Sunday Thoughts

It was Christmas Eve, babe, in Coolaney. It seems like Christmas has been looming forever, the songs have been on the radio since Mid-November, and I’m really sick of them at this stage. Although I know as soon as Christmas Day is over we’ll find ourselves bombarded with adverts for holidays and diets.

It’s been a strange week, the things that should have happened didn’t happen. That caused a lot of stress all round. And still we wait. I can’t say much about it because it isn’t about me, and as I’ve got older I’ve possibly got a bit wiser and realise that other people aren’t as public as I am. Everything crossed that things work out in the end.

The house is very quiet without Rocket-dog, I’ve been blown away by the kindness of others. My good friend Ann arrived with the most beautiful cushion as a tribute to both Rocket and Puggly, it was just so thoughtful and lovely. Erin and Julie sent me a lovely suncatchers, Kate sent me a little memorial card with Rocket’s photo. The kindness of people is just wonderful and the messages and emails I’ve received have been so welcome too, it’s really one of those times when you find out who really cares.

An email arrived yesterday from Alan Tarpey with this incredible painting of Rocket-dog with Puggly too. I was totally gobsmacked, such a wonderful gesture. Alan is a wonderful artist, and you can check out his website here: https://alantarpeyartist.wordpress.com/ I picked up Rocket’s ashes on Friday, he’ll be going in to Puggly’s garden, the two buddies will be back together, I want to get a nice plant in memory of him to go beside Puggly’s Forest Flame.

I managed to get back painting, this one appeared, inspired by the Winter Solstice. Painting is wonderful to help me relax, I’d be lost without it.

I’m sitting here with the floor half-washed and the oven half-cleaned, it’s the most cleaning the house has seen all year. I’ve spent the last couple of days rushing around getting the ‘last few bits’, half of Sligo had the same idea and Dunnes was wedged at 7am. Not helped by the van who parked sideways and blocked my car in the car park, there was some manouvering to get out of there. I gave up in the end and went to the local shops – so much more comfort, no queues, friendly faces and stress free.

I also went to Achonry Farmers Market and met Elton and Ezra the alpacas from Quarryfield Farm, I had my ‘Fleece Navidad’ jumper on for the occasion. It was lovely getting alpaca kisses, they are such beautiful creatures. Thanks to Kelly for the photo.

I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas, however you spend it.