april showers

Spring has sprung. Warm sunshine and blue skies on at least two days prove it. Today however was a washout. Cold, windy with endless pelting rain. The wood burner warmed us up from early morning and the little ones and I planned some April fun.

This month we're celebrating the birthdays of our eldest and littlest. We're hoping to see a carpet of blue in the bluebell woods. We're planning to answer the call of the sea. We're hoping to enjoy a picnic on the lough shore.

We've crossed our fingers that the sun will shine and that the rain will disappear, so we can enjoy these long days of spring. 

What about you, what are your April plans? 

late winter days

This morning we were awakened by sunshine streaming through our bedroom windows. An unusual occurrence this wet, grey and stormy winter. An opportunity to get outdoors. One we didn't want to miss. So we took off exploring, searching for signs of spring. We were perhaps a little eager, as this far north it seems everything is a little slow in stirring from the long sleep of winter.

But, we happily found signs that spring may well be on its way and that these precious late winter days deserve to be savoured too. It was cold and bright, and the sun shone warm on occasion. We listened to birdsong and marvelled at the tiny wonders of nature. Beautiful blue skies and wispy clouds were a pretty backdrop to the bare branches just beginning to bud. And we discovered a carpet of snowdrops in full bloom. 

Tomorrow we're hoping to go adventuring again. This time to the coast. Fingers crossed we wake up to sunshine streaming through the windows again.

beginnings

So 2016 is already under way. Like last year I have some good intentions to live by. Resolutions don't feature in my welcoming of the new year. I simply don't enjoy the pressure. 

Last year, I intended to live simply, take time to slow down and enjoy the everyday. To enjoy special moments and simple pleasures. And I'm pleased to say I had a lot of fun doing just that. 

This year, I want to continue exploring, learning and adventuring. Enjoying experiences and availing of opportunities as they arise. 

A lyric from a song by Kacey Musgraves has been playing around and around in my head recently. 'Follow your arrow, wherever it points.' This year I will be doing exactly that. I'm excited to see where it will lead me. 

Wishing you all a wonderful 2016 and thank you for stopping by to read my ramblings. I really appreciate your company. 

life lately and a christmas wish

Life lately has been all about festive making, foraging, woodland walks, decking the halls, celebrating solstice and enjoying the welcome glimpses of sunshine.

The little ones finished school last Friday for the holidays. We have been enjoying a slow build up to the big day. Tonight though, excitement levels are considerably higher. In fact, I think there is a real danger someone may spontaneously combust. Reindeer food has been liberally sprinkled on the lawn to guide Santa on his way and three stockings are hanging by the stairs. All that's left to do, is to get snuggled into bed for a Christmas bedtime story. 

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas full of love and laughter.

first snow

This Saturday morning, we were awakened by excited squeals of pure delight. "Mammy, Mammy, snow! Its snowed! Daddy, look its snowed." Our little ones were so excited. Noses pressed against the windows as they marvelled at the winter wonderland outside. They couldn't wait to get out into the snow to play. 

After wrapping up warm they raced out into their winter playground. Little snowmen were built, snowballs were thrown and snow angels were made. They stayed outside until they couldn't stand the cold any longer. 

Hot chocolate beside the stove, warmed tingling fingers and toes. The snow is now all but gone. Minus temperatures meant frost this morning, but milder temperatures are forecast for the week ahead. Hopefully the snow will return again and another fun day will be on the cards. 

goodbye november

Goodbye November, as you disappear for another year. You've been fun. Bringing many days to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Hours spent outside kicking through the fallen leaves, exploring, playing and making music in the woods.

For every calm day, there was a stormy one to balance it. Days for curling up by the fire, building dens, baking, and crafting the day away.

A month to savour. The calm before the storm. December arrives tomorrow. And with it, the excitement of Christmas. I'm looking forward to some festive fun. How about you?

autumn weekending

Autumn week-ending here invariably means a visit to the woods. Saturday was a busy day, with the inevitable birthday party for a school friend. As an aside, I always seem to wind up exhausted after these parties. Though I'm not really sure why, as it mainly involves sitting around watching children run riot. Anyway, I digress.

Today we were more than happy to switch things down a level, get outside and commune with nature. We took advantage of the time change and set off early to Florence Court. We searched for horse chestnuts, collected leaves and played pooh sticks. We had a paddle in the stream and made it rain leaves. We had a pitstop for warm apple juice and biscuits and made friends with two springer spaniels.

Back home after our adventure, we cosied up, lit the stove and enjoyed roast chicken for dinner. These autumn days are my favourite. How about you? How do you like to spend autumn days?

golden hour

Snapshots of lough shore adventuring at a favourite place. At golden hour, one May evening.

The weather lately has been so changeable and not at all May like. It's been cold, dreary and wet. So when the sun peeked out from behind the clouds last Monday, I threw together an impromptu picnic tea and we headed out for some fair-weather exploring. 

We visited Reilly Wood, a beautiful deciduous woodland which leads to the lough. We walked through the meadow down to the water, spotting lots of butterflies fluttering around in the sunshine. The little ones explored the shore, delighting in finding a little frog and an emerging dragonfly. Climbing over gates and clambering on tree stumps eventually tired little legs, so we headed for home.

That evening the abundant fresh air and golden evening sunshine were relished. I do hope summer arrives soon.

Joining in with The Photo Gallery 233 at Sticky Fingers.