The Dream Team

The average temperature for August here on the Isle of Lewis is 16 degrees, so we are on track it seems.  I will add that December's average is 7 degrees so not as bad as people presume.  What we do have in these Winter months are the terrible winds particularly to the North of the Island where we live.  On a lighter note the weather systems are quite fast and blow over very quickly.  It does take a little getting used at times particularly when the temperatures are reaching record highs around the world.  However, we did have a particularly good Spring here with the sun shining for days on end.  At the moment is is quite overcast and dreary with little outbursts of rain now and again.

The damp weather has kept us inside enabling the dream team to work together once again.  Gerard and I have been working on the porch/utility room, known as a vestibule here on the Island.  It is slow going but we are starting to see an improvement albeit slowly.  Why is it it looks worse before it looks better?  We have refurbished/recycled an old wardrobe putting shelves inside and now getting it ready for extra Winter storage.

Black board paint was used for the top panels enabling me to make shopping lists or words of wisdom...who knows but it worked out quite well.

We wanted to restore the vestibule to its former glory, so we have put back the v lining using a pine cladding which will be painted.  It is still very much a work in progress.   We are having fun as we work together and that is all that matters.  I will share some better photographs as we progress.

Gerard has also painted an old chair that was in the outbuilding.

In really good condition, just so unloved.   I have covered the old seat pad with my beloved Harris Tweed and the frame remains another work in progress.

A little more sanding and then waxing and it will be a perfect addition.

The mint has done amazingly well and has been contained in the tyre so as I am not sure what will happen to it through the Winter months here I  decided to cut some stems to dry.  I also chopped some of the leaves into ice cube trays ready to pop into potatoes or drinks as needed.  A little taste of Summer in those days you need a boost.

 The wonderful aroma wafting around my little cottage right now is amazing, I do so wish I could share it with you.

Well, I must get on I have a paint brush with my name on it...whilst our furry resident has a little nap.

See you soon.