The weekend was spent overseas; we had been invited to three
days of celebrations for a good friend’s birthday. The events were to take
place on the neighbouring Isle, and as usual it was no mean feat getting
ourselves organised and onto that ferry boat, although we did have to succumb
to a slightly reduced ‘party time table’, missing out on a clay pigeon shoot and cask visit.
The mad dash there involved getting everything in place,
from lambers, to cottage changeovers, meals for hungry children, hens and dogs
and feeding/walking routines, and a last minute visit from the local farrier to
shoe the horses’ feet, and Muffin just was refusing to be shod, playfully
galloping off around the fields as eldest tried in vain to catch him, and all
as our ferry awaited to take us away to our ‘other island’ destination. So, we
left in our usual melee of madness, not in the least bit organised, despite our
best efforts, but realising that things would take care of themselves,
especially as we were leaving teenage children at home to hold the fort for the
first time (no sweat there then as eldest was madly texting near and far to
announce she had an ‘empty’).
Naturally once you step off the little ferry boat all of
your troubles and worries melt away aided of course by a large glass of
something very tasty, with or without bubbles.
The celebrations took place in the village hall, tables were
all laid beautifully, and guests from all over the world had made the journey to
this remote location to celebrate with their friend. Of course the obligatory
power cut happened right at the crucial moment when the food needed to be
heated and just as everyone was taking their seats. Visiting guests were
concerned as we sat in candlelight, but the hosts and locals were not in the
least bit ‘phased’ – this is island life, power cuts happen on a regular basis,
and reassuringly, after a few drams or so, the power flicked back on and the
most wonderful food was served. This was followed by a ceilidh that went on
well into the wee small hours as everyone hurled and burled around the hall,
dancing the traditional Scottish reels, a true Highland celebration. When the
band retired, they were replaced by another guitarist, who took to the stage
and sang and played to his heart’s content, as the dancing continued. He
apparently, honestly, did not hurt himself when he fell flat to the floor with
an almighty bang, as he vacated the stage. The partying did not stop there, ipod
located and partying went on. We rolled up the hill to our beds around 4.00am,
the dancing still going strong, but the party goers gradually dwindling in
numbers.
The following day, beach events were cancelled due to the
inclement weather, but the partying continued with a BBQ and house party, with
lashings of food and drink, more music and more hilarity. The happy farmer
excelled with his performances of Tom Jones and Freddie Mercury, yet again the
farmer’s wife finally had to sweep him up and prise him away mid performance as
she made a mad dash to catch the final ferry home.
Lambs and children intact, normality resumed.
Until next time…..
