The Oman Family

I escaped from the ring of steel this morning to have coffee with the usual daughter in the usual place above Hanover Street before trying to find an outfit for 20month old  Julia to take back to Oman. I did think there would be an array of warm winter clothes on display with the schools going back in a fortnight or so and no summery outfits available but I was wrong and a cotton pinafore dress and T-shirt made it into my bag. The family leave tomorrow for their new lives in Muscat and so it was a valedictory visit this afternoon. Julia slept while we sat outside in the sun. 
Where you may ask was Julia’s Granny? Why, she was off on her road bike for a group cycle to who knows where - different times. I remember my Granny was forever in the kitchen in her wraparound pinny, cooking. The thought of her pedalling up a hill on a bike is a non starter

I have had so many photos from the Stromness Selkies after their harbour swim this morning at the end of the town’s Gala Week. It was maybe for the best that I missed it.  I joined in last year under a bit of duress and was heartily relieved not to drown in the attempt even though I only swam half the distance that most of them did . Feisty women and so lovely to see them all smiling at the finish.