Things are calmer now.

The wind has played a slight trick on us and gone a peedie bit further to the north.  As a result the net (vary heavy gauge trawler net) has been whipped off the top of the polytunnel.  The two north end doors are shredded and the 6’ high dyke has blown over.  This is the day Baz decided to continue being ill so I had to whip him into Kirkwall to see the vet.  He’s back home now and in the sick bay.

Just received a phone call from CMC’s brother to say a whole window has been blown in on the Hoy Kirk (original window 1892).  He went with his son to make temporary repairs.  (CMC’s original brother is 61).  The window has gone in-the-way and taken lots of lathe and plaster with it.  I’ve just spent some time on the blower to the Church of Scotland emergency insurance line. I replaced the phone to receive a call from Gavin in Aviemore.  He informed me immediately that his house has flooded, his greenhouse has been flattened and his watch had dropped off.  To cap it all the Red Lichties v Albion Rovers game has been called off.  It’s all in the timing.  At least that’s what I told Gavin.

Tonight we have as a guest the 2014 Scottish Beef Farmer of the Year - no mean accolade.  CMC’s Sous Chef informs me the menu is as follows:  Mulligatawny Soup, Beef olives with CMC’s white wine forcemeat stuffing, mashed tatties, chapped carrots and parsnips, and Fiona’s chocolate cake.  I never eat chocolate cake.  Except for this recipe from a friend in Islay.  It takes chocolate cake to another level - i.e. edible.  Obviously the new drink-drive laws mean I’ll have to drink Alastair’s GlenDronach.

CMC and myself just took a break together and we both watched the sea. We put all moveable objects in the Sheeps’ hoose two days ago.  With our eyes transfixed on the Barrel of Butter something flashed by the window at great speed.  We were initially perplexed until we realised it was our neighbour.

Envoi:  Things must be hotting up in the kitchen as CMC jus came through to the study and said ‘Are you still piddling aboot with that keyboard?’