Gravir Life

Hi from Gravir Towers, hope all is well with you and yours.

Autumn colours are prevalent and when the low sun creeps through the evergreens we have some lovely pics.

walk in Lews Castle grounds

I had taken myself off for a walk in sunshine as had just spent last afternoon packing/loading van for my 73 yr old neighbour and friend. up at 4am to catch early ferry and wish bon voyage, I found myself reflecting on her move. Although very mobile and active,the sheer brutality of the weather here sometimes and increasing sense of isolation had caused my friend to make the final choice of moving back to mainland to be nearer family support and more activity choices whilst able to enjoy. All that said, in my first year on this strange but wonderful Island retreat, she had been a very charismatic,charming and generous friend. Always missing me when I went off Island to visit family and then always ready for a  chat over a cuppa (often a glass of  wine) when I was around, I found myself dreading her leaving (whilst fully supportive of reasoning) and then when time arrived I was gutted/choked and sad….however, during my reflective walk, I realised that beauty is so very much in the eye of the beholder. Young people leaving here in droves and elderly folk just getting through last days with as much dignity as they can retain whilst the Island argues amongst itself as to what is best for one and all. A  wonderful first year but huge learning curve as to what is attractive/valuable/viable  in this environment. Nice people make Life a bit easier and bigots,ego-maniacs and profiteers are not good company…!!

So I guess that is that for now….local folk did well at the Mod…Autumn is about to give way to Winter and Life goes on. We are on a fabulous journey;what we find/do/learn and who we meet are the bits that make it all worthwhile..Peace and Love, RJG