Rain Has Stopped Play

Rain has stopped play...or at least work in the garden and the outbuilding that we are re-purposing into an indoor garden.  Three of the roof beams need replacing and they were delivered yesterday, along with wood to replace some of the fence along the back end of the garden.  Work is slow but steady.

We have many projects going on but when it is raining we like to spend time in the workshop making and painting.  Gerard is repairing and painting an old cart which we are going to use in the garden room.  It was in a sorry state when we discovered it but already it is looked so much better.  Gerard is going to try and replace the wheel.

An old wardrobe is been given a makeover using chalk paint and blackboard paint, what a fun piece it will become.  I am hoping to use this for yarn storage once complete.

The drawers all painted ready to put back along  with several more for a chest.  The carcass all ready for some magic.

 We are going to have some fun with the knobs/handles...watch this space.

A little fun while we wait for some better weather.  We are ever hopeful...

We have an evening out planned tonight so I must get on and get cleaned up.  I don't think it is a good look with specks of paint in my hair and hands. 

Have a wonderful weekend/

See you soon.

Time And Tide

The days seem to be passing me by so quickly, time and tide waits for no man as the saying goes.  I feel busy and certainly fill my days so easily and yet I sit down in the evening and question what I have done all day.  The lambs around the crofts are growing and crofters are now thinking about getting the peats dug in readiness for next winter.  The next task always there to be done in an ever moving cycle.

I have managed to do a little crafting sat each evening, a few rows here and there on a shawl.  I have started another one this time in a shade of green which was easy to carry with me.  It is now too large to take with me so will be finished a few rows at a time.

My grab and go bag now holds a knitting project, I am knitting a few snoods in readiness for gifts.  One completed another started.

I have never worked with this type of yarn before but was amazed how quickly it knits up and how soft it is.  The perfect accessory for the cold and windy months we have on this Island. 

I feel this time of year races by so much to do and so many places to go...do you feel the same?  I have started to take more notice of my surroundings so that I can appreciate each season better.  The glorious colours on the moor and the striking colours of the sea meeting in harmony and reflecting what is the Hebrides as we go through each day.  I have taken so many photos since living here, many in the same place and yet each photo different.  Each time we drive over the moor to town a different view as the living earth changes continuously the ebb and flow of each tide different from the last.  A place of beauty giving an inner peace.  An artists paradise...if only I dare to try. 

See you soon.
 

A Trip To Town/Drying Mint

 This week there has been a change in the weather, the temperatures have been dropping.  We are now back to wearing a coat for working outside.  Rain on occasion has stopped work all together, so progress is slow.  We are in no rush, taking our time and enjoying the process.

We took a break yesterday from work and enjoyed the drive into town (Stornoway) to order some wood in readiness for making a new fence and some to replace a beam that is rotten in the outbuilding.  It will be delivered next Thursday.  We made an error not ordering what is needed to make the raised beds, but a phone call will soon rectify that.  We did however make the most of our day in town so it wasn't all chores.

There was a small cruise ship berthed near the ferry terminal, a Island hopping excursion so town was busy with tourists.

We decided to go for lunch at Ann Lanntair so that we could enjoy watching the ferry berth whilst eating lunch.  It was an unusual sight for us as we have never seen this before.  The cruise ships generally berth further out and transport passengers on tenders.

These are the views from the window and it wasn't long before the ferry started its approach and berthed alongside.

 We enjoyed lunch and then made our way downstairs to have a browse around the latest exhibition.

 A palimpsest - most often used in reference to mediaeval manuscripts - is something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form.  The exhibition features art work by 24 leading artists from across Scotland that reference this concept.

 It is an exhibition that did make me think but one that I did enjoy once I had got my head around the concept.

 We do feel blessed that there is always so much going on when you consider that we live on a small Island.  I was so impressed by these beautiful tweed bags with work sheets included so that families could enjoy the exhibition together.

Thankfully the rain did stop and we were able to have a browse around the shops and go to the supermarket for a food shop without getting wet.

I have cut some of the mint that is prolific around the tyre at the moment and tied it together in bunches with some natural twine.  I will leave it to hang for about 6 weeks until it is dry and then using forefinger and thumb rub it to break it down.

 Here is some that I have dried out from last years crop.

Mint can aid indigestion and gas so is perfect to add to tea.  It is also useful for making chutney/relish and added to stews/casseroles.  I like mint on fresh fruit too.  Hope that helps for those that asked why I dried mint.

Your comments and questions are always a joy and I do try to get back to answer them as soon as I can.

We are planning a quiet weekend which hopefully will include a little crafting.  Have you anything planned?

See you soon.

New Doors

What a couple of very busy days I have had, but I am happy with the outcome.  The two doors on the side porch have now been replaced.  The difference is noticeable already, no more draughts hurray!
The local firm we chose have done an amazing job, we are very pleased with their work.

Mickey likes to sit and admire the view...bless him!  The old doors have been left by the fence already to be carried down to the outbuilding.  We are hopeful they may replace some of the old doors down here, but if not they will be recycled.  No wood is ever wasted here.

The ironware will certainly be re-purposed.

The tyres that we are using to grow a few herbs and some salad are doing well.  The mint a little too well, it is rampant and spreading around the tyre too.  I intend to cut some of it tomorrow and dry it ready for the cooler months.

The chives have recovered from their winter sleep and are making a great comeback.  The flowers are starting to emerge and are a joy to see.

The spring onions and the lettuce are the only things this year that we have done from seed.    We are hopeful that now the garden room is progressing so well we will be able to plant some winter vegetables.

The lawn has once again been cut, such a time consuming task but worth all the effort when it is complete.  We have added a few solar lights to the vegetable area too.  We are in the process of painting the garden furniture  so that we can sit out and enjoy the beautiful views once again.   

We are in no hurry, taking our time.  Enjoying the process of each little job as we make our cottage and garden into the perfect retreat and home.

As always I thank for your visit and your uplifting comments.

See you soon.

Flourish

Last Saturday I joined many other women from all over the Island to take part in a Christian conference, FLOURISH.

What a fun day we had.  A wonderful speaker from Edinburgh, some delightful singing of praise.  Time for discussion and fellowship with a wonderful lunch.  The talk broken down into three sections was on Exodus.

Where is God?

Who is the Lord?

God is the Rescuer?

There was also several stalls to browse, each giving an address on their work.  It was an encouraging, uplifting and inspirational day spent with women that I barely knew.  Yet I came away having spoken to so many and felt their hand of friendship.

Once home I began my journey of exploring Exodus and throughout the past week have doodled in my Bible so that I can enjoy his word once again.

Whilst creative I am not an artist and admire the skill of many who journal in their bibles.  However I do enjoy the process.

I also came away with a lovely gift bag mine held a beautiful pansy, a soap and a bookmark.  A lovely reminder of a very lovely day.

Thank you for your visit to my blog and your uplifting comments.  A warm welcome to a new follower, I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.

See you soon.