FELT LIKE SUMMER TODAY!

The weather forecast is good for the next 3 to 4 days. There is a high pressure over Ireland which is going to keep our skies clear therefore wall to wall sunshine.  Hurray!!!!

I woke to the sunlight penetrating the curtains.  I couldn't wait to get up.  Not usual for me these past few months!

After a lazy breakfast I set about doing some chores. While carrying a machine load of washing out to the line I heard the birds happily chirping.  I gazed at the cloudless blue sky. It felt like being in Turkey again.  After I pegged the clothes I watched them gently floating in the light breeze. They would bask for the day in the glorious sunshine. 

After lunch Mr. D and I drove to our local forest.  

We took a leisurely walk admiring the beauty of nature as we chatted.  A solitary fisherman stood on the riverbank.

The trees looked stunning with dappled sunlight filtering through the edge of the long forest which stretches by the river.

We sat for a while and just took in the beauty that surrounded us. 

 

MY ART

I liked painting this scene.  It's one I painted at my art group when I lived in Turkey. Painting together with a group of friends in such a relaxed and beautiful setting was absolutely wonderful.   We would bring homemade cake and have tea and a chat before setting up our easels. Then as we eased ourselves into our painting the chatter died down and the creativity began.

There are some beautiful silver birch trees in our local park here in Cork, Ireland. During the autumn the colours are at their best and I felt inspired to do another autumn scene.

2021 NEW YEAR NEW PROJECTS

We are into a new year and still under level 5 of this our third national lockdown. It began on 31st December and is set to continue at this level until 5th April when it will hopefully be reduced to level 4 or even level 3.   Life goes on.

The days melt into weeks.  Unfortunately too many people met up with families and friends over Christmas and the new variant of the virus has spread like wild fire. There were days when the number of cases were over 8,000 in a day and that was without contact tracing being done.  They simply hadn't the resources at that stage.

 We waited and waited for news of a reduction in Covid figures. Eventually in February the numbers started to decrease but then hit a plateau by end of February.  Some people refusing to obey the rules.  They won't wear masks and continue to have parties.  It is very frustrating for the majority of people who have stuck to the rules since march 2020. 

 The weather has been very wet and also very cold.

Mr D and I continue to take our afternoon walk.  We mostly walk by the river which is part of a very big park near our home here in Cork Ireland. 

 Since everyone in the town has the same idea it is quite a busy location. The park is spread out and there are many areas with trees where we can avoid passing too many walkers and joggers.  

It's difficult to keep finding new projects to keep oneself busy but today I decided to tackle my beloved reading chair.  I bought it originally for my mother.  She rightly said our chairs were either too soft or too low and she wanted something comfortable to relax in when she came to visit. I now use this chair when I'm reading and it's a great chair. Since it's a bit dated I thought I would brighten it up with  bright paint and new cushion covers.  Today I made a start.  I took it outside and gave it a good sanding.  Next I applied a light coat of lime green spray paint.               

It will look better when the cushions are back on.

I need to make new covers for the cushions.

I have a vision in my head of a lovely bright floral pattern.  Maybe next month the shops will reopen and I will be able to complete the project.

Meanwhile I will get back to my little studio. A painting is waiting to be finished.

 

 

Autumn and Winter 2020 Ireland

Sorry for being so very late publishing this post.  I had a major problem with my electronic equipment.  We were fostering 2 kittens when  I managed to drop my phone and two tablets. Not the cat's fault!  I absentmindedly left my devices on the arm of my chair on more than one occasion!!  The kittens were doing what kitten do,  jumping from the coffee table to my arm to climb and play when there was a sudden crash....O crumbs! another device smashed.  

My laptop came out in sympathy deciding to go really slow and despite my nephew inserting new storage into it, it still wouldn't open my emails.  My phone is ok but too small to work on.   On rare occasions I have been using Mr. D's tablet but I have been warned not to use it when cats are in residence. 

The guilty parties ...........................

We are still making sure to get out for our daily walks.  The woods are beautiful especially in the autumn .

The trees in the park get more beautiful every year.