Winter

It is Winter on the Outer Hebrides and many say it is the most challenging time for the Islanders.  It is also said that if you survive the first Winter here on the Island it is a true test if you stay or not.  This is our second Winter so I guess we are staying.  The weather forecast has not been good for the next few days and we noticed the road been gritted earlier.  There were cancellations once again of the ferry today and I just heard on the news that some flights were cancelled today also.

On a more positive note I thought I would share some of the things that I love about Winter here on my Island paradise.

- Beautiful sunrises and sunsets

- Winter walks watching the waves thrashing against the shoreline

- Hand knitted hats, scarves and gloves that have been gifted

- Soft, chunky jumpers

- Cosy afternoons by the stove

- Hot chocolate

- Warming soups/stews

What do you like about Winter where you live?

The darkest month here in the Hebrides is February, it can be wild but always dark.  So it as a delight to read in the An Lanntair programme that there will be a festival to celebrate and take us out stargazing and aurora hunting.  I was fascinated to read that you can see the Orion Nebula from here, over 1,500 light years away.  These Islands are also one of the best spots for watching the incredible Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).  What an education I am getting since our arrival to this amazing Island off the West Coast of Scotland.

See you soon.

Living On The Isle Of Lewis

Several years ago we came to the Isle of Lewis on holiday with my parents.  All of us fell in love with its beauty, the friendliness of the people and the much slower pace of life.  For years we dreamt of one day living here so that we too could embrace the wonderful land and seascapes and be inspired by its beauty.

We had lived in a substantial 4 bedroomed house with all the large bills that comes with it and still paying a mortgage.  When Gerard's health started to deteriorate we decided that we should fulfill our dreams of moving to our Island paradise.  We downsized considerably, halving our outgoings and living mortgage free.  We live a simple life living on Military pensions and reaping the rewards from all our hard work.

Island living is not for everyone, there are very few shops so online shopping is a must.  This also has its challenges due to postage costs, but trial and error and neighbours have helped.  Ferries can be cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions which can be a struggle depending which side of the water you are.

Living by the sea gives you lots of beautiful views and inspiration but never forget the dangers.  It can be damaging with floods always a possibility.  The salt air whilst refreshing can also be damaging causing lots of rust.  Loss of life always a possibility in these very close knit communities, there are memorials all over the Island as constant reminders of the ferocious seas.

We live in the North of the Island so renowned for the wind, there is always an advantage...it keeps the midges at bay!  The only real downside of living here is that we miss our family terribly not seeing them as much as we would like.  There is no going back we love it here and have found our forever home. 

There has been an increase in traffic of late...

The peat stacks already for the colder weather, I love the smell of peat as it permeates around the village.  The tell tale wisps of smoke coming from the chimney stacks.

I hoped that help for all those have asked "what made you move there?"  you need to see the beauty for yourselves and then you will know the answer.  This Island call out to you and draws you in, if you see its beauty like we did then it becomes home.

Hope that helps all those that have asked.  As always I thank you for your uplifting comments and support.  Thankfully there was no damage from the last storm.  My parents have still not moved over, they are now thinking it may be a little late for them, but they are well cared for and loved.  The family visit as often as they can and my niece goes over weekly to take my Mum shopping and organises anything that needs doing.

See you soon.

Scenes From My Week

As I said in my last post changeable is the word that I would use for the weather here this week and it seems that this a familiar pattern worldwide.  We have covered all the elements, sharp changes in the temperature and some amazing skies containing snow, sleet, hail  and rain.

The snow went as quickly as it came but did make for many a happy hour at the window watching it.

There have been some visitors to the garden but I am not quick enough with the camera, so the quality of the photos is not good.

Our trip out this week was to Stornoway to the An Lanntair to see the Weaving Ghosts Exhibition, based on the Shetland basket making tradition.  It is an evolving exhibition made from 'ghost gear'.  I know. I didn't know what that was either, apparently it is the name that has been given internationally to marine debris.  Polypropylene ropes, nets and plastic that is a consequence of commercial fishing.  It is a global problem and is dangerous to shipping and wildlife.

It certainly made for a most interesting exhibition...

For such a small Island we are certainly blessed with a superb programme of events and exhibitions.

As always I thank you for your visit, continuing support and comments.  A very warm welcome to new followers I hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.

See you soon.

Scenes From My Week

This was the week of the blue moon and despite many attempts I was unable to get a decent photo.  My hope is that when I read this in later years it will serve as a prompt and I will remember its beauty.

It has been a week of storms with several ferry services been cancelled including the freight service.  It has certainly made for some very dramatic skies and raging seas.  We did have a little trip into town  to do a top up shop.  I am pleased to report that I am hopeful of another low spend month as we have such a build up of provisions both in the pantry and the the freezers.  I do feel blessed that we were able to buy in such bulk in readiness for the Winter months.  

Wrap up warm and  buckle up, it will be a slow drive .

Fortunately it brightened a little as we entered Stornoway so we were able to have a little stroll and enjoy a fish supper.

Lunch out and treated to some beautiful daffodils, does it get any better than that?

It looks beautiful out today but sadly will not last, more snow is heading our way early next week.  The weather seems to dominate our conversation these days.  Who knew we would be checking the weather forecast and ferry website every day this time last year.  We are now waiting for Gerard's medication, no freight means no deliveries.  You certainly need to think ahead living life on the edge.

I am heading to the kitchen for my weekly baking session.  Have you any plans?

See you soon.

Scenes From My Week

Midweek saw the sun come out and the temperatures rise so the perfect time to have a drive around our beautiful Island paradise.  We had nothing pre-planned but with camera in hand off we went on our tour around the West side of the Island.

First stop was a stone Sheiling, there are numerous ones scattered around on the moors, a seasonal dwelling that were lived in during the summer months when livestock was put to pasture.

Our next stop was Bragar where there is a whalebone arch.  It was erected by Murdo Morrisson a former postmaster.  The whalebone arch was formed using the jaw bones of a whale who had beached itself and died in Bragar bay.

We then went on to have a quick visit to a black house at Arnol and then on to  watch the waves breaking on the rocks nearby.

Sadly, the wonderful weather didn't last a storm headed in and ferries were once again cancelled today.  That is the Western Isles for you changeable weather is part of its make-up.

I think one of the things that strike me the most about the Island is the majestic skies, the cloud formations are amazing.  The ever changing views due to the weather are a delight.

Hope you enjoyed our little tour.  The winds are now howling around our little cottage so we have banked up the stove and poured ourselves a glass of wine.  Cheers, hope you have a wonderful weekend.

See you soon.