January 2023, Week Thirteen

 Hello my lovelies, how are you all doing today? It's the last day of January, and I know for most people this month usually drags, but for me it seems to have flown by. Despite my surgery and recovery time, I feel like I have gotten a lot done, and that's a good thing. I'm the type of person that focuses on the negative when it comes to myself and things I haven't accomplished, but I have been working on that. I have multiple health issues which can be pretty debilitating at times, so I have to do what I can on good days, and give myself some slack on the bad days. I am very fortunate to be able to work from home and focus on my creativity right now, and I'm excited to be moving forwards in my latest project. I am getting into Voiceover work, and so far am really enjoying the challenge of combining my creative talents with learning new skills. 

Low Tide at Tullagh Bay.

 

Binion Hill at Tullagh Bay.

Last week I had a few days to myself, where I focused on my Voiceover lessons and coaching, and then Gareth arrived early Thursday morning, so we got to spend a few days together, which was wonderful.
Thursday we went for a drive to Tullagh so I could show him the beautiful shore that I discovered for myself recently. It wasn't as clear a day as when I was there previously, but still dry, and we went for a long walk around the shore and back again, and explored some rock pools. Afterwards we went to McFeeley's Bar in Clonmany for a pint, and warmed up by the open fire. McFeeley's is my favourite pub in the village, so I've been going there quite often lately. It has everything I need, great beer, an open fire, live music, and friendly locals! 

Binion Hill across Tullagh Bay.

Rock Pools at Tullagh Bay.

On Friday, Gareth and I drove to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. I love that place, and have been a few times, but sadly, because it is such a popular tourist destination these days, it can get very crowded, especially in the summer. The first time I went, some time in the 1980's, was a magical experience, but the last time I was there, in August 2018, there were so many people you could barely see the rocks, and I felt claustrophobic even out in the open air. So, I wanted Gareth to experience it off-peak season, and we braved the cold to go visit it in January. 

Bay of the Cow, Giant's Causeway.

If you are a National Trust member, as we are, then you get free parking, and a free guided tour of the Causeway, which lasts about 45 minutes. I'm not usually into guided tours, as I prefer to explore on my own, but this was actually really enjoyable! Our guide, Johnny, was a wealth of information on the local area, and could tell you all about the Causeway from both a geological and mythological aspect, complete with the odd "Dad Joke" thrown in for good measure. So, we enjoyed the tour, and then did some exploring on our own, and while there were some other visitors that also braved the cold that day, it was mostly quiet, and much more enjoyable than the last time I was there. 

The Giant's Causeway.

Us. And the Giant's Causeway.

Afterwards, we went to get lunch at the nearby Smugglers Inn hotel and restaurant. Both the food and the pints were fantastic, and we warmed up nicely in the snug traditional bar area. From there we drove back to Donegal along the Causeway Coastal Route, and stopped off at a scenic overlook to take in the view of Dunluce Castle and the stunning cliffs nearby. I have been to Dunluce before and would love to go again, but sadly we did not have time. It just means we'll have to go another day! There really is so much to see and do here, and beauty and history everywhere you turn. 

Drinks at The Smugglers Inn.

Dunluce Castle, from Magheracross Viewpoint.

The Wishing Arch and Cliffs, from Magheracross Viewpoint.

Saturday, Gareth helped me to build and set up a small recording studio, so I will be able to do more work from home, which is exciting! I still have a lot to learn, but I'm enjoying it, so there is so much to look forward to. Sadly, Gareth had to leave again on Sunday morning, but to cheer myself up I went out to McFeeley's later in the evening to see a local band called Tullagh Folk. They were absolutely incredible, and I ended up staying late to listen, and chat with new friends. Once again, I have to comment on how friendly everyone is here, and how welcome I've been made to feel. This is my happy place!

January 2023, Week Twelve

 Hello my lovelies, I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend? I wanted to share some photos with you from last week, my twelfth week here. I was so pleased to be able to go on longer and longer walks as I healed from my surgery, and take advantage of the weather and the scenery.

Snowy road with Bulaba/Bulbin in the background.

Snow covered gorse.

Clonmany River Walk in the snow.

 

We had a lot of snow at the beginning of the week, so I stayed fairly close to home at first as I was still not quite walking normally, and it was very icy. Later in the week the weather was much improved, as was I, and I walked to Tullagh for the first time. I'm so glad I did, because that day was absolutely beautiful and the the views were breathtaking.

Clonmany River, view from the bottom of my garden.

One of my Robin friends posing for me in the snow.

 

I have mentioned it before, but it doesn't snow here very often, so I love that I've been able to experience it a few times since I moved here! I'm one of those people that really enjoys all the different seasons and what they have to offer. I've lived in places in America where they really only have summer and winter, and I always missed the variations in the seasons where I grew up. Right now I'm loving what winter has to offer here in Inishowen. 

Snowy lane leading to Bulaba/Bulbin.

Clonmany River in the snow.

 

Clonmany River in the snow.

Raghtin Mor in the snow.

View from my garden. I'm so lucky to live here!

I was warned by several people that it would be very bleak here in winter, but I haven't found that to be the case at all, and I think my photos prove that! There is still so much colour here, and the trees may be bare, but I've always loved seeing the skeletal trunks and branches. It also means that you can see more through the trees than when they're in full leaf, so some of the views are even better, in my opinion.

Road to Tullagh Bay.

Clonmany River and mossy stones.

Mud and moss.

Road to Tullagh Bay.

The weather is so changeable here, so the light never stays the same from one moment to the next, which brings out all the different colours in the hills and fields. 

Clonmany River in the winter sun.

Binion Hill and the Clonmany River.

Tullagh Beach from the sand dunes.

Calm waves at Tullagh Beach.

Ireland is famous for being green, and it really is difficult to describe unless you've been here. The photos don't do it justice at all. I find that everywhere I turn is another breathtaking view. In fact, it was very difficult to narrow it down to only 20 photos to share with you this week, but I hope you enjoy the ones I've chosen.

Selfie in the winter sun with Binion Hill behind.

Well deserved pint of Guinness at McFeeley's Bar.

January 2023, Week Eleven

Hello my lovelies, I hope you're having a good week so far? I am still catching up with myself, but I am almost completely healed after my surgery, so I'm happy.
My time in England over Christmas was wonderful, (apart from having a stomach flu, then pneumonia, and then needing surgery for a tennis ball sized abscess!) and it was so good to be able to see family and friends over the holidays again. The last few years I couldn't travel because of Covid, so it meant this year was extra special. Of course, I ended up being very sick for most of it, but my boyfriend took great care of me, and I did get to spend more time with him than we had anticipated. Silver linings, and all that! 

The view from my garden will never cease to amaze me!

The view on my way to the shops is also spectacular!

I was able to travel back to Ireland four days after being in hospital, and it was good to be home again. I'm very lucky to be staying in a gorgeous wee house, surrounded by beautiful views, so I knew I could rest and heal here. I have been doing some online classes and training, which helped to keep me busy, and I think the birds missed me too, so I quickly got back into my routine of feeding them. It has been lovely to be able to watch their antics through the windows, as I had to spend a lot of time lying down and resting. It felt like they were keeping me company. 

New graveyard with Raghtin Mor in the background.

New graveyard with Bulaba/Bulbin on the left.

Towards the end of the week I was able to get out and take a few short walks. I was still in a lot of pain and couldn't walk at my usual speed or gait, but it was lovely to be out in the fresh air and admiring the views again. I am so very fortunate to be surrounded by such beauty everywhere I turn. 

Clouds over Bulaba/Bulbin.

Clonmany River Walk.

Clonmany River Walk.

Gorse in bloom, Clonmany River Walk.

On one of my walks I stopped at The Coffee Barn, a wee mobile cafe run by the lovely Laura. She parks near the new graveyard in Clonmany every weekend, and I highly recommend you stop by for a hot drink and one of her delicious homemade treats. I had a white chocolate and lemon pastry which was absolutely divine, and I also got a yummy piece of carrot cake, since I couldn't choose between the two! You can find The Coffee Barn on Facebook, HERE, or on Instagram, HERE.

The Coffee Barn.

 

White chocolate and lemon pastry from The Coffee Barn. Yum!

Another aunt and uncle came to visit me that Sunday and we had a lovely lunch together. It's wonderful to have family living so close that they can visit often, or if I need anything. I'm usually fairly self sufficient, but it's still good to have backup if needed. As always, when I am writing these posts, I pause and think about how much I love this area, and how happy I am to be living here at last. It has been my dream for as long as I can remember, but I never gave up!

December 2022, Week Seven

Hello again, I hope everyone is having a good weekend? I've had a good week, I've started some online classes, and I am continuing to heal from my recent surgery, so I've been out on some longer walks. I could barely move two weeks ago, so I'm very pleased with my progress!

This is the view from the bottom of the garden where I live!

 

My seventh week here in beautiful Inishowen was a short one, as I left to be with my family for Christmas, but I wanted to share some of the photos with you that I took on my walks. There was still snow on the hills and the air was so clean and crisp. Once again, I'm amazed by how green this country is, even in Winter. I love it! 

I love how green it is here!

The "New" Graveyard, with Raghtin Mor in the background.

 

My view as I walk to the local shops!

So, I took a few walks, and when I got home I would treat myself to a hot chocolate, maybe with a sneaky shot of Baileys in it, and watched Christmas movies while I continued working on Christmas cards and gifts. I also bought a few things at Sinéad's Gift Shop in Clonmany, which is well worth a visit if you're in the area. I tell myself that I'm supporting local businesses any time I'm treating myself. It's not just about me, I'm helping support local! Haha.

Clonmany is surrounded by beautiful hills and views.

Stone Bridge over the Clonmany River.

Sunlight on Crockaughrim and Coolcross Hills.

One of the days that week, while I was sitting at home, I heard an ambulance siren. It surprised me, and I realised that it had been a very, very long time since I'd heard any kind of emergency siren! It was one of those moments where I noticed the stark contrast between where I live now and where I used to live in America. Granted, I am in a much more remote and rural area, but where I lived in Virginia, not a day went by without hearing multiple sirens of different types, as well as gunshots, both near and in the distance. I am so grateful that I am able to live in a place that is so much more peaceful and relaxing. And with all these beautiful views on my doorstep, it is far more conducive to my creativity. I love it here!

A Robin on top of the Standing Stone!

Standing Stone, Robin, Raghtin Mor.

Sunlight on Crockaughrim and Coolcross Hills.