Unfortunately, Clamber (the cat you’ll remember who ‘clambered’ onto or even into your car when were’nt looking) died earlier this year of a combination of kidney and heart problems. She wasn’t very old but was very ill through the winter months. Sadly missed by her sister, Smudge, myself and also my regular customers, she was the one that greeted all the cars and their people, and made a nuisance of herself until you paid her some attention.... and even then she didn’t stop! She was also an expert on ways to sneak into the tea room before you could stop her! She loved people, especially children, allowing herself to be stroked, pulled about and played with endlessly. She was great entertainment.

Now Smudge is on her own. Smudge has always been the more aloof of the two, standing in the background and allowing Clamber centre stage. She’s also very friendly when you can find her but she has her own agenda and goes off hunting (the poor depleted Orkney voles of this area)a lot of the time.

The next item to report is that I am no longer on my own! Earlier this year Ken retired from his job in Caithness and has now moved in with me. His being here has made working in the tea room so much easier for me to cope with. As for him, I don’t think he ever imagined just how busy life in ‘retirement’ was going to be - digging tatties, mending roads, feeding hens, serving customers and endlessly washing up! Still, he seems to be enjoying it and I’m certainly enjoying having him here.

Appie’s still hasn’t been sold but we’ve not given up yet so .... watch this space.