'A' listers and a tycoon.

The weather forecast calls for heavy rain so imagine our surprise to wake to yet another day of bright skies, sunshine and a hint of warmth. The younger of the farm dogs meets us in the courtyard and follows us down to the sea. She then hares off at high speed in pursuit of some audacious seagulls. 

The local paper is enthusiastically following proceedings at the Dunhill golf tournament. If the front page is to be believed A-listers from across the globe are rushing  to the Old Course to take part. Page 3 gives itself over to a full timetable of who these 'A ' listers are and their tee-off times . Sean Fitzpatrick the New Zealand rugby captain is the first to go followed by Ruud Gullit ( a Dutch football player ) and Kevin Pieteresen ( who is described, for the edification of non-cricket playing Scots, as an English cricket star ).  The term 'A' lister is clearly open to a wide variety of interpretations.

The paper sadly informs us that Mr. Bill Murray, " the Ghostbusters actor and zaney American comedian noted for his movie star role as groundskeeper Carl in the comedy golf film Caddyshack " has had to withdraw due to ' unforeseen scheduling commitments '. His place is taken by Kelly Slater ( seemingly a surfing legend ) who will be followed by a man from Ireland who is simply described as a tycoon . Angus wonders when he last saw or heard the word ' tycoon '. It has an archaic sound to it.

The golfers may be up and about early but 500 yards away the world is calm . Students do not appear on the streets until as close to the start of nine o'clock lectures as it's humanly possible to get.

The kitchen shop next door to the bakers has closed. Workmen are busy  repurposing it for a new tenant. In the window there's what appears to be a pile of old rags. As I pass the rags move. Closer examination shows that it's the painters dog happily dozing in the warmth of the morning sunshine while his master applies a  new layer of undercoat.

In Tescos a seasonal Pringles display has appeared. A limited edition " Santa's secret flavour "is on offer. I can't immediately see what the secret flavour is and one of the women behind the cash till starts to look at me suspiciously as I examine the tube. I shall return tomorrow to find out more.

So starts another day in a small but not so quiet Scottish town on the North Sea. 

Paying attention:https://www.insidehook.com/mental-health/staring-painting-challenge-attention-span

What we share :https://www.nber.org/papers/w35789#fromrss

Too saucy for the nuns :https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/in-one-of-romes-most-famed-and-neglected-villas-centuries-old-risque-frescoes-painted-over-by-nuns-have-reappeared-180989585/