I Have Moved
Posted: Sunday, 04 January 2009 |
Merry Christmas
Posted: Sunday, 14 December 2008 |
Well as the year draws to an end theres not a whole lot left to say apart from a few Christmas Greetings to the different catagories of people on IB
Merry Christmas to all The CAT lovers
And To All the DOG lovers
To all the farmers :
To ALL the ex pats and our friends in foreign parts
To the management of the BBC
(I wonder if that will be censored ) :)
And Last but not least a special Greeting to TWS
May your Christmas be a Good one and Happy Blogging for 2009
(all be it on another site)
Merry Christmas to all The CAT lovers
And To All the DOG lovers
To all the farmers :
To ALL the ex pats and our friends in foreign parts
To the management of the BBC
(I wonder if that will be censored ) :)
And Last but not least a special Greeting to TWS
May your Christmas be a Good one and Happy Blogging for 2009
(all be it on another site)
Setbacks
Posted: Thursday, 06 November 2008 |
What a week !!
The anticipation in waiting for anything is often too much.
Things that have for so long been ideas can become reality but at a price.
The Development Trust of Shapinsay have been waiting for the outcome of the proposed planning permission to erect a Community Owned Wind Turbine on the island. Yesterday was our day of reckonning and Mr B and myself took the ferry to Kirkwall to sit in on the planning meeting to see if the Trusts application would be approved.
We were joined by some other residents who had an interest in the outcome too.
The council had received quite a few objections not all from within Orkney and a late objection from HIAL the Highlands and Islands Airport Limited.
The main number of objectors were postcard objections supporting a resident of Shapinsay whose property is close to the site and objects to the nearness of the Turbine.
The Airports objection was on grounds that the turbine would cause interferrence to the island planes radio transmissions .
The Council were advised to reject the planning application. This was deferred pending further investigations so that further enquiries could be made to the validity of the photo montage that the main objector had based his campaign on and clarification and proof regarding the HIALs objection.
Barebraes is the closest house to the site and unlike some people I don't mind the thought of looking out and seeing the turbine.
Its a small price to pay when you consider the benefits that the income from the turbine would hopefully make to Shapinsay. But thats only MY OPINION and I understand and acknowledge other peoples concerns and if it can be proven that the turbine will interfere with radio communications and cannot be rectified then I would be the first person agree that safety is the most important thing to consider.
We live to fight another day.
The anticipation in waiting for anything is often too much.
Things that have for so long been ideas can become reality but at a price.
The Development Trust of Shapinsay have been waiting for the outcome of the proposed planning permission to erect a Community Owned Wind Turbine on the island. Yesterday was our day of reckonning and Mr B and myself took the ferry to Kirkwall to sit in on the planning meeting to see if the Trusts application would be approved.
We were joined by some other residents who had an interest in the outcome too.
The council had received quite a few objections not all from within Orkney and a late objection from HIAL the Highlands and Islands Airport Limited.
The main number of objectors were postcard objections supporting a resident of Shapinsay whose property is close to the site and objects to the nearness of the Turbine.
The Airports objection was on grounds that the turbine would cause interferrence to the island planes radio transmissions .
The Council were advised to reject the planning application. This was deferred pending further investigations so that further enquiries could be made to the validity of the photo montage that the main objector had based his campaign on and clarification and proof regarding the HIALs objection.
Barebraes is the closest house to the site and unlike some people I don't mind the thought of looking out and seeing the turbine.
Its a small price to pay when you consider the benefits that the income from the turbine would hopefully make to Shapinsay. But thats only MY OPINION and I understand and acknowledge other peoples concerns and if it can be proven that the turbine will interfere with radio communications and cannot be rectified then I would be the first person agree that safety is the most important thing to consider.
We live to fight another day.
Crash Bang and Lights OOT
Posted: Saturday, 25 October 2008 |
Is WInter here?
Do we need to be told!!!!
Friday morn, grey skies , howling winds and forecasts of more to come. This is the first test for the Roof ........ stomach churning times.
The Shapinsay managed to go all day up to 4 pm when the boys said that it was getting a bit too bad. SO the MV Shap was tied up on the safe side of the pier facing out to sea where she would sit until the winds subsided.
Friday afternoon for me is spent in the local shop where I work, people drifted in through the day and most of the regulars had collected their messages before the last boat. The grey skies grew black and then the heavens opened and one almighty flash and a loud thunder clap made the lights go out for a split second but luckily reappeared. Phew not a nice though, although the shop does have a limited backup which would help for a short while. Rain , Hail and Thunder. what next.
The selkies were the only things that were enjoying the weather as I could see plenty of them frolicking in the sea from the shop window. Yes now that the Tourist season is over they have come back to the shore.
The weather cleared a bit and it was followed by a peedie peice of blue sky and some sunshine..... Orkney Weather ... as I heard one buddy say.... four seasons in one day. How Apt.
Home to Barebraes at 5pm and the door was shut and the fire on we were safe in our house.
The evening was a little noisy with the wind but uneventful. We retired at around 11pm and once the lights were out the floor show began. Flash....Another Flash .... the distant noise of thunder, Rain , Heavy Rain and more flashes.
I drifted off to sleep and tried to forget the light show outside.
1PM
Was woken by something although not sure what. Mr B was salso awake and we were just settling down again when .......
CRACK
The most loudest frightening noise I have ever heard. Simultaneously followed by a large pop and our bedside lights flashing on then off. Then the Thunder. If we hadn't been hit by the lightning then I guess it must have been so close. The power went out and a further array of lightning followed.
For an instant I thought i could smell a burning smell and got Mr B to check the appliances. All clear.
Sleeping intermittently until approx 5am when Mr B got up to make a cuppa via the generator. Our power was restored at about 7.30am.
The man from the Hydro said that there had been a goose strike which had caused some of the power to be off but said that the lightning had more than likely caused ours ... a very astute deduction !!!
Saturday brought Gales and when I say Gales I mean Gales. Its still blowing at a great rate of knots outside and the time is now 6.20pm It doesnt seem to be lessening as they forecast but hey we go t electricity tonight so I guess beggars cant be choosers
At least teh Race Night in aid of the RNLI should have a good turn out tonight as we are island bound until the bost goes again
PS Don't forget to put your clocks forward and Happy Halloween
Do we need to be told!!!!
Friday morn, grey skies , howling winds and forecasts of more to come. This is the first test for the Roof ........ stomach churning times.
The Shapinsay managed to go all day up to 4 pm when the boys said that it was getting a bit too bad. SO the MV Shap was tied up on the safe side of the pier facing out to sea where she would sit until the winds subsided.
Friday afternoon for me is spent in the local shop where I work, people drifted in through the day and most of the regulars had collected their messages before the last boat. The grey skies grew black and then the heavens opened and one almighty flash and a loud thunder clap made the lights go out for a split second but luckily reappeared. Phew not a nice though, although the shop does have a limited backup which would help for a short while. Rain , Hail and Thunder. what next.
The selkies were the only things that were enjoying the weather as I could see plenty of them frolicking in the sea from the shop window. Yes now that the Tourist season is over they have come back to the shore.
The weather cleared a bit and it was followed by a peedie peice of blue sky and some sunshine..... Orkney Weather ... as I heard one buddy say.... four seasons in one day. How Apt.
Home to Barebraes at 5pm and the door was shut and the fire on we were safe in our house.
The evening was a little noisy with the wind but uneventful. We retired at around 11pm and once the lights were out the floor show began. Flash....Another Flash .... the distant noise of thunder, Rain , Heavy Rain and more flashes.
I drifted off to sleep and tried to forget the light show outside.
1PM
Was woken by something although not sure what. Mr B was salso awake and we were just settling down again when .......
CRACK
The most loudest frightening noise I have ever heard. Simultaneously followed by a large pop and our bedside lights flashing on then off. Then the Thunder. If we hadn't been hit by the lightning then I guess it must have been so close. The power went out and a further array of lightning followed.
For an instant I thought i could smell a burning smell and got Mr B to check the appliances. All clear.
Sleeping intermittently until approx 5am when Mr B got up to make a cuppa via the generator. Our power was restored at about 7.30am.
The man from the Hydro said that there had been a goose strike which had caused some of the power to be off but said that the lightning had more than likely caused ours ... a very astute deduction !!!
Saturday brought Gales and when I say Gales I mean Gales. Its still blowing at a great rate of knots outside and the time is now 6.20pm It doesnt seem to be lessening as they forecast but hey we go t electricity tonight so I guess beggars cant be choosers
At least teh Race Night in aid of the RNLI should have a good turn out tonight as we are island bound until the bost goes again
PS Don't forget to put your clocks forward and Happy Halloween
Were Still Here
Posted: Sunday, 12 October 2008 |
Where has this year gone?
I didn't realise how long it had been since my last blog.
No Mjc we havn't fallen from the roof and squished the Hooch.
Things have slowed down a bit at Barebraes although the work is still continuing. I think the enthusiasm of the Summer months has sort of subsided and some mornings it is hard to get motivated. I remember having this problem last winter, Darker and shorter days take their toll and the warm bed is a far better prospect than getting dressed in more layers and going outside.
On a lighter note the winter brings different sorts of entertainment, Harvest Home Dances and the thought of one day seeing the Merry Dancers above Barebraes.
The winter months are littered with events and occasions to forget the bad weather and enjoy the night life.
There is even talk of staging a Christmas Concert again this year.
Well as we plod on with the renovations its nice to know that theres some light releif to come this winter.
Heres an update on our progress so far
I didn't realise how long it had been since my last blog.
No Mjc we havn't fallen from the roof and squished the Hooch.
Things have slowed down a bit at Barebraes although the work is still continuing. I think the enthusiasm of the Summer months has sort of subsided and some mornings it is hard to get motivated. I remember having this problem last winter, Darker and shorter days take their toll and the warm bed is a far better prospect than getting dressed in more layers and going outside.
On a lighter note the winter brings different sorts of entertainment, Harvest Home Dances and the thought of one day seeing the Merry Dancers above Barebraes.
The winter months are littered with events and occasions to forget the bad weather and enjoy the night life.
There is even talk of staging a Christmas Concert again this year.
Well as we plod on with the renovations its nice to know that theres some light releif to come this winter.
Heres an update on our progress so far
Flooers, Strea, and a Reid Muin
Posted: Monday, 18 August 2008 |
Here at Barebraes things are ticking over nicely and we have had a little time to enjoy whats left of the Orkney Summer.
The Cathederal put on a lovely display of Floers and off we went to Kirkwall to savour the display. When I say we I mean yours truly and 13 Members of the Shapinsay Lunch Club. We all had Lunch at the Mart and then onwards to the Cathederal and afterwards just had to take in the ginormous selection of fancy cakes at the Garden Centre.
The lovely Summer weather has made the grass grow and our 2 acre field was lookin like something like out of Africa and we expected to see lions roaming around. Thankfully the nice man with his topper came along and cut turned and baled it into 14 round bales. Its the season for stookes and all around Shapinsay peedie wigwams of strae are appearing , and a few hay houses are being built.
Last night I ventured into the garden with the dog and found tht someone had coloured the muin a deep Reid colour.
Hooch couldnt be any less bothered if he tried
But the Muin made a very strange sight big and reid in the sky .
It made the roof look very strange
And even the willows that we planted a few years ago all looked eerie standing up tall and straight in the reidish glow
Another fine Orkney Summer has nearly past us all by again
The Cathederal put on a lovely display of Floers and off we went to Kirkwall to savour the display. When I say we I mean yours truly and 13 Members of the Shapinsay Lunch Club. We all had Lunch at the Mart and then onwards to the Cathederal and afterwards just had to take in the ginormous selection of fancy cakes at the Garden Centre.
The lovely Summer weather has made the grass grow and our 2 acre field was lookin like something like out of Africa and we expected to see lions roaming around. Thankfully the nice man with his topper came along and cut turned and baled it into 14 round bales. Its the season for stookes and all around Shapinsay peedie wigwams of strae are appearing , and a few hay houses are being built.
Last night I ventured into the garden with the dog and found tht someone had coloured the muin a deep Reid colour.
Hooch couldnt be any less bothered if he tried
But the Muin made a very strange sight big and reid in the sky .
It made the roof look very strange
And even the willows that we planted a few years ago all looked eerie standing up tall and straight in the reidish glow
Another fine Orkney Summer has nearly past us all by again
Phew another milestone
Posted: Wednesday, 09 July 2008 |
Here we are in the middle of July fairly dry but not too warm and on schedule for being ready for the winter.
Yes folks the D.O.G. is now warm and dry in his new (temporary) living quarters also known as our new lounge.
We have replaced the wood burner all be it temporarily and have a fully felted battenned and watertight roof ....whooppee
The tiling has begun again and apart from the eaves which need boarding and ventilating a great weight has been lifted from our over burdenned shoulders.
Its all doonhill from here, well maybe with a few bumps along the way. It hasnt been easy and its been very stressful but it feels like were on the homeward leg of this epic journey.
Here are the finished pics
a bit of a difference
Even Hooch is happy
Although you wouldnt know it from his expression
Yes folks the D.O.G. is now warm and dry in his new (temporary) living quarters also known as our new lounge.
We have replaced the wood burner all be it temporarily and have a fully felted battenned and watertight roof ....whooppee
The tiling has begun again and apart from the eaves which need boarding and ventilating a great weight has been lifted from our over burdenned shoulders.
Its all doonhill from here, well maybe with a few bumps along the way. It hasnt been easy and its been very stressful but it feels like were on the homeward leg of this epic journey.
Here are the finished pics
a bit of a difference
Even Hooch is happy
Although you wouldnt know it from his expression
The Peedie Grey Fergie
Posted: Tuesday, 10 June 2008 |
OOOh I am sooo excited .....
The other day Mr B received an offer that I just couldn't pass up.... the chance to own my very own tractor.
The said tractor had sat in a shed all alone and neglected for a few years and was so wanting someone to love and cherish it. In steps Mrs B with all the enthusiasm. I convinced meself that inspite of the fact that it hadn't been started for a while and we wern't sure if it went at all we would transport it from Mainland to Shapinsay.
Mr B armed with a straight towing bar and a friend hooked the tractor up and towed it to the Kirkwall ferry terminal to board the boat to Shapinsay. It arrived in Shapinsay at 12pm and trundled off the ferry to its new home at Barebraes.
Mr B got out his trusty spanner and can of WD40 and lo and behold the Peedie Fergie splutterred into life. After a bit more tinkering and adjusting the gears were freed off and the brakes adjusted. We took her for a spin up the brae and out onto the track. The sun was shinning and with Mr B standing on the back I drove her up and down.
The tractor was built in 1955 and we are trying to trace its history.
Our aim is to plough a part of the field and grow tatties next year , but I am sure that I will take her out for a spin or two just for the hell of it.
The other day Mr B received an offer that I just couldn't pass up.... the chance to own my very own tractor.
The said tractor had sat in a shed all alone and neglected for a few years and was so wanting someone to love and cherish it. In steps Mrs B with all the enthusiasm. I convinced meself that inspite of the fact that it hadn't been started for a while and we wern't sure if it went at all we would transport it from Mainland to Shapinsay.
Mr B armed with a straight towing bar and a friend hooked the tractor up and towed it to the Kirkwall ferry terminal to board the boat to Shapinsay. It arrived in Shapinsay at 12pm and trundled off the ferry to its new home at Barebraes.
Mr B got out his trusty spanner and can of WD40 and lo and behold the Peedie Fergie splutterred into life. After a bit more tinkering and adjusting the gears were freed off and the brakes adjusted. We took her for a spin up the brae and out onto the track. The sun was shinning and with Mr B standing on the back I drove her up and down.
The tractor was built in 1955 and we are trying to trace its history.
Our aim is to plough a part of the field and grow tatties next year , but I am sure that I will take her out for a spin or two just for the hell of it.
Home and Nearly Dry
Posted: Monday, 19 May 2008 |
Well Saturday and Sunday were very eventful.
On Saturday we constructed 9 trusses and stood them at the gable end ready to be shuffled along the wall into place. With only the two of us its the easiest way to build and erect the trusses that we have found. No fancy hoists or cranes just a lot of grit and determination and lack of funds to finance a costly operation.
The weather although a bit windy was good and the full days work was very enjoyable. Its the most trusses we have made in a day and by the end we were managing one per hour with a coffee break inbetween.
Thoroughly exhausted we retired at 6pm for tea a bath and a rest.
Sunday morning was a bit of a slow start but we knew what we had to do and got to it.
As the trusses were moved the distance got shorter and before long we were moving the last truss. The weather had turned out nice again and we were able to fix the trusses down to the wall plate and get some of the plywood onto the lower trusses to stabilise them.
The roof was complete apart from the ply felt and tiles , a milestone for us and a job that I wouldnt want to repeat in a long time.
Mr B had a well earn't glass of Beer and we both sighed a long deep sigh of completion
On Saturday we constructed 9 trusses and stood them at the gable end ready to be shuffled along the wall into place. With only the two of us its the easiest way to build and erect the trusses that we have found. No fancy hoists or cranes just a lot of grit and determination and lack of funds to finance a costly operation.
The weather although a bit windy was good and the full days work was very enjoyable. Its the most trusses we have made in a day and by the end we were managing one per hour with a coffee break inbetween.
Thoroughly exhausted we retired at 6pm for tea a bath and a rest.
Sunday morning was a bit of a slow start but we knew what we had to do and got to it.
As the trusses were moved the distance got shorter and before long we were moving the last truss. The weather had turned out nice again and we were able to fix the trusses down to the wall plate and get some of the plywood onto the lower trusses to stabilise them.
The roof was complete apart from the ply felt and tiles , a milestone for us and a job that I wouldnt want to repeat in a long time.
Mr B had a well earn't glass of Beer and we both sighed a long deep sigh of completion
More Roof antics
Posted: Thursday, 15 May 2008 |
Well with the glorious week we have had its no wonder that the roofline has changed once again and we now have 6 new trusses erected and some ply on them.
Only another 10 more to build and put up
Only another 10 more to build and put up
We moved here in September 05 and have met many good friends. What more could you want from life. 
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