What a difference a day makes...

What a difference a day makes...

Yesterday was one of those fun packed days... Let’s see just how much we can do in 24 hours. 

Kapitein was up early as usual and busy in the inner sanctum. The weather was good so he said that if I was a good girl he would take me on the high seas to do a spot of fishing and give me a chance to test the new boat rod he got for my birthday - just what every girl wants...

Sandwiches prepared and off down to the harbour, via Mike's Megastore  to get some provisions for the weekend and get petrol too, which on this wee island is just under £1.70 a litre.

A few nautical adjustments here and there and we set off. The conditions were good, bright sunshine and a wee bit of a wind. Kapitein was at the helm and with me as his first mate, perched in the bow and awestruck as usual with the view of the Paps on Jura in the distance, we set a course for a good fishing mark just off Oransay and cruised south at a steady 20 knots.

Two minutes after arriving at Kapitein’s secret mark Kapitein landed a Saithe, then another, then another and yet another... I dropped my line into the water, nipping my knees around the pole, just in case it slipped my grasp and hey ho, I caught a 2lb Saithe too. The Mackerel eluded us on this trip but the joys of being at sea are fantastic. The seaways were very busy today, including the boat from Clearance House with a convoy of smaller boats in tow - a veritable flotilla. The thought did pass my mind that they may have GG on board and be setting a course for Nova Scotia or thereabouts but a quick check of the boat’s load line revealed no excess ballast on board. So that was a relief.
Time was pressing on and I had an appointment to keep with Eskie at the Village Hall. A high speed return to the Capital and Kapitein dropped me at the slip. I made it just in time.

Eskie was sitting with GG and the ‘Lovely Ladies’ enjoying a cuppa and some homemade cakes. Stalls with produce, second hand books and novelty gifts were set out.

We were rather distracted by an ingenious product, a definite purchase for us. See below modelled by Eskie. GG was also pictured wearing one but unfortunately the picture won't upload - you lucky readers!Technology knows no bounds here on Colonsay, surely a must for everyone. Not quite user friendly but can be used to make any mobile device hands-free, even a Laptop I suspect...

Kapitein joined us a wee while later as others came and sat with us. The conversation led to a discussion about our new island air freight service. There is great interest in this facility; medical provisions can be flown in and out. And what a bonus, inbound Chinese and Indian food for all of us with a hankering for all things normal, the same as our friends on the mainland.

Back to the homestead, with aching sides from all the frivolities. We took Sampster and Wolfie out for a walk and then it was back to the knitting up the new design of Wrist Warmers. (I must watch out for Freudian slips with this). This is the first of many products in readiness for selling. If I must say, they are rather perfect, yet they don’t quite resemble Willy Warmers just yet, something I must work on to satiate the needs of Kapitein.

As the evening progressed Kapitein decided we should attend the Ceilidh in aid of the CCDC – the community development company.

And what a night that was... Lots of dancing and even Kapitein was up strutting his stuff in the Orkadian Strip the Willow. GG is a true mover and shaker in the St. Bernard’s Waltz and Danger Mouse, the lonely shepherd, was really shaking his booty in the Dashing White Sergeant with Kapitein and I.  The music was absolutely wonderful as usual, with songs from Caitlin, Seamus and many others, including a great tune and song by a man from Sweden holidaying here.

Strange but true, Diogenes kept going in and out of the hall, apparently needing lots of fresh air!! I wonder what exactly he was doing whilst alone in the dark. I do hope he wasn’t true to the name...

Duck Man didn’t waver under pressure for a dance, but he will keep till another night when I WILL have a dance with him...

Kapitein was attracting attention tonight. His rugged good looks were under scrutiny from a rather well rounded woman but to her dismay he didn’t take the bait... After all, he already has a First Mate and there's only room for one to stoke his boiler...

Today, Sunday, was a day for getting up late (after going to bed very, very late). It was a peaceful day, including a lovely walk along The Strand with Sampster and Wolfie. Then back for a late lunch, a few domestics and packing in preparation for my journey to the mainland and into the unknown.

As already reported, I will be saying goodbye to a very dear friend ttomorrow and the day after that the Doctors have recalled me for an anomaly in my precious boobs, of which, I have to say, the Kapitein is rather fond. They say I have to make myself available for a full week, just in case. That week in the unknown is standing before me as I now make my way down to the ferry to depart these beautiful shores.

Kapitein has undertaken a thorough investigation and has been unable to ascertain any anomalies, however, if the worst does come to the worst, he said he would leave the island - the first time in over a year - and visit me and the doctors because he reckons he has some very good re-design ideas. He's such a wonderful Kapitein.

Shall keep you posted...

And a good night was had by all...

We had visitors to the homestead this afternoon. Mack-the-finger and Pedie popped in for a chat about our air freight project. It was nice to discuss future plans for the project – especially when we can ship outbound and inbound freight consignments of just about anything. Discussed were some of the possible options such as kegs of beer and Chinese and Indian takeaways, amongst others. Pedie Popped-in began to salivate. All good stuff and hopefully we can work together to make this happen.

This evening Kapitein succumbed to the hunter-gather instinct and ordered our dinner from the Pantry. Unfortunately, Kapitein was disappointed as the 2 baked potatoes he had ordered were mysteriously transformed into chips, between picking them up and getting back to the homestead. He does have a penchant for baked potatoes, after years of eating ships biscuits whilst on the high seas. However, he did report that May’s doughnuts looked good enough to eat... apparently he was tempted but decided against it, safe in the knowledge that he would be having his two baked potatoes when he got back to the homestead. No doubt he will be having words with the proprietor, Gavalus Gavalar, for this unusual lapse in service and quality control. This could be due to GG’s lack of concentration following his secret mission to the mainland last weekend. Whatever happened, it appears to have totally confused GG and has left a lasting impression on the young lad. Incidentally I had seen GG on Monday evening at the tourism meeting, wearing his fireman’s uniform. He certainly looked dapper, despite the buttons being a little stretched but that's because GG is unable to resist nibbling at May’s sugary wonders.

Anyway, back to this evening and Kapitein also returned with the news from GG that Clarence  Clearance House had hired the Pantry marquee for a party, a party fit for a laird and certainly not any of the lesser mortals as can be found in these parts. Unfortunately, upon it being returned – just in time for it to be put up again by GG for the shindig last night, it was found to have been badly damaged. GG and pals had to make some hasty and unexpected repairs to accommodate the crowds attending the night of jazz and blues music at the Pantry that evening. All was ultimately sorted and the evening was a resounding success. Well done GG. A good night was had by all...... but I do hope we will see GG again after his visit to Clearance House to seek recompense and not find out that he has been relocated to Canada. Surely not.

The evening sun is still high and the weather is balmy this night but clouds are gathering beyond the horizon and, alas, departure to the mainland awaits me. This unwelcome storm will arrive on Sunday, when I shall have to leave these shores and take a journey into the unknown and to say Adieu and Tot Ziens to a very dear friend. But tonight is calm and beautiful and that is the most important thing right now.

A lovely sunny morning...

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.

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.

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.

Day Trip from Islay to Colonsay

Day Trip from Islay to Colonsay

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.