Monday 24 June 2013

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

18 comments:

  1. So much death and sadness but then look at that lovely baby girl - the circle of life!
    You certainly seem to have had it hectic lately, I do hope it all calms down for you and that your nephew and father continue to get better.
    Loving that first image, despite the modern windows it's very reminiscent of hundreds of years ago.

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    1. Thanks Linda. I hope I don't come across as too doom and gloom , but the stuff of real life, with its ups and downs :) x

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  2. Oh, just LOOK at the smile on that gorgeous baby face! Exquisite.

    The stuff of real life indeed. Such a roller coaster. I like how are you bringing the positive energy forward into the new week.

    Blessings...

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  3. Your grandchild is so cute! Glad your nephew is doing well and I hope your dad feels better soon.

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  4. Such a lovely post, the circle of life and the wheel of the year keep on turning. Beautiful pictures, your granddaughter has a gorgeous smile :)

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  5. We must aim to be with you next midsummer at Callanish...or perhaps midwinter?

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    1. You would be most welcome at any time G - winter is quieter, but much colder xx

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  6. Anonymous24/6/13 21:05

    Oh what a little sweetheart your granddaughter is! :) Thank you for sharing your days with us, xx

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    1. Thanks Tina -- i hope you noticed her special friend :)

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  7. With sadness comes joy. I love that you recognize the dignity in saying good bye. Would love to visit that little village. It's very appealing. Hope you enjoy the next seven days!

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  8. That was a bit of a week for you. Sweet, sweet wee baby.

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  9. The sad passing of loved ones and the welcoming joy of new souls in the world, Life! It's hard sometimes isn't it? I lost a dear friend last week after a battle with cancer, it just makes me sad. Then I see beautiful photos of your sweet grandbaby and know that life goes on and there are miracles happening! Thank you so much for sharing her with us, she is adorable.
    And I am so glad your Dad and your nephew are doing well, that is great news.

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  10. thanks for sharing your last week with us. I hope that this week will be full of joy and light for you. your granddaughter is beautiful and so cheerful. I'm glad your calf is doing so well and I wish for some sunny, warm weather for you.

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  11. A week of sadness and joy. I am wondering how the Islanders traditional way of burying their dead differs from elsewhere or is it just that they do it all themselves.

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    1. That's it, Susan - the family dig the grave and all the men attending the commitment help to bury their loved one. It is so moving and so right. xx

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  12. Wonderful pictures, the burial tradition sounds very sincere.

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  13. passages....circle of life....you so eloquently described them. just four weeks?? and look at the grin!! what a honey!!!

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  14. I was also wondering about the traditional way of burying....I see you answered it in the above reply. Lovely photos...I get a real sense of how it is to live there.

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