Shetland spring

Its spring and that's time for the lambs to appear, the black faced lambs have been with us for about 6 weeks 

But now its Shetland lambs that are being born, up to the end of May usually

 

They are so cute at this age

The air is full of bird song as well and we have had some sunshine as well

over Easter we have seen lots of visitors arrive but we are still having  a lot of covid cases

But spring is about a fresh start so its time to count your blessings and get on with it. While everything seems calm we must think of those in and who have left the Ukraine.

Shetland aid has been sending lots of supplies so we can only pray for a quick end to the war which seems along way from a peaceful Shetland

Da Voar Redd Up, the annual Shetland clean has started and around 40% of all Shetlanders help clearing beaches, ditches and roads from plastic and other rubbish. 

My new book is out now and available at £14 + postage, it is A4 size with 97 colour photos,  i can send anywhere in the world. email me at shetpuffinbook@gmail.com

Cats life in Shetland

Ever since we were married we have had cats and we moved to Shetland with one of our cats -Furbie.

Furbie didn't like the trip up to Aberdeen calling all the time, he did enjoy the Scottish air when we stopped at Jedburgh &  Stonehaven for a break and he joined us for a short walk (in a harness) along the sea front.

That was his introduction to big white birds (Gulls) which he had never seen but wanted to get to know better. We boarded the ferry and put him in the pets sleeping quarters. Luckily we travelled mid April and in the middle of the week so he was the only customer.

He seemed glad to see us in the morning and was too tired to meow as we made our way down to our rented home in Sandwick. He was very restless in this house and was glad that we moved out 3 months later into our new permanent home.

He soon settled and made himself at home on our bed. He didn't like the workmen who came into our home the next few months, they disturbed his sleep and other routines .

He passed away after a illness and we were thankful to the staff at Scalloway vets who made is last days bearable .

We vowed never to go through the suffering again until a friend contacted us who was moving to Africa and was looking to home her two cats, not wanting to split them up

We met Tinker first, he seemed very timid and hid away and didn't want to be picked up.

Teddy above was the opposite and came up to meet us and seemed very settled. We took both back the short distance over the hill to Sandwick and let them out of the cat baskets. 

Both fed well and went to sleep, it had been a traumatic few hours. The next morning they ate well and made for our bed settling down together

Although not true brothers they work well together with Tinker chatting away to Teddy to let him know a meal is out. Teddy on the other hand never spoke to us for many months, perhaps he couldn't get a meow in edge ways

Both are house cats and they like the fact we have big windows and spend time looking and chattering to the birds we have in the field in front of the house. 

They have never caused us any problems and are very well behaved. They don't even touch the Christmas tree unlike our other cats which brought the tree down numerous times.

Cats do what they want , when they want but always respond to treats. We wouldn't be without their company.

 We have been in Shetland nearly 8 years and are so glad of their company, 

Shetland Christmas

Its very nearly Christmas

Are you ready for Christmas, well it looks like another one under the threat of the Corona Virus with restrictions already in place in Scotland.

Its not stopped the many people who have been busy decorating hay bails, this one at Quendale

This one at Hillswick

Minnions enjoy Christmas as well

Phone box dressed up for Christmas , this one at North Roe

Just waiting for the snow which is due on Christmas day and beyond

Zombie Christmas, you may look like this after a few drinks

 Had a few snow showers over last few weeks, none stayed long. This at Cunningsburgh

Well folks, thanks for looking at my website and I hope you have a great Christmas- stay safe.

Lerwick in the sun

 Good to get out for a walk in the sun

Parked down at Victoria Pier and headed north 

Fishing boats arrive in Lerwick harbour

Always worth a look around Hay's Dock and the museum area

The Pilot us in a sorry state

Looking south with the museum on right and Mareel in the distance

Shetland locations on the steps of the museum

A memorial to those that died at sea

Greenhouse as part of the festival of care outside the Mareel

Barrrels near the Gutters shed near the Mareel

Want a gift from Shetland check out my new website at www.shetlandebbtidegifts.co.uk