So, the blog writing continues this week. As it was a whole blog's worth of things already (see previous post) but for those needing their Orkney/Nancy/seal/sea fix - here you are. Home in May.
The bluebells were at their most amazing, and in the early evening light they glowed purple.
An amazing sunset by the water that evening - flat calm.
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Seals, always.
Sunset drinks.
And a cozy glimpse to the kitchen window.
This is Orkney at 10.45pm - still daylight in the westerly sky. Quite different from London; I'm writing at nine thirty this evening and it's really pitch dark already. Look how still the water is tonight - magical.
Bright and airy the following morning.
A walk in the woods. Never in my imagination were the bluebells as intense as this.
In the veg garden, Charlie's gone mad. You may recall (in the blog post of April 22nd) this photo.
Here's a similar view this weekend. He is a powerhouse.
The irises in their bank, planted in the cold and rain of winter, thriving.
Back from the walk around the garden...
Breakfast.
Lots of activities, with my brother Jon and sister in law Laura, who were staying for the weekend, largely involving unpacking boxes. but one incredible task which Charlie and I would never have managed was re-rigging our model ship that we'd bought in Bridport a few years ago and didn't quite survive the move intact. An incredible job, beautifully completed.
Lunch on the terrace in hot sunshine.
We went for a walk that afternoon - the usual circuit...
Incredible rocks and waves, despite no wind and flat calm seas - swell and tide. Wonderful.
We found (and didn't get too close) to a nest of gull's eggs - incredible to see.
Looking back to Westness.
The Midhowe Broch...
And the Midhowe Chambered Tomb - 6000 years old. 1000 years older than the Pyramids of Giza. This was a society that had a feeling for history, and for its place in time.
Seals, of course, basking on the rocks.
St Mary's chapel.
Oyster catchers on the beach.
and home for drinks!
A soft sunset and moonrise.
Almost a full moon. That night, in the middle of the night, I woke and saw this incredible moon-set through the bedroom window, slowly slipping behind the hill at Evie.
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Breakfast outside the next morning. Orkney in May! It's always like this!!
Another exploration on the other side of the Island today.
Marsh marigolds...
Tiny alpine flowers everywhere...
And more impressive seas.
Home - a snapshot of the greenhouse. Charlie has green fingers. We all knew that but look at this.
A beautiful orange species sweet pea on the greenhouse wall.
The light that evening...
And a full moon rising that night, when we took the dogs down to the sea after supper.
Jon and Laura left the next morning and we basked in hot, hot sunshine.
Too hot for some.
That afternoon, a meeting of the Rousay Heritage Society - home, sunset - an amazing red sky - surreal, like a painting by Paul Nash.
The last of the sun on the walls.
Everyone was VERY tired that night.
And in the morning.
A sea haar had rolled in, but soon cleared.
A last walk around the garden before I was leaving. Irises unfurling.
Artichokes going mad. Now admittedly we'd inherited these fine plants but it's quite a good answer to rather a lot of people who would say "BUT WHAT IS CHARLIE GOING TO GROW UP THERE?".
A last look at the woods.
And south. Caithness looked like Greece.
Have a beautiful week. May we find peace.
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23 comments
The Bluebells and the sunsets are truly magical!!! I have “Bluebell Envy” from this side of the Atlantic (USA).
The amazing ‘flower moon’ has been responsible for the swells which have resulted in good feeding opportunities for the seals and the young families of gulls. Am fascinated to see so many simple aspects and details of seaside life presented in the most beautiful way; am full of admiration. Thanks for sharing.
All lovely, gorgeous, dreamy. But, what’s it like for Charlie when he’s there during the week alone? So remote…
I love your posts and read every word, look at every photo. So beautiful. I love Nancy and all your pups. Charlie’s gardening is incredible. Thank you for your posts. Peace.
I love reading these – thank you. You both work so hard but find time for a beautiful life. Thank you
Hello Ben and Charlie from Victoria, Australia. Took a break from planting tulip bulbs in my copper tubs – a collection started by my mother many decades ago – came inside to read your blog and there were all your blooming copper-tubbed tulips! Gorgeous! This year I’m going burgundy, scarlet, orange and pink. Fingers crossed that mine will do as well as yours.
When I saw the first al fresco meal photo, I was looking for Nancy…because a dachshund is always where the food is. And there she was! Also, in the latter al fresco dining shot. So funny.
Just love these blogs and Charlie’s gardening is miraculous!! My tomatoes are still tiny in my greenhouse in Sussex hmmm. Lovely to meet you at Charleston today Ben.
Beautiful weather; and the scenery with the bluebells and the sea and sunsets. Charlie certainly does have a green thumb, his garden and greenhouse are looking amazing. The Iris’s are doing well too. Love to see Nancy, she is growing so much and enjoying her other siblings. Nice to also see your brother and sister-in-law and Charlie and you enjoying your drinks and meals outside. Charlie’s tulips in the pots are amazing. So lovely to see those big blue skies and your walks in nature. Must be so peaceful your new home. All the best to you and Charlie and Peace be with You both.
Ben and Charlie thank you – from far away Australia I’m loving your adventures in that awesome landscape.
I find your blog very soothing. Your words are so gentle, kind, appreciative, thoughtful and witty. And the photos outstanding. There is an old worldliness to the blog, a wholesome goodness and strong sense of appreciation for nature and the simple things in life. Love it. Very peaceful, indeed. Thank you
Ps Nancy is off the charts adorable
Stunning as usual. Nancy is just adorable. Please keep posting. The usual circuit will never grow old. I hope that later in the season there will be a tour of the vegetable garden. I would love to know what is being grown. Enjoy the artichoke! Thank you so much for sharing.
Ben……..It is always a feast for the eyes to come here. Your home is amazing as is Charlie…..but I guess you know that. Haha
Jo
Your photos are amazing!!! Thinking coffee table book.
Dear Ben, in the week we said goodbye to my lovely and loved sister, thank you for beautiful peaceful pictures to calm and encourage me
Beautiful, I wish you peace.
Thank you for this beautiful & quietly hopeful work.
Thank you for sharing your photos again. The vegetable garden and the greenhouse looks amazing. The sunsets are incredible. We spent 10 days on Orkney after lockdown and a bad bout of covid. It was the perfect place to recover and recharge with wonderful history, good food and beauty all around. It was very hard to leave. I
I never thought any place would top your lovely parsonage and its garden, but your new home is stunning, and the surroundings are amazing. I am so happy for you and Charlie! I look forward to seeing all your plans realized. :)
Thank you for sharing. I live vicariously through your adventures
What a magical post, Ben!
The bluebells called Housman’s lovely lines to mind:
‘And like a skylit water stood
The bluebells in the azured wood.’
Following your progress with increasing admiration and wonder. Also, as a lifelong lover of dogs, I adore seeing your canine gang increasing in size and obviously having such a great time. Down to the sea after supper and all that! DOG HEAVEN!
Wow. I’ve been to Orkney many times but rarely seen a day like this.