25 January 2023

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!

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