Hopefully 2022 will see a smooth holiday season after the turmoil of the last few years. Its been difficult keeping a business going from a distance and few visits, with little contact with the community and friends in Lewis.

It has given us the chance to make some improvements to the house although if I had appreciated the stress involved I might not have started. Several trips to Lewis involved disrupted ferries, overnight stays in Ullapool, being at the mercy of  Cal Mac's dreadful communications. On one occasion -  Sunday - after a 5 hour wait at the ferry we were all herded in to the terminal building, queueing with no social distance being observed and no info being provided.  We eventually got on the freight ferry and the worst crossing ever. Sick bags at the ready. No food or drink supplied all day by Cal Mac. What part of Lewis on a Sunday do they not understand . Eventually, we got into MacDonald's in Inverness at midnight. Delightful meal and home by 3.30am.

I had two trips to Lewis to sort out the broadband and endless telephone calls. Yes we do now have broadband but  at the expense of my mental health. The first engineer installing the telephone line brought it in over the sink. No idea how they thought I could plug in the router as there are understandably no electric points at the sink. The ferry was delayed by a day for the second visit and I almost missed the engineer. However, all is well that ends well and I hope my visitors enjoy the broadband as much a si do.

I also purchased a new couch from the Westside stores, trailing out there on a dark night  but I like to use local businesses and Phil is really helpful and very reasonably priced.

I had one really hectic week decorating the living room. It was a bit too much for Russ due to health issues, so I got up really early in the morning and did it in sections. Really please with the result and it makes the living room much brighter.  We need new curtains but I keep losing the measurements when I return home. Very difficult to decorate from a distance.

The next trip will involve setting up the new fire alarm system and we need a coal bin. Onwards and upwards for 2022.