P6/7 Scalloway Junior High School

18th March 1843 

Last night I overheard mam and dad speaking about dad going to the Greenland whaling and mam having a baby (cool). I also heard dad say that I would help out. I felt proud. 

Today I was feeling sad because dad was going to the whaling for 6 months. Then we all sat down at the table fir some gruel and tea. Dad got ready and started to walk but I caught up with him and asked if I could walk with him or carry something for him. He said I could but only as far as Cova. Dad let me carry his claes bag it was very heavy but I acted normal. 

Dad said some parting words he said that maybe I would get to go to Greenland next year which made me excited. 

On my way home I met Henry leaning over the side of the burn he was looking at a troot he told me to watch the troot while he went to get his rod the troot swam away so I told Henry and I went tae da hoose. 

When I got home mam was sitting in front of the fire with her knitting needles in her hands. Mam got up and did her usual routines of tea making. She told me to sit down and have a cup of tea. 

Mam and me spent the rest of the day taking cows muck out of the byre and into the midden. I was glad to it over with because it stunk up to the high heavens.