I've been very negligent on posting anything for the past few months. I have just been so busy re-starting my American life. On October 11 I shipped my little ball of fur, better known as Flanagan, to Seattle. It was a tearful farewell because I knew she was so very frightened. She hates the kennel and had to be trapped into one for 18 hours. At 6:00am, I bid her adieu at Shannon Airport. I'd planned to go down to Dingle to purchase a gift for Amy but I was so concerned about the pup, that I just headed back to Galway. I kept thinking about the morning she was to be spade but threw up due to fear of the kennel... I was afraid they'd call from the airport and say they couldn't ship her because she was sick. So, back to Galway and a long wait. At 9:00am, I knew she was in the air so I could relax. 7 hours later I checked the tracking and found she was in Newark but connected to an incorrect flight...an overnight in Newark. NOT!! I called and immediately got that changed so she could continue her journey the same day to meet Alex in the evening. She was fine, is happy here, loves the cat (not sure it's mutual!!) and all the birds and squirrels in the yard. She has had to learn to walk on a lead at all times (she's a country dog, not a city pooch!!) but I've found 2 dog parks where she can play off-lead. All is good. I returned to Seattle on October 23. Since then I've been to Missoula, checked out my house and confirmed that the renter wants to stay through the winter, bought a new car, rented a small cabin on Whitefish Lake for the winter and will move there on January 3. I'm really looking forward to time in the snow, walking with my pup, learning a new area, playing my flute in the community band, joining the camera club, helping at Amy's school and just exploring the area. When my house in Missoula is vacant in the summer, I'll return, paint, clean it out and re-rent it for another year. I have a return ticket to Ireland for late August, but time will tell whether I do it or not. I'm not finished with my vagabond lifestyle, but don't know where the next adventure will take me. For now, I'm happy to be with the kids. This is the first Christmas I'll share with all 3 of them since 2009.

I wish each of you who read this a happy holiday season and may 2012 bring you peace and happiness. Every day is a gift, enjoy each one!!

I'm sure there must be a pot of gold in that Lucey Transportation truck. Since my maiden name was Luosey/Lucey, I just had to capture this photo while driving down the road!! Ok, not always safe, but essential.

I have to remember that very first day I arrived into Dublin at 6:00AM, picked up my rental and headed out to Cork. I was terrified of driving on the left, hadn't a clue where I was going, just listened to "betty in the box" until I looked up and there was a Lucey Transport truck in front of me. It was an omen..."come follow me" The truck was from Cork and headed that way so I tailgated for the first 15 minutes of my freeway/motorway experience... I just felt I was being directed by an invisible hand. So, here I am a year later, comfortable on the left, confident in most any situation...how far I've come in one year...but I'll always thank "Lucey Transport" for guiding me out of Dublin that early September morning and setting me free to celebrate every single day I've had here in Ireland. There truly has been a pot of gold for me!!

I took a class at Derryaune on felting early on when I came here. It was such a fun day and I learned so much...that I've continued to use. So when I saw the list of new class offerings, I decided to try my hand at working with copper. There were six of us...a real global blend...2 Germans, 1 East Indian, 2 Irish, 1 Irish/American and the teacher is from England. It was just such a fun day. I took Flan along this time since I couldn't leave her at home for the day...she'd get into trouble for sure!! She did very well...sat in the car the first couple of hours (but she sleeps in the morning anyway!!) Then the owner said "bring her in"....so Flanny got to come to class too. I put her leash under a leg of my chair so that she's stay near and not "visit" with the other ladies. She only ate two of the weaving sticks that had fallen under the table before I found out!!!!!! So I substituted a piece of firewood...with apologies to the owner. Then the owner's old, deaf terrier came in....the fun began. The two of them just had a ball. But, needless to say, it was hard for me to concentrate so I only managed to make one item. I was quite proud of it though and learned quite a bit of the technique of working with copper. I'll try my hand at it again with fewer distractions.

Well, I've made the decision to return to the US so it's time to pick up those last minute memories. One of my favorite places is the Foxford Woolen Mills. I think I've posted about it before. ( http://www.foxfordwoollenmills.com/through-the-years.php ) But the mill was begun in 1892 by the Sisters of Charity to provide employment for the locals. They harnessed the waters of the mighty Moy River to run the looms. It's still a wonderful place to visit and spend a few euros!! I had a wonderful lunch in the cafeteria, walked through the shop and then headed back for home. It's a 1 1/2 hour drive but through some beautiful fields and rolling hills. Another wonderful Irish day!

William Butler Yeats wanted a place in the countryside, where he could be rooted. I stopped by the tower after another walk at Coole Park with Flan the other day. A beautiful setting along a river far off the main roads and tucked into the rolling and wooded hills. My kinda place!! A river, woods, and fields all rolled together. WB Yeats lived here from 1919 to 1929 with his wife and daughter. Then it fell into disuse. In 1965 it was re-opened to the public as a visitor center. A flood last year damaged the tower so it is presently closed for restoration work. But it was still fun to stop, walk and photo... great day. Although the light isn't good (looking into the sun!!) I still made the effort. Flanagan loved being able to walk along the river too. Just a wonderful day.

For years I've been saying that we should NOT pave over all of our land just for cars... why not put parking under the store!! Well, they've done it here in Oranmore where I do a majority of my grocery shopping. I love it!! It is very clean, bright, safe, easy to get to and quick. You just pull down into the parking garage, park your car and ride the "travelator" up to the store. So easy, no different than a parking lot. You get your "trolly" at the top of the escalator and enter the store. One thing that is different here is that you always pay to use a trolly...stick in a euro, release the little chain and go shopping. When you finish, take the trolly to the stand, push it in, push in the little chain thing and your euro pops out. So basically, you don't pay anything, but are rewarded for returning your trolly to the proper spot. Works well. So, after getting my groceries, putting them into my own re-usable bag.....EVERYONE brings their bags... I take the trolly out of the store, go to the travelator and push the trollyl on... I have no idea what is on the wheels, whether it's magnatized or just sticks, but it doesn't go whoosing down the ramp,...just stays with you. When you get to the bottom, just shove it off, unload at your car, return to the stand and get your euro back. Soooo easy....love it. Ireland is way ahead of the US in environmental issues. Wind, solar, no plastic bags, outlawed smoking in pubs long before many places... pretty progressive in a lot of things...

So....here is my store: Tesco

OK, there is a God... I've always wanted to learn the tin whistle (you know me, "I'm a jack of all trades, but a master of none" because I have so many interests!!) So when I moved here, my landlord/lady told me of a person who taught music in the village...in the pink house with the thatch roof...well, there aren't too many that answer to that description so I had no difficulty finding it. I signed up and started last night with a group of lovely women who have been taking for awhile. Sheet music is forbidden, which makes sense since you certainly don't see folks in a Trad session stop to pull out their music...they just have it all stored in their being. Music is just part of them. It is like watching a poor flute player and a good one. They may both have the notes memorized, but the good one just feels the music, can't help but move with it. Well, I'm going to move with the jigs this year. It's very hard to get out of visual and into audio mode but I'll keep working on it. We are working on "Scatter the Mud" for this first week. My teacher's name is Una ni Fhlannagain...yes, her last name if Flanagan...further confirmation of the humour of a higher being!! I'm just so excited...the house is amazing, the family is creative and inspirational... I'll enjoy.

Photos: House, Una, other ladies in the group.

Since I live so close to the Burren, I'm going to explore as much of it as possible. I've been "around" it many times, but today I decided to "over" it. From the sea, you look up to the tops of the many rocky hills but on the map it shows some very small roads that go over, through, around those hills so I set out to find a few.

ACromwellian general remarked that there was not a tree on which to hang a man, or enough water to drown him, or enough soil to bury him when speaking of the Burren. He was pretty close to the truth. "The north-west corner of County Clare is one of the most interesting and striking landscapes in Europe. It is an area of naked sheets of limestone running into the sea as low cliffs on rocky shorelines, and re-appearing as the three Aran Islands at the mouth of Galway Bay. The Burren is interesting from the points of view of geology, archaeology and botany, as well as being strikingly beautiful in it's bareness." http://www.irelandmidwest.com/clare/features/theburren.htm

This rather daunting landscape truly reinforces my respect for those who settled in the area. How difficulty it must have been to survive. There are pockets of fertile land but a majority is rock, rock and a bit more rock. Covering the rocks are hazelnut trees and a few hawthorn. But, strangely enough, this is also an area known for a most diverse flower population...from orchids to gentian to primroses and common knapweed and daisy. You can see it all. There are over 40 varieties of orchids on the island and many of them grow in this area. I look forward to spring and searching for them.

Flan and I walked in the wildlife reserve near the top of one of the mts then worked our way through a cut and down the side, stopping at St Fachnan's Well, then the Burren Perfumery to see what they had. Very interesting. They used to source their needs from the locality, but since much of the land has become "protected" they now have to import their oils. It was still a very interesting place with a fabulous 10-minute slide show of area history and flowers. Great stop mid-day. A nice little tea shop adjoined the gift store, but since Flanny had been cooped up so long, I didn't think I should take any more time.

Photos: Collage of rock walls...no shortage of supplies!!; Ft Fachnan's Well and surrounding area; mountains, abandoned houses.

Every day I take Flan for a walk. Remember, part of my reason for getting her was to force me to walk each day...rain or shine....cause a puppy needs it...even when "mom" doesn't want to go out!!

So..take a walk with me through my world.

We had a terrible storm, edge of hurricane Katia, two days ago. So today, I decided to see what was going on in my woods. Interesting, the name of the woods is Myode...so it's sort of "my own" place to commune with my God while Flanagan explores every inch of it with her nose. She doesn't miss a beat....be it horse poop, animal tracks, mushrooms, moss, pee from some other exploring pooch, racing squirrels...she loves it all!! After a quick survey, all seemed fine, a few things were obviously ruffled with the wind, but mainly everything was as it should be. A lot of horse chestnuts were down, pods from the beech trees scattered, and many hazelnuts were on the ground, but no damage that I could tell.

I love to walk through any deep woods but Ireland is the best because there is very little understory...just moss...it is so wonderful.

The blackberries are ripening, the mushrooms are amazing. Although I don't pick them because I don't know wild mushrooms, I love to find them on the forest floor. Oh what a wonder... the woods could provide quite a diet for someone....fruits, nuts, meat, mushrooms, herbs, life is good. I'd like to be a little critter running through it all.

I read something the other day about the woods at night. If we are afraid, we must ask ourselves...is it "fear" or "danger". I thought how true that was... often we are afraid when we should not be.... There is nothing dangerous about the forest here in Ireland. No cougar tracking you, no grizzlies or wolves. I LOVE it. One day I found a shelter made from limbs....someone had been living there....Although I felt uncomfortable myself..invading such a private place, I thought later, how special that somebody found the woods so comforting that they stayed... I like that.

Photos: My walk through the woods with Flan, remember I said I felt that it was possible that knights on horses could come around the corner at any moment!!; the remains of an ancient rock wall, now covered in moss; a collage of mushrooms; berries (blackberries, sloe berries, GUELDER ROSE [Viburnum opulus]berries.

My little bundle of fur is now officially 1... I can't believe that I've had her for 10 months already. Time sure flies. And she has been great company and entertainment.

Well her birthday was a miserable day here so we couldn't even get out for her walk. The wind was howling and the rain pelting down. I was sure a tree would fall on us if we went into the woods!! We just had to stay put!! I went upstairs to make sure all the drains had water in them, open the windows on the leeward side of the house to let out the humidity....ha, ha, ha...not sure where it was going to go....it was more humid outside, but with the warm interior I sure don't want mould developing in the house. As I stood at the window I noticed Flanagan just strolling around in between the bullocks...she just loves them and most of them have gotten smart enough to ignore her. Just couldn't pass a photo. So here's Flanagan with her new best friends!! Life's a party every day for her.

Well, yesterday was SUPPOSED to be a good, bright day...ha, ha, ha. So I started out early to find Ballynahinch Castle/hotel and fishing grounds. The neighbors had told me about it...how beautiful it was, how good the food was in the pub and how much fishing there was along the river... so I set out. Well, it didn't take a genius to realize that the sun was quickly disappearing and the rain was coming on... oh well, this IS Ireland for heaven's sake and I won't shrink if I get wet, so onward. I made it through Galway and headed to Oughterard where I kept on for Maam's Cross and Clifden. It gets so bleak as you leave Oughterard for the coast... so many rocks, so little ground to use for animals or crops. I've been reading a lot of Walter Mackin, who was from Galway. So many of his novels take place in the Connemara and north west portion of Mayo. I can just slip into the times and imagine a very small one-room cottage, heated with peat, potatoes for dinner with maybe a bit of bacon thrown in on Sunday...so poor were the people and so much was cast against them by the protestant land owners. Just imagine having to give most of what you made to the landlord...and when the landlord decided your rented acre was more valuable as grazing for his animals then for you to grow crops and raise a family, he just raised your house and sent you packing....without any advanced notice. Very sad. Anyway, I was headed to one of those old protestant castle (built in the 17th century by the Martins) called Ballynahinch. See :http://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/ It was a beautiful setting, tucked in against the 12 Pins and above the Ballynahinch river and lough system. The hotel is known for its sea trout and salmon fishery...everything was about fishing... but what a lazy way to do it. You buy the permit for a certain beat or section which allows you to fish that area only. You just walk the paths along the bank, step out onto man-made jetties where you don't even have to get your toes wet, and cast your line. I've read and heard of this type of fishing, but was appalled at the lazy method. Well, I guess it means when you can no longer cut your own path, wade into deep rivers that threaten to wash you away like some of those in Montana, you can still fish...just bring an easy chair and give it a whirl. I'm not too impressed with this, but it was fun to see. So, after taking lots of photos, flan and I continued on to Roundstone. This is a great little village on the sea. We walked a bit, looked in some studios and then headed home. It was a long day, but fun to see.

Photos: Hotel, grounds, interiors; fishing beats.

Can you believe it... I've been here almost a year. I know I was delinquent in putting arrangements together this summer (ha, ha, ha...we haven't had summer!) because I just couldn't pick flowers. They were so amazing...so instead, I took a lot of photos. But, today Flanagan and I went for a walk in our "new" forest. It's quite different, but equally as beautiful as those I've explored this past year. I'm living in a area that has tons of horses so my walk is along trails with plenty of horse doo doo. A large portion of it is through a very deep forest with overarching branches. I just keep thinking that a flock, pod, posse, troop, school, or whatever you call a bunch of horses with knights aboard will come storming along the trail. I can often hear dogs howling in the distant woods. The neighbor said that they do fox hunts in those woods so I must be careful that Flan isn't mistaken for a very strange fox...the dogs could kill her in an instant...she might think she's a big, tough girl, but she's a real woose in reality. Today she headed off into some brush, but got stuck and "mom" had to come to her rescue. I was sitting on a rock waiting for her to return (ha, done this before haven't I!!) and I heard her whimpering in the brush. Well, she was just too little to jump over the brambles and needed help. Guess I'm good for something, sometime in her book!!

Anyway, my August arrangement is wild current berries and turning leaves. Can you believe that "summer" is coming to an end and fall will be upon us in no time. I'm just not ready for it yet!!

Photo: August flowers and next door neighbor...isn't the thatch beautiful!

Well, today I decided to take off and start my explorations of the area. Although I've been out to Connemara before, it's been years and on a whirlwind tour with Amy when she came with me to Ireland after her uni graduation. So, now I have all the time in the world to stop wherever I want for as long as I want!! Such a luxury.... Today we went as far as Ros an Mihl where you can catch the ferry to the Aran Islands. I had no intention of going out there at this time since I want to wait until the "tourists" go home so it won't be crowded. But at least I now know how long it takes to get there and just exactly where it is. As usual, I missed the exit off of a roundabout so ended up taking a completely different, 1 lane route over a mountain... I'm always glad when this happens because you see places you'd NEVER see otherwise. I went along Lough Corrib en route to Oughterad but turned up away from the lake, following a river. It was beautiful. Then down the other side to An Spideal where I picked up the coast road that I'd wanted initially. About 10 K along, I decided to head down toward the sea. We were following Galway Bay complete opposite the Burren which I'd been to yesterday. We found a place to park the car and take the camera for a walk. I had purchased a new, very sturdy tri-pod for the camera so was ready to try it out. My new camera is very heavy and when you add the good lens, it's almost impossible to hold it steady enough to do low-light photography. The shutter has to stay open too long and everything gets blurry...so, off we went with all the equipment. The sky was perfect...rolling clouds with brief moments of sun shining through. It was just such fun to walk along and see what the day brings. I had a nice visit with a couple who arrived on their bikes.... he had been born in the area, but lived in Boston for 50 years. Had returned to his homeplace about 5 years ago. Still feels like an outsider since it's a gaelteacht region totally. And I don't believe his Irish was very good. So, he still doesn't feel very welcome...the locals call him a Yank.... I understand!! After a big, I couldn't find Flan.....ugh!! Well, she'd found to horses...a mom and a youngster and was barking and darting at them. She refused to come to me and I was so mad. This alpha dog needs to get tougher. I finally walked back and got the car...brought it up thinking when she saw it she'd "pop in" as I say. No go!! I was trying to figure out how to climb the gate when she decided she was thirsty and went down to the sea to drink...not the brightest pooch!! Anyway, I got the leash on her and literally lifted her by the neck on the leash and threw her into the car..... I didn't care if I hurt her or not...... mom had had it!! She seemed to know I was angry and slunk down on the seat. I gave her some fresh water and then let her sleep. We set off for further adventures, saw the travelers with their wagon coming up the road, then got to Ros an Mhil and found the ferry landing. Finally it was time to head home. Along the way I made one more side-trip to a sandy beach where I could walk with Flan on a very long lead. She is in the "dog house" with me for a bit!! Then it was onward to the house with a stop at Tesco in Oranmore for some wine!! I needed it. The Tesco is so cool here... as I've said for years,"why pave over the land for cars" This one has an giant parking garage under it and you just ride the moving sidewalk up to the store. When you leave, just take your trolly down the moving sidewalk and put it in the stand in the parking garage just like you would in an outdoor lot. GREAT use of land.

Photos: The sea, gorse and heather, rocks, beaches, all in Connemara.

Wow, I can't believe I've not posted anything since June. It's been such a busy and crazy summer...or June, July and August...can't really call it summer since it's never been nice. The wind started in early May and has never let up.....

So, let's backtrack. A fishing friend arrived in mid-May to help me catch that elusive brown trout on the anticipated Mayfly hatch. Well, the trout is still unknown to me and the Mayfly hatch tried its darndest, but just couldn't become much. I saw them hatch in small amounts, but the wind was so bad and the fish weren't interested so I think the swallows swallowed them all. Flan was introduced to a day on the water in a boat and she did very well...still wasn't the good-luck charm needed to entice the trout though. Finally after 10 days of nothing, the fisherman moved on...in a bit of a snit...not sure if it was anger at me, the dog, the fishing, the rain, the fact I won a lot of backgammon, the over indulgence of whiskey on his part, or what. It was a bit of a hurt, but time to put that segment of my life behind and move on.

The long-awaited visits of my kids began on June 20. I drove into Dublin and picked Amy and Leo up at the airport. We drove into Dublin, found their hotel, parked the car (they couldn't check in until 2:00), walked down Grafton, had a bit of lunch, walked back to the car and I dropped them at their hotel. They wanted to spend the first 2 days in the city. I returned on June 23 and picked them up at the hotel. We headed south toward Glendalough, over the Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. This is a strange area...very raw, rough mountains. Desolate....lots of heather, boggy, wet, still......alone-like. We stopped at the top of one mountain to walk Flan and it was so strange to have wet bog so high in the mts. Had to stop to investigate a stream...Leo the fisheries biologist was immediately looking under rocks for signs of what kinds of bugs we have here. He was fascinated with the brown, peaty water. Then it was down to Glendalough with a walk through the grounds. Back to the car and off to the coast. We spent the night at Courtown on the sea. A beautiful beach. I took the pup for a walk in a beautiful forest park, then it was fish and chips along the sea. Woke to a beautiful, clear morning so walked down to the beach and took Flan for a long walk. She's afraid of the waves as they rush in....not used to that living on a lake!! We had a great breakfast and headed out for the west. Stopped in Kilkenny in the rain, toured the old castle in town, then on to Cashal and a tour of the Rock of Cashal......in a terrible storm. At one point both Amy's and my umbrellas blew inside out. Finally the tour guide just said "enough". People were leaving the tour because it was so windy and wet and most of the tour was outside, on top of a huge "rock" or hill. A wonderful place though. Then it was on to Cork to stay at the Travelodge cause I knew they took pooches!! To bed and up early to head further west. We stopped at Blarney for the kids to climb the tower and kiss the stone while I visited with a very nice older lady from

England...also waiting for her family. I love getting older, you can just sit and wait!! flan is a hit with everyone. She is so friendly and cute that everyone wants to greet her and she loves it. From Blarney we drove to Dingle, found a place to stay and then went out for the evening. Great dinner and fun to walk the town. We found that it is a destination place for "hen" parties....or bachelorette parties as we'd call them. Lots of drunk gatherings of costumed ladies. Fun to see different traditions. In the morning we set off for a tour of the Dingle Peninsula. It was raining and misty so there were times we had no idea that the sea was right below us...couldn't see a thing. I'll have to go back to see what I missed!! We still managed to see beehive huts, old forts along the sea cliffs, amazing stone structures...what a talent the very early people had of fitting stones together to keep the wind and rain out....such patience. But again, they had many rocks of many sizes to work with...never a shortage!! We bid the peninsula goodbye and headed toward the Cliffs of Mohr and home. Stayed the night in Lehinch and then up early to tour the Cliffs, the Burren, Galway, where Leo visited the Irish Fisheries Department and talked with another scientist, watched the men fish the weir on the Corrib, then into town for a bit of shopping and sightseeing, back to the car and homeward bound. When we got home, Alex, Andrew and Liz arrived. It was such fun to have us all gathered together. The next day Amy, Andrew, Liz and Alex went to Foxford for some blanket shopping and Leo and I went fishing on the Boyle. We stopped at the sportsman shop and he told us how to access the stream. Wow...it was beautiful. As Leo said, it reminded us of the Beaverhead in Montana. But, alas, no fish for either of us. Still a beautiful river and soooooo nice to walk a river. I realized that I really don't like fishing on lakes. It's boring... I like to wander, see what I'm doing, not just sit and float....The next day we all explored Carrick and Boyle, looked around the area, hiked to Carrowkeel, etc.. Amy and Leo then went back into Dublin with Alex, et al, and flew out the following day. It was such fun to have them here, but all things must come to an end. Then Alex, et al, took off and went much the route that Amy and Leo and I had done, and came back up the following week to stay for 4 days. We toured more in the area, went up to Sligo, We had a great BBQ on the 4th of July...just like in America. Burgers, dogs, potato salad, beans, etc. No cherry pie though!! Before you knew it, it was time for them to head back to Dublin for a flight out. It was such fun to have family around. In fact, it sort of put me in a funk when they all left. I had to really re-think my life.

Well, a few things I'd learned: 1) I needed to find a cheaper place to live and 2) I'd explored the heck out of the northwest part of Ireland. I love it dearly but I'd promised myself that I'd get to know Ireland and by staying put, I was only concentrating on one area. 3) I needed to get rid of my boat cause I wasn't using it. I'm getting too old to row all day long, or maybe I'm just too impatient and want to get from point a to point b faster. Maybe a pontoon boat with an electric motor....???? anyway, this one was going and I could use the money. So, I put an ad in DoneDeal and sold it immediately for a bit more than I had into it. Not a bad deal. It now plows the seas off Arklow.

So, I started looking for some place else to live and found a perfect place near Galway.. It's a huge farmhouse, just recently completed, but the family works in Abudahbi 10 months of the year. They needed someone to "housesit" for them. I pay a small rent to basically pay for the oil it takes to keep the house warm through the year. I have my own quarters when they are here, but use the kitchen/family room when they are not. It's lovely, overlooking 30 acres of farmland. Since they want me to be on site most of the time, I decided I'd better do a "reality check". and take a trip back to the US. I was still missing family and wondering if I'm doing the right thing by staying in Ireland. I'll always wonder that, but have made the decision to stay another year. I returned on July 19 (God bless my neighbors for offering to watch Flan) and returned to Ireland on Aug 4. It was good to see the kids, get warm, see Pat's new house, visit with Dee Dee, get my teeth cleaned, etc. I then returned and immediately started packing. It took me 3 trips to get everything moved (hard to imagine all the stuff I've accumulated for a 4-bedroom house) and finally settled on the 11th of August. On the 12th I took the family (mom, dad, and 3 great kids) to the CityLink bus at 6:00pm and saw them off. They flew out to UAE on Saturday and I settled into a new year in a new area. So much to learn for both Flan and me. She loves the 40 bullocks that roam the fields around the house, learned that sheep are stupid and run...oh, what fun...but off limits...she could be shot for messing with them. So, she is learning her boundaries while I meet the new neighbors!! We are finding new woods to walk in , new beaches to explore, new castles to visit. Each day is a new learning.

Am I doing the right thing by staying. I'm still not sure, but I know I can afford to be here since I won't have the unknown of utilities. I can get along without food, if need be, but I can't go cold....so, for now, I'm home in a huge house. I may just set off for Connemara today to see what the day brings. The flowers are blooming in the courtyard, life is good. I'll try not to be so negligent in the future about keeping in touch, but this was the summer of discontent and contentment. Wonder what the future brings... I know it will be more lunch dates, dinner dates, walks, flowers, photos, new friends, old friends, kisses from a pooch, books to read, sewing and knitting, Internet backgammon, music and................................? time will tell.

I'm a bit delinquent in sharing my adventures, but I've been too busy to sit down and write!! On Thursday, I drove over to Westport (on the Atlantic Coast) to Derryaune Crafts. This is the place I went to early in the fall to purchase some roving and other supplies for felting. I've loved working a little with the wool...making flowers, etc. But, now I wanted to learn how to make vessels....in other words, I wanted to learn how to work with resists. Our task of the day was to make two bowls. It's really very easy and a lot of fun. We watched Suzie make one, then we each had our hand at the process... we were finished by lunch. We gather in a wonderful conservatory in the bright sun and enjoyed a great lunch. Then it was back to work...if you can call it that... it is such fun to put colors together. We were an international group with a lady from France, near Geneva, a lady from Ireland, me from the US and the instructor from England. Good fun, great day.

Photos: Croagh Patrick, the workshop, our efforts, and the results. Some of the wonderful work that Suzie does.... such fun.

The weather hasn't been real encouraging lately... still rain and wind. I don't mind the rain, it's a proven fact that I don't shrink, no matter how wet I get...but I'm tired of the wind. It was so bad yesterday that I decided it was probably best to stay out of the woods. I'm sure there are some "widow makers" just waiting to drop... I guess that wouldn't make anyone a widow or widower if I was killed, but I'm not ready to meet my maker...still too much to do and atone for...tee hee hee. Anyway, Flan and I took off to find a safer spot to tromp. We chose the cow fields not too far from the house. I've had fun watching the changes in these fields. First they were totally dormant, then I found some daffodils blooming (I just wonder who planted them and why) and now the grasses are tall and there are things along my walk that are blooming. I'm attaching just a few photos of some of the flowers. Some you'll know and others...?? So many things are blooming now...daisies, rhodys, wild roses, etc. but the ones in the attached photo are just a few in the fields. I also took Flan for a spring cleaning and shearing. I swear he thought she was a sheep and took her down to the skin. Won't need to do that again for a bit. She seems quite happy with her new dooooo..... But still itching as the bare spots toughen up.

Photos: Flowers, Flan and rock wall....

No photos because I hadn't taken my camera along. But on yesterday's walk the cutest thing happened. Flan had bounced off into the woods as usual to follow whatever her nose was telling her about. In no time at all, she came trudging back out with a big, dead bird in her mouth. I'd say it was a wood pigeon...about as big as her head and not easy for her to carry. She stopped several times along the trail to readjust the load as she proudly pranced toward me to show her trophy. She was very gentle with it... I really wasn't sure how to handle this cause I wasn't bringing a dead bird home in the car!! Again several times she had to set it down to find a better way to waddle along with her load. At one point she had a whole mouthful of grey feathers...so funny. We turned off the wide trail into a little trail through the deep woods. She putted along behind me still carrying her find. She finally headed off into the deeper woods so I sat on a log to see what she would do. She was looking for a place to hide/bury her prey!! She waddled deeper and deeper into the woods.... after about 5 minutes, she came bounding out of the woods sans bird. Somewhere in those trees is a neat grave.... You can tell her breed was bred to be hunters...not necessarily birds...more rats, fox, badgers, mink, squirrels, etc. but if a prey is sitting on the ground, why not reap the rewards. I just loved watching instinct take over. She was so gentle with the critter..no tearing it apart or playing with it. Quite a fun learning for both of us. I do so enjoy watching her grow. As we speak, she is upstairs sound asleep on my bed... She learned that after a pee, it's really cozy to curl up with mom.... but even if mom's not there, it's still nice and soft. Ugh, my bed looks a bit like the floor of the woods.... dirt, moss, debris, sand.... Oh well, since I sleep alone, no one else needs to know how bad it is!! tee hee hee.

Yesterday I took off for Dublin to experience "bloom"...the "Chelsea Flower Show" of Ireland. It was a grand, glorious, warm, sunny day!! Long awaited. After the terrific winds we've had for the past 3 weeks, my spirit just soared with the sun!! I'd gotten good directions from the web as well as a friend so set off on my first sojourn back to the city since moving here...other than as a passenger with a neighbor one time!! All went well. I made good time into the fringes of the city, but then traffic just clumped to a stop... Clumped...because there were lights on the M whatever it's called. Why was I spending 3 euros to drive on a road that didn't go any faster than a lurching snail? Anyway, I began to see signs to bloom along the way so decided I'd follow them rather than my satnav... I think they wanted to channel folks through a certain area, so who was I to argue. Into the city, through small lanes, and finally into the Park. I found a parking spot got my running shoes on and set out... but.... I had no idea where the venue was... The first people I asked didn't know...Now this is a huge park, I'm told the largest in Europe and certainly every park in London could fit in it. There are herds of deer rambling, a zoo, polo fields, GAA games pitches, the president's home and I'm told the American ambassador even lives in the park. It's amazing. So..... what I'm saying is, I didn't want to just start walking without knowing if I was going in the correct direction. You can't just follow folks because the park is so big that you wouldn't know if they were going to Bloom or the bathroom... it's amazing. I finally asked a fellow gardener-looking lady and she directed me... I walked about 25 minutes along the main road before coming to the entrance. From that point I just ambled through exhibits, design gardens, food venues, veg gardens, flower gardens, craft offerings, music venues, outside dining areas, etc. It was a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day. It was very hard to not acquire some lily bulbs since they were 9 for 10 euros and the freshest, most perfect bulbs I've ever seen... but, no dirt for this old girl. I must find a place with dirt to dig in...

Photos: Flowers, flowers, designs, misc. Just a bunch of wonders of the day

Wow, it's been awhile. I know I haven't done an arrangement for a bit but the flowers have just been too amazing and I hated to pick any...photos were enough.

Today Flan and I went for a walk on an overgrown road/path/tractor trail along a cow field. Just exploring. I get tired of the same area so needed to "branch" out looking for flowers. Today's offering is in pinks! Have no idea what they are, but very bright and cheerful. I have this terrible feeling I'll get myself into trouble soon by picking something that is either poisonous or I'll be allergic to... oh well, until then.

I've decided that God really has a plan....when we are so tired of dark winter he gives us yellow flowers....buttercups, dandelions, gorse, primroses, etc... then it's blues and pinks, with whites all along the way. The bluebells are mainly gone, the wild garlic is nearly gone, but now new things are coming along... iris, fuchsia, oh, too many to list. I finally got a book from the library showing all the flowers... this is an amazing place.

Photo: Cow parsley, fern, clover, and ???

I've been away for a few days. Went down to Kinvarra to meet Gail and Mary Lou, my cousins from California. Their mom was my dad's sis.... it was such fun to spend 2 days visiting and exploring. I took them to meet a distant cousin, Martin Flanagan, to the family grave and finally to the old house where grandma was born. I think for Gail it was hard to see it abandoned because she'd been there 30 years ago when Delia and Edward (Grandma's niece and nephew) were still living in it. We had such a good time, sharing memories and family history. They lived nearer to grandma and grandpa (nana and dada) so got to know them.

Photos: Kinvara, Gail/Mary Lou, Flan and house we stayed in...such a great 2 days.

I've been watching, waiting, tracking the bluebells as they grow in my forest. You've seen photos all winter of the beautiful forest floor covered with russet beech leaves, then as a hint of spring began, the russet floor turned green with little bluebell plants...promising a wonderful surprise. I had no idea when this would occur, some said May, some said April... But, I guess that all depends on the weather. Well, it's here!! And it is amazing!! I walk for a good 5 minutes through a deep carpet of bluebells, under a wonderful canopy of new green. Even Flan stays to the narrow path through these flowers. She seems to know they are delicate and she has to be careful.

I've also been tracking the wild garlic from bulb, to leaf, and now to full plant with flowers just beginning to open. The entire plant is edible and I'll have to try my hand at wild garlic soup.

Another plant that I've been watching isn't quite so harmless. It's called Lords and Ladies and is highly poisonous. I won't be trying that one, but it is very interesting.

Photos: Bluebells, white garlic flower, Lords and Ladies with bracken fern and ground ivy, first rhodys

I went for a long walk today through my usual forest. Flan is such a trooper. We are kindred spirits when it comes to the woods. I stop to take photos and she just sniffs her way through the bushes, trees, grasses, ditches, etc. We get along just fine. Neither of us are in a hurry. She never complains about not getting a fast walk (that will never happen with this old girl!!) but just putts around searching out whatever may come her way. She sure wishes she could fly though because she's flushed out several pheasant, and other birds, but darn, they take off and she just runs in circles. Anyway, today it was flowers... the bluebell are beginning to bloom and they will be magnificent with just a few more days of warm weather. They've put a little sign up asking people to stay off the flowers...duh...they are too pretty to walk on!! So, it's bluebells, fuchsia, ferns, wild garlic, shamrock/oxalis, primroses, violets, things I don't know what they are...all coming along beautifully. The rhodys will be next I'm sure. The larch/tamarack is all "needled" out (I doubt you can say "leafed" out) and the hazelnut and birch is starting to leaf out. The horse chestnut is fully out and some of the very few maples are out. No sign yet of Oak, ash or plain, but who am I to say...I don't know anything about those trees. I'm finding what looks like red-twig leafing out too... No arrangement this month yet because I keep thinking there will be more and more to add to it when I start picking...or not!! I hate to even disturb all the beauty that is exploding around me....

Photos: flowers

I've learned that with a little effort I can get my entire pontoon boat into the car. All I have to do is remove the shelf on the back and detach one side of the frame...then the entire thing fits in the car. I release part of the air from the pontoons and they go on top. Add the oars and my gear and I'm ready for any event. Yesterday I went down to Longford to the pet store where I've gotten great treats for Flan. I stocked up on what will be puppy bribery for the fishing season. I'll put her in her fenced yard, toss in a few chewy things (tripe, pig's ears, etc.) and she's good for a long while. I then take off to a lake. Last night it was Arrow. The duckfly hatch has begun in earnest and I was told the best time was in the evening. I could not believe what happened about 7:30....I was covered with them as they rose up out of the water...the birds were buzzing across the water gobbling the fly as they hatched... I just sat in awe. The fish are always safe from me cause I never catch, but I rowed around, tried my luck, and just enjoyed a perfect evening. About 8:30 things got quiet and I headed back to shore. 2 hours of rowing is about all my shoulders can take...

Photos: Lough Arrow

Each month when I pay my 450 euros I think it would be nice to have my own place... I know that is a pipe dream, totally unrealistic, but still, I dream. Every once in awhile I even look at the ads to see what is available. The prices have really been dropping here, but so has the value of the dollar to the euro. It puts even a modestly priced home out of my range. The attached photo is of a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, beautifully maintained and upgraded cottage on 1.5 acres. It stands at the top of a hill overlooking Lough Key. It is within a stones throw of Lough Arrow so there is fishing in several directions. It even has a new detached garage which is a rarity...perfect for a boat!! There is no one living in it so I just walked the grounds, relished the view, dreamt of the possibilities and then got in the car and drove away. It is "only" 120,000 euros but with the current exchange that is $180,000. WAY over my limit. I must be smart, practical and conservative... I'm and old pensioner now....ugh................

Just thought I'd share with you one of my favorite places...the Boyle Library. One of my goals while living in Ireland is to read the wonderful literature written by the amazing Irish authors. So few of these works are available in the US, be it library or bookstore so now's my time. They know me well at the library in Boyle because I'm there so often. They have a great section dedicated solely to Irish authors so I'm in heaven. I've slowed a bit as the weather improves, but over the winter, I just read and read..... The library is in the basement of the King House... I've talked about this great building in earlier blogs.....

Photo: Boyle Library

Sorry folks, I've been too busy to sit down and catch up with life in Ireland!! I've been on a photo shoot, celebrated St. Paddy's Day, filled out my census form, gone to NI for 3 days of exploring, my son, his wife and her sister are here, I've taken 4 sessions on Photoshop with one more tonight, I've purchased new tires for my little roller skate, etc. etc........ Yes, Aran/Stacy and Linda arrived on St. Paddy's Day. When they got to Cootehall, we took off for a long walk to Lough Key, through the bog, and back. Then up to Clarendenn lock to watch a boat go through. They said they needed to get the wiggles out. We then had a great dinner of corned beef and cabbage..the corned beef is amazing here...not so salty. I put in potatoes, carrots, onions and of course cabbage...it was very good. The next day Stacy and Linda set off for Powerscourt and Glendalough. Aran and I stayed at home and explored my area. Into Carrick to take the next door neighbor to the PO (her car was in the repair shop), then to Boyle to the library and bank then walked to my favorite little sandwich shop over the river Boyle, then home. It was good for him to have a down day. The following day we all piled into my little car and headed north....through Enisskilen and on toward the NE coast to the 9 Glens of Antrim. We walked along the beach in Glenarm then found a B&B that would take Flan. Went back into Cranlough for dinner. All day long I'd refrained from Rugby talk, but it was killing me. I knew that England was in Dublin playing the last game of the Six Nations. England was undefeated but Ireland is always very determined when it comes to England. I hate to admit it but we'd already lost to France and Wales so I didn't have high hopes. When we got to the pub for dinner I ducked into the bar and asked "who won"...now you have to remember, we were in Northern Ireland so I wasn't sure who folks would be rooting for... well, it's Ireland even there.... WE BEAT ENGLAND 24 - 8.... I was so excited!! Anyway...it was dinner of fish and chips and then back to our B&B and to bed. Up early the next day to explore the waterfalls at Glenriff, then continue up the coast. A beautiful day for traveling. Few cars on the road, mixed weather, but nice. We stopped at Carrick-on-Rede to see the rope bridge that crosses from the mainland to an island. I wasn't sure if I'd get the guts to cross, but I did!! We couldn't take Flan across so I just tied her to a fence post and she entertained those waiting to cross. She is ALWAYS a hit. She just loves people so seems to smile for them and wiggle around their feet. After our adventures at the bridge, we piled back into the car and headed to the Giant's Causeway. It was an amazing evening, just a beautiful place. A long walk down to the sea, but worth the effort. Then it was finding a B&B. The first one in Bushmills didn't take pups but the 2nd hotel did...as long as she was small...as she was...and very well behaved, which she was...she was pooped...she must have walked 10 miles with us throughout the day.... we had dinner in the hotel and settled in for the night. Then it was up and off again to tour Bushmills distillery, and on along the northern coast to DunLuce castle..an amazing spot and remains of the McDonell clan's holdings in the north. Then on to the Downhill House and Missenden Temple. Another beautiful heritage site above the Atlantic. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mussenden_Temple. Then it was straight to Derry and south to Cootehall. A very long day and Betty-in-the Box and I are no longer friends...and we may never be again. She kept taking us on the most stupid roads... I wanted to just get to the N15 and head south through Sligo and home. I know this area, but with the continual criss/crossing from NI into the Republic she just kept pushing us back to NI. We ended up on very small, rural roads and it took forever. At one point, I was tempted to open the window and toss her...

Photos: A mix of everything.

What an amazing day! It must have reached 60 degrees. Since Lucy has moved away, Flan has been a real problem. She's bored, confused and misses her friend. I've had to sit outside with her to make sure she stays in the yard. I've asked to have some sort of fence put up so that she can have a bit of safe freedom. She has already gone down to the road and a worker had to call for me to come get her. I don't want dog pizza in Cootehall so a fence is going to have to be the answer. She can't stay in alllll the time. We both need air.

So today, I decided to keep her distracted with a day of exploring. Books, maps, lunch and we were off. I'd been wanting to find Glencar Waterfall north of Sligo so that was our destination... But you know me, I get side-tracked in an instant. I'd also wanted to see Parkes Castle on Lough Gill so took the turn marked for it. But Ireland is good at giving you initial info, but then leaves you wondering where the next turn is. So, I had to revert to "Betty in the Box"...she seemed to be really lost so I gave up and just went on through Sligo and continued to Yeats country where I new the route to Glencar was marked. It was a beautiful drive on a typical Irish rural road...basically one lane but meant for two. You just don't go to fast and always keep an eye for areas where you MIGHT be able to pull over a hair and let an oncoming car pass. We found the falls, walked up to them, walked along Lough Glencar, visited with some nice folks from Dublin who were up for a holiday and then continued on. I had no idea where I was going but kept following the signs that marked the "de Cuellar, Route" I knew that this was the area the few survivors of shipwrecks in Donegal had taken to try to get to an area where they could find passage back to Spain.

"The Spanish Armada in Ireland refers to the landfall made upon the coast of Ireland in September 1588 of a large portion of the 130-strong fleet sent by Philip II to invade England.

Following its defeat at the naval battle of Gravelines, the Armada had attempted to return home through the North Atlantic, when it was driven from its course by violent storms and toward the west coast of Ireland. The prospect of a Spanish landing alarmed the Dublin government of Queen Elizabeth I, and harsh measures were prescribed for both the Spanish invaders and any Irish who might assist them.

Up to 24 ships of the Armada were wrecked on a rocky coastline spanning 500 km, from Antrim in the north to Kerry in the south, and the threat to Crown authority was readily defeated. Most of the survivors of the multiple wrecks were put to death, and the remainder fled across the sea to Scotland. It is estimated that 5,000 members of the fleet perished in Ireland." (Wikipedia)

At one point, I wondered if we really were lost but good grief, this isn't that big a place and I can speak the language, so I wasn't too worried. My biggest issue was...oh, so much to see and so little time.... what route should I take, should we stop and walk in those beautiful woods, yikes, there is an amazing stream and I didn't bring my fishing gear, look at that lake, the fish are rising!! So, my thoughts really weren't on the possibility of being lost. I had a full tank and that is all that matters. Flan had food and water, I could live on my fat so we continued on. I stopped and visited with a very old lady decked out in her dirty polar fleece and wellies who was talking to her sheep. She had more of a beard than my sons can grow. But, she was sweet and I enjoyed the visit. I wish I'd asked to take her photo, but she was so strange I was afraid I'd insult her. As I started to pull away, I noticed a very decrepit cottage across the road and yes, the door was open and I'm sure it was her's. It was horrible...dark, dirty, filled with junk...but it was home for someone, I'd imagine the little lady in the colorful polarfleece.

Up over a mountain, and down into a beautiful little valley with the Owenmore River running through it. We stopped to walk in a national forest, along the river for a bit. Then into Manorhamilton and on to Lough Gil. A few wrong turns and I found Parkes Castle. Then it was into Sligo, a stop at Homebase to see what the plant department had (nothing new!!) and back home.

The new neighbors have moved in with TWO black labs....ugh. This is going to really be hard. I can't have Flan running with a pack of big dogs. She will just have to stay with me at ALL times. I finally tied her to the car on a long lead that I use to tie up the pontoon boat. Oh.... I'd love a place without side-by-side neighbors. It's really hard to train a puppy with all these distractions that are so much fun!!!

Today was the general election in Ireland. I've been reading, listening, talking to folks so went to the polls fairly prepared. My polling place was at the local school just like in the US. It was a paper ballot with photos of the candidates... you chose 4 people ranked 1 - 4. I just put the number 1 next to my first choice, number 2 next to my next, etc. I had 10 candidates on my ballot...all men. Candidates represented the following parties: Green, Independent, Sinn Fein, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Labour, and HAC (Hospital Action Committee - i.e. wanting to save the hospital in Roscommon Town.) The results will be tabulated tomorrow.... I don't know if other areas are computerized but ours was totally hand written and submitted in a box. I am in what is called the Roscommon/South Leitrim "precinct."

Then Flan and I took off for Lough Key Forest Park for our walk. Since school was out for election day, there were lots of families at the park. I'm a bit selfish, but I must admit I like it when no one is there and we have the place to ourselves. Flannie is getting so much better about the lead but I would have loved to let her go and chase the swan... I think she would have had a very rude awakening. She just tugs and lunges at them while they hiss at her. It's my mean streak rearing its ugly head!!

Then it was back home for Lucy play time. They are leaving on Sunday (I thought it was today) and Flan will be very lonesome. Mary and I have worked out "play dates" for the two of them. She can drop Lucy here when she needs to go riding and I'll just dump Flan into their new yard when I need time to myself. It's totally fenced with a rock wall, but has a typical farmyard gate with just horizontal rails...Flan could slip through them easily!! so she said they'd put some slats across to keep her in!! I made some gingersnaps and took over to Mary cause I was sure she'd be cleaning and cleaning.... instead she was studying for a class she is taking. She is a dental assistant and would like to get into the dental hygienist program but it is very competitive so she is taking more classes in prep for applying.

Photos: Iron fences, lichen, Lucy and Flan chewing on each other, local school, political posters

Flan and I took off for Lough Dereen today which seems to be our most common walk. It is about 2 k through the woods, then along 2 different little lakes and back to where we start. It's a perfect walk and fun to see the same area day to day and watch for changes. I'd just finished reading a book "The Family at Paradise Point".... a difficult, heart wrenching read....but in it there was mention of wild garlic in the fields... lo and behold, I found wild garlic in a ditch on our walk... Today there were catkins exploding and a vine beginning to leaf out. Also, the bluebells are poking up all through the deep forests frosting the ground in green....next month it will be a carpet of blue....photos to follow for sure!!

Yesterday I actually planted a current and some viola and ivy in one of my planters. The ivy was such a nice little plant until Flan jumped on it, tore off with it and shredded the pot... she loves to play with whatever comes her way... the little compact ivy is now 8 rooted starts...could be a blessing in disguise if they all grow... she is such a terror. All winter long she and Lucy (neighbor dog) have played with stray pots that seem to blow into the neighborhood from somewhere so when she saw the pot, it was just another toy!! Can't fault her for trying.

I live right by a boat launch so it's been fun to watch the "spring" activity. People bring their boats here to be pulled out onto a boat dolly of some sort...then they clean and paint the bottoms and put them back in the lake. The Juliet was the latest action at the jetty...photos attached. As you can see, it's designed for the canals, very shallow and very wide. I visited with the owner as it was being sprayed off....I've got an invite to come down to the Leitrim Marina any time to come aboard... I'll do it for sure!!

Photos: February Arrangement, Juliet, wild garlic etc.

Last week I took off for Donegal in search of wool yarn and whatever the day would bring. It had rained for several days and this promised to be a good one so I headed north. As I passed through Grange, I saw a beautiful beach off in the distance with a castle on a bluff...a side trip took us to a dead end with little boats tied up in an inlet but not to the beach I'd seen. Flan loves to walk so I let her stretch her legs and use the restroom/grass... Then it was back in the car and another side road to Mullaghmore. I'd wanted to save this little area to share with a friend, but I'm not sure the friend will make it here so I decided to go explore. I'd read an amazing book called "From a Clear Blue Sky" written by Timothy Knatchbull, the great-grandson of Lord Mountbatten. The family had a holiday castle on a bluff overlooking the sea near Mullaghmore. One wonderful summer day they gathered on Lord Mountbattens little fishing boat for a day on the water. Little did they know that IRA operatives had planted a bomb under the floorboards. Lord Mountbatten was killed along with Timothy's twin brother, grand-mother and a young man from the village who helped on the boat. His mother and father, as well as himself, were horribly injured. The book recalls happy times at Classibawn. But centers on the sadness of losing family members as well as recalling the months of healing emotionally and physically following the bombing. It's a very good book for those who love history. So, as I approached the castle I realized it was Classiebawn..this was an unexpected find. We took a long walk along the bluff overlooking the sea, talked to a farmer giving a mom sheep expecting twins some additional calcium, then into Mullaghmore for a walk along the harbor, visiting with a lobster fisherman checking his boat. It was a beautiful day, but time to move on. We drove on up to Donegal, got some yarn, stopped by a craft shop where a woman was using an old loom to make fabric. A long visit with her was great. She has a degree in weaving and natural dying. We then headed back toward Sligo and home with a stop at Smuggler's Creek pub for seafood chowder then a walk on the Rossnowlough beach. Flan just loves to chase the birds, smell the seaweed, explore every cave or waterfall...she doesn't let a thing pass her by. As it got dark, we headed south to Cootehall and bed. A long, wonderful day.

I awakened to a beautiful morning promising that it would only get better. The weathermen/women here have just as difficult a time as they do in Seattle...cause it was supposed to rain. I decided since no one would be arriving to spend a romantic day with me, I'd just have to take care of myself. I popped Flan into the car and we took off for a new walk that had been featured in the paper...Derrycarne Demsnene. We buzzed through Carrick-on-Shannon (pup now firmly planted on my lap!!...if I get any fatter or she grows much more, there won't be enough room between ME and the steering wheel!), turning off the N4 at Aughamore and proceeding to Derrycarne. (The estate was founded in the mid-17th century by the Nesbitt family.) Only one wrong turn...into someone's lovely home, before finding the parking area for the forest park. It was a great day, beautiful walk through the woods, along Lough Bofin (although I could have sworn the sign said Lough Boderg!!) and back to the car. The thing I love the most here is finding remnants of past lives. We found a set of stone stairs that circled up along a tree, but went nowhere??? We found an old stone jetty out into the lake with a stone bench at the end, stone stairs up from the waterline, old iron tie ups and at one place, an arch in a stone wall that would have allowed a person to bring their boat into shore in a very safe and secluded place. There was an interesting path through mounds that were rocks covered in ivy...what did they lead to in the old days, who built them, ah, so much history.... After exhausting ourselves (a good 3 miles covered over hilly terrain) we hopped in the car and headed to Longford. If I want to do "big" shopping, I can go either to Sligo or Longford. I tend to go to Sligo the most, but decided since I was only about 20 K from Longford town, I'd head there. We stopped in Dromod at the old train station (built in 1897, closed in 1959), visited with the lady who ran the museum in the old train station (kept thinking of Whitefish's train station) then went across to the new station (go figure...) and visited with some folks waiting for the Dublin/Sligo train. Flan was the hit of the show as usual. She just wiggles from head to tail tip when she sees folks. And everyone loves her. When the train came in, we bid our new friends farewell and safe journey to Sligo then headed south some more. Stopped at Homebase to see what spring is offering, then on to Dunnes for some groceries....finally back to the house by 4:30. We'd been gone allllll day. It was a nice way to spend a Valentine's Day... I purchased myself a primrose. I KNOW that spring will be here someday and I can enjoy it outside...for now, it's great on the kitchen table. I should stop complaining...it was actually a beautiful, warm day in the midlands of Ireland!!

Photos: Lough Bofin/Boderg??, train depot at Dromod, chimney pots on the depot, ancient jetty, post box (note the VR, that is for Victoria Rex...when the Irish gained their independence, they kept a few of the boxes but painted them green...had been red prior to that)

Well, it's been so wet and windy the past week that I've just stayed home....turf fire burning... and read!! Flan even refused to go out... she has not had an "accident" for a month or so during the day... she goes to the door and squeaks or finally barks if I don't hear her the first time... but even she didn't want to go out so went in the kitchen on the nighttime newspaper... I wasn't too pleased but could certainly understand her reluctance!! So, today we headed out... only had one small rainstorm during our walk, but we ducked into the deep evergreen forest and stayed dry. Plus, it's proven that I won't shrink if I get wet so what the heck...just keep walking. There are signs of spring but oh so few... After the rains, the woods are overflowing with water.... I call Flan "puddle jumper" after a favorite childhood book..don't remember if it was my childhood or the kids...but a favorite book either way. Nothing deters her... she just keeps putting around, through puddles, jumping them if they are too deep. I was a bit miffed at her though at one point. We are usually alone in the woods which is as I like it. But all of sudden an elderly gentleman came up behind us... I hadn't heard a thing... I think I just go into a tranquil state when I'm out there... thinking, walking, observing...just so deep in thought. Anyway, all of a sudden there was this handsome man behind us. Flan, of course, went nuts. She loves people (not me, but others!!) He finally said that he didn't have long for his walk so would have to press ahead. I asked him to grab her collar and I put her on the leash until he was well out of sight and I figured it was safe (she'll follow anyone but me!!) I let the leash down (didn't remove it) and off she took. She has an amazing sense of smell and could track a specific ant through an ant hill. I can see why God gave her such short legs because she has her nose on the ground all the time!! Anyway, she took off at a run.... Even those little legs can cover some territory. I took off at a run, yelling at her... Finally I just stopped, thought that maybe, just maybe she'd worry about me...ha, ha. No such luck...she stopped and looked, then took off at a run again. Hell bent for the cute old guy!! I should have been the one hell bent for the cute old guy!! Finally, finally, she stopped and waited for me. Never did see the guy, which I'm glad cause I would have been a bit embarrassed for not being able to control my mutt any better... What will I do??? Gotta figure this one out. Treats don't work, scolding doesn't work, love doesn't work...she is just single minded. Incorrigible teen stage???

Photos: Ireland everglades. Water, water everywhere, nary a drop to drink. Someone has a good sense of humour.

Today I decided it was time to show you what is available along the lanes and hedgerows in late January. As you can imagine after such a cold November and December, the pickings are few... But there is still lots of life out there. The blackberries have swollen buds, the wild roses are starting to show life, I found some buds on something that smelled like a sort of willow when I picked it and that makes sense... There are ferns starting to peak out from their core, poking up from cracks in the rock walls. The moss has been green all winter (when not covered in snow) but is even greener now. I have had laurel and rhododendron leaves in the house all winter as well as ivy and holly. The Christmas song, the holly and the ivy, makes sense now since those two grow beautifully here all year long... and having the green at winter is so perfect. People make wreaths, swags, etc. with the two.. the ivy has a floret and the holly has the berries so the two together with a touch of cones, ribbon, etc. is gorgeous. So, here's a little bit of "spring" from Flan and me!!

Photos: moss, ferns, gnarly branch, twigs

Flan just keeps me laughing and she seems to know when she's doing it too. Today we went for our daily walk....this time up to Clarendon lock...the lock that allows boats to go up the Boyle into Lough Key. It's a nice walk, not terribly long, but pretty along the river. From there I found a rock trail up the bank and over a stile onto a rarely traveled lane. We've walked this before and it comes out at the lake in a very private area. I have to find areas where Flan can just walk without a leash or other dogs around. At the end of the road, there is an area where a couple of boats are kept and a small pier. There is still ice on the lake edges but very thin. Everything you read about Scottys says that they don't like water, don't like to swim, etc. But I think she is going to be the exception. Maybe because it's wet here, there's water everywhere even if only mudpuddles so she can't help but get her dainty paws wet all the time. Anyway, we walked out on the pier which was only about 8 inches above the water and wouldn't you know, she decided to jump down to the reeds in the ice and went right through the ice. She was startled and turned back to the pier, swam under it and I grabbed her collar on the other side and hauled her in. I think this will be the 1st of many of these episodes cause she is such an explorer. All's well. She ran up the pier to the land and just shook herself off. I was laughing and her tail was wagging so I think she knew everything was fine. Her fur is so thick that I'm not sure water gets clear to the skin. We turned and headed home so she could at least get warm. She didn't seem to be any worse for wear. Is in front of the fire as we speak.

Now yesterday, was a different story. She really tried my patience. It reminded me of a lost child that when found you are so glad they are fine, but you are so angry that you want to wallop them!! We were at our derelict church scrounging for more glass (found a whole bunch) and it was time to go. The church is way above the road through a logged off area... Flan hates the car and won't go near it when it's time to go. She knew right away that we were headed to it so she stopped. I decided since it was such a beautiful, sunny day that I'd just out wait her. I put the bag of glass in the car then sat down on a stump to enjoy the sun and scenery. In a bit I noticed a blue car way below on the road, but just figured that someone else was out walking the logged off area. In a bit it left. Well, I was getting tired of waiting for my dog went back to the church...no dog.... I called.... no dog. I went back around it, into it.... everywhere...no dog. And the phone rang.... Well, it seems that Flan had gone past the car when I put the glass in it and kept on going...she'd gone down to the road and was headed west!! I have no idea where she thought she was going because she didn't know where she was... she just wasn't getting in the car. The people who had her were about a mile down the way. I immediately went there and yes, it was the blue car that I'd seen stopped. They saw her in the middle of the road running to beat the band...but she came right to them...It hurts my feelings cause she WON'T come to me if the car is there!! Anyway, it's sure a good thing that she has her tag on... today I just put her leash on, long before the car and actually had to carry her the last good distance cause she wouldn't even walk... I've tried rewarding her, praising her, etc. She just hates the car. I've even let her out of the crate and put her in the way back so that she has more room.... no go...she still hates it!! Oh well, I will prevail.

A couple of weeks ago I entertained Ciara who was home for the holidays (the young woman from Wicklow who is renting my house in Missoula) and her mom for lunch. They were enroute to Donegal for the weekend. As they were leaving they invited me up for the day to play on the beach. So, the following day I drove north through Sligo, Bundoran and Ballyshannon to meet them. It was a glorious day, clear with only a few clouds scurrying across the sky. I loaded both my cameras, my tripod, et al so that I'd be ready to photograph anything that came my way. Upon arriving at their cottage the first thing I was introduced to was a very pregnant sheep in the pen next door. She was soooo fat...almost a shoebox with spindly legs. I immediately went to the car to get my camera and CRAP.... I'd forgotten to put in the 2 scandisks. I'd purposely cleaned them off, ready to take lots of photos. I was sure I'd put them in, but no go. Oh well... not much I could do.

We first had a lovely tea and scone break then headed to the beach for a long walk. It was amazing to just be able to walk and walk. Flan loves to romp...she took a real liking to Carol, Ciara's mom, so off the two of them went and Ciara and I walked and visited. She as a possible chance to stay in Missoula next year teaching at the University and would like to stay in my house another year. I'm happy about that. It allows me another year here.

There were tons of small shells on the beach that crunched over as we strolled along. The sky was amazing. Just a perfect day. After our walk, we headed to a great place called Smuggler's Creek for a late lunch of amazing seafood chowder with warm soda bread. I love the soup lunches. All I need and oh so tasty. Then it was time to head back home since it was a 2 hour drive and I wanted to get back before the night freeze set in.

Photos: Thankfully Ciara had her camera and supplied these. Flan, Ciara and me, me and Flan, clams, AMAZING sky!! Such a perfect day

Well, Flan and I returned to the scene of yesterday's crime to see if we could find the "stolen" camera... No luck. Those rhodys are NOT giving it up!! We retraced our steps from the area we came out at. We went as far as the canal because I thought that just maybe I'd lost it when I slid down the bank, but no sign of it. I WASN'T going back across that mushy, grasping muck so decided to just let it go. I've done all I could to try to find it. Luckily I had an old Kodak so charged it today and was back in the woods. It was a glorious day... below freezing but as the sun brushed the trees and branches, the frozen fog melted. A clear blue day and so nice to be out. I read something today that made such sense. "In the depth of Winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an INVINCIBLE SUMMER." Albert Camus

Yes, summer will be here and the warming sun just proves it.

Photos: Stuff.... Fun to see the bright green on the pines where the sun hit it but right around the corner, no sun and everything was white. The castle being restored, grasses in the lake that just reminded me of schooners, swan gliding on the lake.

We all know and love the beautiful rhododendron. The soft, gentle welcoming sign of a long-awaited spring. So many gorgeous colors adorning the large-leafed evergreen bush. I love them!! But I've learned that that benign beauty hides a dark, sinister, and very dangerous side. They are vicious, mean, stealing, strangling monsters. They have no mercy for man or beast.

What started today as a lovely walk along a new trail, albeit, a bit overgrown, turned into a fight for our lives... Flan and I decided (yes, she has a word in our decisions when we stand at a marker that offers two trails) to take the trail obviously less-traveled. If it hadn't been marked, I might have thought it was merely an animal throughway. It was beautiful in the frozen fog, each twig fuzzy with ice. I stopped to take many photos of strange objects coated and sparkling. We scared a few pheasants from their safe, warm hiding places (much to Flan's delight and surprise), watched some swan take off (always entertaining by the noise they make), and took great pleasure in their antics. My assignment for the next camera club meeting is "abstract photos, probably best in architecture". Since I don't get into the city or places where things are a bit more "modern", I decided that some photos of the abstract arrangement of reeds blown against the bank of the lake was pretty good. Amazing how nature can rearrange things in such a beautiful way. So, a few more photos taken. It was getting more and more difficult to follow the edge of the lake so we cut inland a bit through some trees and sparsely placed rhodys....always following what I decided had turned into an animal path for sure. I knew the general direction so wasn't really worried about getting lost. We kept going deeper and deeper into the every increasing rhodys....deeper and deeper.... I was finally just breaking the dead twigs and climbing over the live branches. They tower over everything. At least 20 feet tall and shading everything below. We took what looked like a good route, but dead ended at an impenetrable wall of branches. So, backtracked a bit and tried another trail...and another, and another always working our way toward what looked like the grounds of the old castle...at least I could see large trees off in the distance and large trees are usually around old estates... (there were only small trees where we were....AND rhodys) I kept thinking I could never do this if the ground weren't frozen cause I'd be up to my ankles in water and mud in places. After a trip and fall, losing my glasses for a minute, I resorted to just crawling through the grasping, clutching, strangling branches. I decided if Flan could get under them, so could I!! The ground was fairly soft so no harm to the old knees, but it sure must have painted a picture. I often called out to her just in case there were hunters in the area (we'd heard shots the last time we were here) After a few more false starts we came to a stream or ditch about 8 feet across with sloping sides down to the 5 foot wide swath of standing water. It was about a 4 foot drop down to the water. I could see no place to cross up or down "stream" and there was no way we could walk along it to find a better place to cross without those damn rhodys getting us. Flan was exploring along it and finding a way to get down, but I had to just sit on my butt and slide down to it.... I could see the bottom in the water but didn't know if it was firm. But there was nothing I could do...I had to go forward. There was no way I wanted to fight my way back through all the rhodys to where we'd started our day. And across this mess was a big opening and I was sure the castle beyond. So, I stepped into the water, and squished across, lugging each wet, bootclad foot out as I inched across... I was really afraid it might suck me in with each step. I was up to my knees in muck. At this point I was thinking about the pact I'd made with the kids when I moved to Missoula... "always leave a note when I set out for the day so if I didn't return, they'd know where to begin looking"...but even if I'd left a note, no one was looking for me so it didn't really matter. I was across, but how to get Flan? She was crying on the far side and I could NOT go back to get her. The muck in the water would suck me in. Bless her heart, she slid down to the water and finally fell in....she swims!!! But in her terror returned to the same side....now wet and very cold. With great glee I tore some rhody's from the bank and layed them across the canal encouraging her with each one to try again. She finally reached for the rootbutt end of one and I dragged her as fast as I could to my side. We were both soaked, cold, and tired. We climbed up the bank and as I'd expected, there was the castle off in the distance. We shook off (yes, both of us), and headed out. I must have looked a fright with twigs, dirt, frost, all over me. And Flan must have been freezing. As we headed to the trail that I knew would take us back through the woods, along the bog and to the car, I checked for my camera and it was GONE!! All I could do was thank God that both Flan and I were safe, I had my glasses, car keys and phone and that I'd downloaded most of the photos already. I'll go back tomorrow and look just at the bog canal, but I have no idea where it may have gone missing. Those rhodys stole it I'm sure....they are certainly mean enough....so no photos today although there were some great shots of deep woods, tumbled reeds, flying swan and baby ferns covered in ice. You'll have to just take my word for it!!

Now my clothes are in the wash, boots are washed off and drying by the fire, the dog is bathed and we are both cuddled in front of a warm turf fire. Tomorrow's a new day and just maybe I'll find the camera.

OK, here is the beginning of my "garden." The table/chairs and several planters were leftovers in the yard next door after the last renters moved out. So after a few trips back and forth they are now in my yard. And with more black paint on the table and chairs and the pots all brimming with flowers, I'll be able to make myself a little haven to enjoy. I planted some snowdrops and daffodils today that probably won't grow since they were pretty dried out (75% off at local DIY) but it felt good to dig in some dirt. Puppy will have to learn that bulbs aren't food... she kept begging for the bulbs. I've created a monster... no one to blame but me!! My mean streak reared its head again today when she kept whimpering at me while I was making a good veggie soup with hot peppers...tee hee hee...

Flan is in the "doghouse." Yesterday she and Lucy decided to go exploring around the neighborhood...down to the river along the main road...not good. So I'm not letting the two of them out today. Flan is in Lucy's fenced yard as we speak, but I won't let the two out to run...they remind me of Amy and Jennifer when they were little...both very smart, but together they were brain dead...did things that weren't too smart or safe...like try to row to Vashon island in a rubber raft...that had a leak in it...but "gee, mom, we took a pump with us!!" Oh well, so today I took Flan on a very long hike. We scaled the dizzying heights of Knocknarea...all 1014 feet of it... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knocknarea. It was a great walk (about 45 minutes...often straight up!!) and she did very well in fact much better than me!! The first portion was a good marked trail through sheep fields..then it is just find your way and pray!! This is the supposed tomb of Queen Mebd. It has not been excavated yet, but I'm sure it will in the future. It is definitley about 5000 years old so been around a bit. Well worth our journey of the day. Then we stopped down at the beach at Strandhill where surfers come from all over to play. A great day.

Photos: The mt. and some extra shots of stuff like fossils and lichen on stones, old gates (I have a thing about old gates)

Well, not much has been happening around here...it's winter. My entire being is awaiting spring. I've always hated January and February because it's cold and dark and there is NOTHING to do in the yard/garden!! I know, you can dream, but I'm not a very good dreamer when it comes to flowers. I want to have spring NOW!! So, to help with the winter doldrums, I've got flowers blooming on the window sill, in pots in the living room, nestled in baskets in the bathroom. I just can't help myself...it's therapy. I found some bargains after Christmas at the local DIY store... 99 pence for baskets with hyacinths, 1.99 for big pots filled with blooming hyacinths, 3.99 for orchids. All the leftovers from Christmas offerings. I'll enjoy them now and replant as soon as annuals show up on the shelves. When the neighbors moved out, I asked the landlord if I could take some of the pots (there were about 15)left in the yard and he said "sure"... so those are awaiting plants, next to the 2 bags of soil (called compost here) that will fill them. I'm already dreaming... I also absconded with the little table and chairs that was left... With a fresh coat of black paint, it will be a great place to enjoy a cuppa or glassa in the spring/summer sun in my little "garden".

Puppy and I have been exploring as much as we can... Found an amazing walk along a bog, then cut under a tunnel carved out of 30 foot high rhodendrons, through a beautiful pine forest and finally opening out to Lough Key and the castle that is being restored that Alex and I found at Christmas time.... An entirely different route to it and a complete surprise. She has learned that swan hiss when she lunges at them, that she can bury a bagel for later joy (even if she has dirt up over her eyebrows.... I wish I'd watched her dig, but just had to laugh at her face when she came in), that asparagus isn't very tasty... she is a complete nut and keeps my days filled with gut laughs... you can't help it. She looks up at me with those big black eyes buried in a very dirty face and I'm sure wonders what I'm laughing at!!

Photos: Flan and swan, Flan testing asparagus, Flan after burying the bagel, trail through rhody tunnel, silver birch along the edge of a bog

Can you believe it?? Seems only yesterday I was at Weyerhaeuser working on New Years Eve 2000 as part of a team monitoring the computers as we brought all the systems up around the globe, praying that Y2K wouldn't cause disruptions!! (Oh, that sounds important...really, I was just there as part of an emergency team...I didn't do a thing except probably eat...!!) Now, here it is 11 years later and I'm off in Ireland learning how traditions and celebrations are experienced here. I couldn't be happier...unless there was family near. Alex was here for Christmas and it was hard to say goodbye. But I remind myself that even if I were in the US, I wouldn't have family around since each of the kids lives in a different state!! So, I might as well stay where I am for awhile. I read about the snow and cold in the Northwest and laugh...cause we've had it here too. It was a record (100 years since they've seen this weather)cold Christmas. It started on November 29 and didn't let up until December 28. Alex got here on December 22(actually flew into Cork which was a long way to drive...6 hours... but thankfully he came in there since Dublin was closed). I left home at 3:45am with my little pooch tucked into her crate. We drove for about 2 hours before my eyelids were sinking so I found a sleeping churchyard out in the middle of nowhere and pulled into the parking lot for a snooze. Flan just tucked onto my chest, I put a blanket over us and we rested. She was so warm and cozy... then after a pee for both of us we started off again. We got to Cork at 10:30 to find that his flight was delayed for another hour. This gave me time to walk Flan around the grassy areas near the parking garage. Then, back into the terminal to await his arrival...and wait...and wait...and wait.... After almost every person was gone from the arrival area, I found that many folks had lost luggage...and Alex was one of them. FINALLY he came out sans luggage and we set out for the north. Made a stop in Kilkenny, a beautiful little city surrounding a great castle. Had a bowl of soup and yummy soda bread, a glass of wine and then a walk through town. We stopped in a men's "furnishings" store where he found a good wool jacket (his light polar fleece would never keep him warm). Then set out for Cootehall. Another 6 hours and we were home, tucked into bed and out for the count!! The following day we stocked him with a 3-pack of socks, some gloves and a cheap pair of boots, filled the larder with nibbleys, stopped by a pub and learned about hot whiskey (shot of whiskey, boiling water, a lemon wedge dotted with whole cloves and sugar) Very good. Then it was back to the house. On December 24 we set out in the snow for long walks and explorations. Found a castle on the shore of Lough Key that is being restored, walked to the Fairy Bridge in Lough Key Forest Park and into the "big" cedar... then tried our luck at Carrowkeel, but could only get to the fence...the road was just too snowy for my little car. Stopped for dinner at McDermotts in Castlebaldwin. Then home. Christmas was another day of exploring around the area...up to Sligo, into Kesh to find the Caves of Kesh...just all over the area to show my favorites. Then home...still no luggage for Alex...and...now no water either. On Christmas eve the water into the house finally froze. We'd been limping along, but now there was nothing. Thank heavens I'd filled 5 diet coke 2/litre bottles so we could still have tea and coffee in the morning. I've learned that there are 2 tanks in the rafters...one for toilets, etc. the other for drinking water so sparingly Alex washed his drawers out each night and hung them to dry by the turf fire....We were both getting pretty dirty but with a little water and a cloth, it's amazing how clean you can get....The traditional TV offering on Christmas is "the Quite Man". Alex had never seen it so ...that was it. On December 26 we took off for Cong where the movie was filmed... Ashford Castle, Cong, then up to Westport and back through Swinford, Frenchpark and Boyle. A long day but fun to show him the area. We'd planned to stop by the Foxford Woolen Mills in Foxford, but they wern't open. So, December 27 saw us back in the car to Foxford. It's such an amazing place, started by a nun in 1892 to harness the waters of the Moy river and provide work for the locals. http://www.museumsofmayo.com/foxford.htm http://www.foxfordwoollenmills.ie/ The blankets are beautiful and come in every color...and there is a "2nds" area which is my favorite. We had lunch there at the little restaurant, made our purchases and then headed north to Ballina on the coast. It's known for Salmon fishing on the Moy that runs through town. http://www.northwestfisheries.ie/Moy/moy_fishery.htm It's not my kind of fishing since you purchase a permit that is good for your allot ed portion of a day. There are only 4 rods at a time in each section and you fish from sunup to 2:00 or from 2:00 to sunset. Spectators line the sidewalks watching...To me, fishing is about the surroundings, not just the catching...and being in the middle of a city isn't very restful..but for those who love to just catch, this is a good place. The river was running VERY fast due to the beginning of the snow melt. From Ballina we went north along the Quay road to Enniscrone, known for it's golfing and beach. The town reminded us of our Pacific ocean shore towns. We stopped for a good walk along the beach which Flan loved...then headed out again continuing along the north Atlantic coast. A very pretty area with lots of cottages still in use. Nice to see since so many have been abandoned for new homes built right next door. Then into the outskirts of Sligo and home...a long but fun day. When we got home, Alex' bags were there, the water was on and it was like Christmas. We shared the gifts that were in his bags, had a good roast beef dinner and turned in. The 28th was spent with last minute things in the area... a walk in my old church, to Kilronan Castle to see my "gym", lunch at Lietrim Hotel pub, dinner at my landlord's, and to bed... December 29 was a stop at the local garden shop to see if there were any 50% off bargains and then headed south to Cork. We stopped in Cashel to see the Rock of Cashel, residence of the kings of Munster, http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/rock-of-cashel, then into Cork...dinner at a local pub and to bed. December 30 was showing Alex all my favorite places in the south...Clonakilty, where I'd lived for 10 days, Roscarberry with a walk on the beach and up to the bluff overlooking the sea, Dromberg Stone Circle, Glendore, then back to Kinsale where we shopped a bit before dinner at a local hotel. Then into Cork, to bed for an early morning flight. It was such fun to have him here, to share my world and show my favorite spots. I'll miss him, miss family, but count the days until Aran, Stacy and Linda come in March, then Amy and Leo in June...

This sort of sums up Ireland... after I'd seen Alex off through security, I went back to the car in a multi-storied parking garage to get going. I was parked on the first level, and as I maneuvered to the exit, I saw what at first I thought was a dog run across the garage... on 2nd look...it was a fox. Only in Ireland can you see a fox scurrying across a parking garage in a major city. Gotta love it. The cold has confused them, and I'm sure he was looking for shelter, but it was beautiful.

Well, that's been my last 2 weeks. A perfect holiday and now I'm ready for what each new day brings...I hope you are too.

Photos: Snow, snow, snow...

Monday we had such a good time in class. First Tony reviewed all that we'd learned to-date since we'd missed the last 2 classes due to snow/ice. Then he talked about balance or reciprocity in photography...finally we learned to work with the white balance on our cameras...then we headed out to the clock tower in Boyle to take photos of the main street all lit up for Christmas. It was fun to experiment with the white balance, the shutter speed, the ISO, etc. to photo the lights and passing vehicles. I've learned soooo much and loved every class. Everyone is so helpful. And, with Cannons and Nikons, Sonys and others, we each help the other. The Cannons help each other and those with Nikons seem to congregate and share. One man has taken the time to really dig into what his camera can do and was showing me some amazing features of my Nikon... I just need to take the time to dig deeper... I think the main thing I've learned from the class is just keep practicing..have fun, experiment...and somewhere buried in all the photos will be one that you just love...

Enjoy my learnings

I've sworn that I will not spend money on disposables... things that will only be used for a short time and then discarded, i.e. Christmas decorations. So, it's amazing what you can do with what you find or have. I've combed the fields, lanes, forests for lichen, moss, leaves, berries, rose hips, etc. The ornaments are coke cans cut apart, printed sides put together so that only the silver shows, folded over, hammered together and then punched. The hanger is copper wire stripped from electrical wire with bead embellishments. There are a couple of bits of colored glass from the church that I put copper foil on, lead solder and a hanger...the ribbon is fabric torn into strips, tied together with bows. The stand is a 2-litre pop bottle, cut off at the top, put into a planter surrounded with rocks. I'll use the planter later, put the rocks back in the drive and throw the pop bottle... Not bad for a free tree. I love it.... Of course, it's on a stool to keep "you know who" away from it. I even like the grass tinsel that was stuck to it. Now, I will admit to purchasing the poinsettias, but that is a requirement for Christmas for me. I love them and they will be enjoyed long into spring. Plus, they were "help me" plants in a bin at the front of the grocery store... with warmth, water and love, they look great.

Photos:

I woke to a foggy day that said, "just wait, I'll be clear blue in no time." So, up and at it... Yesterday was my 64th b'day... yikes.....I can't really be 64!!! I'm too young for those numbers...so today I set off to prove it by going prospecting for gold... well, gold, green, pink and blue....glass. I'd found a little stash below a broken window at the derelict church that I often explore so decided to return to see if there was more...maybe inside?? Flan and I set off on our favourite route toward Battlebridge. It was a perfect morning...sun, warm, quiet, peaceful... We went immediately to the place under the window that we'd found bits before.... I started to scrape away a bit more leaf debris...found a few pieces... Puppy was eager to help...terriers are diggers and she's no slouch at it. Then I scraped along the window sill and found a few more pieces, but not enough. I still wasn't convinced that the glass wasn't broken from the outside and thus fell mainly into the interior. So we found a board to cross through the collapsed entry and came into the interior....open to the sky and the glory of God in the beautiful blue sky. Since it was early morning, the light was amazing... Flan immediately set off to explore every corner of the place while I worked my way to the window.

Slow going over all the downed beams, ferns, stickers, open crypts, etc. After a bit of digging I decided that if there were glass bits under the ferns, mud, and bits of sluffed off plaster, I wasn't going to get to them easily. I decided to go back outside.... We both worked our ways around the tumbled wreckage and then headed back out. I decided to dig a bit deeper under the broken window and, eureka, about 4inches under dirt, plaster, leaves, roots, I came to the mother lode. Lead, glass, the works. Most is green, some amber, a little pink and a tiny bit of blue. In the only remaining intact piece still in the window I can see that blue was the outline so not much remains. I'd love to know what it looked like in the days of worship. It was fun to dig with Flan...she kept attacking my gloves, growling, tugging...oh such a help!! At one point she had a bit of both gloves in her mouth and I was stuck!! She just loves it.

We then took off to see what the canal looked like...still frozen. This is Battlebridge, the same one I put photos on in October...what a difference!!

Photos: Church, windows, inside, etc.

Frozen canal at Battle bridge

Glass

Due to cold, snow, freezing fog, etc. etc. etc....my world has been drastically reduced... I've spent far too much time in the kitchen, if you know what I mean....not good on the hips/boobs, but oh well, that too will pass... But, puppy has certainly kept me entertained. She grows each day like a beautiful little weed... pretty, but dangerous!! I just have to laugh most of the time as she attacks a pop bottle, eats the plants, chews the kindling, races to any little bit of dropped peat....My house is starting to remind me of the home of a toddler...everything is UP!! What isn't is open territory. She learned yesterday how to go up a step...OH NO, I can't even escape to the safety of the upstairs for much longer... Today, she went five, but panicked... Couldn't go higher and didn't know how to go down, so just whined for "mom" to rescue her. The mean streak in me wanted to leave her and see what she did, but she is just too sweet to heckle and tease.

The neighbor kids love to come play with her... I let them take her to their house for a bit and she came back dressed in a Christening dress...so funny.

I just put dried bits of pizza crust out for the birds...and wouldn't you know....Flan's breath now smells of pizza... don't think there will be much left after "hoover" vacuumed the bushes. She doesn't miss a beat!!

Photos: Stairs..."help mom, I don't know what to do and I'm scared."

No self-respecting pooch should have to wear a dress!!

Well, this is the season for all kinds of fun craft fairs. Since the weather has been cold/snowy, I've only made it to the one in Boyle. I'd planned to go up to Sligo on Saturday, but the roads were just too iffy. In Montana, the tiny amount of snow/ice would be no problem, but here, they are not equipped to deal with it so I just stayed close to home. I was able to purchase my "stocking stuffer" gifts so it was a success. I also found a real splurge for myself....a bog oak piece. Very simple, still mostly just the oak, but with 3 spirals on a small surface representing birth, death and rebirth. That is rather symbolic of how I feel right now. My life has had a lot of new beginnings and for once I feel very settled... I know it won't last because what I'm spending on this one year in my life is truly a gift to myself. It's very expensive to live here and the USD to Euro exchange makes everything 1/3 more expensive. I celebrate each day the USD gets stronger because that gives me another bit of time here. But for now, life is good.

Photos: Craft fair offerings

Bog oak - If you are interested in more info about the bog wood of Ireland, see the following site:

http://store.celtic-roots.com/handcraftstory.html

We've had a bit of winter the last week and it is so amazing. I've had a peat or coal fire going every day, in fact had to go re-stock today!! I had a great "solo" Thanksgiving. Made my favorites: turkey, dressing, creamed onions, cranberries, rolls. Skipped the mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, etc. cause I just didn't need all that food. I made a pumpkin pie and invited the neighbors in for "traditional" American Thanksgiving dessert. As I'd expected, they were not too impressed. They don't eat pumpkins here so pie was weird to them. Well, that's the fun of sharing foods.

Photos: cold and snowy Cootehall.....

Well, I finally joined a workout gym.... puppy just doesn't give me what I need.... She can't go in the woods til she's had her booster shot, so I've been sort of housebound. Plus, I really miss working my upper body. So, there was a "special" at the local castle...99 days for 99 euros. I bit.... What a place. Now, I can't say there are a lot of workout stuff, but so far, there hasn't been anyone else there so I've not had any problems getting a machine. But, let me tell you, it has the most amazing pool.... I'll enjoy as soon as Alex brings my suit....

As you can see, my world has been reduced to babysitting a pooch... it's "lets go for a walk" to "do you have to go potty?"...... Her new favorite toy is shoes....... happiness is settling in for a nap surounded by shoes.. Who could be upset with this little bundle tucked in between shoes... she is quite a character. She loves to tackle the shoelaces on my hiking boots...then drags a boot around the house before settling to snuggle it. What a hoot.

Tomorrow is puppy shots...then another walk in the woods. She really loves the woods as much as I do.... just loves to waddle along behind me as we explore... a perfect companion. Today we went to Lough Key and walked through the area that had been logged.... One can hardly tell that trees were removed but for the pile of logs waiting to be removed. I found the top of a tree in a pile of debris that will make a perfect Christmas tree... if it lives that long!!! I've put it in a sawed off 2 litre diet coke bottle surrounded by rocks in a planter... on a high stool so that "trouble" doesn't topple it. I'm making some fun ornaments out of old cans...then added some rose hips and will look for more things to decorate it. I am bound and determined to NOT purchase anything for a tree..... Fun to see what you can do out of nothing. Photos to follow

My goofy little bundle of black fur met a new playmate. Many of you had suggested that I should name my little puppy Lucy... but, I just couldn't because the dog 2 doors down is named Lucy. Well today, Flan met Lucy for the first time. It was instant, I mean instant love. Her little tail was wagging as fast as it could go without propelling her into a spin... she was sort of "wow, finally, someone to play with."... they romped, ran, circled, wiggled...both were just so happy to have a new playmate. Flan held her own quite well, but again, Lucy is pretty gentle. Flan must miss a family of four-footed mates....