Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing this week? Is everyone getting into the festive spirit? Personally, I love Christmas! Sadly, I spent the last two Christmases alone in America, so I am happy to be able to spend this year with loved ones, and I intend to make the most of it. I have been busy writing cards and making a few small gifts, with either Christmas music or movies playing in the background to get me in the mood. I feel like there there are two things that are guaranteed to make me feel festive; one is seeing the old Coca Cola lorries advert, and the other is Noddy Holder loudly informing me that it's Christmas!
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One of several Rooks that has been visiting.
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My fifth week here was another great one. The first few days were quiet
after Gareth left, I spent most of my time at home, cooking some hearty
meals, and also feeding the birds. I love watching birds wherever I
live. When I lived in Virginia, I used to get a lot of Cardinals and
Blue Jays, and had wrens nesting on my porch. There was also a pair of
Bald Eagles that nested in a tree behind my house! Here it's obviously a
little different, but still wonderful to watch. So far I have attracted
robins, blue tits, great tits, chaffinches, blackbirds, thrushes, pied
wagtails, magpies, crows, and rooks. I have been enjoying trying
different foods and seeing who shows up.
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Sunset over Bulaba/Bulbin.
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On Friday my friend Rich came to visit me for the weekend from England, which was great fun. He'd never been to Ireland before, and although I was only able to show him one little corner of it, I know he loved it. He mentioned several times that he understands why I wanted to live here, and couldn't get over how beautiful it is. It gives me a happy glow to be able to show other people this little slice of heaven, and watch them fall in love with it too.
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Grey skies walking over Altahalla.
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On Saturday, Rich and I took a walk to the Glendowen craft shop to see Ann and do some shopping. It's a lovely 2.5 mile walk from my house, and despite it being an overcast day, I think the views are still spectacular. As always, Ann was the perfect hostess, offering us tea when we arrived, which was very welcome after our cold walk. She also took the time to give us a demonstration on the loom, where she and others make some of the famous Donegal tweed, which Ann then turns into beautiful items of clothing, or gorgeous blankets. I bought a fabulous hat, made by Ann herself, which I will have to share with you another day, and Rich bought some gifts to take home.
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The Loom at the Glendowen Craft Shop.
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Grey skies over Bulaba/Bulbin.
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We made friends with this handsome fellow on the way home.
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Saturday night we were out at McFeeley's Bar in Clonmany. We had intended on only having a couple of quiet pints, but we bumped into several of my new friends and acquaintances, and ending up staying very late! People are so incredibly generous here, which meant we each rarely had less than two drinks in front of us all night. It meant for sore heads the next day, but it was absolutely worth it, and we loved every minute. Rich simply could not get over how friendly and welcoming everyone is here. It is something I've always loved about the area, but it's nice to see new people witness it first hand, and be touched by it too.
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Sun shining on Glashedy Island.
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On Sunday we took a walk to Ballyliffin and got breakfast at yes, you've guessed it, Nancy's Barn. I'd never been there for breakfast, and a full Irish was exactly what I needed to help me feel better after the indulgences of the night before. From there we walked down to Pollan Beach and I showed him where my family come from.
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Blue skies over Binnion Hill.
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It was a mixed day, weather-wise, sometimes there were bright blue skies
above us, and other times we got rained on, but the sun was still
shining through the clouds. I tried to capture the effect of the sun
shining through the rain and mist, but the photos really didn't do it
justice. That kind of weather always makes me feel like anything is
possible, and is just another reason why I find this area so incredibly
inspiring. Ireland has always been a land of myth and legend, and I
don't feel like the modern world has succeeded in taking that away just
yet. Definitely not here in Inishowen, which is still so wild and
ruggedly beautiful. I love this land! It has always felt like home to
me, and the past five weeks of living here have only reinforced that. I
am eternally grateful for the opportunity to live here, and for the
welcome I have received.
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Sunshine and rain over Bulaba/Bulbin.
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The photos really don't do it justice!
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