Sunset over..... my blog.....

 

I have thought long and hard about this, but I feel it is time for me to finish blogging.  I've blogged for just over 10 years now and thoroughly enjoyed it, as well as connecting with folk all over the world, and meeting some of them face to face!  But I lost my blogging mojo last year and it's not really returned. So thanks for reading and here are a few final sunset shots from my new home.  

Cattle enjoying a calm early summer evening.

Nestled in the landscape......

Sunset glow

Almost full moon over the ocean....

Calm seas....

Sunset at this time of year is 10.15 or thereabouts with sunrise about 4am - and twilight in between. LOVE this time of year!!

Forget-me-nots at sunset....

And sunset glow over the sea campion and aquilegia...

Reflections...

Slipping below the horizon.

And no proper post is complete without dear Madam Button.  At 17.5 years old she takes life a little more slowly but is no less demanding!  She enjoys sitting on the windowsill and watching the world go by...

And sunbathing..... she likes sunbathing....

So once again, thanks for spending time here, and for all your comments, support, laughter and commiserations over the years.  It's much appreciated, and I enjoyed your company!

Meanwhile I can be found over on Instagram which I am only just getting to grips with...... so - bear with!  (under name of Siansandside) - or via email address in the profile link on this page.

Take care folks...... Sian

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....