Hoyvale Corner

Full on in Hoy today; Donald fits a new gate. In the Summer he was working in Cupar Angus (at the rasps) then Kelso (harvesting). He told us that Basil would be out of the Aberdeen Infarmary on Thursday, he's been away 2 weeks. A girl was in Hoy setting stoat traps. Albert was away at the kye in Rackwick. I chopped some kindlers. We met the postlady on the road. There are repairs going on at the threshold of the Old Manse. I am working my way through 'Red Rowans and Wild Honey' and enjoying the journey.

The Current Mrs Creel saw a fine male Peregrine and when we were at Quoydale it had killed, plucked and consumed a magpie (without chips). Longtailed ducks have arrived in the bay for winter and are trumpeting for all to hear.