Lucky lads, content ducks.

Once again the BBC morning news bulletin is unsure whether we're closer to some form of workable peace in the Gulf, or not. There's a sense that no one in the American government, the British government , or come to that any other government knows what's going on. Faced with the uncertainty I decide to lock in a six month electricity contract that's 25% up over the one we signed six months ago.

We have the beach to ourselves this morning. There's a nip to the wind which has deterred the local dog walkers. The forecast calls for rain this afternoon. This will please the local farmers who need a downpour for the 'thirsty' potato crop.

Down on the golf course the flags are up and the place has a festive air. Two local sixteen year olds are told by the course steward that they can play the Old Course if they can tee off straight away. The steward has employed the old expedient of starting play five minutes early. The boys can't believe their luck. In one of those old fashioned courtesies they shake the stewards hand before teeing off. 

Some of the players are wrapped up as if they're at the North Pole. The locals, by contrast, make a nod to the chilly breeze by wearing a sweater.

The two ducks have moved on from the university lawn to the grass by the 13th century Swilken Bridge. They seem unaware that this is the most sacred spot of all on `golfs hallowed turf. They also seem oblivious to the constant stream of golfers passing by .

It is so quiet. We're still getting used to having the town to ourselves. Parking is easy. 'The Font' has somehow managed to get a table at Rao's the New York restaurant that has set up shop here for the summer. They're doing 3 table sittings a night which is unheard of. Angus has looked at the Manhattan prices being charged and is horrified.

Scottish World Cup songs are being churned out. Here's the latest low budget offering.  Groups of youngsters like this will soon be appearing in Boston and Miami . Let's hope America is prepared for them. Dirks can legally be worn with highland dress but that may not cut muster with US customs or ICE agents. The farmers wife tells us that her sons and their pals head off from Edinburgh to Boston on Jet Blue in 9 days time :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdcjFmw6RwM&list=RDXdcjFmw6RwM&start_radio=1

Rothko in Florence :https://www.palazzostrozzi.org/en/exhibition/mark-rothko/

Odd story of the day :https://sentientmedia.org/why-the-us-still-bleeds-horseshoe-crabs-despite-lab-made-alternative/

These two American cousins provide banal but addictive videos of their visit to the UK :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsoWxjvgbtI

Tickets at the World Cup :https://eduardoelreportero.substack.com/p/who-can-go-to-the-world-cup?