Almost across the river of stones. There will be two more for Sunday and Monday and I’ll post them next week.

Jan 23^rd

On my desk – a soapstone penguin, a heart of smooth polished wood, blue glass paperweight and a notebook – meaningful, thoughtful gifts.

Jan 24^th

Outside grey, damp and cold. Sea in wind-whipped turmoil. But inside – inside me, I sense a return of equilibrium and a measure of peace.

Jan 25^th

For Auld Lang Syne – school-choir solo part in ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’ –  reciting ‘To a Mouse’ – ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ over haggis, neeps and tatties – and a lifetime of teaching your poetry and songs. Cheers, Rabbie.

Jan 26^th

Sun tries hard to break through, grey lurks on the ridge and at the horizon. But, at last, there’s more light than dark.

Jan 27^th

Shona, fiery, red-haired beauty, formidable matriarch. You command respect my magnificent highland heifer.

Jan 28^th

A clear day. Early sun, orange orb over Ben Tianavaig with pale, crescent moon in the west. Universe goes on regardless.

Jan 29^th

Five little girls watch me at my desk. Sunday best and monochrome smiles. In those faces, I imagine I can see spectral foretraces of what was to come – for me and my sisters.