Calm day.....

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago now when there were a few calm days -  the wind is building up again as I type, with drizzly rain all day and low grey skies.  Ah well.  I'm snug indoors so I won't complain.  But here is a reminder for me of the other week.

Above, Sandside Bay with the tide going out.  Smoke drifts between the Hoy hills and Graemsay, and grey clouds hang over the hill.

Down on the coral beach the seaweed sways gently in the receding tide.

Landscape - with Cat.  The old stone pier at Sandside with Button sitting atop.

She is only content when she is the centre of attention.... of course....

Meanwhile in the garden the hellibores are (or were - there's been a storm, sigh) beginning to flower....

The hens are enjoying the calm and dry spell too.....

One of the hens has been living a little too al-fresco and I was concerned she wasn't seeking shelter with the others in the hen house at night.  So I waited till dusk when all the hens would be roosting to check.  Fortunately they were all present and correct!

And across the water the lights are on in Stromness (sorry very grainy photo as it was my phone camera but you get the gist...)

And then I went home to photograph my treasures from the beach.  Some Maerl (cold water coral) as well as two groatie buckie (tiny cowrie shells)

And then Madam Button came in after a hunting expedition..... I said she had to clean her paws before she was sleeping on MY bed again!!