I know, I know

Hector's famous peats and silage

Yes, its a week-old photo but I have some snaps to develop and as yet have not found time to do them. The back door needs painting again so it glows :-) [yellow don't you know] and the peats still have to be brought in.[on that note; if anyone wants some work experience .......]. So, bearing all that in mind, and taking into account that the sun was shining brightly through the window this morning causing a riot of rainbowletes around the room as it interacted with a crystal hanging there, I shot out of bed - slowly. Looked at the washing on the line I had left from the night before [note to self; remember to bring it in by Saturday night]and then readied myself for a little trip. Sonja, Stefan et al, our good friends in the village have some South African visitors staying - and they like taking photos! Say no more. I was in their car in a flash. Well, it would have been in a flash but I had to wait till they arrived you see - but arrive they did eventually and we popped over to Callanish - passing the Western Isles MSP who was cycling across the moor in bright sunshine in aid of the Mod - whoever he is :-) - with a black cloud lurking behind him!

Arriving at the Stones it started raining- as it does. Mike the Bike, the an Lanntair tech-man disappeared soon after in a cloud of spray on his Harley-Ferguson, the tourists flocked back down to the cafe leaving me alone in the circle - apart from a couple of lost souls in hoodies - no doubt still finding their way from the Solstice festivities. Rudi and Jenni - my new found S.A chums huddled in the jalopy with Sonja who used the excuse of feeding the bairn rather than braving the ravaging midges who arrived, rather predictably as the wet stuff eased. Rudi and Jenni did get their snaps with a lovely black cloud hanging over the moor behind - no doubt with our MSP underneath!

With parched mouths we headed up to the Morven gallery - a haven of tranquillity and liquid refreshment - not forgetting THE APPLE PIE - which is worth the journey alone if you are reading this in London. After a troll around the gallery where I wondered at the wonderful work of Gareth Watkins - again. I took tea. Green Tea, Dragon Well - the very best I was told. And here's the revelation for me [apart from the spooky old man's face that was looking at me in the reflections of the wet roof opposite this morning that is] - brewed at 80C - not boiling eh? You're joking me? "No" he replied with an air of authority that made me stop and listen. "That's why this will taste so good" and I can't argue - IT WAS WONDERFUL. Without doubt the best tea I have ever tasted. My own home-made green tea - probably made from mere dust and put in little paper-like bags and sacrificed by me in boiling water for 30 secs was nothing like it. Nothing like it - at all.

So, here you are; recommendation of the day. Go to the Morven Gallery - it's somewhere over on the west-side of the Isle of Lewis near a house where there's sheep - oh, and a real white horse - see here for ferry info to get here first - look at Gareth Watson's watercolour images then order Green tea made at 80C and sit back and feel the pleasure. And don't forget the APPLE PIE!

I'll stop now and once I've had a walk to the shop, along the beach and what have you, painted the door and cleared up a bit, I may develop some films. No, I'll do the films first. One has to prioritise!

Painting light catcher

For a while now I have had this bottle of Silverprint Liquid Emulsion lurking in the fridge. Been waiting for the right image to use it on - having said that I have never used this stuff before so it was going to be a bit of an adventure. The great thing is, this stuff comes with lots of instructions.

So, into the darkroom I go armed with the emulsion and some glass bowls. One has to heat up the emulsion so the stuff can be painted on and this is done in hot water. Anyway, got the stuff all liquid - could feel it in the bottle. Opened the top but none came out. So put it back in the hot water for a while. Tried again and again none came out. Mm, I thought rather perplexed. "I'll give it a squeeze" So I did and all of a sudden I had warm liquid emulsion everywhere. It seems there was a clear plastic bung in the top of the bottle!

As it happens, a lot of the emulsion went into the warm glass dish I was using to hold the emulsion before brushing on so, I quickly sorted a few more sheets of watercolour paper and sloshed the lot on.

It prints ok as it happens. Very pleased with this my first liquid emulsion effort - Hectors new peats - probably the most famous peat stack in the world!

Whales and things like that

The sun was trying to shine and I needed a walk. Since I had been up early and into Stornoway to collect the papers and bread for the shop, now I needed fresh air. And it doesn't get much fresher than out around Garry beach. Off I trotted, along the cliff edge, across the stream then the river and eventually up onto the 'road to nowhere'. It was lovely. Hardly a soul around - just one couple who thought they were going to walk to Ness.

Then the sun came out and I bumped into three ladies off on the track out to track whales and dolphins. Up from the Moray Firth, they were working for the wdcs and looking for Rissos dolphins which apparently breed down this way and are on the endangered list. Despite this, the Faoese slaughtered a pod of these creature recently as a change from their usual whales.

Had a lovely chat with the three, watched the sea-eagles for a bit and went home happy.

Washing

Twas a nice morning when I poked my nose out the door at early O'clock. Craig, the village shopman arrived soon after but I managed to get a load in the washing machine - as you do. Stornoway is very pleasant early doors. Not too many people or cars around though there's a fair bit of action up the Rigs Road area as the town's industries crank up for the day.

The bread was ready for collection as were the papers. Milk was put in the back of the van and we trundled home in the diffused sunlight of the morning. Out came the washing from the machine and the second load went in and later onto the line in the fresh breeze. Off again I went to Stornoway this time for business and pleasure. Pleasure was the Photographica 'meeting' in An Lanntair [where else?] and business was business in the same venue but with new personages.

Business concluded and I see the rain is now falling. Absolutely plimsoleing it down as it happens. Back home the washing on the line is now soaked so back into the machine it goes for another spin. So much for saving energy.

Rather reminded me of the Carloway show this year!!

Enjoying Carloway show

Enjoying Carloway show 2

Taking a stroll with the om10

The day dawned mild and still. The midges were out and so was I. Off down to The Crofter with Eve to see if we could persuade him out of his armchair to the beach. We could not so we went alone - alone but with my new-to-me OM10 loaded with APX100. [Its a camera for those who don't know - and loaded with film. Eh?].

I couldn't pass this spot without taking a snap - I never can. And the midges hadn't found their way to the beach either.

I'm back

MiLady McGlynn O.B.E

A 'walk'

I got back in time for a right old hoolie too. The ferry stopped running and I lay in bed listening to the tiles rattling on the roof with my tummy rumbling. Which is no great surprise since the hotel on the mainland where my employers put me this week served the poorest food I've ever had in such an establishment. At least the lunches provided at the office were fine affairs so I didn't starve.

Staying in a new-town near Glasgow is not my fav place to be since there is nowhere to walk that has a view other than a concrete shopping centre of roads. My morning walk consisted of a quick trot to a big supermarket in the shopping centre - three under-passes, six million fag-butts on the ground next to the hardened chewing gum plus four empty crisp packets - and bought my copy of The Grawniad to browse over at breakfast. It was on such a brief journey that on impulse, I bought a body spray thing. Musk of the Lily or some such unlikely fragrance. I had in mind a mere light suggestion of fragrance. Unfortunately, I must have dozed off and leant on the nozzle when applying the spray since the smell was overwhelming. Later, sat in the office in my self-imposed Musk-fug I could hardly breathe. I can't imagine what poor Tom was thinking as it was suggested he sat to me that morning - and bless im - he did sit in my general direction. Almost.

Anyway, we don't have trains here so I took the opportunity to go on one from the the new-town I was in and went up to Glasgow to have a lovely time with Aileen - a paralympic cycling gold medallist from Athens and Bejing whom I know from my previous job. I snapped her up with the Holga and flash catching a nice silhouette of the town hall on the back ground.

So lovely to back on such a peaceful island- at least it was until the rally cars started flying round Stornoway this morning. All for Macmillan Nurses charity mind you so, I took a little look and did my bit.

Wells, Somerset

To be honest, this isn't in Wells but at Maters. Tis my nephew Calum apparently. Hardly recognised him since he is a bout two feet taller than when I last saw him . But it is him.

A woman who annoyed me

A gentleman

Have you been there? Oh, it soo lovely. Nice cafe's, fantastic pasty shop, lovely Kirk too. Near Glasto and everything. We went Eve and I and Mater who lives nearby and to whom we paid a visitation. Took a bus ride over in the sunshine and pointed my new-to-me Holga at all and sundry. As you do. Lightleaks an-all. As there is. Must get the gaffer-tape out!

Butcher, Baker and papers. The candlestick makers is shut.

How on earth is he happy at this time of day?? At t'butcher eh?

At t'baker[No. 1]. Looking pensive and to see all is there.

We are off to......... next

"Are the papers ready?" " Nearly" "Right-oh".

Back at the shop

I was up at the break of day today - at least half-an-hour before I'm usually up and soon there is the purring of an engine outside. I pop out to see a bright faced Craig, shop manager man of the Tolsta Community Shop in the van. "Good morning Sir" I ventured. I got in and we cruised off in much comfort - although I must admit I was less bright than Craig.

We visit the cash and carry. I get a nice badge to wear for 20 mins - and feel rather important I must say. I didn't use the camera there. Got to keep up appearances hasn't one. No sooner have we loaded the shiny new van than we are off to the Butchers where the nice man greets me with a smile while I try not to look at the animal bits in the shop - I'm a vegi you know. The pies and sausages get loaded so we pop up to the first baker - good rolls I'm told. A wonderful place where I think I may visit again - with camera. Then off to the second baker - "Hello" we say - as you do - and collect the order. [I might add here; we said 'hello' or variants of that to everyone we met - just for the record] .Down to the paper distributors and a short wait while they are sorted. They are just off the subsidised plane that brings them in - can't imagine how the government can justify continuing that. Still, my Guardian has arrived so that's nice.

Then off back to Tolsta and the little but vibrant community shop where Dorothy is already waiting at the laptop to scan things in. All before 9.30am.

What a fine morning it is too. I'm soon back home developing this little bit film of film I took with my little point and shoot. I might have a sleep now!

End to George's end

Just a quick note to say that George Morrison of this village will be starting his end to end on Britian cycle ride in the next few days - once he manages to get down to Lands End that is. He's doing it to raise money for Macmillan nurses. You can sponsor him if you want !

Did I tell you I went to a wedding?

The outside photograph. Maybe its the brides mother or maybe not. Who knows? Perhaps I should have been looking before I snook the shutter down.

It's that man again. And his son - nearly anyway! I wish his son would grow taller than he might be in my snap!

Oh deary deary me. Time for bed

The bride is behind that lot somewhere. I am not "A" list you see so I get the back row!

Ms ....

I think I told you I went to a wedding. I did and all. Someone in the extended family on my partner's side . The side where it all mansion houses, cars that work without clouds of smoke and everything.

What a day. I mean it was nice and all - except that my film in the Zorki camera got stuck and broke so only had a few snaps to annoy everyone. Still, there was a man in a kiss-me-quick hat bestooned wif digital cameras and lens' so long you could have poked the bridegroom in the eye with them. So that was alright then.

Now, have I got the snap with the grooms father and mother in....? No.

It's that man again

... finishing his paddle about in the sea the other week. Lots of people out to see why he did it. For those that don't know the place, Mr Pharmacy Husband man is seen here swimming into t'harbour just near his housey. I must say, I rather like this snap.

Wet

"Has anyone any moisturiser please?"

"oh look, something's moving out of Brevig harbour"

The crowd look, look, everywhere but at the Great Swimmer - except one!

Just the latest in Swimwear - soon to be available at Bac Pharmacy alongside horselicks and asprin. Order yours now!

"Look, I have proof. If you don't finish soon, you'll be washing up for a month!"

The apparition in Broadbay

The ferry got me back, back from a penance in London and elsewhere. A wedding. You know the sort of thing; posh frocks, champagne, mansion house and idle chat. They were happy them who were married. Who ever they were. Eve knows them; related to them in fact. Oh, that means I'm related to them. You might even get to see them soon since I took a snap or two.

Was raining when we stepped ashore, raining at Carloway show that enjoyed our company and raining as I write this. And the peats are still out on t'moor.

The post had been while we were away. I got cards and all that since I am now a year older and all that. Today :-)

There was also some snaps I took of Paul, Sporty Paul from Bac pharmacy. He swam the bay you know. Took hours - and I waited two of those for him to arrive. And arrive he did in style with Mrs Bac Pharmacy threatening him from a boat that went out to meet him. A piper did what pipers do and loads of people where there to welcome him in. He was wet. And cold. But still, there was a man who smiled - and was vaguely familiar - who shook his hand. I think that's why Paul did the swim - or I might have dreamed that!!

Paul was brill - and raised loads of money for charity. Well done Sir.

The Minch next?

Roy

Roy and Zig are off on their hols soon and we will miss him. Met them on the beach this morning in between rain showers.

Having fun on the cheap

The road winds down through the Glen driving back home from work and I'm feeling the need to fire the shutter. Here we go.......... done .... ah, that feels a lot better.

Wy aye cannee lad

.. or something equally unfair to our incomers from NewcAstle . I'm referring to Mr Paul Pharmacy husband man of Bac who, I'm just about to BIG UP on account of his forthcoming swimming of Broadbay [sans fish-farm] from Point to Bac. Eh? For charity. Bethesda I think.

Now, get down to the Bac Pharmacy today, Saturday or Monday and sign up to sponsor him. Paul will be swimming Tuesday if; and here's the rub, if the water is right - tides or something like that!

New camera

The TDF did not pass this way.

Did I tell you I have a new camera? Its brill too. Costs me £2.50 including postage - and that's what I call a bargain. It takes both normal 35mm snaps and panoramics eh? I have no idea what sort it is but it is plastic, was cheap and does work. What more do you want?

Street

We have a street in the Isle of Lewis and its called Francis Street. The mass dance took place there the other day and here's two more snaps from that! Esme and Zoe enjoying themselves in the melee .

Willow and all that.

The Star performer [on the right].

Out in t'darkroom making a right old mess. A mouldy, meandering mess of gross proportions. People in images disappearing before the eyes, whites become greys and blacks very nearly very black. It's the willow I tell you. Tis taking over the place. One moment we are stripping the brown sticky stuff in dance then we are looking at Woman in Willow built by the Somerset based Serena de la Hay. Eh? It's Stornoway for goodness sakes, not the Levels !!!!!!

dancing in the streets

The festival is on at the moment. All big tents and rain. But there's some great music here - not least in An Lanntair and, more importantly, outside inthe streets. I emerged blinking into Francis Street from an afternoon concert straight into the this mass 'stripping of the willow' to a live ceilidh band. What a brilliant atmosphere there was. Within moments all were dancing, tapping their feet and smiling. Would be lovely to have this every day at Festival time so that by the time Saturday came around everyone had got into the swing of it and the line could be right across Stornoway. Brilliant!

Getting the peats in

While most have broughtthe peats in already, there's a few, including me who have not. And looking at the present weather, it may be a few more weeks before mine are in! Mr Crofter is still cutting his.

Anyway, on my way out to the peats to bag up the small amount I have cut, I came across a couple of Tolsta villagers bringing some peats in.

Snap taking on polypan-f developed in Bromophen, print on Kentmere Select in Bromophen

TDF

The Tour De France is on at the moment. No doubt, the hardest sporting event of them all. And there is a British managed team in this year - although i will not mention their sponsor. And 9 British riders in various teams in total. Brilliant.

Since we have no TV I have to keep up on the pooter - live streaming and all that.

Stage 9 was just brilliant! As you can see.

There's a really nice blog on painting the tour here too. Well worth a moment or two

en fete

Produce and people

The sun shone, not quite your 30 degree of England but enough. Enough so one didn't need a coat and a visit to a 'show' might be rather pleasant. Off we jolly well went up to Point - a place we can see from home over the bay but generally venture. Paid our entrance fee and took off to see the exhibits. Sheep and Coows were being judged as were the clootie dumplings and harris tweed pies. Then the show was opened by some hack who lives locally. After he had been through the first three pages of the speech, we gave up and went to see the produce. As you do. We missed the Highland dancing and the Lewis pipe band - but never mind, we'll see that at the Tong Show.

For the photo geeks among you, I used and old Kiev -Soviet rangefinder camera loaded it transpired with Kodak Fine Grained Positive film. A film coated with a paper emulsion with a speed of about 5 asa . I developed it in print developer for 4 mins and got lovely results despite the fact I exposed it at 100asa!

Colour from the UW&S

Big goldfish things

Yep, someone put a bell 'there'!

I just sat and was.

So, here I am eating too many things I shouldn't, monitoring the TDF and Cav's exploits - not forgetting those of Cummings, Wigan, Thomas et al - whilst I wait for the chest congestion to clear up. I am getting cabin fever. However, I did manage a little trip to pick up some colour negs from the old Ultra-wide-&-slim this morning. Nice.

Went through to the Village shop in North Tolsta too. Looks lovely what with its new coat of paint, new shelf things, lovely staff and things. Give it a try!

I took a stroll...

Last winters peat stack dwindling

A view in the village

The kids are out of school. One left their transport outside my neighbours for later collection

... down t'road to the village shop - buy the Guardian, peruse Peat Weavers weekly and all that - then a quick walk to the cemetery to pay my respects to a recently departed neighbour whom I had a great regard for.

Twas lovely to get out and it made my chest feel a little better. I took a little plastic panoramic camera. A wonder from China or somewhere.

Oh dear

Ullapool. Yes, it's really like that!

Apologies for the complete lack of input into this 'ere thing recently but I am a bit indisposed with another cold/sore throat/chest infection thing. I blame it on Inverness where Eve and I spent an enjoyable couple of days last week. Ever since then I have been under the weather.

As a result I getting up late, mooching around home feeling sorry for myself and only venturing into the darkroom to check its still there. It is. The peats remain on the moor.

Luckily, work has not been too busy this week so my lack of rude health has not caused any issues in that department.

Meanwhile, the wind has abated a little this morning and there is a little brightness in the air. Must be summer!

Shim sham

Taking the air on the old ferry deck, diesel fumes wafting across my face and the view splashing before me, I noticed a man, a solitary man sat, sitting on a seat. I contemplated his being and the way his hair flipped and flapped under his hand as the wind came in. Then he went inside.

See, look..

Bosta and a lump of rock or two.

Toots baking in the sun by the recreation of the old house

Nice eh? Eve and Toots looking at the bell.

We wuz there. At Bosta, sun and everything. Well, once the rain had stopped anyway.

This is a fav beach of mine. Best in winter when its empty but not exactly busy on a nice day. Toots had not seen the new bell thing so there we were clambering over the rocks as the tide was out getting as close as we could to the very quiet bell without getting wet.

I am going through my anti-complicated photography spell so took out the old Kodak Retinette 1a loaded with Hp5. What a lovely little camera this is.