Arrival

 The wind continues to blow.  Feeling sad for the poor soggy sheep.

As we approach the shortest day it gets harder being outside so we are grateful that Jim is still soldiering away. We are very behind where we wanted to be but it's getting there.

The roof trusses arrived so In-between gales and rain they can go on. The first one was offered up today and the fit so all good. We have five. Once they are up Jim can build the rest inside as it will be a hipped roof.

When it rains its finishing up inside jobs- so, the wardrobe is finally in upstairs.

And the attic door is on

We had a visit from our friend Sean today. It was lovely to see him.

Jill hopes to go and finish the last wee shopping trip tomorrow for the last few Christmas bits.

Staying in weather

 The last few days has been pretty wet with wind and some fog, so it's been computer time and a bit of telly!

Over the weekend we met up with friends to talk about Christmas dinner. Yummy. Went to the quiz and on Sunday we braved the wind and went to the community party. It was amazing seeing the local youngsters dancing and having fun.

Jill misses the Surlingham School Christmas so it was amazing to go.

Jill has been asked to be official photographer for the Walls Up Helly Aa in March so looking forward to that already.

The cats have been chilling inside. Spicey  the feral, still comes for food and sits outside all day. He actually let's Jill touch his head now.

Geri decided today was the day to try lap sitting!

Octopus tried to fit a smart meter today so we can get a good EV charging rate. Unfortunately it didn't work. The joys of being in the middle of nowhere.

Names

 The new hens now have names- bucket, Noodle,  Tikka and Casserole ( Cassie).

The weather has been a bit dreich the last couple of days but it's still mild. This means more outside work.

 The path is getting longer.

Jim has been working on the extension. The trusses still haven't arrived but the windows are now in.

Geri is still having fun with the decorations.

Pecking order

 The newbies have settled in well and there has been no histrionics. They even go to bed with no fuss!

They need some names now.

The path now has another section although Jill couldn't do much today as, although we are the warmest in the UK, we had thick fog and heavy drizzle 

Jim has been sorting the power in the byre today as well as fitting a lintel as we moved a window very slightly.

The trusses still haven't arrived on Shetland.

Volunteering

 There has been a bit of a weather change. It's been drizzly and breezy.

 Jim has been here working on extension. It's finally getting somewhere and is looking good. The roof trusses should go on this week.

 Alan came over with some new hens. Yay. No photos yet as the light has been horrid for photos

We were out today with the RSPB to get information about twite surveying. We went to a site on Bressay to see a big flock that have been thriving on a planted field. There were about 150. It was good to meet some of the other surveyors.

As we have them by the house we have been watching them for ages so it seems sensible to start noting them as they are in trouble- only 10000 ish pairs left and about 1000 of those here

They are also doing projects to help Shetland Bumble Bees ( Moss Carder Bee), Curlew, oyster plant, Red necked Phalarope, Plantain Leaf Beetle, Lapwing and 4 of the endemic hawkbits.

The beere is very tricky. We hope to be able to help with some of these species too.

Ginger thing

 Today's blog is all about the ginger thing. Our mini whirlwind  has been with us a year. From the bedraggled 99% dead pile of fur, she has become Jill's shadow and a happy, mischievous, pile of fur. Pets can, and do change your life.

So here's to Geri.

Jim and Jill worked outside today and made the most of the light. The last screw went in when it was dark! So, no photos- unless you want to see a picture of blackness!