O, I do like to cycle my bicycle. (To the tune of… O, I do like to be beside the seaside.)
My usual escape to my Other Garden brings me past Glenshelane. Today, I chose to stop and stare for a short while. My mountain bike is being serviced and I’ll be looking forward to exploring this area very soon.
Unbelievably, on my journey I spotted many cattle already out in the fields. The weather has been very dry and ploughing has started.
More importantly, I was able to layer down. Instead of three upper body layers, two were enough. I even cycled without overshoes. What is the world coming to?
As Gaeilge, Glenn Siothlain means Glen of the fairies.
Ireland has a great biodiversity of fungi but how have the Irish referred to puffballs, stinkhorns and the like over the centuries?
The Irish phrase for mushroom is fás-aon-oíche, meaning that it grows overnight. Interestingly the phrase is also used in relation to city suburbs springing up quickly. Have a listen. Plenty folklore here.
I came upon these growing under a small tree near the Dungarvan bypass, a few kilometres from me. It was a lovely day for a walk.
I’m thrilled to be able to finalise what I’m going to do, but as yet I’ve no real intention of doing much, except in my head.
Sunday, 9th January 2022.
One of these days, very shortly now, I’ll layer up and do a little bit in the garden. Later, when the one remaining fuchsia has been pruned, I’ll drag its remains to the compost heap. Shredding will be a job for another day.
I’m thrilled to be able to finalise what I’m going to do, but as yet I’ve no real intention of doing much, except in my head. Planning is an important part of gardening so I’ll mull over these little tasks in order to be sure that I’m covering all angles. Further adjustments may be made, all without ever opening the back door!
Blue sky & matching jacket.
We did get outdoors last Monday (3rd). It was a mild day once again so we ventured to Lismore, and finally walked the loop from Lismore Castle Gardens to the back of Hornibrooks. A decent walk in nature is a real tonic. At a time when Covid Omicron is rampant everywhere, getting outdoors safely is good for mind and body.
Lismore street art.
Walking back down through the town, we came upon this very unique natural art in New Street. Basically, it’s moss that has been grown to form an image. I did read the information plaque, but I think I’ll return to find out more. The technique involves using eggs as a binder to get the process started.
Note the tree, leaning slightly southwards.
Next on my list is my reminder to myself that Meabh & Jimmy got engaged. In a few years time Marion, Meabh and Jimmy will recall clearly that Christmas 2021 was the date. I’ll be able to confirm that they are correct by showing them this picture. I know they will be amazed at my accurate recall of events!
And finally…
I’m a believer that whenever we look for the positive in life, we are more likely to find it. On that note, while Omicron is now the word-of-the-month, there are only nine remaining letters in the Greek alphabet.
Newsflash!
Yesterday (Saturday 8th) was cold but dry, so I did layer up and I did get out. It was great to finally give the new front patch a little tidy up. I trimmed the grasses, planted a few recently purchased polyanthuses and got rid of an overgrown ivy in a damaged terracotta pot. The pot will now come in handy as crockery for the base of other pots.
Yes, it was time to get back out to the garden! My head can only take so much of Jigsaws and Kindle.
Today was another good out-and-about day. This time I was on the bike for a very enjoyable group spin with Dungarvan Cycling Club. Weather was cold, roads were very mucky after overnight rain but wind was light. We were quite literally a Dirty Dozen. Checking in the mirror after finishing was discouraged. Route: Lismore, Tallow, Camphire Bridge, Lismore again and home via Kilmolash.
Pádraig de Búrca - Grow Write Repeat 