An island commute........

The light caught my imagination on the way hame yesterday, I had to stop and take a photo or two, why not I thought, I'm not rushing. It's time for hame, I can take a wee minute to have a peep at the view. It should never be taken for granted, its gorgeous and breathtaking. And while we do all live under the same skies often we don't see passed what's under our noses and we don't look up. Today I looked over and up, breathtaking.

Islanders often 'commute' through the most amazing scenery to get on and about their daily business. I'm no exception. I live 12 miles from the 'city' of Kirkwall, where I sometimes work at the local college, or do a bit of gardening for a couple of folk, when free from womble duties. Well, no surprise here, popped into town after a cuppa with a chum, drop off of eggs (and a whirl of my down jacket through her tumble drier, thank you very much). And, then, I got royally sucked into work yesterday, which was fun (captured by plants, not wombles for a change), you know I don't think I'm over this gardening lark..........

Anyhow, the drive hame, I like to drive over the brae tae the hoose here I love the view off in the distance to the left, me hoose, although so small, a few miles away, you cannae see it just yet. And, like Jacqui over on the isles at the other side of Scotland, I thought I'd share it with you all. It the last part of my commute home, its beautiful, changable, leaves me calmer and enriched, every time I see it.

The view to the right, straight ahead, the island of Hoy, Graemsay nestled in front where we wave to our friend Sian, sunshine, stormy seas and a peep at the edge of Stromness, the second largest town here( and where my 'other' work is based - Womble HQ).

The view straight ahead, Hoy is 'almost' framed in the foreground, the geese are chattering and the faintest cry of lapwings in the distance who are beginning to appear again in the fields  ......

And to the left..........the tides low, the lights going and the homestead is calling, a tiny dot in the centre of the photo........

Now, its maybe not the commute home you'd expect, but for islander like me, this ones not too untypical. Living on an island makes you an 'islander' in my mind, even if I'm not a local, I'm privileged enough to live here and I appreciate it very much.  I love the mix of modern life, tempered with single track roads, passing places and exquisite views of the sea. But, time to clamber back in the car, the peedie folk arriving home hungry and supper to be made (Yesterdays delight......local Aberdeen Angus stew, home grown carrots, onions, home made dumplings and with chappit tatties).

And, Alistair to answer a previous comment, yes, I'll miss it all, very much when we leave! Very much.