Sad new fridge owning mourner

That's my favourite month almost over, though I should be glad I made it seeing as the end could come at any time. 

My favourite wee doggy Ember was put down for behavioural reasons a week ago, am devastated as she was my wee star, so intelligent too :-( 

Got a new fridge at start of month, the old one had done over 20 years of beer cooling, so went to a well deserved retirement, the new one is much the same, though the freeze box handle looks as if it could break like it's predecessor. 

The pubs opened again, so my weekly routine has been altered, that Davie Walker is a bad influence! 

Only just made my 200K steps, nothing to be proud of, as it could have been more.

Booked a trip to Newtonmore and to the usual place down south, hopefully can do these before new lockdowns are enforced.

This month also saw the passing of Olivia de Havilland, as anyone who knows me knows, I am an Errol Flynn fan, those swashbucklers from the 30's mean she will never be forgotten.

RIP too to my old Dundee University pal Rex Gatch, who died suddenly and leaves a wife and daughter. I almost met him again in NYC in 2017, but he was on a London trip, was looking forward to the next time, such is life.

Yeah, not very upbeat this month..

Work at my vets emergency place is ok, already pissed someone off with my demands for holidays, it's a part-time position, but weekends are always worked, so tomorrow better not be great weather..

What has happened to blogger? Don't think I have the patience, the photo of Ember was last one I took of her, though not last time I saw her, that was on 21 July at Philip's 21, the photo of the birthday boy is Rhys however Rhys, who turned 17 and has a car now..

Big spending, employed, scrumpy-drinking hoarder

My budgies are going mad, totally loud as hell and Stasi especially is quite destructive, attacking the speakers of my PC and attacking any spare wood she can get her beak on. It's not only in the living room too, she has taken to flying around the flat to find new areas to attack! They were quite quiet when I took the cage out the back garden on a sunny day nearer the start of the month, but normal sevice returned when they were brought back in!

Been another lockdown month, though there are plans for pubs to open in next couple of weeks, don't think it will be the same as before though with many restrictions, any way we will see.

Started a new job a couple of weeks ago, I am actually working tonight, hence I update now. Unfortunately I'm going also to be working all fothcoming weekends too, oh well, get most days during week off however. It will do me for now, will keep an eye out however as the hours do not really suit.

I only just made 200K steps today, not very impressive, too many days were written off with being lazy and/or hungover. We ordered 3 different sorts of scrumpy a couple of weeks back- 3 litre packs- and they went down very well, you don't realize the strength until you wake up on the sofa in the early hours of the morning with a budgie kacking on your head..

Still doing the shopping for my Aunt and cousin, was there today in fact, I don't mind it actually as I do like to go food shopping, though going when hungry is a bad idea. Got myself a nice bottle of Furstenberg for later, though I'll not be opening it until about 11:30

Not much else happened, been cutting my own and my dad's grass, though my cutter almost didn't start last time, hopefully I'll not need a new one.  Bought a new fridge the other day, it arrives on Friday, the one I have has been good and has lasted over 20 years, but the door to the freeze box is now broken, so out with the old and in with the new.

Oh, also got new walking boots, hey big spender, and I have been out in the a couple of times- get a blister on wee toe on the right side, but hopefully that won't be a problem once I break them in. My last pair have lasted 4 years, and I will keep for now as I'm a hoarder. Even still have the boots I bought in 2002, along with countless pairs of other, long since discarded, shoes. Also clothes also seem to be retained forever, really need to have a clear out!!

OK, have to get ready for tonight's shift along in Dunfermline.

The photos are much the same as previous months, as I tend to walk much the same routes, one is with Kath's dog Ember, the other two in-or near-Kinghorn.

Head shaved sunburnt biker

The end of May, sun beating down, warm temeperature and a cold Proper Job IPA in the hand, life isn't too bad. Not been a month with a lot going on, been walking- acheived 300K, but the last few days of the month have been warm and discipline has gone, basically sunbathing and drinking beer and cider! Even had my bike out today, about time as I bought it back in july 2018! It's been littering my bedroom (along with the rusty golf clubs) since then.

I did a lot of my usual walking circuits-usually getting at least 10K a time, and did this about 5 times a week, will bring the routine back tomorrow for the start of June. Cut the grass-both mine and my dad's- a couple of times too. Been kept busy going to supermarket for my Aunt as well, the queue to get in was massive yesterday, hopefully this lockdown shite will soon pass and things will become more normal. I had a flight to Germany booked at start of month, but obviously didn't go, refund still not received, honestly these airlines are shooting themselves in the foot with this.

Got a new phone, wasn't my idea, more my PR assistant, still getting used to it, will also get a newer Samsung fitbit thingy- I like the one I have but the strap broke and it now glued on.

My budgie Stasi was taken to vet a couple of weeks ago, she has something up with ther foot, but the vet just gave painkiller, which the other budgie also seemed to like, the spaced out feathered terrors were even noiser than usual while the stuff lasted. She seems fine now, though tends to lie down rather than sit, well she is over 7 now and no spring chicken.

Glad I had invested in haircutting clippers a couple of years back- been used to extreme effect- likely I will not need to visit any barbers again as I can be sheared at home for free, plus my few strands aren't too hard to cut. Do not expect a picture! Also because I'm like a lobster after all this sun!

Oh well, onwards and upwards eh? The job front isn't too active, though I had an virtual interview yesterday and it seemed to go OK. Here a few photos, as ever I endevour only to post photos taken in the month of the post.

Am away to put soothing cream on my burnt bits..

PS the photo of me holding a beer was from May 1 to celebrate a month of sobriety, unfortunately the celebration then involved several more-and a half bottle of scotch- the last day I tasted whisky. Shame as I have still a bottle waiting patiently in the cupboard, oh well..good things come to those who wait. Never liked that t-shirt, it's breathable but makes me look as if my tits are huge..the union flag was waiving on VE day.

Holier than thou

Last day of a month that didn't exactly whizz by, lockdown is long in place, but I developed a routine of getting up earlyish and going walking-mainly a circuit involving the coast to Burntisland and up the Binn path, Kinghorn Loch etc. I managed a record amount of steps this month- just a fraction over 350K, so have been disciplined, in part helped by the good weather we have been having. Didn't go walking today as it was dreich and I needed to be lazy for a change.

Have also stuck to my intention of not boozing this month, probably the longest I've gone without a libation since I was 17. Was not too difficult to be honest, drank a lot more tea than normal, also some of the alcohol free beers. Think I lost 2kg, would have been more had I not eaten so many biscuits etc. Will probably have a few of the German festival beers I aquired in Lidl this month to celebrate the new month tomorrow, perhaps a wee dram of Deanston 12 year old too, we'll see.

Been watching a lot of Netflix again this month as you would expect, even some dating shows that are not normally my scene. Cut my grass, as well as my dad's too, oh it's a swashbuckling life I am leading, but you've got to take advantage of the nice weather.

Been doing a bit of scanning of old photos- mainly the paternal side of the family, have photo albums going back to the 1920s and will continue to do this going forward. I have sent a few photos to my dad and his brother and sister, some are very old at least one seems to be from the 1880s.

So not a lot to report..been taking shopping up the farm a few times as my aunt is isolating up there. Waiting in queues to get into shops/supermarkets is doing my nut in, hope normality arrives sooner rather than later!

Here a few photos taken this month..Kinghorn Loch that I passed several times this month, a picture of Edinburgh from Kinghorn beach, and the budgies who are loud as hell as I write this.

Viral DNA lockdown

Another last minute rush to meet the deadline, would have updated earlier but was binge watching "Love is blind" and "Suits" on Netflix. I have been watching a lot of TV this month-it's not like there is a lot else to do!

Month started off down in England, went to Harry Potter studios on last day of February, then on first of March we walked about 15 miles round London- Euston-St Pauls- Tower Bridge- along the Thames-Millenium Bridge-Westminster- Buckingham Palace- Trafagar Square- Piccadily Circus- Soho. Life was still normal then..

Lockdown for the virus means all the pubs are now closed-in fact not much is open and there are queues to get into a lot of shops, had to wait 30 minutes to get into Coop today as they only allowed two customers in at any one time.

No pubs! A strange feeling and they won't be opening any time soon, have decided April will be a month of clean living, might save myself a bit of money as well. We'll see. The lockdown of pubs was sudden, so we panic bought a few rounds on the Friday it happened, a lot of people will be missing the social centres that the pubs here are. Owner of the Crown did us a good deal on a large box of craft cider, but this remains unopened for now.

Made my steps target again, a lot of walking to Kirkcaldy before lockdown, then a lot of trips up the loch and the Binn. Have also taken Kath's dogs on occasion as I had time on my hands as the bottom has fallen out of the job market. I did have an interview at a store in Kirkcaldy, but then all the stores were closed, so that sums it up.

Went shopping a couple of times for my Aunt, so am not thinking entirely of myself. Been in touch with her also about family history stuff as my DNA results came back, they also provided lists of relatives who have used the same site-the closest match being a second cousin in Oregon, USA. Am about 88% UK/IRE, with a small amount of French (a relative around the
time of Napoleon), Scandanavian and general north European. Interesting it is!

Here a few photos- one of the queue outside Coop was taken today, the one of me on a train was nearer the start of the month when all was well, those were the days.

Gullible rainbow cow

I update now because am off on a trip to celebrate this significant weekend, I'm sure you don't need me to update you. Another month almost gone, though the next two days of the month should be enjoyable, and I will have no time to update this rather bland and seemingly censcored blog.

Did a lot of walking as usual, as mentioned I was still dog walking for a so-called friend into this month, this is a lesson well learned however as the tight-fisted bastard offered (nor the old woman who housed the dog for a month) not a single penny.  I guess that might be the reason he has a Thai wife, it's her and the dog I feel sorry for, a lesson well learnt as I could have been walking my sister's dogs instead for really free.

The work situation doesn't look good in Fife, maybe need to expand my horizons into the hated (work-wise) Edinburgh eventually, though financially I'm in an enviable position to be honest. Was at interview today for Nationwide building society, more like a Gestapo interrogation, hopefully I'll not get it.

Been keeping the steps up, though I did 18k or so the other day and still have not reached target for the month, this should happen tommorrow, or latest Saturday. It's a leap year and a very special occassion, will spend the glorious day that will forever be remembered near London with Harry Potter, or at least his spiritual home, more later.

The picture of the highland cows was from this morning, a regular early morning walk up the loch and beyond, the next is of Stasi the budgie always inquisitive, unfortunately she seens to have injured her foot again.  The rainbow was taken on one of the many walks into Kirkcaldy, this one in good weather at the start of the month.

Off to do some packing, should take 5 minutes..

Dog walking stress dodger

Last day of the month, Brexit Day too.

Been a good month actually with little or no stress. Been paid in advance for the next few months by my severance payment, so no major rush job-wise, though I did apply for a few and had an interview on my birthday 2 days ago, we'll see how things go.

Been physically active, was at gym 3 or so times, last time I did my back in so have been taking it easy the last few days, seems to be getting better though. Hasn't affected my walking much though, easily made target and have gone many times to Kirkcaldy and back, also a couple of times to Aberdour with Sandy's dog- he's away abroad for a month and I said I'd walk the dog a couple of times a week- she's very well behaved, so no problem. Also had my sister Kath's dog Ember staying with me for a week at start of month, she is lovely, but can get snappy with people she doesn't know approaching her, not a dog to take into the pubs..

My budgies gave us a fright this morning, they had gone on a noctural flight and Stasi ended up injuring her foot (hopefully not serious) while Robbie ended up spending night in a cereal bowl in the sink! Was lucky not to drown as there was water in it. Both are making a recovery, but they will be locked in their cage at night from now on.

Had the ivy in the garden cut back, was needing it, though the people that did it charged hundreds of £, they were here to do Sheena's so I thought I'd go for it, should be the council's responsibility though, so I am expecting a receipt which has not yet arrived.

With regard to the Brexit thing, I don't expect much to change, anyway the EU needs serious reform, they once rejected me for a job with them in Berlin in the 1990s, not bitter though..:-)

Here a few pictures taken this month..shows Megan the dog on top of the Binn on the way to Aberdour, the piepers with their popcorn out watching the ivy getting cut, also a picture of the ivy before my side was cut back.

Canvas no more!

Didn't balls up the interview because I turned up to find the interview had been cancelled, the HR person even printed out the email that she had sent me, though there was a mistake in the address so I hadn't received it obviously.

Next day at my work, wearing a festive xmas jumper, I and everyone else were called into meetings- things were going to change at the behest of the french owners- and some of us are being made redundant. Many of the agents had the choice to remain under new contracts, all but 2 have chosen to go. Lesley and I, the team leads, are also choosing to go, though some staff, including Lesley will stay on into the chaotic month of January.

Been at work this weekend, the last for me at Canvas, and am in tomorrow and Tuesday, then I can think about the future and losing the 5kg I need to. Yes, my challenge is to get back into the gym going thing and stop being a bloater. Less stress will certainly help, as will the 4 months pay I have received.

What else happened?  Well, I have made my 200K steps target today, helped in part by a long almost 4 hour walk along to Leven, spent the night there in the Caledonian Hotel, then walked back again, well, almost, was pissing down, so bus was taken from Kirkcaldy to here :-).

Also went to the panto Jack and the Beanstalk at the Adam Smith Theatre, was good, this panto thing has become a bit of a tradition with us.

A new year approaches and-not for the first time- I say the years just fly by, maybe that is because you are not doing what makes you happy, those that have jobs they love are to be envied.

Anyway a lot of change ahead, all the best dear reader!

Here a few photos..one is form the mysterious Wemyss Castle (checked spelling) that I would like a tour of , where Mary Queen of Scots first met Lord Darnley after being introduced by me in 1565, would like to see if things have changed.. this was taken on the walk from Kinghorn to Leven. The other photos are from the panto and from the entrance to Balwearie High School- first time I passed there in 30 odd years, nothing had changed.

 See you on the other side..

Almost forgot..

Here I am at the end of another month, was at work today, must admit I almost forgot this, not that I have an incredible amount to say.

Month started off with the spooky walk through Kinghorn (even though it was after halloween), and it was a struggle really to met my steps target- that I did, but only just.

Feelings about leaving my job have dominated my thinking this month, and of course several before, I think you get to the point that you just have to do it. Anyway, have interview on Wednesday with a company just over the road, though I might balls it up so there you go.

Ulverston was, of course, visited again, it's a tradition. Might have to move there if the Snazis have their way..f*** the SNP.

The new photo is me at the end of the canal.

Did I mention I hate my job?

Med exploring man flu victim

Unlike last month when I hardly took a photo, this month I am spoiled for choice. It's been a month when many new places were vistited, and I had a lot of days off.

Headed to Southampton early in the month, spent night in the Flying Dutchaman before catching the Ventura for a 14 night cruise of the Med.

Went to Cadiz, Barcelona, Pisa, Rome, Cartagena and Gibraltar. Was very nice, and the time went very quickly! Was actually quite disciplined, was not up too late most nights, as my lack of energy meant early nights. Even the 80-odd year olds we met at dinner were up later than me! It's an issue, but not one I want to dwell on now, I just don't sleep very well.

Anyway, the places we visited I had never been to, bar Gibraltar, so it was very interesting, weather was kind too.

Before I knew it, was back and going to work, but only for a few days, then I got ill and have been off work all this week, the dreaded lurgy got me, and it went to the lungs so I have antibiotics to take, will go back to work on Saturday. As for work, it's not looking good, many people leaving, including the Dutch and Germans, I myself have decided to go, even applied for a job, though I was obviously overqualified. Got to get out sometime though!

Seeing as the month was quite active I might have been expected to write more, but I am not inspired at the moment. Met my steps target (the gym on the ship helped) easily. Doing the spooky walk on Saturday, it's been a while, hope it's good!

I see there will be an election soon, no doubt I will see plenty of flag-waving, face-painted Anglophobes out and about for the next few weeks..

Here a few photos- of Barcelona (me waving), Rome, Pisa and Gibraltar, you would never guess which was which! Also one of me in a smart suit, a rare sight, suitable for Halloween..!

Lampless holiday seeker

Just what have I done this month? Not much it would seem, only took a couple of photos during my wanderings around Kinghorn in my successful quest to meet my steps target. Actually I think the fitbit had a bit of a glitch and awarded me 50K more steps than I did, but apart from the last week I did walk quite regularly. As mentioned I walked a lot aroung the Loch, less so to Kirkcaldy, and a lot between Inverkeithing and Rosyth.

Think I went to Edinburgh once this month, also a trip to central Dunfermline to buy stuff for the holiday that's due to stsrt very soon. Ah yes, the holiday, I can't wait to get away for a couple of weeks, will be going to a few places I've never been to, including Barcelona and Rome. It all kicks off this coming weekend, bring it on.

Still have two lamps in the bathroom out, seems impossible to find a replacement and the guy who did bathroom is a twat who does not reply to any communication, will sort something out hopefully soon, otherwise it will be showering by candlelight..

Will be good to get away from my workplace, this month has been bearable as we have not been so busy, but I really am thinking about applying for a another, any, job. Seems a few at work feel the same as Kara has just left and Martina has just resigned. I can think about things in the coming weeks, but finally the penny has dropped, it's going to be a nightmare, especially for a supervisor from the new year.

Ok, have a glass of red wine to drink so I'll sign off here. Well done to BePo for going the whole month booze-free, it's been hell..for me.

One photo is of Kinghorn Loch on a regular morning stroll (for steps!) when on backshift, was a lovely day. The other is of the seals on a walk along to Kirkcaldy, not such a nice day then.

See you in October!

Last of the summer whine

What a crap summer for weather it has been!

The last day in August and just back from Edinburgh, instead of pub to pub it was shop to shop to buy exciting things like knickers and walking trousers etc. Had meant to go last weekend, but train was so packed with rugby and festival goers that we got off in Aberdour and had a couple of drinks and a meal there.

Month started off down in Yorkshire, in Holmfirth, setting for the BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine, the drive down was in torrential rain, spray on the motorway was everywhere and it rained the whole week, bar about one day, still it was a good trip and even went to Huddersfield a couple of times to attend the food and drink festival near the station, was good. Obviously a few sites made famous by the comedy series were visited, including Sid's Cafe and the graves of the actors who played Compo and Clegg. Did do a bit of walking between rain showers and the best pub- The Nook- was visited several times.The way back north lasted hours longer than itg should have, the M6 was closed between junction 36 and 39 due to some arse driving the wrong way down the road! The sat nav sent us-and thousands of other cars- down country lanes, took ages to get home.

Work has been stressful, but we are now coming to the end of high season, please shoot me if I have not left the company before another high season arrives, life is too short really. The new office is good however and I get quite a few steps walking in from Inverkeithing station when on backshift, there's even a new Gregg's to visit when on early shift, so that part is OK.

Managed to cut the whole grass, also my father's, for the first time since early July the other day, it's been raining most days afterall, raining so heavily that the coastal path to Kirkcaldy was closed, hence I've not been that way for seemingly ages, most unusual for me, still my walking circuit up the loch and golf course kept me on target.

A letter arrived from from a certain very young lady called Levinia today, strange experience these days, when's the last time someone brought you news via letter? Life has indeed changed a lot in the last 15 years or so, am getting old. I was a late convert to smart phones and the apps etc, but now going around without access to the internet? No thanks. Crivens, going in to a new pub the first thing i tend to do is try to access the wi-fi! Been getting more addicted than ever to games on the tablet too- has been June's Journey and Song Pop 2 for ages now, but noew Townville has hooked me! Will be glad to have a digital detox for a couple of weeks in October (will let you know).

Here a few photos, Nora Batty's steps in a couple (those of a certain age will know), a nice view of Holmfirth fromthe cottage and a stream I walked along on a walk on the last day. The stunning cleavage was at the food and drink festival in Huddersfield, we even met a former footballer there who assured us he was well known in the area.

A mad rushed horny mystery

I might get round to updating before end of month, but I'm off down south for a week tomorrow and I probably will get all in a tiz about passwords etc.

July is normally my favourite month- there is Wimbledon, the British Open golf etc, and that's all good, though I was ill with the man flu for a good few days in the middle of this month. I never complain though, I just battle on.

Just had a chinese from the local shop here in Kinghorn and it was rank, last time I go there, there has been a change in ownership and standards it would seem. Hopefully not got myself another food poisoning to rival the one I had at this time last year!

Other than walking the usual stretches- smashing the 200000 steps barrier yet again- it's not been a month when I got up to too much.

Mention must be made of former PKI colleague Ann Boonen who died last year, I only found out via her Facebook page yesterday morning, she was a rare woman, one that not only understood, but seemed to like my humour :-(   rip

Been watching a lot of DVDs, one of the reasons is the place we are going to, the setting for a long-running comedy. Anyway, it's humid as bloody hell in here, so that's the update for now.

A photo of me at the beach with my favourite lovely hat, a couple of  horny highland cows, and a mysterious ruin on the back route between Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy, taken on one of new walking circuits. Wonder what history these walls witnessed..

Bonus dog walker

Last day of June and the nights are fair drawing in..

Been a pretty stressful month at my beloved workplace, the place I've been moaning about for years on this platform, god knows why I haven't done something about it as tomorrow is the start of another week in hell for your friendly neighbourhood supervisor!

Having an early night tonight, been overdoing things in an effort to releave stress, which isn't always a good idea. At least I managed the step target yet again, though it took me until yesterday to do so. This was due to a lot of wanderings along coast and a circuit up the loch and the Binn that i've taken to doing. Been a few nice mornings recently so it's a good start to the day on days I'm starting later at work.

Will probably have to think about updating a day or two before month ends as I always forget stuff if leaving to last minute.

Been in the Crown as much as Auld Hoose this month as the Crown makes an effort. On Friday I walked from my workplace to Hillend Tavern, then got picked up and dropped off at the Crown, a few drinks before tea became a few drinks instead of tea, so suffered a bit the next day. Still, won the bonus ball in the Crown a week ago- £59- so not bad. The Auld hoose has a closed shop bonus ball so another reason I'm going off the place.

Walked Kath's dogs twice this month to Aberdour, both days were great weather, Ember is so much smarter than Shadow!

Here a few photos taken this month..the Black Rock Five running race starts near my front door..

Loch wanderer

Almost forgot this update, am tired after working last 6 days, and am in again tomorrow. Have Sunday off, but have to get up very early anyway to run a certain someone to the airport. Car is due it's service/MOT on Monday, but am unsure if the garage will pick car up as arranged, we'll see.

Am working Monday to Friday next week on early shift, then a 3 day weekend that I am certainly in need of.

Been an unremarkable month, made my steps target again, but less so by walking coast to Kirkcaldy, went different places like Kinghorn Loch and a circuit up near the Binn. Also walked a lot from Inverkeithing station to my new office near Rosyth station, the office is not bad really, but there are no shops nearby, better for driving home at night though and handy for trains.

Didn't realy go anywhere that I can remember this month, been heading more often to the Crown rather than the Auld Hoose recently, chiefly because the Crown makes more effort with the beer they sell, was there today too for a couple where I met Davie Baxter and his wife.

Stuffed myself with a chinese, so feeling a bit tired now, won't stay up long as I get up around 6 tomorrow.

Maybe I'll have more to report next month!

Photos show the Kissing Trees, some geese at the loch and Davie in usual pose.

Whitby and dog walkies

Well, that's April almost over then, started the month down in North Yorkshire in the nice wee town of Whitby, famous for it's fish n chips, ice cream and connections to Dracula and Captain Cook. Was nice, walked to Robin Hood's Bay one day and on another I walked alone to Staithes, a good 4 hours or so, for a well-earned meal in the Cod and Lobster pub.

There were plenty of pubs down there, so enjoyed myself, also managed a trip to Scarbourgh and visited the castle there, don't think I'd been there since 1977...as a tiny baby of course..

It's always the case though that a week off work flies by, so before we knew it it was back to the train back home (which took quite a while by the way).

The weekend after I got Shadow and Ember to look after for a couple of days, they dragged me to Aberdour and over the Binn etc, was nice to have them. Have looked after Ember before, but not the two of them together.

Worked the weekend after that, which typically was the warmest weekend of the year, hate working weekends. Less than 2 weeks until we move office, so we'll see what disaters develop..

Walked quite a lot this month so got to about 250,000 steps, which is reasonable, even went one run-around Kinghorn, but that was it, still a bit lazy.

One of the last walks along the coast was last Friday, when I went to the barber and had my strands cut by Pete who first cut my hair back in the aforementioned 1977. He is retiring for good after all these years, hard to believe he won't be in the shop anymore, we've been through thick and thin..hair..together. Anyway I took a photo to mark the occassion.


 Pictures show me with Whitby in background, the town of Staithes at the end of a long walk, the dogs on their way to Aberdour, and Pete the barber.