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.

Well have made trip down to Aberdeen and back again.  Main thing is that I don’t have Epilespy (which was kind of already known).  Other thing is I’m back on the Psychogical/Psychiatric roundabout again.  I’ve already been through this but they want to go through again as they think that my fainting could have a mental cause but they have ruled out panic/anxiety attacks.

Left for Sumburgh on Sunday after for the 17:00 flight to Aberdeen.  Dad took their car and drove Mam and I down to Sumburgh whilst Uncle had his car with girlfriend and Joe in it.  This was so that our car could be driven to Northlink Long Stay car park as Mam and Dad were back up on the boat on Monday night. 

The flight was lovely only 40 minutes as it was such a nice day.  We got a taxi from there to Red Cross House.  It was really nice and relaxing in there.  Mam and Dad went on the search for food so we had fish suppers courtesy of the Ashvale.  They were lovely :D.  After that it was in bed as early start.

Woke up Monday morning had a nice breakfast at Red Cross House and was taken by taxi to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in plenty of time to be admitted at 9am.  I’d gone in by McColls on the way up and purchased a 1.5lt bottle of water.  We had some waiting about and eventually I was seen by EEG technician who then glued all the electrodes on to my head and shoulders and fitted me up to the box of tricks I had to carry around with me.  I was in my room by 11am.  In the afternoon I still hadn’t been seen by my consultant and while I was at the toilet I heard folk talking in my room.  I came out expecting to see the Dr but it was Martin!  That was briiliant.  Of course first words out of my mouth were “what are you doing here”  I was gobsmacked couldn’t believe he was there.

He stayed for a couple of hours and took Mam and Dad to the boat and then headed back down South to get to work.

Tuesday I had a faint but all my brain signs were normal so no Epilespy but they wanted me to see a Psychiatrist before I went.  Wednesday I was up and ready to go at 9am.  Had electrodes taken off by Acetone (Nail Varnish Remover to you and me lol) and then the long wait to be discharged began.  The Psych Dr turned up at about 10:30 and I was with him for an hour and a half and will be writing a letter for my Dr.  After that I was chasing up when I was getting discharged and eventually was at 12:30.  My escort from the Red Cross arrived at 1:30pm and we took the Red Cross Bus to the airport.  Got plane at 15:30 and was thankful I wasn’t on the flight to Majorca as there were 3 Hennies  and 1 stag party on board and while I usually enjoy these things I was just too tired for all the fun.  The best bit was getting back to my own bed nothing like it and I slept very soundly that night.

Mam and Dad were Polling Clerks on Thursday (I hope you all voted!) so I had a visit from my Uncle to check that I was ok and see if I needed any help in the cooking department.

The main thing I’ve been doing since I’ve got back is meeting up with MLS in order to get the campaign against Scottish Water going.  We’ve enlisted the help of a councillor who has been immesurably helpful so far and we’ve hardly even started.  We’re writing to the Bressay Community Council, the Shetland Islands Council.  Scottish Water and getting a petition up and running.  We’ve also written to Tavish Scott who has been great also.  Will keep you updated on all the events and happenings with this.

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.

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.

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.

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!