Getting Ready

What a difference a day makes.  I have woke to a beautifully calm morning, although still dark it is not yet 7 the noise from the wind and rain have stopped.  We were very lucky it didn't blast the Island as much as anticipated.  Ireland took the brunt causing endless damage and taking lives, my heart goes out to all those affected.  Normal services have resumed on the ferry too this morning.  Monday saw the first of the problems with the lunchtime ferry struggling to berth at Ullapool on the mainland and subsequent services cancelled.  I have yet to see the consequences and effects this would have on the Supermarkets and business's but I can guess.  Some flights were also cancelled but I am not sure of the extent of cancellations.  There were power cuts on the mainland but power was maintained here on the Island enabling me to tick somethings off my list.

I kept myself busy sorting out clothes and shoes for my forthcoming trip. I was going to pop my shoes into a plastic bag and then decided to make a couple of  shoe bags to keep my clothes clean.  My neighbour had given me some fabric the week before so it was perfect for the project.

Lined with some plain green fabric and finished off with a red ribbon.

Whilst the machine was out I made a few key rings for gift toppers out of some scraps of Harris Tweed.

I also added to the pile with some pom pom key chains, again perfect for a gift topper.

I then went on to make the Christmas puddings, making two large ones and two small ones.  I used the traditional Delia Smith recipe with a little addition of Port.

They are all now wrapped and ready to go.  All they need is reheating for an hour on the day.

The jam store was added to I made some blueberry jam, ready to pop into a small basket for my parents along with some other of their favourites.

Finally from the kitchen a little earlier than usual, the Christmas cake has been made.

This year I intend to top the fruit cake with a wonderful array of fruit and nuts and not the traditional marzipan and royal icing, but for now the cake is all ready and can be fed a little with some brandy.  Potatoes were popped into the oven whilst the cake was cooking and enjoyed with some cheese and beans, a wonderful Winter warmer.

The wrapping of the gifts is going well I am hoping to have them all wrapped ready to go by the end of the day.  |I am ever hopeful, maybe tomorrow is more realistic.

The birds are once again gathering in the garden so I will leave you with a couple of images to finish.

World weather conditions seem to be dominating the news at the moment, hurricanes, storms, fires, flooding and earthquakes.  Where ever you are I hope you are safe.  I once again thank you for your concern and comments, both Gerard and I were touched by your messages.  They were certainly well received and indeed appreciated.

See you soon.