A few cloudscape pictures from yesterday
And some more from Wednesday
Friday, 5 December 2008
Sunset images
As I said in previous post, we had a beautiful sunset this afternoon. Just sharing a few images here.
A few cloudscape pictures from yesterday
And some more from Wednesday
A few cloudscape pictures from yesterday
And some more from Wednesday
Friday 5 December
Beautiful winter's day, with broad sunshine and reasonable temperatures. We reached a maximum of 8C / 46F. The sunset, just after 3.30pm, was colourful and stunning.
I'd like to restate my thanks to all who are supporting me at this not so easy time. I'll get over it and sort it out in due course. As they say in this part of the world, moran taing - many thanks.
Today is the festival of Saint Nicholas, referred to as Sinterklaas in the Dutch speaking parts of the world. Several people have referred to it over the last few days, and I'll add my few pennies' worth.
Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, present-day Smyrna in Turkey. After his death, his remains were spirited across the Mediterranean to Spain. He is the patron-saint of children and travellers. Today, Sinterklaas arrives in a port in Holland aboard a steamship, surrounded by an entourage of Black Peters (Zwarte Pieten). They are black-skinned (long life shoe polish), a reference to the fact that Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa, who were of a swarthy disposition.
Sinterklaas comes bearing gifts for all children in Holland, provided they have been good. Bad children will be picked up by Zwarte Piet and taken back to Spain in the big sack, which held the presents. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas will take to his white charger to ride across the rooftops of Holland. He will drop presents down the chimneys, and collect a carrot for the horse, left by the children in their shoes by the fireplace. Bad children will get a faggot instead of a present, provided they're not taken away. In order to actually get a present, children will have to sing a Sinterklaas song into the fireplace.
I'd like to restate my thanks to all who are supporting me at this not so easy time. I'll get over it and sort it out in due course. As they say in this part of the world, moran taing - many thanks.
Today is the festival of Saint Nicholas, referred to as Sinterklaas in the Dutch speaking parts of the world. Several people have referred to it over the last few days, and I'll add my few pennies' worth.Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, present-day Smyrna in Turkey. After his death, his remains were spirited across the Mediterranean to Spain. He is the patron-saint of children and travellers. Today, Sinterklaas arrives in a port in Holland aboard a steamship, surrounded by an entourage of Black Peters (Zwarte Pieten). They are black-skinned (long life shoe polish), a reference to the fact that Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa, who were of a swarthy disposition.
Sinterklaas comes bearing gifts for all children in Holland, provided they have been good. Bad children will be picked up by Zwarte Piet and taken back to Spain in the big sack, which held the presents. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas will take to his white charger to ride across the rooftops of Holland. He will drop presents down the chimneys, and collect a carrot for the horse, left by the children in their shoes by the fireplace. Bad children will get a faggot instead of a present, provided they're not taken away. In order to actually get a present, children will have to sing a Sinterklaas song into the fireplace.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Wednesday trip
Yesterday, I went out by car with two friends. It was bitterly cold, and many of the lochs had a sheen of ice on them. On passing through Achmore, which lies 350 feet above sealevel, there was a fair bit of snow on the ground. The Harris hills, visible in the distance, were all white. They rise up to nearly 2,700 feet.
Our destination was two-fold: first the Doune Braes Hotel, a watering-hole cum restaurant and hotel a few miles outside Carloway, where we had lunch. The hotel cat, Tinkerbell, fussed around us, meowing everytime someone spoke to her. As we drove north, a line of rain moved in off the Atlantic. Our second destination was the tiny hamlet of Dalmore, more specifically the cemetery there. It is located directly above the beach, and as I was looking for wargraves, the rain started. Strangely enough the cold relented when it got wet. After a brief visit to local beauty spot Dalbeg, we returned to Stornoway about an hour before darkness fell.
Further pictures
Our destination was two-fold: first the Doune Braes Hotel, a watering-hole cum restaurant and hotel a few miles outside Carloway, where we had lunch. The hotel cat, Tinkerbell, fussed around us, meowing everytime someone spoke to her. As we drove north, a line of rain moved in off the Atlantic. Our second destination was the tiny hamlet of Dalmore, more specifically the cemetery there. It is located directly above the beach, and as I was looking for wargraves, the rain started. Strangely enough the cold relented when it got wet. After a brief visit to local beauty spot Dalbeg, we returned to Stornoway about an hour before darkness fell.
Further pictures
Acknowledgement
Another big thank you to all of you for your messages of support since yesterday. It just goes to show that you lot are the best on-line.
Tag thanks to Connie
Tag thanks to Connie
Thursday 4 December
Quite a bright day out here in the isles, following a night of rain and high winds. Snow has been falling heavily on the Highlands, causing problems on the roads, but otherwise not the mayhem predicted yesterday.
Although I'm not really a happy bunny today, I'll just soldier on. Many thanks for expressions of support, seem to be making a habit of them these days. It is never nice to lose a friend, or to have to break up a relationship. Have been getting ample advice regarding the old pitfall of "what you see may not be what you might get on the internet", but have every reason to know up to a point who I was dealing with.
Just wanted to also put a warning out for Sri Lanka, which may get a strong tropical storm on Sunday. Storm 07B (they'll stick a name on it later) is headed west along the 6th degree latitude north and could well be stronger than the currently predicted maximum of 60 knots by the time central Sri Lanka sees it.
Although I'm not really a happy bunny today, I'll just soldier on. Many thanks for expressions of support, seem to be making a habit of them these days. It is never nice to lose a friend, or to have to break up a relationship. Have been getting ample advice regarding the old pitfall of "what you see may not be what you might get on the internet", but have every reason to know up to a point who I was dealing with.
Just wanted to also put a warning out for Sri Lanka, which may get a strong tropical storm on Sunday. Storm 07B (they'll stick a name on it later) is headed west along the 6th degree latitude north and could well be stronger than the currently predicted maximum of 60 knots by the time central Sri Lanka sees it.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Wednesday 3 December
I have put a notice on Facebook that I'm no longer checking that site, after I concluded that a relationship, built through that site, was not viable. It probably goes without saying that I'm very upset indeed. It has also had repercussions in my private life, and I do not know if that damage can be mended easily, which has made matters even worse.
I won't make any announcement whether I'll be posting or not, I'll have to take that a day at a time. You will have noticed that my attendance at your blogs has fallen to near-zero, and that won't improve any time soon. I am pleased to note that Jeannette (Outside Looking In) is keeping Call for Support updated.
On that subject, I have been informed that Morton (Caring n Sharing) was admitted to hospital yesterday with a heart attack. My source was unfortunately the person with whom I have now cut off contact.
I won't make any announcement whether I'll be posting or not, I'll have to take that a day at a time. You will have noticed that my attendance at your blogs has fallen to near-zero, and that won't improve any time soon. I am pleased to note that Jeannette (Outside Looking In) is keeping Call for Support updated.
On that subject, I have been informed that Morton (Caring n Sharing) was admitted to hospital yesterday with a heart attack. My source was unfortunately the person with whom I have now cut off contact.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Tuesday 2 December
Another bright and sunny if rather cold day. The sun is low in the sky at this latitude (58 North), and by Christmas, it will not rise more than a hand's width above the southern horizon at midday. The winter weather is wreaking havoc across Scotland, although the Western Isles appear to be escaping most of it.
On Sunday afternoon, the body of a man (aged late 40s, early 50s) was discovered on the beach at Eoropie, north Lewis. He was dressed for walking, and had a large rucksack with him. Police were unable to identify him as of yesterday. The clifftops in this island are dangerous, and fatalities have occurred in the past as a result of people accidentally straying too close to the edge. The circumstances of this incident are not clear.
On Sunday afternoon, the body of a man (aged late 40s, early 50s) was discovered on the beach at Eoropie, north Lewis. He was dressed for walking, and had a large rucksack with him. Police were unable to identify him as of yesterday. The clifftops in this island are dangerous, and fatalities have occurred in the past as a result of people accidentally straying too close to the edge. The circumstances of this incident are not clear.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Monday 1 December
Fairly bright day, with some cloud about. Quite a cold start to the day, with temps of barely above freezing after sunrise. And it's still not much better.
Apart from a 9-figure inflation percentage, Zimbabwe is now also in the grip of cholera. Water supplies in the capital Harare have been cut, and the sovereign cure, suggested by government, is not to shake hands. Smacks of Tabu Mbeki's denial of a 30% infection rate with HIV in South Africa some years back.
Today is World AIDS Day, and we're nearing the 25th anniversary of the major outbreak of this disease in the mid 1980s. The rate of spread of the disease appears to be on the increase, which has led to a renewed call for people to engage in safe sex. Very appropriate, as sex is reported to be the most popular pastime amongst the people of Scotland. Fortunately, this is coupled (sic) to an increase in the sale of condoms.
Apart from a 9-figure inflation percentage, Zimbabwe is now also in the grip of cholera. Water supplies in the capital Harare have been cut, and the sovereign cure, suggested by government, is not to shake hands. Smacks of Tabu Mbeki's denial of a 30% infection rate with HIV in South Africa some years back.
Today is World AIDS Day, and we're nearing the 25th anniversary of the major outbreak of this disease in the mid 1980s. The rate of spread of the disease appears to be on the increase, which has led to a renewed call for people to engage in safe sex. Very appropriate, as sex is reported to be the most popular pastime amongst the people of Scotland. Fortunately, this is coupled (sic) to an increase in the sale of condoms.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Sunday 30 November
Darkness has fallen on a grey and overcast day, pretty non-descript in actual fact. The Dutch fishing vessel departed late last night for the fishing grounds of the North Atlantic.
The post-mortem is in full progress on the attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which has claimed nearly 200 lives, as well as more than 300 injured. Nine attackers were killed, one survived. He has admitted coming from Pakistan, but this does not imply that the attack was necessarily carried out or sanctioned by the government of that country. Western Pakistan is a pretty lawless place, outwith the control of Islamabad - Osama bin Laden is holed up there by all accounts. Although not bearing the specific wholemarks of Al Qa'eda, the attacks could well be attributable to that Medusa of the modern world. Security experts are still mulling that one over.
Today is the last day of the North Atlantic hurricane season.
I copy the review by the National Hurricane Center:
During this season, 16 named tropical cyclones occurred. Of these, 8 were hurricanes, and 5 were major hurricanes of Saffir-Simpson category III strength or stronger. This season was the first ever when 6 consecutive tropical cyclones made landfall on the US mainland. Overall, the 2008 hurricane season is tied as the 4th most active in terms of number of named storms and major hurricanes, and is also tied as the 5th most active in terms of number of hurricanes since 1944, when aerial reconnaissance was commenced. This is the 10th season to produce above-normal tropical cyclone activity since 1995, when the current active hurricane era began.
Finally, a total of 64 tropical waves moved off the coast of Africa this season, which is near the seasonal average.
The post-mortem is in full progress on the attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which has claimed nearly 200 lives, as well as more than 300 injured. Nine attackers were killed, one survived. He has admitted coming from Pakistan, but this does not imply that the attack was necessarily carried out or sanctioned by the government of that country. Western Pakistan is a pretty lawless place, outwith the control of Islamabad - Osama bin Laden is holed up there by all accounts. Although not bearing the specific wholemarks of Al Qa'eda, the attacks could well be attributable to that Medusa of the modern world. Security experts are still mulling that one over.
Today is the last day of the North Atlantic hurricane season.
I copy the review by the National Hurricane Center:
During this season, 16 named tropical cyclones occurred. Of these, 8 were hurricanes, and 5 were major hurricanes of Saffir-Simpson category III strength or stronger. This season was the first ever when 6 consecutive tropical cyclones made landfall on the US mainland. Overall, the 2008 hurricane season is tied as the 4th most active in terms of number of named storms and major hurricanes, and is also tied as the 5th most active in terms of number of hurricanes since 1944, when aerial reconnaissance was commenced. This is the 10th season to produce above-normal tropical cyclone activity since 1995, when the current active hurricane era began.
Finally, a total of 64 tropical waves moved off the coast of Africa this season, which is near the seasonal average.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Tomato sativa
The village of Shieldaig in Wester Ross is a quiet backwater on the west coast of Scotland. It was also the scene of a drugs raid a week or so ago. Police officers entered the home of a 79-year old widow to search for cannabis plants which were allegedly growing in the window sill. They put her, together with her son aged 47, in a back bedroom whilst the search was carried out. The lady's grandson, who lives in a caravan at the property, was also subjected to a rigorous search.
Problem was that there were no cannabis plants about. The suspicious plants were visibly bearing fruit - nice, juicy tomatoes. Having torn the house apart, and not recovered anything, officers insisted on taking samples of the plants. Anyone who has ever grown tomatoes, or even bought tomatoes on the vine, knows that the tomato vine carries a very distinct smell. Distinct from the cannabis plant in fact.
Northern Constabulary would only confirm that an address in Shieldaig had been attended, and that no illegal drugs or plants were found.
Oh, the title of this post? Cannabis plants carry the Latin name of Cannabis Sativa.
Problem was that there were no cannabis plants about. The suspicious plants were visibly bearing fruit - nice, juicy tomatoes. Having torn the house apart, and not recovered anything, officers insisted on taking samples of the plants. Anyone who has ever grown tomatoes, or even bought tomatoes on the vine, knows that the tomato vine carries a very distinct smell. Distinct from the cannabis plant in fact.
Northern Constabulary would only confirm that an address in Shieldaig had been attended, and that no illegal drugs or plants were found.
Oh, the title of this post? Cannabis plants carry the Latin name of Cannabis Sativa.
Saturday 29 November
Quite a bright morning with good sunny spells, although the good ole cumulonimbus (showerclouds) abound as well. The Barvas Hills wear white today. Oh, these hills is a range of 4, each rising up to 1,000 feet above sealevel. They are singularly inaccessible, surrounded as they are by miles of bog. I climbed them after a dry spell in August 2005. In the next few days, I'll put the pictures on Atlantic Light.
Also of note this morning is a large Dutch fishing trawler, at anchor in the Glumag, south of here. Glumag Harbour is a deep bay in Stornoway Harbour. The trawler is the Ariadne out of Scheveningen in Holland (get your tongue round that name). Scheveningen is a resort and fishing port situated between the city of The Hague and the North Sea. The Hague is the seat of government in Holland (which therefore does not reside in the capital Amsterdam).
Went out earlier on to take pics of said trawler and the cloudscapes this morning, which are much more rewarding than earlier in the week. Temperatures are mediocre, at only 4C, but better than yesterday's -1C at this hour. Will post pictures later today.
Also of note this morning is a large Dutch fishing trawler, at anchor in the Glumag, south of here. Glumag Harbour is a deep bay in Stornoway Harbour. The trawler is the Ariadne out of Scheveningen in Holland (get your tongue round that name). Scheveningen is a resort and fishing port situated between the city of The Hague and the North Sea. The Hague is the seat of government in Holland (which therefore does not reside in the capital Amsterdam).
Went out earlier on to take pics of said trawler and the cloudscapes this morning, which are much more rewarding than earlier in the week. Temperatures are mediocre, at only 4C, but better than yesterday's -1C at this hour. Will post pictures later today.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Friday 28 November
Many thanks for your expressions of support in response to my previous post. There are things afoot both on-line and off, which I cannot discuss on an open blog. It requires sorting out, which I find singularly hard. I am calling round the odd blog or two as I find time or inclination.
Out here in the Hebrides, it went dark after half past two this afternoon, with rain, sleet and snow falling on the town of Stornoway. It is also very cold, with the mercury barely above freezing. Officially, by the way, the sun sets at 3.45pm. With the clouds overhead, it just doesn't get light through the day.
Out here in the Hebrides, it went dark after half past two this afternoon, with rain, sleet and snow falling on the town of Stornoway. It is also very cold, with the mercury barely above freezing. Officially, by the way, the sun sets at 3.45pm. With the clouds overhead, it just doesn't get light through the day.
Notice
With the apparent breakdown of yet another on-line friendship looming, I think it's time I took myself out of blogging for a considerable if not permanent period of time. I think I'm just plain wasting my time. I don't believe a word of it any more.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Thursday 27 November
Just had a snower of snow out here - big flakes, which did not settle. Does show how cold it is outside, only a degree or two above freezing. Today is Thanksgiving, and not just in the USA. It is also a public holiday here in Lewis, with church services, schools and some shops closed. I am not aware of a turkey tradition, like in America, that is more commonly served at Christmas.
I was horrified to hear of a concerted series of attacks in Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, which have claimed more than 100 lives. Situation is still fluid and by no means under control.
Remember that infamous date on our calendar? 31 October 2008? The day AOL Journals was closed down. Well, I've got another date like that on my own calendar. BBC Island Blogging is closing down next January. For the past 3 years, I have been writing on there about life on Lewis, but I've just read that this will now cease. Unlike AOL, the BBC offers plenty cooperation and actually asks the community what it wants. Also, the blogs won't be deleted, again unlike AOL. I'm a very sad bunny at the moment, and it's been a crapola year altogether.
I was horrified to hear of a concerted series of attacks in Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, which have claimed more than 100 lives. Situation is still fluid and by no means under control.
Remember that infamous date on our calendar? 31 October 2008? The day AOL Journals was closed down. Well, I've got another date like that on my own calendar. BBC Island Blogging is closing down next January. For the past 3 years, I have been writing on there about life on Lewis, but I've just read that this will now cease. Unlike AOL, the BBC offers plenty cooperation and actually asks the community what it wants. Also, the blogs won't be deleted, again unlike AOL. I'm a very sad bunny at the moment, and it's been a crapola year altogether.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Wednesday 26 November
Blustery day with the odd drop of drizzle and the odd chink of blue sky or even ray of sunshine today. Gales anticipated for tonight.
The North Atlantic hurricane season is coming to a quiet conclusion, but it has been far from quiet this year. Jeff Masters, who runs a very useful blog on Weather Underground, has written a summary. Cuba had 3 major hurricanes, and there will be a few names withdrawn from the rotating list on account of damage or loss of life. Ike will probably be one of them, but we need to await a decision by the World Meteorological Organisation on that.
At the moment, a cyclonic storm is battering northern Sri Lanka and the far south of India with winds of up to force 10 on the Beaufort scale. It will move ashore later today, to reemerge in the Arabian Sea in a few days' time.
The North Atlantic hurricane season is coming to a quiet conclusion, but it has been far from quiet this year. Jeff Masters, who runs a very useful blog on Weather Underground, has written a summary. Cuba had 3 major hurricanes, and there will be a few names withdrawn from the rotating list on account of damage or loss of life. Ike will probably be one of them, but we need to await a decision by the World Meteorological Organisation on that.
At the moment, a cyclonic storm is battering northern Sri Lanka and the far south of India with winds of up to force 10 on the Beaufort scale. It will move ashore later today, to reemerge in the Arabian Sea in a few days' time.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Evening notes
I am not very conscientious about keeping up to date with everybody's journals, but am a wee bit distracted at the moment. For the moment, I would like to wish our American friends much fun in the run-up to Thanksgiving this weekend, a festival (as I explained earlier) also celebrated here in Lewis. On Thursday to be precise. No turkeys here, just a visit to church for the faithful.
Was watching a film about the Callanish Stones, which stand 18 miles away on the west coast of Lewis. They are 5,000 years old, and not a lot is known about them. It was funny when a local man said that at one point he had told visitors they were lucky to find the Stones up. In October, they take them down for the winter, to put them back up again in Easter. Ostensibly. I'll close this post with some pics I took at Callanish at the end of June last year. All pictures were taken close to midnight. For reference, we're at latitude 58 North here.
Was watching a film about the Callanish Stones, which stand 18 miles away on the west coast of Lewis. They are 5,000 years old, and not a lot is known about them. It was funny when a local man said that at one point he had told visitors they were lucky to find the Stones up. In October, they take them down for the winter, to put them back up again in Easter. Ostensibly. I'll close this post with some pics I took at Callanish at the end of June last year. All pictures were taken close to midnight. For reference, we're at latitude 58 North here.
Tuesday 25 November
One month to go until Christmas. It is a cool but dry day in the islands, although a fine drizzle has just started.
Today is the 33rd anniversary of the independence of former Dutch colony Suriname. This small country sits on the north coast of South America, between British and French Guyana. Its primary means of subsistence is the export of bauxite, the ore from which aluminium is extracted.
Following independence, a large number of Surinamers (as they call themselves) flocked to the mother country, Netherlands. In 1980, a military coup toppled the government and army leader Desi Bouterse took over the reigns of power. The most infamous episode is the so-called December Murders, in which 15 leading opponents of Mr Bouterse were killed, allegedly by his supporters but at his direction. A civilian government has since returned to the country.
Today is the 33rd anniversary of the independence of former Dutch colony Suriname. This small country sits on the north coast of South America, between British and French Guyana. Its primary means of subsistence is the export of bauxite, the ore from which aluminium is extracted.
Following independence, a large number of Surinamers (as they call themselves) flocked to the mother country, Netherlands. In 1980, a military coup toppled the government and army leader Desi Bouterse took over the reigns of power. The most infamous episode is the so-called December Murders, in which 15 leading opponents of Mr Bouterse were killed, allegedly by his supporters but at his direction. A civilian government has since returned to the country.
Monday, 24 November 2008
Monday 24 November
Bright and sunny day, if still cold, with the odd shower about. Went into town just before midday to have an amble round the harbour. Ended up in the library caff for a bowl of soup. It made quite a difference to have the sun out, rather than the continuous wind and rain of the weekend. Temperatures are still mediocre, at barely 5C. MV Pentalina B continues to be our freight ferry, while the normal boat, MV Muirneag, remains in dry-dock for its annual refit.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Customer service
I had to bite back a sardonic cackle this evening when I logged into my blog, to be greeted by an advert from AOL Broadband UK. The greatest customer service, was the subtitle. Good grief, how dare they.
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