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Sunday 22 March 2020

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...



13 comments:

  1. You are definitely in the best place. Thankfully we mo longer live in the Cardiff. But the public in general are being too casual about this virus yesterday in some places it resembled a Bank Holiday with the number of people about and the car parks in the Brecon Beacons were full. Lets hope we dont all pay for it.

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    1. Even after nearly two weeks of lockdown I see on TV and in the newspapers that people are STILL not getting the message. Arrggh! At least it is relatively easy for me to self isolate here.

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  2. Lovely photos of Button and about. We live on an island too and are very annoyed about the number of people who have arrived to isolate. These people are wandering about now but hopefully not spreading disease.
    Quite scary. At least you can have some beautiful walks

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    1. I know we were getting some coming to Orkney to islolate. Not sure many have stayed I can understand their fear and need but it really isn't sensible to overwhelm even more scarce resources here in the highland ans islands!

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  3. Thank you for your lovely post. It feels like a calm point in the midst of a terrible storm.

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    1. Thank you. It feels quite surreal watching the TV news and hearing from friends south. It is odd on the Orkney Mainland too but I can't get there so am not so aware of it. Let's hope the storm passes soon!

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  4. Good evening Sian, thebutterflycollection.blogspot.com might bring a smile within - Marky x

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    1. Thank you! I will go and look. Take care...

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  5. I'm glad that you are doing well. I love the fact that you and button can take these lovely walks around your island, and take pictures for my enjoyment.

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    1. Glad you enjoy them. We are SO fortunate to be living on Graemsay.. Stay safe and well!

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  6. Thank you for all your images and the walk around your area. I have a penchant for pea-green boats too and there is one in Oban Bay called Vervine, that I covet. I saw it in person the last time I was there but I have to be satisfied with seeing it on the WebCam for now.

    It is good to know that you are still well and I hope you stay that way.

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