We all travel our own road. Even when we travel with partners or groups, we each take different things from the experience. We enjoy quiet moments away from the group or playful moments with a friend. We notice different details - a stick that might entertain a dog, a feather that might adorn our hair,… Continue reading Nemo Girls [Nemo Mergikės]
Tag: countryside
Autumn comes too early
The weather has turned distinctly autumny over the past few weeks. We went from blazing heat every day for most of July to wind, rain, mist and chilly temperatures just as August began. While a bit of respite from the heat is welcome, I'm not ready for autumn just yet! Chestnut trees are always the… Continue reading Autumn comes too early
Flowering Rushes
I am as drawn to wildflowers as I am to wild animals. I find them intoxicating, dizzying, especially when they grow together in great numbers. They are feisty and strong, pushing their colourful heads up in the wildest of places. They nod gently in the breeze or sway violently if the wind blows strong. Somehow,… Continue reading Flowering Rushes
Big kids, little kids!
There’s something about sand that brings out the child in all of us. The moment your toes hit the warm sand, you are transformed – you are free! Free to kick and dig and run and dive. Free to bury your friends, or yourself. You are a kid again! Lithuania may have a short coastline,… Continue reading Big kids, little kids!
My article in today’s Irish Times
‘Already, I feel different, calmer, freer.’The Irishwoman who moved to Lithuania. June Molloy from Wexford is travelling the length of Lithuania’s longest river this summer. You can read the full article here. Details of our journey along the Nemunas can be found here. Like what you see? Then please subscribe for updates on my writing,… Continue reading My article in today’s Irish Times
Sunset Boulevard
The soul of an evening is in the sky. That’s where the drama unfolds, if there is to be drama. Or the serenity, if she’s in a tranquil mood. Clouds drift softly, or fold themselves gently around the setting sun. At other times they move quickly, or form thick blankets that create a tapestry of… Continue reading Sunset Boulevard
Old Friends
Thirty years ago this year, I walked into Dublin's catering college for the first time, nervous and excited. It was a goal I had worked towards for many years and I couldn't wait to see what the coming years would bring. New skills, adventure, self-discovery and, of course, friendship. I had a wonderful time at… Continue reading Old Friends
Revive your spirit on the Nemunas
Life is difficult sometimes. We make choices and think we're on the right path, but then life throws us a curve ball that knocks us off our path. A failed relationship. An unfulfilling career. Illness or injury. Or a global pandemic that keeps us away from friends and family and prevents us from doing the… Continue reading Revive your spirit on the Nemunas
And We’re Off!
It's hard to describe the peace and tranquility of floating on water, on a beautiful raft, down a beautiful river. Watching the bank slowly moving past, the wildlife undisturbed by the silent boat. The gentle bubbles on the surface of the water where it rolls over stones. The blue sky above, occasional clouds offering respite… Continue reading And We’re Off!
My Summer Plans – Sailing the Nemunas!
On this day eight years ago, I set sail from Rosslare in Wexford (Ireland) on a huge adventure - to travel through Europe in a small camper van, seeking out delicious food and wonderful scenery. That trip took me through England, France, Spain, Portugal, Switerland and Germany before arriving here in Lithuania. What was meant… Continue reading My Summer Plans – Sailing the Nemunas!
Into the Woods
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately. I wanted to live deep and suck all the marrow of life, to put to rout all that was not life, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. From "Walden", by Henry David Thoreau (condensed) I spend a… Continue reading Into the Woods
Living in the Moment
I envy animals sometimes. They live life in the moment. If they feel like eating, they eat. If they feel like sleeping, they sleep. And while they're alert for danger and will bolt if they feel the need, they return to their relaxed state very quickly. No need to dwell on that last danger. No… Continue reading Living in the Moment
Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…
"You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen...🎼" "Not again, Robert - WE'RE NOT REINDEER!" Like what you see? Then please subscribe for updates on my writing, photography & daily life. You can also follow on Facebook and Twitter. You can view more of my wildlife photos here and here.
Roe Deer Doe
We are lucky to have so much wildlife right on our doorstep. Roe deer are very flightly and quite hard to sneak up on - they are usually on the run and out of range before you can get your camera to your hand. Sometimes, if you're lucky, you'll catch one in flight. They are… Continue reading Roe Deer Doe
Pale Morning Sun
I find snow very soothing. It dulls sounds, softens light, quietens the mind. Having a dog is great for getting you out of the house and into the fresh air, even when the temperatures have fallen well below zero. I walk about 4 km each morning, and even though I regularly take the same route,… Continue reading Pale Morning Sun
A Buzzard Soars
Our house is nestled at the edge of our village, facing out onto fields and forests for as far as the eye can see. Sitting in my front room, I regularly see buzzards swooping and soaring over the fields. Generally, they are quite far in the distance, but occasionally they do come quite close. I… Continue reading A Buzzard Soars
Snowy Lanes
Between the mists and the snow, the roads look endless. Oh, to drive forever on such roads, the crunch of snow beneath my wheels, the cold air pouring through the open windows as I dare not miss a single sight. The countryside is already beautiful, but under a thick blanket of snow, it is magical.… Continue reading Snowy Lanes