Friday 31 December 2010

New Year at last!!!

The sun is going down and New Years Eve is coming upon us. The last day of the year has been beautiful, still and sunny so hopefully a sign of the way the new year will be. I'm not writing much today as I want to spend the eve as it should be spent.

I wish you all a good, prosperous and very happy new year!!!

Tuesday 28 December 2010

It's been Christmas and the New Year hasn't started

We're right in the middle just now, a brilliant Christmas has just been and a perfect New Year is only days away. Hope that yours is as good and I wish you many more!!!

Friday 24 December 2010

Tomorrow it's Christmas

Tomorrow it's Christmas, yes, just a few hours now and Santa will be here. I wish you a very, very happy and sober Christmas everyone and again a  happy and sober New year. With any luck Santa will be good to you

Can't get much closer to Christmas

Thursday 23 December 2010

Thieves

Last night, in Edinburgh, I had my jacket stolen and in the pocket was my mobile phone. I had gone to meet two or three guys that I hadn't seen for oh, ten years. We've been friends for thirty-odd years and a good time was had by all - and then I realised that my jacket etc was gone.

It was ten degrees under so it was a chilly trip home. I will buy myself a jacket and call it a Christmas present. Then I'll buy a mobile phone and call it life.

Hope they enjoy their Christmas, if they had let me know I'd have wrapped them up and stuck them, well I'd have stuck them somewhere near the tree, I'm sure that you understand.

But let's not moan all day, eh!!

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Monday 20 December 2010

I love the snow!!!

What a beautiful day, sun and snow, doesn't get much better!!!













Many, many years ago I used to sell juice in this town. Never noticed the beauty then.

My house isn't as big as this but my windows ain't as draughty!!!

Sunday 19 December 2010

Wikileaks

Check out the crack against Julian Assange He, and Wikileaks are being screwed for bringing out the truth. The big boys think they can do as they like and they have the arrogance to call their actions proper. Greedy power-freaks protecting themselves.

It brings out the truth about these bastards, doesn't it.

Snowing - on a Sunday?

Yesterday I got to my destination and after Aberdeen harbour starting to ice over and the road down being covered in snow, I decided to tell everyone that it had been a good trip down (regardless of what I thought) and ask if the kettle was on. Hmmm...had to do it myself!!!!

Now it's Sunday and it's snowing - oh, great, I love it!!!

But the love of my life is on the way home and the relevant weather report is not too good, fingers crossed that she and the wee man get back alright. I'll keep you posted!!!

While we're waiting I think I'll do what I usually do, I think I'll put a record on. It's getting more and more like Radio Two around here every day!!!

Thursday 16 December 2010

Getting ready to go.

Morning everyone!!!

I'm not going to do much here today because I'm packing. Yes, that's right, I'm packing up my clothes for the trip south where I'm lucky enough to be spending Christmas with the love of my life.

I'll pack my clothes today and get on the boat tomorrow. We'll sail overnight and I'll climb off on Saturday in the morning, in sunny Scotland, with a great big smile on my face.

Because of the travel etc, my posts here may be a bit here and there, if you know what I mean. It won't be easy until I get on the boat because it's blowing a gale and pouring down with snow but I will get to the harbour, regardless!!!

Right, nuff said, time to unpack what's in the bag before I put the clothes that I've just washed in, ready to go.

Hope the snow stops!!!

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Oh God, not more bloody music!!!

Sorry folk, at the moment I really am freaking out on this music. It really entertains me, makes me happy and content and in desperate need of another cup of coffee. If you have the kettle on then we'll sit and listen. Otherwise, it's the dancin', yi ken.

Not long now!!!

It's Tuesday today and the wind has fallen. If it stays down then - woops, because on Friday I get on the boat. It will sail overnight down to Aberdeen where I will get off and catch a bus down to see the love of my life. But I don't sail too well and the worst time for me is when the sea is calm. If it is rough, then for some reason I have no problem. I can't explain that, it's just the way it is for me. Twelve hours of smooth water - I think that I'll go to the toilet. And stay there. For twelve hours. Until we are docked. God, I hope they do it quickly so that I can get off the damn boat sharpish before any more problems.

The bus will take about three hours to get me down to Edinburgh, it's a long time to sit there, looking out of the window, waiting. I'll have my laptop to keep me busy but I'll still be waiting, waiting, waiting.

Once there - Paradise!!!

Sunday 12 December 2010

Crooked Still

I came across this by Crooked Still and had to put it in. Don't worry, soon I'll do something else, like writing, or maybe sit here and  think about something with you, whatever, we'll see!!!

Saturday 11 December 2010

Fallen by the wayside

Yesterday I drank alcohol.

I was in town and had about three hours to wait for the bus and I abused that time by going to the pub and I drank cider and whisky. When I finally got home I drank more whisky.

Today I do not feel well and it is my own fault.

Tuesday 7 December 2010

Yet more weather reports

More weather reports, telling us that it will be calming down and warming up but what is it doing when I look out the window? Yes, you're right, it's pouring down with snow. They say that it will get warmer all week. Is that BBC'ish for "Snow each day"?

Saturday 4 December 2010

Shetland is a pawn!!!

About six centuries ago, Shetland was given to Scotland as a pawn. Scotland was not given ownership and never has been. There has been no war, no argument or agreement so what really is the status regarding Shetland and the U.K? Why did Norway/Denmark forget to get us back or did they lose interest?

Friday 3 December 2010

What a disaster!!!

This morning they forecast it to snow around lunchtime - and it rained. That was that, day ruined, a twenty-four hour period of despair. What heartbreakers will they cast out now. If I came out with anything like that I'd be convicted of public abuse but them, they get away with it. We'll have the telly on again tomorrow and we'll believe whatever they come out with, regardless.

At least  Bert Ford got it right. But that shows my age so.....

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Forvik

Haha haha, I have just become an Honorary Citizen of Forvik, an island lying to the south of Papa Stour, just off Shetland. Let's see them get the tax off me now!!! Why don't you become an Honorary Citizen too??? The Crown Dependecy of Forvik.

Fascism in the Isles

Further to my last post, the Shetland Liberal Democrats are the only party that I can see showing up on the Shetland Isles. Does this not tell us something - you WILL play with us or you WILL NOT play at all.

Where are the other people, with different views or, perhaps they don't exist, perhaps they have been deported - or, just maybe - they will not stand up and voice their opinion.

Am I wrong, have I missed the plot? I doubt it, with a population of around twenty-three thousand surely someone can think for themselves?


 

Am I missing something?

Lying in bed last night, thinking as I drifted off. Do I get it wrong - are there people, here in Shetland that have left wing - or, God forbid, right wing - views. If so, do they stay silent in fear of being mocked or castigated. Am I the only one around here that votes for the Scottish Socialist Party, or for that matter, any other party that does not "fit".

If I am right in the way that I have been thinking then I have to ask myself "Why". Is it because it is the way that everyone believes to be right or is it because everyone wants to fit in, does not want to be "different" from the rest, be it their family, friends, neighbours or employers, whatever.

There must be the odd person with views akin to myself. Why do they stay silent? Please, someone, let on. Is it socially unacceptable around these parts to think differently. Pretty awful if it is.

Tuesday 30 November 2010

I was right, I was right, I was right!!!

This morning I was awake early and had to decide whether to get out of bed, have some breakfast and jump on the bus to university. Looking out the window, I could see that the sky was clear as a bell, there was no wind and the roads were clear. I thought and thought and thought - and went back to bed. Now the snow is coming down in buckets and there is still no wind to blow it, and the clouds, away so it will last for a while. I made the right decision because I might have got there this morning but.......

More, more weather

Will the sun keep shining, will the snow keep falling, how do they mix the two, does it matter - just hope that it lasts forever!!!

Sunday 28 November 2010

I changed the background

I really liked the snapshot that I put up yesterday so I put it in as background, hope you like it.

When I got up this morning it hadn't changed either so I thought long and hard about going out in it but I had the sense to make more coffee and made the right decision too. I decided to stay in.

Saturday 27 November 2010

There's snow more snow this weekend

It had been dull and cloudy since I had gotten out of bed so I sat at the computer and drank coffee. The sun finally came out so I got dressed, picked up the camera and went out for a walk. I managed about a hundred yards and quickly took a photo before it all started again. I turned and ran home.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

They've done it again!!!

First thing this morning I went on-line to see the weather report and it looked like it was going to be a fair day, half cloud, half sun and a northerly wind, eighteen or twenty knots. Not bad for this time of year I thought - hah, then the truth came out. Two hours later and the snow and hailstones coming down as it blew a gale. I thought to  myself "They never mentioned this!!!".

Then I said to myself "It's a lovely day to look out the window - again." so that is what I'm going to do. Fingers crossed that I don't run out of bread or milk.

Monday 22 November 2010

I'd like to say thanks!!!

My mothers first wedding.
Some time ago, maybe a month or two, maybe three, I'm not really sure how long ago, someone, friend or relative and I had a conversation about my mother, Mary Dickson, nee Twatt. That person went home and found a photograph of my mother at her first wedding and was good enough to send it to me. Unfortunately, by the time it was posted I had moved on from that house but it was forwarded up to me at my new place. I cannot remember who you are so can't say thank you or ask the many more questions that I would like to. Hopefully, one day soon, I will work out who you are and be able to express my gratitude.

Sunday 21 November 2010

How do I explain it?

Yesterday was full of intentions and promises. Yesterday the weather was beautiful. Yesterday I expected the same today. Yesterday I saw the beauty and the benefits in a good, long walk.

Then I slept in. Then I messed around on the computer. Then I made another cup of coffee. Then I saw the sky change. Then I asked myself "Will I get dressed now?" and then I accepted the fact that the walk up to Eshaness Lighthouse that had been so attractive had walked on by.

I think I'll make another cup of coffee.

Saturday 20 November 2010

The Weather

Since I last wrote this morning, I've been out and down to the local shop to buy bread and milk, you know, all the fun things in life. When I was out it was absolutely still and the sun was beaming out so I've made plans. Tomorrow morning I'll have a reasonably early breakfast and be out the door sharpish to walk from Hillswick to Eshaness It will be a lovely walk, about six miles there so twelve altogether and halfway there is a smashing place, the Braewick Cafe that sells smashing teas and coffees. Not only that but good food too. No doubt I'll have a cuppa both on the way there and on the way back too.

Middle-age student

Living up here in Shetland as a middle-age student works really well. Studying while living on your own means no disturbance, you are free to get on with it as you choose, take a break when you choose, take a walk and think through what you have just learned, again as you choose and all as it suits you. And as an old-aged, middle-aged student like me, it really works.

Things have changed so much in the world, thanks to the computer, that living up here is not as it used to be. Anything that you require, from clothing to furniture, whatever, is available on the internet. Shetland is no longer restricted as it was before. We no longer need to get on the boat and go down to Aberdeen - or Edinburgh, as we used to be able to many years ago. We just order on-line and live with the rest of the world.

Now it's time to do something useful I think. Time to make breakfast and today I fancy a large bowl of - porridge!!!

Thursday 18 November 2010

No snow

They said it, they stood up on the telly and said it, they made the announcement on the internet, on their blog, everywhere and - it rained. Let's hope, fingers crossed, that next time they tell us things like that then the Weather forecast will be right because I'm a big kid, love the snow, I always have, no doubt always will.

Sunday 14 November 2010

Snowball fights

I've just read the BBC's weather report on-line and tomorrow it reckons there will be snow - BRILLIANT!!!

Monday 8 November 2010

Oscar Charlie

It's wet, it's windy and it's cold this morning but that never stops Oscar Charlie, the rescue helicopter that flies out of Sumburgh Airport, right down at the south of the island, He's just flown over the house, maybe for a bit of excercise or maybe rescuing some poor soul. Whatever, he does a good job around Shetland and is rightly loved.

Have a look at Oscar Charlie and find out all about it. It is a well loved but more to the point, a greatly needed service around the islands and the oil and fishing industries.

Sunday 7 November 2010

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning and it is pouring with rain, has been all night and it's loud on my roof. Can't complain, there's no chance we'll die of thirst around here is there. It woke me about five and I lay there listening to it for half an hour before I broke down and got the kettle on. While it was boiling I went to Bright Eye and had a look around to make sure all was right and to tell everyone that the strongest thing I would be drinking today would be coffee. Hah, they haven't seen what I can do with a teabag!!!

Saturday 6 November 2010

Yesterday

Well, let's be honest, let's tell the truth, no messing - Yesterday I slept in. I didn't get to Uni because  I missed the bus because I was too lazy to get up early enough. The love of my life phoned at eight, the bus left at seven-thirty, oh well, I'll be in on Monday - If they can remember who I am by then.

The funny thing is the clocks in the house were all wrong. The alarm at the bed-side said quarter to seven and that time would have been ideal - but it was wrong. The alarm in the mobile phone had gone off at approximately ten to five, don't know why but I turned it off and went back to sleep and that was that, baw burst, ken.

On Monday, please give me a call, about half past six in the morning, the coffee's on me!!!

Thursday 4 November 2010

At last!!!

My Internet connection went down on Tuesday and it's now Thursday and it's just come back up again. Thirty-six hours on my own, lonely, no-one to talk to, no contact with society. The whole time it has rained and the wind has blown - they didn't switch that off, now did they!!!

Saturday 30 October 2010

Saturday, wet 'n' windy!!!

Today I had an appointment at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick. Sounds strange on a Saturday but there you are, I suppose they must have been busy. I got down by bus, on time, saw the doctor and then did the necessary - I went to the Harbour Cafe for an all-day breakfast, marvellous, I loved it, made the trip worthwhile.

Caught the 1400 bus home but the problem is that it stops in Brae, approximately twelve miles from home. If I'd waited until the 1710 bus I would have been taken all the way but....... "Oh well" I thought, "time to start walking!!!", but after maybe half a mile a car pulled in beside me and offered me a lift. Sorted, home in fifteen minutes, brilliant. What more could I ask for? Didn't have to walk very far in the wind and rain!!!

Friday 29 October 2010

A couple of pictures from my doorstep!!!

These snapshots give an idea of the beauty around the area that I live in. All but one are views taken from no more than a mile from my front door.


 The photo on the right was taken from about two or three miles from where I live, on the left, behind the cliff.
Hope you enjoy them all, it is a beautiful place to live.

The end of October.

It's now the end of October and the days are getting shorter but it's not very cold, the winter is still a day or two away. Today there is no wind, the sky is bright although the sun won't be up for more than about another three hours or so. Fingers crossed that it will last for a few days.