Jan 22 2012
New year.
More weather warnings by the MET Office, and yes, we had snow.
During December we had, maybe, two days when the kids were able to use their sled. But all in all, the frost and snow have been scarce for this time of year.
Others on the island have told us that this is one of the worst winters for storms in years.
A “Trial by fire” as a local said to us just the other day.
Despite the weather, Christmas was absolutely wonderful. The turkey arrived in good time, and all the baking had been done the month leading up to Christmas day (Yay for the technology of freezers!). We took great pleasure in doing the “Christmas Rounds” the week leading up to Christmas, with cards and mince pies for close friends. We attended all the usual christmas events; School plays(Malachi’s first ever performance), singing carols at the Kirk and children’s parties with Father Christmas. Father Christmas made it to the island without a hitch (confirmed by NORAD), to the delight of our five children and Christmas day was a triumph.
Once all the mince pies were eaten, leftovers devoured and friends entertained our cupboards had run bare. Thus, we ventured out on the Wednesday only to be caught in what I can only describe as the worlds biggest snowflake storm. The flakes themself were the size of the palm of my hand. And looking up at them falling was a spectacular sight.
Our New Year / Hogmanay was fairly uneventful. Neither of us have ever really celebrated, but look forward to our first full year in Stronsay.
After the holiday break, life has seemed to return to some normality, if that can be said, giving that it is our first January on Stronsay. As the days grow longer again we have found our weekend routine of pleasant walks on St. Catherine’s bay, Sunday baking with the children and stories of a Cornish Piskie by the fire, delightful and relaxing.
Spring bulbs have been found in our front garden by our daughter, who has taken to gardening whilst listening to some ridiculous band on her iPod. She waits in anticipation for the day they begin to flower and her hard work, saving these bulbs from strangulation by weeds, pays off.
We are finding our feet firmly on the ground.
Whilst snuggled down this Sunday evening watching a fairly poor rendition of “Jane Eyre” we were startled by a fairly late call from the local bird enthusiast. It was to inform us of a sighting of the Aurora Borealis, The Northern Lights. ( This I might add was previously arranged that no matter the time, he phone us for this event ). We hastily put on our wellies and headed out the door and to the top of the track to face north. There, in the sky, was our first ever sighting of this phenomenon, and what a sight it was. Staring at the light in the sky, generated by seemingly nothing, is an amazing sight and can only be detracted by the vast number of shooting stars overhead. It truly was a night for staring skyward.
All that is left now is to await the arrival of our first family member, to visit, in three weeks time. Everyone is very excited that granny Andy is coming to stay. Hopefully, she will find our new home and surroundings as captivating as we do.
2 responses so far
Enjoyed reading your post. Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday season. How exciting to see the Northern Lights! That is something I have always wanted to do. Maybe one day, who knows? Hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year in Stronsay!! It won’t be long now before the spring flowers start blooming.
Ever since seeing the movie “Local Hero” many years ago, and since it’s one of my all time favourites, many times since then, I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights. Wow. So much to experience for you all there. I am green with envy!