Finished Tasks And New Starts

 The wanderer has returned once more.  We have had quite the ordeal the past few weeks with technology.  It started with a storm that had a terrible effect on all our connections phone and computer.  I was due a new phone so it was duly ordered and I made my life easy (or so I thought) getting the same make that had a clone facility.  The idea was to transfer all the data simply without having to do everything manually.  Yes, you guessed right it all went wrong...

It has taken awhile with some back up help from our son in law but we are up and running once more.  My apologies to all those who sent St Patricks cards that have been returned as they weren't opened quickly enough.  My Gmail account was the last thing to be retrieved.

The same storm saw many of the ferries disrupted with cancellations and delays for a few days due to the extreme weather.  Flights still went so Gerard was able to get out to the hospital for his MRI scan.  He was at the local hospital yesterday for tests and is now waiting for the date for a biopsy which we are hoping will be local.  He thanks you all for the well wishes and prayers it means a lot to us both.

I have been able to visit some of you intermittently but unable to leave comments but now that I am up and running again I will get around to visit over the next few days.

Work on the dolls house continues albeit slowly, Gerard has completed the electrics and is now working on the floors.  I have made a start on sorting out the papers and paint colours.  We are having fun and that is all that matters.

I have had lots of crochet squares languishing in a basket for quite awhile, waiting to be stitched together and a border added.  The baby is due next month so I thought it was about time that it was finished.  Tah Dah.......

Bibs and teething rings added and the gift is now ready for the new arrival.

I have also finished the scarves that I started awhile ago.  The fabric was  a rayon crinkle fabric in shades of white and ivory.  I used fabric paint to colour dip them and I must admit had a lot of fun with mixing colours and creating some amazing washes.  I have been doing some research on a more natural approach using plants and seaweed from the land.  I have made a start on processing a fleece so intend to use a more natural approach with the wool.

 I will leave you all with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to thank you for your patience and understanding.   Hopefully they will make you smile as they did me.  Hope all is well with you as we start the pathway out of lockdown once again.  My heart breaks for all those who have lost friends and loved ones to this terrible pandemic.   Take care and stay safe.

 See you soon.

Keeping Busy

What a change once again in the weather.  Today a storm is due to hit bringing gale force winds not good for this time of year and the garden planting.  Whilst England have been enjoying high summery temperatures we are still barely reaching the teens.  Due to the adverse weather conditions today the ferries have been cancelled and are likely to be cancelled at short notice tomorrow.  I am once again thankful for a full freezer and store cupboard.  We had another Tesco delivery yesterday, which went well it was so nice to chat to someone different for a few moments.

Gerard is down the outbuilding experimenting with chalk paint to finish the dividing wall, we are trying to use what we have rather than order more and have to wait.  I am obviously doing this post and catching up with everyone whilst we have internet connection.  I have a beef and ale casserole in the slow cooker and the smell of it is permeating throughout the cottage making very hungry.

Crafting has been a priority for the past couple of days, keeping me busy and entertained.  The playmat is almost finished just needs the final hemming done.  Toys have been added to the gift, it has been a real delight browsing patterns and books looking for something to play with.

Teething rings, a taggy blankie and a patchwork ball.

Such strange times that we are living in with our pregnant ladies isolated and new Mums not able to share their precious newborns with friends and neighbours.  I must admit to feeling a little down now and again myself.   I have to give myself a firm talking to as I have a lot to be thankful for.  Not least been blessed with views of the surrounding crofts and new life frolicking in the glen.

The First Minister announced her plans for coming out of lockdown yesterday.  Little steps at a time...I look forward to seeing how it all goes and hopeful that people will adhere to the new rules.  I do hope that the goodwill and generosity remains long after all this is over.  It is so nice to stand at a window or in the garden and have people waving or nodding.  I am loving seeing the smiles...long may that last!  How is this terrible pandemic affecting you?  I am genuinely interested to know if your mental health has been affected.

Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.