It’s been a while since my last blog post.
The weeks have rustled into full blown autumn here on the island. The hedgerows are full of berries, the heather is fading, and as I often do at the turn of the season, I’m filled with silence and a degree of sadness.
I don’t know why I feel often feel low as autumn approaches. I’m really not mourning summer, but maybe the combination of house build delays, the prospect of another winter in the caravan -which we hadn’t expected- and being a menopausal woman have all conspired to bring my mood down more than normal at this change of the season.
The storms have started, with two weeks of solid rain and wind lashing the croft. I’ve not wanted to leave the caravan. I’ve cooked, baked, read books and cleaned, but apart from that I’ve really not had the energy to do much and haven’t wanted to see people.
I’m looking forward to the screed arriving at some point over the next few weeks for the floor now that we have completed the underfloor heating pipe installation, connection and testing. We are getting there, just very slowly. Our hopes to be in the house by the end of the year are no longer viable and it’s now looking more like summer next year before it will be ready for us to move in. We will survive.
As with all things, there is often a silver lining. Storms here mean rainbows. Several each day. Small bursts of colour in the washed windows in the grey to remind us that nature and the seasons are full of wonder and magic.
I will try and get out more. Walking is said to be better than Prozac, best friend in France tells me. She has also recommended taking vitamin D and Magnesium.
And there are always pies, which magically lift a mood. Bake more of them.
Ravencroft Skye 
You have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and I have anxiety (impending fire season and a critically ill dog), but we can both focus on the tiny puffs of colour in a grey world; the rainbows, the dew drops on blades of grass at dawn, the scent of flowering trees on the wind and the ever present breeze at this time of year.
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We can indeed. Thank goodness 😘
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That tart looks ridiculously good! How big will your actual kitchen be when the house is ready? I can’t quite believe you’re making these in a caravan kitchen. I can’t what to see what you’ll make when you have all your equipment.
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Thank you! You’re very kind. The caravan kitchen is super tiny. I have a work surface just large enough to roll a square of pastry and a mini oven… but with perseverance I manage!
The house kitchen won’t be huge, about 4m by 3.5m, but I will also have the walk-in pantry and a utility room, so it will feel remarkably spacious in comparison! I do miss my kitchen machine and proper space to spread. And a decent oven… soon. Soon.
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The walk-in pantry sounds awesome. You’ll be in there baking marvels before you know it.
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Thank you! I’m holding on to the dream! ☺️
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I think the lowering of daylight hours has an affect. We all need light to function well and as the days shorten it induces a kind of semi hibernation in us, and if you’re battling with other things, as you are with your house build I suppose it does catch up with you. Stay focused and eat pie which looks amazing. Comfort food will help you through. Also try to imagine where you were a year or two years ago, waiting to even get onto the island, and now here you are bringing an incredible dream to life`!
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Thank you for your kind words, it helps. I’m sure that with a bit more getting out in between the rain showers, the fresh air, light and nature will all have me back on track soon x
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That pie looks lovely and delish!
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Thank you! It was a bit impromptu, inspired by a few hard pears lurking in the fridge that had been there too long for comfort. But it was delicious 😋
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It looked almost (almost!!!) too pretty to cut.
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Never too pretty to eat! 👍
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Shorter days, equinoctial storms, grey skies and lack of light make many of us feel glum. No wonder our ancestors needed Christmas or its equivalent in the depths of winter. Delays to the house can only compound the low feeling. Baking seems a good way to take care of yourself (and your man!). My daily walk after breakfast with Roo (my dog) certainly gets me going when all I really want to do is curl up indoors and rainbows always help!
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We will get there. I know it. I shall continue baking and pickling and tending to my raised beds until we do!
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