Ceud Mìle Fàilte
Thank you for dropping-by, I hope you enjoy your visit. The main content is to be found in the blog, where I discuss everything and anything, but, topics including: photography, nature, technology, food, movies, music, politics, and life in the Highlands of Scotland, make regular appearances.
I commonly write reviews of movies (or films, if you prefer). Some movie reviews are short, others will be discussed in more detail. The scope covered will be mainly mainstream English language movies from the 1930s until the present day.
About me
My name is Iain MacDonald, and I live in the Highlands of Scotland (although I have lived elsewhere in the past). I use Fitheach as my online pseudonym, on this website, on Mastodon, and on Matrix. I am a big fan of Free & Open Source Software, which I use both professionally and at home.
Computing and technology tend to infuse themselves into my other interests, as once you learn some skills in one area it is convenient to use them to solve problems in other spheres.
When not tinkering with computers, I am likely to be found repairing things because living in the countryside you learn to be resourceful.
Of course, man doesn't live by SSH tunnels and kerosene vapour burners alone, so, food, as a subject, makes regular appearances, too.
My latest Life articles
My most recent ramblings can be found in the Life section.
My latest Mastodon posts
Mastodon is a microblogging app that is part of the decentralised web known as The Fediverse. See this article for more details.
Fitheach
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:22:18 +0000
Currently, watching "Dick Tracy vs. Cueball" (1946) which is a B-movie film noir based on the comic strip, which started in the 1930s. I'm really enjoying it.
One of the delights is the corny character names. My favourite in this movie is "Filthy Flora". 😂
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:31:46 +0000
Here's a question for all you #Nextcloud users.
On my laptop I'm using QOwnNotes to manage all my Markdown files that comprise my PIM. I use Nextcloud Desktop to sync to the Cloud. I also have Nextcloud sync setup for my 'phone and tablet. All working beautifully.
However, QOwnNotes has a encryption feature I'd like to use. QON only runs on my laptop, which means any encrypted notes are only readable there.
Is there a way to have encrypted notes readable everywhere?
Sun, 07 Dec 2025 11:41:08 +0000
During my recent project of removing the rhododendrons from around the house, I came across this old bird's nest. I was delighted to see the birds had used Gruoch's discarded fur to line the nest. This was particularly pleasing as I had intentionally put out clumps of fur for this reason.
If you have a shedding dog you should do the same in the late winter and early spring.
#Gruoch #dogs #DogsOfMastodon #nature #Highlands #Scotland
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:03:42 +0000
Have I become a yokel?
I replaced my clothes washing machine nearly a year ago. Ever since, the old machine has been sitting outside my back door. One of the reasons I haven't taken it to the recycling centre is its usefulness as a makeshift table, particularly when servicing the chainsaws. 😃
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:54:57 +0000
<<<
As the Einhell saw is one-handed, the other hand can be used to hold the rhoddies. A bushman is also one-handed, but, the cutting might take a couple of minutes. A traditional chainsaw would also cut fast, but, can't be held with one hand.
Another huge advantage of the mini chainsaw is the battery power. The saw only operates for as long as the trigger is held. It can be put aside without it running, yet, is ready to operate again in an instant.
I'm completely sold on the concept.
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:43:43 +0000
This is a game-changer!
For years I've been fighting a losing battle against Rhododendron ponticum, an invasive species that unfortunately thrives in the #Highlands.
Tackling the rhoddies with either a bushman saw or standard chainsaw is difficult, dangerous, and very time consuming. The rhoddies twist, turn, loop, and root when branches touch the ground. This makes them difficult to cut.
My new #Einhell one-handed chainsaw is ideal for cutting rhoddies. The tide has turned.
>>>