A Break In The Weather Means A Mini Tour

 The majority of the time I have been back on the Island we have been blasted with wind and rain, making the most of the stove and getting the cottage into shape.  Finally we have had a reprieve and the weather, dare I say it, has improved.  The sun has been shining, the wind has slowed down and not a sight of a rain cloud to be seen.  Long may this last...but just in case it didn't we made the most of it and had a drive into Stornoway for a walk around the harbour and town.   It is still a little chilly, you will need your coat but make yourself comfortable and come along for a stroll.

The name on this vessel certainly made me smile, Gratitude and prompted a conversation of how much we had to be grateful for in the grand scheme of things.

The reflections in the water were a delight to see and had me thinking of some of the amazing artists that we have locally.  We decided once we had worked up an appetite we would go to An Lanntair for lunch and to see if there was an exhibition.

The naked trees gave us the opportunity to see the castle through the branches, a glimpse here and there teasing us with a promise of things to come.  

By the time we had walked around the harbour, we had certainly worked up an appetite and inspired by the beauty wanted to check out Ann Lanntair.  We were not disappointed.

A interesting exhibition thought provoking but well worth the visit.  We did of course enjoy lunch in the restaurant, it was so nice to be out and about again.  Back to the car and then a whistle stop drive to the sea at Baile an Truiseil.  It was a joy to have a few moments looking at the beautiful walls and thinking about the generations before us that have spent the time collecting the stones and making them. We are surrounded by so much history, tradition and beauty and don't always see it.

I hope you have enjoyed this mini tour whilst we had a break in the weather.  I was hopeful that this was a sign of things to come but the wind has picked up and it is a dreary overcast day today.  Hopefully this will blow over very quickly and we will get out for another tour soon.   Hope all is well with you, I am visiting but not commenting on your blogs for the time been until I get back into a routine.

Take care.

See you soon.

Art Exhibition

We are without a doubt having a mild winter but the winds and constant rain are starting to depress me a little.  As usual this morning we woke to the rain thrashing against the window almost horizontally, intermittent internet and finally a power cut that lasted seconds.  What a joy to finally see the sun shining as the morning progressed and dancing shadows as the light moved around the room.  Little things can bring so much pleasure.

I continue to do well at the heart rehabilitation, baby steps but each week able to do a little more.  I am still getting breathless but thankfully not as much chest pain.  I do thank you for your concern and your prayers, it is a great comfort.

Last week whilst in town we went to Ann Lanntair for lunch and to stroll around the latest exhibition.   What an amazing sight to see.  It was an open exhibition in multiple genres by artists resident in or from the Outer Hebrides.  There is a lot of talent about in my opinion but I will let you judge for yourselves.   I enjoyed picking out some of my favourites.

The lunch was very good too.  The restaurant looks over the harbour so it was a delight to see the ferry come in and know that there would be fresh food in the shops.   It was so nice to enjoy a treat out in comfortable surroundings and enjoy each others company.

Is the weather taking its toil on you?  I am more than ready for a little colour...

See you soon.

Muir is Tir

Muir is Tir - Land and Sea Residency 2018 - An Lanntair was a 10 day programme exploring the cultural heritage and identity of the Outer Hebrides.  Half the residency was spent on a sailing boat exploring the rugged coastlines whilst working together learning to sail.  The other half was spent on the Isle of Berneray.

The current display showcases the residency from 2017 and 2018 in Ann Lanntair.  It was a feast for the eyes.  Each artist so completely different.  We have visited twice and enjoyed each visit immensely, seeing something different each time.   See for yourselves...

This next piece I must have taken 20 photos and didn't capture its beauty.  The embroidery on Harris Tweed was stunning and must have taken hours.  It was an inspirational piece that I loved.

So much to see, let me show you some more.

In addition to this wonderful display there is also a Hebrides international Film Festival going on which is screening current global cinema on the theme of small islands rural communities and the environment.  There is also an annual beach clean.

Some of the short film screenings, lectures, workshops and environmental promotions are free so no one is excluded.  I think that is quite amazing.

Thank you for all your comments and concern.   The storm whilst damaging was not as bad as anticipated so we enjoyed our time in our little cottage together, making some very tentative plans for future travel.  The mainland didn't fair as well so my heart goes out to all those affected.

See you soon.

Hebcelt

As we drove into Stornoway on Wednesday the bunting was waving in the breeze, and people were milling around.  Lots of people.   There was a glimpse through trees in the Castle grounds of stripes...

We had forgotten that it was festival week.  Hebcelt, Hebridean Celtic festival is a combination of the Islands natural beauty and high quality Celtic influenced music.  The bunting, the amazing shop window displays along with a wonderful array of displays made for a great afternoon out.  I was amazed to see a lady spinning outside one of the tweed shops, my heart was a flutter as I saw the incredible beauty of the wool she was spinning.  The children are always a joy as they danced in their gorgeous tweed costumes.  Pipers and smiling faces were in abundance.

In the harbour there was a German sausage stand and donuts on sale.  We were sorely tempted but decided it was not a good thing to eat prior to going into see  cardiac staff...lol!  We also popped into An Lanntair who have a lot going on this week in conjunction with the festival.

Maybe next year?

We are back in town later today as Gerard is having a heart monitor fitted to establish if the change of drugs has worked, we are ever hopeful.  We have no real plans for the weekend, the weather forecast is not looking good.  Have you any plans?

See you soon.