Category Archives: Something different

Things I Love

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If I was to say there are two things I always want and never say no to, if offered…..

The first is shelves.  I love shelves and I always need shelves.  I actually think you can’t have too many shelves (that, and electric socket points – there are never enough).

Today, I was given two shelf units and I know they will be very useful. As quickly as the first one was put up, I filled it.  I am seeing if I need the two extra shelves, which are easy enough to add.  I think I probably will.

The second unit went into the stable where I store the remainder of my extensive rug library – some might say I have an addiction and I refute that theory but I will admit to not being very good at storing them properly.

I know that this is not an ideal method and I am determined to make it a) easier to find the necessary rug and b) store them better.

I have just ordered lots of those zip-up storage bags and will then sort, itemize, label and store each rug according to size and fill in my new easy-to-find method.  I have great plans now I have these great shelves.

Oh, and the second thing is buckets – I can never have too many buckets.  Ever.

As I write, I am feeling very smug about my shelves and will admit that when I had fed the ducks, I went back into the sheds to gaze at each unit lovingly!  Huge thanks to my giver of shelves.  You know who you are and this is a wonderful present.

 

Spring Birds

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This time of year, the Dawn Chorus is very loud and tuneful.  So, I did a little experiment today – I decided to record all the birds I could hear in my garden by putting my phone on the bird table and leaving it there for 15 minutes.  Usually when I try to record and identify every bird, they all vanish, hence leaving the phone on the bird-table and walking away (hiding).

My first attempt I have decided to ignore on the grounds of a carrion crow being in Shetland are pretty much nil.  They are rare (and I would love one).

Screenshot

Screenshot

We do try to encourage birds in our garden. There is also a massive bird table above.

But there is also a massive cat below, though to be fair, I have never seen him bother with a bird – he prefers bigger prey like whitterit (stoats), rabbits and our neighbours (who I, funnily enough, haven’t seen recently).

I had a wander around the garden to admire plants actually growing.  A wonderful sight after such a god-awful winter.  We favour the wild garden look rather than cultivation.

After my wander on this gorgeous calm spring day, I had another shot at trying to record the birds.

With 12 breed of birds in just the garden and its environs, you can see why our Dawn Chorus is a loud experience, with everyone shouting their heads off trying to be heard!  It is very beautiful, though.

(is it just me, or do these two pigeons look like they are walking to work!)

The Spectacular Shetland Scenery

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To town for two hospital out-patients appointments.  I was in and out in under half an hour so rather than pootle about, I got straight back in the car and drove home. I just couldn’t be bothered with being around folk, etc. and there was a cruise ship moored in the harbour so I knew the Street would be humming.  I hope someone bought a sheep or ten.  That would be helpful.

But, on my home, I did take the time to stop off at a couple of viewing spots to get out of the car and take photos of the marvellous view.

This is Weisdale Voe.  Apparently (according to Wikipedia) it is 4 1/2 miles end to end and contains several small islands and islets – Greena, Flotta, Hoy, North Havra, Junk and the Hoggs of Hoy.  I cannot tell you which is which as I have only just found out their names.

Still it is a breathtaking view and I always maintain that when I am bored of this view, I will be bored of Shetland and must leave. But here, there is beautiful jaw-dropping scenery around every corner and I never cease to be amazed by it.

Another Voe, sitting just next to Weisdale Voe is Whiteness Voe. This is one of my lunchtime parking spots and also where all the cruise-ship coaches patiently wait so folk can get out and take photos of their fleeting time in Shetland before being whisked off to see another pile of historical rocks.

It was almost hot today (11°C) so I didnt take Pepper, much to her rage.  She and Ted had already been brought back home this morning by a rather furious OH who was on his way to work.

Obviously, I got the pathetic face treatment so I would feel guilty about leaving them all to fend for themselves.

But they got their tea instead so I am now forgiven.

Happy Easter

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Happy Easter to you all.

We got through Storm Dave (honestly, who names these storms) and have come out the other side fairly unscathed.  I think Shetland got off lightly compared to other areas of the UK.

I’ve had a lovely day doing absolutely nothing, just resting on my bed, heatpad on full with Pepper by my side or on my lap.  I am still feeling very fragile after yesterday’s hard work.

Later on in the afternoon, we went over to friends and were given a proper Devonshire cream tea (homemade scones, jam and clotted cream) – absolute bliss and I feel very full.

So that’s me. I hope you all had a lovely day. Next, I’m off to eat my weight in chocolate with absolutely no sharing.

 

Not Well (Again)

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Guess who said no to her breakfast (again)?

Guess who is wandering around like a wet weekend feeling very sorry for herself, while making wretching noises and constantly asking to go outside with her tail between her legs?

Well, obviously not Ted – he’s on fighting form, happily eating anyone’s unwanted breakfast/supper/tea/bedtime snacks, etc. Ted, the actual dog dustbin.  I have yet to find anything he doesn’t eat – even broccoli stalks.

Luckily, the excellent on-site nursing staff are very atttentive and taking good care of our utterly miserable patient.

I am not neglecting Pepper either. Today she has had slippery elm, albeit unwillingly, two good sleeps and has now managed to choke down a little bit of boiled chicken, from my fingers – apparently she can’t eat out of her bowl anymore.  OH even went to town (for supplies) via the vet and collected some Promax (probiotic paste).  I bought some pumpkin powder online too.  I can’t think of anything else.

It is a bit all or nothing with Pepper.