85. Slow progress

We've had family to stay which has been lovely but hectic. It's always a challenge feeding a large group in the cabin and I'd been hoping we could eat out on the decking but the weather wasn't good enough so we brought the outdoor table in and all managed to fit round it. I think everyone enjoyed it, the time went very quickly. 

The stairs arrived and they were quite easy to transport in our boat, it only took 2 runs. We waited until everyone except my eldest son (who's stayed on to give us a hand) had left before trying to fit them. They've not proved easy, it doesn't help that the building isn't square. It's took Rich and helpers about a week to get them in, they're still not finished but we're really pleased with how they look and they're smaller than I thought which means I can have more cupboards in the kitchen.

The plasterboard has also started going up so it's starting to look like a proper house. I'm still doubtful we'll be in by Christmas as there's still so much to do and so much is weather dependant but we'll carry on and see where we get to. 

The midges are doing well. We decided to walk over to the other side of Scoraig to camp for the night. We set the tent up and had a meal while there was a slight breeze but then it dropped and the midges came out in their thousands. I needed a wee and got absolutely covered in bites, far worse than ever  before. Such fun!! 

Storm Floris arrived today, it was blustery but not too bad I didn't think, although I haven't had the nerve to check on my sunflowers yet. They were just starting to get flowers, I'm not sure they'll still be standing. The flowers in the veg patch have been a delight this year, it's such a joy to see all the different colours. Luckily I collected all the fava beans before the wind arrived, they took quite a time to shell but we got a decent amount to freeze. 

The polytunnel is doing well. I think I've about 10 decent sized squashes growing and we're finally starting to get some ripe tomatoes. 

It feels like summer is coming to an end and Autumn is on the way. We've still not managed to put away as much wood as I'd have liked but there just doesn't seem enough time to do it all. Everything seems quite rushed and hectic at the moment. I'm quite looking forward to Winter when things will hopefully slow down a bit. Although when I do slow down my thoughts turn to my beautiful Tabby who I still miss so very much. It's been quite painful adjusting to life without her, she was so loved. ❤️

On one of our trips across the Loch to collect building materials we had the pure joy of seeing dolphins which is always such an  amazing experience and something I'm very thankful for. They are such beautiful creatures. ♥️