The last few weeks have been absolutely crazy around here. We had our eldest child’s confirmation, a nephew’s confirmation and now the next few weeks are jam packed with holy communion celebrations for friends and family. The nice thing about these events, aside from celebrating the special day for each child, is that it forces… Read more »
This is one of our most familiar weather proverbs here in Ireland. It refers to the fact that the month of March begins with cold wintery winds, only to be replaced by warmer Spring-like weather as it leaves us. If yesterday and today is anything to go by, we are in for a few cold,… Read more »
Hello November… Where has the year gone? In a few weeks I am graduating from college again and it just so happens to be falling on the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which is November 27th this year. We are all taking a day off and I’m even going to bring the kids to the ceremony… Read more »
Sunrise and sunset this time of year are pretty intense. The month of September saw that beautiful Indian summer stretch of weeks we all hoped and prayed for. The kids swam in the sea right up until last weekend and the water was still nice and warm. As much as I loved it, and long… Read more »
Ah yes… Autumn. We have survived the back-to-school chaos of the last few weeks. Uniforms are all found, lunchbox lids and water bottles have been relocated and are back in action. The children are all delighted to be back at school and we share their delight here at home. The house is quiet again, the… Read more »
Picnicking in Ireland might conjure up images of rain gear and over-crowded picnic shelters at your favourite public park, or sand in your sandwiches along the sea shore. We live and die for those rare summer days when the sun starts of searing high in the sky and if there is any chance of a… Read more »
Green spindly spears are shooting up in the shops right now. They are parceled in little packets of 20 spears or so and although once seen as a delicacy, are now, due to the availability of imports, enjoyed year round at the dinner table. Although we have a few plants ourselves, this trim tipped vegetable,… Read more »
As we enter into Spring and search for signs of it everywhere we go, the vegetable garden can be one of the best places to start. Small tips of green onions are already poking their heads through the soil in the polytunnel and we can’t wait to start pulling them and adding them to our… Read more »
We are all settled back into the daily routines of work and school and have noticed, as the kids are getting bigger and wiser, their appetites seem to be growing too. Sure—feed them, love them, watch them grow, is every parent’s dream. But shop for them, cook for them and clean up after them can… Read more »
Though we haven’t quite reached hungry gap territory yet, I think it’s fair to say at this stage that we are beginning to pass the point of plenty as far as last year’s harvest is concerned. We still have plenty to eat in the veg patch and in stores, but things are a little scarce and… Read more »
With only a few weeks left before Christmas, we are in full planning mode here on what to make—or bake—to share with our family and friends this year. Every year, we source and stash interesting glass jars and small tins that make handy gift packaging when the time comes. The cool thing about re-cycling (or… Read more »
Supporting our local farmer How fortunate are we that we have had such a nice stretch of summer? Yes, its a shame that race week was a bit of a wash out but the glorious three weeks of uninterrupted sun made summer holidays seem real this year. Picnics were packed and long days spent at… Read more »
