Rain and Snow (drops)

As I write this, it’s dry outside! The rain has stopped (for now) and although I’d love it to stay this way, I know it’ll be worse than ever later. More rain and gales are forecast….

It’s a beautiful morning at The Glen House, all fresh and crisp like an autumn morning. The river level has risen, but with the brief pause it the rain brings a calmness.

Even the stream at the side of the house doesn’t seem threatening this morning, as it gushes down the hill. The sound it makes as it pushes on, down to the river is quite something…. Like a constant low roar….

On a brighter note, spring has begun in the garden; snowdrops are beginning to pop up along the side of the house by the stream. They’re beautiful. They bring hope.

Melissa xx

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The start of the Spring Clean!

Happy February 1st! Ok, let’s be honest it’s frickin’ horrible outside. There’s rain, gale force winds, more rain, the dreary lack of light, did I mention the rain? I feel like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, any second now the house is going to be swept up and blown away. Oh and the river is getting nearer and nearer the house as it rises…

On a happier note, January is over, Christmas was ages ago and therefore Spring must be on the way! Time to give the house a freshen up, introduce some new ideas and look forward to some brighter, lighter days ahead.

I bought a large slate heart a few months ago, it hangs above the Rayburn. It’s great to scribble happy messages on! So when I found these mini slate hearts (reduced in the sale) a few weeks ago I had to have them.

I love being able to write little messages in chalk….

Back to the freshen up; the kitchen needs to be sparkly and light, so having these pretty glasses on display help catch the light.

Hidden behind them are these little scallop shells (yes, the scallops happily made it to my belly).

The shutters in front of the kitchen sink have been thrown open to let the light in, and the area dressed with light warm colours.

Tulips in a fabulous Easter yellow add some Spring greenery along side a tagine (thank you for the Christmas present), an old fashion milk urn thingy, a herb board and a cute clock!

All finished off with a twinkly heart….

Roll on the spring!
Melissa xx

The car and the ‘hedges’….

I’ve been so unorganised since coming back from Goa, I can’t quite fit everything in! The heat and the bright colour in India seems a world away from the dull, wet, freezing Ireland. However I do have wonderful memories to keep me warm…..

Anyway getting back to dreary Ireland….. On Sunday morning I was heading to work when I suddenly come across a new hedge planted across the lane.. DOH! Wake up Melissa, stop driving, it’s a fallen tree! The high winds and pounding rain had certainly done some damage.

Luckily there was an alternative route I could take to work, and away I went.

However, late last night having turned down the lane to The Glen House and just moments away from home, the car lights shone on yet another ‘hedge’. Getting out to have a little look, it was obvious there was no way I was getting passed, because immediately to the side of the narrow lane is the river! I abandoned the car in a little safe spot and grabbed my torch. I was beginning to wish I was back living in the city surrounded by bright street lights (that thought soon past). Luckily I knew of another way to get to the house on foot and I was soon home safe.

In the fresh light of a new day, the tree looked so gentle and misleadingly small! It would turn out to be anything but…. And with ground so soft and damp after all the rain it was time for me to stay well back.

Standing there, looking at this fallen tree covered in vines and ivy, it was so pretty!

Branch by branch the chainsaw cut away at the tree and the mountain of fire wood began to grow. The tree must have been dead, as the wood was brittle and dry.

So, a couple of hours on and ta-da!!! It’s burning away quite nicely….

It’s amazing what nature can do.

Melissa xx