July 2025, Grand Views and a Graduation.

 Well hello again my loves, how are you doing today? I am still determined to catch up with this Blog sooner rather than later, so I apologise for the bombardment of posts, but hopefully you'll all enjoy the views as much as I do. (If you don't, why are you here??) 

Obligatory Airport Pint & Selfie.

View from the Window Seat.

These photos were all taken between 13th-18th July 2025, a busy few days! I traveled from Ballyliffin to Derry, and then flew into Manchester on the Sunday evening. From there I traveled on the train to Heald Green, where my dear friend Elisha picked me up, and took me to her place in Chinley, which is in the High Peaks area of Derbyshire. I always love visiting Elisha and her partner Russ, as they are wonderful company, and seeing some of the beautiful countryside nearby is an added bonus! 

Pint with a view, The Club, Chinley.

I have known Elisha since secondary school, and she came to visit me several times when I lived in America, so we have had quite a few adventures together. Of course, living in different countries means that we don't get to see each other very often, but it is always like no time has passed when we meet up again. I love that! The Sunday night we went out to the Chinley Bar and Lounge, also known locally as "The Club". They had several cask ales on tap, as well as a lovely outdoor seating area with beautiful views, so of course I didn't need much persuading to go! As so often happens when I'm catching up with friends, I neglected to take a photo of us together, but I did take some of my beer. Priorities, haha! 

The Old Hall, Whitehough.

The Old Hall, Whitehough.

The Old Hall, Whitehough.

Elisha is a teacher, so she had to go to work the next morning, but I got to have a nice lie in, and then chat with Russ over cups of tea. He had been working the night before, so it was good to see him too. He kindly dropped me off at the nearby village of Whitehough, and I went to the Old Hall Inn for lunch and a couple of drinks. It was a beautiful day, again, very hot for the UK, (too hot for me!) but after lunch I did find a shady spot outside and sat and read my book and enjoyed the gorgeous views. Afterwards I went for a walk around the area to see what I could see, but the heat was a bit much, so I didn't stray too far, before heading back to Chinley. Elisha cooked a lovely meal, and we had another lovely evening chatting and setting the world to rights.

Views from Chinley.

Views from Chinley.

Tuesday was another hot day, but with rain predicted. After another luxurious lie in, I set out for a walk to the nearby Nature Reserve for a wander. It did rain, but I welcomed it, and still got to enjoy my walk, and some lovely views. there was a wooded section, with lots of moss, so I was in my element. That evening was another night in with Elisha. She said that she felt bad that we hadn't done much together. I told her I was more than happy with some quiet days, old buildings, cask ales, and nature walks! And of course, their company. I don't need to be kept entertained by my hosts, I was just grateful to have a place to stay, and it doesn't take much to make me happy. 

Chinley Local Nature Reserve.

Chinley Local Nature Reserve.

Harebells, Chinley Local Nature Reserve.

Chinley Local Nature Reserve.

Views from Chinley.

Wednesday 16th July I got up early to say goodbye to Elisha before she went off to work, and re-packed my things. Gareth kindly drove to collect me, and after a nice lunch nearby at the Paper Mill Inn (connected to the Old Mill) he drove us all the way to Aberystwyth. It sounds very convoluted to explain it, but it was for my ex-boyfriend's eldest son's girlfriend's graduation. So, Gareth's son Myles' girlfriend, Liv, was graduating the next day, and even though Gareth and I were no longer together, I was invited. I was so honoured to be considered, so of COURSE I was going to be there. Gareth's three children were all grown up before I met them, and obviously we were never family in the traditional sense, but they, and Liv, will always be family to me. 

Celebrating this gorgeous girl on her Graduation Day.

Graduation Celebration.

Graduation Celebration.

We spent Wednesday evening hanging out, chatting and catching up, and watching some TV. Thursday morning, Gareth, Myles and myself decorated the living room as a surprise for Liv before she woke up. Then Gareth's younger son, Ewan, arrived from the train, and we all got ready together, before heading to Aberystwyth University for Liv's Graduation ceremony. We got to hang out in the Student Union and watch other students on the big screen, before it was Liv's time, and we all went to the auditorium to cheer her on. I could not have been more proud of her, if she were my own! There were more drinks afterwards, the obligatory photos, some formal gatherings, and then we all went back to their place for an intimate party to celebrate Liv and all her achievements. Oh, and I got to play with their pet snake, Noodle, whom I adore.

Love this Noodle.

Love this Noodle.

New accessory! 

Friday morning we were all tired, but those of us that had to leave had to get up and ready. Gareth kindly drove me to Liverpool airport, and from there I caught a flight back to Derry, before getting a lift from my Uncle back to Ballyliffin. It had only been a few days, and it was wonderful to see everyone, but as always, I was glad to be home. 

Obligatory Airport Drink & Selfie.

July 2025, Sunsets and Sunrises.

Hello again my lovelies, and happy new week to you! I hope it's a good one. I am attempting to be more productive this week, so let's see how that goes, shall we? 

These photos are from the first two weeks in July last year. I didn't get up to much, haha. I was catching up from my recent visit to Shrewsbury, and then getting ready for my next trip over to England on the 13th July. I only managed to leave the house twice during that time, for some walks on the shore, and I saw a few of my cousins, but otherwise I really don't have anything exciting to share with you. 

The skies, however, were dramatic enough to make up for my lack of adventures! As you probably know by now, I am a night owl. And when you combine that with the late sunsets and early sunrises in the summer months, I tend to see both before I even go to bed! And as you can see from these photos, the views are often well worth staying up for. I'm glad I can share some of my beautiful views with you. 

Taken at 23:21, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 03:03, Sunrise over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 21:47, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 21:54, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 23:05, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 04:17, Sunrise over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 22:39, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 02:58, Sunrise over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 22:48, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taking advantage of the good light! 

June 2025, Shrewsbury Self Care.

 Hello again my loves, happy Sunday. I hope your week has gone well? I am still behind with well, everything it seems... But with this post, I've caught up as far as the end of June 2025 on my Blog! So only seven months behind now, haha. (Picture me face-palming.) 

So, the second week in June I only left the house once, (to go get my hair cut) and have nothing more to tell you, and not even any good photos to share. I left to go to Shrewsbury from the 16th-30th June, so theoretically, I should have had SO many photos from that trip to share, but as you can see, it's mostly selfies of me drinking. I promise I'm not THAT much of a lush! 

As you know from my previous posts, 2025 was a difficult year for me. After the break up with Gareth in February I was in a deep depression and barely left the house. Going to Shrewsbury and staying with family and seeing so many friends was a lovely change, though it was a hectic couple of weeks, and I was exhausted afterwards! It didn't help that it was very hot (for UK standards) while I was over, which makes my joints swell up and adds to my overall pain, fatigue, and discomfort. So, I took advantage of the best kind of sunscreen, and spent a lot of time in dim pubs with friends, drinking some real ales. This absolutely counts as Self Care in my book! Being able to talk things over with people in person was also healing, of course, and I'm so grateful to all my wonderful friends for being there for me.

Another thing I did for myself while I was in Shrewsbury was get a new tattoo. Gareth and I had gotten matching tattoos on a whim a few years ago, (there is a reason my tattoo artists don't recommend this, it seems to be a curse for many people!) and it was a painful reminder every time I saw it. So, I had booked an appointment with Jess, who works in the same studio as Kahm, who had done my last two. I now have a skull and spider web which I absolutely love, and holds so much meaning for me. 

It was also my "little" sister's 40th birthday while I was over, (I use the inverted commas because while she is four years younger than me, she is significantly taller, and has been since the 90's!) so that was another reason to celebrate. It was my brother's birthday on the same day, (they're not twins, but were born on the same day, seven years apart, with me in the middle!) but he was not able to join us, unfortunately. The rest of us had a nice family meal on the actual day, and then we had a lovely Garden Party at the weekend, taking advantage of the sunny weather! 

It was a good couple of weeks away, and so good to see people. But as always, I was happy to get home to Ballyliffin, to my views, and to some peace and quiet. I think the past year broke me in such a way that I will forever be that much more of a hermit. 

First real ale of the trip. (In a John Smith's glass)

Dressing up for myself.

Wine selfie.

Pint of Slumbering Monk at The Dolphin.

It WAS fucking hot! 

Pint of ale at The Nag's Head.

Celebrating my sister's 40th! 

Celebrating my sister's 40th! 

The before...

The after! So happy! 

Post new ink celebratory margarita at Bobby's Tacos. 

More Slumbering Monk at The Dolphin. 

Another day, another dress.

PINT!

Catching up with my favourite teacher. Mrs B was and is an inspiration!! 

May to June 2025, Food, Friends, and Fiery Skies.

Hello again my lovelies, how are you all doing today? I'm sure a lot of you are happy that it's Friday? What is it about January that makes time drag so slowly?? 

These photos and videos are from the last week in May and the first week in June last year. I did actually manage to leave the house a few times, and I got to see some friends and family, which was lovely. 

One of my friends who has visited me before, came over again at the end of May. This time he was with his sister, so she was able to see a little of this area too, and they both completely understand why I wanted to live here, haha. And because they had a rental car, we went and explored a little of the local area, going for a walk at the Glenevin Waterfall in Clonmany, and for a drive to the Mamore Gap and around Urris. Afterwards we had a pint at McFeeley's in Clonmany, and then to Nancy's Barn in Ballyliffin for dinner, which is always wonderful. 

That same night I had been invited to a gathering at one of the family houses by the shore, with two of my cousins and a few of their friends whom I have met before. When they heard I had guests, they quickly invited them too, so all three of us went down to enjoy the craic, which always involves good food, great conversation, and a lot of booze. It ended up being a late night for those of us still standing! 

Taken at 03:26 on 26th May, Dawn Light over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 03:17 on 27th May, Dawn Light over Pollan Bay.

Ardagh Sheep.

Ardagh Sheep.

Obligatory Pint Selfie.

Roast beef dinner at the Ballyliffin Hotel.

Taken at 21:24 on 27th May, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 21:33 on 27th May, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Taken at 21:51 on 27th May, Sunset over Pollan Bay.

Fiery Sunset over Binnion.

Fiery Sunset over Binnion.

Fiery Sunset over Binnion.

Fiery Sunset over Binnion.

Selfie because I left the house again. 

Moody Skies over Pollan Bay.

Oh look, another Selfie! 

Glenevin Waterfall, Clonmany.

Enjoying the views near the Glenevin Waterfall.

Mamore Gap.

Leenan Beach and Lough Swilly looking across to the Fanad Lighthouse.