Another week out of Blogland and another 'selfie' blog post (sorry Bob).
We have known each other for just under half a century. We came to the Island in the '70s - her husband and I to work for the local authority. For both of us it was short term. However, neither of us left. Both of us stayed until our retirement. All of us loved and have very strong Island connections.
John and Sue left the Island after his retirement because their children had left the Island and Glasgow suited their travelling lifestyle better than Lewis.
Sue and John were two of my closest friends from day one. Sadly, John passed away two years ago. We have shared half a century of experiences, fun and heartache. So when Sue came to stay for a week there was no shortage of things to occupy our time. We met mutual friends and had friends in for dinner. Sue went into town and met many of her own friends.
In fact I could write several posts arising from the visit (and may well do so). I should also get into the garden. However the weather today is vile - viscously heavy squalls coming through in between moments when butter wouldn't melt in Zeus's mouth.
I also have an appointment with the optometrist. Actually I confess that I was not sure what the difference was between an optometrist and an optician. Apparently opticians are technicians who fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting devices. Optometrists are eye doctors who examine, diagnose, and treat patients' eyes.
Bye for now.
Yesterday's tomato crop:
And then there are ophthalmologists and who knows what they do? Before you even go to to your eye doctor, Graham, I am sure there is a gleam in your eye from all those tomatoes! What a wonderful crop. If I lived close by I would come around and shamelessly beg for a few! We made one of our favourite dinners last evening, quick simple, and delicious. It's called Mediterranean fish if I am not mistaken, and uses a cup of cherry or grape tomatoes. We are a little more generous than that. If you happen to have a nice Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc on hand, so much the better!
ReplyDeleteDavid, the Mediterranean fish dish sounds delightful. I've just looked up ophthalmologist and apparently they are medical doctors who specialise in eyes. Every day is a school day.
DeleteReally jealous of that tomato crop. Do you not get tomato blight up there in the 'artic' north?
ReplyDeleteTigger, I've not had tomato blight. I plant French Marigolds all around my tomatoes and they are supposed to deter tomato-loving bugs.
DeleteWe've had a good tomato crop too. I grow only sungold. Good aubergines too. I suppose, like us, you have to wait at least until well into August before you get them.
ReplyDeleteTasker, I'ver never grown an aubergine. All the tomatoes I planted were the old tried and tested Moneymaker. I may be more adventurous next year. On the other hand..... And, yes, they don't crop until into August.
DeleteDoes Sue live in some far flung corner of the isle? Or has she moved away to another place? I am a bit puzzled as to why she was staying like she is no longer an islander and had to visit and go to town to see friends and to come and stay with you to see you when you describe her and her late husband as never moving away.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rachel. You have picked up an error which must have occurred when I was editing the draft. The term "For both of us it was short term. However, neither of us left." was supposed to relate to John and I working for the Council. In the original draft there was another paragraph which explained that John and Sue moved away to Glasgow some years ago because their family had left here and their travelling lifestyle was easier from Glasgow. I have no idea what happened to the paragraph but I'm glad you've pointed it out. I may re-insert it.
DeleteFriends who have been in your life for that long are priceless, I am glad you had a lovely visit.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, if you are not careful you are going to have to share those tomatoes 🤪.
Thanks, Jayne. I have been sharing the tomatoes and peeling and part cooking and freezing others for Italian sauces.
DeleteI am still in the mountains with very limited internet access and so it is a rare combination of less than great hiking weather and an empty settee in the hotel lounge that allows me to check in with my blogging friends this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThe friendship that has been lasting for decades and the fact that Sue came visiting confirms my impression of you as a very decent man and good friend.
Meike, I'm very moved by your compliment. Thank you.
DeleteI am very envious of your tomato crop. How do you do it? Your climate must be very similar to ours but we never seem to have enough sun to ripen ours.
ReplyDeleteJayCee, given that we have had precious little sun these last few weeks I have no idea how they have ripened in such profusion. I have a polycarbonate tunnel which is very warm and gets the sun when it does shine. We do have a very high UV factor up here. I wonder if that helps.
DeleteGood luck with your appointment. Nice tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteI prefer an opthalmologist/eye surgeon. Opticians are easier to get an appointment with though.
Maywyn, it seems that it's not easy getting an appointment with any professional these days.
DeleteYummy looking tomatoes you have there. What fun to catch up with an old friend - I met up with one a couple of years ago that I have known for around fifty years. We had to laugh when we looked back and realized how long we had known each other (she lived in Australia for several years).
ReplyDeleteHope your eye appointment goes well :) xx
Margaret, we did have lots of fun and my eye appointment went very well, thank you.
DeleteYou know how to make a chap jealous! Those Tomatoes look superb.
ReplyDeleteWell, Cro, you would beat me in every other area of the vegetable garden.
DeleteThat's quite a crop! What will you make with them? X
ReplyDeleteJules, I love my tomatoes raw. However after distributing them between friends and neighbours I've still managed to skin plenty and lightly boil, bag and freeze them for Italian dishes. I've still got masses to pick. I'm not too keen on tomato chutney so hopefully they will all ripen.
DeleteIf you like tortilla chips and fresh salsa (or is that what you meant by 'tomato chutney'?) let me know and I'll give you my recipe. It's delicious!
DeleteWhat a coincidence! Bear and I are just off to get our "yearly" (3 years late) ophthalmology exams! Luckily there is a diner just 'round the corner, so we can have dinner afterwards and let our dilated pupils re-size themselves before the drive home...
ReplyDeleteMarcheline, I hope all went well for you both. It was very dull when I came out from my appointment so I was fortunately able to go straight home.
DeleteYes, all went well - we got a bit of a talking to from the doctor about our recent lapse in regular checks, but we explained about Bear's illness and our fears regarding the pandemic. He was understanding, but firm in his advice. We have now reached the age where we balance several health situations against each other when making decisions... I know you can relate!
DeleteI'm feeling quite proud of myself. I have both an optician and an optometrist in the family so have been well schooled in the difference. (Just slip up and you soon find out!) Your tomatoes look delicious. Reminds me, I must get mine planted soon. So glad you've had a lovely time with Sue. Hospitality such as yours should be enjoyed by many.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pauline. It helps when the person staying is such good company. I do hope that you manage another UK trip. Much to my upsettance (just made that up) I'll never be able to visit the antopodes again.
DeleteYou have done very well with your tomatoes Farmer Giles! It's lovely that you gave Sue a place to stay while back on Lewis and even lovelier that you have been friends for almost fifty years.
ReplyDeleteYP, the tomato crop has been amazing. I'm fortunate in having quite a few friends who go back over 5 decades and more.
DeleteLovely looking tomatoes and lovely to have long friendships. Dinners out and dinners in sounds like a beautiful social whirl!
ReplyDeleteKylie, I'm conscious every day of how fortunate I am with my friends.
DeleteOld friends in the sense of being long-lasting are the very best ones to have and it sounds as if you and Sue are just that, Graham. Getting together sounds line there were some wonderful memories and meals shared. And those tomatoes are making me envious as well!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. I'm sorry Beatrice, Jill and Monica to be so long in responding. I have no idea where the last week has gone. Sue and I are fortunate to have shared so much in the society in which we both lived. We also get on very well indeed which helps. When I was going through a bad patch several decades ago it was friends who got me through it and Sue was one of them. A true friend knows your faults and weaknesses as well as your good points and they love you regardless.
DeletePlease add my mouth-watering praise for your beautiful tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteI will indeed, Jill.
Delete(I thought I already commented here but it seems not.) Sounds lovely to have your friend visiting for a week - when you have the space, as I know you do. And I envy you that tomato crop! (having to buy mine...)
ReplyDeleteMonica, you are obviously emulating my lack of concentration or whatever it is. I am fortunate enough to have plenty of room for friends to stay.
DeleteI have just recently found your blog and have enjoyed reading your posts (current and past). It sounds as if you live in such a lovely place. I have never lived near the sea (Illinois - middle of USA) so I love seeing and hearing your descriptions of what you see everyday.
ReplyDeleteTo add to the list: I see a neuro-opthomologist! as I had a tumor pressing on my optic nerve. It was removed and the optic nerve bounced back into proper service! Amazing!
Thank you Ellen. I am fortunate enough to live in a beautiful place. Well I'm glad that there is such a person and that you have been fortunate enough to re-gain your sight.
DeleteThose tomatoes are gorgeous, flawless. My tomatoes always have a speck or a bruise, or something.
ReplyDeleteDebby, it's years since I last grew tomatoes so I was delighted with the crop. Apart from those peeled and in the freezer for sauces I shall have my very last tomato for lunch today.
DeleteDebby, I've been very fortunate regarding problems. It's years since I last grew tomatoes. Apart from peeled ones in the freezer for sauces I shall have my last one of the season with lunch today.
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