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.

The beginning of the week was mainly spent in my room printing more months for calendar.  Finished one month and almost finished another before handing it over to one of the other members.  Then only the front cover to be printed and the printing part is done.  After this we will collate it into the actual calendar and then do the punching and binding.  I probably won’t be doing the latter stuff as I was on the printing group.

Also been getting things ready for leaving on Sunday to go down to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for a two day stay in Ward 40 for Video EEG monitoring.  The Big Brother of hospital tests I’d say lol.  I’ve got new wardrobe for the occasion as I can’t put anything over my head so front fastening things ahoy!

Wednesday had the CAB meeting that was postponed from a a fortnight ago.  We’re getting everything ready but still no word on when the actual Tribunal will be.  The thought at CAB seems to be July now if it is then it was be shy of a month to the year that I actually put the application form in.  I’m hoping that becuase I’ve had to wait this long that there will be good news at the end of it.  Because Dad was preaching at Edward Thomason House on Wednesday evening they left me at CAB and headed back to Bressay.  On Parental instruction I was then “looked after” by my Uncle and my Brother, although sometimes it’s me looking after them.  We had a lengthy discussion about who should take over at Aberdeen and then heard the breaking news on Sky Sports that Celtic were looking to speak to Owen Coyle which completely bemused us!

Before my Parents dropped me off we all went to the library.  Dad is still reading his book so had a perusal of other ones.  Mam went to look for a book on beetles to try and identify the one that we had in our house.  I got three books: Sputnik Caledonia by Andrew Crumey, Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger & the Unadultared Cat by Terry Pratchett.  I’m a huge Pratchett fan and had said I wasn’t going to get a Pratchett book this time but saw the cat one and had to get it.

Yesterday was getting clothes washed and dried so I had underwear, trousers etc for going to Aberdeen.  Last night MLS and myself went to the Scottish Water “Consultation” in the Bressay Hall.  Scottish Water are proposing to pump water from the mainland of Shetland over to Bressay and do away with the supply on the island.  Not really impressed with the “consultation” yesterday but as per usual in order to get real answers we had to press them to get them.  I still don’t see the need to pump water from the mainland to Bressay.  Because of where we are the pipe is certain to break as we found out when they laid the electic pipe to Bressay at the North Mouth of Bressay Sound, where they are proposing to lay the water pipe.  They do have a contingency but have not really answered about how long it will take to repair.  Water Quality does remain one of the big issues but the other is that it’s an amenity that is being taken away from the island.  Although I do understand the cost issue I still think we’re not getting the full financial picture as regards the financing of both schemes.  We were given a carefully worded leaflet yesterday and have gone through and a lot of questions have been raised by doing this.

We’re really opposed to this so we’re going to do something about it and get the community joined in.  A lot of people are against this but the majority don’t know where to start (and some are just lazy).  It only takes a couple of people to get the ball rolling and hopefully we’ll get to keep our lovely water.

BTW if you know anyone that is served on their island by a mainland water connection I’d love to hear their views on how it is going for them.

Thanks in advance.

Now being on a few forums lots of people want to build on the success of this year. 

This years winner could sing, plays a musical instrument and knows how to crack a joke.  I was pondering on the equation for this when it hit who SHOULD be representing the UK next year - Donnie from Dotaman!!

He’d be perfect!  So what do you think?  Ok when watching Dotaman as a child had no idea what he was saying but me and my brother were still entranced and managed to learn that cayher meant four (OK can’t spell, hopefully someone might be able to help me out there) from the parrot and clock bit.

I’m thinking if that doesn’t go down well how about a duet with Alf Poier from Austria who was in the Eurovision Contest in 2003?

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.

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!

This week will be a running about week.

Today I am having a nice rest after Camera Club last night, gathering strength for the coming week.

Tomorrow - I (along with Dad and Mam) will be speaking to Gran in the morning and will be heading down to do meet up wi folk and start printing off bits for the calendar in the afternoon.

Wednesday - Go to clients house in South Mainland during the afternoon and ZETrans meeting in the evening.

Thursday - Free during the day and Community Council in the evening

Friday - Go to CAB and sort out DLA stuff.

Saturday - Go to Coffee morning/jumble sale in aid of the Bressay Heritage Centre.

Sunday - Well after all that will probably have a Rawhide (See what I did?  Did you?  Did you?  Sighs. I’ll get me coat ) and will need to rest.

On Wednesday & Thursday night and also on Saturday will be being accompanied by Morrolesssocks.

I’m also in a large dilemma. My brother is having his 30th birthday soon and has organised a party (trying to figure out who needs to be invited and who he wants to be invited has been difficult, and has made me think of telling Martin we’re eloping to Wales to get married).  Anyway the theme is….. tv/film comedy characters and I’m stumped who to go as.  I’ve been banned from doing an Andy and Lou type thing lol.  I’ve also got to come up with something for Martin as well.  Not told him that it’s fancy dress not that he will mind.  So I’ll be sifting through quite a few sites to come up with something for that.  Will post the final decision in due course….

I have been a busy bunny this week.  I got my first client since arriving home, so I’ve been working away with that.

The car is looking a bit dodgy again after getting back on Monday.  We went over on Friday and were told that there was a burning smell coming from the front end of the car we went out to smell it and we just opened the door when it wafted up our nasal passages. 

Woody has been enjoying more of the outside world I’m pleased to say, this must mean he’s feeling more confident.  When he sees the feline neighbours in our garden he rushes to get out, I usually oblige after all it’s his territory now.  Let him out on Tuesday night and expected him to do his usual run round to the front and want in the front window of the kitchen but he actually stayed out for about an hour.  Today he’s been out for a bit (even though it has been drizzling) and sees to be fairly happy with himself.  I think he’s still getting used to the sea air though as he gets quite knackered when he comes in.

Today was outing all by myself.  I went to go and get tickets for the Strictly Clan Dancing, it’s Strictly Come Dancing for Shetland celebrities in aid of building a new Cancer Centre.  Off I go on the 12:45 get money from the back and get on bus, well try to.  There was a bit of a problem with the ramp on the bus I wanted to get on, thankfully there was another bus behind it so got on that one.  Got to the Clickimin Centre where they were selling the tickets only to be told that the venue had changed in the Centre.  It was in the Bowlers Bar which is nice and easy to get to if you have wheels but it had changed to the Loch Bar which had steps, I was very glad that I’d called earlier to let them know that I would be with wheels.  They were great with me helped me get to where I needed to go. 

The organisers of this had decided to issue everyone with a raffle ticket to denote the place in the queue at approx 13:30 I was 141st place (goodness only knows what time the person who got ticket no. 1 was I know the person who got ticket no. 4 was in at 10am)  and was warned that it might be that there would be tickets left to get into the main hall but there would be tickets for the Bowling Hall where they were showing it on large screens as there would be about 4 cameras in the main hall so we wouldn’t miss the action. 

We were told to come back about 2 and queue.  I was taken down to the end of one of the queues (they ended up with two queues one at the top and one at the bottom).  I sat queuing and also half organising. 

“What number are you?”

“116″ came the reply

“You’ll be ahead of me then”

After 20 mins a guy came out and said that all the main tickets had gone. Only 86 folk had got tickets as they were allowing a max of 4 tickets per person.  After that they seemed to abandon the tickets numbers (they may not have done but that was the impression that I got) and those that decided that they were in the Bowls Hall went to get tickets so I got two.  Very proud of oneself lol.

Headed out to find out what brother was doing as we were going to meet up.  Wheeled myself a bit of a distance to get the bus back (I decided to go to bus stop across from the shopping centre as I was thinking to get something to eat as I hadn’t had lunch and at that time still thought I was meeting with brother). He was to finish at 2:30 but it was so busy that he stayed on to help the other guy out.  Said that he might come across tonight so I’ll be looking forward to that if he does.  After that bus was coming towards me as I got to stop and was in good time for 3:30 ferry back.  I was feeling slightly smug with myself for having managed this until I went to put chair in back of Dads car, cluck and hit the deck (I’d fainted) so may have done a tad too much.

I’m now having a rest and seeing what the night brings Morrolesssocks might be coming to visit, as might bro and another friend so it’s all excitement although knowing me I’ll be asleep by 8:00.

Speaking of Morrolesssocks I’d just like to welcome her again to IB