And so we start the new year in 2023 in our new home at last. Waking up to a warm bedroom and a view of the sun rising over the mountains of Knoydart and Loch Nevis has been a joy. Even if it does look a little like the demonic light of Mordor.
The low winter light fills the house all day. As the sun sets at around 4pm and dusk gathers, we light the woodburner and coorie-in, as they say in these parts.
Hogmanay this year was with friends at their cottage a few doors down in the village. We walked gingerly down our icy access track with a lantern in the early evening to their home where they had prepared wine and food, a side of smoked salmon, home baked cheesy puffs (delicious, Beth! Even without the sage) and lots of other wonderful edible things. It was good to chat and connect in their cozy kitchen, and was a fittingly good end to the year with neighbours and friends.
We were reminded with a smile that a house warming gathering was still expected whenever we were ready!
We didn’t stay late, and returned up the hill to home, lit the fire and drank red wine with a film until bed time. We watched the fireworks at Mallaig on the mainland from the comfort of the house to welcome in the new year.
New Years Day was quiet and cosy after all our busy arrangements at Christmas. It was just the two of us, a slow cooked shoulder of lamb over boulangere potatoes and a decadent chocolate pudding.
Wishing you all a slightly belated Happy New Year with much good health, happiness and love from our croft at the top of the windy hill on the Isle of Skye.
Ravencroft Skye 
Happy New Year to you both, and whilst I am sure there is still plenty to do, the feeling of being warm and cosy in the home you have built must be fantastic. I also notice that the live of food has not, and am sure will not diminish, and that fine fare is now a regular occurrence with the more amenable facilities available!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy new year to you and M-A! It’s indeed warm and cosy, and such a delight to have a bigger kitchen to cook in. We still haven’t unpacked our boxes so I’m still just with one square baking tin for the moment, but I’ve sort of got used to that!
LikeLike
Congratulations on being moved in at last!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much! ❤️
LikeLike
It makes me so happy to know you’re cosy in the Croft and enjoying sone well deserved comforts after those hard winters in the van. I swear when you said you were in I felt very emotional !! Live long and laugh often in your new home xx much love Annie xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Annie. It feels so good to be in. I’m still pinching myself. Wishing you a happy, healthy new year with lots of good people and laughter xxx
LikeLike
A belated Happy New Year to you too Luffy. Your new home looks amazing and those views – WOW! It must all be heaven after the caravan. And you have a community of neighbours too. The equivalent here of coorie in is cwtch in (the w is pronounced like the ou in could). A cwtch is literally a hug but extends to anything which gives that cared for, supported, safe feeling so you cwtch in by your fire and are cwtched by your community.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s exactly it. Thank you! And happy new year to you too x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And to you too 🥂
LikeLike
Can I come and eat at your place?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so behind in your news!! I am back at work, and with the teacher shortage, I have not had my head above the piles of paper for a good while. I will plod along and catch up as I can find time. I do love your stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely understand! Life comes first, of course. I’m glad if you can grab a quick update whenever you can ❤️
LikeLike