Airport junkie lost walker

Started the month in Stuttgart where I spent two nights, weather was great, the differnce to now is stark as I have heating on was was out in the icy wind earlier today. 

Stuttgart was fine, stayed in the Central-Classic and went to Ackermanns on first night, second day was spent mostly at the Volksfest, was good. Before I headed to Heidelberg on the Sunday I headed to what was once a pleasant beer garden in the Schlossgarten, couldn't be more different now as the project to rebuild the main station has made the place a building site, a great shame. 

Met Oliver at the main station in Heidelberg then headed to Clemens place in Leutershausen, nice meal in the place near the tram station, many beers were sunk as you would expect. Next day I intended to walk alone into Heidelberg, Clemens insisted I take the scenic route through forests and fields and told me the signs to follow, and follow I did, though he had made a mistake and I ended up miles from anywhere with no water left. Luckily Marita picked me up eventually. That evening, having done over 40k steps I was knackered, but off I went to Rudi's place for food and drinks in central Heidelberg. Was not on top form and was drifting off at points, still, was up next day for another long walk with Clemens and the other Clemens (or Himmler as he is affectionately known-he keeps chickens), another over 30K steps so a storming start to the month and, of course, made 200K target fairly easily. 

Got back late into Edinburgh, made error flying out to Munich then onto Stuttgart, then on way back, bus to Stuttgart, Stuttgart to Frankfurt flight, then on to Edinburgh. Would have been far easier flying to Frankfurt direct and using train and Flix bus/train. I saw quite a few airports, but I shouldn't think I will see another for quite some time, who can tell though. 

The rest of month wasn't quite so active, was lazy for a few days as weather mostly shite here. Cut the grass for the final time this year, did a few walk/runs, including the one in the icy wind today. Saw Kath once, was up farm once too, but pretty much an uneventful few weeks. Still going into my vets place now and then, next in on Sunday now, I got another shift covered. 

Crivens it will soon be Christmas..photos show Rudi and Clemens, the river Neckar, me at the Volksfest.

Post Portugese Panic

Hello again!

Yes, I am back from Portugal and about to set off alone to Europe tomorrow, feel a bit weird as am only getting used to my familiar surroundings at home. 

I update now as I will have no other opportunity probably before the end of the month. Still a bit deaf from the flight. Did head for an hour to the Auld Hoose, but home now and tired. The budgies were looked after by Sheena downstairs, though they have been missing their budgie YouTube videos.

Holiday was fine, swimming in the sea most days and weather was almost always great, really there are three areas of Albufiera- old town, strip and marina- spent time in all of them, but being an old tired bastard I was rarely out late at night, meaning I did not see the strip at it's busiest. Would go back to Albufiera again, already been 5 or 6 times, but I don't know I would stay at Real Bellavista again, was there once in 2009 and this time again, the public areas were great, but the Wifi was pretty poor in the room, as was the useless fridge. They did have an impressive gym and spa, only ventured into gym once though. 

Don't think I am inspired to write more, really was in pre holiday mode before actually going, and now am tired and forgetful, so hopefully I won't forget passport tomorrow!

Here a few photos..

Shocked abstinent runner

Sipping a Guinness 0.0 as I write this, been on a 10 day booze-free health kick, this was prompted by the shock of weighing 81.9kg on the rare occasion I stood on the scales, thankfully am back into the late 70s again, at least for now. Am also doing a lot of walking/running, it's really quite a habit now. Ran about 4k into Kirkcaldy today actually and hit the shops (not the pubs!) for the first time in a week or two. There were a few days in middle of month when I didn't really go out, had a disease, whether it was Covid or not I don't know as have no test kit. 

Got a shock of another kind-financial- earlier in the month when I got the bill for MOT/service at the garage in Burntisland, almost £800! Might be better getting a newer car if this goes on, it seems to always have problems with the brakes. Another financial issue was sorted as my ISA matured, reinvested for a another year at a much higher interest rate, exciting stuff, eh?

Not really much more to report, the vet's place is much the same and had decent shifts this month, next in on Saturday. I am updating now as I will be going to Edinburgh tomorrow for a few refreshments, yes a few real beers rather than the pretend ones I've been on in recent days. Do intend to have another 10 days off in early September in the run up to my holiday to Portugal and my trip to Germany just after, yes, I should have more to report next time! 

Picture shows me at the transmitter at the top of the Binn (had just dropped car off at garage and went onward to Kirkcaldy that way), the other shows my budgies in their favourite place, atop the light near the TV, they have crapped a lot into it, but they don't care, they are berzerk most of the day awaiting budgie YouTube videos..

Mortgage free dreichness

What a horrible dreich, depressing day, just like the rest of July, well almost. Those in Europe suffering 40 degrees, I would gladly swap. Had to venture out in it anyway as I needed a couple of thousand steps to make the month's target, after doing so I ventured into the Auld Hoose for a couple of beers, again, a typical July day. 

I paid mortgage off at the start of the month, only had a tad over 1K left, but it made sense as interest rates are heading upward. Also paid the balance of the Portugal holiday so it's been a financially draining month. Also going to Germany a day after Portugal so lots to plan for. 

I usually like July, but it's not been that remarkable, as mentioned the weather hasn't been very good and I have not really done anything of note other than going part time to the vet's place and walking around my part of Fife with a few Edinburgh visits thrown in. Totally uninspired so will leave it there..oh, almost forgot, Sandra & Lavinia visited, they spent about 5 days in Edinburgh before heading down to London, their first visit to the UK, they can sing a lot of English song lyrics, but if asked a question in English the panic can be seen :-) 


 

Two trip tired ashes runner

Hello again, that's June almost done, have a shift tomorrow and Sunday so no major party tonight, not that there ever is. That said, I was partaking of Fürstenberg beer in the Auld Hoose today, the manageress had enough of my beer complaints and got something decent in. Also got Old Empire IPA on, which is a rather deadly brew!

Took my father's ashes up the Binn on 5th of June, best place to spread them, looking down on town where he spent most of his life. 

I went a couple of trips this month, first one was alone to Ulverston (again), I went in order to walk to Coniston, the first day of the Cumbria Way. Stayed at the Sun Inn, which was cheaper than the Premier Inn, but noisy, not that it bothered me too much. The walk was knackering, really tiring, when I got near to the goal I had people asking me if I was ok! The heat made the challenging route worse, at one point I had to knock on door of a cottage in the middle of nowhere to get my water topped up, luckily there was someone in. I ordered both a pint of water and beer when I arrived in a Coniston pub, I barely managed the beer. I then hobbled to the last bus of the day back to Ulverston at 3.45pm. I was in bed about 6pm, utterly f*cked. 43K steps, but that doesn't tell all the story, a lot of climbing and uneven terrian, heat I mentioned already. Note to self- if mad enough to do again- bring more water and don't have many refreshments in the various pubs the night before.  

Next day was also nice weather and walked to the canal, up to the Hoad monument, around the town, was in the Mill by mid-day. My bodyclock was a bit out of sync after going to bed so early the day before!

My other trip was not alone, we went to Carnoustie for 3 nights, staying at the Kinloch Arms Hotel. Walked about 25K the day after arriving along the Arbroath cliffs, a lovely wee walk. Went to Arbroath twice actually, and obviously had an Arbroath Smokie or two! We found the best pub in Carnoustie was at the Station Hotel so was there for a couple before retiring. I would certainly go back to this neck of the woods as I don't remember visiting before. Stopped in Dundee on the way back for a couple of hours, walked up Perth Road and back through University buildings, most of the pubs and some buildings I knew were gone or changed, life goes on. 

I almost made 300K steps this month, not bad. I also included about 6 runs, the longest however was only about 5km, I am not the youngest anymore. Today I walked to kissing trees then ran into Kirkcaldy near Lidl, then walked back the coast, it's a nice loop.

My budgies are demanding food right now so will stop here. Hope July is also good with weather, not the usual wash out. 

Here are a few photos taken this month, one is of me and Andrew Grant who I was at school with many decades ago and was visiting from Australia. Also the coastal cliffs near Arbroath and a lovely pony on the way to Coniston. 

Orphaned spa visitor

The end of May and the sun is shining, has a nice walk/run via kissing trees to Kirkcaldy, nice meal at Betty Nicols, then train back, I like days like this, though the sun could have started to shine earlier as it's really only got nice now. 

The month started with a walk/run to Auchtertool and back, but the reason for doing this is no longer there. My father Ron died on Sunday 7th May after a long illness that robbed him of his quality of life in the last few months. He wanted to go, he was impatient, but his time finally came this month. He didn't want a funeral, but he got one nonetheless, there are criteria to be met if leaving body to medical science and his emaciated state ruled him out. The funeral went OK, as usual there were people I haven't seen in years, so recognising and being recognised took time. No sign of my sister Anne though, less said the better on this platform.

Am an orphan now, no parents left. Still, I have never lost an Aunt, still the original 3 left, so not all the older generation has died off. My uncle Norman is a good example of how youthful 81/82 can be, and was on his usual chatty form at funeral. Shame it's only sad occasions that bring the extended family together now. All cousins were present, just the aforementioned sister wasn't. 

The funeral was on 23rd May, I fitted in a long arranged trip to Berlin and the spa resort Binz on the island of Ruegen before this, was good, the spa had 3 different pools, one was very salty and made you totally buoyant, in fact it was hard to put feet on the floor. Food was good, one night in a fish restaurant which was fabby. In Berlin was two nights in Friedrichrhain before Ruegen, and the last night near to Alexander Platz. Did fit in a wee S Bahn to Potsdam in the first couple of days before heading north by train. Connections to Berlin BER airport and pretty shit from central Berlin actually, anyone who thinks Grmans are efficient obviously hasn't flown to or from Berlin recently. 

The budgies Kenny and Scampi are totally addicted to YouTube videos of fellow budgies, they actaully make quite a fuss if the videos aren't running, but you have to draw the line somewhere, afterall I also want to watch occassional things like Selling Sunset etc (yeah really).

I sign off now, here are a couple of photos, see you in June. 

New teeth 0.0 swallower

Kenny and Scampi are very demanding budgies, they have a favourite YouTube video of  budgies that they demand to see every day, they then get all lively and excited. They are presently on the light next to TV, being quiet for a change, watching their second favourite video. 

That the month almost over then, a booze-free April it has been yet again, though hardly a day passed when I didn't partake of a 0.0% beer, particularly Becks Blue. There are 0.5% beers, also officially alcohol free, but I think that's a bit of a cheat, still I have a few 0.5% tins of Brewdog I might partake of during May (not that I intend to have another fully BF month you understand). Lost about 2.5kg but that was from a higher than normal start.

Been to Auchtertool many times, mostly walking there and back with an odd run thrown in. It's a good way to get 20K steps each month so meeting target was easy this month- got almost 273K steps, not bad, but nothing spectacular. My dad is now very gravely ill and won't have long to go now, was there on way back from Vet's place today, it's all very sad.  

Booked a holiday to the Algarve for September, it's good to have something to look forward to and the weather should still be OK then. Was thinking about a long haul holiday at one stage, but will postpone that to next year when the mortgage is fully paid off. Do have a Berlin trip planned for a couple of weeks time, hopefully I can still go then as who knows what might happen here. Maybe I will go to Heidelberg in June, yeah thoughts of getting away are on my mind..

Cut my grass a couple of times, also at my dad's place, I knew you'd be interested. 

Hope weather improves as I have a few days off and planned on getting out and about, hardly even been to Kirkcaldy this month, so visits to Spoons, Betty Nicols and Harbour Bar will have to happen! 

Here a couple of photos taken this month, didn't take many. One shows me on way to a funeral in Rosyth - Davie Specs's wife Susan passed away. I got new front teeth this month too so my gorgeous smile is back, not that I was smiling at the funeral! The other photo shows a very wee part of the way to Auchtertool, it's a way that has become very familiar. 

Auchtertool wanderer and goodbye Robbie

Started month alone in Pitlochry Hydro, was nice, walked a loop from there and back along the rivers from Killiekrankie, so a first day of about 28k meant 200k target was eventually reached a week early due to reasonable weather and several walks to Auchtertool and back, each is 20k, though one which I extended to see Auchtertool Kirk was 25k or so. 

Auchtertool was a place that, though not too far away, was never on my list of places to visit, there are now no pubs nor restaurants for a start, the main road through has speed bumps every 30 metres or so, not a place that I would feel at home in. Though my dad Ron has been in a care home there these last weeks. He is not doing well, it's actually very bad that both my parents have suffered before the end, not that my dad is gone yet, though quality of life is very bad. A caring, loving, close family is not really our way of doing things, I will not go into detail.

RIP Robbie, my budgie was not doing well, he missed his partner Stasi, who died last month, even the introduction of the youngsters Scampi and Kenny couldn't cheer him up. After almost 10 years with his late partner he decided he would go too. He is buried near Stasi outside. 

Scampi and Kenny are lively and hyper in the mornings, they love watching budgie Youtube videos, and will cause a scene until they get their fix. 

Had a nice visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia in the last few days, have been twice, but not since 2009, a visit it is certainly worth. 

A booze-free month lies ahead...one of the last photos of Robbie I post here, along with BP on Britannia and me on a mega walk up Pitlochry way. 

Gappy Stasi mourner

 Hello blog fan

Was going to put this off until tomorrow, but tomorrow I might forget, am due to get a train to Pitlochry for a couple of days of walking and relaxation, and Edinburgh pub prices. Yeah, was at same place a few weeks ago, but why not?  Didn't do much walking last time, and I got a reasonable deal on a website. 

My lovely Stasi died last week, was coming, but was sad all the same. RIP. She was so curious, such a leader, so adventurous. Buried now in my neighbour's garden. Robbie was devastated, so bought another budgie, actually two as decisions are hard to make, so Scampi and Kenny are in the house! 

Robbie and kenny are already close buddies, however the wee youngster Scampi has not been out cage yet, am sure she will soon be OK. 

Been doing a weekly run as part of walk, so happy that I'm not totally obese yet. 

Had a dental disaster again this month, my partial denture thing broke! Had to go to work a couple of days looking like a country bumpkin, however was at dentist today and a better solution is on it's way. 

Photos show Stasi on bowl outside of cage, the other shows Kenny and Scampi. 

Worried ancient spa visitor

My budgie Robbie is very concerned about his partner Stasi as I write this, poor Staschen is bedraggled, has a preening gland issue, was at vets long before already, and frankly, well, hope she improves. It's been almost 10 years and Stasi was always the more clever and adventurous. Am playing them music, a mix between classical and modern, Robbie is very fond of Iron Maiden, so maybe that afterward. 

January is almost done, am another year older. Just back from the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel, it won't be my last as we enjoyed it there. In fact BP will go alone again in a couple of weeks. The pool/sauna area was good and having the room next to it was handy, wouldn't rave about the pubs in the town however, the best beers were in bottles in  the hotel bar. 

Still a bit of a slob, but made my steps target yesterday. I started my runs also, after a couple of months off, the muscle pain afterward means that at least a weekly run from now on will have to be undertaken. Actually managed only 2 runs-last Monday and Thursday, the usual Kissing Trees into Kirkcaldy route, will maybe do same tomorrow if not too hungover. 

Last month had applied for a job at a vet place up near ice rink in Kirkcaldy, I eventually withdrew application after 3 weeks. I then got message that they would like to see me anyway, went in and had a chit-chat. Was offered a job starting asap, but I needed time to think. Looking back on the ad I saw the hourly rate was shite, so e-mailed saying I would be prepared to start but not at a school-leaver money level. No reply so fuck them. You have to know your self worth.

My dad's health is concerning also this month, I don't want to write too much here though. 

The sounds of Robbie and Bronski Beat in my ears, I bid you farewell until the next time.

I also walked my sister's three dogs a couple of times.

Unfortuately they never posed to be all in one picture together, poor Shadow did a ligament in, will be out of action a few weeks, poor wee thing. 

Goodbye 2022

 Almost the end of another year, I'm like a broken record saying the years just fly by blah blah.

It's not been the best of years for me so won't look back fondly on it, too many illnesses and injuries, it started almost exactly a year ago when I fell ill and things didn't get much better as the year progressed. If it's not me, then BP, who is rarely ill, decides to get in on the act, like this month.

Still, there are plenty of people with bigger fish to fry, among them my dad who isn't doing great, he is out the Dunfermline hospice and at Kath's right now. 

I made my 200K today, been a month of crap weather mostly so at least I managed that. Frankly don't have a lot to report this month, my budgies join me in saying these cold, dark months are not our favourite, if I win the lottery tonight I'll be spending half the year down under where the nephews are partying. 

Worked on Xmas eve, Xmas day (luckily only until 5pm after a swap), Boxing day and 27th. Am in again tomorrow, Jan 1 and Jan 2, so no major Hogmanay party for me. Cannot say the new year is my thing anyway, best time in the year to stay at home with the curtains closed, perhaps a mulled wine or brandy in the hand. 

Didn't even bother going to Edinburgh this month for their over-priced Xmas market, oh well, I find Edinburgh such a rip-off these days, it's all very well to support the hospitality industry but at £7-8 a pint in some bars, I'll give it a miss. 

Here a few photos taken this month, except one that was taken in Amsterdam 40 years ago, yeah the one with horses.. Decided to update today as I take time to unwind afyer a shift and have to go to bed early for the shift on 1 Jan. 

Am going through old photos with a view to doing family hisory, I seem to go up loft and bring the same photos down each time however. 

Sick lakeland moaner and the nephews of Oz

November was a rubbish month, did make my 200K today, but it was a struggle.

Was ill most of the month, end of last month I was flattened by the dual Covid/Flu vaccines, then after recovering I came down with flu and a lung infection. Things got so bad I called the doctor surgery and even got an appointment same day! Was put on antibiotic and steroid, but it didn't clear my lungs, so went back again and was given another drug which did not a lot, though my lungs slowly improved days after the drugs. This blog is becoming the musings of a permanently ill old git.

Anyway, I hope next month is better, that next year is better, as am pissed off that my immune system seems to be on strike!

Oh well, at least I am still on the go, other people have more serious afflictions, my dad is not doing good at the moment, though he was better today than he was last Friday when I visited. 

My nephews Philip and Oliver I last saw on Friday, they are now on the other side of the world, in Melbourne to be exact, off for at least a year, possibly 2 years, maybe forever. Apparently you get an extra year on a one year working visa if you do farm work for x amount of time, the possibility to stay longer arises if you get an employer to sponsor you, this could lead to permanent residency. Either that or they marry some Australian bird :-) 

I spent 3 nights alone down in Ulverston last week, its a place I know well, and really I did almost nothing there, apart from supporting the hospitality industry. The one good day was the Tuesday when I walked up to the hoad monument after walking the lovely canal.

Font and set out getting my tits, so I'll post anyway, good bloody bye Novemebr.

Jeans-dodging beer hound

 Hello again!

Another month closer to the end, and the nights have started earlier, my budgies hate this time of year, as do most sane people, if I had the money it would be 6 months NZ or Oz and 6 months UK a year. Topical as my nephew Oliver is heading to Oz for at least a year at end of November.

Just back from probably the only trip to Edinburgh this month, was Ok, visited Guildford Arms, Jolly Judge and Bow Bar, then got a god awful overcrowded train back to Kinghorn, a peak time train with only two carriages, people crammed in like sardines, a fracking joke. If you didn't have covid before you probably have now.

Talking of Covid, I got my Covid and flu jabs on Friday, it affected me badly, have needed very early nights since, and how I managed to struggle through a 7 hour work shift on Saturday god alone knows, was running on empty and went straight to bed afterward. Even yesterday I wasn't right and had to go again very early to bed, getting flu or covid couldn't have felt much worse.

So what was I up to this month? Well a massive fitness month it wasn't, just made my 200K steps today and my runs have been cutailed by illness and crap weather. Got a new boiler installed on 11 October and it's been working fine since, though did have issue with a leak in hose to washing machine that has now been resolved. On the same day I heard that Bernd L, father of BP died, such a shame. Bea brought back a few vinyl LPs from his massive collection to remember him by, will miss his often political and risque messages that he regularly sent.

Was also at the interment of Wishart's mum a couple of weeks ago, we had a few afterward in spoons. Notable in his absence was Tavis who lives like a hermit now, shunning any invitation from anyone to go anywhere, and the invitations have now seemingly stopped.

I actually have noticed that I haven't worn jeans sine 5 June, I wore shorts for ages, now walking trousers, but no jeans, not even my Levis I bought in Macys in NYC, in fact that pair are hardly ever worn as they are treated almost as a memento, still I will be wearing jeans again soon for sure. 

Had an eye test a few days ago and now got two new pairs, one will be for the car, the other for the sofa. Am short sighted so don't need specs for readingor so, just long distance is a problem. No point watching a Bluray or similar without wearing them. 

Oh, well I've havered enough (disadvantage of leaving last minute update until you're tipsy). Here a couple of photos taken this month. Of course some of my German trip was in October too, was a good trip to Heidelberg and Berlin. One photo is of me in spoons at Wishart's mum wake, the lovely neighbourhood  3 legged cat Lola, and Rudi, Jutta and the mob

Beer dodging Queen

Hello again people, am updating now as I will be away on an adventure starting tomorrow. 

I only saw the Queen once, must have been 1988 as I was driving around Dundee with 2 or 3 student pals, was stopped to let the royal car through, then we saw them driving away after visiting a company a while later. Heard about her passing as I was in the Auld Hoose, it shouldn't be a surprise when a 96 year old dies, but it was anyway, the end of an era for sure.

The media is only in the last 2 days started reporting on anything else, cheerful things like the weakening of the currency due to the incompetence of the latest PM, who was the worst choice of those who stood for the job. We will see how this all plays out.

Made my 200K already, had 2 weeks off the booze to try to lose weight, well I shifted probably 1.5 kg only, even with more running than usual, will probably have another couple of weeks off in October, will need it as a boozy week awaits abroad!

Been quite busy tidying today, cleaning floors in bathroom and kitchen too, getting a new boiler a week on Thursday so am getting prepared, also getting some parts of shower replaced as they are rusty, was only fitted 4 years ago or so. It's going to be expensive, but the economic situation means it's probably better to spend than save. 

Was also out cutting the grass earlier, maybe there will be one more cut needed this year, we will see. Photo shows me in patriotic pose on day of the Queen's funeral, also the playpark just opposite the Auld Hoose, didn't take a lot of photos this month it would seem.

Hedgehog arsed quiz winner

 Well it's the last day of August already and the month has gone fast. I was still signed off with my arm for the first couple of weeks, actually until 20 August, have been in a few times since, including late shifts on the last weekend and Monday. I know I'll have to escape the place at some point before Xmas as I will no doubt be given the shittiest shifts. 

I made my 200K target, but only made it today, too many lazy days I'm afraid with too few walk/run marathons. Weather was ok for the most part, even got round to painting shed, and had a repair done to it, also the windowsill by Stewart the handyman. 

Edinburgh was visited 3 times I think, took in a few Fringe shows, including "Are you being Murdered?" and the musical version of Making a Murderer (based on Netflix docu that is excellent). Don't think I've been so often to Edinburgh in the last few years. Prices in the pubs are a joke though, one beer in the Hanging Bat we ordered was £8.30! Nice though.

This blog is slowly becoming a list of health related afflictions, so I will not disappoint, had a major arse issue earlier in the month, I'll not go into detail, but it was like a spikey creature living up your rectum, eventually it passed, but not nice, again, no details. 

Was at a quiz at the Auld Hoose last night, won the top prize of a large steak pie which I am planning on eating in a couple of hours, not many participants to be sure, but it's funny the useless information I have stored, including all the names of the Osmonds..

Just booked a flight to Germany, will be first time in 4 years, since Franzi's Berlin wedding, amazing really as I always used to go 3 or 4 times a year. Risked booking with Bastard Air so we will see if the flight actually goes! Still, hope to visit a few friends I haven't seen in a while. 

The first photo was in my private coastal place having visited Morrison's for a few tins, the other is of Burntisland Parish Church, I got a tour of the place a couple of weeks back, was christened there. In the graveyard, mostly ancient graves, I found the resting place of a school friend I roomed with during a school trip to Austria in 1981, died aged 24. Makes you think, why worry about insignificant things or carry feuds on, we are all going in the same direction.

Smiley party person

Crivens, July almost over already! Sun is shining as I write this, has been a good month for weather for sure, and having been signed off all month, it's one that I could mostly enjoy.  Arm is getting better, even can drive again now, will go back to the vets place in a week or so. 

My smile has returned as well, though have a temporary partial denture until I decide on something permanent in a few months, the teeth look great, but it takes getting used to. I was at dentists again a few times, hopefully won't be for a wee while now.

Managed my steps target with no great problem, the usual routes. Been doing a bit of running too, just around 20 minutes though, nothing too strenuous, been a bit wary of falling again, so being careful.

Was up the farm on the 11th for my Aunt's 90th birthday, a good few people were there and it was good. Was also along at Burntisland market day, was great weather and 3 pubs were visited. 

Good news that the Harbour Bar reopened last Wednesday, so I was there just as the doors opened, it's good to have a pub selling real beer again, though Spoons isn't bad give them their due. 

Yeah, a nice month, but not much to report. Was along in Kirkcaldy to buy plywood for a shed repair today, will also paint it, probably this week as forecast is quite good. Was also going to buy a new sofa, but when I asked if they take away the old one he just said "no", a conversation stopper, so no sofa today then. 

Cut my Dad's and my grass, but mine is really needing done so will get that done tomorrow hopefully. The local pubs were visited regularly this month, won the bonus ball in Auld Hoose for first time, spent the winning very swiftly though.

Dental disasters II, Tenerife and elbow

 What a month!

Started off at the dentist (almost live there) and went a few more times after that, going again on Wednesday next week..

Went to Tenerife on 6 June, no major hold up at airport but it was a late flight and only arrived there after 10pm, I prefer to arrive somewhere so you still make something of the day. The hotel was in Los Christianos and was Ok, though had no view of pool from the balcony. The days up until Sat 11 June went well, weather great, swimming in sea, very relaxing and nice. Did a lot of walking along to Las Ameicas and further to Ajece, so making steps target was not an issue this month. Even climbed the wee mountain next to resort to get a couple of good photos. 

Things went pear shaped on the Saturday when I had a bad fall while making my way back to Los Cristianos from Las Americas, was rushed to the nearest hospital in an ambulance where it was discovered I had a displaced elbow fracture, this is not to mention the missing crowns in my mouth and other bruises and abrasions. Arm was put in cast and it put a dampner on the last few days until we flew home on 15 June. Went to A&E here, they took a couple of x-rays, sent me home, over a week later I saw a doctor at the hospital and was told they won't operate, which was a surprise as two doctors i know said they would having seen the x-rays.  My travel insurance company have been a disaster, they never get in touch and god knows if I'll get the over 1K I paid in Spain back.

My award-winning smile is currently ruined too, though I will get some sort of replacement soon, all in all a lot of stress I could have done without. Obviously I didn't make it to work last weekend, nor will I likely be going in next few weeks, elbow, thumb are much too stiff to sit and type for hours on end. Hopefully I will pick up a sick line at doctors surgery tomorrow.

Had my first wee walk along to Kirkcaldy since my return today, got train back, am pacing myself.

Anything else happen? Not much I can recall. Seems to be a family nest of seagulls just a metre or two from my garden, obviously they are clever creatures and want to be near their closest source of food, namely my inconsiderate neighbour downstairs, I fear relations are going to turn very frosty again soon.

Here are a couple of photos, why you ask the face mask? To cover the scabs and toothless horror look. The cast was removed a couple of days ago.

Dental disasters, Ireland and covid revisited

 Almost June already, goodbye May! 

Been an orally challenging month, started about 4 May with a swelling so had to go to Dentist and take course of antibiotics, later in the month my front crown fell out, at first I thought I'd swallowed it, but it turned up under the sofa, it's a long story..then, today, I was at dentist again as part of a filling had come out in last few days, it was sorted. Hopefully I'll not need

to head to dentist for a while now, still I am private and pay a certain amount each month, so all treatments were included. 

I made my steps this month, only just, but there you go. I feel I'm falling apart what with one medical or dental condition after another, it's a royal pain in the arse. 

Flew to Belfast this month, hired a car and drove the Antrim coast to Portrush, spent night there, then onwards into the Republic and the town of Dunfanaghy where my great-grandmother was born in 1861. It was a nice place, quite affluent nowadays actually, a few pubs too, which I'm not adverse to. Was in Patsy Dans on the High Street there on the Saturday to watch the Scottish Cup Final, not a hotbed of Rangers support, but a couple of good goals at the end. Talking of Rangers, they were unlucky in Seville against Frankfurt just a few days before, a couple of my nephews actually had tickets for the game.

After Dunfanaghy, it was onward to Ballymena via Giant's Causeway for last night before returning to Belfast International Airport with the car, was a good trip. I started feeling unwell in Dunfanaghy, a stinking cold I thought, was only when I returned home and did a lateral flow test that it was confirmed it was Covid (again). Even now, a week later, I'm not 100%, but a lot better. Next have to go to work on Thursday as I called sick at the weekend. 

June is almost upon us, soon it will be off to Tenerife for over a week, been watching a few vlogs on youtube to get in the mood, not been there since January 1991. Am not really one for sunshine holidays so will see how it goes..

Bloody Robbie the budgie is driving me insane today, totally loud all day, squawking away constantly.

Here is one of me at Dunfanaghy I look like a fat bastard in it, obviously just an unflattering image.  The other two are at Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.