Two weekends ago, we took a short break to the picturesque town of Carlingford. Situated on Ireland's ancient East coast, on the edge of Carlingford lough, and with the impressive backdrop of Slieve Foy, the town is just over 100 miles from Belfast (about 75 minutes drive) and a short distance over the border that…
When I write these weekly 'Pause for Thought' posts, sitting at the kitchen table, I ask myself what good things happened this week, what caught my eye, what made me stop in my tracks to admire it, what made me smile? It's so easy for the weeks to fly by and then conclude that nothing much…
As we reach the final day of January, I thought I'd finish on a seasonal note. It may not be a popular month, many might be glad to say goodbye to it, but it hasn't been without its highlights. This past week, especially, we seem to have experienced all four seasons - snow, heavy rain,…
I always feel optimistic at the start of a new year - gazing into the future, contemplating the twelve months ahead, quietly excited about the possibilities it brings for moving forward. I've never been one for resolutions but each year, as I've opened a new diary, I've felt compelled to write down some goals and…
As the end of year approaches, I've been thinking about the past twelve months, trying to assess how it all went. Looking back, it was a rather lovely year. We and our families enjoyed good health, we paid off our mortgage, Boris reached the grand old age of 3 and I hit the final year…
Yes, I know November is over, but I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the month just past before rushing into the whirlwind that is December ! November never seems to get good press and to be honest, it has never been a favourite month of mine, stuck as it is between golden…
Back in spring (seems like a lifetime ago now), I sowed a few cosmos seeds. They're a favourite of my father in law whose garden is always full of them come summertime. And sure enough, after a few weeks, they germinated and up they sprouted with their fern like foliage. Before too long, I planted…
