Hello everyone, welcome again ! August has been a lovely month all ways round, especially with folk coming to the island from far flung places as volunteers for the annual Sheep Festival, a wonderful infusion of energy and vibrancy.
The main objective of the volunteers, aided by islanders, is to repair sections of the 13 mile stone dyke that surrounds North Ronaldsay
it involves collecting and carrying stones from the beach to the wall
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very much hands on team work |
Here's a little rhythmic song I made up, thought it might help the building of the dyke, to be sung slowly and calmly, with Zen-like qualities.
"Get in the zone,
pick up your stone,
carry it to the wall.
Place it down,
turn around,
keep going 'til it's five foot tall."
(repeat as required !)
( thanks to the Sheep Festival Facebook Page for the above dyke building photographs)
the Sheep Festival t-shirt wind sock created by Tim outside the Bird Observatory
The islanders vs festival volunteers football match is always a highlight of the festival
and Malcolm loves being a part of it
a great game and everyone enjoyed themselves and tucked into a bbq at the end in glorious sunshine
The evening before the festival ceilidh, there is always a practise run through so that folk get to know some of the dances
the weather was good so everyone was outside
the practise is always an event in itself
and loads of folk turned out and danced while the sun was setting
and on ceilidh night as long as the music was playing the floor was packed !
the "Palais Glide" is always popular
and
the "Papay Nine Pins" is definitely one for the younger crowd towards the end of the evening when their feet barely touch the ground and they need a lot of room !
and then a moment of calm to take breath
As part of the festival programme there are wool felting workshops too, some amazing creations in such a short time !
(thanks to the Sheep Festival Facebook Page for the felting workshop photographs)
and of course plenty of lighthouse tours
just love these young folk who come to the island
Nathan and Adam (who have become regular visitors to North Ronaldsay) with one of Malcolm's 8lb cabbages
Five great fellas cooking me a delicious lunch 😊
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Around the croft
birds enjoying the seeds of the pampas grass and bungee-jumping on the stems
grapes ripening in the greenhouse
and if that doesn't get my attention she comes to the back door !
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Quote of the month
Mr Blonde
mmm, you can't beat the smell of a pony, bliss !
time spent with ponies is never wasted 😊
Around the island
Fair Isle on a clear day, 28 miles away
flying low
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There has been a small exhibition in the newly renovated Kirk
celebrating women doctors on Orkney,
especially the life of Dr Beatrice Garvie in the 1930's/40's
and the hundreds of photographs she took of the people and their lives
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some unusual cloud formations
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No book of the month this time
but these are our two favourite quarterly magazines that we find inspiring
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Pause for thought
That's all for August, wishing you all a peaceful, happy September from the most northerly croft in Orkney
Malcolm & June
💛 💛 💛 💛 💛 💛
