November 2022, Week Three

Hello my lovelies! I'm attempting to catch up with myself today, so after this post I should only be spamming your feed about once a week. I bought a new planner diary, and a phone case that matches, so I feel like I have my whole life together now!
My third week here was just as wonderful as the first two; I went on some lovely walks, ate some delicious food, welcomed more visitors, and started doing some studying online! I have to get back into a regime of self discipline when it comes to working from home. I find it so tempting to just stare out of the window at the beautiful view, or to go off exploring. The weather has been mostly good since I've been here, and so I want to take advantage of the dry days and get some exercise. I tell myself that as the views are so inspirational, that it counts as research, haha! I don't mind the rain either, and there is something so deliciously cozy about curling up and working on my laptop while the rain streams down the window, and I have a steaming mug of tea to hand. I definitely get more work done on wet days!

Last Tuesday I went for a walk into Ballyliffin and treated myself to lunch at Nancy's Barn. It's definitely my favourite local place to go, the food is incredible and the staff are all so lovely. You'll be hearing about more trips there soon, I'm sure! The walk there was beautifully sunny, and I got to enjoy a view of the sunset on the way home. 

Crockaughrim Hill.

Ballyliffin village looking down to Pollan Bay.

A quiet moment at Nancy's Barn.

Sunset over the hills.

I have a large patio where I live, with a stunning view of Bulaba/Bulbin hill, and a waterfall and stream on one side, that runs into the Clonmany river at the bottom of the garden. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to be able to rent this place and enjoy these incredible views! This past week my landlord kindly gave me the use of some patio furniture, so I spent a couple of hours on Wednesday sitting out and enjoying the view, with a book and a Bloody Mary. It was a cold day so I was wrapped up warm, but it was totally worth it! I also now have a bird table, and I have been enjoying watching the birds come down to feed. So far I've seen several robins, pied wagtails, magpies, and crows, and there is a heron that feeds in the river!

Bloody Mary and a view.

I walked into the village a few times this week, for supplies and to visit a local pub or two. I'm so glad that I have so many amenities within walking distance, and that the weather is temperate enough for me to enjoy the walk! Where I lived in America it was usually far too hot or far too cold, and the infrastructure just wasn't pedestrian-friendly.
On Friday I went back to Nancy's Barn (See? I told you I'd be back!) for another Tapas and Jazz night, which was great fun. To all my friends and family that are planning on visiting me, I will definitely be taking you there! 

Morning light on Raghtin Mor.

Autumn Colours.

Morning Clouds over Bulaba/Bulbin.

On Sunday I had my second set of official visitors, when another aunt and uncle came to see me. I have lots of relatives nearby, and it's so nice to know that I'm close to my family and old friends again. I lived in America for 17+ years, and it was always difficult, being thousands of miles away from home. Covid made things even worse though, and I wasn't able to travel home for almost three years until I moved back permanently.
Speaking of friends and family, I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone for all of the support you've given me over the last few years! It's been a tough time, but I am finally where I have always wanted to be, and I've never been happier. I so appreciate all of the love, you mean the world to me!

How am I supposed to get anything done with this view?!

Paying more attention to the view than my work!