Island at the Edge

Island at the Edge
The Gathering, Cable Bay, Colonsay

Friday 24 February 2012

There and back again just to see how far it is...



I have been away, but now I am back!
Rumour had it I had gone away and wasn’t coming back!! I had business to attend to down in Blighty (and it really is a blighted place) but it never ceases to amaze me how ‘things’ can be misconstrued here on our wee island. I am reliably informed that boredom can affect perception during the winter months and all because I didn’t ‘kiss n tell’ and had purchased the dreaded ‘one way ticket’!  

Amongst the other business, I had a wonderful day with Little Miss No No, Noney Bean and the Mechanics family, choosing what will be the most important outfit of Little Miss No No’s life – her Wedding Dress, all sorted including Bridesmaids outfits and invitations courtesy of Bella B in Berwick-upon-Tweed, (their web site is under construction I will add the link as soon as it is ready) we can’t thank Tracey enough for her professional service. Little Miss No No is going to without a doubt look spectacular!

The all inclusive venue is booked, DJ, Cake, transport, accommodation, photographer and pretty much everything else is organised. That’s my girl...
It was interesting to see how people perceive what the ‘mother of the bride’ should wear and what ‘garb’ is appropriate for the occasion! I am not sure if I am a ‘Chintz’ sort of girl, but that is what they would have me wear. I am also not sure if I am on a par with the ‘Queen Mother’ and that sort of look; well I think it just isn’t me. I have assured them I will wear something suitable (I’ll have you know, I could look quite good in my Dubarry boots and waterproofs) But, a rather nice lime green number did jump out at me saying ‘this is for you!’ much to the disgust of the onlookers, but, we will just have to wait and see what I will decide for this very special day...  And it’s good to keep them all guessing, but whatever it is, it will not detract from the Bride, she has poll position... Oh, I nearly forgot, they mentioned a hat!! An Ascot type large space ship shaped red titfer is what they spotted for me complete with Ostrich feathers (I have never, ever seen a red Ostrich)... OMG, whatever next... That’ll be a resounding NO! As it would clash with the lime green... ha ha...

I spent some time with Peggy Sue whilst on the mainland; she looks well and is attempting to stop smoking! A brave lass she is indeed. Good luck Peggy Sue you will be all the better for it. We even managed to go out for lunch and I consumed two of the biggest Yorkshire Pudds I have ever seen! Delicious...

Peggy Sue also came to visit Mother and Tallulah; they are both planning their next visit to the island!! Don’t panic, I will give everyone plenty notice (and we will need it) remember the havoc they caused last time! Don’t panic Gavalus, I will make sure they are kept on a short leash, we can’t have them roaming around the island again, now can we...
Little Miss No No is also coming to visit soon. She hopes to arrive just in time for lambing during mid April.  Also we are expecting Noney Bean at some point in the future all being well, taking into consideration she hasn’t had a spare weekend for over 6 months! So fingers crossed!!

So what of life on our wee island...
The Sheepsies have had to weather some storms, albeit, as I look out of the inner sanctum (yes, I am allowed in there sometimes – if I am a very, very good girl) at lovely blue skies and sunshine, awaiting the next wave of sleet and snow, which STILL hasn’t covered the ground. However I know that the flock are hunkered down in the long reeds to protect themselves from the elements, a more hardy bunch you won’t see.

The Paps of Jura look fantastic.  Kapitein and I thoroughly enjoy looking at the contrasting snow over our near neighbours’ mountain range, a view that takes your breath away... It totally confirms to me that our wee island is just wonderful in the winter, better, by far than the summer. (You should come along some time to see it for yourselves).

Commissioned work is coming in thick and fast. I have completed the first designer Shooting Socks and they are on route to the recipient (well nearly as yet another ferry was cancelled) I have never turned a sock in my entire life. My friend in the lowlands is the expert in that field, I visited her and showed her the socks, and she was impressed, thank goodness!! Get well soon, my friend in the lowlands, she hasn’t been at her best of late, mainland viruses are just awful...

And the first of many Gansey’s is complete; (if you want to have a look see? Check out the website) several more are in varying stages of completion.  The next is due for delivery at the end of March when it will be winging its way to Australia.
Whilst visiting Mother, she informed me that I am just like my Grandmother, in more respects than one I hasten to add, as knitting intricate patterns for me is great, but as soon as I have to do plain knitting, I want to nod off! She told me that Grandmother would knit, fall asleep, wake up and continue knitting; never ever did she drop a stitch. I haven’t quite got to the full on ‘dropping off stage’ but it could be something I could work on.

Danger Mouse the Lonely Shepherd has departed the island on the first of many agricultural contracts. I am sure you all, like Kapitein and I, wish him well with his new venture. Prior to his leaving, he has been invaluable to us helping with the outside jobs here at the Homestead. Thank you Danger Mouse. Hope the night lambing and calving is going OK.

Jean Macallister had a nasty fall a few weeks ago, and was luckily found in time by ‘Love Joy’ She was evacuated off the island and is making a remarkable recovery – Get well soon Jean.

As for the ferry, well, I hear there is a new jinx! Gavalus Gavalar has lost poll position for being on-board the ferry when it is unable to dock at the pier. This privilege has now passed to Diogenes and Miss Lippy. Whilst they are away, there always seems to be a delay or ‘nil points’ for berthing at Scalasaig when they are aboard. Mmmn, I am sure this isn’t the case! Or is it! 

Stop press...
A tracking device has been found at Garvard! Sent from the Irish radio station Today FM code name ‘BobbleinBottle’.  This gadget (a glass bottle with tracker device) is the more modern version of a message in a bottle. It has travelled the high seas from Malin Head and was found by Jane Rose and her son Edward. Ironically, it also homed in to our very own Irishman, Megastore Mike. For more details check out the Today FM homepage. 

Next update to follow soon... I have much news...