Seven Days

It's hard to believe that almost a week has passed since my last post - just so much going on all the time. John had to go to the middle of England for a funeral, and was away for three days. Fortunately it meant he was able to stop off and visit our nephew, still in hospital, but slowly recovering. They had a good visit, and John was pleased with how he looked.
We were also waiting anxiously for news of my Dad, who was undergoing surgery on a small, but operable bowel carcinoma. Happily this was a complete success and he is now home and doing well.
Another funeral at the end of the week, as one of our elderly neighbours passed away. The Islanders still retain their traditional way of burying their dead - without the Funeral industry so prevalent elsewhere. It was a dignified way to say goodbye to a much loved member of the community.
The weather has been a bit dismal this week too - echoing the mood, so it is good to find these pockets of joy here and there.
The ordinary stuff of life continues, though, but how nice it was to come home, after shopping, by a different road, and stop in here for a coffee.

Then suddenly - it was Midsummer's day! How did that happen? A very cold midsummer, mind you - reminding us of that turning of the wheel once again. Still, the drums and pipes played on as the solstice revellers welcomed in the longest day, and it was pleasant to go to sleep hearing the distant gentle rhythm.

And there were more than the usual visitors up at the stone circle this year. The BBC had decided to make a TV programme called Midsummer Live, so we had a week of mild disruption as they closed off the road, trucked in their equipment and built staging and prepared for their filming. I don't know what the actual programme was like - I believe I can be seen with my black jacket and bright pink shoes. It was a lot of fun though. Many of the villagers had walked up, and we stood around chatting and catching up with each other, while the kids had a ball running in and out the stones. 

A lot of our time has been spent just looking at Celia's calf. He is a wee beauty, and it has been such a delight watching him explore this big world. We have named him Ulysses - after the novel by James Joyce, the events of which take place on 16th June, our calf's birthdate. James calls him Ully. It is a fine name for such a good steer. 

We love him 

♥

But even more, we love this little girl! Just look at her - four weeks old already! Now that is joy indeed. I was in tears when Kristine sent over this little triptych. A good place to focus on for the week ahead.
I hope the next Seven days are full of joy for you too. xx