Stormy weather

We had a storm - hurricane force winds over 100 mph hit the islands, wreaking havoc all over the place. The schools were closed, ferries cancelled and everyone battened down the hatches as much as possible. Even so there was a lot of damage.

The polytunnel was ripped, the cattle truck blown halfway up the field, the caravan window blown in, our storage container moved from its base, and some flying objects ended up in our garden. I have to say that we got off lightly, compared to many. Other neighbours had roof damage and two had their caravans totally wrecked. There were similar stories from all over the island.

The power has been off a lot - not too bad here, but some parts of the island were off for several days. I was so thankful for my calor gas hob and open fire. At least we could stay warm and have a hot meal. I have nothing but admiration and praise for the linesmen from the Hydro Electric company who worked in the most horrendous conditions to get our supplies back on as quickly as possible. And, as usual,all the communities have pulled together to help those most in need.

But it's an ill wind as they say (sorry) and James was not complaining at his two storm days off school - especially when we managed a quick trip into town for lunch out to celebrate his Dad's birthday. There are still strong winds forecast for the next week, but I am hoping that normal service will be resumed soon. Stay safe everyone xx

Twelve Days

It has been a grand holiday, filled with family time, delicious food - (and drink), striding out on breezy walks, snuggling by the fire, lots of film watching, playing card games - and washing up. There are a few early signs of the returning light, eggs appearing in the nest box, bulb shoots popping up through the ground. I am always sad to pack away the Christmas decorations, on the twelfth day, but there is something  incredibly clearing about it too - a fresh clean start once more. Wishing you all the very best for 2015. xxx

In celebration

Last year was not one of the best for us, its fair to say. John's diagnosis of cancer in spring took the ground from under our feet and cast us into a twilight world where we just had to keep our heads down, hold our breath and hope for the odd pocket of air. We passed the summer in different hospitals, as he had spinal surgery and then radiotherapy. The autumn was spent lurching from one chemotherapy treatment to the next, with all the attendant side effects - nausea, exhaustion, pneumonia..... In early winter he had a couple of scans to see how the various treatments had worked. We knew just before Christmas that his lung lesion had shrunk by a couple of centimeters, and on New Year's day, the neurosurgeon rang to say he was happy that the spinal tumour had remained stable. We are so grateful to all skillful and compassionate doctors for their care.

So now, there will be some maintenance chemo next year, to keep on top of things, but we are hopeful that he will have a long period of remission ahead.

It's not cured, we know that, and he certainly wont be able to lead the active life he has been used to, but we have him with us, and right now - that's enough for me.

I have to thank everyone here who has prayed for us, thought about us, worried for us and sent love to us. I found such comfort and support here, as we were going through this. I am so grateful for each one of you. Prayer works - Thank You Lord.

This Moment

Sharing a moment that I want to remember. No words, just a single special image. Joining in with Soulemama for This Moment. Wishing you all a fun weekend. Merry Christmas xx

Blowing away the Cobwebs

Making the most of the good weather while we can - getting out and about around the croft and the beach. We had such a lovely Christmas, and are looking forward to a quiet New Year, appreciating every moment of these holidays.Wishing you all so many blessings as we begin another year. Much love and thanks for all your support over the last months  xxx

The day after...

Sharing a moment that I want to remember. No words, just a single special image. Joining in with Soulemama for This Moment. Wishing you all a relaxing holiday weekend. Merry Christmas xx

The Snowmen

It was the Sunday School Christmas party on Saturday. It also snowed! A fairly rare occurrence for us here on the islands - and by most people's standards, it was only a light dusting - but to us it was just so exciting. Of course, we had to make the most of it right away - these opportunities don't come around every Winter.

So - we built our Snowman - and pretty fine he looks too. Mind you, we used up most of the snow  making him, and by the evening, he had left with the heavy rain. Still, we were glad to meet him all the same.

Then we had our contribution to the party buffet to make - marshmallow snowmen! Quick, simple, effective and very delicious. What a jolly little group they made.

They are easy to make - no baking, just assembling with the aid of some melted chocolate ( how bad can that be?). melt a bar of white chocolate and pour a teaspoon into the bottom of a paper case. Push a marshmallow into the chocolate - sandwich another marshmallow on top with some more melted chocolate. Then melt some dark chocolate - half a large bar will be enough and use it to stick a giant chocolate button on the top of the 'head'. I then used a bag of Twirl bites to make rough top hats - you could use any suitable shaped chocolate confection to do this. using a cocktail stick, paint on the face and some buttons. Finish off with a red candy lace scarf, and a sprinkling of edible glitter, just for a wee touch of Christmas bling. Imperfectly perfect..

Luckily, there were a couple of out-takes that didn't make the final cut.

 Hurrah for Cook's perks - absolutely perfect ;)

Don't call me....

Think I'm going to be offline for a wee while! That is how my phone and broadband connection box looked after the most horrendous thunder and lightning storm I've ever heard. We are all fine. Hoping that the fleeting 3G signal is enough to post this. Be back when I can xxx

Seven things

❄ Walks in the sunshine

❄ Hot chocolate with friends

❄ Well loved stories

❄ A bit of mismatched darning

❄ Walks in the moonlight

❄ Beginning to look a bit like Christmas?

❄ Sunday afternoon by the fire and perhaps a little mulled wine aperitif - yes!

Wishing you all a peaceful week ahead. xx

Taking a bow

Sharing a moment that I want to remember. No words, just a single special image. Joining in with Soulemama for This Moment. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend xx