The sun is out today (ssshhh) and it reminded me to post a picture of the sky last week.  The "halo" around the sun is known as a sun dog - light refracting on ice crystals in the atmosphere.  In the middle is the beginning of a light pillar.  Amazing to see. PS thanks for the welcome back ..read more

  Just popping in to say all is OK here.  As you can see I lost my blogging mojo over the Winter.  Time will tell whether it will return.  However I've had some kind emails and comments from folk concerned about me and Button so thought I ought to report in! It's been a tough winter this year weather wise.  Everyone, even experienced Orkney farmers are saying the same.  Constant gales with barely a break, rain, two lots of snow (not that common Orkney), more rain. January felt as though it went on 478 days, whereas February is galloping by. I struggle in Winter ..read more

  Courtesy of Graham Campbell Despite gale force winds in Orkney we appear to have escaped (so far) the flooding that is seen across other parts of Scotland and indeed England and Ireland.  Gusts were over 70mph and the seas have been huge.  All ferries to Scotland and the islands have been cancelled but planes have still been flying - hmm wouldn't fancy being on them!   These photos were taken by Graham Campbell, a local chap who loves being out and about and taking photos of wildlife and scenery. Photo courtesy of Graham Campbell Photo court ..read more

  The weather was lovely while I was poorly with Covid. And after a few days I was able to wander about the house and up to the dunes where it is usually pretty quiet in the evening.  During the day it's a favourite haunt of dog walkers, families on the beach and visitors.  But in the evening, although there may be a few camper vans in the nearby carpark or the odd tent among the dunes, it is generally peaceful and I have it to myself. Here are a few photos from my wanderings.... Overlooking St Peter's Pool At Dingieshowe, looking out to the island of Copinsay. A ..read more

  The last few posts were "scheduled" after I had a burst of blogging mojo.  Just as well as for the last 10 days I've had Covid.  Fortunately for me a fairly mild dose, and my GP was on the ball with extra meds in case my asthma deteroirated (it didn't).  Just left with the feeling of fatigue but taking things slowly. During my incarceration (because a) I didn't feel well enough to go out and about and b) when I did I am aware there are many clinically vulnerable folk in the community and didn't want to spread the virus) I sat and read, listened to music and did a jigsaw ..read more

  We have been fortunate in Orkney to have a reasonable summer.  Pleasantly warm (if you are acclimatised to Orkney!), very dry, few high winds, and lots of sunshine.  And as August progresses so does the farming year with silage being cut, hay being made, and vegetables being harvested. This year I decided not to grow any vegetables.  I just enjoyed the flowers in my new garden, created by the previous owners.  The sedums were glorious when in flower, they were like snow on top of the gabions. Bright yellow stars on this sedum.... Malva and scabious gro ..read more

  A selection of Big Sky photos..... Low mist over the water... Sadly the sun has moved more to the left since this photo was taken, tracking back to it's winter position... arrrgh not quite yet though!   Looking out over the island of Rousay on the horizon. Early evening.... On another evening... Button's favourite position on the outside windowsill, watching the sun set, and the world go by ..read more

  As summer in Orkney draws to a close, so do the archaeological digs.  A couple of weeks ago I went to see the extraordinary dig at the Ness of Brodgar.  Yet again my photos do not do the site justice so do take a look at their website here The site is huge and interpretation is ongoing as new areas come to light.  The walls of the buildings (well remains of them) are clear even to a novice like me.  Some rudimentary art has been found, animal bones, pottery and lots of interesting artefacts.  Next year will be the final year of digging.  Those who have su ..read more

  A few weeks ago I accompanied friends for a trip over to the island of Hoy to see the newly refurbished Scapa Flow Museum.  Now it is ostensibly a war museum, of which I am not a fan.  But this is much more. Documenting how Scapa Flow was used as a naval base during both World Wars and focusing on historic events and how they impacted individuals.  My photos don't do it justice so here is a link to a much more comprehensive explanation and photos of exhibits.  Scapa Flow Museum Link The museum was officially opened by Sir Chris Hoy (tenuous link - Scottish Olympic ..read more

  The first full week of August is Show Time in Orkney. A host of horticultural or agricultural shows around the isles and parishes.  This is my first year in the East, so I was keen to support the East Mainland Horticultural and Agricultural Show yesterday.  East Mainland includes the parishes of Deerness, Toab, Holm and St Andrews. As you can see in the photo above - the day was glorious for the show, dry, warm, sunny and barely a breeze! The horticultural section was in the St Andrew's Community Centre, a few miles down the road from me.  These shows include fruit and ..read more