This morning I did all the things I had to do, like feed animals, put the sheep in their field and walk the dogs.

And then I drove over to a friend’s and we had a lovely day out, away from everyone and everything.

First stop was Scalloway for a quick dog walk around my most favourite little public garden – I think this is Gibblestone House gardens.

I was very slightly obssessed with the trees there – scyamore maple.

A delicious lunch with the statutory extravagantly decorated hot chocolate for me, and onwards to the Burra (a pair of interconnected islands—East Burra and West Burra) to see emus and wallabies at The Outpost, like you do.

This is my first visit.  The wallabies were a bit far away and not very interested in us.  I, on the other hand, was fascinated as they hopped off.

Then there was a shed with a beautifully warm aviary and lots of enthusiastic chirping.

I made good friends with this chap who apparently according to Google is a green-cheeked parakeet. As there was no one around to ask, I spent my time just whistling, which was a great hit and the bird whistled back hopefully happily at my efforts. I used to live with an African grey and seem to remember she loved whistling.

And then the total stars of today – two emus with the best hair do’s.

I have never seen emus up close.  They are very strange in a prehistoric way, especially found living in Shetland.

And then lastly on to the home of Burra Bears.

The bears are very special (made from old Fair Isle jerseys) and there is a long waiting list.

And then home and back to the real world.  It was a lovely much-needed day out for me.