Shetland

This is the first of a new series of weekly blogs, which will be about some of the many islands I have visited. Shetland is the northernmost of the British Isles, located just north of the Orkney Islands, off the north coast of Scotland. Barbara and I visited Shetland when we were on a trip appropriately named "Voyage of the Vikings." Shetland is sparsely populated but full of interest, particularly because remnants of early occupation. We have pleasant memories of visiting various parts of the island. The Shetland Islands are perhaps best known as being the origin of the famous breed of Shetland ponies. In the UK, to own a Shetland pong was often the dream of the children of affluent parents. During World War II, transport between the UK and the resistance movement in Norway was conducted by trawler. This was known as the "Shetland bus," and it became the subject of a successful book of the same name. Trawlers are commonplace from various parts of the Norwegian coastline, which made it possible for travel to and from the resistance movement in Norway to be made without detection.

Lucky Dog

This is another small dog, belonging to Joe and Justine. He has complete run of the house in El Cerrito. he gets on very well with Holden, and will probably get to know Jackson when the latter is a little older: at the time of writing, Jackson is just nine months old. He sometimes gets in the way of my feet, but he is also a generally well-behaved animal.

Pigeon

When I asked Chris and Chuck why they called another dog by a bird's name, I believe they told me that Pigeon had already been named when they took over ownership. Pigeon is a large, friendly dog, one of the few that I am content to roam through our Colorado house, or go outside on the property without running away. Pigeon is still alive at the time of writing, and seems glad to see us when Barbara and I spend time in Colorado.