I think I discovered today the maximum wind speed at which it is safe to operate an unladen cargo trike. I think it's around 40mph sustained wind speeds with 60mph gusts. This is based on cycling home into winds the metoffice puts at 46mph with 67mph gusts. Just a little on the far side of safe. I'd be fine if it was straight head winds, it's the cross component that is dangerous. Corners proved a little awkward and I had to lean into the wind (and use the camber of the road) to stay upright. It's pretty impressive when a gust can stop you dead and prevent you peddling.
We (obviously) still have power right now, just the odd flicker, but if it goes it could be out for a while, I'm told, as there are only two Scottish Hydro engineers on the island right now. I certainly don't envy them trying to effect any repairs in these conditions.
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Saturday 26 January 2013
Quiet week
The winter gales are attempting to blow and the weather is outright cold. It's not dropped below 0'C that I've seen on my browser plugin but with these winds it's *felt* as low as -6'C.
Madam Doglet has Opinions (capital O required) on the wind going where it isn't welcome during her loo breaks:
Note: the Dogese for her opinions is rather too rude for public sharing.
The "Photo per week" group is going well. Last week was "Light and dark". I seriously struggled with this one and then, while using my light box, inspiration struck! One glass dolphin with lucky penny and the light box and many, many photos later:
I took about ten photos before I was happy.
This week was "Transport". I considered the trike or the island bus but actually, my main mode of transport, or most commonly used, is my feet. So here we have my new "barefoot" shoes in the dog's harness.
I'm still adjusting to these, they're just thick enough to protect your feet from anything sharp and are made of wetsuit material, so your feet are actually warmer when wet. They are most definitely NOT for long walks on roads. On grass and sand though: bliss!
I've been busy crafting this week, I can't show you what on because it's my Dad's birthday present and he reads this blog. You'll be able to see after the May bank holiday though. Instead, I shall show you these short-fingered mitts I've knit:
They need a wash though, the wool is lovely, but a tad rough on my sensitive hands, a wash should see to that. The yarn self-stripes; I *could* do my own stripes, but this was easier and worked out quite well on the short fingers too!
That's about it really. Quiet week spent mainly at home and in bed.
Madam Doglet has Opinions (capital O required) on the wind going where it isn't welcome during her loo breaks:
Note: the Dogese for her opinions is rather too rude for public sharing.
The "Photo per week" group is going well. Last week was "Light and dark". I seriously struggled with this one and then, while using my light box, inspiration struck! One glass dolphin with lucky penny and the light box and many, many photos later:
I took about ten photos before I was happy.
This week was "Transport". I considered the trike or the island bus but actually, my main mode of transport, or most commonly used, is my feet. So here we have my new "barefoot" shoes in the dog's harness.
I'm still adjusting to these, they're just thick enough to protect your feet from anything sharp and are made of wetsuit material, so your feet are actually warmer when wet. They are most definitely NOT for long walks on roads. On grass and sand though: bliss!
I've been busy crafting this week, I can't show you what on because it's my Dad's birthday present and he reads this blog. You'll be able to see after the May bank holiday though. Instead, I shall show you these short-fingered mitts I've knit:
They need a wash though, the wool is lovely, but a tad rough on my sensitive hands, a wash should see to that. The yarn self-stripes; I *could* do my own stripes, but this was easier and worked out quite well on the short fingers too!
That's about it really. Quiet week spent mainly at home and in bed.
Saturday 19 January 2013
Videos!
I was clearing off the camera memory card and found these...
When little sister-in-law came to visit and tried the bike...
Poor thing, as she says is "really short!"
But it does mean she can ride in the basket with ease.
And a very old one of Madam Doglet showing why she has so few teeth (we theorise!)
Not much to report. Wind has dropped, it's down to "windy" rather than "really windy", around the 25mph averages apparently. All I know is it's not so darned cold in the living room any more and the toilet hasn't got its own wave machine.
Photo assignment this week is "light and dark" So far I'm lacking inspiration. I did take the camera outside an hour ago, but it truly is too dark for it.
When little sister-in-law came to visit and tried the bike...
Poor thing, as she says is "really short!"
But it does mean she can ride in the basket with ease.
And a very old one of Madam Doglet showing why she has so few teeth (we theorise!)
Not much to report. Wind has dropped, it's down to "windy" rather than "really windy", around the 25mph averages apparently. All I know is it's not so darned cold in the living room any more and the toilet hasn't got its own wave machine.
Photo assignment this week is "light and dark" So far I'm lacking inspiration. I did take the camera outside an hour ago, but it truly is too dark for it.
Thursday 17 January 2013
Breeze or wind?
On Tiree the wind scale is a tad skewed.
What might be called "windy" on the mainland is called "breezy" on Tiree.
"Breeze" has a wider range up here. Up to about 18mph is generally referred to by locals as "breezy". I have noticed very few completely calm days and have already managed to adjust my mental scale of winds. "breezy" isn't really an event on the island, folk carry on as usual, even the frailer ones still consider the wind to be weak enough to let them outside.
Above this and up to around 40mph is considered "windy" and usually "gusty". The average person who doesn't need to be outside generally won't be. The wind brings tears to the eyes almost instantly and the frailer folk stay indoors or look around for a kind soul to block some of the wind. I can get a walk in up to around the 25mph mark, after that I get blinded by tears.
Above 40mph is allowed to be "very windy" and sometimes even as far as "gales". The Glasgow plane starts to be unpredictable, the ferry may not get past Coll and life on the island generally moves indoors if at all possible.
But the second biggest factor after speed is direction. A nice tail wind can shave a good 10-15 minutes off the flight time from Glasgow while a head wind can add as much as 30 minutes.
Our ferries aren't exactly small, they can take a couple of HGV's and a good couple dozen cars in one run. The Lord of the Isles even has stabilisers (not wheels, big fins on hydraulics to ease the roll). So the sea being rough isn't necessarily a guarantee of no running. What does determine the ferry coming in is the direction of the wind in relation to the pier. From what I've heard; if the waves are coming in at the length of the pier, or side, then docking is possible. But if the waves are hitting the end, then the offloading ramp can't stay put. Or it could be the other way, I'm not sure as yet.
Of course the ferry not getting in sees a sudden rush to the Co and Macleod's for bread and milk. A cancellation of the plane means no mail and no people coming back or visiting. What I love though, is that no mail doesn't create a big fuss. No mail today? Okay, it'll be in tomorrow, probably. No mail for a day on the mainland? All heck is let loose. Even in the little village of Todmorden a one day delay could have a week long knock on effect. Here it might knock something back two days.
Right now my little browser plugin says the winds are around 43mph from the SSE. I believe this is the average of sustained and gusts, but I'm not sure. What I can tell you is that right now having the bedroom window open 1cm, not even past the frame, creates enough howl to drown out anything but someone in shoes walking past the door. Other observations include: the water in the toilet has a fairly good wave system going. The house is COLD and even though the heater is on 4 I am having to wear thick socks and a jumper to stay warm. There's also a fair howl coming down the chimney.
We don't like Southerlies or 'Sou'westerlies' in our house, they hit the front of the house and have a horrible knack of finding all the tiny holes and getting in. They also lift the lino, even though I've blocked off all but 1/5 of each air brick.
Still, could be worse...I won't say how, Murphy and Sod may be listening.
I dearly hope all my friends and family on the mainland are taking care, staying warm and avoiding the snow. Take care all!
What might be called "windy" on the mainland is called "breezy" on Tiree.
"Breeze" has a wider range up here. Up to about 18mph is generally referred to by locals as "breezy". I have noticed very few completely calm days and have already managed to adjust my mental scale of winds. "breezy" isn't really an event on the island, folk carry on as usual, even the frailer ones still consider the wind to be weak enough to let them outside.
Above this and up to around 40mph is considered "windy" and usually "gusty". The average person who doesn't need to be outside generally won't be. The wind brings tears to the eyes almost instantly and the frailer folk stay indoors or look around for a kind soul to block some of the wind. I can get a walk in up to around the 25mph mark, after that I get blinded by tears.
Above 40mph is allowed to be "very windy" and sometimes even as far as "gales". The Glasgow plane starts to be unpredictable, the ferry may not get past Coll and life on the island generally moves indoors if at all possible.
But the second biggest factor after speed is direction. A nice tail wind can shave a good 10-15 minutes off the flight time from Glasgow while a head wind can add as much as 30 minutes.
Our ferries aren't exactly small, they can take a couple of HGV's and a good couple dozen cars in one run. The Lord of the Isles even has stabilisers (not wheels, big fins on hydraulics to ease the roll). So the sea being rough isn't necessarily a guarantee of no running. What does determine the ferry coming in is the direction of the wind in relation to the pier. From what I've heard; if the waves are coming in at the length of the pier, or side, then docking is possible. But if the waves are hitting the end, then the offloading ramp can't stay put. Or it could be the other way, I'm not sure as yet.
Of course the ferry not getting in sees a sudden rush to the Co and Macleod's for bread and milk. A cancellation of the plane means no mail and no people coming back or visiting. What I love though, is that no mail doesn't create a big fuss. No mail today? Okay, it'll be in tomorrow, probably. No mail for a day on the mainland? All heck is let loose. Even in the little village of Todmorden a one day delay could have a week long knock on effect. Here it might knock something back two days.
Right now my little browser plugin says the winds are around 43mph from the SSE. I believe this is the average of sustained and gusts, but I'm not sure. What I can tell you is that right now having the bedroom window open 1cm, not even past the frame, creates enough howl to drown out anything but someone in shoes walking past the door. Other observations include: the water in the toilet has a fairly good wave system going. The house is COLD and even though the heater is on 4 I am having to wear thick socks and a jumper to stay warm. There's also a fair howl coming down the chimney.
We don't like Southerlies or 'Sou'westerlies' in our house, they hit the front of the house and have a horrible knack of finding all the tiny holes and getting in. They also lift the lino, even though I've blocked off all but 1/5 of each air brick.
Still, could be worse...I won't say how, Murphy and Sod may be listening.
I dearly hope all my friends and family on the mainland are taking care, staying warm and avoiding the snow. Take care all!
Friday 11 January 2013
A little more
I joined a "photo per week" group on Facebook and have been playing with the camera. Today I trotted down to the beach and had a play, thought I'd share the results.
A quiet rock pool:
This little plant was in another rock pool; neatly wrapped around that rock. yes, the water really was that clear!
The tide was just on its way in, slow and steady.
A quiet rock pool:
This little plant was in another rock pool; neatly wrapped around that rock. yes, the water really was that clear!
The tide was just on its way in, slow and steady.
Thursday 10 January 2013
Just some photos
It was fairly calm yesterday morning so Pippa and I went for a walk to the beach. Sunrise was beautiful!
January, and not only is it mild, the sun is here already. Admittedly, the rain still visits, but...SUN!!!!!
There were also lots of stranded jellyfish along the tideline, the biggest I saw was about 4" across.
Also saw this plantpot. Just a plastic pot that had been underwater long enough to get it's own eco-system
These creels are down on the beach and were in a neatish pile before winter. Now they've been rearranged and moved about 10 feet along the beach. Considering the amount of rusty steel in there, just goes to show how strong the waves have been over winter. I was rather amused by the perfectly beached margarine tub on top.
Just to prove that we have had rain too. This is a field down the road; yes, field, not pond, tarn or loch.
Sunshine is popping in and out today. The birds are singing, Spring is on the way. That means the lawnmower will be back out soon! ;)
January, and not only is it mild, the sun is here already. Admittedly, the rain still visits, but...SUN!!!!!
There were also lots of stranded jellyfish along the tideline, the biggest I saw was about 4" across.
Also saw this plantpot. Just a plastic pot that had been underwater long enough to get it's own eco-system
These creels are down on the beach and were in a neatish pile before winter. Now they've been rearranged and moved about 10 feet along the beach. Considering the amount of rusty steel in there, just goes to show how strong the waves have been over winter. I was rather amused by the perfectly beached margarine tub on top.
Just to prove that we have had rain too. This is a field down the road; yes, field, not pond, tarn or loch.
Sunshine is popping in and out today. The birds are singing, Spring is on the way. That means the lawnmower will be back out soon! ;)
Tuesday 8 January 2013
War!
Remember those cute, furry little uninvited guests? Well, nearly 2 weeks ago I declared war.
Two snap traps and one night later: 2 ex-mice.
Then it went quiet for a week.
Two nights ago I noticed that the baking tray cupboard was gaining extra poop. Moved 1 trap into that cupboard, 1 mouse that night.
What I wasn't expecting was the following evening.
I went to bed, heard the trap snap, found a mouse. Dispatched it (alas, the trap caught it by the leg rather than the neck). 15 minutes later, another snap, another one needing to be killed. And yet another while I was asleep.
4 mice in 24 hours?!
Surely that has to be all of them? Surely 6 mice is all?
So I sit quietly in the living room, deciding if I want to watch a DVD or listen to music...
pitter patter, pitter patter
You have GOT to be kidding!
More lead boots in the loft!
I'm thinking I need to buy more traps.
Still, mice in the house is better than four directional damp in previous rents.
Two snap traps and one night later: 2 ex-mice.
Then it went quiet for a week.
Two nights ago I noticed that the baking tray cupboard was gaining extra poop. Moved 1 trap into that cupboard, 1 mouse that night.
What I wasn't expecting was the following evening.
I went to bed, heard the trap snap, found a mouse. Dispatched it (alas, the trap caught it by the leg rather than the neck). 15 minutes later, another snap, another one needing to be killed. And yet another while I was asleep.
4 mice in 24 hours?!
Surely that has to be all of them? Surely 6 mice is all?
So I sit quietly in the living room, deciding if I want to watch a DVD or listen to music...
pitter patter, pitter patter
You have GOT to be kidding!
More lead boots in the loft!
I'm thinking I need to buy more traps.
Still, mice in the house is better than four directional damp in previous rents.
Thursday 3 January 2013
2013, 151, 135
Well, it's 2013. I'm saving the year review for the end of January/start of February when we'll have been here a whole year.
151 and 135?
I've been working on a blanket. It's made by knitting lots of little "hexipuffs", hexagonal puffs that are hollow, and then stuffing them with a little bit of stuffing and sewing them closed. When I started each puff took about an hour, now they take about 30-40 minutes, depending if I make an oops.
151 puffs are now complete:
Total area now covered? 20x30 inches, or approximately 4.16 square feet. (20x30=600 12x12=144 600/144 = 4.16)
The 135 is my approximation on time taken. Yep, 135 hours of knitting. Here they are all laid out with a mug for comparison:
And, just to give you an idea on time, remember this shawl?
This is approximately 25-30 hours of knitting time. In the time I've taken to knit 151 tiny little stuffed puffs I could have knit this (beads included!) between 5 and 6 times.
Anyway, back to knitting the other 200+ puffs required for a nice sized blanket...
Happy 2013!
151 and 135?
I've been working on a blanket. It's made by knitting lots of little "hexipuffs", hexagonal puffs that are hollow, and then stuffing them with a little bit of stuffing and sewing them closed. When I started each puff took about an hour, now they take about 30-40 minutes, depending if I make an oops.
151 puffs are now complete:
Total area now covered? 20x30 inches, or approximately 4.16 square feet. (20x30=600 12x12=144 600/144 = 4.16)
The 135 is my approximation on time taken. Yep, 135 hours of knitting. Here they are all laid out with a mug for comparison:
And, just to give you an idea on time, remember this shawl?
This is approximately 25-30 hours of knitting time. In the time I've taken to knit 151 tiny little stuffed puffs I could have knit this (beads included!) between 5 and 6 times.
Anyway, back to knitting the other 200+ puffs required for a nice sized blanket...
Happy 2013!
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