This and That

Finally, a glimpse of sunshine to brighten my day.  The persistent rain and howling winds have passed over for a few days so time to get out and about.  A stroll around the harbour in Stornoway is always a delight.  There was a couple of fishing boats just in so there was plenty of seagulls watching over the proceedings.  There was also a couple of seals taking their chances for a free feed, what fun they were but elusive and so difficult to photograph.

The carved fisherman overlooking the walkway is a joy and always makes me smile.  I do wonder how many tourists having a stroll have taken the very same photo.  You can just see the castle peeking though the trees.   The spring like weather will soon be bringing all the trees into bud and the leaves will be unfurling to make a green canopy over the area and the castle will be once more screened from view.

How wonderful to be out and about once again taking in the glorious views and picking out the dream boat. 

A short walk through the town brought us to An Lanntair where we soon found our way up to the cafe for coffee and a BLT,  a tasty treat.  We never have bacon at home these days so it was quite the treat enjoying such a wonderful treat and taking in the surroundings and natural ambience.  We then went back down the stairs to enjoy a browse around the exhibition.

It is an established art/science project led by contemporary artists Gillian McFarland and Ione Parkin as part of the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival.  Sadly my photography skills were lacking so the pictures do not portray the true standards.

We are so fortunate to have access to these wonderful exhibitions for free.  There is always so much going on when you consider how small the population of these Islands are.  Living life on the edge on the Outer Hebrides has lots of challenges but the lack of artistic talent is not one of them.  Do you make the most of what is available in your area?

Our hens are black rocks, a wonderful hardy breed suitable for the harsh conditions of the Island and produce lovely brown eggs.  We have been so blessed by them, they provide us with hours of entertainment as we watch their antics around the croft.  As always I thank you for your visit and for your uplifting comments.

See you soon.

Se

Yet Another Storm

Another day, another storm.  The past few days have been trying to say the least as one storm disappears another one arrives.  This time, this storm has no name but it has arrived with a vengeance.  Gale force winds with intermittent rain.  Downpours with almost horizontal rain would be more precise.  Snow was predicted for last night but thankfully this did not materialise here on our little Island although I understand there has been plenty on the mainland.  There was a mild frost with signs of a hail storm but nothing too serious.  I smiled as I looked out of the window to admire the green shoots poking through.  Daffodils making there entrance wowing us with their beauty and determination whatever the weather.

Wood has been chopped and our store cupboard is full so we are thankful.  Once again the ferry is either cancelled or disruptions expected.

The hens are roaming around at the moment but scuttle back into there cosy home as soon as the wind picks up.  They are a joy to watch and so much fun.  They are all still laying so eggs have been plentiful all winter and for that we feel truly blessed.

I do take some eggs to my neighbours on a Saturday and call in the local store for anything we need for the weekend.   There are no stores open on a Sunday as this Island still practices observance.  We actually quite enjoy this and don't find it difficult but I am sure there will always be some that would like change.

I have a carrot and sweet potato soup all ready just in case there is a power cut.  A loaf of mixed seed bread has just come out of the bread making machine.  It smells delicious and is always a temptation for me but I am trying to be strong and resist for a little longer.  Until it cools and can be cut a little thinner anyway.

Finally, an orange cake made and some fairy cakes ready for visitors after church tomorrow.  I used Tesco's Italian Mixed Peel which is a mixture of glace lemon and orange peel, perfect for the topping.

As always I do thank you for you visit and your comments.  I do hope the weather is behaving a little better where you are.  A warm welcome to new followers I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life. 

Just to reassure those that asked we do have mobile phones with us and never put ourselves in any danger when wandering around.

See you soon.

Seaweed

We woke to blue skies and a little sun this morning.  Intermittent showers that do come with some force are interspersed with sunshine.  Come on lets take a chance 'don your coats and some stout shoes and let me take you on a little adventure.

A five minute drive brings us to a little cove near the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis, Stoth beach.  Known to my grandchildren as pirates cove where they have had many an adventure when they visit.  A beautiful sandy beach that is a sun trap in the summer months.

The ground as you approach is sodden from all the rain and is laying.

The path leading down is quite a trial to get down as the water is running down the hill.

Be careful, watch your step.

I have never seen so much seaweed it is a couple of feet high, strewn across the rocks and the beach.

The sea came in with some force hitting the rocks and then retreating to begin its journey all over again.  The white foam enhancing the beauty of the swirling water.

Deep breaths now as we climb back up the path watching where you walk as it is quite treacherous.  Certainly easier to walk down than it is to walk back up.

Hope you enjoyed our little adventure.  Back to the cottage for homemade bread, a mixed seed variety and some scrambled eggs collected fresh this morning...with a pot of tea of course.

See you soon.

Stormy Weather

As one storm passes another approaches with just as much vengeance.  Storm Dennis hit the Island last night bringing with it snow for awhile.  It was white over prior to going to bed then this morning back to grey, rain and dreary...a truly dreich day.  Scottish weather at its most miserable.  We have fared quite well thus far although there is more to come, no real damage a few minor issues that can easily be repaired.  My heart goes out to all those affected by the storm, further south of the Country horrendous floods are causing havoc.  Many homes and business's once again flooded in spite of the many precautions put in place.  Amber warnings are in place with many ferries, flights and trains cancelled.  Worrying times for many as it works its way across the country today.  We have a little flooding in the garden but nothing that we can really complain about.

 We have no mobile phones as they are out and the computer signal is intermittent.  Who knows how long this post will take to publish.  I am also late visiting your blogs as the computer goes in and out.  Patience is definitely  a virtue.

Patience has become my middle name of late as we are constantly waiting for test results.  I got my results from the latest CT scan and feel blessed that there has been no change with the lung nodules.  What a great sense of relief that brought, I don't think we realised how much stress it caused until it was over.  Another increase and change of medication, I am hopeful this will bring the angina under control and life will go back to normal whatever the new normal these days is.  I am still attending the heart rehabilitation course and have lost a few pounds in weight.  As you know I love to bake so it has been quite hard not to eat some of my latest creations.

A chocolate sponge was made with raspberries and fresh whipped cream when we had friends call in for afternoon tea.

At the same time a chocolate sponge was made to use as the basis for a chocolate trifle.  Chocolate custard, black cherries and a little liqueur added to the sponge to make it moist.

Chocolate bark using dark/milk/white chocolate with fruit and nuts made for decoration along with the whipped fresh cream.

Flaked almonds added.  The trifle was then taken to a neighbours when we were invited for Sunday lunch.  Mincemeat slices were made using wholemeal flour ready for a little treat during the stormy weather.  I did succumb to a couple of those, they were very tasty.  I made them using some mincemeat leftover from Christmas although I must admit to preferring the date slice.

Artificial lighting is making for a poor standard of photo, but you get the idea.  I am hoping to get out and about with the camera once the winds have died down a little.  Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Take care.

See you soon.