The Blog from Bressay

I hope everyone had a wonderful night/morning seeing it in.

Myself has been in bed since Christmas Day when I fell foul of the stomach bug that has been doing the rounds up here.  I’m now perking up since a visit to the doctors on Friday and can now manage water as well as some solids - if that isn’t a cause for celebrationn I don’t know what is!  Being ill since Christmas Day meant that I wasn’t well on my birthday either (Boxing Day) but on the plus side it meant that I won’t have piled too many festive pounds on this year!  I was supposed to be helping out with the music at the New Years Eve Hoedown at the local hall last night but had to cancel that too.  My Uncle, Aunt and Brother all went and by what I can gather had an excellent time (it was also fancy dress so double boo that I couldn’t make it)

Now I know that the above paragraph is a complete bummer but I’m thinking of it this way if that’s the end to the year then begining can only be far better!!

I am now courting a lovely young man (but still older than me before I get accused of cradle snatching).  Been together for over 4 months now and things in that lovely honeymoon period.  Woody, being a shy cat, surprised us all by taking to him very quickly and not hiding under the bed as usual.  Speaking of the furry one he’s currently sleeping on the sofa with his head buried in a cushion.  D (the boyfriend) came over on the 28th and has been wonderful at looking after me (you may pass the vomit bucket if required I know it can be a bit mushy)

I’m still on the Community Council and it’s being an interesting experience.  I’ve had to pack in a couple of other things as I just wasn’t able to do them.  Namely secretary to the hall and also chair to the drama group.  Sometimes you have to look at things and say I need time for me and admit when you’re at your limit.

There is a new bird feeding table/house installed on a fence post to the garden area at the back of us.  Got it in Autumn and has cheered me up watching them feed.  I do have to admit it’s mostly been Starlings but we’ve had a few Robins too.  I keep meaning to get mealworms but as usual keep forgetting.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2012 (not 2011 as I mentioned on my Facebook page then changed it to what I thought was the correct year only to realise I’d put 2112) and that only good comes your way.

Ok a bit of an exaggeration but it’s how I felt not so long ago.

I was in middle of meetings, hen night, wedding and family and it happened - body gave way so have been mostly in bed and going between health centre and bed.  I’m now on the mend and almost finished the tablets woohooo!!!

The hen night went splendidly and as promised a pic of me in my gear:Visit Site

I was fairly well behaved for a hen night too and made it back home in one peice, even after the wheelchair tipped over backwards!

The wedding was wonderful, really enjoyed myself as did the bride and groom.  Was great to see all the family together and managed to make the 2am ferry.

Being ill has meant having a rest too, something that I’ve badly needed but has meant going a bit cabin feverish.

I’ve finally found a chest of drawers, bathroom cabinet and cd/dvd holder that are perfect for the house.  I’m hoping once I get this all in then I’ll have a far tidier house - well I can dream!  Just getting on with painting the bathroom now.

Sad news a couple of months back is the Vet in Lerwick had to close down.  Now need to go to Scalloway to get Woody seen which is a bit of a problem but one of my friends has said that she will take us both to the Vets there.  They have a very good reputation of being good with all animals, so I’m happy to take Woody there even though he probably won’t be that happy to go.  Woody is still on a diet and we’re seeing some progress weight wise which is good.  Kinda good that I too I’m losing weight at the same time.  Woody was very pleased that I saved some fish for him from my tea tonight and wolfed it down.  With the long nights I now leave the window open all nights (if it’s weather) so he can roam to his hearts content.

I’ve not the only one that’s been poorly in the family.  My Dad at the age of 73 has got Chicken Pox for the second time in his life.  They say you can only get it one but as folk have heard about Dad they’ve said that they’ve had it twice two - wondering now if it’s a Shetland thing.  He’s been really ill with it and is starting to get better now thankfully.  Poor Mam has had the brunt of it with us both being ill, although she got a whole half a day to herself (ish) on Saturday, a meal out with friends and then an 18th birthday party.  I’m hoping that they both get lots of rest now.

It’s back to meetings again.  I’ve had some voluntary Admin work to do which I have enjoyed doing a great deal as I can do it from home.  This means I can do it when I’m feeling able to do it.  Next week is the AGM of the Drama Group so I shall see what happens there.  The Lerwick Midsummer Carnival is on Saturday but not sure if I’ll be going depends on how I feel and if I have the energy to do it.  Hope I do as it means I can take loads of photo’s and there always is a great atmosphere.

The Leirna, our ferry has gone into refit until the begining of July which means that we have a smaller, older ferry at the moment.  It’s nice seeing and being on the older ferries again but unfortunatley they aren’t wheelchair friendly.  Lovely on a good day but not so ok on a bad one.  The ferrymen always try and help on bad days as much as they can, they’re a great bunch.

Well UTI decided to stage a comeback last week so I squished all it’s tickets sales by going back to docs and getting stronger antibiotics and this time it’s going.  Thank goodness (or words to that effect) for that, however ears and throat are now sore so feeling like a hypochondriac.

Tomorrow I will be heading over for shopping to the town with Parents.  I have made a Wordsearch for the fainting charity that helps me called STARS.  Last time I raised about £65 and that was me charging 0.50p for them this year I’m going to be greedy and charge a £1 for them.  I’ll be putting them around shops and annoying friends to take some as well.  Closing date is 16th May so we shall see what happens this time.  1st Prize is £30 and 2nd and 3rd prizes are STARS teddy bears.

I got something exciting in the post on Saturday - the corset for the henny night on 14th May.  I have been wearing it for an hour a day as per instructions.  I’ve to do this and build up to the time I’ll need to wear it at the henny that way it won’t be uncomfortable as it will have shaped to my body.

I was listening to the Husting programme on BBC Radio Shetland tonight and I’m still not convinced by the SNP canididate - Jean Urquhart.  To me it doesn’t matter if she doesn’t come from here but it does matter to me that she learns about here and the problems we have before she starts campaigning.  Tonight I felt that she still is clueless and having to learn basic things as she goes along.  I’m sure she’s a nice person but finding out simple things about the constituency would be the first thing that you do.  Anyway was an interesting programme and wish that there had been time for more questions to the candidates.

Oh back to the shopping again.  I shall be heading towards Da Planicrub tomorrow to go and get tomato for window sill, I’m getting quite excited about growing tomatoes again.  I shall also be trying to avoid getting any more indoor plants as I’m fairly full with them already.  I’m also going to Tesco’s tomorrow, I usually go to the Co-op but unfortunately I’m having to watch my pennies at the moment so will have to defect to Tesco’s.  I do feel bad about doing so but when finances dictate otherwise you have to do what you can.  I’m currently waiting to hear if I will get DLA awarded to me again.  This time it will have a huge impact on me, if I don’t get awarded ‘I’m potentially going to lose the house I’m in at the moment and move back to parents again.  This is something I really don’t want to happen as neither of them are able - Mam has ME & Arthritis and Dad had a Stroke last year.  So I’ve got everything crossed that I will get awarded this again.

Well the title says it all.  On Saturday decided life wasn’t exciting enough so went to A&E and got diagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection.  I’m now on pills and they’re keeping an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t hit the kidneys.

When my parents came in on Saturday night they were greeted by the sight of me kneeling on my comfy chair with head against the back of it.  Would have loved to have known what the exact thoughts they had when they saw that.  NHS 24 called back to try and get a time sorted out for me to go to A&E at which point I had to explain that I was on an island and had just missed the ferry and the next one wasn’t for 45 mins.  ”I’ll call you right back” came the reply.  At this point I started thinking that they were going to send an ambulance over and get the ferry to do an extra run (very embarrassing as although in pain, wasn’t life threatening).  Thankfully they called back and said that the staff would be waiting for me when I got to the hospital.  I was also thankful didn’t have to wait that long to be seen.  TMI time close you’re eyes now or scroll down if you don’t want to read about inner workings.  On the phone I was asked to provide a sample to take with me to the hospital, did that and then was told at the hospital that they needed another one because they weren’t sure what was in the bottle beforehand.  I managed to go again after almost kicking the door down.  The Doc came around after a while spoke to me, gave me pills and we just made the 11pm ferry.

Due to this I’ve had to cancel the whole week which was supposed to have been a busy one.

Sunday - Watching the Dons against Celtic

Monday - Meeting family

Tuesday - Greetin Meetin about the Drama Festival with the Drama Festival lot

Wednesday - Community Council

Thursday - I think I had off

Friday - Medical Review & Brothers Birthday.

So a bit grumped that I couldn’t make it to any.  i am starting to feel better but I’m so bloody knackered or wabbit as we say here.

We did have a lovely day yesterday so I’m really, really looking forward to more of them and spending time outside in the garden.  I’m also hoping that Woody will accompany me for a bit in the garden.  At the end of the week i think it’s tomato sowing time and see how we get on with them this year.  Last year I used ones called Shirley and got a good crop out of them but will see what is available this year.  I will be reopening my kitchen garden (it’s one of the wooden trays with four pots in it) and see if I can actually grow Basil in it.  This will be the 3rd time I’ve tried so hope it works this time.  The Chives, Parsley and Corriander work great but no luck with Basil.  I’m also wanting to use Mam’s spare fishbox to put Strawberries in and leave it at the sheltered spot outside the building.  We have a shared garden so can’t really do a lot of digging gardening (not that I’d be able to do loads anyway).

The other thing I need to do is get back to photography again.  I’ve not done any in ages and actually miss it so will have to put foot against bum to get me going.  I learned a lot from the course last year and need to put it into practice although I did manage to design a birthday card for Jam from a photo that was taken a couple of years ago.  Hoping to do one for my brother as well - just need to select correct photo.

Hope you are all ok out there.

After a while of being away, be aware Mirlinlass is back!

Things have been up and down with various things here.  I’m still busy with committee’s and stuff.  I’m now Secretary to the Hall Committee and on the Community Councillor.  Still getting to grips with being a Community Councillor.  Shetland has had problems getting folks to come on the Community Council and likewise with Bressay.  I’m not sure if this a Scotland wide problem or not.  We’re still needing another three folk on the Council so it’s come to the point of co-opting people on, which I think is a right shame.

Woody is doing well and now on a diet.  The problem with his royal furryness is that although I can control what he eats in the house I’m pretty sure he’s still hunting outside.  (I’ve just been given a very dirty look - he knows I’m talking about him)  The vet in the town has had to close down as had to go into administration so I’ll be joining the one in Scalloway which is going to present transportation problems but I’m hoping that I can get the bus there and back again, if they let cats on board.

It’s my Uncle and Soon-To-Be Aunts Wedding next month so getting already for that.  Done the girly thing and already got dress for it.  Next dilemma is the henny night.  The choice is either cowgirl, squaw or Saloon Girl.  I’m thinking of going as a Saloon Girl as I’ve always wanted a corset so sounds a good excuse to get one to me.  On the vanity side I’ve lost about a stone since October last year.  Being around 16 stone when I first went to dietician I’m really chuffed.  Ok it may not sound a lot for the amount of time but I’m concerned about the whole loose skin issue as I’ve got psoriasis and don’t want to swap one problem for another.

I shall leave things there for the moment and will blog again on Tuesday I think

Hope you are all doing well out there

Please tell me!  Very scary.

Anyway been busy, busy here.  Have been doing varying things as per last blog.  Didn’t have housewarming as was too ill so a revised date to be decided.

Last weekend we had a Drama Weekend which was great.  I wasn’t able to do everything but we had a greatly productive weekend so watch this space…..  I was also cast in one of our 10 minute plays that we have produced for the Wordplay Festival and have cast my play (even though it’s not finished yet, need to get a wiggle on with that one!)

I have now got a date for ESA medical, next Monday so fingers crossed that it’s not as traumatic as the DLA one.  The Occupational Therapist has been and I am to get a Care at Home Assessment to see what help I need.  They also gave me a form to apply for a Social Assistance Grant which means that if I get it I’ll be able to get a washing machine.  It really is terrible being 32 and still having to go to your parents to get your washing done!

The Camera Group on Bressay is now in the process of being dissolved.  We didn’t have enough members so this unfortunate decision was taken but I think I’ve got plenty of other things to do so maybe one less thing on my plate might not be such a bad thing.

I’m still in middle of getting house sorted.  I’ve still to get 5 boxes down from Mam and Dads when my Uncle is free, hopefully next week.  Then it will be seeing where on earth I’m going to store everything.  I’ve still not got any shelving up yet so that might help.

On the crafty side of things I’ve been plugging away with my Chakra Blanket and I’m on my 3rd square just now so I shall leave you with a pic of the first two (they still need ironing) and Woody staring out the window (please excuse the mess).

I did mean to blog before now but life seems to have gotten in the way - as usual.

I’ve been very busy with Parent Councils, Hall Committees and Drama but thankfully it’s a bit more settled now to what it was.

The School is looking to upgrade the grounds as well seem to be abou the only school in Shetland whose grounds are totally covered in tarmac.  It’s been that way since I was there!  The Parent Council are helping to fundraise for this and will be having a Sunday Teas and Plant Sale next week.  I’m bringing some plants and also baking.  I’m nicking MLS’s recipe for Chocolate Brownies and think I’ll make chocolate rice crispies as they always go down well.  I’ve got a cooker and not sure about the whole temperature thing but will give making some fairy cakes ago.  Thinking of making some lemony ones.  The plants I shall be taking are spiders and Easter Cactus and maybe a cutting of the Shamrock/Clover type plant I have.  I’m hoping that Spider plants stay in one piece as Woody is terribly good at decimating them.  Nothing like a good chew on a Spider plant according to him.

Speaking of Woody not sure if I told you in last blog but have bought him a Furminator (hope I’m allowed to do next bit):

http://www.furminator.com/

He’s been shedding like buggery and I lost brush in move.  Ended up he got a couple of matts in fur and I used an old brush to try and get them out but to no avail.  I had to end up cutting them out and I have to say Woody was so good.  He lay down quite the thing and let me do it.  Anyway bought the Furminator as heard good things about it and I’m a firm fan of them now too.  It does look a bit like a torture tool but Woody is perfectly happy for me to use it on him.  The old brush I had I’d manage a couple of strokes and then he wanted to play but this he’s quite happy to stay put for a while whilst I get on combing him.  The comb takes all the dead hair from underneath and I was surprised to see how much hair comes off of him.  His coat looked good before but now it’s brilliant.

We’re putting on two events with Page to Stage.  One will be a rehearsed reading in June at the Flavour of Shetland event.  We are all putting up plays for this and I’m looking forward although nervous about how mine will go.  Not sure about how nervous MLS is about hers.  In September we are writing 10 minute plays to be performed at the Wordplay festival which I think is even more nervewracking as it will be a performance rather than rehearsed reading but really looking forward to it at the same time.

My housewarming is looming on  the horizon.  It shall be held on the 5th of June and I’ve even commandeered the Common Room as well.  I’ve invited a few people so as with all parties it will either be a feast or a famine we shall see.

MLS and I had a Spinning, Spotify and Spraffing (speaking) day last Sunday.  It was great.  Good laugh and really relaxing which is what we both needed.

Last week I got slightly (well more than slightly) annoyed.  I’d applied for a Community Care grant to help me get stuff for the house I was turned down for it because the DWP department in Inverness said I wasn’t on Income Related ESA benefit.  So CAB called on my behalf to the Clydebank department to check and they said I was on Income Related and duly sent a letter.  About 4 weeks on from this I received notification that I wasn’t getting the grant as they again said I wasn’t in receipt of right benefits.  Queue lots of ‘phone calling.  Turns out they had been right and Clydebank were wrong.  I’m on ….. wait for it…..

Contribution Based Benefit!  Which totally confused me as I thought they were the same thing.  They sound the same thing but apparently not.  Contribution Based ESA is taking account of your NI credits from where you were working and Income Related is what you get when you’ve never worked at all.  So because I have worked I can’t get the grant.  Really annoyed and annoys me now.  The other thing is that Clydebank had “overlooked” the fact that I was supposed to get a medical about 2 months ago to see if I was eligable for the higher rate of ESA so I’ve now got another book to fill out about that.  I’ve got a date with CAB to help me with this as even though I’ve studied Law at Uni it’s still the DWP forms still completely confuse me!

Hope everyone out there is doing fine.

PS does anyone know why my smilies don’t work in my blog?  If not I’ll let Les know, just didn’t want to bother him if it was a box that was staring me in the face that I’d forgot to tick.

Well that’s me almost moved bar a few things, 4 boxes fae Mam and Dad’s hoose and other stuff, large broom, chest of drawers, computer desk which I’m getting from Uncle and also fridge freezer from him and a washing machine.  I think that is it.

I’ve been enjoying being in my own place and hope that it is a bit less burden on Mam and Dad.  They will be moving into my bedroom downstairs which they need as Mam isn’t as able for the stairs these days (although won’t really admit it).  I’m sharing fridge/freezer with Uncle who is next door so it’s making me think do I really need to get that.  Usually I do, but sometimes I can do with out cheese on spaghetti bolognese for example.

Woody took to hiding under the covers since the move, I made sure he was one of the last to move.  He’s coming out of hiding more and more.  He’s also discovered the windows and even been outside on the sill but with the weather soon came back.

I’m very grateful to Morrelessocks, parents, Uncle, soon-to-be-Aunt and brother who helped enormously with the big move.  I had lots of little moves before getting the big stuff in.

This week there has been loads written and spoken about the Volcanic Ash.  I have to say I was really surprised when they took boats from Orkney and put them to fetch folk that are stranded, surely there are the same amount (or thereabouts) of Orcadians that are stranded in either to or from home as Shetlanders.  I know there still is a service but drastically reducing that in such situations doesn’t add up to me.  Personally it’s not affected me much apart from the precaution of not being out too much, if it’s settling on cars can’t be good for lungs either.  I don’t think the amount that has come down would be fatal but I think since my lungs are fairly buggered it’s been a wise precaution.

MLS and I are getting the writing thing going again.  For some reason they decided to vote me in as Chair (and no they were all sober).  So I’ve been trying to get my head around what Chairs do as I’m usually Clerk or Secretary.  It feels really funny being chair.  I hate being bossy but I know there is a slight bossy streak in me so I’m trying to make sure it doesn’t come out too often although a crack of the whip here and there is sometimes required .

I will leave it there or I could write a blog to rival War and Peace.  i will be blogging more now that things have (slightly) calmed down.

I’m back.  I will be blogging more later but quick recap.

I have house at last, woohoo!!!.  Was away to Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago for the football, which co-incided nicely with being told I had house so got a few bit and peices there.  Imagine a large ginger person in wheelchair laden with stuff heading from one end of Union Street to Bridge Street.  I made it though (and back up on the boat!)

Will do a proper blog later.

Hope folks are all dandy