Surprise Visitor

We had a little visitor yesterday, which made us both smile.  It gave us the run around for awhile, as yet we still can't discover how it got in...it is a mystery!

 

It is now back where it belongs, along with the rest of its family.

 

 

Yesterday was a little poignant for us both, it was a day that we really did miss our family.  The girls all phoned and sent some wonderful gifts and cards and I managed to speak to my Dad.  What would we do without modern day technology?  I did make rather a grand treat for Gerard in lieu of not seeing the girls.  It was a hairy bikers recipe and something that I would definitely make again.  Pork fillet wrapped in bacon with an apricot and ginger stuffing.

 

 

I didn't have any dried apricots so I used some tinned ones, it did not detract from the taste.

 

2 balls of ginger were used along with a little of the syrup.

 

 

 

I bought a large fillet and chopped it into two, a rolling pin was used to flatten it to about 1cm thick.

 

 

It was then wrapped in cling film and left overnight in the fridge.  I put it on to cook on our return from Church and it cooked in about 50mins.  Served with veg/gravy and of course the traditional for Sunday Yorkshire pudding.

 

 

Progress is been made all the time on the cottage, both inside and out.  The side fence has now been repaired and one coat of stain we are just waiting for a better day, weather wise and I will give it another coat.

 

 

The bedroom has had a few additions, I have used some of the checked fabric to cover a couple of the drawers.  A rag wreath has been made, a heart and a bag to store all my hair paraphernalia, not an inch of fabric was wasted.

 

 

I have finished the chairs, Harris Tweed has been used to cover the seats, I have to admit to been a tiny bit proud of them.  They look quite good in their new home.

 

 

Whilst the rest of the UK is basking in the sun in such wonderful temperatures, we are still only reaching the dizzy heights of 14, showers and of course wind.  We are ever hopeful that it will pick up next week.  The only bonus with the wind it doesn't take long to get the washing dry...and yes we do have to use storm pegs here to keep the washing on the line.  It is a battle to get it onto the line some days.

 

 

I have a date with a sewing machine so must get on, what is keeping you busy?

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Taking A Break

Grab a jacket as there is a little rain and buckle up I will take you for a 5/10 minute drive to see some spectacular views.  I promise you it is worth the trip.  We have to pass one of the mushroom bus stops that always make me smile, designed to stop the wind whichever direction the wind is blowing.

 

The Butt of Lewis, standing on the cliff edge it is like standing on the edge of the world.

 

 

You certainly need to keep hold of your hat, the wind is relentless.

 

 

The perfect jacket but not very sensible footwear, I have a lot to learn.

 

 

I told you it was worth it and the added bonus, a lighthouse.  It just keeps getting better.

 

 

 

There are even sheep grazing up there, it is amazing that they do not fall off.

 

 

It was definitely worth the drive don't you think?  Can't loiter, there is bread just coming out of the oven perfect with some jam and a pot of tea.  Don't be shy, come on in and take a seat...

 

 

See you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Tour Around Stornoway

Our trip to Stornoway was a joy taking in the views on the journey there and back which takes about 40 minutes each way to drive.  It is about 25 miles but there are a lot of speed restrictions as we do drive through a lot of small villages on the way.  There is still a lot of activity with the peat cutting, hard work but a wonderful source of fuel for those Winter months.

We did have a lovely stroll around the harbour, taking in some stunning sights.  It is a working harbour with a lot of fishing boats with the odd beautiful yacht thrown in, an eclectic mix of work and pleasure.  Both a joy to admire, whilst sitting on a bench eating an enormous fish and chip supper.  With hindsight we could have shared a portion, they were very generous with the chips.

 

A glimpse of the turrets of the castle behind the trees, which are always a delight to see.  There are not a lot of trees on the Island due to the high winds.  This must be a sheltered area.

 

 

We did take a stroll around so that I could get a photograph of Lews Castle, we have yet to have a walk around the grounds since moving here.  Something to share with the family when they visit.

 

 

We also managed to get a closer look at the statue of one of the herring girls which have been installed in memory of a lifestyle gone but not forgotten.

 

 

On a previous trip we had managed to pick up a book on the herring girls from the Charity shop so it was a delight to see them.  Also wonderful to see so many planters around the town.

 

 

Despite the size of the Island it is only 36 miles long with a population of 23,000 I am always amazed at how much care is taken with the upkeep/maintenance of its infrastructure.  Volunteers can always be seen cleaning up and planting the memorial areas in each village.  It was another windy day here on the edge of the Atlantic, my washing yesterday was dried in no time at all.

 

 

 

As you can see there has been a lot of progress made on the grass, another cut and it should start to look a little better.  What is keeping you busy?

 

See you soon.