Islanders..

This is something often discussed... definition of an islander.

The only bad night I have had here is when a bad squall blew up unexpectedly the day before Storm Brian was due. Usually the ferrymen know not to cross but this was a freak event.

I had gone over and was just finishing shopping about 30  miles away when the sky went dark and the wind rose.... The drive home along the coast is usually the best part of the day out . but that day I flew with a sense of foreboding.  Stopped in the village to call the ferryman that I was five minutes away.

But as I got near, I knew. The car was rocking and the ocean was rolling. Cold,  wind screaming.  A man came along the shore looking bedraggled and muddy to get to his car. They had managed to get him ashore a couple of miles along but told him to tell me they could not get to me.... Stranded! on the mainland! HORRORS! 

When I called, they told me to get B and B in the village, but I had no money left so drove to town . A sage ensued re finding a bed for the night that was a parable of kindness and helpless caring. the old folks home was full.. there was a function at the hotel who were upset and fed me. A curate there for a wedding rehearsal kept cropping up and offered me a room at the parochial house at some distance, then appeared with  our priest who I had not then met. And I was provided with B and B.... where I had been told E50 earlier... hot shower,  free internet! (NB that curate was well known for his caring and sadly died a few months later, still young)

All I could think of was the weather... Knew my critters had enough food etc, but needed home

And  there was no sight finer than that of the ferry making its way over for me! Rescue!                                                                                                                                                                                         And we decided that while many hate the idea of being stranded on an island, a true islander cannot bear being stranded on the mainland.. somehow I am an islander at such a deep level and unaccountably 

We crossed safe  if rumpled with Brian breathing storm winds at our backs. 

                                  *************************************

A breezy , nippy morning here now. Some  sun breaking through. All is slow germinating and growing. Later when it has warmed up I will be out preparing ground.

But for now,  soup simmering, hands knitting.. Baggy black legwarmers with elaborate free cabling that will to Canada for sale at some stage.. You tube! Luxury!
The cats are two in three out.  My scatter of cats.

And the ocean is ruffled and alive,in  glancing sun. Always in every direction here. enfolding us in steadfast arms..