The Lewis Trilogy

My apologies for not been around and for not replying to emails.  Once again I seem to have technical issues with the computer.  Today I seem to be able to log in but for the past few days it has been an impossibility.  Anyway long may this last...

Today I thought I would take you on a tour.  No, not a magical mystery tour, a tour of the places mentioned in the Peter May books.  There is a trilogy of books written by Peter May set on the Isle of Lewis the Outer Hebrides which form part of the archipelago of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish Mainland and from the Inner Hebrides by the waters of the Minch.  'Don your hats and I will show you around the North, the top end of the Island around the township of Ness.

I won't tell the stories but just outline the places mentioned.

Ness Harbour breakwater:

The sheds:

The beach and sea around the harbour:

Shawbost Store:

The Free Church at Cross:

Cross Post Office:

Cross Inn:

Cross Store:

For those that have not read any of the Peter May books I can sincerely recommend them.  I must admit they do add another dimension to the magic of this beautiful and tranquil Island, or is it?

I do hope you enjoyed this little tour, the photos were taken about 8 o'clock in the evening with not a soul in sight and everything closed with the exception of Cross Inn.  There is a barn at the back which is a bar with food available and is quite popular with the locals and tourists alike.

See you soon.

A Summer Adventure

The weather yesterday and today has been amazing, giving us a real feel of Summer.  I am hoping it will last as this week is the HebCelt festival within the Castle grounds and with many other events arranged around the town.  We went into town this morning and already there is a party atmosphere.  Bunting is hung and the shop windows are decorated for the event.  I did try to get some photos but failed miserably getting only reflections.  But I think you can get the gist...

Tents are been put up around the castle grounds adding to the carnival atmosphere.

There was a craft market in the town hall which was inspirational, there are a lot of talented people around on this Island.

It was a delight to take a stroll along the harbour and admire the boats/yachts moored there.  We were laughing about which one we would have when we won the lottery.  (The laugh I suppose is that we never buy a lottery ticket).

The pork was just as good cold as it was warm yesterday.  This time a salad and potato salad, along with pickled eggs.  It was wonderful to enjoy the double yolk.

The sun setting over the croft last night was a beautiful sight, it was a joy to walk down the garden and appreciate the stunning view.

Another adventure in the making...

See you soon.

Summer Arrives

What a beautiful day here on my Island paradise, the sun is shining brightly and the temperatures have risen.  What more could I ask for...there are a lot of flies around but thankfully as we have a slight breeze the midges are NOT out and for that I am thankful.  I have been to my aerobics class, cut the lawn at the back and hung out the washing.  I have delivered some eggs to my neighbour and stayed for a yarn or two and now it is my intention to go upstairs and sort out the chaos I created over the weekend.

To cut a very long story short I made a start on culling my stash of craft materials or at the very least storing it better.  There were times when I wished that I had never started but there was also a lot of joy as I remembered some previous projects.  There was fabric from when each of the grandchildren were born, flowers from weddings and christenings the list goes on.  It was like opening the boxes of Christmas decor and remembering the places and people around each piece.  I remember now why this particular cull didn't take place prior to our move.  So once again it is staying. 

The drawers and cupboard are now complete, they have been waxed and are now ready to be moved from the barn upstairs.  But this means the train diorama  must come down so we need help to get it all into position.  I am thankful we have good neighbours.

I did find some unfinished projects that need work and those will now take priority.  Honeys blanket has slowed down considerably of late.

A second shawl has been started and never finished.

The same for a knitted cowl, a second was started and never finished.

A baby blanket and baby bootees were a surprise, I don't remember who I started them for...who knows!

I prepared the meat for dinner this evening early this morning it is all ready to be popped into the oven with some vegetables.  Pork fillet wrapped in bacon stuffed with apricot and ginger stuffing, a firm favourite of ours using the Hairy Bikers recipe.

It will work well cold tomorrow with salad.

Well onwards and upwards I have sat for a short break so will get on with the front lawn and do some weeding.  The weeds are prolific in the pots and tyres, all this rain helps their growth.  I will catch up with you later, I am back outside to enjoy the Summer which took its time to arrive.  Almost forgot there's chocolate cake with strawberries if you want to join  me for afternoon tea.

See you soon.

Take A Walk On The Westside

The sun didn't last long but at least the temperatures have remained so although not hot, we do not need the heating on.  Time has flown by this week, once again we could be heard wondering how we ever had time to go to work.  Our hobbies and jaunts out fill our days and we enjoy each others company immensely.  Today we had a drive out to the Westside of the Island and enjoyed a stroll around Arnol, where there is a blackhouse and Nature Reserve.

It looked a little overcast, there was a lot of low lying cloud but thankfully it stayed dry so we were able to enjoy our little tour.

The roof is a real delight to see, weighted down against the strong winds coming from the sea.

The blackhouse in ruins was a joy to see as it clearly showed how it had been built.  The layers and layers of rocks still in place so that each room could be visualised.

At the end of the one track road there was another hidden delight.  The RSPB nature reserve which we wanted to look at but it was a longer walk than anticipated so we had a short stroll and decided to return another day.

The meadow was a stunning sight, lush and awash with a multitude of wildflowers.

There were a multitude of species of birds that were just too quick for the camera, but it was a pleasure to see them darting from stem to stem.

The drystone walling is always a beautiful sight, we were left wondering how long it had been there and the families that had built it.  If only walls could talk...

See you soon.