Up, not quite with the starlings this morning. Why is it, we don't go to bed the same day we got up? I think this may be a family trait, or is it because we just don't want to miss a moment on our Island at the Edge?
The sun is shining, with little wind - what a wonderful day...
Was very, very busy last night getting the design work done for some new knitted products, a pair of wrist warmers, the pattern taken from traditional Gansey designs. The Kapitein was intrigued, wondering if he could have a 'single' gauntlet as a willy warmer for Christmas! I did explain I would have to alter the design somewhat to make it slightly smaller, a few nip and tucks here and there - he was not amused. Albeit, it would match his crochet underpants that I have made from course Hebridean wool as a surprise gift. He even tried his hand at knitting the odd stitch or two, dropping loops, with a willy warmer in mind... I think the Kapitein should stick to all things nautical from now on, but we may have him a knitter soon me thinks, if he can be prised away from the helm.
Doing some household chores, I came across a painting, produced by Peggy Sue, of a 10 legged and 3 headed sheep, very colourful, but I am not sure if the 'public' are ready to see an exhibition of her art work just yet! So best she is kept a secret, yet, I ask myself, what on earth will she produce on her next visit.
Gavalus Gavalar had live music on at the Pantry last night, will pop down later after taking Sampster and Wolfie out for their morning constitutional, as the need for a Banana Milkshake and home made cake is overwhelming, so will hear all about it no doubt.
The dogs have become very vocal and the Kapitein is champing at the bit to be outside so off for the morning commute before work - listing forward orders of our superb Hebridean Lamb in preparation for the next Islay trip.
Island at the Edge
The Gathering, Cable Bay, Colonsay
Friday, 22 July 2011
Thursday, 21 July 2011
A busy day in paradise
Up with the starlings and out with Sampster and Wolfie. The daily commute along the bay is far better than mainland traffic jams and road rage.
Rush hour here is when the cattle decide to visit the capital and ewes with lambs at foot decide to have a morning jaunt along the island ring road to watch the boats coming and going.
Then it was off to do a stint at the Craft Fair to sell an array of locally produced arts and crafts and an opportunity to do a wee spot of knitting. Folk came and went, especially when the ferry came in.
It was nice to chat to customers. Many have been regular visitors to the island for years because our Island at the Edge has such allure.
It is amazing to see how hats suit some folk and not others! And what does attract a man to try on one of Maggie's pink fluff trimmed hats? He looked quite good in it... Sorry, we don't have pictures, we have to protect his anonymity...
Eskie bounced in full of Tigger energy. Living on the north of the island, we do think she doesn't get out that much, as when she does visit the island capital, Scalasaig, all the pent up energy gets released before she heads back up the hill and through the pass.
She brought news about a meeting of the Tourism & Marketing Group later in the day. They are drumming up support for an island website to advertise accommodation availability and events. Went along to have a look-see and partake of a nice glass of wine. Eskie and the team are also involved in lots of new initiatives linked to the new website to promote our island, it will be going live at the turn of the year. For those readers not familiar with this little corner of paradise click on these links to find out more: community website the events website and the music festival - a real must for all you traditional Scottish music buffs out there.
Back to the homestead to find that Kapitein had been checking the sheep. Big Fella, Wee Girly and the Wee Man are all well. Kapitein has singled out 10 wedders for the next trip to Islay, so more fresh meat on our table soon, and on those of our growing band of loyal customers on the mainland.
Rush hour here is when the cattle decide to visit the capital and ewes with lambs at foot decide to have a morning jaunt along the island ring road to watch the boats coming and going.
Then it was off to do a stint at the Craft Fair to sell an array of locally produced arts and crafts and an opportunity to do a wee spot of knitting. Folk came and went, especially when the ferry came in.
It was nice to chat to customers. Many have been regular visitors to the island for years because our Island at the Edge has such allure.
It is amazing to see how hats suit some folk and not others! And what does attract a man to try on one of Maggie's pink fluff trimmed hats? He looked quite good in it... Sorry, we don't have pictures, we have to protect his anonymity...
Eskie bounced in full of Tigger energy. Living on the north of the island, we do think she doesn't get out that much, as when she does visit the island capital, Scalasaig, all the pent up energy gets released before she heads back up the hill and through the pass.
She brought news about a meeting of the Tourism & Marketing Group later in the day. They are drumming up support for an island website to advertise accommodation availability and events. Went along to have a look-see and partake of a nice glass of wine. Eskie and the team are also involved in lots of new initiatives linked to the new website to promote our island, it will be going live at the turn of the year. For those readers not familiar with this little corner of paradise click on these links to find out more: community website the events website and the music festival - a real must for all you traditional Scottish music buffs out there.
Back to the homestead to find that Kapitein had been checking the sheep. Big Fella, Wee Girly and the Wee Man are all well. Kapitein has singled out 10 wedders for the next trip to Islay, so more fresh meat on our table soon, and on those of our growing band of loyal customers on the mainland.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Phew... LOTI departed...Duck Man turned up a blinder.
The cool north wind was on the move again today but this time it was blowing hard as we watched LOTI set sail early this morning with mother and Peggy Sue on board. The fear in mother's eye's was unmistakable. Ah bless; they had had a wonderful time up to then. They did, true to form, wreak havoc in The Pantry at lunch time yesterday. We even had a call from Gavalus Gavalar to let us know they were there, begging us to collect them. Mind I did make them wait before hastening along the road, ducking and diving in between all the touroids. When will they learn 'our' country code!
Duly punished, as they had been missing for several hours, mother and Peggy Sue were relegated to the garden for the majority of the afternoon. They were threatened with the shed, which was a good option for us to house the stowaways for their extra night. But we reneged and allowed them access to the homestead, even feeding them a tasty morsel for supper before an early night. But it was not meant to be...
A knock at the door brought a visitor to see mother! Mother!! We all looked at her as the Duck Man (an 81 year old from the north of the island) came in.
He brought her 6 duck eggs as promised, at the price agreed during their little Tet a Tet on Saturday night at the Ceilidh. They chatted a while, enjoying a cup of tea (which, you will be pleased to know, we didn't charge him for).
Then what a surprise. He wandered off to the car and returned, handing over 6 hen eggs, not free range as expected, but, most surprisingly, free of charge!! Yes, the Duck Man gave away 6 eggs to mother! And, honestly, free of charge!! We were all stunned! This will go down in the history books of our Island at the Edge, that's for sure.
Got a message from mother and Peggy Sue that they had arrived safely on the mainland but unfortunately, Peggy Sue had lost her porridge during the two and a half hour crossing.
This afternoon saw more Hebridean fleeces rolled, dagged, bagged and tagged - they should be winging their way to the mill by early next week. That means passengers on the Tuesday flight may well take fright if Ms Angell does decide to descend to 1000 feet and play with the door handle.
It was also the Kapitein's birthday today, his treat today was an Angus burger, with lighted candle and chips, washed down with a Banana milk shake at the Pantry. Happy Birthday Kapitein.
Duly punished, as they had been missing for several hours, mother and Peggy Sue were relegated to the garden for the majority of the afternoon. They were threatened with the shed, which was a good option for us to house the stowaways for their extra night. But we reneged and allowed them access to the homestead, even feeding them a tasty morsel for supper before an early night. But it was not meant to be...
A knock at the door brought a visitor to see mother! Mother!! We all looked at her as the Duck Man (an 81 year old from the north of the island) came in.
He brought her 6 duck eggs as promised, at the price agreed during their little Tet a Tet on Saturday night at the Ceilidh. They chatted a while, enjoying a cup of tea (which, you will be pleased to know, we didn't charge him for).
Then what a surprise. He wandered off to the car and returned, handing over 6 hen eggs, not free range as expected, but, most surprisingly, free of charge!! Yes, the Duck Man gave away 6 eggs to mother! And, honestly, free of charge!! We were all stunned! This will go down in the history books of our Island at the Edge, that's for sure.
Got a message from mother and Peggy Sue that they had arrived safely on the mainland but unfortunately, Peggy Sue had lost her porridge during the two and a half hour crossing.
This afternoon saw more Hebridean fleeces rolled, dagged, bagged and tagged - they should be winging their way to the mill by early next week. That means passengers on the Tuesday flight may well take fright if Ms Angell does decide to descend to 1000 feet and play with the door handle.
It was also the Kapitein's birthday today, his treat today was an Angus burger, with lighted candle and chips, washed down with a Banana milk shake at the Pantry. Happy Birthday Kapitein.
Monday, 18 July 2011
A Gigot too far and mother arrives
Wet and windy and the heating back on again (only just turned it off a week ago) but Hey Ho this is Colonsay and it IS summer !!
Last week saw the first of the lamb being shipped off the island on Loti (the Lord Of The Isles ferry) with Royal Mail doing a sterling job of delivering the guaranteed 24 hours package in four and a half days. It was a wonderful Gigot of lamb when it left but on arrival was already half cooked. So no more Royal Mail for us. Decided to seek an alternative with the result that we have the contract for the air freight to and from the island with Hebridean Air!!. First shipment was a half lamb to the midlands which arrived in 23 hours in perfect condition and still frozen. Good result methinks so followed it with 300 kg of wool going out on three flights (3 x stuffed wool sacks in the boot and 1 x strapped into one of the seats). Worried looks from some of the passengers ..... the sacks looked as if they contained body parts and half expected our wonderful pilot - Ms Angell - to be opening doors at 1000 ft and dropping them out into the Firth of Lorn. I heard that they were relieved that this was not the case on the Thursday flights.
After all of the excitement of organising this new service and finding that it actually worked, the storm clouds started blowing in from the North as mother approached for one of her visits. The ferry was on amber alert but alas it did sail from Oban and she and friend Peggy Sue arrived for two days. Or so I thought. Due to depart on the Sunday ferry (which was also on amber alert) I was duly informed that they had actually only booked their return for the Tuesday. Two extra days !! Today it is Monday Dear Lord, please, please make sure Loti gets in (and departs) tomorrow.
Last week saw the first of the lamb being shipped off the island on Loti (the Lord Of The Isles ferry) with Royal Mail doing a sterling job of delivering the guaranteed 24 hours package in four and a half days. It was a wonderful Gigot of lamb when it left but on arrival was already half cooked. So no more Royal Mail for us. Decided to seek an alternative with the result that we have the contract for the air freight to and from the island with Hebridean Air!!. First shipment was a half lamb to the midlands which arrived in 23 hours in perfect condition and still frozen. Good result methinks so followed it with 300 kg of wool going out on three flights (3 x stuffed wool sacks in the boot and 1 x strapped into one of the seats). Worried looks from some of the passengers ..... the sacks looked as if they contained body parts and half expected our wonderful pilot - Ms Angell - to be opening doors at 1000 ft and dropping them out into the Firth of Lorn. I heard that they were relieved that this was not the case on the Thursday flights.
After all of the excitement of organising this new service and finding that it actually worked, the storm clouds started blowing in from the North as mother approached for one of her visits. The ferry was on amber alert but alas it did sail from Oban and she and friend Peggy Sue arrived for two days. Or so I thought. Due to depart on the Sunday ferry (which was also on amber alert) I was duly informed that they had actually only booked their return for the Tuesday. Two extra days !! Today it is Monday Dear Lord, please, please make sure Loti gets in (and departs) tomorrow.
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