Things That Brightened My Day

 I am not bored, I have far too many projects on the go to ever become bored.  But, why is there always a BUT?  I am starting to feel a little restless, the days are starting to merge into each other and I do feel a little fed up.  I know how blessed I am and have a lot to be thankful for here comes that BUT again...But it would be nice to get out and about a little instead of been cooped up in our little cottage.  I have lost count how many times we have had to cancel breaks away and trips to meet up with family.  We don't bother making plans anymore.  It saddens me that the last years for my parents are been spent in isolation.  Our own retirement plans dampened by this deadly virus, life is not easy at the moment.  Alexa to the rescue playing all our favourite tunes...What a difference music and a boogie makes!  It has lifted our spirits and normality is resumed.

We have had a sprinkling of snow.  Nothing like the huge amount that we are seeing on the mainland but enough to bring the children out and make us smile.

As you can see the chickens have had to be moved.  There is avian flu in the UK so all poultry need to be locked up.  We made them a large run and covered it with wire so they have plenty of room for roaming.  Not free range but at least they are safe.

There was a lot of activity on the surrounding crofts as the sheep were scanned yesterday to see what they were carrying . Animals are not aware of social distancing...I am guessing there was some fun moments that will be recalled when the crofters get together.

Work continues on the dolls house, a little at a time.  I am also still working on little gifts for the church  doorstep blessings project.  Thank you for your suggestions.  This week I have made some shabby chic style mixing spoons.  I must admit I did enjoy doing these.

It was a fun make.  It took me back to when the girls were small and we decoupaged jewellery boxes, such a nice memory.

How are you all doing?  I am genuinely interested to know.  We all seem to be coping in different ways.  Hope all is well with you.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Vaccine

 We are just back from town.  We have had a trip over the moor to Stornoway so that Gerard was able to get the Covid vaccine.  We received a phone call earlier in the week inviting him to attend this morning, it would have been churlish to refuse.  I am thrilled that he has had it, a step closer to him feeling safe once more.  Due to drugs/injections that he has to take he has a compromised immune system making him vulnerable.  My parents have both had there's and our daughter who also has a compromised immune system had hers last Sunday.

We did carry on to the supermarket so that I could do a top up shop but sadly not a lot was available.  Ferries have either been disrupted or cancelled over the last few days with more disruptions/cancellations predicted over the weekend.  Weather conditions has been cited as the problem.  Snow and road blockages on the mainland have been an issue for HGV vehicles getting up to the port.  We are blessed that we have a big store cupboard so it isn't an issue for us.  Toilet paper was once again sadly lacking on the shelves, that always makes me smile for some reason.

I have put the little bit of shopping away, had some lunch and lit the stove.  It is my intention now to take things easy this afternoon and browse a few books for some inspiration for little gifts for the doorstep blessings project.  I would appreciate any ideas that you may have.

It is blowing a gale outside, so hopefully better weather conditions wherever you may be.  Take care and stay safe.

See you soon.

Weekend

 A quiet weekend, where we continue to enjoy a jigsaw that seems to be never ending.  It remains on the dining table and as we pass it do a few pieces here and there.  We have a new book of crosswords that we are also enjoying.  Crafting still remains a major part of my day, this time cards.  I have made a few for the card box which I can add the sentiment to if I need a card in a rush.

The snippets of card/paper stock not wasted I went on to make some fridge magnets for the 'doorstep blessings'.

Sunday, I walked down to the outbuilding to refill the peat bucket and check on the chickens.  It was bitterly cold and the ground solid as it had frozen overnight.  As I looked around it was quite amazing that not a soul could be seen.  There was the odd rustling as a sheep moved through the longer grass that was not frozen and a sigh from the wind hitting a rugged fence or building.  It was a joy to be outside and enjoy the deafening silence and the stunning beauty. You could see the wisps of smoke coming from the chimneys  and the smell of burning peat permeating around the village. I may be in lockdown but I can still enjoy the never ending beauty that surrounds me.

I set up a cosy corner for us to enjoy afternoon tea together, using the roses that Gerard had bought for me as a focal point.  It was nice to reminisce about some of the places we have had afternoon tea and compare some of the amazing treats we have eaten over the years.  This I must admit was a lot of leftovers but we enjoyed it none the less.

There was sausage rolls and mincepies from the freezer, leftovers from Christmas.  There was also a small plate of sandwiches using the pork leftover from Sunday lunch.  Along with coleslaw leftover from our Saturday meal.  No scones but a sweet treat of mandarin trifle which I must admit was very tasty.  A pot of tea was also added.  A little extravagent but it felt quite decadent and indeed the treat that it was meant to be.  Are you adding little treats to your day?

I thank all those that left comments and well wishes on my last post, it was greatly appreciated.  Take acre and stay safe wherever you are in the World.

See you soon.

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.