We had a lovely relaxing time in Hoy this weekend. I spoke about it briefly in my last blog and at length about my forgotten items. However once I had kitted myself out with replacements and cobbled other stuff together we enjoyed some lovely walks, visits to Lifeboat museums, cafe and conversation with friends, eating … More My Week in Pictures
I managed a quick get away to one of the north isles, Westray this weekend as I was singing in a concert. Not that I need an excuse to go as it really is one of the most special places on earth. It’s often called The Queen of the Isles and thanks to a smart phone … More Westray, The Queen of the Isles
There are not many wooded areas in Orkney but I was able to capture this pretty little place looking so lovely on Monday, especially as the bluebells were out. It’s called The Willows and has an adorable little stream running through (which Orcadians would call a burn) On such a sunny day the whole thing … More My week in pictures
Monday was BOILING (Tuesday too). I blogged earlier in the week about how it was almost too hot but it was certainly a great day for gardening in your wellies. The sun shone and shone and this local field is full of the humble dandelion, turning the ordinary into the extra ordinary. This is the … More My Week in Pictures
A funny thing happened when I first saw this photo a few months ago. It was on my friend’s Facebook page and I admired it and commented that it was a stunning picture. I wondered where it was and thought how peaceful it looked and it would be a great place to live if I … More Gaining a new perspective
I did a very British thing yesterday. I was driving along a road that wasn’t quite wide enough for two cars. I saw a car quite far away heading towards me, and had to make one of those split second decisions. Do I hare it up the road and meet him at the passing place … More Middle aged road rage.
Finally the hyacinths and tulips are out. I think we’re a bit later up here or maybe I’m later than others around Orkney because I’m in quite an exposed area. Either way it warms my heart to see them and the scent from a hyacinth is like no other.The weather has been a little changeable … More My week in pictures
Never knowing what lies ahead The first picture was taken last Sunday on my way home from church. So many birds nesting and dark brooding skies. I was about to head into a really busy week and wondering how I was going to fit it all in and longed for some space and time to … More My week in pictures
Sea Fever BY JOHN MASEFIELD I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by; And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking, And a grey mist on the … More A House by the Sea
Dear Orkney There appears to be a dreadful misunderstanding. I refer to my earlier letter to you written on March 7th 2016. See here. In my previous letter I thanked you for the end of winter, being able to peg out washing, do some gardening and not needing to resort to chocolate. I sang your praises … More Dear Orkney (part 2)
Norq From Ork 