Problems Blogging

Thank you as always for your support and understanding with the lack of posts lately we have been having technical issues with connecting to the internet.  It has been so uplifting to know that I have been missed and thank you for your lovely emails and messages asking where I was.

All is well with us both, we are both keeping well and safe.  Gerard has a compromised immune system due to the medication he takes, so is particularly careful in this current climate.  At the moment there is no reported cases of Coronavirus yet on the Western Isles but as we all know this could change at any time.

We are keeping busy and enjoying many of our hobbies.  It has been good to explore the copious amount of craft materials that we have.  It has given us both a clearer idea of what is available and a list has been formed so that we can get on with a few things.

We are hoping that the weather will pick up a little so that we can make a start on so many of the jobs that need doing outside.  We are going to start setting up the seeds in readiness for onward planting in our garden room.  We stored all our outdoor plants out there over the winter and they have done so well.  We love the rewards homegrown herbs and vegetables fresh from the garden, worth all the hard work.

We had prepared for this lockdown with lots of books and jigsaws so we have plenty to occupy our minds.  Technology has become our new best friends and we have enjoyed daily contact with our daughters and grandchildren when the internet allows.  Food hasn't been an issue as we had recently filled the freezer and restocked the store cupboard.  If anything it has made us a little more frugal, making things last a little longer. 

We are blessed with wonderful neighbours who keep in touch by telephone.  The Church have whatsapp groups which are uplifting and last Sunday a service was done via a podcast which was such a joy. 

In a World that is changing so fast all we can do is the best we can.   Know my dear friends that you have all been in my thoughts and prayers.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Back To Crafting

My goodness how time has flown by this past week.  The bright sky and a glimpse of the sun has made me a little giddy, so we have been venturing out a little whilst we can.  It has been so nice to feel a little breeze against your face instead of a gale force wind.  The ground I must admit is still sodden and in places like a lake so not easy to get about, but what a difference to breathe in fresh air.  It is a real joy to return to the cosy cottage and sit in front of a blazing stove reading and finally getting a few craft projects done.  It has been awhile but I have my craft mojo back.

I have been working on a small needle felting project which will become the main feature within a tweed bag.  It was quite the job working the wool in readiness but a wonderful feeling once it was done.

I used a metal pastry cutter for the outline of the heart, it was a real confidence booster enabling me to enjoy the process rather than worry about the shape.

What fun slowly building up the layers until finally it as sturdy enough to be attached to some black felt.

All ready to become part of a Harris Tweed bag.  What a story the bag will have, certainly made with love but also made with the wool from the sheep I see daily.

A wooden clock is all ready to have the clock movements added.  Painted and then decoupaged with some beautiful paper that the photo does not really do justice.

The sewing machine is back out of hibernation and trousers have been altered, they have been on the list for quite some time.  A tablecloth has been cut in half to make two cloths and a table runner has also been made and crossed off the never ending list.

Finally, I have made some little pouches for the grand children to pop some little eggs in for Easter.

Each with a little message using stamps.  It was fun sorting through my collection of ribbons to match to the chosen fabrics.

Now back to this list...

It is Communion weekend so there is lots of social gatherings planned as well as additional Church services.  It is a weekend that I cherish in so many ways not just spiritually, as everyone comes together.  There is an informal fellowship, testimony and singing with a meal after the service Friday evening.  Saturday a soup and sandwich lunch is served after the service.  I am once again making quiche for the Friday event and the broth for Saturday.  I must check the store cupboard to see what I have available for some cakes/biscuits for the tin as it is always nice to welcome neighbours back to our home.  I will be around to visit and catch up with you all soon.

See you soon.

This and That

Finally, a glimpse of sunshine to brighten my day.  The persistent rain and howling winds have passed over for a few days so time to get out and about.  A stroll around the harbour in Stornoway is always a delight.  There was a couple of fishing boats just in so there was plenty of seagulls watching over the proceedings.  There was also a couple of seals taking their chances for a free feed, what fun they were but elusive and so difficult to photograph.

The carved fisherman overlooking the walkway is a joy and always makes me smile.  I do wonder how many tourists having a stroll have taken the very same photo.  You can just see the castle peeking though the trees.   The spring like weather will soon be bringing all the trees into bud and the leaves will be unfurling to make a green canopy over the area and the castle will be once more screened from view.

How wonderful to be out and about once again taking in the glorious views and picking out the dream boat. 

A short walk through the town brought us to An Lanntair where we soon found our way up to the cafe for coffee and a BLT,  a tasty treat.  We never have bacon at home these days so it was quite the treat enjoying such a wonderful treat and taking in the surroundings and natural ambience.  We then went back down the stairs to enjoy a browse around the exhibition.

It is an established art/science project led by contemporary artists Gillian McFarland and Ione Parkin as part of the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival.  Sadly my photography skills were lacking so the pictures do not portray the true standards.

We are so fortunate to have access to these wonderful exhibitions for free.  There is always so much going on when you consider how small the population of these Islands are.  Living life on the edge on the Outer Hebrides has lots of challenges but the lack of artistic talent is not one of them.  Do you make the most of what is available in your area?

Our hens are black rocks, a wonderful hardy breed suitable for the harsh conditions of the Island and produce lovely brown eggs.  We have been so blessed by them, they provide us with hours of entertainment as we watch their antics around the croft.  As always I thank you for your visit and for your uplifting comments.

See you soon.

Se

Yet Another Storm

Another day, another storm.  The past few days have been trying to say the least as one storm disappears another one arrives.  This time, this storm has no name but it has arrived with a vengeance.  Gale force winds with intermittent rain.  Downpours with almost horizontal rain would be more precise.  Snow was predicted for last night but thankfully this did not materialise here on our little Island although I understand there has been plenty on the mainland.  There was a mild frost with signs of a hail storm but nothing too serious.  I smiled as I looked out of the window to admire the green shoots poking through.  Daffodils making there entrance wowing us with their beauty and determination whatever the weather.

Wood has been chopped and our store cupboard is full so we are thankful.  Once again the ferry is either cancelled or disruptions expected.

The hens are roaming around at the moment but scuttle back into there cosy home as soon as the wind picks up.  They are a joy to watch and so much fun.  They are all still laying so eggs have been plentiful all winter and for that we feel truly blessed.

I do take some eggs to my neighbours on a Saturday and call in the local store for anything we need for the weekend.   There are no stores open on a Sunday as this Island still practices observance.  We actually quite enjoy this and don't find it difficult but I am sure there will always be some that would like change.

I have a carrot and sweet potato soup all ready just in case there is a power cut.  A loaf of mixed seed bread has just come out of the bread making machine.  It smells delicious and is always a temptation for me but I am trying to be strong and resist for a little longer.  Until it cools and can be cut a little thinner anyway.

Finally, an orange cake made and some fairy cakes ready for visitors after church tomorrow.  I used Tesco's Italian Mixed Peel which is a mixture of glace lemon and orange peel, perfect for the topping.

As always I do thank you for you visit and your comments.  I do hope the weather is behaving a little better where you are.  A warm welcome to new followers I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life. 

Just to reassure those that asked we do have mobile phones with us and never put ourselves in any danger when wandering around.

See you soon.

Seaweed

We woke to blue skies and a little sun this morning.  Intermittent showers that do come with some force are interspersed with sunshine.  Come on lets take a chance 'don your coats and some stout shoes and let me take you on a little adventure.

A five minute drive brings us to a little cove near the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis, Stoth beach.  Known to my grandchildren as pirates cove where they have had many an adventure when they visit.  A beautiful sandy beach that is a sun trap in the summer months.

The ground as you approach is sodden from all the rain and is laying.

The path leading down is quite a trial to get down as the water is running down the hill.

Be careful, watch your step.

I have never seen so much seaweed it is a couple of feet high, strewn across the rocks and the beach.

The sea came in with some force hitting the rocks and then retreating to begin its journey all over again.  The white foam enhancing the beauty of the swirling water.

Deep breaths now as we climb back up the path watching where you walk as it is quite treacherous.  Certainly easier to walk down than it is to walk back up.

Hope you enjoyed our little adventure.  Back to the cottage for homemade bread, a mixed seed variety and some scrambled eggs collected fresh this morning...with a pot of tea of course.

See you soon.