主播大秀

It won't take much guessing to work out who I am or what I do. But then that is OK because the whole point of this forum is to share thoughts on what it is like being part of island communities. I often tell people that living on the Isle of Seil is a bit of a cheat. We have a bridge to the mainland, after all. Nonetheless there is a definite island feel to life. We are never far from the sea, though I live in one of the few houses without a sea view. This weekend I am on Colonsay, and the sea views are stunning. Pity it gets dark so early. Today there has been a Book Fayre, I was not able to contribute any books, but bought a total of nine. I have been a blogger for a while now - my personal site is at www.freda.org.uk in case you fancy a look.

It is quite difficult learning how to use this blogging system as it is so different from my own online weblog, however, I shall persevere. I guess we are all finding our way.

The Cuan Sound was at its most dramatic at lunchtime today. A few of us had to cross at 1-00pm being treated to a gale, a squall and a sleet storm all at the same time. Not pleasant in a small open boat. Thank goodness for competent captains. It almost brought about a refusal on my part, but I wanted to get home for hot soup and other commitments. When will the council start listening to the people of Luing? There have been complaints about the inadequacy of the passenger ferry for a long time. So far I have felt relatively safe, if uncomfortable at times, but there are people who simply refuse to use it.

Sometimes I wonder why I like my work.

Aha! So moderating blog entries ceases over the festive period. Feels strange for that to happen when I am in a profession that works even longer hours over Christmas. Still, the 主播大秀i staff deserve their holiday. I am getting one next month.

I am used to updating my personal blog on a daily basis, so am having to remember to keep a copy of this one so that I know where I am in sharing island life. We are in a kind of hiatus at the moment as people recover from the religious part of the holidays and await the end of the year. Of course the Christian festival of Christmas was instituted by taking over the pagan winter solstice celebrations. It seems that people have long enjoyed a mid-winter jolly. But it would be very sad were we to go back to that alone and lose the magic and mystery of the birth, the star, the angels, the shepherds and the Wise Men.

I wonder if that is a common feeling today though?