Hiking in the Cairngorm Mountains, the Highlands of Scotland. September 2026. (photo courtesy of my brother Doug)
Dearest ones,
I have been on such journeys during my blogging sabbatical!
We went back to the Highlands in Scotland and immersed ourselves in the woods and wonders of life. We took the ferry up to the Orkneys for a few days, too, where we had a chance to explore some ancient sites with Batman, who has studied these things since his college days.
And then we journeyed with my Mumsie through a hospital stay and a few days in hospice care. She slipped from this world last week, the day after her 94th birthday.
My heart is tender and I am too shy to share much with you now.
I will find joy in sharing these photos, so come along with me!
First stop in Scotland. Aran Bakery in Dunkirk. I had bookmarked this spot years ago after reading about it in a magazine. It did not disappoint.
Then, into the woods.
And along the paths.
(photo courtesy of my brother Doug)
There were puppy moments at a sheep dog demo.
The whisper of wings, the grasp of talons and the magic of a juvenile bald eagle on my arm.
Evening walks to the local pub after supper.
A hike I wasn’t sure I could accomplish, but I dd. :-)
A repeat hike from our last visit to Scotland.
View from the ferry.
Orkney beauty.
Ring of Brodgar.
Skara Brae, occupied from roughly 3180BC to 2500 BC.
And a newer home. (Don’t you love the boots?)
And now in between all the things that need to be done after someone dies, I am stringing marigolds, and rowan berries and pulling carrots and beets and bringing in pots of geraniums and drying indigo leaves, because flurries are in the forecast! And as I’m watching Vermont’s magnificent foliage fade I’m just trying to find some peace.
And I am finding it here and there. In hugs, smiles, a listening ear, old photos…
I hope you are too, dearest ones. Finding peace in all the sweet little spots that it sits, just waiting for us to discover it.
Please, please, please keep your light shining. Illuminate the world with your spirit. xo