The Blog from Bressay

It ’s been ages since I’ve been blogging so trying to think of everything that I’ve been up to.

MLS has updated you with the Water situation.  We’re still collecting signatures and found out on Wednesday that the Community Council will be putting in an objection.  The big Chief Exec is coming to meet MLS and I to discuss “our concerns” but has decided that he feels a public forum would not be any use.  How he came to that decision I don’t know.

Gran is now looking a lot better but unfortunately she now has an infection so she’s on more tablets.  We’ve still be seeing her on Tuesdays and trying to win the puzzles (the boys team are doing quite well the lasses will have to get their brains in gear).

Mam and Dad will be getting a new car next month with the Motability scheme so there has been lots of getting car sorted for that.  It’s a Toyata Corolla and they will be getting an Auris (I think that’s the right one).  She’s due in for MOT on Monday so fingers crossed that it won’t cost too much.  Mam prefers Toyota’s as she has Arthritis and find that they have higher seats which makes it easier for her to get in and out of.

Martin will be visiting next week!  Woohoo!!! I’m much looking forward to that. Not sure what day he is coming up will either be Monday or Tuesday he’s being a bit vague.

Last week we went to Yell to meet some friends and then went for a picnic.  It was a fairly nice day.  When we left Lerwick it was raining but stayed dry whilst we were in Yell.  We had an extra surprise - Killer Whales!  We were in the Wind Dog Cafe and were told that the whales were out so we all rushed out.  Unfortunately they were too far away and my camera doesn’t have a good zoom so no pics.  At 31 this is the first time I’ve seen Killer Whales it was great, I’ve now made up my mind I should visit Yell more often in order that I might get another glimpse of them.

We’re all booked and ready for going to my Sister’s wedding in August.  Because they have had to change all their plans I’m no longer officially playing but have been told to take the fiddle with me and my Uncle will take his guitar.  So if you’re in Belhaven in August watch out for the Musical Caravan!  No longer playing fiddle meant that I’ve had to come up with another present so we’ve decided that I’m going to do an Angel Card reading not your traditional wedding present but a very appreciated one.

This week was my Dad’s birthday so we celebrated that on Tuesday.  I made a Strawberry Cheesecake for him as I’d made one on Saturday and he was hopeful that I’d have leftovers from the picnic but it all went so I made another for him.  For Birthday Cake Mam got him one from the supermarket that was in the shape of a Champagne bottle that was a nice chocolate sponge and chocolate filling.

Tomorrow will be busy Auction at 2pm and I’m on the lookout for a desk for the bedroom so I can tidy up my computer, printer tower etc. Problem is that it needs to be fairly small but large enough to take Woody’s litter tray underneath.  Yeah I know probably not hygienic to have his litter tray in the bedroom but it’s a Ferplast covered one and we put it in here to make sure that he was close to litter tray when he moved up here as he spent most of the time under the bed.

Tomorrow night is the Midsummer Carnival.  Midsummer…. Carnival….. wasn’t Midsummer last week I hear you ask?  Yes it was but due to various things they are having it this week.  I know quite a few folk that will be in it so I’m heading across to cheer them on and if I’m feeling up to it will be going to a couple of pubs (if there is room to get in them) afterwards to celebrate friends birthday.

Just when you think that Spring has arrived and your planning everything in the garden, up comes the weather forecast to inform you that it Storm Force 10 tonight and 7-9 tomorrow.  When it’s windy there is nothing better than being tucked up in bed listening to it howl outside after being battered by Woody running and jumping all over you as he’s taken a maddy because of the wind.  It makes me appreciate being at home more.  I love all sorts of weather (maybe not too sunny and hot though) and missed it when I was South as I didn’t feel that there was the range that there is at home.

Not spoken to Gran this week.  Technical problems down in Edinburgh.  The PC wasn’t working so they just had the laptop and too many people to get around.  We heard that she was up and about so happy about that.  It’s fingers crossed here that all will be ok for next week.

Martin is thinking to come up in June so I’m looking forward to that.  Not sure when but if he comes up at end of June he’ll be here for Dad’s birthday and if he comes up at begining of June he’ll be here for MLS’s birthday.  Mind you we were discussing get out nails done again.  Not sure if he’s be up for getting his done as well.

I’m resting good style this week not helped by slight tummy bug the house came down with at beginning of week.  Very glad we had two toilets that’s all I’m saying!  MLS came to collect Teacosy and it was a quick switch as she’s got the cold.  I didn’t want to give her my germs and she didn’t want to give me her germs.  It was quite funny to see us as she said it’s the least we’ve ever spoken to each other.

Speaking of bugs, germs etc.  We got the Swine HypeFlu leaflet  through today.  Looking at the symptoms I think that I have had Swine Flu for quite a bit of my life lol.  I do worry about the male half of the population though.  How many of them carry tissues about?  Thinking about it, it’s usually the women that do in their handbags and the man usually nicks them when the need arises or they resort to sleeves lol.

We had a shock on Bressay last week the Headmaster of the Primary School died.  There is a Memorial Service on Friday and the bairns have been getting the church ready with photos and other things.  I can imagine that it will look beautiful when finished.

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.