The Blog from Bressay

After being back at home since October I seemed to have acquired a social life again.  I was looking back at my blogs and I’ve not been out this much in about 6 years.  It’s all good but I’m thinking of seeing whether I can space things out a bit better.  Everything seems to happen at the one time, not good for the old health (well particularly mine).  The Teacosy and I will however be meeting up with MLS.  Teacosy has been making friends in my house.

Next week I’m planning LOTS of nothing I’ve decided unless ZETrans/Community Council/Water Board decide to have a meeting in which case I have to go, well don’t have, have to but I feel the need.  Other than that I will not be venturing far or attempting not to.  I may need to go to Lerwick but that will be it.

I’m planning on going up to the croft to have a bit of a look about and plan how to tackle the forest that has grown at the front door of our old croft house.  You now need a machete and a wildlife license to enter in there now.  I may need a man with machine but we’ll see what happens.  This is something I’ve been procrastinating about since I first moved back but now the weather is turning it’s time to do something about it.  I may not be able to do a lot in one go so I’ll just do little bits frequently (much like how we’re supposed to eat these days).  Also I love being at the croft, it’s so peaceful and views are great.  To me it really lifts me being there if I’m having a down day.  I also promise to get photo’s taken.

On the plus front we almost have a caravan booked in Dunbar now.  Woohooo!!!  We found out that their phonelines had been down.  Also Woody is now booked for his holidays at Cattery.  We were thinking of getting someone to look in on him but he’s a shy thing with folk and don’t think he’d understand why everyone had gone for a long time.  He’s been in Catteries before didn’t like the first one but the second one he loved as he got lots of attention and cuddles and I know Gott Cats has an excellent reputation.

Well party is well and truly over now but a good time was had by all I think.

Friday night saw me preparing the punch and the fruit for the punch and generally helping Mam and Dad.  Well Mam as Dad was out.  A call came at 11:50 to say that Dad had been taken to hospital as he had fallen and hit his head and had a massive lump on it. 

Hospital called about 30 mins later trying to get Mam to persuade Dad to stay in for the night.  Didn’t work he discharged himself.  Meanwhile I got my brother to go and meet to him so he came over to make sure he got home safely.

Saturday dawns and pandemonium with getting everything prepared.  We also got a punch/drink fountain which is quite groovy although some people say it just makes them want to go to the toilet when listening to it.  We went over at 6:45 ferry and headed up to the club to do final things like putting food out and nibbles on the table.  I was given the job of putting nibbles on the table and getting everything for the punch set up.  Disaster occurs!!!  I left Vodka soaked fruit at the house!!! So after major embarrassment eventually we were ready for everyone arriving the guest list included:

Samantha from Bewitched x 2,

Vicar of Dibley

Various Simpsons Characters

Father Ted

Vyvyan from the Young Ones

The two woman that Roy Barraclough and Les Dawson did

Mr “My Brain Hurts” Gumby from Monty Python

Laurel and Hardy

Crocodile Dundee

Fred Flintstone

A Monk

and not forgetting the star of the show Eric Cartman AKA my brother.

The music was playing and folk were dancing to which I joined in when I’d finished punch duties (and yes there was a non-alcoholic alternative).  The time flew by so fast and before we knew it, it was 12:45am and time to go for ferry.

I got home tired and fairly drunk so drank a litre of water before I went to bed.  The next day my brother was over with the pool team to play and I was invited to the Maryfield.  My Dad was preaching at the Bressay Kirk so I got him to drop me at the pub.  There seemed to be a lack of noise coming from said pub so I asked and then found out it was at the hall a mile away!  Called Joe they had already started playing and only found out that they were playing at the hall after they had left the ferry.  I was a determined thing and wheeled myself from ferry to hall (well almost two minutes from hall I called Brother to come and wheel me the rest of the way).  How I managed that I have no idea.  The afternoon was good and we  managed to get Bro’s friends on the right ferry to get the Northlink boat back down to Aberdeen.  I came back a bit worse for wear around 6 and went to bed.

Yesterday was pampering day as my Aunt was up from Orkney.  While Mam went for her session.  I had plans for Dad so he didn’t get bored.  I am now proud to announce that I am now the holder of a Library card.  I love Libraries I used to spend a fair bit of time in them when I was a teenager.  I think I may start getting a learning pack and learning a language either that or brush up on my German.  After delivering and getting a few other bits and pieces and a faint it was time to collect Mam.  We decided to go to Co-op for dinner as we needed to stock up on a few things as well so we had Mince & Tatties and then did the shop.  I went for my session which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I came home and went to bed as I was really tired and starting to feel ill.

Today I’m not well but I still think it was worth it.  I was cheered up by The Travelling Teacosy arriving today.  Teacosy is feeling effects of Travelling and has asked for a rest to look best for getting photo’s taken.  I did not get a photo of me at party but I’m planning for Uncle to come across with his camera and hopefully take one of me dressed up tomorrow which I shall put up next time.  I’m going to call Brother in half an hour then I’m going outside to do some puzzles in the sunshine.

Today

Things have been hectic here it all started last Friday when Martin just walked into my bedroom!  I was speechless he had said that he was coming on the Friday night boat but decided to surprise me and come a day earlier.  After I’d got over the shock I started getting ready for meeting up with Morrolesssocks for our friend Jams birthday. 

We set off on the 1:15pm ferry and met with Jam.  We weren’t sure if we would be able to keep quiet about our surprise of Jam having a massage as well as getting nails done.  We had problems trying to get into Kveldsro even though they have a disabled parking space no disabled entrance.  After a bit of toing and froing we decided on Osla’s.  I hadn’t been there before but really want to go back again.  Didn’t have starters as planned on having pudding but we were all too full for that!  Quick stop off at M & Co before setting out for the pampering bit.  I hadn’t had my nails done before so wondered what it would be like.  I actually quite like it although as I said to MLS and Jam it’s not something I’d want to do every week.  Jam hadn’t twigged at all when we said about her getting a massage as well but neither MLS or I remembered to take camera’s out to take picture of her face when we told her.  After nails were done, Jam went for a massage we had a complimentary drink and a bit of a laugh.  I had a faint but was ok all part of a day out with me!  Heading back it was really strange to think that Martin was there at the house.

Saturday was Martins birthday so we waited up until Midnight and said Happy Birthday and gave him his pressies.  We decided to meet up with my Brother and go for a couple of pints and watch the football scores coming through.  Aberdeen got beat 2-0 by Celtic but at least we’re in the Top 6 so I’m quite happy be even happier if we make Europe but we shall see.  After this we all headed back to Bressay and got some nibbles, sandwiches & cakes together and had a nice night laughing at Family Guy (we love it although I realise that it doesn’t appeal to everyone)

Sunday was a nice lazy one.  We went down to the shop got a couple of things and went to have a look at the seals at the marina.  It was lovely and relaxing.  I’d also phoned the Camera Club to say that I wouldn’t be going this week as I was spending time with Martin while he was up.

Monday and Martin and I had a nice night alone as everyone was out.  We just chilled with the cat and relaxed.  We also shared the chocs that Martin got for his birthday.

Tuesday there was a funeral on the island so the family and I attended that while Martin went to Lerwick to do a few bits and peices.

Today it was getting Martin ready for going & Bro turning 30.  Making sure everthing that Martin took with him up was there for taking back down plus pressies (all edible ones had by this time gone).  I had a bit of a deck inspection earlier so decided to stay at home which Martin was glad about.  At this moment in time Martin is on the big blue and white boatie down to Aberdeen and we’re waiting for Bro to arrive over here once he’s finished drinking with his friends.

Next adventure shall be Bros Birthday Party on Saturday night and although I’ll be very happy to attend it, I’ll also be very happy when it’s over.  So much to organise and most of it can’t be done until the acutal day, although we got a drinks fountain delivered for the punch which I assembled almost as soon as it had got here, just to make sure it was in working order and to clean it you understand.

I’m just going to relax as much as poss before Sat and be as laid back as Woody, who will be missing Martin as much as I do.

Hmmm yes paranoia has slipped into my mind.  Why I hear you ask?  Well I’m waiting for supporting letters to come from ex employers for my DLA Tribunal.  The first one from ex employer 2 was sent about 3 weeks ago so I called at beginning of last week to enquire whether it had been sent and they agreed to re send it.  Ex employer 1 also sent theirs at beginning of last week and still no sign.  All my other mail has arrived and I’m starting to think that the DWP are nobbling my mail…….

*If you’re of an easily embarrassed nature please look away now*

It’s been trials and tribulations in the bra department here.  I’ve been using a lovely company called Bravissimo to order a good bra for me, they believe in throwing the measuring tape out and going on how it looks and fits.  I’m now on order no.4 :shock:  Trying to get the right size has become a bit of a battle.  The first one from Bravissimo was lovely but didn’t fit so tried same style in different size still didn’t fit.  The lovely woman at Bravissimo said that the company that makes them are notorious for having very small back sizes for the actual size.  They suggested another one which was sent but didn’t fit so are sending another one which should fit better.  All I can say is hurrah for Bravissimo!  I asked whether they needed anymore money for postage and packing and they said no it was more important for them to find the right size for their customers.  The women that I’ve spoken to are all very knowledgeable about where wires should be and how many hands you should be able to get under the back bit and are very patient with you.  I’ll update you on order no.4.

*those who are easily embarrassed can look now*

I have just about everything for Gladys Emannuel.  The apron arrived on Tuesday and the Nurses Dress arrived today.  I’m a woman of a larger size so wondered if they were trying to tell me something when I saw that the dress was made by a company called “Harpoon”.  I have a plan navy dress which I plan to add white cotton round the cuffs and the collars to make it more 1970’s nurse instead of generic nurse.

Brother has finally decided what he is wearing to his birthday bash but will remain a secret until a week on Saturday….

Tomorrow is Jams birthday and I’m getting very excited about it.  We’re going for a meal and then some pampering.  Saturday heralds the arrival of birthday boy Martin so will have a small family get together.  It’s going to be a weekend of excitement.

Woody has been loving the nice weather and wandering outside more as we’ve started to leave the kitchen window open.  He also likes hiding in the daffodils and is still learning to make friends with the other feline neighbours round about.

Yesterday Mater and Pater arrived back from Dundee so peace was shattered but was good to see them back again and Woody was also happy to see them again.

The Easter weekend have been nice quiet and doing lots of nothing.  Thursday night neighbour came in to check I was doing ok.  I actually remembered to wear my homelink pendant most of the time Mam and Dad were away. 

Friday was Bill Bailey Day and one of my friends came to visit in the afternoon and took over Hot Chocolate, Hot Cross buns and muffins so we ate, drank and yapped until she went back over although it was a close one we did think about yapping some more but decided to leave it to another day. 

Saturday was football day and promised Brother that I would update him with all the scores which I did, didn’t hear back from him as his phone isn’t working to well but I’m sure the news that Aberdeen won made him as happy as I was (means that we are in top 6 now).  Saturday night I watched the Easter episode of Dr Who.  I really like Michelle Ryan as the Drs Assistant although another kiss with an assistant - The Dr doesn’t do that bad RTD lol.  I also gave into the temptation that was Britains Got Talent and boy was that an eye opener in more than one way!

Sunday Parents and Brother were back on the boat up so decided to be good daughter and make denner for them coming back.  Lentil, bacon and onion soup for starters followed by stew for mains.  Neighbour was also kind enough to stay for a bit longer while I had a shower.

Monday and I’m getting all excited as Martin is up on Friday nights boat so will be here on Saturday morning.  Even better is that it’s his birthday on Saturday so we’ll be able to celebrate together.

This Friday Morrelesssocks and I will be heading out to celebrate our friend Jams Birthday meal then getting some pampering niceness for us.

I’ve decided for my Brothers 30th Birthday do that I’ll be going as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel from Open All Hours.  His birthday is actually a week tomorrow so Martin will be able to celebrate on the actual day with him although will not be here for the do.

but very happy!  Parents went away today on the boat so I’m on ownsome.  I’ve got a homelink button that I wear on my wrist and someone coming to check that I’m ok so I’m fairly covered that way.  Mam is very worried something is going to happen and I’ll end up in A&E up here so I’m taking things very easy and just doing little bits.  (I have to admit I’m finding this even more harder than usual)

Saturday was Strictly Clan Dancing and it wasn’t good…..It was brilliant!!  I wasn’t sure what to expect as we sat in the Bowlers Hall, but the camera work was fantastic so we didn’t miss anything.  They had a panel of four judges who were great and some had even been writing down a few “scathing/sarky” lines to say out although some of the jokes did leave something to be desired.  There were 8 couples and 4 rounds.  The 2 couples with the lowest score left each round until the final.  Voting was 50% judges and 50% audience.  We voted by putting £1 coins in the buckets of the couple we thought were best.  £14,000 was raised on the night by doing this.  It was really good to watch the couples dancing you could see that they had been training hard but the nerves got to a few of them, even the experienced ones!  The dresses were lovely and we even got to see the Leader of the Lib Dems in a lovely gold tightish shirt that his partner tried to get him to unbutton slightly (shy boy that he is).

After that Camera Club came calling on Sunday.  We’ve been printing off for two weeks now and have managed to get 4 months done so far.  We’re hoping to get 200 done and ready for about Sept/Oct time and if it demands it we could maybe print off a few more.  The last time it was done it was the first time that the club had done it so it took more time to do.  I wasn’t there the last time but I think being this organised is quite good as it means that we can take our time with things.

This weekend I think I will be trying to take nice photos of the daffodils that we have, and we have lots of them!  They eventually came out even though it’s been really windy here.  My friend might be coming over to see me for coffee tomorrow but we shall see what happens.  Even better news is that Martin will (fingers crossed as he’s still not booked it yet) coming up next weekend for 4/5 days!!! OOh happy, happy Mirlnlass when that happens.

Woody is still recovering from his escapades of a week or so ago.  He seemed to have a thing about being in his toilet the whole time last week and was very quiet and seemed low.  I was worried that he may be constipated but after cleaning tray out that is not the case I think he’s just recovering from what happened.  He’s very happy to sit in windows but not as happy to venture further to outside world although I think his nose may be telling him different things.  I’m hoping that he regains his confidence soon but won’t push him out until he feels ready.

After the exertions of last week I needed to have a bit of a rest and relax.  Unfortunately this has meant not updating the blog (bad Mirlnlass!).

I managed to do most of the week but didn’t manage the Jumble Sale and Coffee Morning at the Bressay Heritage Centre I was just too knackered by that time and had to admit defeat at that point.

Woody went missing last Monday night around 9pm but eventually turned up on Wednesday at 12:40am.  Very wet, soggy and scared.  I was really glad to see him as it wasn’t like him not to come back at all.  He had decided on the Monday night to escape when no one was looking.  Mam had gone to quickly chuck stuff out the back door and that’s when he made his move.  We hadn’t realised that he’d gone as it’s quite common for him to sleep for hours under the bed at night.  It was only when he didn’t appear as Mam and Dad went to bed that I started to wonder but by that time he’d thought that he wasn’t going to get back in.  To say I’m very glad he’s back is an understatement but also made me very glad that he is microchipped even though we live on an island.  It’s now back to persuading him to go out again as he’s very timid after the escape (get a funny feeling he won’t be doing that again for a while).

Tomorrow is Strictly Clan Dancing so I’m really looking forward to it, although I have already chosen my favourite but may be swayed if there is some brilliant dancing by others. 

We’re still trying to arrange where to stay for my Sisters wedding feels like it’s been non-stop for ages now.  Martin has eventually decided that he’s now coming up for his Birthday on the 18th but knowing him this could well change.  For my Brothers Birthday bash I think I might go as Lois Griffin from Family Guy as it’s fairly easy to do.

Updates on meetings that were attended last week.  The Transport department went away feeling the full wrath of the Bressay Public over the ferry fares and are having a “rethink” about things.  It has been proposed to give out a monthly ticket for foot passengers that will be £30 for Unlimited Travel.  They are yet to decide what they are going to do about cars.  The first idea was to have reduced fares/unlimited ticket for off peak hours only and you could only travel 5 times a week.  After being shouted at (literally) they’re thinking maybe something different.  The tunnel has been “put on hold” until the Capital Expenditure Programme can allow for this as Central Gov money on transport has been used up on the Forth Crossings and other Central belt stuff.  We heard the  words 2017 but have no idea what that really means.

Good news on the Bressay Bus front this could be up and running by June so those of us who have no transport would be able to get to Lerwick easier and also for a night out.  We might be getting wind turbines on Bressay which I think is a great idea.  They would be the size of the ones at Burghdale and not the size of the ones proposed by Viking Energy.

Phew I’d better stop there before I bore you all to sleep/tears!