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.

This week has been taken up with getting the campaign going against Scottish Water.  We’ve now got flyers, posters leaflets AND the petition up and going in the shop.  We’ve also said that if folk know someone that can’t get to the shop but want to sign we’ll come to them.

On the flyer we have details of who to contact to raise your concerns and also put in a letter that they can cut off and send.

Saw Gran on Tuesday wasn’t looking too good.  She fell out of her bed at end of last week so she has two black eyes and bruises and cut on forehead.  Was good to see her up and about for a bit even if she was drugged up to the eyeballs.  They explained that they don’t have the bed rail up at night as she goes to the toilet during the night so even if the did have that up knowing Gran she’d get over it.

Due to Wedding now being over two days and they are not having a parady/aisle thing I’m not officially playing at wedding, although my sister said to take fiddle down and Uncle is taking his guitar with him so might have a tune or two (this means we need a bigger repertoire eek!). so I’m sure it will be more practice, practice, practice lol.

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.

I’ve been ill, yes again my immune system ain’t what it should be lol. 

It’s kind of been all go here in one way or another.  Friday had CAB appointment, or rather I had CAB appointment up until 12pm when CAB called to postpone.  I was very grateful for that as I was in no way able to function that day.  Another ‘phone call came in the form of my Uncle who had called to tell us that he had had to get 9 stiches in his hand as they’d been moving the boat and there was an accident.  He’s a very, very lucky person to only have to have 9 stitches and nothing more.  3rd ‘phone call Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.  They’d sent the wrong forms I’m only going to be monitored for 48 hours now woohoo less cabin fever.

We had folk come over on Saturday afternoon.  Was supposed to go up to the croft with them but I was just not well enough to go and did not want to be out of sight of a toilet.  They came back here and had a few drinks, a natter and tea.  Saturday night - the big one!  Eurovision!!! OK I know I’m a weird individual but it’s always been a family thing in our house and we do love it.  I was so pleased that Norway won, I couldn’t believe the points margin.  It made up for Aberdeen losing against Rangers (OK it didn’t but I’m trying to persuade myself it did).  I’m hoping that I may be able to get tickets for next years Eurovision and actually be there.  That would be brilliant but don’t make me choose between Aberdeen being in the final of something or going to Eurovision.  I may explode with indecision (I’ve pretty much been exploding most of the week)

Sunday thought I would try the AGM of the Camera Club as it’s only a 2 min wheel down the road and toilet on hand.  I am now Secretary of said Club.  I asked if anyone else wanted to do it and got the response well you’re taking the minutes due absence of other secretary.  Dammit remind me not to fill in for Secretary at any other AGMs lol.  It was all going well until I left when I got out of chair to get a lift back home as it was pouring down and unceramoniously ended up on the deck having fainted.   Needless to say I was a tad wet when I came round.  I got home and went to bed.

Monday was spent in bed downing varying pills and wondering what the side effects of taking so many varied would be. 

Yesterday off to Drs in Lerwick to discuss going to Aberdeen and see if he been informed correctly or not and to see if he had any clue to what I had.  They had given him the correct forms and I remembered to ask for the Travel for me.  I got a diagnosis of possible Gastroenteritis and virus or just virus.  Just keep taking what I was taking (co-codamol for fever & sore throat, Ibuprofen to try and get glands down and Immodium Instants for the other bits)  I got out of Drs in time to make 3:30pm ferry back to Bressay congratulated myself on a job well done and then it struck me and and audible “shit” was heard by my parents in the car who wondered what had happened.  I forgot to get my repeat prescriptions while I was in there.  Doh!! as Mr Simpson would say. 

We didn’t get to see Gran yesterday as her Arthitis wasn’t too good, she’d had a bad night so wanted a lie in.  There are now quite a few more using Moose in the Hoose’s services in her home.  There is now another link to Australia, one to Canada and I think the other one is to Peterhead so it’s all busy on the computers there.

Today I’ve felt a bit better so it was time for “the feeling a bit better bit”.  This involved putting clothes in washing machine, clean sheets on bed and shower for clean me.  It does make you feel a whole heap better psychologically I find when you do these things.  Might not help as much physically but I find I feel less yucky after doing that.  I’m now going indulge myself in drinking some more water.

It’s been lovely this week lots and lots of sunshine (although still had a bit of a wind with it some days).

At the weekend I got a letter from the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary informing me I’d be staying a business week with them (Mon - we think Fri).  I really want to get things sorted out but can’t until I see my Doc next week and see when I’m going to get discharged.  Mam and Dad will be going with me but won’t be staying as they are both Polling Booth Clerks for the European Elections.  Martin is coming back up with me whenever I get discharged. 

Didn’t see Gran on Tuesday again.  Dad did for a few mins.  She’d had a lie in and by the time they had finished with other webcamers it was time for Grans dinner.  Went out to enjoy sunshine on Tuesday at The Peerie Shop Cafe and had a lovely couple of cups of Peppermint and Liquorice Tea.  If your into your herbal tea I’d highly recommend it.  It was lovely sitting outside in the sun and chatting to folk.

Wednesday I had a day off as I’d been out Monday and Tuesday and have a busy couple of days coming up so I needed the rest and had a mainly bed day.  I was supposed to be going to Community Council but I knew if I did there would be trouble after.  The Clerk is next door neighbour so I’m going to see if I can get the minutes from him to peruse.

Today I’ve been practising tune for Sisters wedding coming along nicely and thinking of seeing if she wants to me to play Ode to Joy as her and her man walk back down the beach together.  Also been doing a bit of chucking out and cleaning.  I had to rescue escapee sock from hoover but all ok in end.  I’ve been trying to clean our white, plastic furniture and have found out the reason it’s not cleaning up.  It’s been outside for far too many winters so the newer ones are coming up good but other not good I’m afraid will try and persuade Mam and Dad to put it all in the Shed this winter (PS if anyone wants any boxes we have loads looking for a good home).  Woody has not had the best of days between strimming, fiddling and hoovering.  He’s hoping for a far quieter night.

The Chinese is coming across tomorrow night again.  Trying to persuade Mam & Dad that it would be a nice idea and have a night off cooking.  Still working on it though.  I’m also off to the CAB in the afternoon to sort the stuff for my submission to Tribunal out, still not heard when the date will be.  If I had to put a bet on it will come up when I’m in Aberdeen!

Saturday we’ve got folk coming over and hopefully the phone that my brother ordered from eBay will have turned up.  Sunday it’s the Camera Club AGM.

I’m hoping to get more washing out very soon as I’ve managed to get one load on but I’ve been thwarted by folk getting to machine first and other folk strimming the grass.  Tomorrow I shall get to machine first and there will be no strimming.

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.