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.
Life on the island in winter sounds beautiful. There is beauty to be found where ever we live. I love walking by the nearby river especially when it freezes. More birds come to the garden too.
ReplyDeleteWe too get the Northern Lights. But have to have a clear night! The DP gets warnings on his phone of an imminent aurora. I love the clean air. The birds. The people. North East Scotland. And I still speak with a Yorkshire accent!
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound like my idea of heaven. I bet the scenery more than makes up for the long cold winter.
ReplyDeleteLiving close to the sea it's always nice to walk on the beach any time of year. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteJust the name of your Island, conjures up such marvelous thoughts. Wildness, and etc. Mother Nature showing off her might.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you can see the Northern Lights!
And all those things you like, are wonderful sounding.
I try to 'like' each season as it is upon us. I love all the beauty of winter here in the upper NE of the US. The snow, watching it fall, the way it makes everything so pure and white.
And of course, all the cozy things, which really need real winter, to fully enjoy.
We spent 3 months in FL, one year, and I was not happy. I want my 4 seasons, even though I don't like ice.
Enjoy each season, say I!!!!!
✨✨✨✨
Living on the island sounds lovely! We can see the northern lights here in northern Michigan, too!! We live on water, but NOT as exciting as living at the sea, like you!!! Debbie
ReplyDeletexo
It’s wonderful that you can enjoy your corner in all seasons. Is February the darkest month because of your location north? ( I am not a fan of winter anywhere, I’m sure. Here it is about six months long, cold, isolating, dangerous, and expensive. Still it is what I am used to and for May through mid-October, I’ll consider it fair trade.)
ReplyDeleteWinter here is mostly about rain. So far we haven't had snow but snow in February is common so we'll see. The rest of Canada is in a deep freeze with wind chill temps in the minus 40's. Brr! Although we both come from the prairies we're so glad we don't live there any more.
ReplyDeleteWinter can be such a delight...and also a challenge.
ReplyDeleteThankful for warm clothes and shawls and blankets to snuggle under. Oh, and the wood stove to warm us through.
The winter here is so wonderful in that we can see the stars and the northern lights often. They are absent in the summer.
So glad that you are enjoying the islands and that you are staying where you enjoy!
The beauty of winter probably overrides the chill of winter. Keep warm and wrapped up.
ReplyDeleteFirst I was blessed to go to Scotland with my daughters in 2016 - only mainland. I like many of the same things you do. It's cold here in my home state of Wisconsin. Recently I'm enjoying a fleece poncho my sister in law gave me. Keeps me warm even as I sit here and type.
ReplyDeleteYour island sounds and looks beautiful to me, Lorraine. I would love to see the Aurora Borealis one day! Stay warm and cozy. ♥
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see the Northern Lights but I'm a bit too far south and the light pollution from the city blocks even the stars.
ReplyDeleteAs for winter - it hit with a vengeance about 4 days ago - Minus 38C on Sunday night with about 4 inches of snow and more on the way - but we just keep going. Even though I live in a huge city I like to ensure that I've got a good pantry filled with food - especially items to eat if the power goes out. Flash light and candles on standby. But have to say, your cottage sounds lovely and cozy.
The Northern Lights are so beautiful. As a teenager and young adult I lived further north and enjoyed seeing them in all their mystery on clear nights. Here, on Vancouver Island, it's pouring rain tonight and I'm enjoying the sound of it on the roof. I like your list of what you enjoy about where you live in this season; it's important to find things to appreciate or life would be miserable!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're making the most of winter there on your island. We all have to endure winter so why not find the best things to do to make the most of it! I hope you get to see some Northern lights.. I saw them when I was about 9 years old. Very memorable. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteDo you organise bus trips?
ReplyDeleteA Bad Winter is always the test for those who retire to rural Lincolnshire , were quite blase about it , theyre just horrified...lol a bad winter heralds a spring full of estate agent boards
ReplyDeleteBatten down the hatches and keep cosy!
ReplyDeleteThe gritters were out last night here and sure enough we've woken up to a hard frost and icy conditions. It's good to think of the positives, very hard sometimes during winter with the dull grey days, but it sounds as though there's plenty to keep your spirits up on the island.
ReplyDeleteI think you have definitely passed the 'staying' test. I think I like all the things you like about these winter months. Wrapping up warm and walking out in the cold air, trampling in wellies through soft snow and coming home to a warm house and either warming soup or hot chocolate is a favourite:)
ReplyDeleteYou have certainly passed the test to stay put on this island. I heard that the Northern light is beautiful. Your winter sounds exciting.
ReplyDeleteNot for everyone but you passed the test !
ReplyDeleteIt's more easy to enjoy a place when you see the good side and not the bad side.
Have a cozy and tasty day ;)
Hug
Anna
Life on the island sounds enchanting, my friend. I have always liked staying in my home during the winter months when it's snowing and cold outside. There is something delightful about staying by the fire and curling up under a blanket {{smiles}}
ReplyDeleteWishing you a warm and safe day, my friend. Hugs to you!
I love Winter.
ReplyDeleteWe seem to be a bit sheltered here in our corner of Staffordshire and never seem to get much in the way of snow but the cold weather suits me as does the snuggling under blankets and lighting the candles.
Hugs-x-
Wow! I think it would be wonderful. Rather stuck there with lovely views than here in town. We get a lot of snow and it is wonderful to see along the lakeshore but it's a 40min drive and I don't like driving in the snow/ice so I have to rely on husband at weekends. It is good to look on the bright side though!
ReplyDeleteWinter in Belgium is rather wet and grey, at least most of the time. But there are exceptions like today we had snow and then sunshine then the landscape looks pretty. Of course not so pretty as yours, I mean to my taste !
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine being on an island in the cold winter with no way off . . . that would take some getting use to. I am sure that this does bring folks closer together . . . neighbors need to be aware of each other and helping when needed.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly in a beauty part of the world even if the going is hard in the winter months. I'm a little envious of seeing the Aurora Borealis, that must me an amazing sight.
Cuddle up sweet friend, and keep the kettle and soup pot hot . . . winter will pass:)
God bless you.
Connie :)
I am not sure I am cut out for island winters, finding Glasgow quite difficult at this time of year. Maybe the beautiful scenery makes all the difference :-) I am glad you are enjoying island life, even when it is dark and wild. Good luck with the Northern lights spotting. xx
ReplyDeleteI need all of them together now!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome to experience! Stay warm and enjoy, and I love how you focus on what you are grateful for :-) Thank you for the kind words on my blog, I really appreciate it! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jill
You must appreciate the positive aspects of living in the Outer Hebrides during the Winter months, especially seeing the Aurora Borealis. The special festival in February sounds fascinating and I hope you get to enjoy it and the wonders in the sky. Meanwhile keep warm and well.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about winter. I love all the knitting and tea drinking and wearing wool and being cold. Your list is lovely and stay warm!
ReplyDeleteAll the same as you as far as food/drink goes. Wishing we were by the beach to see the waves and swells come in.
ReplyDeleteNorthern lights is all I need to stay, well except for everything else you mentioned. I can take it .. Must be so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLorraine, i especially enjoy wearing wooly socks, making soups and stews, and also homemade bread. We are enjoying our New England home as much as you do your new place. FYI you have a spam comment a few comments earlier. I have been diligently checking my blog daily for any such comments and marking them as such. It’s surely just anoth time consumer.
ReplyDeleteYour list sounds so lovely. One of the things I like best about winter is being able to stay inside more to sew and/or read, and to spend long evenings by the fire with Hubby. Our days are already beginning to lengthen noticeably so the long nights will soon give way to long days when there's so many chores to be done outside. Hopefully February will be kind this year. Take care and stay warm!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThank you for filling us in on your life on the islands. What a fascinating place. I don't do well in the cold so I guess I'll never see for myself. But, I do love to read about it.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to hear about life on the island. I love your list. So nice to go for a winter walk and then come home to a home-made stew or soup …
ReplyDeleteIt must be wonderful to see the Northern Lights.
Keep warm, keep safe and have a good new week - where do these weeks go to, they simply fly by!
All the best Jan
Don't you love the power of the sea? Absolutely awesome and humbling. You know you are truly alive when you feel the full force of the weather in your face!
ReplyDeleteWinter - time to snuggle in and regroup. I love the freedom from yardwork and mosquitos.
ReplyDelete