Saturday 17th February 2024

Got up at about 0830. Made tea and worked at the computer for a bit, uploading yesterday's photos, and making pertinent notes. Breakfasted on tinned kippers and poached eggs. I walked over to Waitrose to get some bits and pieces, popping in at the garage around the corner, but they were closed, so I'll have to go back on Monday morning. Did some more work, finishing off the Peabody NatWest job and sending the folder over to the valuer. FaceTimed ma and pa, who seemed in fine fettle, all things considered. Dad has an op on his neck lined up for February 28th. Kath has booked time off to ferry him about and keep an eye on mum. Don't think I can get up there until the following week, but will see how things go. Aki cooked salmon teriyaki for dinner, which we had early. I made a kind of trifle with chocolate brownie, custard and caramelised banana. Took a No.91 bus to Kings Cross and met up with Sonya and her daughter Isabel in the foyer at Kings Place. We had tickets for The Gathering, an annual tradition that opens the Orkney Folk Festival every year.  We had booked to go to Orkney in 2020, but then Covid lockdown came along and the festival was cancelled. We were only too happy to take this opportunity to avoid the necessity of travelling to the far north!! The stage was filled with Orcadian folk musicians, there being eight violinists, three guitarists, two accordion players, a whistle player, keyboard player, percussionist, drummer, and a bassist. They made a fantastic noise. The audience were on their feet toward the end, and the Orcadians were evidently knocked out by the reception...a great night's entertainment.