Message in a bottle

Cornwall

2011-10-07T11:36:00.004+01:00

Breath...it's Friday!

2011-09-30T15:57:00.005+01:00

What a week. While the rest of the country has been basking in glorious sunshine with soaring temperatures we have had the usual ragged clumps of broken cloud blowing over – sun occasionally colouring the land in bright shifting patches but mostly the world has been grey and windswept. I did manage to get a few wash loads hung out on the line this past week – the wind blew fitfully enough to dry the lot so l was pleased.

Update on the bathroom refit : After lots of measuring, discussion and basic sketching for our bathroom we are venturing across the water tomorrow to visit a large showroom full of bathroom furniture, etc. This will give us an idea of what might work- l had thought of putting in an offset corner bath but need to see them now to be sure. I am the 'bath' person in this house- the boys prefer to shower so l definitely want one where l can stretch out and relax.

Our Sam is away out to school today dressed up as Willy Wonka- his school is hosting a 'Dahlicious' dress up party and all the children have to come dressed as a character from one of his books- Roald Dahl. The money raised with go to his Children's Charity raising money for the seriously ill – only £1 per child but with all the schools taking part this should really add up and what a great cause!

News: Our Sam got voted in for Pupil Council this year – he represents the children of Primary 5 for his school. We got a letter from the school which read,

“I am delighted to inform you that your child has been chosen to represent their class year at this session's Pupil Council. This is indeed a credit to them as they are not just popular members of their class, they have also been chosen by their peers as they have been judged to have many skills e.g. they are good communicators, are able to work as part of a team, have demonstrated that they have good ideas and are enthusiastic members of our school.”

Wow!! How proud are we!!

Oh, and look- it's raining again!!

Have a great weekend all!

Another weekend gone

2011-09-25T22:33:00.007+01:00

Good evening all.

Another busy weekend almost done and Monday tomorrow already but - l won't think of all that just now. I'm just glad it's almost time for bed – I'm looking forward to snuggling up under the duvet with a good book. Today has been a monumentally wet and dismal day – the only word that seems to fit is dreich! It's hard to believe the reports of this wonderful 'Indian Summer' that's on its way to us especially after the fickle week of weather we've just had but way-hey if it happens.

Well, as you know from the last post, the bathroom window got put in last week by our friend Robert – l'm still taken aback every time l go in there – it's so wonderful to see so much more light!

Over the weekend hubby cemented around the outside and plastered around the inside frame – he still has the windowsill to do but things are starting to really take shape. Today our plumber 'friend of a friend' came round to size up the bathroom for fitting so now l'm on the hunt for a good bathroom suite at a reasonable cost.

Daniel went back to work on Saturday and is recovering well – it always amazes me how much faster you heal the younger you are. Thank you for all the well wishes.

Sorry to hear that Betty over at Country Charm had a fall – sending healing wishes across to you Mrs!

Our Sam had a fun time yesterday at a birthday party – he got to go to a Laser Tag Arena across the water! He had a great time there with all his friends so certainly has something to write about in his school journal tomorrow. He has also been practising the clarinet and guitar and tonight played and sang a song for us (on his Dad's electric guitar) – we were so impressed!

Incidentally our house name means 'House of song' in Gaelic – chosen by us because of our love for music. Hubby and l both play the guitar but he is the pro.

Okay, tired now – up the wooden hill (stairs) for me.

Let there be light!

2011-09-22T13:43:00.018+01:00

introductory text...a window to boldly go where no window has gone before...(said in the style of Star Trek)

We've had a busy day here getting a new bathroom window put in. Up until now we've only had a small skylight so this should make a world of difference and after that it's bathroom refurbishment time!! Hopefully that will be done before Christmas - well, that's the plan anyway.

It's my friend's hubby that has been putting in the window for us and he has done a fine job so far. Thank you Robert! Today he knocked through 16inches (depth) of stone walling and set the window into position so tomorrow he has to cut from the inside out and set the windowsill, etc.

My oldest son has been in the wars - he fell down a long flight of stairs at the railway station last week on the way home from work- ouch!! He had to go to the hospital and the x-ray showed three cracked ribs - one side is quite swollen and the other has a rib that moves around under his skin as he breathes - kind of scary looking! He has been prescribed some serious pain killers and is receiving much TLC (Tender Loving Care).

Earlier this evening our youngest also had his first music lesson on the Clarinet so we have enjoyed his first few musical gasps.

Apart from all the above we are doing okay - the garden is starting to feel tired and yawn looking to be put to bed for the winter. I have been crafting away each evening so will post some photos about that soon.

We are planning another trip down to Kernow (Cornwall) in October so l'm counting down the days- the break will do us all good (no pun intended son ;).

Below are some photos of Sam (son) & Ollie (granddaughter) playing with the Hot Wheels car set - these two always give me something to smile about.

♥ Love and blessings to you all for the coming week♥

Tegenaria domestica

2011-09-14T23:42:00.007+01:00

It's early Autumn and time for House Spiders to start roaming around for mates. I was sitting earlier typing away when from the corner of my vision l saw this huge spider climbing up my desk lamp, not even 30cm from the keyboard! The thing was enormous- bigger than the palm of my hand! I froze – it froze and I'm sure we made eye(s) contact. I backed away slowly slowly and then hurried downstairs to grab my camera and a glass big enough to catch it. Wow- that spider was fast and after a few moments of heightened heart rate and mad thrashing around (me) l managed to trap it under the glass and gloat while l got my breath back.

"To usher the spider into a cup for relocation, hold the cup in front of the spider and use something to gently nudge the spider from behind. A spider's first reflex after being touched from behind is to walk or run forward. The spider will walk right into the cup that is placed in front of it." Wikipedia.

--- Easier said than done!!!!

I knew it was just a house spider but l haven't seen any quite that big! I looked it up to double check and found out that it is also one of the world's fastest spiders - made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, having clocked speeds of up to 1.73ft/sec – arghh!

Do you recall (above) when l said - 'time for spiders to start roaming around for mates' ? Well, l've just read up on these spiders and *queue scary music* this one could already have a mate which could be anywhere!! I keep shivering now and jerking my head uncontrollably as if it's crawling nearby looking for it's lost love that l have tossed outside – eek!

"The spider species Tegenaria domestica, commonly known as the barn funnel weaver in North America and the domestic house spider in Europe, is a member of the funnel-web family Agelenidae and a close relative of the hobo spider." Wikipedia.

Oh, the wind & the rain

2011-09-12T20:02:00.007+01:00

Yesterday we had such a quiet Sunday – no one visiting, no one headed out – the phone silent. The rain poured and the wind blew but inside it just felt so warm and peaceful. I remember lying in the bath watching the rain fall gently on the skylight above, listening to its pit-patter sound. I relaxed by candlelight just enjoying the tranquillity of it all.

Today is quite the reverse – we are experiencing the tail end of hurricane Katia – the winds have been strong and in some places over 75mph. Living on the west coast of Scotland we are used to the remnants of Atlantic storms but this is our first big one of the year so we got busy making preparations early this morning for it - making sure pots and tubs were tucked away in a sheltered spot, bins secure and hanging baskets taken down - the usual stuff.

Today l took our oldest lad along with me in the car to pick up the youngest, Sam. Daniel had to keep a grip on Sam as they ran to the car and at one point his hat flew off down the road – exciting stuff. Anyway, we decided to stop by the waterfront and get out to feel the force of the wind gusts. The boys had a laugh but unfortunately l ended up with horrific earache – both ears!

We've been back in for ages - the boys watched a DVD while l made Carrot & Coriander soup- my own version with a few parsnips and potatoes thrown in for good measure. I think soup is just the perfect supper for a day like this.

Plenty of candles are lit around the house and although the storm rages on outside l feel quite safe and secure so now l'm away to watch this new Pirates of the Caribbean film aptly titled 'On Stranger Tides'.

Stay safe folks.

Healing thoughts across the horizon

2011-09-11T00:30:00.004+01:00

Today in our home we will recall the moment ten years ago when our son shouted for us to come and see what was happening on the television. It was of course the minutes following the first of the Twin Towers being hit. We watched with millions in realtime as the horror unfolded – one of those moments that you will never forget and everyone remembers where they were. We stood transfixed as another plane plunged into a tower filled with life and humanity – it all felt so unreal.

Our world changed that day and the repercussions of it are still changing the world.

I grieve for the people who died on 9/11 as l grieve for those who died in the London bombings, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in India and for all those who are still dying in so many other places around the world.

Peace and love be with you all. x

Post from yesterday- around the same time ;)

2011-09-08T16:11:00.012+01:00

I'm not long in and l've just sat down with a hot cup of tea. The window beside me is partially open letting in a slight breeze- a cooler Autumn freshness. I can hear the cars passing by below - tyres splashing through the troughs of rain that have run rivulets down the centre of the road.

Today has been a blessed mix of sunshine and showers – the type of weather that creates wonderful contrasts - land, sky, sea and architecture woven theatrically together using just the power of light and shadow.

The grandeur of it all has not just been in the more extraordinary features of nature or buildings, but more so in the less conspicuous and commonplace – an old door knob, a broken gate, moss on an old tree or stone wall.

For me it is the idea of seeing – the emotion of the place, the art within the landscape that is so intense – it's that fascination and tranquility brought about by nature that inspires.

So today, as l accompanied my husband out to one of his work places, l was glad l'd brought my camera because while he was indoors l got to wander a while in the hopes that l might capture just one single shot of this beautiful day to share - with you.

Still August - still Summer

2011-08-30T20:40:00.008+01:00

Sitting here and looking out of my window towards the hillside l notice how it is starting to take on a richer hue- the trees have started to turn and with todays rain it just feels like Autumn is creeping slowly nearer – how quickly the seasons seem to pass.

We've had a wonderful summertime – camped down in Cornwall and bought a new tent; took our son (Sam) and granddaughter (Ollie) to the Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond and spent many many other days down by the beach or at the parks. I took advantage of every good day and still am (taking advantage of these days) - hanging out washings and enjoying just being outside.

This past weekend our little town hosted the annual Highland Gathering where pipe bands and people from all over the world came to participate and enjoy. For me this was the highlight of our 'summertime' but also an event that tends to mark the end of it for us locals. The buzz and lively atmosphere fades as quickly as the visitors leave and the bunting is taken down to be packed away until next time.

On Saturday we had a big family dinner and watched the firework finale down by the waterfront– a balmy evening shared together as we waved at the coach loads of people leaving and watched as the ferries pulled out from the pier.

And on Sunday morning l drove through the town when there was not a soul- a different world – a sleepy world recouping.

I hope you have all had a lovely Summertime so far - that you have had good harvests and good times spent. ♥

Facebook

2011-08-11T14:56:00.002+01:00

I've had no time at all to blog lately or visit - sorry. Our wee granddaughter is staying with us again while her mum is away to summer school for OU - wonderful times but busy.

Sam starts school within the week so might find some time to catch up after that but in the meantime facebook is also a way of staying in touch.

If you would like to join me on facebook please would you send me your link/name to mackenzieinteriors@yahoo.co.uk.

Hope you are all doing well..

bests for the now

Our day out - Saturday 9th July 2011

2011-07-11T16:55:00.004+01:00

This is my first upload using You Tube - a slideshow about our day out to see the Tall Ships event at the James Watt Dock and quaysides. Over 57 ships, fantastic stage performances, stalls and fairground - entertainment for the whole family. I loved hearing Yvonne Lyon sing and seeing Sam with Captain Jack Sparrow ;) but best of all those beautiful sailing ships - graceful lines, miles of rigging and huge masts.

Will get round to visiting asap :)

Last night's sunset

2011-06-28T10:53:00.002+01:00

Rapturous Simplicity

2011-06-24T14:58:00.004+01:00

Today l've been busy washing jeans, towels and bed linens because the weather conditions have been just perfect for hanging it all out to dry. Seeing my washing hung out on the line and capturing that moment as it all flaps happily away in the breeze, well it just fills me with an inner sense of accomplishment.

I sat outside for a while after l'd hung the first lot up, enjoying the fresh scent of the wash powder as the sheets danced and made snapping noises in the wind. I lay back on the bench and watched the birds sweeping the vaulted sky above while listening to the soft rustle of Birch leaves; to neighbours mowing their lawn and bumble bees busy among the sage flowers. A symphony of sound- of buzz and whir, of rustle and snap...the soundings and rhythms of life.

Simple pure ethereal calm - a moment to take pause and treasure.

SUMMER SOLSTICE

2011-06-22T10:57:00.005+01:00

Today l woke up to another world- a world with very little sound. Unfortunately l've been stuffed up with a head cold these past few days and had hoped that by this morning it would have abated somewhat- but no. I feel like l have pillows covering my ears and l can hear a washing drum sound, most likely from the pulse of blood in my skull or blocked Eustachian tube – slosh and whoosh and whoosh and slosh. The only sound that l seem to pick up is from our wine fermentation bin behind me- the bubbles repeatedly coursing through the airlock and filling the room with a slight boozy smell - between that and the haze of cold medication it is a wonder that l can type!

On my last post l mentioned that l would post a movie – l had the most difficult time with Blogger on posting but FINALLY got there as you can see from the post below.

These past few months have been hectic for me and sadly the summer weather has been as elusive as ever at least for us up on the west coast of Scotland but nevertheless summer is upon us and it is a busy time. I am trying to savour the joy of this season and get out as often as l can so that these memories will see me though the shortening of days to come. Yesterday was the longest day of the year- sunrise around 4:30am and sunset after 10pm!

Wishing you all, love and peace this Midsummer Solstice.

Loving...

2011-06-22T09:38:00.002+01:00

Last month of school

2011-06-13T18:06:00.013+01:00

With good intentions l started the spring cleaning last week see post below and got a lot accomplished but l've had to stop for the moment to concentrate on the many activities going on with Sam's school in this, the last month of his year.

Last week he took part in the Area Sports Day where all the schools in Cowal compete against each other at different sporting events. Sam was picked to run in the 100mtr for his school. In the running heats he came in second and so l thought he wouldn't have a chance in the final but... he came in second again !!! So this week my wee boy has had his picture in the local paper with all of the other winners – this is the first time he has won a medal.

At the end of last week he also took part in a play with his class – the play was based on the RMS Titanic which is the topic that they have been doing for a while. I was very impressed with all the children that took part, amazed at their knowledge of events and the work that was displayed in their classroom. They were all dressed up in period costume- even Sam wore a bowler hat.

Tomorrow Sam has swimming in the morning and then his own school's sports day in the afternoon so he will be very tired when he finally gets home. On Wednesday there is a Parent's evening at the school too- it is all go at the moment!!

As for the weather, well it has been fickle to say the least. Some moments the sun is shining brightly and the next the heavens open and we have a downpour- not the best for planning to hang out washings.

Sam spent time with Olwyn (granddaughter) out front this weekend - they blew bubbles, ate ice cream and played games. At 2½ Olwyn is really starting to enjoy interacting with Sam and it's lovely to see them together - Sam is so gentle with her and Ollie hangs on his every word.

I've also been tinkering around with ' i-movie' on my Mac computer- a relaxing thing to do in the evening- preferred by me to watching the television. I'm starting to get the gist of it now and will try and add a short video on my next post.

Take care all.

Spring Cleaning Bug

2011-06-08T08:57:00.010+01:00

I've been ill and l've been worried but now l am neither!

This morning while getting wee Sam away to school l stood waiting on the kettle to boil thinking and starting to plan. I must have woken up on the right side of the bed because even the ominous weather forecast did not seem to dampen my mood. The calendar showed a few days ahead with nothing pencilled in so l figured – 'hey, why not start the spring cleaning?!' – better late than never!!! I've just had so much going on and when the weather was nice l ended up in the garden so now it's time to focus on the inside.

So after this post and another cup of tea l'll make my check-list, find some up-beat music to sing along loudly to and go throw all the windows open - very therapeutic in its own way!

My daughter, Mel also has some new spring bunnies- 6 in total and all doing well. Some photos below.

The Pendulum of Fate

2011-06-06T19:55:00.005+01:00

"This way, that way - swinging with the rhythm of Time's tune - moving with the same unswerving motion, night and noon...Like the heart-beats of the house. With grim monotony - they tick away the measured moments of eternity.

There's a swinging pendulum at work in our affairs - for we swing from griefs to joys - from hopes into despairs... First a flash of happiness - and then a crushing blow.

Seems as if we're meant to keep on swinging to and fro..." Patience Strong

Today l journeyed across the water to go to the big hospital to see about what might have been a 'cancerous melanoma' which turned out NOT TO BE!! Hubby came with me and l cannot convey how relieved we both were when l got the all clear - like a huge weight being lifted. We went to have breakfast together straight after and although it was only at the local Tesco (supermarket) it may as well have been the Ritz because we just felt so happy.

I'm going to keep this post short tonight because l'm babysitting our wee granddaughter but wanted to share the good news.

bests all xx

Beauty in the ordinary

2011-06-02T10:28:00.014+01:00

Seeing the beauty in the everyday things around us is easier said than done, especially when we've had weeks of relentless rain and gale-force winds. But beauty is not always as we imagine- like in a painting or even a small flower, sometimes it's as simple as an old stone wall full of moss and lichen or a weathered shed door with rusted handle, sometimes it's the scenery that we take for granted around us or the canopy of trees that form a dappled shade below. Wherever we look there is always beauty to be found in the most ordinary of places – beauty to be found in the quality of light just after the rain or beauty to be found in the stillness of an early morn.

There is a vitality of greenery this year – certainly one added benefit from the abundance of rain we've had to endure. The trees on the hillside, so lush with so many different shades of green that you are suddenly drawn to the textures; the Creeping Jenny with bright yellowy foliage spreading and filling out in every direction- always a wonderful complement to any neighbouring plant.

Down at the beach l love the shades of the rocks and could stand for ages watching as the waves lap gently over and around them. For me, it's the light- the quality of light that makes everything come alive!

There is nothing more beautiful than a kind spirit – a gentleness and empathy that shines out from the inside. Treating others the way you would wish to be treated – this beauty manifests itself in all sorts of ways – through words and deeds – neighbourly gestures and so on. Sadly however not everyone reciprocates in the same manner, some people hold back and have a coldness inside. I have told my oldest son to not just go for the looks in a girl but to see the beauty that lies beneath – a prerequisite for any of my daughter-in-laws to be – lol.

And lets not forget the most wonderful of moments- sharing and caring. The holding of hands with your partner, the hug from your children or grandchild, a caring word from a friend – that is beauty to warm the cockles of your heart!

So these are the moments in my life that l try to focus on- especially when things are not always easy.

I am drawn to the people who care and to my family who love me.

Love, life and the everyday beauty of things.

I wish you all the very best of weekends and will get round to visiting soon. Thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes.

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee,

the small child, and the smiling faces.

Smell the rain, and feel the wind..." Ashley Smith

A dismal day - dreaming of sunshine

2011-06-01T13:30:00.012+01:00

Well today's weather really is awful- rainy, windy and dull, humph... I'm still a little shaky on my pins so have decided to stay in for a few days anyway. The weather is supposed to improve towards the weekend so l'll try and get out and do a little gardening then– the garden's in desperate need of some TLC. With the early sunshine this year plus last months rainfall the plants AND weeds seem to have come on tenfold!! I'm not going to complain about the weather though because there are serious drought problems arising south of the border. On the news last night cattle farmers were struggling to find enough grass for their cattle/sheep and crop yields are being affected which will bump food prices up later - watch this space.

Last night l was awake for ages – just couldn't sleep. The house was so quiet except for the wind which blew fitfully against the windows. I sat in my wee craft room wrapped in my old cardigan with the fire on and busied myself making a birthday card for my father-in-law- Hubby is going to post it today. Ironically l used sunflowers as my theme on the card - perhaps subconsciously l was trying to let in a little sunshine.

Anyway, from my window here l can see the freight ships going up and down the river – the local ferries also seem unaffected by the wind gusts. Long ripples are forming across the surface of the Clyde – like finger rolls when you smooth the sheets on a bed. I'm enjoying watching the gulls soaring, hovering - it's almost a game for them- bowcurving wind currents. I'm envious. Life seems to be going on as usual even though it's all wet and grey...and l'm stuck indoors.

I've added the poem below by James C. Welsh. It just seems to fit.

A PICTURE IN GREY

Waves on a cold grey shore,

Sea birds on heavy wing,

Mists all the headlands o'er,

Grey thoughts the soft winds bring;

Far out, the white birds cry,

Sigh of the wave and wind,

Ships passing out, and l

Dreaming along behind.

Bleak, bleak, the shore and lea,

Soft stirs the yellow grass,

Grey sand and greyer sea

Change as the shadows pass;

Still out of all the pain,

Out of the misty sea,

Out from this threat of rain -

Shall break the sun to me.

Just another excuse

2011-06-01T00:12:00.007+01:00

So, after the last post l thought l'd be blogging again sooner than now! Turns out l went downhill quickly with the stomach flu (gastroenteritis)- oh joy. Yesterday evening l was discharged from the hospital after an overnight there. I went in on the Sunday and was immediately hooked up to the IV and got an injection for the nausea. It was the worst sick bug l've ever had - l hadn't eaten for 5 days and was very very dehydrated - couldn't even keep water down. Anyway after an overnight on the IV = 8+bags later and a few more meds/blood tests l was able to return home.

My husband, Gerald deserves a medal for the way he has looked after me and our family this past week. He has rushed around shopping, cleaning and cooking. All l could do was stay in bed. He has been both mum and dad and is the very best husband l could ever wish for. Thanks love!!!

I am just so glad to be feeling normal again and tonight l had my first proper meal - woo hoo! On the brighter side, l've lost a bit of weight which will do me no harm and l have learned to never EVER leave it so late before making an appointment to see the doctor. We are never too old to learn.

I have to also say how lovely the hospital staff were - so many people make the effort to complain but we will be writing a letter of thanks for the great job they did and their kindness.

I hope you are all in good health. bests all.

ps- Hubby couldn't believe l was dehydrated, not with the amount of Gin l drink (wink)...he actually said that!

After the rain

2011-05-17T00:05:00.005+01:00

Not much to report this week. The weather has been atrocious so the gardening has come to a bit of a standstill although l did manage to get a few more seed trays done and bought some Lavender and Lobelia 'Queen Victoria' at the weekend.

We've had a few spells of sunshine between the downpours where l managed to get outside and snap some photographs. I love the smell of the damp earth after the rain, the colours in the garden seem so much richer and the droplets of water on the Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle) bead and sparkle like tiny reflecting worlds.

It was Gerald's birthday on Saturday so we took the ferry and headed over to a wee shop in Glasgow called, Glenbrew – a little Aladdin's cave packed full of all types of wine/beer making supplies. Hubby got completely kitted out- buckets, airlocks, Hydrometer, thermometer, syphon tubing, sterilising and neutralizer solutions, bungs and corks! That's all l can remember for the now anyway. At home we've got quite a few demijohns in the shed so it's just a matter of getting them cleaned out and we'll be ready to go. He also got a Blackberry phone so has been as happy as a pig with Truffles!

I am so pleased to hear that Merle from Merle's third try is out of the hospital after a serious blood infection that went from bad to worse but this lovely lady managed to fight the odds and has pulled back through – delighted to see her blogging again!!! Another dear friend, Connie from It's a Doggy Dog World has had knee surgery again and so l am wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery.

I've had a few visits to the Doctor myself this past week and am now waiting on a date to take a trip across the water to the bigger hospital for a biopsy- another story but as you can imagine this has destroyed my blogging muse of late, hence the short break away. I'm not going to worry about anything though until there is something to worry about and l'm hoping there won't be.

So, no loitering about and as it was raining l used the time to work indoors thrashing my way through the built up clutter, clothes and toys outgrown, gadgets unused, etc. I have amassed quite the pile of boxes already in the hall by the front door – now we're just waiting on a good day to join in the car boot sale and get rid of the lot! My daughter also has stuff to sell so we're going to do this sale together. The house is starting to feel a bit haphazard between the boxes by the door, seed trays lining the windowsills, winemaking equipment in the kitchen. Just add shopping to that, laundry or lego and it quickly builds to a chaotic crescendo!

I am so missing all that good weather we had last month.

I'm up late tonight so l'm going to post this quickly and get to bed – will post some photos tomorrow.

All good things come to an end

2011-04-21T12:27:00.016+01:00

Back home once again from our well trodden pilgrimage down to Cornwall to visit with dad. We had fantastic weather and got loads caught up with in the garden – had a bonfire, strimmed, mowed, weeded and l even planted tatties and tomatoes. This photo was taken just after we got started- you can just make out the smoke from hubby's bonfire.

We also took a few drives down to the beaches and did some shopping but now it's back home to 'auld claes and parritch'. This is such a typically Scottish expression and can be said once you get back from a holiday away, in our case a working holiday but nevertheless it means coming back home to your old clothes and usual porridge breakfast. All good things much come to an end.

While away we took a short drive down to Mawnan and the photo (left) is of the Lych Gate at Mawnan Church. You can see the granite coffin rest and the inscription above can be translated as, "It is good for me to draw nigh unto God." This gateway was where the dead would be placed on the stone rest before the funeral. This particular Lych gate dates to 1881 but the site of the church is much older, built within the confines of an ancient earthwork. The photo of the trees (above) was taken looking over the adjacent field just as we were leaving.

And just like the sunset in the photo l also must get on- too nice a day to stay inside. I'm away to get caught up in our own garden now.

Moments of Calm

2011-04-06T22:10:00.013+01:00

I think sometimes we take for granted what beautiful and unusual places we live in- the people, the sounds and scenes. We rush from one thing to another but sometimes it's good just to 'stand and stare'.

Early this morning as l drove around running errands l watched as the big ferry pulled out from the pier, cut its path across the choppy water - waves and white horses slapping against its side. The sea and sky teeming with so many different shades of blue and the rain dampening all sound. A moment of calm.

This afternoon l stopped and leaned against the door-jamb on the way out again, breathed in the cool sea air and watched as two Wood Pigeons made their way around the garden, then listened to the beat of their wings as they eventually picked up and landed on the shed roof close by. A time to focus.

This evening when l had to pick up Sam from his friend's house - a surreal moment when the air around me suddenly filled with the haunting melody of bagpipe music (from one of the local hotels no doubt). Everything looked more beautiful, the sky neutralised by a blanketing mist, saturated foliage and saturated colour beneath me - the wind so still. What a wonder.

It made me think of the poem by William Henry Davis:

What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.

Bouncing through Spring

2011-04-04T15:07:00.008+01:00

Last week was a busy one again- so many school things on the go just before the holidays- Sam is on his school break now – thank goodness! We're planning another visit down to Cornwall this month so the car goes in for a service tomorrow and l've noticed that my lists of things to do and remember have started to grow. I've got into the habit of writing everything down so l don't forget. Lists for everything- from booking hotels to shopping and packing - it's just the way l function and l've noticed my older kids doing it as well.

I'm not sure if l mentioned but we had more insulation put up in our loft a few weeks back which meant clearing the whole space out – years of clutter and stuff - so much of it! It has taken a while but we've managed to go through most of it, spaghetti tangles of christmas lights and computer cables, transformers and chargers for goodness knows what!! Memo: ALWAYS label chargers/adapters etc! Old toys and bags full of baby clothes to exclaim over. We're nearly there now- have floored part of the attic space and boxes that are back up are only what we have decided to keep- most things have gone to the charity shop. I feel so much lighter!

It makes you wonder though about all those attics, cellars and cupboards, drawers and sheds all over the world filled with such clutter and keepsakes- blows the mind!!

Yesterday was Mother's Day here in the UK. I spent a quiet Sunday at home with the family- did a little gardening, listened to my new Adele CD from sonser and enjoyed a long afternoon nap. Hubby said l must have been tired as l was completely out of it for a couple of hours! He did make a splendiferous Sunday roast dinner though!!

Earlier when we were out the back my husband cut out an old bit of unused pipe that ran up to the outhouse - he lay it down the side of the house to take to the dump. I quickly picked it up and decided to twist it into a spiral to sit in the garden- a piece of art! My son and husband spent the rest of the day making fun of my 'spring' so l decided to call it that, 'SPRING' -lol.

They compared me to the woman on the movie TWISTER who had a garden full of wind chimes, etc. I didn't mind because l love things like that , things that are different. An old red phone box sitting in a garden or a claw foot bath filled with pond plants - these things make me smile. So l am thinking of making my own kinetic wind sculpture - will do a bit of research first though - there are plenty of things that you can recycle. Sometimes it's just finding the time.

All mixed up

2011-03-28T22:55:00.001+01:00

For the longest time l've been ogling this mixer called the Kitchenaid. It has a really stylish retro design and you can even colour co-ordinate!

I have no doubt that it would accent my kitchen beautifully as you can see from the picture but.. LOOK at the price - around £400!!!

I've had a small hand mixer for ages and it's done really well, that was... until last week. It broke down with all the 'thumps, bangs and whistles' you can imagine- quite frightening really. I blame it on my son(22ys) who was using it at the time and didn't seem to notice the smoke billowing around him – he's an engineer for goodness sake!!! He blamed it on the ingredients l was using, hmm - cheeky boy. No more Brownies for him!

Anyway, here l am now – mixerless and torn because l can't justify spending that amount of money on a kitchen gadget - however nice it might be. I keep thinking, "that could buy me a new petrol mower!" Arghh!

And what if l did buy it and my 'so called' ingredients blew it up! 'Adventures of the runaway whisk' - now that would make for an interesting story.

Night all. I'm away for some sleep.

Clowning around

2011-03-19T09:53:00.019Z

Yesterday was Red Nose Day and the theme at Sam's school this year was 'clowns'. All the children had to take in home baking and dress up either as a clown or in bright colours. The home baking was sold by Sam's class at a stall to raise money for Comic Relief. Red Nose Day is the highlight of Comic Relief's appeal- a charity founded in the UK (1985) to raise money for children in this country and Africa – based at the time on the famine in Ethiopia. On this day people can dress up and exhibit their own sense of humour in odd and creative ways, raising money to help transform the lives of children both home and abroad. One of the women at my husbands work came in in her pyjamas- she raised over £50 just in the office! My son had to dress up for his work too and later went out in the evening to raise more money.

Most all schools participate, places of work team together and there is an all day telethon held where loads of singers perform, TV actors do daft things and we see where the money raised from the previous year was used in charity projects.

This year the UK raised over £74million pounds!!! A staggering amount when you think of the size of our country and the economic situation for most at the moment - so many out of work and yet such an incredible response. I wish the people that ran this country had as much compassion and generosity for the plight that most of us are in!

I went across the water on Thursday to do the shopping (and scout around for a clown wig :) and was lucky enough to get the last spot on the ferry. The weather was lovely so l got out and took a few photos. Last night l downloaded another photo editing app from the Apple store and tinkered around with some of the photos. See below.

Looking forward to the SUPERMOON tonight! Yesterday evening, just before bedtime, wee Sam and l sat on our front steps wrapped together in a blanket looking up at the moon. It was so bright that you had to keep looking away and then back again. We had a cuddle under the moonlight and l told him that the next time the moon would be this close to earth he would be around 27yrs old!!! I tried to take a still frame of that moment in my mind - a snap shot to remember us sitting there so close. It would be lovely to think that 18yrs from now l might be sitting looking up at the next Supermoon with my husband and all of my children and grandchildren together.

Toe Tappingly Good

2011-03-15T22:04:00.007Z

Today l went to the local community theatre to watch my son participate in the Scottish Country Dancing with other village schools in the area, a total of 260+ children (7-9yrs) – even a school class came from across the water to join in! There was live accordion music and the event was piped in by two young lads.

It was a wonderful sight to see all of these primary school children dancing the strathspeys, jigs and reels – l felt like l had stepped back in time to my own childhood and beyond.

They danced The Highland Fair, Virginia Reel, Reel for Jeanie, Fun in Argyll, Flowers of Dunbeg and more- some children wore their kilts and not one child shied away from joining in. Local volunteers from the country dancing group helped to run the event and were fantastic in organising the children.

I took my mum along with me and we sat up in the balcony with the other spectators- all clapping and toe tapping to the music. :)

What more can l say, it was just a fantastic sight to see.

The lighting was not the best as you can see from the photo above - blobs where l caught the dust as the flash went off. At least you can see the movement and hear the music from the video below. Sam is dancing in the 'white shirt' group farthest from me in this footage.

Sometimes you just feel it in the air

2011-03-14T12:57:00.015Z

It's happening gradually, of course, but l'm starting to feel the beginnings of spring! We've had another strange week of mixed weather, even snow, but through it all the Crocus, Snowdrops, Primula and Tom Thumbs (mini daffodils) are out.

As l walked home along the road this morning the trees were filled with so many birds - their warbled singsong just gladdened my heart. One tree had over 30 Siskin and on the neighbouring tree there was a single Robin hurling abuse at them. Robins tend to be very territorial but to me it still sounded beautiful!

This flock of Siskin roost nearby and arrive in the treetops when it is still dimpsy (twilight) - they enjoy making a bit of a commotion early before attacking the feeders, including ours, when it starts to brighten up. We've been watching them from the kitchen window over the past few days - lovely wee things.

For me, the real countdown to spring can be seen in the London Pride that grows by our gate – it grows in other parts of our garden too but because we pass this area so often we tend to notice the changes - at present it has started to stand to attention. It's period of growth will now guide us all the way into May.

'London Pride' came into its own in the Second World War, where it appeared as a hybrid on bomb sites in London and all over the country. In the garden it does better if it has its own space as it likes to spread out forming a mat of ground cover but it is not aggressively invasive. It grows great under our Rowan tree- enjoying this shady spot and on the wall around back.

Below are some other photos taken this morning.

Perspective

2011-03-12T18:54:00.004Z

For the last few days my brain has been a maelstrom of activity-a thunderous chasm of details, ideas, stresses and strains- and not all in the correct order. I've felt overwhelmed! I've even lost some passwords for my computer again!

I think l need two heads- my brain keeps firing off in all directions and sometimes it is hard to sit down and get things in the right order. I get like this, become so enthused with ideas and creativity that l loose track of the job order and so l start to make lists... and lists on top of lists! You can actually see the build up of it all in 'real time' by the paperwork cluttering my desk.

I think it's the Libra in me that makes me feel so awash with it all- desperate to strike a balance.

On the news front, l've been watching the disaster in Japan and it certainly puts things into perspective. Watching that tsunami on television seemed so surreal to me- it's hard to imagine the impact and strength of it all and the nightmare for those people. My heart goes out to them.

It makes me feel thankful for this wee part of Scotland that l live in- thankful for last nights snowfall, thankful for this little bit of life that we have carved out for ourselves, because as quick as lightening it can all be ripped away and that does not bear thinking about.

So little things like loosing passwords and messy desks fall into insignificance when the bottom line swirls into focus – your family's wellbeing and the love that you share.

Take care all.

Home

2011-03-08T16:31:00.019Z

Last night everyone had gone to bed before me and l sat in the hall quietly listening to the creaks and strains of this old house as the wind blew in fitful bursts against it. I thought of all the people who had lived here, laughed and loved here- l thought of those who had perhaps sat just like me, listening to the sounds it made. If you were to stay for the night you might think it haunted with all the squeaks and moans but l don't believe it is- this house has a good feeling to it - feels comfortable. If these old walls hold memories- l would like to imagine that they would be mostly good ones because we have been happy here and so were the family before us.

It may be a subjective thing to say but l think that certain homes have an influence on those who are sensitive and creative and, sometimes, such people leave behind an atmosphere that lingers- perhaps the walls do retain memories – perhaps we do leave something of ourselves behind.

I've just finished watching a series on television called Marchlands – this series was based on the American TV series “The Oaks”- written by David Schulner. Both stories are similar - three families who have lived in the same house at different times- tied together with a ghost story to keep you interested. I love watching any type of drama like this where you get an insight into the attitudes, furnishings and styles of different historical periods.

Our old house retains a lot of original features - l especially love the sweeping staircase with twisted banister and spindles and can imagine the ladies from times past descending in their long gowns donned with gloves and parasol for a summertime preamble. There are pillars and cornicing but sadly at some point the ceiling roses were removed. We modernised the back room a bit too when we fitted the kitchen but l tried to retain the character where l could by incorporating it into the new design. In the same room we opened up the old shutters that had been closed off and painted over for years. What a pleasure it is, for us to close them over of an evening and eat dinner by candlelight while listening to the warbles of Billy Holiday float in the background! :)

When we stripped the wallpaper in our bedroom and lounge, underneath we found signatures, dates and signed artwork of the people who had lived here before- even the decorators had signed their work. We added our own mark so that we might be remembered after we've moved on too.

Below is a list of some other things we have uncovered in this old house:

a cast iron fireplace in bedroom- boarded off
lots of medicine bottles and jam jars under the house
old pottery buried in the garden
an old copper posser- from the outside laundry house
the old back door – covered over with boarding- old heavy handles too
lovely old tools in the shed
a vintage parlour stove heater
marble mantelpieces under the paintwork- not wood as we first thought!! (I'd always wondered why l couldn't get a tack in to hang the Christmas stockings!!)
old newspapers and magazines under the linoleum
an old iron wheel
two large stone urns- buried up back
an old painting 1913 by Charles Fox (1855-1929)

This house has revealed itself to us in so many ways, it's 2ft thick walls have sheltered us and so far have stood the test of time (built around 1900). May it stand for many more years to come!

Plumbers Rut

2011-03-07T13:11:00.007Z

This weekend we've been putting in our laundry room Belfast sink and at points have reached the depths of plumbers rut - sounds so much like 'builders butt' l used it for the title ;)

We got the tap and inflow pipes fitted up quickly- thought the outflow would be a doddle after that- aghh- think again!!

The u bend and plastic fittings for drainage were easy enough but the waste fitting 'plug hole' for the sink would not fit snuggly against the porcelain and so we were advised to use a plumbers bond and seal- so we did, let it set for 24hrs but when we ran the taps this morning it sprung a leak where the plug met the sink edge- scream!!!

Tomorrow l'm going directly to the builders merchant for a cement type bond that glues it all together so fingers crossed that will work!

I love going into this particular builders yard - I love the patter, jargon and constant mic taking. Some women might be put off by this but here are some tips l use to get me through (tongue-in-cheek):

Wear old clothes and roll up your sleeves
Tie your hair up in a scrunchy - a few dirty marks to the face helps
These guys are very relaxed so keep your actions to a minimal and tone level- if there's a coffee machine - grab one (not the machine- a coffee-lol) and don't keep staring at your list if you've brought one.
Look confident but don't take it too far. Mirror the actions of those around you- relax your body posture but again, don't take it... too far.
Don't ask for the sizes you want, ask what sizes they have - most things are sold in lengths (think meters) or sheets. Most blokes in the yard still deal in inches rather than millimetres so don't try to be clever.
Never look like you're not sure what you're talking about – Google it before you go round so you're at one with the lingo and options for the job. If you are having difficulty with a project ask the guy what he thinks- get to know his name so next time you come in you can say, “Hey Davy, you got some brass 15 mill compressed elbow joints through the back?”. This looks good.
Adopting a hard man swagger should be a no go if you're a woman- use your feminine attributes to your advantage - stand tall if you know what l mean and toss out a compliment or joke – this always creates a bit of jovial banter.
If all else fails look at your list like it's written in brail and blame it on your husband's writing- say you're going to go figure this out and get out of there quick smart.

A bit of space back!

2011-03-04T23:29:00.011Z

I've been clearing up my office/craft room tonight. Here is my computer area- looks all neat now and l can actually see the desk again!! You will note that l did not take a before photo, cough-splutter.

Can't show you the other side of the room either as it is filled with my son's boxes and clothes from university.

For the moment this is my wee corner of the world.

All of my crafting, drafting and paint stuff's packed away- at least for tonight. I'm sure that within a day or so they will start migrating back.

New Wellies

2011-03-03T08:53:00.004Z

Yesterday my granddaughter's boots arrived- a bright pair of butterfly wellies. I'd been looking forward to taking these down to her.

If you watch the slide below you will see what happened... l sat there in horror!!! :)

The wee besom!!

Hard Letting Go

2011-03-02T09:01:00.012Z

From the earliest moments of pregnancy, even before your child is born, you love them and feel protective. During this time you follow all the rules, take the correct vitamins and pray for a healthy baby. That tenderness and love keeps growing and when you eventually get to hold your wee one in your arms that love manifolds itself ten hundred times over.

You watch them grow up, develop, make mistakes, learn – each period another tick of the clock. Having two older children l realise how quickly time can pass - perhaps this is why l notice it all the more with my youngest. I am pleased he is becoming more confident in himself but l also feel a loss for the wee boy he was. This year he is stretching in so many ways- his topics of conversation, his thinking, his humour, sleeping on the top bunk, walking to school, crossing the streets, wanting to explore, cooking, making tea- argh! It is getting hard to stay one step ahead of him these days.

This morning he said, “You can't keep me forever, you have to let me do things mum!”- ouch! He wanted to cross the bigger road by himself and although l know he has to learn, it is a wrench on so many levels. I stood back and he did well – perhaps even a little over cautious.

I want to cherish as many moments as l can with him now- before they're gone too.

March on Spring

2011-03-01T10:52:00.019Z

“March bustles in on windy feet and sweeps my doorstep and my street. She washes and cleans with pounding rain, scrubbing the earth of winter stains.

She shakes the grime from carpet green till naught but fresh new blades are seen.

Then house in order, all neat as a pin, she ushers gentle springtime in.” -Susan Reiner

We've had a few good days of sunshine and it has felt good to be outside working- today is still dry but a wee bit overcast – sun tomorrow again though. It's hard to believe we're already in March.

I woke up to the sound of gulls on our roof again this morning – normally l don't mind their plaintive cry but at the moment they are in the throws of courtship and mating - the incessant shrill that accompanies this is driving me barmy. I'm jumping out of bed first thing- forget the alarm clock!

We live in a seaside town so gulls come with the territory. Above is the view that they have from our home - looking south.

Most people use the term 'seagull' when referring to these birds - understandable really because there are so many of them and a lot of species. Would you recognise a first winter herring gull form a second winter lesser black-backed gull?

If you look at these gulls though you will see so many different plumage phases and markings. Ironically the common gull is the least common of the commonly seen gulls- whoa - l hope you followed that. Anyway you can read more about the different types of gulls HERE.

I'm away to get on with some chores- also waiting on a delivery to arrive. I've ordered these Kidorable rain boots for my granddaughter.

Crocus

2011-02-28T13:41:00.010Z

Glorious sunshine for the last day of February.

A photo from the garden - taken this morning.

Tonight l'm making Cream of Cauliflower Soup also known as Crème ou Velouté Dubarry - named after the Contesse Dubarry, a favourite of Louix XV - the cauliflower represented the powdered wigs of the time.

It's an easy soup to make- Here's the LINK :)

This morning, flowers cracked open
the earth’s brown shell. Spring
leaves spilled everywhere
though winter’s stern hand
could come down again at any moment
to break the delicate yolk
of a new bloom.

The crocus don’t see this as they chatter
beneath a cheerful petal of spring sky.
They ignore the air’s brisk arm
as they peer at their fresh stems, step
on the leftover fragments
of old leaves.

When the night wind twists them to pieces,
they will die like this: laughing,
tossing their brilliant heads
in the bitter air

Christine Klocek-Lim

Out doors

2011-02-27T19:16:00.015Z

In a world that seems set by disasters simple pleasures mean everything.

There have been lovely moments here today.

It started when l got up this morning and the toast, perfectly browned, seemed to leap enthusiastically into my hand - a sure sign that a good day was coming...

I visited with my daughter and granddaughter first thing - Mel already had her washings hung out in the sunshine and kept busy cleaning and gardening. Olwyn and l spent time talking and playing together - her cuddles filled my heart with joy.

My oldest son took his wee brother out for hours- they played football, went to the park, romped around, bought sweets, etc.. Sam should sleep tonight!

When l got back home my husband was busy working up at the very back of our place so we met up for lunch before we went back out to work together. I cleared up all the old pots and baskets and planted Viola's. It just felt great to feel the sunshine on my back and to see the place getting cleared up a bit more for Spring.

We have lots of different types of trees up in that area of garden and in a few weeks we'll be tapping the Silver Birch to collect sap for wine making. The Birch sap tastes so pure and slightly sweet - you can even drink it straight.

In Scotland the Silver Birch is also known as 'Lady of the Woods' (christened by the poet Coleridge 1802) and has long been known as a 'traditional tonic' and medicinal plant. It is one of my favourite trees - not just for the colour of the bark or it's sap but because of the gentle way it seems to move and sway even in the strongest of winds.

Yesterday we all went to visit with my dad for his 80th birthday. We had a lovely time but as always it was hard to say goodbye.

Sprinklings

2011-02-25T20:06:00.011Z

It is my dad's 80th birthday this Sunday.

I have written a little about him- this is the short version :)

My earliest memory of my dad was watching him from the window as he made his way across a field with his piece box (lunch box) tucked under his arm. He was headed to work in the steel works that day.

I can still remember sitting on his knee and laughing at his jokes and us playing pranks on mum. I remember the strength of his big hands when we went out walking - the warmth of my little hand inside. I remember him taking me to the shop for a 'pokey bag' of sweets.

My father has lived a thousand lives, been a million places and has been everything to me. I asked him when l was only two for the moon, 'get it daddy, get it!' and he still remembers and often asks me if l am still reaching for it. Whenever l see the moon l can think only of my father and of my dreams and of his wish for me to pursue them. He has a smile as big as sunshine. I can still remember as clear as if it were yesterday him smiling down at me from the mirror as he shaved. My dad is the funniest man alive- he has fantastic wit and l am so pleased that l have inherited his sense of humour. Sometimes we laugh so hard together it makes us cry. We can keep jokes going back and forth for days and he has a plethora of adventurous tales that everyone enjoys – especially me.

My dad loved puddings – rhubarb crumble and steamed rice he relished. I remember once when my mum had to go into hospital and my dad cooked the dinners – oversized chunky chips and large deserts! Even now he can make the best whiskey marmalade in the world!

My father loved to read- he was never without a book or the paper- and the endless cups of coffee. I remember us watching cartoons together – Mr. Magoo was our favourite and he loved keeping up with the football, boxing and wrestling. I loved watching how animated he would become when he watched a match.

He drew bulldogs - quick as lightning squiggles that l still ask him to do when l visit.

At parties Dad had a trick for hanging balloons from ceilings and walls – he'd rub the balloon on his belly to build up static much to the delight of all us kids watching – my dad was magic!

He is a lifetime of wonderful memories of times and places near and far.

At sixteen he joined the Merchant Navy -and his travelling adventures began.

Dad was in Karachi the very day Pakistan separated from India (1947) and he helped transport Hindu women to safety. He swam in the Suez Canal, brought a monkey back home from Sierra Leone, Africa (bought at the time for 200 cigarettes -part of the 1000 he won at poker!). He traveled throughout the Mediterranean, the Indian ocean, the Red Sea, visited many countries like Egypt, Portugal, Spain, Canada, India, etc. Once in the Bay of Biscay during a severe storm steam rollers and ammunition broke loose in the hull all at the same time!

My father travelled on many different vessels (some now on display at the Museum of Transport-Glasgow). He sailed on the Royal Scotsman, the Aviswell, the Baron Graham, the Baron Ford, etc.

He was stranded for days in the St. Lawrence River because of dense fog, during which time the ship was leaking so they were thankful when they eventually made it back to Montreal for repair.

Dad would return home to Scotland with bunches of bananas, butter and cheeses- much to my Granny's delight because during this time (just after the war) items like these were scarce. But most of all he returned safe, full of adventures and stories.

There is a photograph of my father (above) in a hospital bed with a broken leg. He was working as a male nurse at the time in Hackney, London and posed for this photograph which later became the advertisement poster for a huge nursing campaign. It was postered throughout the London underground, on billboards and at the local exchange.

He was a clever and versatile man who could find achievement wherever he found himself working.

During his years in London he became an auditor for New Consolidated Goldfields – a British gold-mining company. He worked in registrations for gold, copper and diamonds.

He then went on to work for the Trafalgar Insurance Company – dad's office was between Green Park and the Marble Arch- from his desk you could see the tennis courts at Buckingham Palace but he said he never saw anyone playing tennis.! He got five raises in his first year!

In 1959 my father went to Ireland and entered the Belfast Bible College – in 1960 he became Head Boy. My father used this degree to do ministry work among the Jews in London and as we grew up he worked as a local Minister. My father has preached all over the place- from Aberdeen to Toronto, Canada – an exceptional public speaker. You can imagine the values that l was brought up with- taking the Lords name in vain was very bad - swearing was NEVER an option. My father was strict but fair.

I remember holidays that were a tangle of cases legs and shouting children. At Dunbar my dad swam so far out into the ocean that we could no longer see his head – my mother stood frantically waving her arms on the shore shouting for him to return- he had no fear. I remember it raining on that holiday and us playing drafts and dominos in the caravan. My father would hoist us up so easily onto his shoulders, hang all four of us from his arms - two kids on each side- until we let go. Happy days without care and full of love.

I remember our holidays to visit my grandparents- taking the train and boats- sitting up on the side of the boat, my legs dangling over the side with my fathers arms around me- safe – sure that l would not fall.

The help and wisdom he gave to me as a child is still with me and I cherish and use it still.

I was a slender child with runners legs and he encouraged me to sprint in the long meter races. l remember his advice, fall in behind the person leading and let them set the pace until the end- then move! I became a good runner.

Dad encouraged me to read, to speak correctly and corrected my grammar. He could spell any word you could think of and so it became a game for me to find one that would catch him out - l remember using the back of shampoo bottles as inspiration in this quest!

One of the biggest things that my dad brought to our lives was his love of music. The family all played instruments too – mine was guitar. My father taught us to sing with him in harmonies from a young age. As a young man he was asked to sing in 'soirees' and church gatherings with his own father and sister– my dad sang bass. Our home was always filled with song- we sang grace every night before dinner, l am singing it now in my head- it sounded beautiful.

He taught me to stand up for myself, to fight but never start one. To be true to yourself and always reach for the moon.

He is the kind of man that would give you the shirt from his back, the kind that laughs before adversity and complains only about injustice. The kind that places low value on material worth- high worth in the people around him. He is turning 80 years now but still has a twinkle in his eye, a smile and a laugh never far away - you just want to be around him and turning from his door is always a sadness.

In memories of childhood my dad is beside me, listening, laughing, encouraging, cuddling me...

and all he has given is part of me forever.

I am so proud to be his daughter.

Time for tea & knitting

2011-02-23T20:29:00.007Z

The strawberry tea cosy is for my daughter, Melissa. I just finished it tonight :) I made up this pattern myself by l know that there are knitting instructions you can download HERE.

Knitting for me is so similar to my time spent in the garden or out walking- it gives me a place of peace- a time to think and meditate and when needed a time to resurface.

When l knit l enter a state of calm repose

l think of my mother and grandmothers

their hands in mine now

I think of how quickly time passes

like the wool as it slips through my fingers

I knit to remember

to celebrate

I think of the person who l am knitting for

and how they have shaped my life

like stitches in time -

interwoven.

-- Horizon

Grandy

2011-02-22T23:06:00.010Z

Grandmas don't just say "that's nice" -- they reel back and roll their eyes and throw up their hands and smile. You get your money's worth out of grandmas. -Author:unknown

These last couple of days l've been busy babysitting my wee granddaughter Olwyn (2) – she certainly keeps me going with her blether and l am now officially known as 'Grandy'.

Today we had fun making soup – while l was busy making bread/soup up on the counter Olwyn filled her own giant jam pot on the floor. She loved opening all the kitchen cupboards, drawers and rummaging through the vegetable basket. She filled her big pot with plastic cookie cutters, parsnips, carrots, etc. and stirred it all with a extra long wooden spoon – quite a sight. She was so proud to take some soup home to her mummy- thinking she had made it herself!

I've also been busy sewing and hanging new curtains (3 meter drop x 4), knitting my daughter a strawberry tea cosy and have been across the water for shopping.

All the family are busy but doing well- so now l'm away to bed. Grandy is beat.

Blether

(ble-thir) dialect, chiefly scot.
~n. 1. person who chatters incessantly; one who babbles on and on.
~v. 2. to engage in conversation, long-winded or idle talk

1- ("That wee yin o' yours is an awfy blether gettin'")
2- ("Ah met yer granny doon the toun, we hud a richt guid blether the gither")

Scary Folk

2011-02-21T09:36:00.005Z

Emily Portman was one of the nominees up for 'best original song' at the BBC Folk Awards a few weeks back. Her song was - STICK STOCK from her lovely album 'the Glamoury'.

Folk enchantress spins 12 eldritch fairytales

'A bewitching collection from one of the new British folk scene's most beguiling presences. Portman's concertina couples with strings, harp and guitar in seductive arrangements, while her deceptively innocent voice self-harmonises lyrics soaked in folk tales, myths and disturbing dreams (check "Little Longing", a lullaby to a sawdust baby). "Tongue-Tied", "Three Gold Hairs" and "Mossy Coat" draw magical energy from the streets and seascapes of her Newcastle hometown, while the strange dischords of "Stick Stock" are needle pricks against a malevolent stepmother.' **** Rob Young UNCUT.

STICK-STOCK

This song is about a murderous stepmother who kills her stepdaughter and bakes her in a pie. It has a devilish tune and l can't get it out of my head...arghh!

I've got loads to do today so will leave you with her song below.

Perhaps the tick tock tick tock rhythm will get me into the swing.

Missing Callum

2011-02-17T21:38:00.010Z

We're thinking about getting another dog - it's been a while now since Callum. I'd love another Border Collie- think my husband would prefer a Border Terrier since his dad has two, we're just thinking though...

Photo to the side is of our Sam and old Mac.

Out for a drive

2011-02-16T14:23:00.027Z

The past few days have been a school holiday up this way so my husband and l took the two days off from work which has been nice.

Yesterday we decided to go for a drive out by Loch Striven and sit to enjoy the open landscape while our son climbed and ran around.

This drive is about 28 miles round trip from where we live, heading south at first through Innellan to Toward point and then turning north along the Glenstriven road.

This is a remote and rugged place – a place of extremes. The weather changes here are often swift and unpredictable – the beauty and atmosphere raw – excesses of light and shadow, hills that rise abruptly from the water, towering rock set against sky– the sheer physical presence of it all. I love this landscape, l love the emotional response it conjures in me- the creativity to write, to paint, to dream.

It's an old place too and you can feel it - with old dyke walling, woodland and standing stones at the head of the loch, hills masked in mist, remote and unearthly - the distances sunk in silence.

Near the end of the loch is the parish of Inverchaolain - pronounced 'Inver-hool-an' and means, 'mouth of the narrow stream'. The present church that you can see in the photograph is not old, it was built in 1912 to replace the one that was destroyed by fire the year before. The original church sat about 200 yards up the hill and was dedicated to St. Bride, as many churches are around this area given the close proximity to Ireland – St. Bride, or Bridget, being the Abbess of Kildare (467-525). This little church is always open, has two lovely stained glass windows and the kirk-yard burial ground has many graves of historical interest.

I've posted a few more photographs taken yesterday below.

Young Love

2011-02-14T19:06:00.008Z

My youngest lad got two Valentine cards this year, a heart-shaped cookie and a sweet love letter from a girl in his school - lucky boy!

The letter had such an honest simplicity about it- it was clear and spoke straight from the heart. Sometimes l think that we, as adults, have so much to learn from childhood innocence and courage.

Happy Valentine's Day!

You're the one

Oh you're the one, can't you see

Just for me.

I'm funny, you're funny

I'm cheesy, you're cheesy

You know l love you sweetie

and l know you love me

I know you're the one.

I love you and you love me

And l am certain of that.

We're certainly going to be

together forever.

We are sure of that,

sure of that.

A time for change

2011-02-13T23:25:00.008Z

I don't usually post on political matters but have to say that since the beginning of the protests in Egypt l have, as people all around the world have, been watching events as they unfolded.

It has been an exciting time for change- we've been watching world history unfold before our eyes, a country for the first time in 8000 yrs. demanding and claiming their right to a democracy and equality. The overthrow of Mubarak brought to an end an era of dictatorship and sent a message to others like him that the power of common people has sway.

I was inspired to see these brave Egyptian people come out into Tahrir Square, sit in front of tanks, chant, stand up to the Mubarak supporters and even when things seemed to go against them – stand resolutely together. It was an inspiration to us all – these people wanted change, knew their rights and were demanding good governance. Power to the people!

The people on Avenue Bourguiba and Tahrir Square are good, decent Muslim and Christian Arabs demanding what we all want – a decent life for their families, education for their children, a job and, above all, self-respect. How could letting them run their own country possibly be worse than what has gone before?

--Stephen Day was head of the Foreign Office's Middle East Department

Which leads me to the point of this post – are we as prepared to stand up for ourselves?

For example, the present Coalition government is at this very moment consulting on the sale of over 285 thousand hectares of national woodland in order, so they say, to help reduce the economic deficit. The paranoia of this 'economic deficit' being used to scare us all into accepting any cuts and privatisations is enabling right-winged ideology only dreamed of by previous Thatcherite intents.

If this land is privatised we are looking not only at restrictions for public access but the possibility of private/foreign developers, even possible deforestation! Auctioning of the forests to private owners and the rich will just put more of the UK in the hands of the entitled.

Why does this government want to privatise and sell everything? Does it even have the right to sell-off publicly-owned forests?

Will Education and the National Health Service be next?

I worry for my children- for their national heritage and future.

When does our land stop being our land?

I am now a protestant.

Fine Fettle

2011-02-10T09:28:00.014Z

In Fine Fettle. Defn: alive and kicking, chipper, in good spirits, flourishing, full of beans, hale and hearty

After a week of rain, snow, hail, sleet, high winds etc. l am happy to report that as l type this post, the sun in all its splendour is rising over the hills - across the Clyde. Its rays are casting a hazy glare over the water causing me to squint my eyes when l look out of the window. The sky is of the softest blue with nought a cloud to be seen - lovely!

This has put me in a fine mood and l am raring to go- l want to clean out my office space, put some washings on the line, open all the windows and mop the floors, etc.

Yesterday l got a great deal on tubs/lids at the local supermarket so l bought eight of them – four for my youngest son and four for anything else l want to store away so I'm going to be busy reorganising.

Our new folk cd by Emily Smith arrived yesterday - a great young Scottish folksinger. I'll be listening to her as l get on.

My one weakness

2011-02-09T19:16:00.010Z

I have just made...

FROZEN HONEY CHEESECAKE W/ PRALINE CRUST !!!

It's in the freezer now for a few hours until it firms up or until l'm brave enough to eat it.

Have you any idea how fattening this is??!

Anyone for tea and cheesecake?

Ingredients:

Crust:

3 1/2 oz. flaked almonds

6 oz. (3/4 cup) sugar

7 oz. plain sweet biscuits

3 1/2 oz. unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

8 oz. mascarpone cheese

8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 13-oz. can condensed milk

2 oz. (1/4 cup) honey

10 oz. (1 1/4 cups) cream

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Snow

2011-02-09T11:12:00.016Z

A blanket of white fell over our town once more in the early hours of Monday morning. I peeped out from my bedroom window (3am) and the world seemed so fresh and new - tree branches wrapped in white fur with sculptured gardens beneath.

Unfortunately it wasn't long before the snow turned to sleet and the sleet turned to slush -miserable conditions for walking.

Snow

Little flurries fly past the window,

spirals spinning softly

with winds breath pulled this way

and that, a blanket of quiet

then gone.

-by me

Musical Journalism

2011-02-08T09:58:00.008Z

We watched the BBC Radio 2 Folk Music Awards last night- held at the Bewery in London. For the first time it was broadcast live which was really exciting.

Best band went to a favourite of mine called, Bellowhead - Jon Boden is the lead singer and l had a chance to talk with him at a local gig last year (Spiers & Boden). These guys are fantastic to hear live- major toe tapping stuff!!

I was really please to see the Horizon award go to a local lad who lives just across the water, Ewan McLennan. I love his sensitivity of the music- a great guitarist too.

Andy Cutting took Musician of the year - so well deserved!!

I could go on and on but will finish up with the winners of the Best Tradition award, The Fisherman's Friends, a group of Cornish men from Port Isaac who sing sea shanties. These regular blokes with regular jobs - builders and fishermen... stole the show for me. Their voices were rousing and their harmonies blended beautifully. Next time we're in Cornwall l'll be going to see them.

Weekend fun

2011-02-07T12:23:00.009Z

We took our son and wee granddaughter to the beach on Saturday- the weather wasn't great, a bit cold and windy but we were all well layered up and it was good to spend some time out in the open. Our son enjoyed climbing trees and our wee lass went home delighted with a pocket full of shells and coloured rocks to show her mummy.

Spending time at the beach is always so refreshing for me - l have always lived close to the water and can't imagine anything else. It holds a familiar comfort and seems to wash away all my worries.

The sound and smell, the ebb and flow, inhale and exhale...

returning to centre.

Blowing a Hoolie

2011-02-04T09:48:00.011Z

So far this morning l've had my porridge, walked our wee lad to school and checked around the house for any damage from the high winds of last night. Mostly everything was okay, a few plant pots rolled around and the paper recycle bin on it's side– all minor. I was expecting far worse because a few years back in similar gales the roof ripped from the big shed - flapping around dangerously - just like a tin can with lid pulled back! Last night the front windows bowed back and forth with each strong gust and gave an eerie whistle when the wind caught at an angle- shiver. We're expecting more of the same tonight.

Our boiler also decided to break down yesterday and so today l'm playing the waiting game for the engineer's visit. He'll be up in our youngest son's room working, which means l'm spending the rest of this morning picking up lots and lots and lots of lego! Well at least it's Friday and hopefully by tonight we'll have the heating back on.

Happy weekend folks!

Update: Heating back on!!

My wee lad and l got soaked to the bone on the way home from school - with the wind and rain coming at us from all angles we were as wet as if we'd gone swimming in our clothes! The wind is really starting to pick up now and l hear that the ferry services for different routes have been disrupted or cancelled.

In the next few hours though we'll all be safe at home, hunkered down and ready for what tonight might bring. We'll read books, listen to the radio, knit and play while keeping to the back rooms of the house which are the more sheltered.

And wait...

Another walk

2011-02-03T11:18:00.015Z

I'm just back in from an amazing walk this morning. This time l headed further up the hill, past the church joining a path that led to the glen. The walk through the glen was so tranquil - water as still as glass - the only sound being the crunch of my own footfall. The ground was still splattered with hail from an early morning (5am) storm - I remember the time well because there was such an almighty rumble and roar that it woke us all up. The result of this storm though is that the air could not have been fresher - it was like breathing in pure oxygen!

Customize your own picture slideshow

I need to take along hubby's binoculars tomorrow to get a better look at the birdlife. The bird in the slideshow today was a Cormorant ( unusual to see him in the reservoir) and l got the impression he was trying to warn me off for getting so close. I will also have to invest in a better pair of boots because my feet are getting wet with these old ones.

Oh Lordy in no time at all I'm going to become a bright anorak wearing, knobbly stick carrying rambler with a pocket full of boiled sweeties!! I've already got the hat.

Early Morning Gloaming

2011-02-02T13:50:00.003Z

I walked Sam to school this morning in the rain and half-light – the street lamps bouncing back at us from the puddles below. The mornings have, of course, been getting lighter but it's a long way still from the light am skies of summer. In the West Country they have a word for this type of light called 'dimpsy' – l love the way this word sounds. It reminds me of Cornwall, cream teas and Worzel Gummidge (a TV series that ran from 1979-1981). In Scotland we call it the 'gloaming' meaning the time before the sunrise and after sunset.

Yesterday l took my walk along the shore front and up by the church again - enjoying the solitude and ever changing landscape. The shapes and shadows in this half-light are beautiful and add to the stillness that you feel when up on the hill – its a good place to think. You look down into the town and see windows all aglow with early morning bustle and feel privileged that you're part of something bigger.

Incidentally the hillside on which l was walking is where Sir Harry Lauder wrote his song, 'Roamin in the Gloamin'.

Roamin' in the Gloamin'

I've seen lots of bonnie lassies travellin' far and wide,

But my heart is centred noo on bonnie Kate McBride;

And altho' I'm no a chap that throws a word away,

I'm surprised mysel' at times at a' I've got to say

Chorus:

Roamin' in the gloamin' on the bonnie banks o' Clyde,

Roamin' in the gloamin' wi' ma lassie by ma side,

When the sun has gone to rest, that's the time that I like best,

O, it's lovely roamin' in the gloamin'!

One nicht in the gloamin' we were trippin' side by side.

I kissed her twice, and asked her once if she would be my bride;

She was shy, and so was I, we were baith the same,

But I got brave and braver on the journey comin' hame.

Chorus:

Last nicht efter strollin' we got hame at half-past nine.

Sittin' at the kitchen fire I asked her to be mine.

When she promised I got up and danced the Hielan' Fling;

I've just been to the jewellers and I've picked a nice wee ring.

Chorus:

Below is a slideshow of yesterdays ramble.

Walking with my lad

2011-01-31T10:46:00.006Z

Just back from a morning stroll with sonser - the big yin. We dropped the wee brother off at school and headed straight down towards the shore. I took my camera in the hopes that there would be a nice photo to blog about but the weather was dire - overcast and drizzly. Now that we're back in the sun has burst through the clouds, bouncing light all around the place creating rainbows on the hills and water - argh!

It was lovely to listen to the waves crash and roll onto the beach as we walked along past the hotels with their sweeping lawns. We followed the length of the promenade then headed up behind the bay, past the old church towards home. Sonser is 6ft 6in so it's not just a walk to me – it's a work-out! The walk/jog was only about half an hour but enough to get the day off to a good start.

We all worked in the garden over the weekend, still more to do but the tubs and decking are cleared and grass raked over. I'm desperate for Spring to come but the forecast is for more snow later in the week so for the now l'll have to content myself with just buying the seeds.

The photograph below was not taken by me but is the same church that we passed today - looking as it might do again in a few days time.

Triumph for British cinema

2011-01-30T15:25:00.006Z

Last night my husband and l went to our local cinema to watch, 'The King's Speech'. Although not a big fan of the Monarchy l had to admit that the film was inspirational and moving.

The leading actors, Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush had amazing chemistry and tension - their scenes together were written with fluency and verve. It was nice to see Colin Firth playing a different type of roll to the Darcy character we know and love- certainly a man of many talents!

The witty dialogue in the film brought roars of laughter from our audience and a rounding applause at the end. I would highly recommend watching this film if you get a chance.

Our old cinema has seen better days - it's a tired out looking place now with not very sympathetic seating and worn red velvet swags. There's certainly no digital surround sound or high definition screen but most locals don't see that as a set back -we're just glad to have a place to sit and watch the latest screenings, even if they are a few weeks behind, without having to make a long journey across on the ferry, etc.

I'm happy that the owner has kept the place open over the years - he certainly hasn't done it to make a profit. It's more than just a business - it's the atmosphere - the experience you get from going. When the lights dull down and the chatter melts to a low murmur there's that frisson of excitement and anticipation as you get ready to share the magic.

Friday!!

2011-01-28T20:37:00.013Z

Somewhere in deepest, darkest Scotland there is a woman pushing a shopping trolley with a mind of its own - when she steers left it goes right and so forth. She's getting the shopping in for the weekend feeling a bit frazzled to say the least - fighting her way down busy aisles where people want to stop and blether for at least ten minutes or so. It's the only shopping place for miles around - a social hub.

She wrestles her jacket off and tucks it over the handle while checking the shopping list – mindful always of the fact that people behind are watching and waiting for her to move on too. It all moves in a slow procession and the heat in the place is unbearable.

Finally she reaches the drinks aisle at the far end, tempted now to buy more than usual given the fact that she is parched. Trolleys clink their way past each other heading for the checkouts.

Perhaps the supermarket should play some music in an upbeat tempo- would keep everyone moving along :)

Happy weekend folks.

Cold blows the wind

2011-01-27T20:26:00.008Z

I've just put my first washing of the year out today- hung the line, wiped it down and got the wooden stretcher poles out of the shed. Perhaps a bit too early in the year but given that we were the only place dotted on the weather map with sunshine it seemed wrong not to take advantage, and anyway, it felt good - somewhat Springlike even.

While up back l noticed all the little things that need tidying - tubs that need moving, decking that needs swept and a touching up of paint on the southern side of the old wash-house. The place can really look quite bleak in January- even the birds seemed quiet today.

We've been feeding the wee garden birds all winter, breaking the ice up in the bird bath and putting out a good mixture of seed, fruit, nuts and fat. I've noticed that there tends to be a flurry of activity and eating first thing in the morning and then they go quiet- l think it's to do with conserving energy.

January really is a restless time of the year for me- I'm desperate to get out in the garden and for the days to grow longer. I don't like the closed-in feeling when you have overcast days and everything seems grey- bring on the snowdrops!

Update: Got the washing in just before dinner- think it might be even wetter than when l put it out! Can you hear the squeak of my pulley?

Scotland's 'washing forecast' : 'in, out, in, out and shake it all about!'

HOPE

2011-01-26T19:06:00.006Z

I think l may have writer's block - perhaps l've been away too long.

HOPE

If only l could say

a new thing, a thing

l've never said before.

Something small as a spoon

or big as a landscape:

as new as a baby.

Hope appears before me, flourishing

as a rosebush.

I pick one of its flowers.

And l look for what resembles

that spoon, that landscape,

that baby.

Nothing there. But the air

smells like a wild rose.

How pleasant its scent.

Norman MacCaig Dec 1988

40yr haggis ban - out of date!

2011-01-25T22:35:00.022Z

Whatever you do, don't try to smuggle haggis into America for a Burns night supper - you could be arrested!

You might think it has something to do with the quarantine of this canny wee creature or perhaps the risk of its extinction given its rarity. You might even think it has something to do with the many 'secret recipes' involved in the cooking of it...and you might be right.

The US has banned food made with sheep lung since 1971 - ruling it as unfit for human consumption.

I'll admit that some are horrified by the dubious ingredients...awful offal

But you see, it's okay for Scots to eat it in Scotland but not for Scots to eat it in America. What if the same were true for the export of whisky? Now there's a thought!

Happy Burns Night to all- even if it's only with neeps and tatties.

I knew a woman once who packed her case full of sausages, strings of them and she made it through customs!! 1989 if l remember right. They must have had super nice ingredients.

Check out this website archive full of Robert Burns's works- poetry and song.

Below is Eddi Reader singing, 'You're Welcome, Willie Stewart'

Burns poem 1791

Life Happens

2011-01-24T19:49:00.010Z

Like a peeping Dormouse l've come out of hibernation.

It's good to be back after an unplanned absence.

Hello to all my old Blogger friends - sorry l've been gone so long.

Meet my darling wee Granddaughter.

Olwyn

She just had her 2nd birthday.