Cocktail film pussies

Went a short walk up the loch today in order to reach the 200K target, then had a couple of pints in Auld Hoose to celebrate. 

It's been another uneventful month for me personally, though not if you're Ukrainian. 

Went to Edinburgh a couple of times in the last few days, once to watch the new "Death on the Nile" film and the next time to watch Belfast. I would recommend Belfast, a very human story, but not so much the other as the original film with Peter Ustinov filmed in 1977 with quite a few major stars was far superior. 

Life at least is becoming normal, mask still required when entering shops/pubs, but that will soon change, bringing us into line with England who already have abolished restrictions. 

Canne place the photos, but who cares?  Driving me bloody insane, used to be easy. The cats are up the farm, cute wee things who haven't been out yet. The one of me shows a Kinghorn Queen cocktail, a quite lethal brew..

Pre-senile old git

It's not yet the end of the month, I am not yet a year older, but I write this now as I will probably be partying too much south of the border to update there. If you count having a meal and 3 or 4 weak English beers partying..

Heading down to Cumbria tomorrow for 4 nights, will be nice to do some walking (still need 40K before end of the month) and chill.

I was quite ill from about 3 Jan for 3 or 4 days, could not eat or drink anything, most unlike me. However I recovered and all is well now. 

I know I write this chiefly for myself, but sorry, what else do I have to report? Not much, been one of those non-eventful months, didn't even take a lot of photos.

My dad had some bad health news, but I hope he battles on for a while yet.

Think these are the only 2 photos I took this month, shows you that not much was up.

Fucking forgot

 Well I forgot, no excuses, it's just the way it is. Was soberish yesterday too as I had the alarm set for 5am  so I could get to the vets paradise without hetzing.

Made the 200K on the 30th, involved going out and getting soaked a couple of times, but such is life in this neck of the woods. 

Stasi the budgie was at vets for a swelling on her back at start of month, she seems more or less normal now, the budgies must be about 9 years old, got them around June 2013. Robbie the male is still loud as hell, gets on your tits right enough, but used to it. They prefer the summer, but then who doesn't?

Went to bed early last night, was awoken by a huge round of fireworks going off, not great if you've pets or are working early. 

Was at Kath's for a trivial pursuit afternoon a couple of days back, I won, but the questions were about 30 years old, Philip didn't even know what an LP was, well why would he? 

Applied for a couple of jobs and was offered one at Royal London in Edinburgh, however if you advertise the job at Xk a year you don't offer the successful applicant X-7.5 then X-5 after he first refused. Would take more than that to get me to central Edinburgh so turned it down. 

Here a couple of pics from this month, didn't take many, have a good new year!

A rainbow near the Kissing Trees, a start point for my wee runs into Kirkcaldy, also one of me at Grassmarket in Edinburgh, a really shit visit with all pubs full and no entry allowed. 

Ravenscraig rambler

 Last day of November, it;s not really the most loved month is it? Managed my steps total today on last day, had to do a few long ones during month in order to do so as I wasn't venturing out on a lot of the dreich days we've had.

The budgies are making a hellish noise as I write this, really getting on my nerves, strange as they seemed out of sorts this morning and didn't look as if they would venture out. Crivens, had them both for 8 and a half years now! 

Work-wise, just a normal month, with not a lot of work, still my meagere earnings are better than nothing. Have applied for a few jobs this month, had an interview too-at Royal Mail beleive it or not, was thinking walking around would be good for me, but my CV is entirely office based. Strangely enough, while writing this I've just had a call about a job in Edinburgh. What with the birds going mental I could barely hear what they said, however an email will be sent.

Not much happened this month, I am a bit scunnered that I cannot go abroad as it is years since I did, the new varient of covid will no doubt delay things further, still at least the pubs are open here. Hopefully be able to visit the Edinburgh Xmas market the weekend after next (have weekend off) so here's hoping.

Got the shower resealed a few days ago, was leaking again, yeah the shower has caused a few issues these last few years. Oh Alan, your lifestyle is the envy of the masses..

Here a few photos taken this month, one of the sky at night, another in Ravenscraig Park on a long wonder (was there a couple od times, visited the castle also), the late Harbour Bar, one can only hope it will open again. The one of me was taken yesterday, had to do another very long walk so target could be met, the ice and snow has mostly gone since then. 

Aberfoyle Ape

Just back from the rainy trossachs, every day for a week a downpour almost guaranteed.  Was a nice wee break though, the river Forth is but a stream there, a bit larger here in Kinghorn though!  

Stayed in Aberfoyle, was a nice wee flat near the river, then again it's not a big place so you're near everything the village offers.  Just a short 15 min walk away was Go Ape, and the tree top challange was taken on, had booked in advance, which was a good idea as even at this time of year it's a popular place to go. A little nervousness was on display at start, but after the first long zip wire you get into it. I did ok considering my age and frozen shoulder anyway. Hopefully my left arm gets better, if so I must go back, only struggled really at one stage when you swing into a rope mesh, sounds easy, but my arm played up when pulling myself up to the elevated tree. No fear of heights, felt safe, and the zip wires were really long at start and finish, recommended.

What else happened this month? Well, a 3 week non-boozingness finished about the 18th, lost about 2 kg, which no doubt has returned! I got into walk-running, a mix that is only possible of course on non rubbish days. Still going occassionally to vets place but I really need to get myself sorted soon, I am just too young to be retired..

Seems Covid is still doing the rounds here as the Crown has been closed for a few days as almost all staff had it, but it's still OK for COP26 to be held in Glasgow in the middle of pandemic? Lot of shite.

Buckie and the King

Month started off in Buckie, walked to Fochabers in the nice weather, the first leg of the Speyside Way. It took a long time to reach the goal, longer than the guide book suggested. Had a pint or two there before heading with bus back to Buckie. Next day walked along the coast to Cullen, so 50K steps achieved in first 2 days of month! Was nice up there, but the pubs weren't up to much, they only seemed to have Tennent's lager. The 3 night stay at the Marine Hotel went very quickly.

The walking didn't stop there though as we headed to Edinburgh to walk the Waters of Leith the day after arriving back, this was the first of 2 Edinburgh visits this month.

Was only at the vets place a couple of days this month, had holiday to take, though could not take all of them so have lost a bit of entitlement as holiday year starts tomorrow. Back in again at weekend, it's been a while.

Apart from the active start to the month I've been a bit lazy to be honest, not really done as much around the flat that I should have, though cut grass twice and took stuff to the recycling a couple of times too-microwave packed in and needed replaced the second time. In my own defence I have been going walk-runs, basically walking half then running half in an effort to get slim again, have also been off the booze since last weekend to increase the chances of losing a Kg or two. Will see how it goes, though a couple of weeks of non-boozingness should do me no harm. 

Got some time off the end of October, so have booked an apartment not too far from Loch Lomond for a week, it's too much hassle thinking of going abroad. 

Was at quiz a couple of times at Auld Hoose, won the last time! Also at Auld Hoose, Elvis was in the building for a 3 hour concert a couple of weeks ago.

Expensive sore armed Quizzer

 Oh hello!

I update now as tomorrow I am heading north for 3 nights, want to do some recon for the Speyside Way as I intend walking it at some point soon. 

Made the 200K only yesterday, not the most active month, plenty of shorter walks but few massive long ones. Been at the vets place today and the last couple of days, won't be back for 10 days or so, and then only for a couple of days, yeah, not many shifts in September, but still cheated out of 24 hours holiday entitlement. Will probably keep going until just before Xmas, then leave and do something else, no intention of ruining Xmas like last year.

Hard to believe it's been 3 years since my last German trip, since the Traumhochzeit I was witness to in Berlin, been even longer since Heidelberg, or a beerfest, things have simply got to change! 

Been an expensive month, my MOT was due for car and the local garage here let me seriously down (note to self-never use this garage again) anyway, had to go to Farmers in Kirkcaldy, was well over £500 as brakes needed redone though they were only done 2 years ago. Not earning too much so had to dip into savings to cover this, a downside of car ownership.

Was at the pub quiz in Auld Hoose last two Wednesdays, won the first, second place in the second, so not bad! Another thing I will remember this month for is my sore left upper arm, have exercises to do, but I think the doctor was wrong with frozen shoulder, it's the arm that hurts in certain positions, not shoulder. Took naproxen until it ran out, hopefully the pain goes soon, getting old! Also Robbie the budgie is getting old, he couldn't fly after being found behind the bookcase one morning, he was pathetic and silent for a few days, rest assured the noisy bastard is back on top form now!! 

Off now to do stuff, probably continuing my Golf Clash addition when I head to bed..

Here are a few photos all taken this month, yeah the blogger "improvements" make picture positioning a pain in the arse, canne be bothered the noo. A new Lidl opened opposite Morrisons on Thursday, Davie Walker had his 80th and a cute wee cat up the farm, one of two! 


..

I belong to Glasgow..

 Hello again!

I think I make the mistake of leaving things to the last minute, hence posts like last month!

I made my 200K target again, no real problem as the weather was good and I had plenty of spare time, working as I am only now and then at the vets place. It feels like semi-retirement, not bad to be honest but I don't want to fall into the trap of walking, then hitting the two local pubs every single day, crivens, most of my mates seem to the other side of 70!

We'll see what the future brings, probably have a big decision about vets place to make this month, I have a lot of holiday and we'll see how many are granted in the last month of holiday year. I may have to resign to get holidays paid if it comes to it, also on my mind-do I really want the Xmas shifts from hell I got last year? Maybe time for a change.

As mentioned, I went a few walks, also went to Glasgow for 2 nights a week ago, got plenty of walking done, even through Possilpark looking for my grandmother's address before her marriage in 1930. The pubs were good, over 20K steps on the last day too. Also was in Edinburgh the other day, German doner kabab is the traditional breakfast, then onto the cinema to watch "Old" was OK, not bad. Also ate German in Glasgow by the way, jagerschnitzel, though wasn't really that good, the sauce was even under, not over, the schnitzel. 

Been great weather this month, been hanging out with Wishart a few times, Burntisland has been mobbed with people due to european holidays being impossible or risky. Hope I get to a German beer gargen soon though. 

Here are some photos from this month..yeah the positioning is crap, but you know my views of the blogger since the updates. The barman is from Bon Accord, a great pub in North Street, best whisky selection in the city.  The photo is of Killearn Street, where my grandmother was brought up, things have no doubt changed a wee bit since she left this exact spot 90 years ago.

Infectious bastard

 Hello people! A rubbish month is about to pass, a month in which I was supposed to get the second covid jab but didn't. 

Originally due on 8 June I instead had to isolate as tested positive for the dreaded disease. Thanks to my part-time work place for their caring response-not!. 

Yeah, was a testing place open for non-symptomatic people here in Kinghorn so I went in, and the njext day I was positive! The work people were ever so understanding and almost had me on a disciplinary, but it didn't stick. They thought my idea of fun was to tirn up knowing I was positive to infect lots of people, Arses.

Just made my steps target, was a busy 3 or 4 days as I had almost given up! 

Hate blogger now, did I mention?

Crap wet month

 Yes, it's the end of May and the last couple of days have been ok, but mostly wet and dreich.

The inside pubs opened on 17 May, so that was probably the highlight. Only just made my 200K steps, only today did I manage it, a disgrace really. My addiction to gaming apps continue, especially Golf Clash, really I need to get out more.

Uninspired and forgetful I won't write much more, just been up at the crown followed by Auld Hoose for a couple, well it's a bank holiday, I was working right enough, but finished at 1pm today. Cut my grass, first time in about 5 weeks due to the crap weather, as well. 

Oh, I just canne be bothered the noo..did I mention blogger is crap now? 

One photo was at Sands on 1 May after my booze-free month, the other Stasi the budgie attacking the monitor. 

Holier than thou 2 -the sequel

Oops I've did it again, another booze-free April is coming to an end!! 

Was half-hearted about it at the beginning, but the days went by and I stuck with it, was not too difficult, it helped that the pubs were closed, well those with outside seating opened on Monday, but by then my goal was already in sight. Lost maybe 2 kg, could have been more if I hadn't eaten so many crisps and biscuits. Drank a few non-alcohol beers, but they aren't too great, ended up a bit constipated, though I don't know if the fake beer was to blame. 

Met my steps target, got over 235K, a lot less than the 350K I got in April last year, but there is good reason for that, namely I wasn't working at all this time last year. Talking of work, the HMRC job I started did not turn out to be what I had expected, all in the online, remote, training group had expected 6 weeks training, what we got was 6 days, no access to the various live systems they use, then expected to man a super-busy hotline without much of a clue about what we were doing. It was not for me, so am now only working at my fallback vets place, I'll keep an eye out for other potential opportunities.

Supposed to meet up with old pal John W tomorrow at midday for a few al fresco liquid refreshments, hope I don't get too pissed as I have a very early shift on Sunday! Probably be drunk after 2 pints, as I am not used to it.  Canne wait to get out and about, has been an age since I was in Edinburgh for instance, thinking of booking a couple of nights away, but sober trip booking is not to be recommended, with a drink you just go ahead and book and not worry.

Only 17 days until the indoors pubs open, not that I'm counting.. Here are a couple of photos taken this month, the wee goslings up the loch are really cute, think there are 10 in total.

Vaccinated two jobs runner

 Last day of March and I have two jobs now- well, the new one involves sitting around doing nothing until the IT equipment arrives and waiting until the contract is corrected before I accept it. The vets one I am keeping on on only 10 hours a week, the new hours kick in in a couple of weeks. Think I'm lucky that the training will be from home as otherwise it would be on-peak Edinburgh travel every week day for 6 weeks or so. I guess the time will come when I have to go to office, but the pubs should be open then so it will be bearable, very central.

Made my 200K a week ago and have been a bit of a lard arse since, though I pulled a muscle that needed resting, this was caused by running my wee route from the Kissing Trees into the start of Kirkcaldy. Ran this about 4 times this month, then walking back along the coast, it's a nice loop and gets me 12K steps or so. Will be a real test to make my 200K target in April as the training will likely ramp up, meaning long walks will be hard to fit in. It will be a challenge for sure, though it might be helped by my intention not to booze in April (similar to last April), might be more difficult to acheive if I get stressed, we'll see how things go, probably need to lose a few kgs.

Cut my Dad's grass a couple of days back, then tried mine but my cutter packed in, so had to buy a new one that I've not used yet, the grass needs cut urgently, but it can wait until tomorrow or so. 

Was through in Kirkcaldy earlier for my Covid vaccination, am due to get second dose in about 12 weeks, seems we are doing better than some countries, outside pubs to open 26 April I think, with inside pubs in mid-May, unless there is a third wave here of course.

Here is a photo taken during one of my wanderings, the other is probaly from 1973 and was sent to me by an ex-classmate who is also in photo.

Off to fridge to have another beer, got to make the most of the last day, though if I'm honest I overdid it a bit yesterday (boozing very high strength scrumpy and beers), been a bit fragile all day :-) 

 

Snowy tyres fucked and 5 years

Yet again, nothing exciting much to report, not that I'm writing here anyway! 

Month has been very changeable weather-wise, snow arrived a couple of weeks back and I had to leave my work early to get home, luckily I had the next few days off. However, I had a wee accident outside Burntisland a few days later, bloody traffic island that I saw at last minute. One tyre was destroyed, later another needed replaced too, however the car itself was OK. 

Glueck im Unglueck.

The work goes as usual, pretty hectic on the days, mostly nights, I am there. Kind of pissed off with this lockdown now, I miss my trips here and there, the pubs I don't even miss as much. It doesn't stop my walks-made my 200K a couple of days ago- but it's nice to have a drink or meal to look forward to. 

Am rushing this one a bit, so here a couple of photos..the BP had a round birthday, we celebrated with a few beers in a private spot on the coastal path. 

 Did I mention I hate the changes to blogger? How come you cannot drag photos now? Fucking all the fuckers, fucking fuck.

Horny coastal snapper

January now almost done, not much to report upon again, made my 200k yesterday when hungover after my birthday the day before. Aging is better than the alternative I guess, I don't have a taboo about it any more, am happy to admit I'm 46.

Work at my vet's paradise goes on as usual, am now a permanent employee, waiting for news of the Edinburgh job still, I am not bothered much now, am relaxed about all work related stuff, have always been one that works to live rather than vice versa. 

So my wanderings around the place continued, no where too far, a couple of times to the far side of Dysart and back etc, I miss dropping into a local pub for a brew or two and that won't change soon in the police state this country has become. 

Other news? Well the shower was only producing lukewarm water so managed to get a plumber out, he solved the issue but left me with only boiling hot, so got him out again and it's ok now, though the boiler temperature sensor myay be at fault and getting a heating person out isn't too simple these days. 

I miss the trips I liked to make within UK and abroad, it's been too long, must be a couple of years since I was abroad for sure. 

Oh well the days are getting slowly longer, maybe  I will have something to report next month..


Here a few photos taken this month, a horny animal and coastal scenes. Never have worked out how best to place them, was so easy in the past..

Non-partying wheat beer sipper.

 Am sipping on a Schlenkerla wheat beer as I write this, a nice, smoked, Bamberg beer. Just back from my vets paradise and I will not be partying tonight, in fact I will likely head off to bed soon, as I have a very early start tomorrow, at least it's double time.

Another month with not a lot to report, it's been that kind of year. I made my 200K steps yesterday, a long walk was undertaken along coast to Kirkcaldy, up the small road all the way up to Longloch farm, then down the Binn and along back to Kinghorn, with a stop at my sister's thrown in. There was a lot of ice and snow about up there, nut here, down at sealevel, there's not much, a relief for me as I would struggle to get to work otherwise.

I am wracking my brains to think of anything else I was up to, but I can't think of anything other than my several wanderings. Did meet up with Wishart in Kirkcaldy, heading to a coffee shop and secretly pouring rum in, became quite expert at that, well, it's not like the pubs are open, and shouldn't think they will open for another 2-3 months.

I hope the next year is better than this one, it's really quite depressing how quickly the years pass..

Photos show me up the Binn the other day, also some cows at Long Loch farm, and a view of distant Kirkcaldy from near the Kissing Trees.

Depressing dark lockdown land

November is not my favourite month, in fact the darkness is depressing. Pretty much nothing to report this month, did make my 200K yesterday, have been walking around the local area pretty much as normal, so weather hasn't been terrible.

Still going part-time to my vets paradise, yesterday was a long shift until 10pm, but off today and a short shift tomorrow night before a few days off until the weekend. The Xmas rota should be out today and I am likely to get the worst shifts at Xmas time. How do I know that? Well, had a run in with the guy who does the shift rota a few months ago. Oh well, such is life, thought I would have heard about the Edinburgh job, but nothing yet, shame as I could have resigned for mid-December and enjoyed Xmas had I been starting another job at start of January.

Shame the pubs are shut here, honestly I think London are under much more relaxed rules than we are in the SNP land of dictatorship. I voted against the introduction of a Scottish parliament 20 years ago, it's just a farce really.

At the start of the month outside drinking was still allowed, so places like the Harbour View in Kinghorn were worth a visit as the other two pubs have no outside seating. Unfortunately we overdid it with hot toddies at start of month and felt like crap for a few days at start of month, still got a week of non-boozingness out of it. Doesn't look likely rules will be relaxed anytime soon unfortunately, crivens even Spoons in Kirkcaldy is closed!

Oh well, can only hope things start getting better soon, am sitting here watching You Tube videos on the large TV, it's good that there is so much to watch, including Netflix (finished the Crown already), my budgies particularly like the videos of budgie swarms, but they are loud enough at the best of times.

Got my flu jab this month, had to go to Kirkcaldy for it, shame they couldn't have given me the corona one at same time!

Here are a few photos from this month- the Kissing Trees and two of Kinghorn Loch.

Sore armed boozy lard arse

What a blustery, windy day to end the month, was sitting outside in the tent up at the Harbour View, but came back an hour or so ago before the thing got blown away. It's almost dark outside and only 5pm. I have this Saturday off from my pets paradise, only the second Saturday off since June.  With Edinburgh etc all completely shut down, there wasn't a lot of places to go, so didn't go anywhere. 

Been a bit of a slob, only just made my 200K steps today by forcing my weary, hungover, arse up to the Kinghorn loch and back over golf course, had hoped to meet the target yesterday but was feeling much too sorry for myself, then went out with Wishart for beers and coffee with rums etc. 

Add caption

Start of month I had severe pain in left arm, a pulsating pain that made sleeping almost impossible, had to get a prescription for cocadamol and naproxin (without actually seeing a doctor you understand) and this helped a lot, the arm almost couldn't be used, but now things are getting back to normal. 

I wasn't the only one needing attention as Stasi the budgie had to see vet too, but she is ok now, a bit of a drama queen. She couldn't fly properly at one time, but she has been out and about, shitting everywhere since then.

Back to work tomorrow afternoon/evening, but a few days off until the end of week then, my Edinburgh job offer seems to be permanently frozen, or so it seems, had hoped to escape the vets place before Christmas (not theat Christmas looks like being up to much this year).

Yeah, have still not worked out how to position the photos! Why change things when they were so easy??

Well done to BP for completing a booze free month for charity, shame I didn't do the same!

 

Small puppy, large cannon.

 Aye, it's the end of September and the nights are fair drawing in!

Month didn't start very well, a domestic happening necessitated a hospital visit, but all is better now. Went down south shortly after to Carlisle for a couple of nights, seems like a nice place and the castle was interesting. Stayed near the station where the centre of the nightlife takes place, there are even two Wetherspoons pubs within about 50 metres of each other, one with a photo of Rudolf Hess on the wall, as he was imprisoned in the castle for a couple of nights on the way south. Not that I am one for staying out too late, never really have been, and certainly not now that I'm ancient.

Still, am still active enough to meet my steps target of 200K again this month, again I have been walking regularly around the local area, a couple of days ago I did about 18K to take me over the limit, been resting up yesterday and today as a new month starts tomorrow. Yes, sober October is nearly upon us, I'm not doing it, but I know someone that has been sponsored to do so! It will likely be a long month for me too..

Still working away- sometimes- at my vets place, it's OK, but finishing really late at night is not really me, am more of a morning person. Working every single weekend too, as well as some nights during week, is also less than ideal, maybe I'll be starting my Civil Service job soon, but am still waiting for details. Seems everything is delayed by this virus thing, next we will have another lockdown the way things are going.

So not really much to report this month, it's been that kind of year really. Off out to the pubs in a few minutes, must remember mask, a last few drinks for someone before October starts!

Oh, Kath has got herself a new wee doggie called Red (he's black), a cute wee thing and some company for Shadow who has been missing her old companion Ember. Not had him out on a walk yet, got to wait a while for that.

As I am writing this Stasi has just landed on my monitor and is checking up on what I write, she is a well-named bird!

Yeah, am having trouble positioning photos since Blogger was updated, crap really.