Weekend

A quiet weekend, catching up with family with long telephone calls.  Catching up with each other as all our Grandchildren have now started the Summer holidays and enjoying the freedom and break from school.  Gerard and I did manage to get some outside jobs done with a little help from a neighbour.  The fence along the back is now in place, the garage doors have been replaced and two of the outbuilding doors have been replaced and painted.  The wood to make the raised beds has been delivered so our plans are finally starting to fall into place.  It has taken awhile, but all our hard work will soon come to fruition.  We feel good about the progress made.

We have had a little rain but the temperatures have held and we are finally enjoying some lovely weather.  I took some photos of the dark cloud formation over the croft, it was such a low lying formation and quite strange to watch.  It went as quickly as it came, moving on out to sea.

I have finished the shawl I was working on, already in the gift cupboard.  I have made a start on wash cloths using some remnants of cotton left over from other projects.  Always handy to be given with some homemade soap.

I have been experimenting with some different patterns, which is fun.  The ships helm wash cloth consists of  8 rounds and crochets up very quickly.  I thought it might go with an anchor soap mould I have for a little something to let someone know you are thinking of them.

I am going to take a blogging break for awhile and will be back with you soon.  But in the meantime I have a few shots of the beloved sheep so that you don't get withdrawal symptoms.

Take care and I will be back soon.

A Stroll Around The Butt Of Lewis

Good morning, what a beautiful morning it is here on the Isle of Lewis.  The sun is shining and the skies are blue, full of promise for the day to come.  The only disappointment there is no breeze and anywhere else I would be delighted.  But for those that know the Islands and indeed Scotland that can only mean one thing MIDGES.  Yes, they are out in force, biting and attacking everyone and everything in their path.  There are a lot of insects about and both Gerard and I are covered in bites...who knows from what.  We really do need to do some research on these biting creatures.  Locals have told us Avon Skin so Soft deters them but I am yet to be convinced.

Anyway, back to this morning rub in some sunscreen and jump into the car for a short drive up to the Butt of Lewis and the lighthouse.  I have taken you up there many times but today we are going to take a walk in the other direction.  Instead of the front and right, come with me and we will take a stroll to the left. 

There are still some of the gulls nesting, so they certainly make a racket as you approach.  Screeching to one another and warning each other of approaching danger.  We did try to limit any upset and kept well away.  It is a little bit of a climb but it is a gradual slope, so just take your time.

There was a lot of foam around but we couldn't work out from where.  It certainly wasn't the usual foam that evolved from thrashing against the rocks and stacks in the ocean.  There were waves but they certainly were not thrashing as usual but gently lapping against the formations creating a calming, serene and unassuming atmosphere.

A little bit further, so you need some stout shoes but the beauty never ceases to amaze.  The rock formations are a delight and it does encourage you to think about the different layers and colours.  It also makes you wonder who has walked in the steps you are taking before you.

I hope you have worked up an appetite for lunch, boiled ham fresh from the slow cooker with boiled eggs and salad.   The kettle is on for tea...

See you soon.

Weekend Bliss

Mt goodness how time is flying by!  The days are already starting to shorten and each day it is getting a little earlier for darkness to descend.  In fairness we are still enjoying the balmy days of Summer and the bounty from growing crops and of course mutton or lamb from the freezer in preparation for the next slaughter and sale of lambs.  Already the sheep have been sheared and the fleeces sold.  I do think it is sad how much the crofters do get for the fleeces, when you consider all the hard work.  I am still working on my fleece and enjoying the process.

Sunday we enjoyed some roast lamb given to us by a neighbour, the generosity never ceases to amaze us.  A long slow roast with a garlic and rosemary marinade and it fell apart.  It really was tasty and enjoyed with some fresh mint and spring onion from our little garden.  We have grown three varieties of potatoes so these were also served whilst we gave each variety a taste test.  We enjoyed the process.

Cauliflower cheese, carrots and green beans served as side dishes making for a very tasty traditional Sunday lunch.

Desert was a fresh strawberry sherry trifle which did taste as delicious as it looked, a real treat for the week.

A sprinkling of chopped nuts adding to the texture and giving it a lift.  A strawberry cake made and shared with neighbours for afternoon tea.  It was so much fun to visit and catch up with our neighbours adventures who have been enjoying a tour of the art galleries around the Island.

Yes, I did enjoy a small slice but did work hard in my aerobics class to work it off.

Work continues outside in small bursts and then I come inside and work a few rows of my crochet project.  I am kept busy and for that I am thankful.

A quiet and reflective weekend enjoyed with friends.

See you soon.

Three Go Adventuring

What a beautiful day it was yesterday here on the Isle of Lewis.  The sun was shining reaching a high of 23 degrees so not too hot, but with a slight breeze that kept the midges at bay.  The perfect day for a adventure with our neighbour who is on school holidays at the moment.  Her Mum is not well  so we helped out and gave her a break for the day.

First stop Stornoway for a stroll around the harbour and some shopping.  Then onto Cameron's our favourite chip shop for a hearty lunch.

A stroll back to the car and off we went again this time back across the moor to the Barvas and Brue Community Centre, where the 37th Westside Agricultural Show was been held.

As we entered the hall it was buzzing not only with people but with so many amazing exhibits from flowers, vegetables and eggs to craft work and so much in between.  How I wished I had looked into this marvellous event prior to yesterday I would have entered some of the categories.  Let me take you on a little tour around the hall.

The Fashion and Textiles (wool) section was one of my favourites there was some talented knitters and so many sections from socks, bonnet,adult Aran sweater, matinee set to shawl or child's sweater.

The baked goods were a delight to see and once again so many sections to enter.  Our little friend wanted to taste them, her theory been 'how did you know which was the best if you can't taste them'  never a truer word said.  The sweet craving satisfied when we went for afternoon tea later in the day.

There were many sections in the Horticulture remit best worked croft, best vegetable plot, best garden and best polycrub, polytunnel or greenhouse.  Maybe something to work towards for next year.  There was also a variety of sections within the flowers and vegetable which seemed popular with entrants.

There were many other sections which included artwork and photography but there were too many people around to get photos.  There are some very talented people on this Island, the standards were high.

Outside there were many tents hosting a variety of stalls which were fun to walk around.  I must admit it became more of a social event as we chatted our way around, what a joy it is when you know so many people and have been accepted as part of the community.  Our little friend enjoyed the clown and was a great admirer of his skills with a balloon and juggling bags.

Maybe I should make her some juggling bags she may have a hidden talent and she certainly enjoyed the challenge of juggling.  There was vintage cars to admire and lots of machinery which always interests Gerard.  Our friend enjoyed posing and having fun teasing him.

The animals were a delight with numerous breeds and categories for both sheep and cattle.  Not forgetting poultry hen, cockerel duck or drake.

A great but tiring adventure.  I do hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our day as three go adventuring.

See you soon.