Even though there's still snow on the ground, I sense this stirring in the air, and even in people, that tells me a change is coming! I can't ignore the daffodil sprouts in the garden, and the garlic shoots, and the ads in the stores that signal more colorful clothes, vacation ideas and summer beach books.
Last spring, I was eagerly awaiting a trip to Ireland with my family. Even though I had been there before, I was eager to see if there were any changes. There were, of course, and not always for the better. But it's still a delightful land, full of the most hospitable people on the face of the earth, breathtaking scenery and rugged coastlines. We got to see some really cool, out-of-the-way places and of course, managed to soak in some local culture at a few pubs along the way. Some of our group made the trip to Skellig Michael over rough seas and without "facilities," if you know what I mean. Skellig Michael is a setting in the most recent Star Wars movies. I wish I could have gone, too, but I have my limits. I did go to the Skellig Chocolate Shop, however.
And now, a whole year has come around. No special vacation plans to look forward to, but plenty of get-togethers with family here and there. And I'm happy about that, actually. I love having time to putter in my so-called garden. Every year is an adventure in seeing what I can put in the ground that actually comes up. I did well last year with peas and beans (sometimes too many) and some herbs which I dried and used during the winter. For most of the garden, I tossed in a packed of flower seeds and just let them do their thing. It worked somewhat. At least I could look at it, even if I didn't produce much to eat.
As for writing, I finished my third Aiden Pike adventure (see BOOKS) and was happy with it. At the moment, though, I'm working on a piece for a seniors' magazine. Winter, with its enforced isolation, is a good time for writing. I don't expect I'll be doing much from now until September, except for my column SCRAPBAG in a local paper.As the seeds in my garden germinate, so, hopefully, will be some ideas in my head.
Last spring, I was eagerly awaiting a trip to Ireland with my family. Even though I had been there before, I was eager to see if there were any changes. There were, of course, and not always for the better. But it's still a delightful land, full of the most hospitable people on the face of the earth, breathtaking scenery and rugged coastlines. We got to see some really cool, out-of-the-way places and of course, managed to soak in some local culture at a few pubs along the way. Some of our group made the trip to Skellig Michael over rough seas and without "facilities," if you know what I mean. Skellig Michael is a setting in the most recent Star Wars movies. I wish I could have gone, too, but I have my limits. I did go to the Skellig Chocolate Shop, however.
And now, a whole year has come around. No special vacation plans to look forward to, but plenty of get-togethers with family here and there. And I'm happy about that, actually. I love having time to putter in my so-called garden. Every year is an adventure in seeing what I can put in the ground that actually comes up. I did well last year with peas and beans (sometimes too many) and some herbs which I dried and used during the winter. For most of the garden, I tossed in a packed of flower seeds and just let them do their thing. It worked somewhat. At least I could look at it, even if I didn't produce much to eat.
As for writing, I finished my third Aiden Pike adventure (see BOOKS) and was happy with it. At the moment, though, I'm working on a piece for a seniors' magazine. Winter, with its enforced isolation, is a good time for writing. I don't expect I'll be doing much from now until September, except for my column SCRAPBAG in a local paper.As the seeds in my garden germinate, so, hopefully, will be some ideas in my head.
Monastic "beehive" huts on Skellig Michael, Ireland
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