THE LAST SHIFT

To Kilmacolm this morning for another one of those coffees that extend well into the afternoon, so no time for buzzard spotting or lichen hunting. If it weren't for the quality of the company we kept, blippers might regard it as a waste of a dry afternoon and the short hours of daylight. But the Bs are among the best for quality of conversation, warmth and generosity, not to mention a bloody good laugh, so absolutely no regrets. Besides, there was Beanscene's cherry and almond cake to savour. The buzzards will wait and the lichen keep on growing.

So here instead is today's offering, a resin and coal dust homage to the craft of coal sculpture. This one has pride of place in our home to remind us of the pitmen in our family who spent so many hours underground.