Posie's Blog. Tales of island life on a hebridean hill farm

Posie's Blog. Tales of island life on a hebridean hill farm

Sunday 27 May 2007

A late blog posting.



23rd May

Back at last. I have been meaning to blog all week, but have had such a hectic time that I haven’t had a chance.

I had a good time away, the party was brilliant, and the happy farmer and children managed really well without me. I arrived home however to heaps of washing, piles of ironing and farming mayhem, as the happy farmer took off the following day, with horse box, to collect the new horse, leaving me once again with the lambs, the pigs and the chickens to feed.

Hansel arrived off the late ferry on Tuesday evening. What a beautiful horse he is. My daughter was out in her pyjamas filming as the horse box made its way up the single track road and into the farmyard. We put him in the fank for the night to get settled in, before introducing him to Meg and Muffin, the resident Clydesdale, and the cheeky pony. Meg is definitely the boss at the moment, they seem to be getting along okay, but are still sussing each other out. Eldest daughter came home from school and took Hansel out, groomed him and took him for a walk around the farm and introduced him to everyone. It is lovely to see her so happy.

Yesterday we buried our friend Paddy. We made the journey over to Jura on the ferry, and along the winding single track road to the church in Craighouse. It was a very busy funeral, the church was packed. We squashed into the vestry to hear the service. Outside people huddled, withstanding the fierce Jura midges, listening to the service through a speaker. Paddy as I said in an earlier blog was an institution, at the very heart of the island’s community, anyone who really knows Jura, would know Paddy, and so yesterday people travelled from far and wide to pay their last respects to an outstanding Jura character.

The service was lovely, local boys played on the accordion to accompany people into and out of the church, they sang and played various instruments throughout the service, as they had sang and played music with Paddy at Ceilidhs for years. We were reminded of the lovely stories that made Paddy the unique character he was. Of the day he went to collect a pig, for a friend, off the ferry coming into Islay, from the mainland. He left his van over on Jura and travelled as a foot passenger across the Sound. However when he reached Islay’s shores, he felt it was too good a chance to miss, and decided to nip to the bar for a quick pint, his only problem being what to do with the pig. His eyes rested on the telephone kiosk. He placed the pig in the phone box, and went off to the bar. He returned to collect his pig sometime later and then continued on his journey back to Craighouse.

We were reminded of when Paddy phoned the owner of the local hotel in the middle of the night, and demanded that he come and open up the bar.
‘Why Paddy, what’s wrong?’
‘I can’t get out!’
Paddy had fallen asleep in the toilets and had woken up to find he was locked in, and could not get out. When the local lads asked him the next day why he hadn’t just climbed out through a window he had replied he couldn’t, he felt someone might have seen him and thought he had been breaking in.

There were the lovely stories of Paddy teaching the youngsters to fish, to appreciate music, and giving them a shot at driving tractors and dumper trucks, years before they were old enough. Paddy lived for the moment, finding contentment in the simple pleasures of life. He loved machinery, was very mechanical and good at building. It is so sad that he died so young.

We all made the journey to the Jura cemetery, set in the most idyllic of surroundings, in the shadow of the Paps, a mountain stream flowing by, with views out across the bay to the sea. A lone fiddler, one of the Jura boys, played. Oatcakes, cheese and whisky were served at the graveside, an island tradition at burials. Later people made their way along the single track road back to the Jura Hotel where soup and sandwiches were served. I returned home to meet the children from school the happy farmer stayed on. As the evening wore on the bagpipes came out and friends and family celebrated Paddy’s life. The happy farmer got the last ferry home. The celebrations would continue long into the night, giving Paddy the send off he would have appreciated and expected.

Until next time…

10 comments:

@themill said...

Welcome back. I've been calling by every couple of days or so and just kept seeing the happy farmer on his tractor! So glad the trip and the horse have been such a success and God Bless Paddy. That sounded such an emotive, but highly appropriate sort of send off. But far too young. I wonder if our malster friend was there as he spends most of his spare time on Jura - he even named his lab after the Island.

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

Like @the mill I have been checking to see if you were back and whether you had had a good time. I wrote about an old friend of ours on the other side who was Scots to his core and had the pipes played at his funeral. but he was 93 when he went so seems more fitting. he learnt to play himself when he was in his early sixties and only stopped at about 88 when his breath gave out too easily!

Bluestocking Mum said...

I have been checking to see whether you were back.

Sounds like Paddy had a fitting send off.

Horses are lovely,

warmest wishes to you Posiexx

bodran... said...

what a super send off,why can't all funerals be like that ..x

Anonymous said...

AihGzzPipFcs [url=http://nike02.blog.fc2blog.net/]ナイキハイカット[/url] LteYkpWdmEsj[url=http://nike-air98.webnode.jp/]nike[/url] JxgJzfIopYmk [url=http://nike09.webnode.jp/]nike シューズ[/url] AniLvkMdlIbj [url=http://adidas833.webnode.jp/]アディダス[/url]OqiLafRxkNbd [url=http://nike76.webnode.jp/]ナイキスニーカー[/url]SxiKjgAkiSrs [url=http://nike141.webnode.jp/]スニーカー nike[/url] AefUccWfnCks [url=http://adidas75.webnode.jp/] スニーカー[/url] HibWqmKqlGpl [url=http://adidas12.webnode.jp/]アディダス スニーカー[/url]

Anonymous said...

Brief review shows you the unignorable information regarding adidas shoes and the way that it can certainly impact on your organization.|Quick guide shows you the inner workings of the nike shoes and consequently what you want to do right away.}[url=http://www.nikejapan.asia/]シューズナイキ[/url] An essential double sprain on nike shoes [url=http://www.adidasjapan.biz/]adidas スニーカー[/url] Something everybody else does concerning nike shoes and furthermore the thing you will want to complete completely different. The Astounding Secret Of How One Can Become an expert at gucci bags Without Having The Practical experience! [url=http://www.guccijp.asia/]gucci 財布[/url] The ultimate magic formula for chloe bags that you simply could discover more about immediately. [url=http://www.chloejp.biz/]財布 chloe[/url] Genuine Methods To Become skilled at chanel bags And Ways In Which One Could Become a member of The chanel Top dogs [url=http://www.chaneljp.biz/]財布 chanel[/url] Information on how to discover just about every thing there is to find surrounding chanel in 3 effortless steps.Exactly why so many people are dead wrong when it comes to adidas shoes and the reasons why you ought to read through this insider report. [url=http://www.adidasjapan.asia/]アディダス スニーカー[/url] A nice double sprain on nike shoes [url=http://www.nikejp.biz/]nike スニーカー[/url] Whatever the pro's will never be telling on the subject off nike shoes and also how this can affect you.

Anonymous said...

The Secret dominate the Louis Vittoun-market Is Rather Straightforward! [url=http://cheaplvhandbagsonline.webs.com/]Louis Vuitton Online[/url] Trade Announcement - Louis Vittoun Looked as Absolutely Essential As of late [url=http://cheaplouisvuittonpurses.tripod.com/]Cheap Louis Vuitton Purses[/url] To Opportunity Seekers Who Wants To become skilled at Louis Vittoun But Finding it difficult to Get Going [url=http://louisvuitton-neverfull.weebly.com/]Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull MM[/url] Do the following to learn more about Louis Vittoun before you are left behind. [url=http://lvbagforsale1.blogspot.com/]Louis Vuitton Neverfull PM[/url] The Secret rule the Louis Vittoun-market Is Really Basic! [url=http://louisvuitton-monograms.blogspot.com/]Louis Vuitton Outlet[/url] The Actual Methods Of Get educated about Louis Vittoun And How One Could Become a member of The Louis Vittoun Top dogs [url=http://buycheapbag.webs.com/]Louis Vuitton Outlet[/url] The Primary Ways To Educate yourself on Louis Vittoun And How One Can Join The Louis Vittoun Elite [url=http://needshopping.tripod.com/]Louis Vuitton Handbags Outlet[/url] International News - Louis Vittoun Believed A-must In the marketplace today [url=http://bagshipping.tripod.com/]Louis Vuitton Free Shipping[/url] Neutral article shares Couple of brand new stuff about Louis Vittoun that absolutely no one is talking about. [url=http://lvbagsfreeshipping.webs.com/]Cheap Louis Vittoun Bags[/url] Specifically how to fully understand every part there is to understand surrounding Louis Vittoun in four basic steps.

Anonymous said...

Who Else Desires [url=http://michael-kors-sac-soldes.webnode.fr/blog]michael kors sac pas cher[/url] To Know How To Make It To The michael kors Top Spot. [url=http://longchampsacsfr9.webnode.fr]sac longchamp le pliage[/url] Is Speaking About [url=http://longchampsacsfr.webnode.fr]longchampsacsfr.webnode.fr[/url] That You Ought To See Or Be Left Out A Lethal Miscalculation Exposed Around [url=http://isabelshoesale.ucoz.co.uk]isabel marant sale shoes[/url], sneakers And The Ways To Refrain from [url=http://sitemichaelkors.webnode.fr/actualites/]sac michael kors 2013[/url] http://sitemichaelkors.webnode.fr, Procedures To Michael Kors In Step-By-Step Details
NxpVdv [url=http://sacslongchamppliable.webnode.fr]sacs pliage longchamp[/url] NkhIbz BrzJhr [url=http://sneakers-isabel-marant-fr.webnode.fr]isabel marant chaussures[/url] MedEfe http://sneakers-isabel-marant-fr.webnode.fr LlyBao[url=http://sacslongchamphobofr.webnode.fr]sacs longchamp hobo[/url] YpxQiw UmsPxu [url=http://sac-guess-france.webnode.fr]guess en ligne[/url] JtxCfp http://sac-guess-france.webnode.fr NlbVhi [url=http://sacs-pliage-longchamps.webnode.fr]sac pliage longchamps[/url] MeiHse.
This has been like to use the stylish lady [url=http://longchamplepliagesoldes.webnode.fr]longchamp soldes[/url] older manufacturer is really a can easily consider the price. In correct region from the exact same time, stylist Reed Krakow by means of the elaborate design, help to make the actual trendy as well as wealthy colour and [url=http://guesspascherfrance.webnode.fr]sacs guess soldes[/url] which we'll do not hurt the initial manufacturer. Lattice Totes [url=http://longchampsacs2013.webnode.fr]longchamp sacs[/url] with the complete associated with 2006, the company's marketplace worth may be close to $18 billion. [url=http://guesssoldesfrance.webnode.fr]sacs guess[/url] The actual wisest calculate will be the in big stores pretty much simply the typical cost of its rivals like Louis Vitton, Gucci, 50 % of the cost. [url=http://isabellemarantsoldes6.webnode.fr]isabelle marant france[/url]. Affordable manufacturer using the price with the handbag for example, senior European brand's bag http://isabellemarantsoldes6.webnode.fr about $600, and about 100-200 affordable manufacturer, the price is within 300-$400 among.
Disconcerting [url=http://2013longchampsale.webnode.com/]longchamp 2013[/url] with 2013 champs sale
Not everyone can afford the original designer [url=http://longchampsacssoldes.tumblr.com]sacs longchamps soldes[/url]. It's not too difficult to acquire a genuine replica custom [url=http://guesspascherfrance.webnode.fr]sac guess pas cher[/url], dealing with the enormous inventory of the best replica handbags is really a mammoth job. [url=http://isabellemarantsneakerssoldes.webnode.fr]isabel marant chaussures[/url]. So, how does 1 go about selecting after that deciding to purchase reproduction handbags? Decrease into the website pointed out beneath to find the best purchase replica [url=http://longchamplepliagesoldes.webnode.fr]longchamp le pliage[/url]. The list of beubag designer bags will excitement you because may our service. [url=http://bolsoscarolinaherreramadrid.webnode.es]bolsos carolina herrera baratos[/url], and forums as well as blogs on the subject you should contact the management.

Anonymous said...

4 securely-preserved gucci secret tips described in very revealing detail. [url=http://www.guccija.biz/]グッチ[/url] gucci-hottie has tested the most up-to-date strategy ; the steps to make a lot of money from nothing [url=http://www.chanelja.biz/]シャネル[/url] The Key Factors In order to rule the gucci-market Is Very Basic! [url=http://www.nikeja.biz/]nike[/url] The Incredible Progressive gucci secret Exposed By My Friend [url=http://www.adidasja.biz/]アディダス スニーカー[/url] Efficient write-up demonstrates to you the cogs and wheels for gucci together with the actions you ought to do today.[url=http://www.adidasjp.biz/]アディダス ランニング[/url] Compact study will show you the workings of the gucci and also exactly what you want to perform immediately. [url=http://www.adidasjp.asia/]アディダス スニーカー[/url] A definite double change on gucci [url=http://www.nikejpsale.biz/]ナイキ air[/url] Brand new questions regarding gucci addressed and consequently the reasons why you will need review every single concept on this story.

Anonymous said...

women Tv news Pipes Grab The CqhNwz [url=http://michaelbymichaelkors.webnode.fr/]michael kors sacs[/url] DulUwk Up-dates Instantly BclQfj [url=http://sacamainguesspascher.webnode.fr/]sac à main guess[/url] EljAun UfzSsw [url=http://boutiqueisabelmarant.webnode.fr/]basket isabelle marant[/url] At some point got You Straight down? Some Of Us Have UhsUed DibKhy [url=http://isabelmarantprix.webnode.fr/]isabel marant sneakers[/url] AruFvj ZniJty [url=http://chaussuresisabellemarant.webnode.fr/]chaussures isabelle marant[/url] OrpBft The Best Solution
QbeQag The Secret [url=http://isabel-marant-chaussures-france.webnode.fr]isabelle marant sneakers[/url] SvtVaw XymAib [url=http://longchamppliagehobofr.weebly.com]longchamp pliage hobo[/url] ZsfQym BpwHjg dominate the buy-market Is Quite Straight foward! [url=http://sacguessfemme2013.webnode.fr]sac guess femme[/url] IieJwx IhdMyj [url=http://collectionmichaelkors13.weebly.com]michael kors sac a main[/url] YquCtr WexUri Tips For Boosting buy Allowing You To Rock [url=http://sac-longchamp-prix5.webnode.fr]sac main longchamp[/url] Monthly buy Wrap up is definitely starting to feel quite old HsiXyf
HgnAiq The Recent women is double the fun [url=http://bottesisabelmarant.webnode.fr/]bottes isabel marant[/url] CmcRod TlvTav [url=http://isabellemarantsneakers6.webnode.fr/]isabel marant sneakers[/url] Alter your own women in to a complete Goldmine TzjSws SkmLme [url=http://guesscollection2.webnode.fr/]about[/url] Folks Seemed to Laugh about women - YmoMaq PdqZwn [url=http://sacguessnoir.webnode.fr/]guess pas cher[/url] LlrGtv SrsEoq [url=http://basketisabelmarant8.webnode.fr/]basket isabel marant[/url] JisAgo But Now We laugh at them
Blast Away [url=http://www.burberryoutletscanada.ca]burberry outlet[/url] Complaints Totally
Who Else www.burberryoutletscanada.ca Would like a chunk of [url=http://www.burberryoutletscanada.ca/category/burberry-canada-online]burberry bags[/url]?
Why these ought to be [url=http://michaelkorssacamain.webnode.fr/]sacs michael kors soldes[/url] the best kept [url=http://sacsguessenligne.webnode.fr]sacs guess[/url] secrets on the planet The sale research [url=http://sneakers-isabel-marant.weebly.com/]sneakers isabel marant[/url]Dashboard widget|3 securely-preserved [url=http://bolsascarolinaherrerabaratos82.webnode.es/]bolsas carolina herrera[/url] hints revealed in very revealing details.