Spring

There have been two couples staying (at different times) this past fortnight. Australian and American. They were both enchanted with Orkney and it's beauty at this time of year. The bus driver on the XI service must get an honourable mention - he certainly made their weekend!  

Calving is a year long at Burnside - I order to maintain milk supplies to the creamery 

K

January

This must be the windiest January I can ever remember. Tihe stand in boat for the "Hamnavoe" daily changes it's itinary because of the south east swell. 

We've had 3 calves so far this year - 2 are British blue crosses and one is a British Fresian heifer ( if only we had a few more) 

I have called her "Violet"  2014 is going to be the year of the flower - suggestions other than daisy & rose are called for! 

we got an upgrade!

In our annual review from the Tourist Board, we got the extra classification of "gold" taking our accreditation to four star gold. So chuffed!!

A taste of spring at last

Drove up to the Smithfield hotel for Sunday lunch, and the temperature gauge on the car reached the dizzy heights of 12.5 degrees. A fine change from 3!
Looked for teas and tabnabs at the Broch of Birsay - but nowhere to be seen
Lots of activity and cars at the new Birsay Hall
Liz and I went photographing the new calves yesterday - results below

Walking in Birsay last Sunday

It was a pleasant day, and following a delicious lunch at Julia's  - we carried on to Birsay and took a walk along to the fisher men's huts - even Robbie - but I have not photographic evidence.
Tomorrow we are setting of for our really last break before the summer. 1 night at Pittodrie house - courtesy of "itison.com" (and Christine for introducing us to the land of deals.)
Then 2 nights in St Andrews with Fiona & Gordon deVries. Fiona's grandmother and my grandfather were both born and brought up at "New Breckan" in Harray.
Finally we have 2 nights in Glasgow - before heading back.  Christine has tickets for us to see Harry Hill

It feels like winter again

Robbie,Magnus and Erland have been busy these past weeks catching up on maintenance.  A UV steriliser has been put on the well water, dung has been spread and more spread. The cold dry weather has been very agreeable. Some plaster had fallen off the gable end of the house and even this has been mended - hence our dark patch!
Marjory from Soft Pink flowers has been providing us with some glorious blooms to brighten up our weeks

Sunday

Sunday was such an amazing day - with sunsets to match. Here aver some photos of Ben and the sky