Even though it’s raining,

The sun still shines;

Marigolds!

The road ahead

Big hedge on the right

Old horse in the field

Trees all around

The lane ahead

All the way home

I can’t resist poppies and neither can this bee.  Beeautiful!

My physio said that I must walk more.  So this afternoon I did just that!  Two miles out on the main road and then into the country lanes.  The difference in the levels of noise is enormous!  Cars going at speeds they shouldn’t, creating regular whooshing sounds as they pass by me, and then as I turn into the lane, peace and quiet, as if I’ve just closed a door.

I am in low spirits just now as I read the other day that one of my favourite poets had died; Mary Oliver (1935-2109).  “Make of yourself a light” that’s what she wrote once!

The sky is wrapped around the landscape like a great grey blanket, ensuring the moisture cannot escape.  The only sounds are the blackbirds, sparrows, starlings, hooded crows, a robin, a pair of magpies and the quiet shush of the wind.

January – Slieve Donard Newcastle County Down

February – Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast

March – Guildhall Art Gallery London

April – Donaghadee Harbour County Down

May – Heaton Park Manchester

June  – South Stack Anglesey (RSPB reserve)

July – Garden County Armagh

August – Dungonnell Reservoir County Antrim (Hen Harrier Day)

September – Greyabbey House County Down

October – Hedge County Armagh

November – Newry Canal County Armagh

December – Merry Christmas 2018

 

Oak and Beech

We step off the track and onto the field, to gather beneath an old oak tree.  Like children, we gaze into its canopy, and watch the flickering light spill down through the leaves.

Turning,

I look out across the field

to a beech that stands alone.

I walk towards its prescence,

and dip below its heavy boughs

where the ground is dry

and the air is still.

Within the bounds of this trees’ reach,

I’m grounded by its great endeavours,

my feet rooted in the brittle earth.

I’m looking forward to returning to this wonderful city very soon.

I just love this city, so vibrant and varied.

Earlier this year, in June, we were fortunate enough to spend several weeks on our beautiful north coast.  One of my favourite places is the area around Portballintrae.

Looking west with Donegal on the horizon

Looking east towards the Giants Causeway (out of sight, beyond the white building in the centre left of the picture)

The River Bush (Bushmills Irish Whiskey) as it enters the sea

Lovely days by the sea.

 

We’ve been blessed with some lovely weather recently and so it was this morning when we decided to walk around Lurgan Park.

The park was originally part of the Brownlow Estate when the “big” house was built in 1833.  During WW1 the house was the headquarters of the 16th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment and during WW2 it was the headquarters for all the American Troops based in Ireland.  There is a small museum in the house as well as a tea room which serves lunches.

It is a wonderful place to walk with many paths around the park and lake and so many beautiful trees!  A quiet and peaceful place today!

However, on Saturday (1st Saturday in June) the Park will stage the Lurgan Show.  It has been organised in the park annually since 1912 and showcases rural life including agricultural and equestrian events.  It’s amazing to learn that it is organised by volunteers supported by the local Council.  If we make it there I will try to remember to take my camera and take some pictures!  Let’s hope this lovely weather remains over the weekend.