Taking Stock.

It is that time of year again.  Stocktaking in the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses shop.  It did occur to me it might have been a lot easier had we done this a few weeks ago.  Before we restocked for half term and Christmas looming.  Hey ho.

Naturally we have lots of Lighthouses.
 

 And things with Lighthouses on.
 

 

Pocket money and or stocking fillers.

 Leisure clothing by the ton.  All with Lighthouse logo.

 

 

 The book section of the shop is my favourite.  Always well stocked.  But today I was not so happy as I had to count all the books.  And guess where all the visitors were heading?  I stood open mouthed as the books flew off the shelf, meaning I had to count them again.  

Any retailer would do a stock check when the shop is shut.  But a poor charity as we are, we never shut.  And no I am not coming in before ten or after five, I am a poor, old woman, who likes her win(e)d down.

More counting tomorrow.  

Stock taking is not all about shops.  It is about what is around and about.  (Or if you live up here, aroond and aboot.)  Well this sailed past us yesterday.

 Part of the thousands of pink footed geese, who spend their winter with us, setting off to feed as dawn breaks.

And for the last few nights we have had this.

 Aurora Borealis. Photo taken by my friend Lesley Jennings,  who always lets me know when its active, even to texting at 2.30a.m. ..........

Taking Stock.  I love living here.

Haar.

Haar is Scottish for Sea mist or fog.  A sea mist is quite common here.  You can set off in bright sunshine and draw nearer to the sea and there it is. 

Fog we are not used to at all.  But as the day drew to a close today that is what we have.  A proper 'pea souper'.  
The weather today has been that sort of one described so vividly by Charles Dickens in Bleak House, " the drip drip drip on the paving stones" (thats from memory, so might not be quite right!)  Dickens just had his 200th Birthday Celebrations.  Of course he wasnt around to join in.  Or get a goody bag.
Dickens is probably my most favourite author, in fact, not sure why I am saying probably.  I have all of his novels, illustrated too.  I read them again and again, not continually!  I do read other things.  But every time I pick up and open the pages I am entranced.  His descriptions of characters is so enthralling.  I have a friend who is Sairey Gamp to a T, although not in the same profession.  I could go on.  It has been said that his characters are too way out, but then you start to think....I know of at least one Barnaby Rudge and quite a few Quilps, though not necessarily the same height.
Mindst you I am glad I dont know a Dora, I would have throttled her.
I could go on, but no doubt your eyes have glazed over.
So! Not only fog outside but quite a bit inside my head and definitely my chest.
Struggling to vac, mop, and the Dawn Patroller/Head chef cooking up a storm for friends coming for lunch.  Phone.  One of our guests cant make it as they have - a chest infection.  Well join the b***** club.  Main reason for luncheon today was so that the chest infected and partner could finally get to view our new abode.  The head chef phoned the other prospective participants and cancelled.  I collapsed in a heap.
Ah haaaaaaar.