Thursday 9 August 2018

Changing Seasons

Yesterday, the ferry coming over from Ullapool had technical issues and struggled in the Minch for a few hours before arriving in Stornoway.  This of course has had knock on effects and there have since been several delays on each journey.  These delays are now in place until Saturday.


Thankfully there hasn't been a problem with the freight ferry so food and supplies are still readily available.  This is one of the major reasons for having a Winter store cupboard.  Storms can stop the ferries crossing and shortages quickly occur.  So although we are still in the throes of Summer, the Winter preparation list has been written and carefully ticked off.  The logs are going to be delivered when Victoria and Mike are here so they can help stack  them away.  Kindling has already been chopped and stored.  A date has been fixed for the chimney to be swept and the boiler to be serviced.  Winter duvets/throws/blankets have been washed and are ready for when we need them.  We have several Winter projects planned and all the materials ready to do them.  A stack of books have been bought and some more jigsaws added to the collection.  This cosy cottage is a delight whatever the season, but the Winter brings long dark evenings and the wonderful glow of candlelight to add to the ambience.  We have plenty of candles ready not only to add to the beauty but for practical reasons to.   Unfortunately, storms can also bring the inevitable power cut, which is why the multi fuel stove is such an asset as the oil system doesn't work without electricity.  Batteries are still on the list to be checked, we have and indeed need some powerful torches.  We are getting there...

We are still enjoying Summer and I had a lovely walk around the town today whilst Gerard was at rehab.  He continues to do well but needs to be checked regularly before another change of medication.  There was a couple of downpours but these days I am always prepared and had a waterproof with me.  The flower displays were a joy and brighten up the town along with the bunting.




The bonus living here is that the wind does dry the rain up very quickly.  I always admire these beautifully carved seals but they look even better with a few plants dotted around.



The Iolaire memorial has also been adorned with tubs of plants and is a joy to sit and people watch from one of its benches.




Although today there seem to be more gulls about than there were people.




Despite the rain, it dried up so quickly I was able to get the back lawn cut.  The edges still need trimming and there is still the front to do.  But tomorrow is another day...

See you soon.

30 comments:

  1. Oh I do so love preparing for Winter.
    I am starting to sniff at candles but at the moment the scents are a little too flowery and summery for me.
    The town you walked round looks so nice and very clean after the rain.
    Hugs-x-

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  2. Oh what beautiful flowers you have there and you took some really pretty photos thanks for sharing-
    enjoy, di

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  3. Beautiful photos. I love the flowers and the birds. I hope everything works out there for you.

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  4. It seems strange to read that you're making preparations for Fall and Winter. I never thought I'd say I was looking forward to winter but right now the cool temperatures have a definite appeal as we swelter in unaccustomed heat.

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  5. How lovely - I envy you the cooler weather as we have had another hot, humid day. I've just been speaking with a friend and we agree that we are all feeling very grumpy these days and we are blaming it on this never ending heat! I cannot function when it feels like 40C outside.
    Even though I live in a large city winter weather is still a consideration - plus we've had a series of terrible rainstorms which has caused interruptions to our subway and streetcar services due to flooding - so the ability to get to stores can be compromised even in the city. And if trucks can't get through on the highways during the winter grocery stores can run low very quickly. I always keep things like UHT milk, packages of crisp bread and of course tins of all kinds of things - just in case. I also freeze certain items like peppers - which can be horrendously expensive come winter so I always freeze a few bags when the prices are lower. One thing on my list is a new hot water bottle (down to just 1) and a new torch or two! A good reminder to do these things now before it becomes urgent.

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  6. My goodness, you have to think of so many preparations for winter there. I always keep a store of food on hand but luckily have never needed it because of weather. It’s great to be prepared though and in your circumstances you definitely need it. :-). Beautiful flower photos. It’s SO hot here as I type this it’s 104F and tomorrow 109 is predicted. I’m ready for some cooler weather for sure. Thanks for visiting my blog today. I am truly blessed to be able to call you my friend.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  7. Preparing for winter has such a cozy sound to it. To be shut in while storms rage outdoors and be warm, well fed, and well occupied would bring contentment and satisfaction, I think.
    I cleaned out our deep freeze last week and we could eat from it for a long time - provided the electricity stayed on.
    Your walk around town looked delightful. The flowers are so bright and pretty.

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  8. Glad to hear Gerard is doing well.

    The seals are adorable the one on the left is so
    life like.

    It's good to be prepared x

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  9. Glad Gerard's recovery is going well! Those seals are delightful and I love how they are nestled among the flowers. Than you for sharing this!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  10. You are wise to be preparing for the winter already, especially being dependent on ferries. I'm enjoying winter more and more as the years go by as the humidity here in the summer just saps my energy. A cozy fire with books and a well-stocked pantry sounds so cozy. xo Deborah

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  11. It sounds a good idea to get organised. Don't the seals look great, you just want to go and stroke them!

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  12. must admit i have a winter prep list and im only 15 miles from Lincoln , not sure how im going to tackle the shed roof repairs but it needs to be done...lol

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  13. It seems funny hearing about your winter preparations when we're in the middle of a heatwave but it totally makes sense, you definitely need to be ready for all eventualities. I love those seals.

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  14. Nice flower display. The seals and gulls are coming out to enjoy the weather. You are surrounded by beautiful nature.

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  15. It's good to be prepared for the special needs living on an island located in the far north of the British Isles. I'm glad that there are people who live nearby that are sharing the same experiences and I'm sure they are ready to give you company and help when needed. You must also be looking forward to family coming. I've been sorting out my linen cupboard and bedding only because we've had good drying weather recently. Now we have had some much-needed rain I'm pleased to have got that job done!

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  16. Oh, the words that flow from your pen (or rather keyboard) make me want to start preparations for winter..."This cosy cottage is a delight whatever the season, but the winter brings long dark evenings and the wonderful glow of candlelight to the ambience." So romantic and exciting...

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  17. You made it all sound so appealing that I want to hunker down and get ready for winter. The shops will be filling up with Christmas 'stuff' in a week or tow and summer will be a distant memory.

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  18. Ferry systems can be a bane and a blessing when it's needed for travel and food etc. Hope it gets figured out soon. Love the photos of flowers and statues and seagulls...always around! Good idea to stock up for your winter there. Rarely do we lose power here but candles, batteries and lantern oil a plus. Extra food too. Thank you for your visits to my blog. Thankful Gerard is getting better! God bless!

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  19. glad that Gerard continues to do well. I love those seals they look real to me!!

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  20. It still gives me a chill (in a good way) to think about living there in a cozy cottage. The candle light sound wonderful. I love oil lamps and candles. I am so ready for the change in seasons...fall is such a pretty time of year.

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  21. Once again, beautiful photos and what a lovely place to walk through.

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  22. Being prepared is absolutely essentials if delivery of services and goods depend on the weather as much as they do on the Western Isles. You'll be able to enjoy the candle light and puzzles all the more, knowing you are safe and cosy. Glad to hear that Gerard is doing well. x

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  23. great pics, my thoughts to have been turning to Autumn, very impressed at your planning !

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  24. And know we know why you are always preparing such lovely foods to store away, Lorraine. I know that winter weather can be difficult in many areas and you certainly prepare well in advance. We too are looking forward to winter evenings by candlelight.

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  25. You are so smart to be prepared for the long Winter. I love how beautiful your town is, so many wonderful touches with all the beautiful flowers.

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  26. I have read all the posts I have missed now in our bus from Helsinki to St.Petersberg ! It is a rather boring landscape ! I wish I could taste your delicious looking scones and dit on the restored chair ! You are very well organized thinking of everything you need for winter.

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  27. Very wise preparing for winter, especially where you live. The sudden drop in temperature down here, by almost 20 degrees some days! makes you realise that summer isn't going to be endless and that winter is approaching. I have noticed as well that the mornings are later now than they were and the nights are drawing in.

    Lovely to see the flowers around your little town.

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  28. So well organised but I suppose you have to be. We take it for granted that we can just pop to the shops when we run out of something. I look forward to seeing the progress on the doll house when the weather turns. x

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  29. It sounds as if you are well prepared for whatever the weather has in store over the next few months,that must be quite a comforting thing. I'm glad to hear that your husband is still doing well. I love he seal sculptures:)

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  30. I very much enjoy your photos, and so very good that you are getting everything ready for winter. It is coming before we know it. Good to be prepared early. I have a few other things to do around the house before it gets cold. Thanks for the reminder to get the chimney taken care of.

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