Closer to home....

 

Closer to home and back in Deerness now.

Looking over St Peter's Pool

The house sits in an acre of very rough ground so wild flowers are popping up this Spring.  This photo was a few weeks ago - Celendines, no sadly gone over.

Still lots of primroses around though!

There are two what might loosely be called "flower beds" outside the house.  One I will let revert to the wild, and have scattered lots of wildflower seed (Scottish/Orcadian mix).  The other already has some wild flowers, and a few perennials too.  I have added a few perennials at the front.  As you can see there is nothing to protect it from the wind and salt off the sea!  So I shall see how it goes.

And Madam Button is doing well and has settled in.  She's on new medication for her arthritis is proving effective and she has a spring in her step again!  The new "catio" is in place using former chicken fencing (shhh don't tell her). She seems quite happy with the space.

And not forgetting the garage boys, Ronnie and Reggie....

Earlier this year we had a really cold spell so I put some straw into a couple of boxes, one each for the boys.  Of course they choose to snuggle together sometimes.  Bless them!

Across the barriers...

 

A few photos from out and about on one of the Churchill barriers.......  As you can see, a lot of sand has built up and it is now a beautiful walk along.  Little Terns (rare and endangered) endevour to breed along the shore here.  During the breeding season there are signs up so that people don't disturb them. 

This chap is nearby.  Hmmm think someone has been taking pot shots at him - or he has a serious case of woodworm!

The village of Burray across the water from the barrier.

And a short video of the waves!

Some recent photos around and about....

 

Someone raking for cockles.  Whelks and "spoots" (razor clams) are also to be found here at low tide.

The row of stones are known locally as "Dragon's Teeth" - actually cement and were used as part of anti-submarine defences during WWII.  Not sure how as it's very shallow waters here and a submarine would run abround long before reaching this point!

Looking East from the house to the cliffs.

Ronnie off on a hunting spree.  

Looking across St Peter's Pool to St Peter's Bay.  There is a ruin site to the left across the water where St Peter's Kirk once stood. Hence the name for the bay and pool.

Even in dull weather, lovely reflections....

And wonderful cloudscapes 

And..... a kite surfer!  I was particularly windy that day and the speed he was going was tremendous.  

Meanwhile a very fuzzy soft focus photo taken through a salt covered window of a local Hen Harrier sheltering from the wind and rain amont the willows in what passes for a "garden".....

Around the Parish - part 3

 

Sorry for silence.  Had laptop problems.  Hopefully resolved now.  Anyway..... belatedly these are photos of one of my favourite spots.  Called the Geo and where the Deerness Sailing Club have developed a slipway to launch boats.  Lovely views over Newark Bay (from the other end), as well as out across to the island of Copinsay and it's lighthouse, as well as surrounding islets, rocks.

The Sailing Club got funding for the Millenium (remember that!) and there are sheltered seating areas and picnic tables. around the Geo  

Shell sand, shells and groatie buckies!

Fulmars nesting along the low cliffs

And ringed plovers along the shore. I love watching them running back and forth with the tide.  Though these were taking a well earned rest.

This rock is known as the Horse of Copinsay. While Copinsay looks quite fertile, this looks more like a rock!

Unsure why it's called the Horse!  But it's tethered to the left of the island of Copinsay ;-)

This is one of my favourite spots to stop for tea (or coffee) with Freda....

Let it snow!

 

For the last week we have had snow, ice, sleet, as well as sunshine, fluffy clouds and blue skies!  So here are a few photos from around the house.  My lungs don't like the cold air so I didn't wander far but it was glorious to be out even if for just a few minutes.   Well apart from Tuesday when I had to take Button for a vet appointment, driving Freda (the van) in a blizzard with icy roads!  Button is doing OK for an elderly cat (17 years old), but needed additional pain management and also regular check on an emerging condition.  We were both glad to get home again!  At least it was a shorter journey than from Graemsay!

Anyway, here are some snow photos.

Through the front window onto the garden - road just outside looking icy

Button enjoying the view but not wanting to get cold paws.

Loosely referred to as the north facing "garden"

Looking East to the farm up the hill and the cliffs of Dingieshowe

Ronnie, one of the garage cats eager for breakfast.  They have cosy beds in the garage, plenty of food and water too.

Boot scraper - or Bill & Ben (as in Flowerpot men) have abandoned their shovels!

The farm up the hill

Looking South West (ish)

Milk doorstep delivery still appeared at 6.30am!

Looking South - sun blazing down on the solar panels- yay!

The track across the garden up to the dunes...

Up on the dunes....

Crocus and narcissi blooming.  Spring is coming!!

And a short video of the waves on the shore.