Open top bus tours were ok, expensive though, and traffic is really bad. Did a lot of walking and went up Empire State, went to Grand Central, Central Park, Intrepid aircraft carrier attraction, walked Brooklyn bridge etc etc. The hotel was not too far from Central Park, and was OK, though it had a hostel feel to it and the walls had mirrors as the rooms were tiny! Weren't too bothered though, was out like a light after lots of walking mainly. Good pubs seemed in short supply in NYC, and at $8 a pint it was expensive as the ship! I guess going off the tourist trail would be cheaper, but we had very little time.

Been back a while now, it's amazing how you get back into routine. Have to remind myself however to avoid Norwegian Airlines, the flight from JFK to Gatwick was horrible-and delayed an hour- as I was filled with gassy stomach problems, also how can anyone sleep upright? I certainly couldn't! And then the stress of getting through Gatwick for connecting flight! Would not want a repeat. Have lots to add, but this is, yet again, a rush to update before end of month. I know how you miss the updates on my exciting lifestyle...er/..or so..

The one with me with Canada sign is about the first one taken of me taken outside of Europe, at least for about 30 years. The photo at sunrise of Manhattan was taken from the Queen Mary 2, have many good photos of our arrival, were lucky with the weather. The guy in the suit was our cabin waiter, useless sod.

Pre-voyage tension

Almost forgot to update this, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, looking forward to a couple of weeks holiday!

Yes, this is a month of 31 days, and this one has dragged a bit, not had a lot of days off work, in fact the least number I will have this year I think. Not been a particularly physically challenging month, managed about 3 or four walks to Kirkcaldy and one to Aberdour, so no long distance extravaganzas, in fact it's really been months since I did. This has to change, need to get back to my usual self, as I just feel in a permanent rut.

Under a certain amount at pressure at work after another supervisor got herself signed off for 3 weeks or so, it's been hectic in a lot of days, and have been working weekends a lot, am doing this coming one too. So glad that I will be chilling for 2 weeks come Wednesday. Yes, a voyage to the new world awaits, let's see how it goes! This could be the start of the new globe-trotting Alan!

Sorry, nothing else of major excitement happened this month, my dad is back at home now, unable to speak of course, but as well as could be expected, his radiotherapy treatment starts in about 3 weeks or so. Was along his cutting the grass the other day.

Lots of packing to do for the trip I will update you on next time, shame I am working the weekend, have only one day, the Friday off, before I go, and that day will be car-less due to a service/mot.

Here a couple of pictures of the booze brothers on top of the Binn, on the way to Aberdour, where I would-as usual-heroically buy all the roonds. Tavis is pointing to the bar in Burntisland where he last bought me a drink, think it was the same night the Berlin Wall come down.

Volunteer

How could I forget my beach clean volunteer work in April? Here I am next to an SNP MSP and a couple of neighbours, he had put this on his twitter for publicity, his camera obviously.  I do this now and again, doesn't take a lot of time, plan to vote any unionist party in the upcoming elections..

Mohr grave bear

This year is racing by, and already it is nearly May. Started month in usual manner, full of good intentions and keep-fit attitude, only it didn't pan out like that.

Sure, I walked to Kirkcaldy and back a few times, but no big walks or runs were undertaken. Really must try to get back into running now and again as it does lift your spirits (as opposed to lifting a glass of spirits being a lazy bugger at home).

Not been a good month for morale, had a fallout with an older woman at work (was technically her boss on that Saturday shift) and there have been meetings etc. Not going to bore myself writing much more about this, the company is a joke really. May very well start searching for pastures new, as I made the mistake of being stressed out for years during my time at Sykes in Edinburgh. Life is too short for such crap.

My father lies in a hospital as I write this, his voice has gone, but he survived a 17 hour operation on Thursday and I visited him on Saturday, though unable to speak he seemed to be as good as can be expected under the circumstances.

I was at Monachyle Mohr hotel on the Friday (was arranged long before my father's illness and was good to get away for a night). The room was great, even had a steam sauna and a sunken bath. The food was good, though in these fancy places it's more about presentation than quantity. I enjoyed it, was a present from Kath for my birthday, shame it was just the one night! Tom and Lisa, who own it, are also the aunt and uncle of my nephews, family connections count!

 Here are three photos taken this month, one is of Rob Roy's grave at Balquidder, not far from the hotel, there is one of me outside the hotel on my way to dinner. The other is of Amelie the bear that Martina at work skillfully created for me.

Garlieston galavanting and dad 80 not out.

Went to south west Scotland at the start of the month, to a place I had only vague memories of, which isn't surprising as I was only 4 at the time. Anyway, Garlieston was very cold and windy on the day of arrival, but the next day was quite nice, so a march to Isle of Whithorn, and the Steam Packet Inn, took place. Was muddy, very muddy, but was good to discover new territory. The place where we stayed in Garlieston was nice, though there was only one pub in the village, so falling out with the owner was not on the agenda, apart from the lack of beer selection, all went well.

The month started with a lot of walking to be honest, had a lot of early shifts allowing me to head along the coast to Kirkcaldy after work, the longer nights help. A lot of steps maybe, though I accept that my usual discipline regarding beer and malt whisky went out the window most days.  I must get back into the gym mindset..I have a sensible gene-only kicked in with maturity- which means I rarely awake with a hangover, though I need to get as fit as I was a few days ago.

I write this every month only to remind myself of what happened, perhaps the biggest personal issue this month was my father's 80th birthday today, same day and same year as Warren Beatty. He has been ill and has had a most pessimistic diagnosis in the last couple of days. He continues to be a local legend, keep fighting Dad!

 Here shows Ron/dad  on his special birthday, plus me on day of arrival in Garlieston, and a picture of Bea on way to Isle of Whithorn.

Devil dog and horny cow

Where does the time go? Another month almost gone and it went very quickly.  Managed 4 walks to Kirkcaldy, one over the Binn to Aberdour and one, yes only one, run. Still, it could have been worse and the weather wasn't always welcoming to outdoor adventures.  At least with the days getting longer I can do things after work, though it's backshift for me this week, until Thursday, then a long weekend down in the borders is planned. Going to a place I haven't been since I was 4..why am I getting drawn back to places from my childhood, do I have some kind of syndrome?

Month started sorting out Broadband, Gas & Electricity etc. Tried moving Broadband, but something went wrong with the god awful new internet company I chose. Still, I cancelled within 2 weeks and got my money back eventually. Will stay with Plusnet for now, though will probably change unless I get a better deal next year.

Just worked the whole weekend, I do one full weekend a month and it was busy, though we did seem understaffed. As stated, am backshift today, which means no alarm clock in the morning, though getting back later at night is the downside. I try not to think about work when not there, so enough. Sometimes I feel only one bad day away from walking out..

Was over in Edinburgh last Wednesday night, met up with Gordon while the others attended the Pet Shop Boys concert in the Playhouse. We went to a couple of pubs, one on Rose Street had a free microphone night and we were quite impressed by a young Australian on the guitar.  After that we went to the Guildford Arms to meet up with Annie and Bea. Was a good night and it was just as well I had the next day off. Really have to get to Edinburgh more than once a month, it costs money, but is well worth it, and is a change from the same old faces in the Auld Hoose!

Here are 3 photos taken this month, one of Gordon the groupie, one of a fearsome looking highland cow and the other of Graeme's dog Lilly who looks scarier then normal due to an amateur photographer!

Bloody auld

Well, the birthday arrived eventually, and I don't feel much different to be honest, why be depressed when many didn't make it this far?

Been a bit more disciplined this month, went a couple of runs along the coast to Seafield Tower and back, didn't drink on a few days either..what an achievement! I think my new hours at work help a bit, any hours not spent in the office are welcome.  Also walked along to Kirkcaldy last Thursday and Friday, it's a good wee stretch that I enjoy.

The birthday itself was fine, went to the Ship for a nice  meal and shared a bottle of wine, then it was on to the Auld Hoose for several drinkies, many of them double whiskies bought by kind friends. Was glad I had yesterday off!!

Other things happening? Well, I'll be spending lots of money soon, on a big holiday in June, and I have got a couple of quotes for my bathroom that is needing done up, the quotes are large let me tell you, a decision on this will be made in next day or two. Also will go down the borders in March, just for a couple of days though. Off to work soon, back shift today, could be worse, could be Monday..

Happy Hogmanay!

Another year almost over, am sitting at home this afternoon, quite often around this time I'll be in the pub with my cronies, but I'll start a bit later today if I'm to last until midnight! Tonight we will have a few drinkies to be sure, and tomorrow there will be free food provided at the pub too, luckily I am not working tomorrow, though I have been these last 4 days, the only supervisor on duty and a good few problems were encountered. Am back at work on the 2nd though, so just a normal weekend really.

Been a year that my work/life balance was not exactly as I liked, though will be doing slightly less hours next year so hopefully my discipline will return and I'll start trying to be fitter again. Not just a beer swilling slob. Got new boots and jacket this year so it's about time I put them to the test, I do walk a lot, mostly along to Kirkcaldy though, hardly a long distance challenge. The year 2017 will be a landmark year for me though, am still in good enough shape for a West Highland Way or similar, so I'll plan something soon.

Went to Berlin for the umpteenth time during this month, also went to Cottbus and it's surrounds, also Potsdam for a night, was good, and very mild, was not cold at all and the Christmas feeling just hasn't been there for me, still managed a good few mulled wines with rum though! The trip was overshadowed by the attack on the Christmas market by a brainwashed terrorist though, was not at that particular market, but was at it last year I think. I had left Berlin the day, or maybe 2 days before, but it certainly makes you think. There will probably be many more of these attacks all over Europe in the future, largely due to the failure of the ruling elites to address the problem. Still, I'll not rant and rave right now, not enough energy.

 Here are a couple of photos, taken with the phone (which now has a charging problem and might have to be binned), one is drinking mulled wine at Alexander Platz, the other on TV Tower, probably my 2nd or 3rd visit to the top of that, suffer a bit from vertigo though. The other is of a Christmas Market in Cottbus, not very busy, but it was quite early in the day.

Will be officially ancient by the time of the next update, still I've outlived quite a lot of celebrities..have a great New Year loyal reader.

Team leading darkness hater

St Andrew's Day, not that anyone noticed, the last day of a fairly dreich and cold month that was quite frosty at times. The Christmas feeling is missing, maybe it will come in December, as I'm sure to be visiting a Christmas market or two both here and abroad in the next couple of weeks.

Had a couple of long weekends this month, on one of them we headed down to the Lake District for a couple of nights, yes, going to the same place we've been twice before! Our arrival was on the evening of the England-Scotland football game, so I rushed to the bookies and put a bet on an England 3-0 win, though I should have put more on as our team are shockingly bad at the moment, still I won £16, enough for about 4 pints down there.

Been in a bit of a rut, it's dark whenever I leave work, and I just cannot be bothered tidying this bloody flat, some things are still occupying bits of carpet from months ago, the hoover is on the hallway, and has been for weeks, just cannot be bothered either using it, or putting it away. There is also a mound of clothes washing waiting and the washing up is a joke. Arriving back in darkness I just canne be fashed, though heading to pub for a pint most nights doesn't concentrate my mind.

Been training some new starts at work, has been ok, but looking forward to reduced hours in new year, as my shifts have made this year a bit enjoyable, my work/life balance was better before. Still, I am now officially a Team Leader, so that bit is ok.

Walked a couple of times along the coast to Kirkcaldy on days off, once the boy Reddick even bought a round! However, longer walks, gym visits and runs did not occur, though the icy weather didn't help. I must do my best to become disciplined again next year, like I was a couple of years ago.

Going to Germany in a week or so, not for long though, will be good to have a few days off work, will be working between Christmas and New Year which is a pain, especially as things will be very quiet. Beginning to feel very, very old..

Here are a few photos taken this month, the one of me taken this evening, one in the Swan Inn in Ulverston with famous rugby player (he told us so) Phil Hogan in background, the other is of Davie specs looking daft.

Red faced sleuth

Halloween already upon us, but no spooky walk this year, apparently it is only going to be staged every couple of years from now on, a shame as it had become a bit of a tradition. The photo here is suitably scary for today's occasion..

Month started off with a trip to the local Kia garage to get a punctured tyre replaced, that's now 3 of the 4 replaced since I got it. Still, am glad the wheel survived the trip to Holland last month as it was too late to get it fixed before I went.

Also, nearer the beginning of the month, I walked from Leven to Kinghorn with Tavis, well at least I did, though Tavis did make it as far as the Harbour Bar! I think he may even have bought a round.. Was the first long distance stretch for a while, the new boots are still comfy, no complaints at all. Around the same time I was in Edinburgh looking at new rain jackets, all quite expensive as this time I wanted quality, with Gore-Tex lining etc. Ended up not buying one on that trip to Edinburgh, I checked the internet later on and found the same one £100 cheaper, was a no-brainer, so now have a lovely new jacket. This was not the only trip to Edinburgh this month, was there about a week ago to see The Mousetrap, an Agatha Christie play at the Kings Theatre, was good, managed to work out the killer before the end, though why do the tallest people always have to sit straight in front of me? The trip also involved  visits to the Hanging Bat and Cloisters, the rhubarb beer (and the smoked beer) in the bat were really something. Only have vague memories of the train home!

The weekend just past was not too eventful, went shopping, got a couple of steaks (just eaten now, lovely..) and went to the local pub. Probably overdid it though as I had a bad allergic reaction (and not to buying a round if that's what you think..) when I got home, with a red rash covering many parts of my body. Who knows what I'm allergic to, this is not the first time, though I'll be careful about what I eat or drink for a while.

Plans are being developed for a special trip next year...shame the exchange rate is so crap. More later..

Space odyssey

A bit pissed off because I cannot, at the moment, find my camera, nor can I get the phone's pictures on to the PC, isn't being recognized.

Month started off at the German beer festival tent in Kirkcaldy, where Tavis brilliantly avoided buying a roond on two consecutive days. Had walked along both times in the new leather walking boots I'd treated myself to in Edinburgh a few days earlier.

Later in the month it was off to Holland on the ferry for a few days, the ferries and accommodation I got free because of work, not bad. The weather was great, had a trip to Amsterdam where I sampled a space cake, as tourists do. No effect at all until finishing a pint in the red light district, when, all of a sudden, I thought I was about to die, my dying thoughts being "oh great, here I am surrounded by prostitutes, rent-boys and pickpockets and I'm about to pop my clogs.." I could almost imagine the headlines..

Still, I managed to retain consciousness, just. Managed to somehow get a train, then a bus back to where i was staying, even after 12 hour sleep I was still woozy, so no more coffee shops for me from now on!!  Managed also a trip to Den Haag, a nice place.

Been back at work for a while now, things are quiet, winter looms.

Hopefully I will add photos to this once I can..Ahhhhhhhhhh now I can add some phone photos!!

Crisp-free beerophile

Well Alan, what have you been up to? Well, it's been a long month and the signs of winter already show, leaving back shift at 8 and things are dark already, the nights are fair drawing in!

I feel my work/life balance just isn't right now, I preferred it before my hours went up, my body rebels against the current arrangement. I am not too unhappy at work, it's just I spent too much time there. That being said I have had some of my worst days at work within the last week, pessimism is rife, and I was thought a source of this, you really have to trust no one, that is one thing that is plainly clear. Still, it's not Sykes, where I spent many years, I shudder at the thought.

I did do a few walks along the coast to Kirkcaldy for sure, often ending for food and beer in a pub through there. Went to Edinburgh a couple of times too, went to a show at the Festival- a one man show about Rudolf Hess, and it was very well done. We also went through to Glasgow for a craft beer pub crawl, I know a bit of geography now, the weather was great, walked over 10 miles in Glasgow from east to west, was a good trip, stayed a night at the Euro-hostel there, good value. On way back through from Glasgow, I bought an expensive pair of walking boots on Rose Street in Edinburgh, they have good reviews so hopefully will last me a while.

Oh, and my neighbour and I are still not speaking after Seagullgate, really it's not worth the effort. Bit of a rush this update as I almost forgot. I see a Bavarian beer festival is due to start along the coast tomorrow, I might not make it then, but am surely going to go at some point in the next couple of days, you can bet on it. Been a bit of a boozy month, have to admit it, probably because of the aforementioned work unhappiness, but I have been disciplined enough to not have any crisps (and very little chocolate) for this month. Here a couple of photos taken this month on camera- most photos were taken on phone, I will research this another time. One shows my lovely seals, one is Tavis returning (again) without a pint for me from bar, and the other is a pretty photo from Glasgow, on the Great Western Road,  a craft beer heaven..

Cowzilla

June ended and July started for me in Ulverston, a place I've now been twice, and it was a good week. Didn't use the car much while there, probably because the exploration of the local pubs took priority. While there the Euro 2016 was on and we watched a few games in the local pubs, My partner did not endear herself to the locals when she loudly celebrated Iceland's winner against England however! The week was good, though the weather wasn't up to much, a familiar story In July unfortunately.

 I decided I was a lard arse so went 3 runs this month, one to the ruin along the coast and back, another two around Kinghorn for about 20 mins, not a lot but every little helps. Perhaps if I hadn't been drinking ale most days it would also have helped. There is always August! Walking wise, I went along the coast to Kirkcaldy a couple of times, but I feel I really need to get some serious walking done, with that in mind I'm certainly thinking of new boots and a new waterproof jacket. These items are likely to cost a lot if you want quality, but you get what you pay for. I will go to Edinburgh to peruse the shops and , hopefully, go to a fringe festival show or two during August. I do like a trip or two to Edinburgh and a craft beer or two..

At work it's been hectic with booking for 2017 - and a new database- the merchants of doom are predicting things will go pear shaped, if they do, they do. I am not concerning myself with it, my supervisory duties are ok, though it's hardly a dream job. Just glad I don't need to travel to Edinburgh every day. Oh, think I've fallen out with my neighbour again, yes it's the seagull feeding again..seems it's more important to her than good neighbourliness. Oh well..things never change..

 Here are a few recent picures, one of cowzilla that was taken on the Ulverston to Coniston leg of the Cumbrian Way (we unfortunately forgot the guidebook and got lost), one is of a swan family on the canal in Ulverston, the last is of a bird-eating predator in my garden, some kind of hawk that has eaten a lot recently, shame it doesn't eat seagulls too :-)

Brexit bummer

Well that was either the best, or most stupid, thing we've done, it's all Brexit Brexit Brexit at the moment and I do not have a good feeling. Sure, on the plus side it's two fingers up to the old political elites and to Merkel, but there could be consequences, the economy for starters could be damaged, we'll see how things develop.  Of course in Scotland, which voted remain, there is the shadow of yet another referendum by that horrible woman Sturgeon and her lemming-like followers. Maybe I need to emigrate somewhere, am sick to the back teeth of all these constitutional questions when real bread and butter issues get ignored. Baaaah politics, it's in my head and I can't get it out. Need a holiday, and thank god I'm off today for a few days in the Brexit heartland of Cumbria, I'll try to avoid political discussions while there.

Got car serviced at start of month so hopefully there will be no breakdowns while driving south, unlike the time a couple of years back when my old car conked out in the middle of nowhere in the Highlands.  I think the car died under the weight of Clemens' belly to be honest. Work has been stressful this month as we are getting a new database, I want to forget all about that too for a few days. At least I wasn't totally lazy this month, even ran out to Black Rock and back, also walked to Kirkcaldy once or twice, last time I even met up with old seadog Tavis, who is now retired, or unemployed, take your pick.  Have to rush now because I want to be down south in time for the Wales v Northern Ireland game in the Euros. I want both to win, but hope England get put out against Iceland in the coming days, should be interesting watching that one in an English pub!!

The picture shows Tavis returning from the bar without a pint for me, he hasn't changed much..

Two trips and two colds too

Been suffering this month, firstly horrible man flu that I picked up in Germany, first felt bad in Potsdam the morning after visiting a wine festival nearby, I thought it was just overindulgence, but was ill for two weeks afterwards, even had to take sick days from work, most unusual for me. Then, after a wee weekend in Belfast, I got another cold, though this one doesn't feel quite as bad. Also I pulled a muscle in my leg that had me limping about for 2 or 3 days, I guess I'm getting old.

Anyway, I'm not one for complaining, so it's onwards and upwards. Been using my new phone, downloading apps etc, basically doing things others have been doing for years. Not quite able to transfer photos to my PC though, I'll work it out I'm sure, so don't know if I'll be able to upload any photos from this month, did take a few with camera, but I had issues last month uploading photos too.

The trip to Germany went ok, weather was really hot though, I always take the gorgeous weather with me, though never take it back to Scotland! The wee trip to Belfast was just Saturday morning to Sunday evening, was good, though the tour to Giant's Causeway was booked out, I did have to choose a bank holiday weekend! Anyway, gives me an excuse to go back.  Did two tours of the city, as well as the Crumlin Gaol tour which was good.

Certainly did a lot of walking, the pedometer on my new phone tells me I walked 172 kilometres this month, not bad at all and a large chunk would have been in Berlin, including one long walk from deep in East Berlin into the Tiergarten on a hot sunny day.  No running though, was too ill, and lazy for that, also been downing too many pints of late, I'll have to become more disciplined.

Panic packer

In a last minute panic as I've yet to pack and am heading to airport in an hour, had planned to be really organised, but, alas, the effects of last night in the pub prevented that. At least I've found my passport, that's the main thing. Will be good to get away for a few days, it's been a while!

The month started off quite energetically with a long walk from Kinghorn to North Queensferry, stayed the night in the Ferrybridge Hotel - not a place i'll be rushing back to- before walking back to Aberdour. Was quite a nice day or two, the daffodils were out too.

The weekend after we went to South Queensferry- walked there over bridge from Inverkeithing, placed lots of bets on the Grand National, but did not pick the winner unfortunately. So not been totally lazy this month, though can't help feeling my shifts at work interfere with my work/life balance..still, the way things are going I might not to worry too long about that, the new company owners are changing database, they really seem to have no idea, hey ho.

Managed a run to Black Rock on Monday too, the only run of the month though..can't upload photos!! Will do so later loyal reader.

Rotten lazy lardarse

Finally got around to downloading Windows 10, had a pop up constantly telling me to do so, was concerned some games wouldn't work, but they do so all is good.

Been a lazy bastard all month, apart from a walk from Lower Largo to Elie and 2 walks to Kirkcaldy and back, I've done not a lot at all, have written off the month as I adjust to things. Spent a couple of nights at the Crusoe Hotel in Lower Largo at beginning of month, would not rush back, was ripped off. Shame the Lundin Links Hotel is closed, was a favourite of mine. The walk to Elie was ok, but we decided not to do the chain walk as felt a bit fragile after the night before. Visited St Andrews too - the pubs of course.. Do have long walks planned for Friday and Saturday, so April should herald a new lifestyle..

Think my new hours at work affect my motivation to go to gym, go running etc. It's probably been about 6 months since my last run to Seafield and back, this will have to change (writes he with a Polish beer in his hand).  Been the pub's best customer this month too, at least Johnny was pleased.

Anything of excitement? Not much, was nice to have a few visitors recently, but they went a few weeks ago now. Booked a trip to Belfast on a whim the other night, is a while until then though. Got a quote to have the flat painted too, a lot of money, but it needs it, will decide soon. Got an eye test done, gave Davy from pub my prescription and await new specs for driving etc soon. Vaguely remember a trip to Edinburgh this month too, the pubs included Cloisters and the Guildford Arms I'm sure..

 I must clear the 4 week old debris from the floor of this living room, help! Why can't I ever get started? Why do I always put things off? I hope I have more interesting adventures to write about next month.