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Irish mists
Last Week

Somehow it worked out that this year's trip to Cork was very late in the year so we were over for Halloween and early November. This made for some fantastic drives through Autumnal coloured woodland but a lot of mist and fog. Never mind I thought, and drove Phil around what I know to be lovely roads, explaining that there was a great view over Bantry Bay. And then told him about the mountains and valleys he couldn't see from the Caha Pass on the way up to Kerry. And then described the coastal views vaguely visible through the fog round the Ring of Kerry. But the one glorious day driving through the Gap of Dunloe made up for it, twisting mountain roads, lakes, winding streams and rivers, long views across valleys from the top and on the way down. And the weather held for the drive down to Killarney so he saw the famous lakes views - but I turned round before he had to experience the tourist trap that is Killarnery itself.

We still had time for a few days relaxing around West Cork and catching up with family. We got caught up in some very heavy rain and a little flooding on the way back to Cork City. Just over 2 weeks later these same roads and towns were far more seriously flooded, as was Cork City itself. Not that you'd have known this from any of the English newspapers. Here's wishing all those affected a speedy recovery and I'm looking forward to the next trip over, whenever that may be.

(5 replies, Latest reply: 4 Days Ago)

The purple moors
Sep 1, 2009

This time of year, the moors round here turn into a wonderful purple patchwork as the heather starts to flower. When the sun shines this becomes almost luminous in intensity. As I discovered this afternoon, when the thundery showers come in, it's a little less alluring. However after the shower passed over and the sun shone down again, I was blessed with the brightest of rainbows directly over the valley like a gateway to paradise. There are those who think the moorland nearby is just a hardgoing, dull bog trot and the least favourite stretch of the Pennine Way. I'd challenge anyone not to be charmed by the descent down Torside Clough, walking towards the arc of a rainbow. Magic stuff

(2 replies, Latest reply: Sep 2, 2009)

Music! music! music!
Jul 27, 2009

Just got back from a week long music summer school with total immersion in music for a few intense days. Lectures, workshops, performing, socialising and a few hours of sleep somewhere in between. An amazing experience to be surrounded by so many excellent musicians; opportunities to have a go at unusual instruments (eg harpsichord, vibraphone, timpani); singing in a big choir for the first time in years; playing music with lots of different people; making new friends and then coming home tired, dazed and emotional with all those experiences and memories to process. Back to work tomorrow but part of my mind will still be replaying selections from last week's sounds and memories for some time to come .

(4 replies, Latest reply: Jul 31, 2009)

She's still 18 in her head
May 6, 2009

So it's cruel that she's pushing 87 in her body, struggling with severe arthritis and deteriorating mental capacities. We want to keep her in her home as long as possible (although if you ask her she can't remember where she lives) but we're struggling to keep her safe here and need to start seriously considering alternatives.

I'm only in charge for this week and we're coping, just. But even some of the carers are struggling and getting upset and they do this for a living. I don't even know how we go about looking for residential care, either temporary respite or permanent. Guess we need to push for the social care reassessment and ask the questions.

Is that giving up or just recognition of the facts?

(24 replies, Latest reply: 5 Weeks Ago)

Dig! Dig! Dig!
Apr 30, 2009

Finally got out spades into our plot on the village's new allotments. First trench dug, first potatoes planted. Loads of work to do but lots of promise of fresh veg to come.
It's nice that it's a new site and everybody's starting from nothing on an area that was rough pasture until 3 weeks ago. Also nice to see the village school have got a plot, makes it a real community affair.
Shame that our plot took a while to sort out so we're starting three weeks after most people. We've got some hard work ahead to catch up and turn this empty patch of land into a productive space, but there's plenty of growing season ahead. Just need a bit of decent weather...

(26 replies, Latest reply: Jun 6, 2009)