We have arrived safely into yet another new year. 2022 started a bit rough for many as the pandemic continues it's relentless spread. It's now in every town and village in this country and throughout the world. The Covid19 figures reached their highest level earlier this month. However, with 93% of our population double vaccinated, the admissions to hospitals are not as high proportionally compared to figures from last year. The Omicron variant is the dominant one now and so far it's not as severe as previous variants. Can we dare hope that it will weaken further? There is a tendency for pathogenic viruses to become less lethal with time, as the hosts of more dangerous strains tend to die out. The figures are reducing at an acceptable level this past week. Just today we received some long awaited good news, our government announced the lifting of many restrictions. At long last we see a light at the end of the tunnel. In the words of Taoiseach {Prime minister} Mr. Michael Martin , 'Today is a good day'.
The January days are starting to get longer. It's now bright at five o' clock. We have gained 30 minutes more daylight since 21st December. It's been a mostly grey and dull month with the odd scattering of sunshine but in the last two weeks we have been gifted two full days of clear skies. Mr. D and I like to take a daily walk. We walk mostly in our local park which is located beside the beautiful river Lee. If a clear sunny day is forecast, then we travel further afield.
I've taken photos from our walks on the two best days this month.
Below is the lake at the Inniscarra Damn. The water level was much lower than usual which enabled me to climb down to the side of the lake where I took this photograph on 16th January. It is normally submerged.
Below: Inchydoney Beach. 20th January, 2022
Mr. D took these 3 photos of Inchydoney beach. My sister Bernadette and I messed about picking up seashells and practicing our deep breathing while gazing at the waves. It was too cold to eat outside but we did enjoy our lovely picnic lunch while we sat in the car on the hill on the right. A wonderful day which will stay in my memory forever.
