Gorgeous damp bitch

Not been a nice month for weather, that's for sure. Almost feels like summer didn't really arrive at all. They may have had nice weather down south for Wimbledon, but the Open at St Andrews was affected by the wind and rain that never seemed to leave Fife for long.

The month though was dominated by my doggie niece Ember, I looked after her at mine for about 3 weeks as Kath was over in France. Oh the fun we had going out in the pouring rain and howling wind, oh the gorgeous mornings walking for miles rather than staying in my bed..I liked it to be honest, gave me some discipline, and this is a nice place to be a dog owner, because the coastal path and various beaches are nearby. Almost every walk however the dog insisted on swimming in the sea, arriving wet back at the flat and insisting on a rub down with a towel- no joke. Once I forgot the towel and she tried to dry herself with it! Managed 3 walks along to Aberdour with her- the Cedar Inn has reopened so that was our first port of call, then got train back.

Been working most days this month too, did a long 9-8 shift yesterday, but have today off. I've been getting things done today to be honest, cut the grass for the first time in 4 weeks, put a washing on, did the washing up, my plans to hoover have been ditched however, I just canne be bothered. I've worked back the hours that I owe the company now, but will still do a couple of long shifts to accrue an extra holiday or two. Talking of holiday, I've even booked a flight for December, the christmas markets in Germany are beckoning me.

Not done much travelling this month, obviously no runs either because of the dog, did go to Edinburgh for a few craft ales last weekend though. Started in the Guildford Arms, then Taproom, then Potting Shed, Ushers, then a german beer in the Brauhaus.

Hope August has better weather as I've a couple of long weekends next month. 

Hanging crafty bridge

Wimbledon has started and July is almost upon us, I do like July, not only Wimbledon, the Open golf is on too, and this year it's in St Andrews. Unfortunately I will not be going personally to the Open - my mum certainly would have wanted to had she been here- but, I'll be glued to the TV for sure, the second last time it will be on free TV, a total disgrace if you ask me.

The month has been quite pleasant actually, though only 7 days of it were work-free. On at least a couple of occassions I went in extra to work hours back - something I hate, but I've almost paid all hours back now. I'm better off than some who still have dozens to pay back before the end of the year. The working back of hours is the worst thing about my present job, though it does mean there is more time off to be had in the gorgeously sunny months (in Oz maybe..) of October, November and December.

With not a lot of time off I did not do a lot of exciting things, went running only three times- two long ones in reasonable times- and made one visit to the gym. Things are sure to pick up as I actually seem to like running, it's just that my private race track along to Kirkcaldy seems to have too many people and dogs on it if I go during the day, hence I like to go early in the morning- but not if I start early, cos I don't want to be knackered at work. I've an excuse for everything I suppose, even the tides have been against my runs to the Black Rock this month!

Work is going ok, the work/life balance is not bad. I like forgetting everything when away from work, and I'm quite successful doing it. Haven't seen much of my family this month, though did see brother-in-law John and spoke to my sister Kath. They are off to France on Friday so the gorgeous Ember shall be coming back to mine for a few days, enjoyed having her here at xmas so I did, though it says something about your home when you have to tidy for a dog arriving!. Shame I don't have all the days off, but there you go.

Was in Edinburgh at the weekend with Trix- my only complete weekend off this month- did a craft beer pub crawl starting in Holyrood 9a, then it was on to the Potting Shed, then Ushers, the Brauhaus, then the Hanging Bat where Gordon and Annie met us, my memories are vague at that stage though, some of those craft beers are deadly! Woke up back home thank god!

During the only walk, rather than run, I did to Kirkcaldy this month, I decided to explore about a bit, I saw a photo on a kinghorn facebook forum that reminded me that 30 years or so there was at least one bridge between Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn..well I found one of the bridges, still in excellent condition- the path is in a completely different position now. Good place for barbecueing should the weather remain good!

Obrigado

After having a few logging in problems, probably related to a bottle of lovely Glenfarclas that I bought on a ferry to Holland, everything now seems ok.

The month started in Portugal where the weather didn't start of too great, but things got warmer and warmer as the week went on. Managed a trip to Gibraltar, but the coach trip there and back was a bit of a disaster, took bloody ages so it did. Other than that trip, didn't do much, just spent lazy days walking about, drinking cold beer and even swimming in the ocean, was cold but the secret is just to rush in.

Arrived home on a Sunday, then next day it was down to Newcastle for the overnight ferry to Holland got the trip free through work and the ferry was very nice, plenty to do on board, cabin was nice and there were bargains to be had in the duty free! Arrived Tuesday morning on the continent and then it was only a short drive to the destination. Spent 4 nights there, one alone as you know who was away collecting stuff in the car in Germany. Nice theme park there too, very popular with families. Missed the election while over there so that was good!

Been back at work now for a week and a bit, it's as if i've never been away, Tomorrow I am doing a long shift, but I have Friday, Sat and Sunday off, so can't complain.

Not been running for about a month now, how lazy is that? Well, there will be more opportunity now the weather is getting better.

Electoral dysfunction

Still a week to go of this month, weather has been really nice on the Fife coast, though the weekend looks less warm, not that I'll care as I'll be off on the first of two trips - with just a night at home inbetween- on Saturday.

A bit of sunshine is needed so am off to the same place I was almost exactly 2 years ago, not long after my mum passed away. Going to somewhere you know does have advantages and you know mostly what to expect. Hence I update now rather than later.

Will be glad to be away when the election takes place, the rise of the SNP is everywhere to be seen, is similar to rise of fascism in the past- if you're against, you're not "Scottish" according to the uneducated SNP voter base. I was offered a mini-saltire (scottish flag) by some activists today- as if they owned the flag! - I have voted SNP in the past, but will certainly not be doing so again, am a unionist at heart after all,  the lacklustre "No" campaign last year has a lot to answer for.  

This month I have done 4 runs, two of them of the longer variety to Seafield harbour and back, at least I'm in a lazy routine, I don't want to be obsessed, just do enough to keep reasonably fit. No gym visits, but the weather has been too good recently. Cut the grass a couple of hours ago, second time this month, I say "grass" but it's mostly weeds and moss!

Had a bit of drama last weekend taking Bea to hospital after she was in bad pain, spent Sunday all day in hospital,  actually she got out Monday and is enjoying  a few days off before her holidays start..

I actually got round to ordering some beers online this month, it's been a while. I ordered a mixed case of all my old favourites, with a couple of newbies thrown in.

So, am off to work tomorrow, then jetting off for a few days before coming back for a night, then Europe by ferry for a few days.. will see how things go.

Sad news yesterday, old Jimmy from the Auld Hoose has passed away, a character indeed.

Walking gappy critic

Started things off by walking Dalmeny into Edinburgh along a stretch of the John Muir Way, took a bit longer than I'd expected, went passed Dalmeny House, then passed many a mansion in rich areas of the capital, I believe JK Rowling owned one of them, before succumbing to hunger and thirst and heading to the nearest pub. Ended up getting a bus to the centre and extravagantly spending almost £50 on a bottle of malt I hardly needed..still, it was a nice one.

The following weekend my front tooth fell out, it felt a bit loose at work on the Friday, then it fell out in the Auld Hoose later that evening - direct into a pint of London Pride. Had to wait until Monday afternoon to get it put back in, alas this can happen to anyone with crowns and it would have been worse had ai swallowed it! Have not been biting into any apples- or similar- since then.

My fitness regime continues, though to be honest I'm a lazy bastard, I mean 3 runs this month, one gym visit and a couple of long walks aren't a lot. Still the latest walk was quite nice, along the coast to Dysart and back..well I say nice, the walk was, but Dysart is a bit of an eyesore. Yes, my opinionated criticism of modern architecture continues, just how some buildings got planning permission I just don't know, the whole planning department could be replaced by the monkeys at Edinburgh Zoo, they couldn't do any worse.

Am on backshift this week so will be leaving for work soon, I knew I'd forget this later so I speedily update now. I really feel I need a bit of sunshine, only a few weeks to go until a couple of trips one directly after the other, canne wait.

 Here is a photo of me in front of Dalmeny House, the slipway where, in olden days, ships used to be launched at Kinghorn (had to clamber over rocks for this one), now it's a caravan park not far from where I stay, the last photo is Seafield Tower, I sometimes like to run along the coast to here, then back..the return part is draining as there is a long uphill stretch.

Unlimited tired vulcan mourner

The month may still have a day to go, but I'll update now because tomorrow may involve a lot of walking, and I might be too tired to update. Then again, I'm tired now, bloody knackered. Was in the gym a couple of hours ago, then had a couple of pints in the local before heading home to some nice fish I bought earlier today. Am now partaking of a rather ordinary cabernet sauvignon while listening to old 80s hits.

February may be the shortest month, but it has lasted seemingly ages, kept my discipline to an extent by going 3 major runs, also took Ember the dog from here along to the Hillend Tavern, maybe about 10 miles, maybe less. Anyway, am doing at least a little bit to keep fit. Plan a long walk tomorrow, a part of the John Muir Way into Edinburgh, we'll see.

Have been trying to save a bit of money by changing gas/electric company, also now have unlimited internet, about time, got a quite good deal on it considering my area doesn't yet get the very best deals. Well, saving money won't be what I remember from this month, rather I'll remember all the money I paid for a wee holiday in the sun, well it's good to have something to look forward to. Still a couple of months to go until then though. Someone at work is going to be in the same resort at the same time! A coincidence, let's see if we manage to avoid each other ha ha. I also plan a wee trip to Holland via ferry for a couple of days directly afterward, I hopefully can get that one bankrolled by work, I hope so anyway.

Talking of money, the car park at my bit needs serious work done, and I could be facing a 2K bill or more, in fact all 11 households here will face this, just had a lively discussion with a neighbour about this, my legal obligation is unclear so this is a complication I can live without. My father should have no worries though as 140 has been sold, my childhood home gone forever.

Just heard Spock has died, I know someone who is devastated by this news, is sad, but actors I always think live on forever, they themselves may be dead, but they live on through their work in a way ordinary mortals don't. As for my films this month? I have been working my way steadily through my Columbo collection starring the late Peter Falk, am already on season 9, excellent stuff. Soon I can start on Starsky and Hutch and Wonder Woman...70s timewarp I know..that's me though.

Here are a few photos taken this month. Two are from a walk with Ember to Hillend, one is a Monkey Puzzle tree in Burntisland that unfortunately will have to be felled soon, I remember it well from my childhood (seems trees and Burntisland don't mix these days) but this time a criminal isn't responsible.. the other photo is from the 3 Bridges in South Queensferry, they recently changed their name from the 2 Bridges, for obvious reasons... until next time peeps.

Lazy holiday dreamer

I would like to say I had many adventures this month, but Januarys are rarely like that, are they? Well, for me they are, though as a student I sometimes went on holiday in January as the term didn't start until February..those were the days, not that I'm sentimental about those days, nor about most things these days, it's most unlike me.

It was my birthday yesterday, was low key, was at work until 4 then came home via Aldi (for whisky obviously) then went to the pub for a pint before enjoying a fillet steak with Bea in The Ship. I normally state how ancient I feel, but perhaps I should view things differently, afterall a hundred years ago I could have been in the trenches of the First World War so you've got to put things in perspective.

Have been letting my fitness regime get lax this month, one run and one gym visit (two days ago) that exhausted me completely. I really have to get myself into more of a routine, but in my defence it has been cold recently. Have today off, but am working overtime Saturday and Sunday. I think a proper weekend is called for, this day off here and there without two days in a row is a royal pain in the ass. Talking of weather it always seems when I've decided to have a lazy day, doing washing, tidying, surfing etc, that the sun decides to come out and shine directly into my eyes, so I always have to close the blinds on a nice day.

Wathched a few classic movies this month - Rebecca (1940), The Awful Truth (1937), Goodfellas (1990) , David Copperfield (1935) spring to mind, but there were probably more, I do enjoy my film mornings if I have a back shift, so maybe I'll be watching more next week. Might even watch an old Cary Grant film right now..

Anything else this month will be remembered for? Not really, my mind turns slowly to holidays, my planned week off in March looks unlikely now as Bea cannot get time off, might have to wait to April-May, though hopefully a few long weekends will happen soon. I quite fancy the highlnds once the snow goes.  Did not take any photos this month- until yesterday, when out on my birthday night, here is one of me in the Auld Hoose...a photo I also posted to Facebook to thank those who took the time to send me birthday wishes, until next month!

Mulled wine drinking Ember host

Had quite a few days off this month, but I didn't do any running, instead I did a lot of walking with Ember the dog. Ember was left in my tender care for 8 days over Christmas and she was fine, she especially loved running into the sea, so quite often she returned from walks soaking wet.. she also loved mud..the flat is still recovering from her visit. She is a real cutey for sure and made herself at home while here.

Managed a trip a week before xmas to Berlin too, three of the nights were spent in the H2 hotel near Alexander Platz, was a nice place I have to say. Did a lot of the traditional mulled wine drinking at the various christmas markets, visited the GDR museum, also went to Potsdam to visit one of my favourite pubs, ended up playing darts there for most of the evening.

Won a bottle of white wine and a bottle of port (that I hardly drink) in the pub raffle on the 25th, then it was off along the road to Fay and Richard's place for a great meal, obviously the dog came too and unselfishly did some business on the host's carpet ha ha. After the meal we played some funny card game from Germany, was good and memories of leaving are a bit hazy, though I must have been down beach with dog afterward judging by the sand all over carpet.

It's Hogmanay tonight and the plan is to meet up in the local pub and have a few drinkies. Left work at 12 today and thought I'd look into a supermarket for a bottle of champagne or similar, was unbelievably busy though! Never seen it so manic, it's not as if the shops won't be open tomorrow..oh well, come on 2015 let's be having you.

Have a great new year!

Stunning cleavage...

Just back from Edinburgh, went there yesterday to meet up with Richard and Fay, and Annie and Gordon. Was a good afternoon and night, had pizza in Grassmarket before hitting the pubs, spent the night in Edinburgh Colinton (with A & G)

before heading back into the centre today for mulled wine drinking duties at the xmas market there.

Polished off the weekend by having a pint in the Auld Hoose, was a nice, but expensive, weekend. Didn't start xmas shopping, I don't have a lot of people to buy presents for but I got a couple of ideas while looking in on the shops today.

Didn't do too much out of the ordinary this month, work has been quiet, had a few days off, but plans to do a major clean up of the flat did not materialise. New car is going well but I need to clean it more often, the way I drive to work, using roads that tractors use, is sure making the paintwork and wheels muddy.  Went running along the coast only 3 times this month, twice this week though, it's better when my shifts start in the afternoon, I don't want to be going running in the dark hours of the morning then go to work for a 9am start, too lazy for that!

Here a few photos taken over the last few days - actually all but one taken yesterday. Gordon posing next to the best cleavage in Edinburgh is a nice one..that was the Brauhaus in Tollcross, one of many establishments we visited yesterday evening..! The other photos were taken in the Blue Blazer, the Hanging Bat, and the xmas market.

Expensive

Have been experiencing a financial holocaust since my trip to the Highlands, I already told you the main points, however more work was needed to get my Suzuki through the MOT, been throwing good money after bad. So I got myself a new car, a 2014 model, should do me for a few years as it's covered by warranty for many years. I love the thing, I can plug a stick into the USB and off I go listening to my entire music collection, certainly a step up from the cars I've had up until now.

Went down to Devon in south west England last week, flew down to Exeter and hired a car, was good to rediscover the area. Even visited Agatha Chritie's house, very interesting. The ales also tasted good, especially Jail Ale. Holidays go very quickly however so before I was back at work before I knew it.

I thought I'd done loads this month, I probably have, but I cannot think of much just now. My early morning runs continue, although not very many this month. I prefer back shifts (starting 2pm or so) rather than 9am starts now, but shifts will change each week as before next year.

Has been an expensive month but this happens from time to time, looking forward to the Spooky Walk (in aid of the RNLI) through Kinghorn tomorrow night, it's now a tradition for me.

Here are photos of my new car (blurred I'm afraid), a steamer going down the river Dart, a statue of King Billy in Brixham (where he arrived in England in 1688, why the Ulster rather than English flag?) and Agatha Christie's house at Greenway. Agatha's house was great, a few of her novels are set in the area. Saw a lot more of course, maybe I'll update you later, until November!

Relieved Island hopper

Well, that's September almost over, a month of mostly nice weather, happy and stressful days and a wee holiday.  Of course the referendum was a major part of this month (and endless months before), but at last it's over. The No campaign rescued itself in the last few days, but the Yes side getting 45% tells it's own story. The legacy is a divided nation, but maybe things will improve over time. Hopefully there won't be another one any time soon. Saw someone posting that only Yes voters can now song "flower of Scotland", so that's another good reason for a No vote as lyrics are backward looking and the tune sucks, anyway enough politics!

Was on a wee holiday up north to Oban, Mull, Iona, Staffa, Kerrara, Glencoe and Kinlochleven. The trip was nice, but disater struck a few miles from Crianlarich when the engine overheated and almost caught fire (car had been serviced two days previously) so we continued our journey to Oban by train as the car went into a local garage.

Oban was nice, visited the distillery etc, took a boat to Kerrara for a few hours walking on a gorgeous sunny day. Next day we took ferry to Mull, stayed in a place near to Tobermory and explored by bus. Next stop was the tiny Isle of Staffa and Fingal's cave, almost missed the boat back from here, then onto Iona and back to Mull. After collecting my car and paying a massive bill - and the car isn't even totally fixed- we went on to Kinlochleven for the night. Travelled to Glencoe, Crieff and the Hermitage waterfall on the way home. All in all a good trip, but I am licking my financial wounds for sure! Then I get a note from neighbours that they've arranged a painter for outside of building, another £300.. what's money for, eh?

Anyway my travel companions have now departed and things are back to normal, am on backshift today so will have to set off for work any second, here are a few photos..showing Gylen Castle on Kerrera, Dervaig (I was 6 when I was last here) on Mull, the Isle of Staffa, and waterfall at Hermitage, a couple of scallywags can be seen on this one.



 

Bye bye 140 and tree

Writing this one in a bit of a rush as I'm working today and am sure to forget later on when I return. August is now almost over, a month that was not quite as warm as July and the nights are already seeming to get darker quicker. Aye, the nights are fair drawing in so they are.

I'll remember this month for the last visit I made to my childhood home, it's up for sale now so I went along and took a couple of last photos of the place. Coincidentally, this was on the same day that the tree opposite had to be removed (after about 130 years) due to the criminal damage inflicted on it. Already the criminal responsible has an application for shoddy flats in, and the council planning department have stated that the application cannot by refused solely because of the "unauthorised works" carried out! The smell of corruption is in the air, we'll see how things go.

Been busy in the garden this month, got a few quotes for reroofing my shed, then decided to do the job myself. It took an hour or two and the result, though not brilliant, is decent and should hopefully do the job for a while. Was also up a ladder cutting ivy that is again threatening to attach itself to my roof, again the job halted the ivy's progress rather than solved the issue.

Went out running 5 times this month, the usual route along the coast, it's quite a challenge as coming back has a lot of uphill stretches, sometimes I'm going into work, when on backshifts, totally knackered.  Still, I intend carrying on with this, maybe I should run 2 0r 3 times a week, a plan that is unlikely to happen.

Had an appointment with a financial advisor this month too, discussing the future and how much you should save is very depressing to be honest, no wonder many people just put their heads in the sand! I mean we don't even know what currency we'll be using..that brings me on to the referendum..

Not long now and I'll be glad when it's over, provided the result is right. The activists from the Waffen Yes Yes were on the streets of Kinghorn yesterday and probably didn't receive as warm a welcome than in some other areas. The local pub is solidly No, so not too many arguments there. Can only hope people do not gamble with the future, anyway how can you be "independent" when you want to keep the currency and therefore keep fiscal poicy in the hands of a then foreign government? How can any country in the EU be "independent" when half the laws come from Brussels? Oh, don't get me started..bye for now!

Here a few pics, one featuring Ember the dog on a walk to Aberdour. Oh, was also at the Bavarian beer festival in Kirkcaldy a couple of times last week, great beer!

Lonely old clock

Alas my favourite month is almost finished, the World Cup (hurrah, the Argies lost), Wimbledon, the Open championship are all over, with only a day or two left of the Commonwealth Games, that I haven't been following to be honest.

Statistically this month I have been on five runs along the coast, twice to the gym, once to the pool and the dentist, and have cut the grass for the second time today, exciting stuff eh? I have not calculated the times I've been to the work or the pub, but one only narrowly beats the other. This warm weather is to blame, you start off the day with good intentions, but the heat and humidity had me seeking cold refreshment on more than a few occassions. Maybe I'll head to the pub now actually, have tomorrow and Saturday off afterall and the heat in this flat is unbearable- yeah, windows are open. Still, I'll look back and dream of days like this in a month or two!

Was along at my parent's place in Burntisland today, a hallow shell now, uninhabited and no furniture in it, with one exception, a grandfather clock that I've not been able to sell yet. The house is to be placed on the market any day now, so I thought I'd go along and take photos and make a video. Was also shopping in Kirkcaldy and bought many tins of German lentil soup, it's one of the things, other than the beer, that I miss most about Germany. Booked flights to south west England the other night, plan on hiring a car and doing a wee tour of Devon and Cornwall in autumn, not been there since I've been 12 so it's about time. No other trips planned, but I'll be walking for a week in September and have another week off in mid December and I might go abroad then.

Bloody bluebottle is now annoyingly flying about, how come they can find the narrowest way into a room but cannot find the widest exit? Ok peeps, until August, have a cold beer waiting for me!

Here a couple of photos- of a lovely rainbow over Kinghorn, one of the garden of the house I grew up in, and one of the clock (if you want to buy it, let me know!)


PS 30 years tomorrow since I passed my driving test,  I was a talented child and started primary school next day..

Gute Zeiten, schlechte Zeiten

Last day of June already, a month of good and bad.

Started the month over in Edinburgh at the hospital sleep clinic, they wire you up to machines then expect you to hget a normal nicht's sleep. Well, I did sleep a bit as I had a slight hangover from the previous evening but as for results, haven't had any, I guess no news is good news.

Weather has been quite good so took the opportunity for a wee walk along the coast to Crail, then on to St Andrews by bus, was a glorious day and we discovered the new St Andrews brew pub which was nice. Strange place St Andrews, very historical and nice, famous university, but spending 3-4 years as a student there? Wouldn't be too much to do if you don't play golf.

Have continued my running adventures too, last couple of weeks I ran along the coast to Kirkcaldy rather than getting wet feet at the Black Rock. Have no plans to run a marathon, I barely manage doing 40 minutes at the moment, still at least I'm getting exercise. Am also getting exercise clearing my father's house (he now has a smaller one), there are still some items that will be difficult, like an ancient grandfather clock that I inherited from my grandfather. Was even over in Edinburgh at weekend getting an old stamp album from the 1920s valued, unfortunately it will not make me money though. My wee flat has even more stuff in it than normal now, a lot of old family photos etc. Maybe at some point I can get stuff scanned.

One of the negative things happened opposite my parent's house in Burntisland, the ancient tree there has been under threat from a scumbag developer for years, having had no success going the legal route he took a chainsaw to it and damaged it irreversibly (there are photos of him doing it), at time of writing this the tree still stands , but will have to come down due to safety concerns, the end of the tree's 130 years or so. The bastard has been charged, but the tree is sadly doomed. So should he be.
 
My car also conked out on Wednesday on way to work, the front suspension arm broke, due to corrosion, and I blocked a lane of a busy road in Crossgates, still as the mechanic said, had I been doing 70 on motorway I could have been a goner.

Right, am off to watch the world cup games, until July

Here a few photos from this month, two from a nice day, the other two of not so good days.

Round the rugged rock..

..the ragged rascal ran..and indeed I'm just back in after running to the Black Rock and back. Have done this now 3 times this month and my times are gradually improving, can only be done when the tide is out, I wouldn't fancy swimming in the freezing Firth of Forth!

Well the month of May is almost over already, has been not bad, went for a week trip to Germany and visited many places - Heidelberg, Mannheim, Stuttgart, Cottbus, Berlin etc - so one or two days were mostly driving, but was an enjoyable break from the usual routine. The weather was good too, but then I almost always take the good weather with me. Shame the time went so quick, before I knew it I was back at my desk in Dunfermline.

Work is going ok, things are getting busier and I will be doing my last shift until 9pm today, almost all hours I owed the company are paid back, so things are looking up. I don't need to think about work when I'm not there so in that respect it's good. My mind is already wandering to future adventures, have a week off in September and October and plans are afoot for a long walk with one or other of my old German friends, the actual walk is still to be decided but is likely to be in September, around the time of the independence referendum.  Will be glad to see the back of all this referendum crap, the "yes" campaigners were out in force in my wee town (and many others) in the last week or two (what part of "sod off, I'm voting No" do they not understand?). Posters and leaflets from both sides are everywhere too, Goebbels would be impressed, and you can't turn the TV on without the debate raging on, roll on September when it will all be over, hopefully.

On a more positive note the World Cup is soon to start and am looking forward to that, am hoping an underdog will win it, but feel Brazil are hot favourites, I mean which referee would be brave enough to give a penalty against the host nation in the 89th minute? At least it's being played in a football nation and not some middle eastern desert that has no football tradition at all! Sepp Blatter is the Robert Mugabe of the sport and, like Mugabe, is allowed to stay in power despite all the corruption, rant over.

Another piece of good news is the fact that another Bavarian Beer Festival is to be held in Kirkcaldy in August,  was good last time and I still have my silly Bavarian hat to wear, think I'll give the lederhosen morphsuit a miss though..we'll see!

Would have been my mum's birthday today, wonder what she would have thought of my father's plans to sell the house? In a way I see his point, but it will still be sad to see the house I grew up in sold, we'll see what happens over the next month or two.  Here are two pictures from Stuttgart and one with Oli and Clemens in Mannheim.