Islay snaps

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by

Kate Davies Designs
in

sandbruce

1: Bruce loves the beach

portnahaven
machirbay
2, 3: Great photoshoots in my favourite locations

portcharlotte
4. tasty crabs claws at the Port Charlotte Hotel

billysbench
benchdetail
pimpernel
5, 6, 7: Discovering Billy’s Bench near Bowmore, and a Scarlet Pimpernel growing through the shingle at Portnahaven

skies

8. Fine weather for walking

crag

wazzstrider

9, 10: The first time in four and half years that, while away, I have not been bothered in one way or another by my health or my physical limitations. Am I really so much better? Or have I merely finally adapted to my “new normal”? Either way, it felt pretty good to climb up behind that crag, to see that view.

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Comments

51 responses to “Islay snaps”

  1. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Before I read your caption, I looked at that last photo of you and said, how strong she looks! Very happy for you from afar.

    Reply
  2. Evelyne Avatar
    Evelyne

    Beautiful pictures of Scotland.Thanks for that.

    Reply
  3. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    As many are saying your posts are such a joy. I really like Bruce’s picture, he is so handsome! And you look great, congratulations on feeling so wonderful and really, really love all the view behind you and Bruce. What a place!!!

    Reply
  4. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    Kate, you look so healthy and fit! Bruce is a great sidekick too. Kudos to you for your perseverance and strength of character, which shines through in every post!

    Reply
  5. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    Yes, exactly what Eleanor White said!

    Reply
  6. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Hi Kate, ‘everything & everybody is looking good’ (( um, my niece was logged into my wordpress and so the previous comment authored by “Ninajbean” is a mistake on my part. It would be great if you deleted that comment awaiting moderation)) , as her blog is really ‘unlisted’ but private. Thank you ! :) xxJen

    Reply
  7. Eleanor White Avatar
    Eleanor White

    I really enjoy your photography, and your scholarly contributions to say nothing of your creativity. But I have to admit, I love that dog – what a photo!

    Reply
  8. gardnerpam6 Avatar
    gardnerpam6

    So happy you are doing so well, Kate! Lovely photos-where is Islay?

    Reply
  9. zeknit Debora Avatar
    zeknit Debora

    Yeah! Congratulations transforming one’s life is such a joy!

    Reply
  10. gronoway Avatar
    gronoway

    Back in the last century when I was young, Donovan (anybody remember him?) had a song called “Isle of Islay.” It’s a very short, sweet/sad little tune, and has stayed with me all these years, even though I had never heard of Islay and wasn’t even sure it was a real place. If you don’t know it, you might want to give it a listen. Thanks as always for taking me to a beautiful, to-me-far-away spot on our Earth.

    Reply
  11. Patricia Avatar
    Patricia

    Lovely photoes. Lovely doggie. Makes this ex-patriot feel very “homesick” for the mother country!!

    Reply
  12. donna Avatar
    donna

    I love your life, I actually envy you

    Reply
  13. MaryB Avatar
    MaryB

    I think it’s grand that you’re doing so well. I especially love the fact that you are so appreciative of your good health and good fortune. You are truly living your life and enjoying what it has to offer. Thanks for the inspiration. Your tenacious spirit erupts forth from your posts and showers on all who read them. We thank you.

    Reply
  14. Melanie Wolff Avatar
    Melanie Wolff

    Love all your photos! You look amazing.

    Reply
  15. Elizabeth McCarten Avatar
    Elizabeth McCarten

    No.10 is the best news of all. I am so envious of where you live and your proximity to great walks and sweeping landscapes. Lake Ontario seems so dull by comparison.

    Reply
  16. jeannettesmyth Avatar
    jeannettesmyth

    so happy for you. keep on truckin’.

    Reply
  17. Leigh Avatar
    Leigh

    Oh, that’s such good news!

    Reply
  18. virginia Avatar
    virginia

    You and everything else, look fabulous!

    Reply
  19. colorpencil2014 Avatar
    colorpencil2014

    what marvelous photos! The landscape is beautiful, Bruce is adorable and that photo of the pub is a work of art. Of course, I have never met you and I am just following yur blog. but I am happy just the same to hear you say you feel healthy! Cheers, Johanna from across the pond.

    Reply
  20. atexasgirlknits Avatar
    atexasgirlknits

    I’ve been rather obsessed with dry rock walls lately, and now I see Billy’s dry rock bench. Looks like a tribute locale similar to the lock bridge in Paris.

    Reply
  21. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Lovely photos – and so great to see you happy and healthy!! :)

    Reply
  22. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    Photos are lovely and so is Bruce!

    Reply
  23. catdownunder Avatar
    catdownunder

    Bruce – please remember to shake the sand off outside. :)

    Reply
  24. Noelle Avatar
    Noelle

    Kate,
    It warmed my heart to hear you’re doing so well. The body is an amazing, self-healing, miraculous thing. I pray yours continues to inspire with all the places you have yet to see and experience. Life is good. Many blessings to you and yours.

    Reply
  25. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Thanks very much for sharing your beautiful photos with all of us. The vistas are spectacular. Glad that you have recovered to enjoy your favorite places. Bruce looks so very happy too.

    Reply
  26. Marilyn - Russian River, CA Avatar
    Marilyn – Russian River, CA

    Absolutely lovely photos and to hear you’ve had such a good time.

    Reply
  27. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    Thanks again for sharing. So happy to hear that you have “crossed the bridge” to wellness!!

    Reply
    1. johnnyrosbury Avatar
      johnnyrosbury

      Life is good, isn’t it? You’re living proof of that. X

      Reply
  28. darlene Avatar
    darlene

    I love reading your blog. You are inspiring and post such great photos and tidbits of info that I find informative and interesting. And then there is the knitting! You look so healthy and happy.

    Reply
  29. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    Nothing like a bit of personal success, you should feel good! Super photos. Isn’t Bruce a lovely boy!

    Reply
  30. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    What great news……..not only Tom’s run and his recovery but especially your health!! You do look spiffy :) So does Bruce, doing what dogs do best, getting good and wet. Nice.

    Reply
  31. julie tremain Avatar
    julie tremain

    Love to hear of your wellness…love to see pictures of Bruce and you both…how is your cat doing?…miss hearing about him..
    Julie

    Reply
  32. RatiganKnits Avatar
    RatiganKnits

    Love Bruce. Thanks for sharing your beautiful images, and glad to hear you’re feeling good.

    Reply
  33. Annie C Avatar
    Annie C

    Its so good to hear you say that Kate. Likely a bit of both, healing and adapting. You know, I’m always struck by how much you love your surroundings wherever you go. I enjoy being able to ride along with you. Thank you for all you do.

    Reply
  34. kwestrichard Avatar
    kwestrichard

    Yay!! We were in Gigha at the same time with our kids and our dog Rui. He was in dog heaven and it was fantastic. I was finishing my swedish fish socks. I am so happy you had a great healthy break. Your knitting is beautiful and your patterns make me better. ( My ambition is to make the peedie floo’er mittens) Island holidays are brilliant.

    Reply
  35. nauti40knitter Avatar
    nauti40knitter

    The photos are great, the scenery awesome. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  36. bizzilizzikelso Avatar
    bizzilizzikelso

    Good woman! and fab pics.

    Reply
  37. Rachel Avatar
    Rachel

    Looking really good, Kate. An all-round fabulous holiday.

    Reply
  38. Gail roche Avatar
    Gail roche

    You look great up there..well done.

    Reply
  39. Gerri Avatar
    Gerri

    Yes! You really are that much better!

    Reply
  40. intarsiamm47 Avatar
    intarsiamm47

    Wow! Congratulations on the wellness, a sign of your perseverence in the face of tremendous adversity, and to the support that you have had along the way. Yea! many different sorts of footwear everyday mirroring your improvement.
    Beautiful photos, love the all encompassing hair wrap to stop the wind whipping it about your face which becomes so tiresome.
    I can imagine Bruce’s excitement when he first smells the sea and considers the possibilities ahead.

    Reply
  41. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    Looks like it was a great trip for the whole family. Thanks for sharing race news and beautiful views (plus, Ardbeg is a favorite at our house, too).

    Reply
  42. MaryAnne Avatar
    MaryAnne

    Your “first time in four and a half years” comment was such happy, happy news to hear. I’ll be grinning for the rest of the day, and saying a prayer of thanks.

    Reply
  43. thecrazysheeplady Avatar
    thecrazysheeplady

    That is a fantastic shot of Bruce. And I am so happy you had such a health happy trip!

    Reply
  44. olganorris Avatar
    olganorris

    You are such an inspiration. Also, I think that we really must make it to Islay, sooner rather than later – not least for the water of life, of course!

    Reply
  45. Leisa Avatar
    Leisa

    So lovely!
    So happy you were able to reach new heights, and of course adore every Bruce photo you post!

    Reply
  46. fergusandwooster Avatar
    fergusandwooster

    Thank you for sharing your adventures! It feels like a lot of happiness is packed into this post :)

    Reply
  47. Suzanne Wilsey Avatar
    Suzanne Wilsey

    So wonderful to know that your time away was free of the nagging of disability/illness. I rejoice!

    Reply
  48. frayed at the edge Avatar
    frayed at the edge

    Fabulous photos …… and Bruce looks as handsome as ever! You look fit and healthy, and it was good to read that you had no adverse health or fitness problems.
    Anne xx

    Reply
  49. Rene Walkin Avatar
    Rene Walkin

    What lovely photos. I love Bruce. (I’m sure he has many admirers) You look great, Kate, really healthy.

    Reply
  50. Kathy K. Avatar
    Kathy K.

    I never knew a scarlet pimpernel was a flower! The things you learn :) Your photos, as always, are lovely – thanks for sharing.

    Reply

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