There are definite signs of change in Orkney this week as spring is really beginning to show herself. A farmer friend I once knew told me he spent his life ‘looking over hedges’ ie comparing his own work with how other farmers are doing. Are they ahead or behind schedule? was he keeping up? I think the same thing must happen in Orkney because just about everywhere I looked there were tractors out ploughing this weekend. There’s something really satisfying about seeing a freshly ploughed field ready for another season’s growing. A sure reminder that seasons keep on rolling on.

There are other signs of spring in the air. Buds appearing on branches, birds returning, daffodils beginning to poke through the ground and there was even another conversation about pegging washing out this week. It’s enough to make a shamelessly boring, middle-aged woman girl giddy with excitement! See also… The Joy of Pegging Out

Actually, talking of being giddy with excitement, I wore sunglasses this week for the first time in 2018. So it’s probably all my fault that the weather people are now predicting arctic conditions this coming week. I’m sorry, but you can’t blame me for trying!

I’ve been off work this week on annual leave……and full of cold. So much of my plans for the week didn’t come to much. I was going to spring clean, declutter, swim, walk and move mountains. Instead, I would fall asleep in front of the fire without even finishing the page of my book. In the end, I gave up……but don’t. 😉
One of the lovely things about writing this blog is getting to know so many people from all over the world. I really enjoy reading your comments and when I have a crisis of confidence there’s always a kind comment to cheer me along. From time to time people send me things. I had a lovely gift box from my number one cheer leading family Nicola and Co who moved to Scotland from South Africa *waves* and last weekend I received some beautiful dwarf irises from a lady I ‘met’ on Twitter who reads the blog. Another cheerleader who I’m sure would love to see me published. Maybe one day. Kath loves Orkney and if she can’t be here she can do the next best thing which is see something planted in Orkney soil. So Kath, the irises are in and I look forward to seeing them flower soon. Thank you very much to you.

Through the week there are often little extras posted on my Norq from Ork Facebook Page so click on ‘like’ the page and show me some love. And to all of you; thank you for reading, liking and commenting. I hope you all have a good week and see you soon.
Hi, there. I recently discovered your blog, can’t remember quite how, no doubt due to advancing age … but I digress. I am from Seattle, Washington, USA. My husband and I love Orkney; have visited several times, and last summer rented a flat in Kirkwall FOR A MONTH. Bliss! I was telling my friend Sian Thomas from Graemsay about you and of course she knows you. Of course she does! Anyway, I love your blog. Thank you for your funny, thoughtful, colorful commentary on life.
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Hi Louise thank you so much for your lovely comments. Yes I know Sian well and have been to visit her lovely home on Graemsay. I’m so glad you love Orkney. It’s a great place to visit and I haven’t tired of it in ten years! Much love from not so sunny Quoyloo.
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Hi Sarah, I think this must be my 15 minutes of fame! Enjoy the irises. Even if they don’t do much this year they will take you by surprise next February and make you smile. Kath xx
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Hurrah! Looking forward to to seeing them. One is beginning to flower already. 😍 enjoy your 15 minutes x
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I can wave at you from over the sea now. Since I can literally see Orkney from my sofa on a clear day. I am so excited to see spring in another country I could burst……and also please also refer to the joy of pegging out which I unashamedly did myself this week…..cue artic cold front. Keep writing…..we are still rooting for that book
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Hope the move went well Nicola and thinking of you lots. Enjoy Seeing Orkney.
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