Spring flowers might be out across the island
but the weather today has been a sharp reminder
that we are still in Winter and that we are not yet in Spring.

The day started out rather dreich.
It was damp cold with heavy rain showers.
In the afternoon there were clear blue spells.
However, the threatening dark clouds were never far away.

A clear spell tempted is out for a walk.
It was close to high tide as we made towards the pier.
Gulls, oyster catchers and other birds were enjoying themselves.

Thus far it has been a mild winter.
The island landscape has been usually dry.
But this weekend lochens have suddenly appeared.

Leaving the pier and the sea birds behind
we walked back up Pier Road towards the Old Harbour
and as we did so the black clouds began to appear menacing.

As we looked towards the NATS Golf Ball on Ben Hynish
the sun was still trying hard to make an appearance
but the sky was growing darker and darker

Who is going to win?
Can we get home in time?
As we cut across the Machair we hear a familiar sound.
It is this evening’s flight inbound from Glasgow International  Airport.

A few minutes from the front door the clouds broke.
Hail stung our faces and soaked our clothes.
Quite an ending to our walk.

This evening, sitting in comfort,
with other members of the church family,
suddenly hail battered battered the west facing windows.
It was a noisy reminder that it was still Winter and not yet Spring.

Driving slowly back to Scarinish we caused quite a bow wave.
Arriving home we made a dash for the front door.
There we found a mixture of hail and sleet
beginning to build up against it.

This is the joy of life on Tiree.
Appreciating the hints of Spring.
Remembering that it is still Winter.