Times past

On a regular dog walk spot again this morning and passed these flowering artichokes in the vegetable garden down by the shoreline. Despite the garden now being untended, they looked wonderful against the old wall, overlooked by a ruined croft and ruined windmill (I think!).

Later this morning Dad and I visited with our Orcadian family friends of 40+ years standing. I think we've all become slightly more ruinous too, although ageing also has a reflective beauty. I could see the lines of kindness in older faces and determination and life in those that have recently have tough health issues. And no lines, but expressions of mischief and curiosity in the features of the newest addition ;-)

Back home to start the process of tidying and cleaning before we leave.