Battered!

A very wild day as Gertrude did her thing!  This is the road through the village, which gives you an idea of what it was like.

Poor Mike had already set off to Kirkwall to collect the mail when they phoned to say there would be no postal deliveries today, so not to bother coming in.  He was therefore on the "wrong" side when the council/police closed the barriers and had to spend the day in town.  Luckily he had his mobile, book and wallet with him so he was okay, and filled in the time at the library and in the cafe. 

Meanwhile, at home, Ollie and I had a high tide, storms force winds, thunder and power cuts to contend with!  Ollie hates bangs and loud noises and spent quite a bit of the day cowering behind the couch!  The power kept flicking on and off all day so whenever it came on I dashed about turning up heaters, filling thermos flasks and making hot drinks before it died again!  We are completely electric, but luckily the underfloor heating stays warm for ages . . . 

Mike got home just before 5pm and we sat reading by oil lamps and candles until the power came back on later in the evening.  The little gas cooker from the boat was standing by to heat the dinner, but it wasn't needed on this occasion!  

Thank you to everyone who has been so concerned about us - you lovely blippers!