Food – Photography – Country Life – Travel
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!
Continue reading “Big kids, little kids!”
‘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.
Continue reading “My article in today’s Irish Times”
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 colour in the sky. The vista is ever-changing. One moment, you see the perfect sky. Five minutes later, it is even more perfect. And so it continues until the last drop of light fades and darkness slowly falls.
Continue reading “Sunset Boulevard”
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 college and am happy that I’m still in touch with many of my cohorts. Thanks to the internet, we are always connected, but we also make the effort to meet in person every few years. The group gets smaller and smaller each time we meet, but the comradery is always the same. It’s like we left college last year, not twenty-six years ago!
Continue reading “Old Friends”
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 things that we love. They all take their toll.
Continue reading “Revive your spirit on the Nemunas”
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 from the hot sun. It is heavenly.
Continue reading “And We’re Off!”
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 to be a short break to fix the air conditioning in the camper turned into a whole new adventure as I bought a small house and set about renovating it to create a cosy homestead.
Continue reading “My Summer Plans – Sailing the Nemunas!”
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 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 need to worry about the next danger until it presents itself. They are blissfully unaware that their world is full of danger, and that tomorrow might never come. Continue reading “Living in the Moment”
“You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…🎼”
“Not again, Robert – WE’RE NOT REINDEER!” Continue reading “Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen…”
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 dainty and beautiful, particularly against a snowy backdrop. Continue reading “Roe Deer Doe”
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, I always experience something new – ice crystals sparkling on fine branches, the way the light plays with the shadows, the crunch of the snow underfoot. The pale morning sings. Continue reading “Pale Morning Sun”
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 was lucky once to be in the garden, camera in hand, when one flew over the house. Most of the time, though, they are gone from range before I have time to grab my camera. Continue reading “A Buzzard Soars”
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”
