The awkward puffling

On our journey in the Farne Islands, we came across a lost puffling.  Normally, pufflings leave the nest at sunset, jumping from cliffs straight into the water. But this confused puffling left during the middle of the day, and found himself lost in the middle of the island.  But he got a little help from the bird researchers on the island who put a ring on his leg and helped him reach the sea.  It was a very awkward start, but once in the water he seemed just fine.

Creatures of the Farne Islands

We enjoyed a wonderful boat ride out to the Farne Islands and were treated with spotting lots of wildlife.  There were seabirds a plenty (mostly Cormorans, a few gannets, terns, and some puffins).  There were also some seals on a few haul outs, mostly adults getting ready for pupping season but also a few yearlings.

Berwick upon Tweed

This weekend Marc and I had a lovely getaway in Berwick upon tweed.  The B&B we stayed in is lovely, and has it's own wind turbine to power the house.  We've had lovely weather, and took the opportunity to go out to the Farne islands, where seals and sea birds like to be.  More pictures to follow :)

Fun from London

For Marc's post-graduation celebrations, we headed down to London. Had a wonderful trip; we got to visit many places again, which was great as there is just so much to take in, you appreciate so much more with a repeat visit. For example, during the first visit of the tower of london I completely missed this memorial to those that were executed within the tower walls. Or that they currently keep a group of ravens within the walls (with clipped wings) due to superstition that if that ravens ever leave the tower, England will fall.

Occasionally the boys would smile.

 

Though it was back to serious very quickly.

 We also got to visit new places; we took time to go around parliment (which prohibits pictures, though I was able to get this one from the entrance. I find the lion most amusing).  We also saw a few shows, the crucible (starring Thorin Oakenshield), Mousetrap, and the highlight of the trip, The Book of Mormon.

 And of course we re-visited the zoo. Always a good day out!

Last graduation post: sleepy dumbledore

The vice chancellor of the school presided over much of the graduation ceremony, and released Marc from slavery by wapping him over the head with a hat (complete with john knox's underpants and a bit of cloth that flew in space...). He was smiling and kind throughout the ceremony, reminding me very much of dumbledore. However by the end of the ceremony dumbledore was a little worse for the ware.

Marc's graduated: Family

Favorite shots of the family from graduation :)

Marc's graduated: Friends

Some of my favorite photos of Marc and pals from graduation.