Sunday 24 February 2013

Dipping back in.


 

Today I had my first dip of the year. Oh my - it was grand to get my feet back into the ocean - cold as it was. My feet are still glowing yet - and it was only my feet - this is the North Atlantic we're talking about :-)

I thought it was probably a good day to dip back in here too. I have not been around much online for a wee while. I have been very touched by the kind emails and messages asking after me in my absence. i am sorry if you were concerned at my sudden disappearance - I kept meaning to post, but somehow never seemed to make it happen. Thank you xx

It's been a quiet few weeks, and yet we have been so busy. The days just merge seamlessly into weeks and months and we are suddenly on the cusp of a new season!
So - what has been happening here?



Well, there has been weather. Some fairly fierce and sustained gales at the end of January. Thankfully we had no mishaps, apart from a spilt bucket of grain. it was pretty miserable for the livestock, though, and we spent most of the stormy days peering anxiously through the rain battered windows to where they had their shelter.


But they survived - enduring, in the way animals do. 


But there have been some glorious days too - those impossibly blue kind of days you only get in the Hebrides. The ones that make you drop your plans and head for a walk on the beach. Even hens are known to stowaway in the truck for such a trip.



Or else head down to the shore for an afternoon of pottering around.


The mussels are good out in the bay just now, so it's good to take advantage of the low tide and see what we can forage. Just enough for dinner for three.



There has been lots of kitchen time,


some gardening time,





and some crafting time too.



And so on we go - in and out like the endless tide. 
xxx

29 comments:

  1. and some photography time too! I LOVE that picture of the cup of tea and chickie!

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    1. Yes - I suppose that was part of my extended break - being stuck inside for days doesn't present many photo opportunities. xx

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  2. you live is such a beautiful area and I'm thankful that you share it with us. Yay for dipping into the ocean. We live a day's drive away and I would love to be dipping in too :) Maybe!! Have a lovely week.

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  4. oh how beautiful that bay looks with a sparkling ocean! Thank you for your lovely blog, I do like to see the Hebrides as much as possible.

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  5. Anonymous24/2/13 23:55

    beautiful post,

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  6. Everything about this post is just lovely:) How have you been? Barefoot Mama

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  7. So much goodness and light in your days dear Jacqui. It's nice to have a catch up, I have thought of you often and am glad to hear you are giving it your all.

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  8. Lovely photos as always - thank you

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  9. "In and out like an endless tide", indeed we do.
    Much love to you.

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  10. Lovely to catch up with you, I was thinking of you the other day and thought I hadn't seen your blog for a while ... but similarly have been busy, distracted, and well waiting for Spring to come and inject some energy!

    take care x

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  11. Oh gosh, you are brave to have a wee paddle at this time of year! Don't think I'm ready for a dip in the Clyde yet!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  12. So lovely to have you back, I have missed you!
    That quilt is just gorgeous, wish it was blowing on my line!
    K x

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  13. So many beautiful pictures. I know what you mean about quietly busy, time passes so fast. I love your quilt it is lovely.

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  14. Lovely stuff - glad you survived the weather and welcome back!

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  15. So glad you all weren't literally "blown away". Enjoy the good days and thank you for sharing the wonderful pics! xo

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  16. Thank you for this lovely and interesting glimpse of your late Winter days, Jacqui....do hens really long for the sea? Ours have never shown any interest in going with us anywhere and the idea of hens and the seaside is an odd one (tho' charming!). xo

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  17. Anonymous25/2/13 18:47

    What an incredible photo of gale-force winds! It's good to see your late-winter goings-on. (Three hyphens in two sentences!)

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  18. Anonymous25/2/13 21:13

    Glorious post, gorgeous pics too! I especially loved the pic of the gardener's hand wrapped round the mug, with interested hen looking on! :) Is it a poppy on the mug? It looks the same as mine. :) xx

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  19. what a full and beautiful life you lead jacqui, love all your photos, and i LOVE your quilt! wishing you many more joyful days this season.

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  20. I feel as though I have nothing to moan about when I read about your weather, here in Brighton right at the other end of the land we are fairly lucky.
    A lovely post, thankyou
    Briony
    x

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  21. Lovely to catch up with you x x

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  22. What lovely photos! It looks like life has been full and beautiful! Thanks for catching up!

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  23. Lots to 'Ooh' and 'Arh' over in your fabulous photos. The shoreline looks divine in the sunshine and loving that quilt!

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  24. Those winds looked fierce. Love the photos!

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  25. Anonymous28/2/13 00:51

    nothing like a dip in the crisp ocean. i hopped in mid january (opposite side of the atlantic but very chilly none the less!) and felt beyond refreshed.

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  26. your coastline is just beautiful & so different from what i'm used to.

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  27. Are there any Gaelic speakers left in your community?

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    1. Hello Neil. Lots of people have the Gaelic here. My husband does, and my son is in Gaelic medium. Many folks here speak Gaelic in the home and in everyday life. Our community won an award from An Communn Gaidhealach a couple of years ago in the Gaelic Community of the Year award scheme. I don't have much myself - I can understand a bit, but am getting better with having to help with the homework!

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