Yesterday I watched the children and their friends clambering over the remaining few bales of hay, sitting in a row in the front field, as the eldest took full advantage of the short grass, cantering across the skyline in the late evening sun.
Today I am faced with the farmhouse filled with hay from one end to the other, strewn across the carpets, it is even in the children’s’ beds, I think there is more hay in the house than in the hay shed! So the morning was spent having a good tidy up.
The farmer was away at a funeral in the local village; it would be a very busy funeral, as the island bids farewell to a much loved and respected character. As the librarian pointed out, island funerals can be dangerous places. They say a good island funeral is like a good island wedding; just the ties are a different colour. It is meant in the best possible way, and for special characters, although their passing is a sad occasion for the whole community, ones who have had a colourful, long and happy life, they certainly believe in celebrating that life and giving them a good send off.
The library van had trundled up the single track road and parked in the lay-by, as it does once a fortnight, so I could go and choose some new books, and have a ‘blether’, as the islanders call it. Where else would you get such a fantastic service?
Eldest daughter went on a pony trek along the shore with her friends so I spent the afternoon at the beach, clambering among the rocks as the rain clouds gathered. The farmer was happy again, having found a piece of salvage to take home to his shed, smiling away as he walked his yellow box back across the beach.
Until next time…
Today I am faced with the farmhouse filled with hay from one end to the other, strewn across the carpets, it is even in the children’s’ beds, I think there is more hay in the house than in the hay shed! So the morning was spent having a good tidy up.
The farmer was away at a funeral in the local village; it would be a very busy funeral, as the island bids farewell to a much loved and respected character. As the librarian pointed out, island funerals can be dangerous places. They say a good island funeral is like a good island wedding; just the ties are a different colour. It is meant in the best possible way, and for special characters, although their passing is a sad occasion for the whole community, ones who have had a colourful, long and happy life, they certainly believe in celebrating that life and giving them a good send off.
The library van had trundled up the single track road and parked in the lay-by, as it does once a fortnight, so I could go and choose some new books, and have a ‘blether’, as the islanders call it. Where else would you get such a fantastic service?
Eldest daughter went on a pony trek along the shore with her friends so I spent the afternoon at the beach, clambering among the rocks as the rain clouds gathered. The farmer was happy again, having found a piece of salvage to take home to his shed, smiling away as he walked his yellow box back across the beach.
Until next time…
I am so enjoying these daily insights into your wonderful life. When I check each day to see who has blogged, I'm delighted when I see your name there!!
ReplyDeleteI think the librarian's quote is lovely. Such a nice way of looking at death.
Oh how I miss the days of the travelling library! It was such a highlight of my childhood!!
Such beautiful photos. We have a mobile library up here but he's never visited me at the farm! I keep forgetting to ask.
ReplyDeleteCrystal xx
We have a mobile library here too, the children get totally over-excited by it. Your island does seem to know how to mark the imprtnat events of life and death.
ReplyDeleteYes ..we have the mobile library here as well...gets about this driver doesn't he? I love to pop in and find out what's going on on the island...its lovely.
ReplyDeletewe have mobile library here which comes every 2 weeks. love you beach photos by the way.. as for the hay......
ReplyDeleteWhy oh why is a whole load of fun always followed by a whole load of mess.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny about funerals being so bitter sweet. Family ones often mean catching up with people you haven't seen for ages which despite the circumstances can be really enjoyable.
Groan - interesting how each season does its best to deposit outdoors indoors. In the winter it is the mud and the wet - although fair bit of that this summer too - plus I get covered in hay once a day when I go to feed the sheep and in straw once a week when I clean out the chickens. Then in the summer it is cut grass and again the straw from the chickens - oh and berludy ticks on the poor dogs . . .
ReplyDeleteJusat caught up on your last few blogs and think how wonderful for the children to grow up in such a beautiful place. You seem to be having much nicer weather than us and in real holiday mood up there.
ReplyDeleteWe do have a travelling library and it is a godsend for the elderly of the village - well, and the not so elderly actually.
Your photos are a treat also.
Have a great summer - mousie