We live in strange times....

Firstly, I'm fine and I hope that whoever is reading this is safe and well.  I'm in self-isolation on Graemsay as I have underlying health conditions and after my spell in hospital last summer I'm taking no chances!  I can get food supplies sent over, and I can wander to the beach with Button, and keep in touch with friends and family online. In a way I feel like I live in a bubble.  I work from home during the week anyway, and apart from seeing news briefings life has gone on almost as usual for me, till the weekend and then I am not going out socialising...

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orkney but it is known that there are people self-isolating who have all the symptoms.  Fortunately none have needed hospitalisation and therefore are not tested hence the "no confirmed cases".

Pubs, bars, cafes and many other shops are closed in Orkney.  And yes there is still the panic buying at the supermarkets.  Though the local shops seem to be maintaining supplies AND are doing home deliveries in their area. On the plus side many in the wider Orkney community are rising to the new challenges and helping those who need it. It gives me hope....

My winter store cupboard is still pretty full as it's been a mild Winter.  And I have been able to order food online for Button and Charle (barn cat).  The hens have lots of food in their bins so will be fine too.

I have just heard on the radio that the ferry companies that go back and forth to Mainland Scotland have now been told to only carry residents on urgent business and freight.  There has been concern about those from other affected areas in the UK seeking refuge in the isles.  Mistakenly believing they are safer (and they may well be!).  But there aren't the resources in the rural areas and islands to cope with the influx which will put more pressure on supermarkets/shops, as well as health services if they get ill.

I've not blogged for a while as have been busy with work and then this last couple of weeks has been surreal.  But... I am fortunate, I can wander to the shore and Spring is on the way so I can potter in the garden.  So - here are a few photos taken recently......

One day last week dear Button spotted a pea green boat in the bay.  She thought it was Owl come to take her off to dance by the light of the moon (literary reference to The Owl and the Pussycat).  She was quite disappointed when it turned out to be a local creel fishing boat.  No Owl....

Button considers how to get to the boat without getting wet paws....

She's hoping Owl will send a smaller boat for her....

Once she realised the boat wasn't for her she contemplated the workboat sailing past.... however no Owl there either....

Meanwhile I found treasure.  A groatie buckie (tiny cowrie shell).

Button still hopeful....

Look at that blue sky!

And in the garden the crocus have done well this year (these were sheltered from the gales)

Hens enjoying the sun on their backs too....

Not sure if Button thinks she is a garden ornament.....

More crocus

And further round the island.... the Community hall (green building to the very left), and the old Manse to the right...

The old croft of Quoys....

And looking over to Sandside and Hoy High lighthouse from Garson

Button takes most things in her stride (apart from dogs and thunderstorms...)

And we both enjoy warm sunshine....

Stay safe and well folks.  I will try and blog regularly with photos around the island.....  finding it tough to think of that when around the world there is so much heartache and sorrow just now....   but contemplating the beauty of this hellebore flower that fell to the ground after being battered by the wind brings me solace...