Shine bright like a diamond

We've been back down to Edinburgh. Very damp and dismal this time, but the Christmas lights sparkled even more through the gloom. Isn't that the point, though? Without the darkness, we could miss that light shining through.

Oh, and what bright lights surrounded me, as we gathered to celebrate this weekend. The glowing faces of my family, lots of food, fun and laughter - the perfect combination to mark the engagement of my elder son, Kenneth, to his high school sweetheart, Louise. We are all so happy to welcome her, although, truth be told, she has always felt like one of the family. I am so excited to have such a lovely daughter-in-love, and now I have a wedding to look forward to. 

And so, as we head into the darkest month, I am so glad I have such a light to focus on.

Fifty five

Hello - it's me. My annual birthday self-portrait. My birthday was yesterday, and it was a much nicer day than I imagined it would be. My daughter and a dear friend secretly collaborated to make sure a wee boy had a present for his mum to open in the morning. And there were cards, messages, phone calls, and the sweetest video of a two year old lisping "Happy Birdy to ooo... "

Later, there was a community event at the hall - a Soup and Pudding lunch, and a car wash. It's alway a bit daunting going on my own to a public event, but, oh, how good it was to be among known faces. The kindness and love of this community has helped me so - so much. And thanks to the wonders of Facebook - several people knew it was my birthday too! Warmed by good wishes and a few hugs, I took a bowl of salt meat broth, and found a seat. (James disappeared almost at once, to play with friends.) The chat was pleasant, the food was good. I really had to try the chicken and rice soup too, and then there was dessert - hot puddings with custard, trifles, cheesecake, lemon meringue pie - the table overflowed with delights, and so did we, after filling our plates - maybe even twice? 

Later there was the fun of the raffle draw, as we laid out our tickets expectantly - groaning that we were 'so close!' and when one table seemed to win all the prizes. Isn't it always the way?

Then, after stocking up at the baking stall, we headed back home to already darkening skies. I lit a fire and we began to settle in for the evening. After a light tea, and another couple of birthday phone calls, I treated myself to a wee dram of malt whisky, with lots of water, and settled down to watch TV.

So - a lovely day, really. I missed John, a lot, though. He loved community events, and indeed, the last time there was a car wash, he was there, wearing his yellow wellies, helping to organise it. And yet, maybe he organised it all.. I like that thought.

On reflection, the main thing about yesterday was that I was not alone - that I was known, and the small fact of my being in this world was acknowledged. I felt loved, and what better birthday present than that?

Sláinte Mhath

Christmas: On the twelfth day

Christmas: On the eleventh day

Christmas: On the tenth day

Christmas: On the ninth day

Christmas: On the eighth day

Christmas: On the seventh day

Christmas: On the sixth day

Christmas: On the fifth day

Christmas: On the fourth day

Christmas: On the third day

Christmas: On the second day

Christmas: On the first day

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

Seven Daysssss

Seven days past

Silver frosty mornings, with the sun burning through the dawn mists
Sprouting kale spears from last year's plants
Sowing the seeds of this year's hoped for harvest - it will be the best yet!
Suddenly noticing the beauty in this old rusty gate post
Sipping coffee and eating pie in my local cafe
Stepping out at a wedding dance with friends and neighbours
Sensing Spring in the air

Sending love and blessings to you all, as we turn our faces to the next Seven Days

This Sunday

Wishing you Easter Blessings xx

Giveaway winner - and a Burns song about sheep

Thank you - thank you for all the kind comments on the Giveaway post. We wrote out all the names of you lovely people who had entered our draw, cut them out, folded them and put them in a bowl. Although he was watching his favourite TV show of the moment at the time, James managed to take a couple of seconds out to draw the winning name. It was Lori-Ann from California! Congratulations - I am very happy to be sending these books to you - can you email me your address when you get a moment.
And here we have been celebrating Burns night - as today is the Bard's birthday. I love this tune - and the slide show of old paintings of shepherding scenes is wonderful - so familiar even today.

Yarn Along

First time in ages back on Yarn Along. I have been busy with other things in the summer, but a couple of yarny projects have been happening, a hat, hairband, couple of baby gifts completed and a crochet bag is almost done. Just now, though - last minute Christmas gifts in progress - elving, as they say in the best blog circles ;-)
I am knitting a balaclava for John - making the bottom ribbing extra long to cope with the Winter gales we get herabouts. Using Stylecraft Lifestyle Aran - a wool acrylic blend, to give it some stretch without losing shape, and also so it wont be too itchy.  Nothing worse than an scratchy balaclava, I imagine. Oh - and it's red, so I can spot him with his orange jacket as he goes about the fields. I have a hat, fingerless gloves, mittens and crochet flowered hairbands in the pipeline too.

Reading - well - loving  Tasha Tudor's Take Joy right now. Just the most Christmassy book in the world.  Also - as we are expecting our own Christmas birth - reading up on calving in The Family Cow Handbook. Hope Fiona has read it too!

And, since I mentioned gales, we have been enjoying days of calm, still, beautiful weather this week, but I hear the winds are due to return at the weekend, so lets enjoy it while we can.

Happy Elving - and be sure to visit Ginny for Yarn Along - check out her wonderful giving giveaway too. xxx

This moment

Taking a moment - to share a moment - a moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Happy to be joining in, once again with the wonderful Soulemama.  Wishing you a magical weekend.