Bipolar West Clare awoke in a manic state this morning – dry, mild and bright! At least it did here in the Kilkee region. After a couple of weeks living with its depressive state, which had me feeling a bit like a character in a John B. Keane tale, this change of mood was overdue and very welcome. Also, as far as I am aware the fine weather today was not predicted, so it came as a very pleasant surprise. In the words of a local business owner, “Where did this come from?!”
This morning, while Eoin was occupied in the Atlantic at Nevsail Watersports Camp, I enjoyed the beginning of this dry, mild day with a trip to the nearby town of Kilrush. After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and a scone at my favorite Kilrush hangout, The Potter’s Hand Café, I followed up with a visit to the farmer’s market in the square. Much to my surprise, not only did this market have the usual stalls selling such things as fresh produce, gorgeous flowers, homemade jams and local cheeses, it also had a vendor selling live chickens! After making my purchases, no chickens included, I took my time walking back to the car enjoying the warmth of the sun and imagining myself, produce and beautiful bouquet in hand, strolling through a village in the south of France!
After collecting Eoin at the end of Nevsail (where a seagull ate his lunch – but that’s another story!) we headed over to Diamond Rocks where I took a walk along the cliffs as Eoin, carrying his net and bucket, enjoyed the mild breeze and sun while searching the Pollock Holes for sea creatures.
Unlike last night, the only thunder I heard today was the sound of white, foamy waves pounding against the sun-warmed rocks beneath the cliffs. The cliff walk was a dazzling sight with the bright sun shining down from a sky of blue, highlighting a show of wild grasses in every shade of green sprinkled with tiny wildflowers of purple, yellow and white. This vibrant scene practically took my breath away after so many rainy days of muted colors under grey skies. And standing atop the highest cliff looking across Intrinsic Bay, with the warmth of the sun allowing me to finally remove my sweater for the first time in many days, there was no reason to imagine I was anywhere other than the west of Ireland!
As I write this it is after ten o’clock in the evening. The sky is still clear, the air is still mild and I hear the peaceful sound of cattle lowing in a nearby field – perhaps asking each other, “Where did this come from?!”
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July 5, 2012 at 8:11 pm
lifeonthecutoff
Oh, Janet, you are taking me with you in each of these recent posts. I’m so pleased to know that you had some pleasant weather and your visit to the farmers market sounds like something the proverbial doctor ordered to cure all that rain and thunder and cold. Love the bouquet and the lettuce looks tempting.
July 6, 2012 at 4:52 am
bloggingfromthebog
I’m glad I could take you with me and maybe give you a bit of relief from the heat! I hope you had some more tolerable weather while you were up north. That bouquet was a needed bit of color after the rain and I haven’t tasted the greens yet, but it’s on the menu for today. I was looking for local honey at the market but there wasn’t any. Maybe if we’re lucky enough to get a couple days of sun the bees will produce. The good news is that I’ve seen some big, fuzzy bees flying around this year! Most of them are flying in the overgrown grasses and wildflowers around my cottage – I’m thinking bee keeping may be in my future!
July 6, 2012 at 5:37 am
Janice Whelan
Blog hopping from lifeonthecutoff has led me to your posts.I’m entranced. The idea of 2 homes is interesting to me, having recently acquired a bolt hole in the south of France. ( I have lived in England until now…..except for a brief spell in Wisconsin in the 1980s). My brother lives in county Tipperary with his family…..and just hopping around your posts has me completely hooked. So, hi, lovely to meet you, and I look forward to more of your adventures. Best wishes to you and yours, Janice
July 6, 2012 at 12:50 pm
bloggingfromthebog
I’m glad you found my blog Janice! The south of France sounds like the perfect getaway from England. And you were even able to experience a bit of Wisconsin as well! It’s nice to be able to spend a good amount of time in a place totally different to what a person is used to. That’s how I feel about West Clare and the suburbs of Chicago – it’s great to have the chance to spend time in two places that are so different. My husband’s mother hails from Tipperary, a lovely part of the country and very different from here.
By the way, I had to look up the term “bolt-hole” – you learn something new every day!
July 9, 2012 at 4:30 am
Mel Berg
Janet, thanks for sharing your experiences, I do so love reading about your adventures.
July 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm
bloggingfromthebog
I’m glad you enjoy it Mel, thanks for letting me know!