I can so relate to the scratching of rats (it's definitely rats where we are) in the walls, sometimes they die in there too... But the views certainly make up for it!
I love this behind-the-scenes post and learning more about what you do! “I’m in an office that rarely gets above 16 degrees, the internet wipes out when the wind is too high and I hear mice (or maybe rats) scratching in the walls” - sometimes all we see are the glorified versions of people, but we have to remember that we are all pretty un-instaworthy! Hahah (I currently am in my nana PJs, with my hair in a messy bun, typing on an iPad that can’t hold it’s charge, a bedside table with 3 water bottles and a bench and basket full of clothes that need to be put away next to me. 😄
This is very much my day-to-day life. Zero glamour here! PJs are the best, or what I call ‘cosy pants’ - as soon as the work day is over I get changed into something more comfy - who needs to bother getting dressed? I am very familiar with the clothes mountain waiting to be put away!
Oh my goodness - I snooze my alarm so many times after going to bed with high hopes of getting more done by waking up sooner. My real boundary is having to feed the dog - but sometimes she lets me have until 8:15! But then sometimes the daughter needs a lift to work too. I tend to try and be dressed for that - but the dog isn’t bothered ;)
Definitely - anywhere living remotely and with harsh weather often, there needs to be a strong community. I think it’s a shame we don’t have more strong communities even in towns though - though I have to say, my road and area is quite good.
It’s funny how the closer people live to each other often the harder it is to build the community. We’ve found it easier the more rural we got. Glad you’ve got a nice area. Takes time though doesn’t it?
Oh gosh yes. I moved here in 2006 with a 10 month old and didn’t know anyone. It took so long to build connections and find friends. I really had to put myself out there - not something I’m always that comfortable with. But now I know a nice amount of people and do feel a sense of belonging. Not saying I wouldn’t move again though.
Really enjoying reading your posts Han. Hopefully will bump into you at some point as we have recently moved just down the road from you.
I'm about to start a new job WFH, as I can no longer use the excuse of enjoying myself in the new garden as a reason for not to. Apparently! As you said, the weather has most definitely turned so good garden days are going to be rare for the next few months so I'll need something to do to earn money for all the big ideas I have...
This will be our 7th winter in Orkney, but the first on this particular island. I think we can say we are here to stay, and that we have also passed the winter test!
Oh wow I love this - what are the chances out of our teeny population that we meet on Substack! I love that and now I know where you are! That’s sick a shame that you have to start a new job - working in the garden is much nicer. Big ideas, that’s exciting - don’t let the day job get in the way!
7 winters - you’ve definitely passed! I’m hoping this winter will be less brutal
This just popped up on my tablet and I read it while breakfast was heating in the microwave. It seems so many Substackers have fled from the M-F 9-5 grind. Congrats to you for getting off the treadmill! I hope you’re not running on a treadmill of your own devising, that would be just too ironic and maybe there’s a book in there somewhere. Happy day, and please keep the words and photos coming!
Thanks Rafael, yes I think there’s a lot of escape artists here. I think in the early days there was a risk of tramping on the treadmill but it’s balanced out quite nicely this past year.
I can so relate to the scratching of rats (it's definitely rats where we are) in the walls, sometimes they die in there too... But the views certainly make up for it!
As long as I can’t smell they’re dead I don’t mind!!
I love this behind-the-scenes post and learning more about what you do! “I’m in an office that rarely gets above 16 degrees, the internet wipes out when the wind is too high and I hear mice (or maybe rats) scratching in the walls” - sometimes all we see are the glorified versions of people, but we have to remember that we are all pretty un-instaworthy! Hahah (I currently am in my nana PJs, with my hair in a messy bun, typing on an iPad that can’t hold it’s charge, a bedside table with 3 water bottles and a bench and basket full of clothes that need to be put away next to me. 😄
This is very much my day-to-day life. Zero glamour here! PJs are the best, or what I call ‘cosy pants’ - as soon as the work day is over I get changed into something more comfy - who needs to bother getting dressed? I am very familiar with the clothes mountain waiting to be put away!
Oh my goodness - I snooze my alarm so many times after going to bed with high hopes of getting more done by waking up sooner. My real boundary is having to feed the dog - but sometimes she lets me have until 8:15! But then sometimes the daughter needs a lift to work too. I tend to try and be dressed for that - but the dog isn’t bothered ;)
No mine neither and thanks to the rural location I can get away with not being properly dressed for the dog walk too!
That is a bonus 😂
PS - glad the neighbours are accepting. Bet that makes all the difference 💚
People are so lovely here, we felt welcome immediately which was a huge relief. It’s a very community focussed place, I think it needs to be.
Definitely - anywhere living remotely and with harsh weather often, there needs to be a strong community. I think it’s a shame we don’t have more strong communities even in towns though - though I have to say, my road and area is quite good.
It’s funny how the closer people live to each other often the harder it is to build the community. We’ve found it easier the more rural we got. Glad you’ve got a nice area. Takes time though doesn’t it?
Oh gosh yes. I moved here in 2006 with a 10 month old and didn’t know anyone. It took so long to build connections and find friends. I really had to put myself out there - not something I’m always that comfortable with. But now I know a nice amount of people and do feel a sense of belonging. Not saying I wouldn’t move again though.
Lovely post Han. Thank you
Thanks John ☺️
Really enjoying reading your posts Han. Hopefully will bump into you at some point as we have recently moved just down the road from you.
I'm about to start a new job WFH, as I can no longer use the excuse of enjoying myself in the new garden as a reason for not to. Apparently! As you said, the weather has most definitely turned so good garden days are going to be rare for the next few months so I'll need something to do to earn money for all the big ideas I have...
This will be our 7th winter in Orkney, but the first on this particular island. I think we can say we are here to stay, and that we have also passed the winter test!
Oh wow I love this - what are the chances out of our teeny population that we meet on Substack! I love that and now I know where you are! That’s sick a shame that you have to start a new job - working in the garden is much nicer. Big ideas, that’s exciting - don’t let the day job get in the way!
7 winters - you’ve definitely passed! I’m hoping this winter will be less brutal
This just popped up on my tablet and I read it while breakfast was heating in the microwave. It seems so many Substackers have fled from the M-F 9-5 grind. Congrats to you for getting off the treadmill! I hope you’re not running on a treadmill of your own devising, that would be just too ironic and maybe there’s a book in there somewhere. Happy day, and please keep the words and photos coming!
Thanks Rafael, yes I think there’s a lot of escape artists here. I think in the early days there was a risk of tramping on the treadmill but it’s balanced out quite nicely this past year.