turtleknits

Recently took a day trip north of Dublin. A lovely sunny spring day called for a drive. Started out at Newgrange, but as some of it was closed we decided to visit at a later time. So drove around a bit and found Dowth . This comprises a mound enclosing a megalithic tomb. The view from the top is just lovely and so I just walked around and took some photos. Hope you enjoy the views.

As promised, some of my recent FO's. I'm currently laid up with a damaged knee and so have time to upload some pictures, read some blogs and catch up on some blog posting. Short scarf and hand warmers for a gift. Just have to get a brooch fixing for the flower on the scarf so it can be closed over. Yarn used is Rowan Cashsoft 4ply. Comfy lounge socks for a gift, also knit with Rowan Cashsoft 4ply. Socks for the man in my life. Knitted two pairs but the other pair is being washed already, although only given as a birthday gift 2 days ago. Appreciation! And last up my Annis scarf/shawl. I knit this about 6 weeks ago and while it was difficult to get the pattern going, I'm really thrilled with the result. The pattern was from Knitty and the yarn I used is Manos Lace which is really soft and lovely to wear. Today I knit a couple of hats for the Innocent Big Knit. I have just over 20 little hats knit now and when I'm done I'll take a photo.

We spent a lovely two weeks in France in May last. Stayed in a chalet at the Chateau des Marais campsite in the Loire valley. We were attending a wedding at the end of our holiday near the city of Tours in mid France, but spent the first 8 days holidaying in the area ourselves. This campsite was situated near Chambord Chateau, which is one of the biggest in the region and absolutely fabulous. Our chalet was lovely and the campsite really great with good facilities. These are just two photos of it.

I read an article recently in the Irish Times magazine about this lovely parkland beside Lough Boora. It's just a few kilometers off the main road between Tullamore and Birr in County Offaly. It's a really lovely place to visit. Wide open parkland on what was a working bog and which now shows great sculptures in a really idyllic setting. We had a lovely walk around the park and the lake. There are also plenty of places to park and picnic. Great day out.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very descriptive. Mr Watts is a teacher on the island of Bougainville, when the island is invaded and all the school items and books are burnt. Mr Watts then teaches the children through 'Mr Pip' a character from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. This is a compelling read, disturbing and sad at times. The use of 'Great Expectations' as a teaching source is very imaginative and amazing. Matilda's world is well described as is t ...more A thoroughly enjoyable read. Beautifully written and very descriptive. Mr Watts is a teacher on the island of Bougainville, when the island is invaded and all the school items and books are burnt. Mr Watts then teaches the children through 'Mr Pip' a character from 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. This is a compelling read, disturbing and sad at times. The use of 'Great Expectations' as a teaching source is very imaginative and amazing...

Happy St Patrick's Day everyone. Here on the East Coast of Ireland we have been basking in glorious sunshine for the past few days. Although still chilly, it's lovely for March in Ireland. Over the weekend, we visited the Botanic Gardens in Dublin and I thought I would post a few photos. I have been doing a photography course for the last few weeks and I'm enjoying trying out my new skills. It's a great place to visit, to walk, have coffee or a meal, enjoy all the trees and plants and maybe learn something. Often an exhibition is hosted in the main building, and this time a beautiful selection of quilts was on view. What wonderful and artistic work. Unfortunately I think it finished on Sunday last.