Good Morning !

It is pretty seldom that I crawl out of bed before sunrise, but it often pays off when I do.

The air is crisp and clear, the grasses are frostbitten and the highest mountains covered in their winter attire.

Just lovely.

Patricia xxx...x

Broad Beans and Stuff

I planted out my broad beans yesterday, in two nice straight lines.

I even used a measuring implement. That's the yellow thing in the background. 

Never mind. It doesn't look too bad, looking at it from the side. 

 Other people use canes for support. We don't. We use telegraph poles.

In other news. Look at these tomato plants !

These were sown two weeks later than the others and they've grown at 10 times the speed. They are the Yellow Pear.

And to end this post, I'll present to you evidence of lovely sunny weather over the past 2 days.

This is a late afternoon shot (from Monday) when the sun hits the mountains across the Kenmare Bay.

Tuesday morning, a band of merry kayakers passed by. Some where motorised (!) kayaks, others used paddles. You know, the thing one uses to 'manually' move the kayak  through the water

 Since last summer these motorised kayaks make much less noise than the years before. Different kind of engine, I believe. Much slower too. Chances are that people have complained about the level of  aggravating noise (not us, btw)

 I love it when there is a bit of life on the estuary. A few kayaks, a fishing boat or a dinghy. 

The swans are also back.

Spring has arrived !

Patricia xxx...x

Pelting Down with Ice Cold Rain. All Day.

That was yesterday. You would be forgiven for thinking that there would never be a summery day again. Ever !

The water in the estuary was rather choppy.

 And full. But that is because of high tide. Look at the difference with the picture below. Taken when the tide is lower (but not at its lowest). Sigh..we lose a lot of land when it's high tide.

What can you do on a day like this but drink copious amounts of coffee ?

A heaped mug of coffee. It's an art form. Or a serious lack of depth perception, as is the running joke here in the house. I seem to be doing this quite a lot.

Enjoy the week !

Patricia xxx...x

A Day to Enjoy

It sure felt like spring yesterday.   

The view from outside the kitchen.

In a good month's time the grasses will turn green again.

The view towards the village and in the distance the white peaks of our highest mountain range.

I just love the soft rolling shapes of these ancient mountains.

They almost look liquid.

The forecast for today doesn't look promising. Wind, rain. 

I think I'll focus on getting on with the blinds for the bedroom windows today. Maybe I'll even manage to finish. Focus, focus !

Have a great weekend, whatever the weather.

Patricia xxx...x

Paddy's Day in Sneem

Sneem, the village where I live, has had a parade on St Patrick's Day for yonks. Also on this day there is a substantial market and people flock here from afar.

These 4 photos were taken by Kerry Experience Tours - the very best in Ireland !  Kerry Experience Tours show you the  places that are not just the obvious tourist traps, so if you ever want to book a tour when you're around these parts your know who to call.

As you can see the weather was gorgeous, which made for a great atmosphere.

My mum, boasting a black eye* and green hair. Paddy's day, well and proper.

 The people.

And the parade.

 The flags that represent Ireland's counties.

The Men's Shed float.

 The kids are always the best.

 A reference to the 1916 rising.

 Ah ! The film crew from Star Wars. Yes, this area seem to be held in high regard for the film industry.  A smidgin of The Force Awakens was filmed on Skellig Michael , and island off the coast here. 

The Lobster was filmed almost entirely in Sneem.

Tahila Ladies Club

 The Beekeeper's Club.

 Making a point of what the people think about the last election and in particular the formation of a government.

The parade wouldn't be complete without the contribution of a few farm animals.

And that's it for another year.  Sneem has given the start  signal  for the upcoming tourist season. Let's make it a good one, with great visitors, a decent amount of sunshine and the best hospitality.

Patricia xxx...x

PS

* My mum fell last Sunday and collected herself a bruised cheekbone. We both got a bit of a shock (I more so than her), but as you can see in the pictures above, she was in good spirit on St Patrick's day. She's now back home in Belgium.

Remember ?

Remember  the Christmas presents ?

I think I can now show you some of its contents.

 An insect/bee house for my brother, who loves this kind of stuff.

 A beautiful cushion for my mum, who loves chickens.

 For niece and nephew retro toys that are probably more loved by adults than this generation's children.

 This little bear in its sleeping bag, knitted by Pam Muller was just what I thought my niece Sarah would adore. Apparently, it hasn't left her side since.

For my sis in law I had a couple of fat quarter bundles of fabric and a notebook, which I forgot to photograph.

I got all of the pressies in The Green Chair in Sneem. Fantastic little shop !

Patricia xxx...x