Restrictions

Overnight we have been put up a Tier and are now in Tier  4 in line with the rest of mainland Scotland.  The Covid numbers have risen here on the Island and our hospital is at full capacity.  Consequently, we are effectively in lockdown along with everyone else.  Thank you so much Cherie for checking in on us, we are both fine at least at the moment.  Gerard was at the hospital on Thursday, so we did an enormous shop whilst we were out and now will stay indoors and local for urgent needs.  There appeared to be plenty in the supermarket and no shortages so I didn't feel guilty about doing a large shop.  Thankfully the ferry is now running again to schedule as the weather has now settled and calm.  I was able to get plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and have prepared some for the freezer.  I also added some tinned peas, sweetcorn, tomatoes, green beans, baked beans, tuna, corned beef and plenty of pasta and rice to the store cupboard.  We won't go hungry that is for sure.  The hens have started laying again so we have once again got an abundance of eggs.  

A quiet weekend thus far, catching up with a little reading and crafting.  The laundry basket is also now empty just a little ironing to do.  No baking as is usual for a Saturday, the temptation is too great when making cake and I don't need any in the tin for visitors with the new restrictions in place.

Take care and stay safe.  This pandemic is far from over and the new variant so much worse.

See you soon.

This And That

 We had a few days of snow, which made for a beautiful Winter Wonderland.  It was a treat to wake up and see everywhere white and untouched.  A delight to know that the gritter had been by so it would be relatively safe to drive if needed.

The storm did bring with it some strong winds which knocked down most of our gates and a window in the outbuilding.  More jobs to add to the list once the weather picks up.  As you can see from the photo, the windows are in dire need of cleaning.  Top of the list for when the weather calms down.  The snow didn't last long but it was fun to reminisce about snow days when our daughters were younger and the fun we had when they didn't have to go to school.

The mornings are bringing some stunning skies, along with some substantial rain but not a problem when we don't have to go out.  We are warm and cosy with the stove lit and have plenty of hobbies to keep us busy.  We do feel blessed and are thankful for our craft supplies.

Work on the dolls house continues, the lighting is now in place.  The roof and ridge tile is now complete.  We have started to explore the flooring and decoration, doing a little research in the process.  It is so nice working together on something.  We have also made plans and the inevitable list for the garden.

Work on the 'doorstep blessings' continue.  I have made some tissue holders and lavender bags for this weeks contribution.

The idea is to let the recipient know they are not alone and are been thought of during this time of Covid.  It is a Church initiative that I am supporting.  It is in itself a gift for me too as it is giving me something to work on.  I didn't do any baking this week as I am trying to lose a few pounds and it is too much of a temptation to have goodies in the cake tin.  Chicken and fish has featured in a lot of our meals this week thus far, with plenty of vegetables and salad.  We have a healthy balanced diet in the main but of late a lack of exercise is becoming  a problem.  At least we are aware of it and can make a few changes.  Has the lockdown made a difference to you with your weight?

The baby blanket nears completion, the squares are now complete.  It needs to be stitched together and the ends sewn in.  Finally the border will complete it.  I must admit it has been a joy to sit and crochet a couple of squares a day, it was quite amazing how quickly it grew.  I do like to have a crochet project on the go.

What are you working on?

Hope all is well with you and that you are able to keep yourself amused in these difficult times.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

A Trip To Town

 My goodness the weather locally has been foul for the past few days.  So bad, that the ferry has been cancelled on some of the sailings.  The ferry was in dock when we went over to town this morning.  Even the freight ferry was cancelled, so I do wonder if there will be shortages in the supermarket.

On the drive over to town this morning we encountered, rain, sleet, snow and a few moments of hailstones.  Quite the mixture, with dark overcast skies which made everything look quite gloomy.

Winter is still very much part of our Island with no signs of Spring to be seen.  I like this time of year when we hunker down in front of the stove and watch the flames flickering as we warm ourselves.  Time to rest the body and soothe the soul with a few craft projects, a good book or film and good company.  That is what we miss the most with this pandemic the company of others but I am hopeful that the Spring will enable us to meet up once more.  I am eagerly awaiting the green buds bursting through the soil of the daffodils heralding its arrival.  I am hopeful that the roll out of the vaccine will slow the virus down and see an end to the many restrictions that are in place.  Not that I am complaining, we are better off than some around the Country.

It was, as always a delight to browse the fishing/commercial boats along with the pleasure boats in the harbour.  The castle seen in the background now that the trees are bare.

Unusual to see the ferry in dock with no lines of vehicles awaiting to get onboard.  There seems to be a lot of cancellations and sadly a lack of passengers due to the travel restrictions, it must have such a negative effect on so many peoples livelihoods.

A wonderful couple of hours out getting a blasting of fresh air with a nice walk and getting essential provisions.  The drive back was equally as uplifting with a beautiful rainbow and a mixture of weather elements thrown at us.

It made a change to be out and about a little, but so nice to be back in our cosy little cottage with the stove lit.  Time to put my feet up for awhile with a warming cup of hot tea and a buttered crumpet.

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you may be.  Take care and stay safe.

As always I do thank you for your visit and your comments.  Cynthia the dolls house is indeed for one of our Grandaughters.  I used a little PVA glue on the buttons but they were attached with some coloured natural twine.

See you soon.

Keeping Busy

 I have been keeping myself busy with little projects, making it easy to fill my days.  Firstly, the humble chicken was roasted on Sunday for a roast dinner.  Monday more of the chicken was used to make a curry.  Today, the remaining chicken breast was used to make a chicken in pepper sauce dish with pasta and salad.  I have just finished boiling the bones and remains of the legs to make a chicken and rice broth for the freezer, its always handy to have some soup ready.  There was no waste but equally there was plenty of meat so the chicken has made 4 meals for 2 people.

The dolls house has been moved downstairs from the attic bedroom, making it easier to work on.  Gerard has also been down to the outbuilding to gather together any materials needed to work on it.  Today we worked on the roof.

One side both painted and the slate outlined, the other side painted waiting to be outlined and affixed.  Gerard made a start on looking at the electrics to see what is required.  It is a slow but very enjoyable project.  We both enjoy doing the research for it as well so new skills will be learnt along the way.

My doorstep delivery project will be ongoing for some time so I will be adding to it on a regular basis.  I will share anything that I do that is different.  More embellished paper clips for bookmarks or journals have been added.

I have also been working on gifts for my gift cupboard so I have made a selection of Harris Tweed brooches, they are a perfect gift to pop into an envelope.

They are all ready for when I need a gift.  Bibs and teething rings have also been made in preparation for a baby due in the Spring.

We have had plenty of rain but as yet no snow for which I am truly thankful.  It is making for some stunning rainbows.

I am keeping busy and filling my days well for which I am thankful.  I am also very thankful for all of you who visit and for new followers, I do hope you enjoy my little adventures through life.  Thankfully we remain in Tier 3, there has been an outbreak on Barra so that more than 10% of the population is now in isolation.  As expected they have now been moved to Tier 4.  The roll out of the vaccine appears to be going well here on the Island, for that I also give thanks.

Hope all is well with you wherever you are in the World.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Doorstep Gifts

 So far the snow storms that are hitting the mainland are avoiding us, for which I am extremely grateful.  Whilst I do enjoy snow and love the look of it, particularly around the holiday season I am not really a fan.  We are however getting rain and wind but a little at a time we are getting out to video aspects of living on this beautiful Island for our Grandson's school project.  Although we are miles apart we are having lots of fun together.  

I am also having fun with a friend with a Church project popping a small gift bag on doorsteps to bring a little cheer.   I have made a start with making some fridge magnets from a humble clothes peg.  I gave them a little wash of paint first to give them some colour and then added some bling, flowers and a bow.

Obviously a magnet was glued to the back.  They were then attached to some card and popped into a cellophane packet.

The soap is from a batch I made before Christmas, apple and strawberry.  I added a slice of dried apple to the top to give it a luxurious feel.

I was inspired by pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com who made some adorable embellished paper clips.  She shared the idea for hearts and flowers for valentines day.  So I have made a start making some using crochet sunflowers and buttons.  I will be making some hearts now that I have found a pattern.  They are such a quick make but  look so pretty.

We are hoping that this little project will bring some cheer, it certainly has given me a lift giving me something to do.  I have also made a start making some cards which can be added to each little gift bag.

A lot of people from our village had the Covid vaccine this week.  So far, all NHS workers, care staff and care homes have had it here, they are now giving it to the over 80s.  I have been so impressed with how quickly they are rolling out this programme.  We certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

Billie Jo UHT milk is ultra heat treated milk, also known as long life milk.  I like to have some in so that I don't have the worry of getting fresh milk and saves me going into town which is 27 miles away.

As always I thank you for your visit to my humble blog and for your encouraging comments.  I am keeping myself busy and staying home in my cosy cottage it is not really a hardship.  My heart does however go out to all those in lockdown who are trying to work from home as well as home school.  My own three daughters are in that very position and it isn't easy.

Take care and stay safe.

See you soon. 

A Day At A Time

I woke this morning to some beautiful red skies, a delight to see albeit a warning for bad weather if the old saying is to be believed. 

 A start has been made on my Grandsons school project and I must admit I have quite enjoyed the process.  I have found a wonderful old Scottish Teatime recipes book which I thought I would share with him and using whatsapp maybe do some baking together.  I have sorted out a few leaflets and books that might be useful so I will be walking to the post office later.

Yesterday we went into town to do a food shop, I have been trying for awhile to get a delivery slot to no avail.  I bought extra veg and prepared some for the freezer and UHT milk so I am hopeful that we won't need to go for some time.  We do feel blessed having the finances to be able to buy extra food and of course the room to be able to store it.

I have just made a mixed seed loaf, fresh from the bread making machine that will hopefully last for 3/4 days.  I usually make bread twice a week.  Todays lunch was homemade coleslaw, a salad with homemade honey and wholegrain mustard dressing and asparagus wrapped in ham in cheese sauce.  I can report it was delicious and very filling.  A side of melon and strawberries was also added. Soup is on the menu for supper, homemade leek and sweet potato.

I am working on another project with the Church to bless some of the congregation with a gift bag, so will make soap and some cards tomorrow for it.

The deep cleaning programme continues, this time the shelves, drawers and cupboard in the lounge.  I was surprised how little needed to be thrown away so that made me happy.

Gerard is finally feeling a little better so it is hoped that he will be able to start getting the materials together for us to start working on the dolls house.  A lot of the things we will be needing are stored in the outbuilding and he knows where it all is.  We are getting by a day at a time, each day a day nearer to our dreams of meeting up with the family once again.  There is certainly no hardship in eating good food and passing the day crafting.

Hope all is well with you and that the lockdown wherever you are is bearable.  

See you soon.