The Secret Gardens at Mount Congreve
We were in Waterford when we got the call. It was Mum-in-law, phoning to tell us that the gardens at Mount Congreve would be open to the public, that afternoon. As we were on the way back from a business shopping trip to my husband’s office, work beckoned. But the gardens demanded our attention. We…
The Lismore Immrama Experience
I got my first taste of the Lismore Immrama Festival of Travel Writing at the weekend. Despite the name, the festival is not just about travel and offers a wide variety of events, with something to interest everyone. As I’ve recently been reading ‘The Famine in Waterford’, I decided to attend a lecture by Donald…
Day Trip to Cork City, Boats & Sparkly Sea
With all the warm weather, my life took a turn for the joyful last week with a series of day trips, sea views and good times. A friend and I decided our summer wardrobes could do with an update and embarked on a sunny day trip to Cork City. On the way, we stopped at…
Hill Watching, The Clancys and Ormond Castle
My weekend was pretty different, inspiring me to write about a cluster of experiences. I have been surprised by the weather, intriguing landscapes, an historic building and a local festival. The fun began with a picnic overlooking stunning views on the way to Clonmel (see pic).
Old and Free: Flash Fiction
Her song finds the spiders each morning, moves along the webs until they quaver. It doesn’t occur to her to dust or hoover the creatures away. They are hers. She admires their composition. Legs, a bare tremble. Heads, like black tears.
Springwatch, The French Open and Booksales
I try not to watch too much television, but with Springwatch airing all this week and the French Open Tennis Tournament taking place, I’m finding it hard to resist the remote and sofa combo! Springwatch is being shown in the afternoon as well as the evening this series, making it doubly difficult to concentrate on…
Shoes, Writing and the Body
I’ve been thinking, shopping and dreaming shoes for the last few weeks. I had a family wedding to go to and really wanted to look my best. I found a dress and flouncy scarf ages ago but I had no suitable shoes. So began my greatest fashion challenge, since, well . . . probably my…
Rabbit Family Values
A rabbit family have moved into my garden. Talk about Watership Down, it’s Watership overflowing out there! Firstly, Hubs and I spotted a large rabbit, then a medium sized one, then a baby and finally two babies . . . I know, it sounds like the rabbit version of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears.
Circus Tricks, Walks and Plaice
I’m a regular at the circus, since moving to Ireland four years ago. My Mum-in-Law’s field provides the perfect base for visiting circuses and means that Hubs and I get free tickets! Circus Gerbola was the latest troupe of entertainers to settle in for the weekend.