Surrounded by Beauty

Where on earth did January go?  Already we are well into February, time seems to be flying by.  33 years ago yesterday I was in a British Military Hospital in  Germany giving birth to our middle daughter Amie, what a joy she brings to our lives.  How times have changed, back then I had to stay in hospital a week after giving birth.

Saturday we awoke to bright blue skies and white fluffy clouds so we decided to go out for a short drive and have a walk along the coastline.  Wrap up well and come along with us, make sure you have gloves/mittens on as the wind is biting.

Buckle up and off we go, first stop Europie.  You can just see the beach from the road by the park.

The ground is still frozen and along the edge of the road you can still see hailstones from a recent downpour.

Back into the car and on to our favourite cove, parking wasn't an issue as we were the only ones about.

The little streams of water still running although frozen at the sides.   Here and there remnants of the downpour of hailstones could be seen.

The breathtaking beauty of this cove always takes my breath away and brings backs some lovely memories of our Grandchildren enjoying this little beach.

The shadows here and there making taking the photographs a little more challenging.

Back into the car for a few seconds until we reach the Butt of Lewis, the most North Westerly point of the UK I believe.  A beautiful lighthouse also stands proudly there, if only it could talk.  I am betting it would have many a tale to tell.

The wind whipped around and it really was quite cold and yet exhilarating to be out in the fresh air.  It was a delight to have a wander, although we were careful not go to close to the edge.

Back home to a mug of hot chocolate and thankfully the cottage is warm and cosy.  Come on in and make yourself at home.  I hope you enjoyed our little tour.

As always I thank you for your visit here and your comments.

See you soon.

St Moluags Church

We have had another tour around our local area, enjoying the views and getting to know where everything is.  Our neighbour helped us with the rubbish from the outbuildings, it is amazing how much bigger the buildings are now.

 

Several trips were made to the recycle centre, with a lot of the things finding new homes which was good.  We are still a long way off making a start on the renovations out there, concentrating on the main house first.  It is a joy to see the building like this...

 

 

...and dream...

 

Our recent tour took us around Europie, which is about one mile away from the Butt of Lewis.  There in the middle of a croft is St Moluag's Church.

 

 

Church services are only held in the warmer months as there is no water or electricity in the building.  There is a fence both side of the walkway to keep it clear from sheep wandering over it.

 

 

It is believed to be a 13th Century temple.  There is certainly a lot of speculation about the origins, one tradition believes that St Ronan founded the church before going on to the Isle of Rona.  It is certainly a beautiful place to visit and one of great peace and calm.

 

 

 

The lighting is by oil and candle.

 

 

Can you imagine a Carol Service, what a beautiful place to come together and celebrate. 

 

Not much crafting is been done here at the moment we have both been busy outside, painting.  If it doesn't move it gets painted.  We are hoping our little cottage will be looking its best by the end of the Summer with its newly painted exterior.  The plan then is to finish off the interior once the weather changes, one little step at a time.

 

My only craft achievement in the past couple of days is some tags in readiness for Birthday gifts, made using some oddments/scraps of Harris Tweed.  Rather fitting I thought.

 

 

I will close with last nights supper, broccoli soup with cheese and scones.  A wonderful warm up and reward for the painting outside.  The thermometer was reading 21 yesterday but with the wind it didn't feel particularly warm.

Finally, just because...

See you soon.