Friday, May 6, 2011

Seasonal Irony


Well people, the rain’s back and so am I! Thank the heavens for it too - the rain that is, not me being back (I might be a bit ditsy but I’m not that self-absorbed).  And for once I’m not alone in rejoicing at the return of the clouds; it must be the first time in history people were actually praying for rain in Ireland. Things were getting a bit hairy there for a while!

For anyone not from these parts, we’ve been having some trouble with gorse fires recently. These past weeks of hot, dry, windy weather saw them popping up all over the British Isles. Donegal was quite badly hit, and while we were lucky enough to only have a few minor blazes in our immediate area (like the one photographed above), a large chunk of the rest of the county was ablaze. From our upstairs window you could see hills burning across the lough.  ‘The fires of Bealtaine’ as a friend on Facebook called them. Indeed.

Not to worry, though, for the rain has returned, Ireland is once more her soggy (if a little smouldering) self, and all is right with the universe again. Well, aside from the fact that thousands of hectares of bog, woodland and forest have been decimated. Not to mention those wee chicks in their nests and all the other little unfortunate critters caught up in the flames. There may not have been any humans killed, but there’s fear now that some rare native bird species may have been completely wiped out. Devastating stuff altogether. 

Anyway.

Right, so I’ve been trying to think what I’ve been up to since I last made a proper post, as opposed to one where I just came on to blog about how I’ve not been blogging enough. Let’s see, what have I been at? Well, I’ve joined a local camera club, which has been both fun and educational in equal measure. Basically it just involves a bunch of super-cool folks sitting around looking at and talking about photographs.  And drinking tea. What more could a girl ask for? Here’s one of my photos from last week, the theme was ‘macro’. It’s not great, but, as I said, I’m learning loads from the group.


I’ve also been helping  my fiance’s dad out with a history and heritage group he’s involved with and I’ve found out some really interesting stuff about local ley lines and stone circles after he discovered these maps in an old book. The zoomed-out one charts the astronomical connection between several megalithic sites in the wider area, while the close up one concerns a circle just nearby my house!  I love this stuff…

In other news, any corrupt politicians or scandalous personalities in my vicinity should beware, I may soon be returning to the world of local hackdom. It’s all still up in the air at the minute but fingers and toes are crossed! I’ll keep you posted on any developments.

Finally this evening - last but certainly not least, and all that - I want to say a big happy HELLO to my latest follower, Libithina! Aside from having a really beautiful name, this lady also has several wonderful blogs to peruse. Here’s her profile link because I couldn’t decided which site to share. You see, my friends, the lovely Libithina is my 200 th follower! As such I’d just like to take this opportunity to say I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Thanks so much to each and every one of you who take the time to call into this little corner of webland. I can’t for the life of me think why anyone would want to, but I am really truly grateful to all who do. I’ve made some great friends here over the past year and it amazes me that I keep meeting new ones. I have to admit, I do feel a tad guilty since I’ve been such a bad blog buddy lately.

As I said though, I’m back now, and this weekend I’m making a point of catching up with you all - new friends and old!  Until then!

9 comments:

Robin Larkspur said...

Glad for the rain! Would love to learn more about the ley lines, particularly the magickal spot near your home. Good luck with your endeavors, and do keep on posting. Blessings to you.

TheBlakkDuchess said...

Good to hear that the rain has returned! I hope that all the birds and such haven't completely disappeared.
Glad you're back to the blogging world! =D

XOXO

TheBlakkDuchess said...

And don't feel bad about being away from the bloggosphere. It WONDERFUL that you've had such lovely weather & have been playing outside! =D

I know you'll always be back eventually, and always look forward to hearing about the adventures you've had while gone from blogging. ^-^

XOXO

Jeanne said...

So glad to hear that the rains have returned to quench the fires. Fire can be so damaging .....
Interesting about the ley lines and stone circles. Wonder what magickal things await your investigation?

And I love your photo! Very good. And have fun with your photo group!

Anonymous said...

Well, you've been busy doing some truly amazing things, Róisín!

Glad to hear the rains came. Wild fires are a huge concern here as well, even as we are just coming out of the winter weather.

And 200 followers - congratulations! I love popping over to visit you & hear all about what goes on in your beautiful part of the world. My twin brother spent time tracing our family history back to Ireland & Scotland, and whenever I read anything you have to share about it, I light up! :)

Happy day to you & yours,
Zuzu

April Jarocka said...

Welcome back. I for one am not enjoying the Irish wind and rain. As soon as May rolled in BAM! I am in and out of the house like an eeejit with bundles of washing in my hands every time there's a spot of rain. it's laughable.

eimear brennan said...

Hey Roisin...i had no idea the good weather was causing so much trouble...that's really crap. was revelling in the sunshine here..anyway, ley lines and stone circles, wow , can't believe that's right on your doorstep...very nice...and the photography club...sitting round having tea, the best part of anything. the macro is gorgeous!

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Ahh... sparkle, we love ya too! Stay safe and dry. Wow! to that history project! Email me sometime about it! Wow, again! Intriguing dear one! So, sending you light, love and all the good stuff! Blessings, too! Take care!

Donna~Q~ said...

Wow ~ the ley line discussion looks very interesting ~ I'd love to hear more about that! Your macro photo is lovely, and the photography club sounds like a good opportunity to compare notes!

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