Sunday Thoughts

Happy Sunday, and happy Summer Solstice. It’s quite fitting that summer has finally decided to show up. I might even get the grass cut today. I can’t remember the last time I did it – it’s up to my oxters at this stage!

The last couple of weeks have been hectic, with one appointment after another, along with Jono’s birthday and then Andy’s. I wrote about Jono’s birthday in my last Sunday Thoughts post two weeks ago. I’m definitely slacking.

Andy’s birthday fell on a Tuesday, and the weather was lousy – cold, and windy, with occasional heavy showers. We went to The Strand Bar in Strandhill for lunch. I always enjoy it there. It’s cosy, with an open fire, which seemed mad for June, and I love all the little nooks, crannies and memorabilia. The food is lovely too. It was nice to do something different. It was also our wedding anniversary – 36 years. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone.

Lucy was working but came over that evening for the obligatory birthday cake. It was a really lovely day.

Jono and I also had a short trip to Germany. I’ve written all about it on the blog, so you can read that here. One thing the trip really reinforced for me was how friendly and helpful Irish people are. It’s easy to take it for granted when you’ve lived here so long, but being away reminded me just how lucky we are.

Since getting home, it’s been straight back to work and appointments, so I’ve booked tomorrow off and I’m heading to Drumhierny Woodland Sanctuary, one of my favourite places. I’m treating myself to an outdoor aromatherapy bath, which is every bit as heavenly as it sounds. It was -2°C the last time I was there on my birthday, so tomorrow should feel positively tropical in comparison.

On Friday morning I was in Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre, where I met The Melodics, a fabulous singing group. Watch this space for a podcast with them for Sligo PPN. I also spoke to Sandra, the centre manager, so that episode will be coming soon too.

Yesterday I headed to Ballina. I was hoping to pick up some gluten-free treats at the farmers’ market, but unfortunately the stall wasn’t there. I did make it to Baker 51 for breakfast though, and it was almost too pretty to eat. Note that I said almost 😉 I took a spin to An Siopa Beag – one of the cutest honesty boxes that I know, and full of delicious goodies. It’s well worth a visit if you are near Ballina on Friday or Saturday.

I also visited The Ocean Sands Hotel to try out their Sligo Picnic offering, but I’ll tell you more about that in another post. Enniscrone was buzzing, making it tricky to take photos without feeling like a complete eejit. I did discover Storm Beach though. It was my first visit, and while it’s more pebbles than sand, it’s a beautiful spot. I spent a while listening to the waves crashing against the rocks and thoroughly enjoyed the peace of it.

I think that’s all my news for now, although I’ve probably forgotten something – I usually do.

Thanks so much for reading, as always. Wishing you a lovely week ahead.