20 February 2010

Short shore leave



Just a nice sunset a couple of days ago.

We’ve been away – did you miss us?

We left the island for about ten days last week in order to say ‘Goodbye’ to a dear friend, and took the opportunity to see familiar faces and to meet our own latest family member, Tyr, our daughter’s adorable puppy. While we were back on the mainland we took the opportunity to have a bit of a ‘service’; teeth – filled, hair – trimmed, feet – filed. We sound like the island sheep that Steve has been getting ready to lamb in the coming weeks!
It was strange being back on the mainland; even though we live in a quiet village the first night home seemed very noisy after the peace and quiet of Bardsey. The first time we went shopping in the local town neither of us took any cash or cards with us, not having needed any of that stuff for the last few months and, as we knew we were not going to be home for long, it was as if we were camping in our own bedroom. Still, it was rather nice to be able to go shopping and pick up a few essentials and treats for the coming months.
After a week the call came from Ernest that the boat would being going over on Friday so we drove through blizzards and sunshine to finally get back to the island during the Friday afternoon. It is lovely to be back and we feel rejuvenated by our little break; ready for the coming weeks. Jim has started straight back into work mode and is fitting out the ringing hut and I have started the spring cleaning. We have quite a bit we still want to do and we will keep you up-to-date over the next few weeks.
Elaine

09 February 2010

Magic wand




I was going to show you my efforts with basket making, well I still am (but only because we need a picture)! But, instead of trying to tell you how it is done I am just going to direct you to Jo Porters website http://portersonenlli.blogspot.com/. Jo, from the farm at Ty Pellaf, gives you a wonderful master class in not only how it is done, but what wonderful items can be achieved with a simple willow wand.
As you can see from my efforts, the willow is still in control in my case! Still I do feel quite Ray Mearsish.
Elaine