British Summer Time

We woke this morning to British Summer Time.  Wind and rain.   Not a great start to 'summer time' weather wise.

Lambing is 2 weeks away so Farmer got a shock at feeding time this morning when he found an abandoned newborn lamb in the field of ewes all expecting twins.   He looked around and unfortunately found the second lamb drowned in a ditch.  No sign of the mother anywhere.   The lamb (Lois) is now warm and cosy in our porch, with a full belly, and is thankfully thriving. 

Earlier in the week we had to go over to our neighbour's fank to film some ewes he is selling to send to the potential buyer.  It is one of the few stone fanks still in use on the island and has an amazing view across to Treshnish! 

The day before I had been down in the Ross of Mull photographing stone fanks with the drone.  This one is at Knockvologan, beautifully made with high walls.  It was last used about 30 years ago. 

Now the Equinox is past it is wonderful to see the sun setting this side of Treshnish Point. 

Toechtamhor had guests from the Ross of Mull last weekend, I was down there measuring for new curtains in the double bedroom, and the sun was out.  Just lovely! 

A lot of feeding going on just now.  Keeping the ewes in good shape for the latter part of their pregnancies. 

This one has realised that being brave means having a few titbits before Farmer feeds everyone else. 

The Common gulls are back at their nesting site, and following the quad bike around the different areas where the sheep are fed. 

This blue tin used to line the walls of a tin shed near Fionnphort.  I have photographed it many times.  The beautiful rusted aged tin has now been taken off the walls, and new box profile has replaced it.  It keeps the shed going and serving a useful purpose which is great, but I will mourn the old cladding and its photographic potential. 

Dog walks. 

The Herdwick ewes were put through the fank yesterday so they could have a pre-lambing checkover and receive their annual worm drench.   

This ewe is expecting triplets so she is staying in the shed to have her lambs where we can easily see her, and help if need be. 

Catching up in photographs

Farmhouse garden Snowdrops

Our winter has been relatively calm, not too many storms.  

Rainy days bringing interesting light along Loch na Keal. 

Aurora Borealis, from the farmhouse window. 

When it does rain, it rains heavily and cuts out gouges in the sand. 

The Moon is setting on the left with a slight Aurora on the right. 

The daily tasks of feeding the sheep continue. 

Some lovely sunset light, almost unbelievable colours, but I promise as true as I can get them to the sight itself! 

Steps up to West Cottage in the morning sun. 

Nowhere lovelier..

Trips to a very quiet Tobermory every now and then.

The old ewes from the hill, in the fields in preparation for lambing, still a few weeks off. 

And along Loch na Keal again, my absolute favourite trees!