Back on Graemsay....

 

These photos were taken the day before Button and I finally moved to Kirkwall.  Button is settling in reasonably well to town life.  It's very noisy with road traffic and other noise, which has made her very nervous outside unfortunately.  I feel guilty of depriving her of a quiet life on Graemsay!  Though as she is now 16.5 years old she wasn't going to the beach much either with or without me.  Happy memories in these photos!

If you look closely you can see a wee black and white cat hiding in the grass!

A slow walk home....

We took the route via the old byres, which were formerly dwellings - hence evidence of fire places and sink-bains (shelves built into the wall).  Once the houses were no longer needed as new ones were built (maybe for bigger family!) they were converted to byres for the cattle to stand in during the winter months.  Each stall separated by huge flagstones, and with a drain running behind them - that probably ran sraight onto the shore! 

Now colonised by daisies and sow thistle.

Complete with ornamental cat....

The hens enjoying underfloor heating from some old hay.  Sadly Tally, my non binary chicken at the back died a week or so ago. Tally was originally Tallulah and a hen, but then changed to exhibit cockerel characteristics - grew a combl, wattles, spurs and crowed!  But if this happens as adults it usually suggests there is a tumour or something else growin internally to bring about the change.  So I wasn't surprised when Tally expired.  But Tally had lived a great life and was probably about 9 or 10 years old.

Tally, Dolores and Lola by my trike.  I had the trike on loan for some time but with nowhere to store it where I am staying in Kirkwall, it has now been returned.  :-(

Soaking up the warmth from the sandstone!

Visitors viewing the property while on sale. Haha!

Across the garden to Stromness in the evening light.

Hoy High in the evening, setting sun catching the tower...

Yes I miss this view!

And this one too...

Silage waiting to be cut (this was end August).

Sandside, with Stromness in the background.

Moving on.....

 

A very different view.....

So I am now living in Kirkwall.  On balance I'm really enjoying it. A few shops are within my walking distance, as is the harbour.  The house I am staying in temporarily is lovely and will be cosy for the winter.  Button is settling in, though struggles with the noise of a busy road next to the house.  She has an enclosed garden, and as she can no longer climb seems to be safely enclosed.  Well apart from a visiting moggy - but he (Ginge, a beautiful ginger and white cat) hasn't been round for a while.  We have no cat flap so Button is very obligingly using a litter tray again after 14 years not!  I am getting on with the litter try less well - after 14 years not!  Ho hum....

Anyway here are a few photos of the move from Graemsay and a very small part of Kirkwall!

Without a roll-on-roll-off ferry everything is craned on and off our island ferry.  Including when you move!  Although if there are extremely heavy things (like tractors) other boats are hired in by the ferry company.  Here are my worldly goods being shipped off.  Crates arrived one day, men came to fill crates the next (an art to that to ensure it's well balanced for being winched on the ferry and not too heavy in one crate, too light in another).  Crates then winched off the island, another day for re packing into a van, and delivery to my new abode.....  quite a performance really but thankfully the weather was calm and all worked well!

Of course Button has checked all was in order before despatch.....

Meanwhile a wander a few hundred yards from where I am staying down the main street in Kirkwall - it's a one way street for traffic and yes pedestrians too.

Not far from the harbout and marina.....

A useful selection of shops and cafes.

One of my favourite shops....

And yes, down the street are little secret gateways to homes and gardens....

Ah they heard Button was coming!!

On the side of one of the banks!

And some history nearby...

St Magnus Cathedral spire in view.   I can hear the bells calling the faithful to the Sunday service.

St Olaf's Wynd   Site of an 11th Century kirk (church) which may be where Kirkwall got its name (Kirk on the bay).  This door is part of a later 16th Century building. 

And a walk up to the Willows.... 

The lane to be approached with caution!  Very slippery when wet, icy, leaves falling, birds pooping etc!

And on the Willowburn road - trees and a burn!

Button becoming accustomed with a severely reduced domain.....

And breathe!

 

Etched in my memory!

Thanks for all the comments and messages about the sale of Sandside.  There has been lots of interest in the house and I'm happy to say I have accepted an offer which is currently going through the legal processes. I believe the new folk will respect the old stone house and make it a lovely family home.  I'm delighted. Fingers crossed everything proceeds through the legals now.  

Meanwhile I am moving to Kirkwall temporarily, while I look for a more permanent home.  I decided some time ago I needed to be off the island for Winter, largely due to health reasons. So it's new adventures, exciting times and Tesco (and Co-op) delivery!  

I haven't decided whether to continue blogging, my mojo disappeared in the last year or so.  I may start a new blog once I leave Graemsay, but more likely I will go over to something like Instagram.  No decisions yet but I will keep you - er - posted!

Meanwhile, August has been glorious weather wise.  Not the high temperatures of the UK further South, but lovely and warm, with bright days, little wind and few midges.  So here are some photos taken on several e-trike rides around the island.

Hoy High lighthouse and Sandside

The garden, overlooking Hoy Sound

And in the evening.....

Oystercatchers making the most of the cut silage field.  Sandside and Hoy High light in the distance

Scarratain with a traditional turf roof.  Hoy hills in the background

A coo and calf at the top of Windbreck hill, overlooking Clestrain Sound and the Orphir hills

Hoy High, and coos!  Stromness across the water.

Looking West to the fields as silage was being cut earlier in the month.

Looking down the road to Sandside

Sunset.....

Looking across the water 

Daisies at the old steading at Sandside.....

I love thistles!

Yarrow....

And looking across Sandside Bay

The increasing pile of packing boxes.......

Thanks for reading.  More later....