Holiday Time!

 Many apologies for the lack of postings, comments and general visits to Blogland recently. I have been on my hols and instead of the usual trip to La Belle France, we did a rather exciting detour and went via Ireland!

I haven't been over to Ireland since 1993, so was a little apprehensive of the changes that may have occurred to one of my favourite places....

Yes, there has been a lot of building and a beautiful old cottage in the cove had been demolished... but the views were still breathtaking and the air was clean.

A "shop" had also sprung up in the lane (above) not exactly Tescos is it?!!

The hedgerows were full of flowers and I spotted this unusual white Hydrangea in the church yard.

The streets are still lined with painted cottages..... and boats...

We had lunch at this gorgeous place... Fish and chips, followed by the best sticky toffee pudding I have ever tasted!

After lunch we attempted to walk off the calories up the hill....

..to the church to look at these fantastic stained glass windows by Harry Clarke. My photographs haven't done them full justice, but I can assure you that the colours were breathtaking.

..and the faces, especially the eyes were especially compelling. Do google Harry Clarke for more amazing images of his work.

The next morning, we were sad leave Ireland and board a very large ferry for the next stage of our holiday. We had a fab "sea view" from our cabin! Part 2 of our adventures to follow...................

Favourite & Best Bits of 2009

Snow dominated the start of the year.. and the end of 2009..... the above photo was taken in Austria where we had a magical holiday.

Below is a view over Somerset fields.

I saw the Dohl Foundation twice in 2009, brilliant band, and I could happily see them again in 2010.... http://www.dholfoundation.com is their website.

The ancient rose above the washerwoman's washing line, sadly it wasn't a great summer weather wise, so not a lot of time spent in the garden this year.

Purchased a van in 2009, a useful vehicle to say the least.... guess who chose the colour?

2009 was a year of several reunions, above is the long awaited & much anticipated get together with Angie, Jacqui & Steve. We all worked together in the early 80's on a certain orthopaedic ward at St Thomas's hospital.

Next came a noisy weekend in Bath with Christine, Aline, Sara & Catherine.

(Hardly any wine was consumed.....) Great weekend & always a special treat to get-together with these school friends & ex-flatmates!

WOMAD, Charlton Park, Wiltshire. Below is Sarah Savoy (and the Francadians) http://www.myspace.com/sarahsavoythefrancadians

One of the highlights over the amazing 3 days, this girl has a great voice & a stylish taste in dresses!

Peter Gabriel played a stunning set on the Saturday night. The special effects were awesome.

Summer day out at the Big Sheep in Devon with Donna, Alfie, Lizzie, Thomas & Tilly was a special day to remember. Donna Thank you so much for organising it.

At the end of August, we moved into the Dairy House (above is the stock we took & used for our business card photoshoot)

September - another trip to France in search of solitude (oops, sorry that is meant to read stock)

Shelves at the Dairy House, our eclectic style taking shape.

Had to add in this photo.. taken this weekend with some friends who are over in this country from Australia. Not seen each other since the very early 90's. Where do the years go?

Photo below is the girls of 1979 Nightingale school of nursing. Thank you Ruth for hosting a super day. It was great to catch up & see everyone.