Weekend Bliss

Mt goodness how time is flying by!  The days are already starting to shorten and each day it is getting a little earlier for darkness to descend.  In fairness we are still enjoying the balmy days of Summer and the bounty from growing crops and of course mutton or lamb from the freezer in preparation for the next slaughter and sale of lambs.  Already the sheep have been sheared and the fleeces sold.  I do think it is sad how much the crofters do get for the fleeces, when you consider all the hard work.  I am still working on my fleece and enjoying the process.

Sunday we enjoyed some roast lamb given to us by a neighbour, the generosity never ceases to amaze us.  A long slow roast with a garlic and rosemary marinade and it fell apart.  It really was tasty and enjoyed with some fresh mint and spring onion from our little garden.  We have grown three varieties of potatoes so these were also served whilst we gave each variety a taste test.  We enjoyed the process.

Cauliflower cheese, carrots and green beans served as side dishes making for a very tasty traditional Sunday lunch.

Desert was a fresh strawberry sherry trifle which did taste as delicious as it looked, a real treat for the week.

A sprinkling of chopped nuts adding to the texture and giving it a lift.  A strawberry cake made and shared with neighbours for afternoon tea.  It was so much fun to visit and catch up with our neighbours adventures who have been enjoying a tour of the art galleries around the Island.

Yes, I did enjoy a small slice but did work hard in my aerobics class to work it off.

Work continues outside in small bursts and then I come inside and work a few rows of my crochet project.  I am kept busy and for that I am thankful.

A quiet and reflective weekend enjoyed with friends.

See you soon.

Three Go Adventuring

What a beautiful day it was yesterday here on the Isle of Lewis.  The sun was shining reaching a high of 23 degrees so not too hot, but with a slight breeze that kept the midges at bay.  The perfect day for a adventure with our neighbour who is on school holidays at the moment.  Her Mum is not well  so we helped out and gave her a break for the day.

First stop Stornoway for a stroll around the harbour and some shopping.  Then onto Cameron's our favourite chip shop for a hearty lunch.

A stroll back to the car and off we went again this time back across the moor to the Barvas and Brue Community Centre, where the 37th Westside Agricultural Show was been held.

As we entered the hall it was buzzing not only with people but with so many amazing exhibits from flowers, vegetables and eggs to craft work and so much in between.  How I wished I had looked into this marvellous event prior to yesterday I would have entered some of the categories.  Let me take you on a little tour around the hall.

The Fashion and Textiles (wool) section was one of my favourites there was some talented knitters and so many sections from socks, bonnet,adult Aran sweater, matinee set to shawl or child's sweater.

The baked goods were a delight to see and once again so many sections to enter.  Our little friend wanted to taste them, her theory been 'how did you know which was the best if you can't taste them'  never a truer word said.  The sweet craving satisfied when we went for afternoon tea later in the day.

There were many sections in the Horticulture remit best worked croft, best vegetable plot, best garden and best polycrub, polytunnel or greenhouse.  Maybe something to work towards for next year.  There was also a variety of sections within the flowers and vegetable which seemed popular with entrants.

There were many other sections which included artwork and photography but there were too many people around to get photos.  There are some very talented people on this Island, the standards were high.

Outside there were many tents hosting a variety of stalls which were fun to walk around.  I must admit it became more of a social event as we chatted our way around, what a joy it is when you know so many people and have been accepted as part of the community.  Our little friend enjoyed the clown and was a great admirer of his skills with a balloon and juggling bags.

Maybe I should make her some juggling bags she may have a hidden talent and she certainly enjoyed the challenge of juggling.  There was vintage cars to admire and lots of machinery which always interests Gerard.  Our friend enjoyed posing and having fun teasing him.

The animals were a delight with numerous breeds and categories for both sheep and cattle.  Not forgetting poultry hen, cockerel duck or drake.

A great but tiring adventure.  I do hope you enjoyed a glimpse into our day as three go adventuring.

See you soon.

Catching Up...

My goodness the time is just flying by and whilst we are not having the high temperatures that the mainland are, we are enjoying some summery weather.  Lots of outdoor jobs are getting done, doors are been painted or replaced on the outbuilding.  The roof is finally finished and some windows have been replaced, it is a slow process.  Never the less we are pleased with the progress.  I am hoping to get the lawns cut once again today, they are growing so quickly.  We have also brought some more tyres down from the outbuilding to grow some more spring onions and such in.  Slowly but surely our plans are starting to come to fruition it is a nice feeling.

Once the weather turns we will  finish some of the jobs in our little cottage, the kitchen floor still needs to be laid but one day at a time...

Sadly the weekend did not go as planned Gerard needed to dash down to England so we didn't make it to the HebCelt but there is always next year.  I hear it was a great event bringing lots of people to the Island.  The Ferries were full and accommodation fully booked.

We did manage to get to An Lanntair earlier in the week to view the art exhibition, a real feast for the eyes.  Let me give you an idea of the talent of this man:

It was a wonderful display that evoked many feelings.  I would like to go and have another look when next we are in town so that I can fully appreciate the exhibition.

The easel and paint trolley along with some sketches made a real focal point and added another dimension to the wonderful display.

The weekend flew by and I was able to catch up with a lot of jobs and did some baking for the freezer.  I had apples and rhubarb that needed using so I made crumbles in readiness for those cooler days and the need for a warming desert.

I made some date slices and really enjoyed them using a recipe I found on a blog that I follow but for the life of me I can't remember which one.  If it is you let me know and I will be quite happy to link this post.  I must admit they were very moreish and a healthier option for a sweet treat.  I have just been reminded that it was indeed DC from over atfrugalinnorfolk.blogspot.com that shared this amazing recipe.  Just look for date slices under her menu tab.

With the abundance of eggs that we have, I thought it prudent to make a couple of quiches for the freezer.  It is always handy to have something quick ready for those days that I don't feel like cooking.  Generally hospital days.  Pasties were also added to use some vegetables up that had been loitering at the bottom of the fridge for awhile.

Well of course there was a sweet treat, I always have something ready in case of visitors.  Meringues were the order of the day, all that is needed is some whipped cream to sandwich them together.  Or, maybe some strawberries all ready for Eton mess.

I will leave you today with an amazing sunset that we are enjoying here on the Isle of Lewis, the beautiful array of colour behind a shadowy building is a stunning sight.

My apologies for not answering some of the questions you asked, I will catch up with you all soon.  Hope you are all well and not suffering too much in this heat wave that seems to be encompassing not only this Country but all over the World.  These extreme temperatures are a worry that is for sure.

See you soon.