Liosach's Lines

In my mind just now, I'm sitting at the table in La Huttière.   The red table cloth I've known for over 25 years on the table in front of me, the dresser I've known for just as long behind me, with the glasses and other dishes in it that I've used to share drinks and meals with friends and family for nearly three decades inside it.   Dad's sitting opposite me with his Sudoku, Mum's sitting on the sofa made by Philippe, with a good book to keep her company.   The boys are in bed in the bedrooms through the glass door behind me.   Ealasaid is playing on the swings outside,   trying to convince us that she doesn't need to be in bed yet.   Colin's either asleep on the sofa beside Mum, pretending to read, or he's asleep in the boys' room, pretending not to be.   The crickets are still calling outside and now and again we can hear fire crackers and/ or fireworks being set off, as a prelude to the official ones which will be set off tonight in some vi...

It's barely 9 o' clock at night and I'm sitting here needing matchsticks to prop my eyes open.   I know I won't be the only one… half of the island will probably be in exactly the same boat.   Today saw the first Lismore Show since around the time of the Second World War.   A huge amount of work and effort had gone in beforehand to make the day the great success it was.   The show was the brainchild of Neil Carmichael, but I think it's safe to say his whole family was involved, including his Gran, Cathie Carmichael, who would be presenting the prizes later in the day.   Many a household on the island has been a hive of activity for the past few days, culminating in a frenzy of baking activity yesterday and even first thing this morning.   Children's classes were popular, with lots of baking and handicraft entries, from 2 year olds and upwards.   Adult baking classes were also hotly contested, along with handicrafts, flowers, photography and art. ...

I wonder if 2015 will see me actually remembering that I have a blog.  It all started with great intentions, but, well, that's about as far as it got. 2014 was a challenging year for us as a family.  Dad had to learn to cope with his newly diagnosed diabetes, we lost Colin's Mum really quite suddenly, Ealasaid hasn't had the easiest time in school, then Mum was diagnosed with osteoporosis...bit of a shock, but perhaps better than what we were all imagining.  She's still in incredible pain, but at least she knows what she's dealing with now.  On top of that, we don't even want to talk about the quote Dad's received for the dental work he needs!! However...we have so, so much to be grateful for inspire of the difficulties.  We had a lovely family Christmas...everyone was together, everyone enjoyed at least a measure of good health, three generations of the family had a wonderful time surrounded by gifts galore and, more importantly, love.  When I think of w...