Apr 22
There is nothing in the world I like better than gathering around a big table with friends to eat food. If that table happens to be outside in a sunny day, all the better. So it was on Easter Sunday that we spent the afternoon on our friend’s porch, eating wonderful food, sipping cool white wine, chatting, laughing and enjoying life. Read more
It’s been a tough ole week. I have concluded that if our marriage can survive these renovations it can survive anything! On the plus side, things are moving quickly. The piping was laid for the under-floor heating & the concrete floors poured. The upstairs insulation is almost complete & work on the lights is underway. And we managed a trip to IKEA to pick out our new kitchen – utter heaven for a girl who loves to cook. Read more
The Monument aux Mort (War Memorial) in Marseille, France. The inscription reads “Aux Heros de l’Armée d’Orient et des Terres Lointaines” – “For the Heros from the (French) Army of the East and from Distant Lands”. About 36,000 of these memorials were erected around France shortly after World War 1. This one opened on April 24th 1927. Read more
I can’t believe how quickly the week has flown by – it only seems like yesterday that I posted the last set of Friday Favourites. It’s a beautiful Spring day here – clear blue skies with just a hint of bite in the air. The weekend promises something similar, so hopefully I’ll get started on planting out my seedlings. We’re also hoping to build a greenhouse using the old windows from the house. Busy, busy. Read more
They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. In my case, this was particularly true. In the early days of our relationship I remember plying my man with rich stews of lamb shanks in red wine sauce served with super-creamy mashed potato, mixed seafood platters served on a lazy Susan with a big bowl of chips and a selection of dipping sauces set in the middle and regular full Irish breakfasts. He still jokes about how he could hear the “chitzzz” of a fresh beer being opened as soon as he set an empty bottle down on the table. Read more
This is the Nemunas river on the Lithuanian-Russian (Kaliningrad) border. Kaliningrad is Russia’s most westerly outpost. Given the USA’s reaction to Russia’s involvement in Crimea, military activity has been ramping up on the Russian side of this border. It seemed utterly peaceful and idyllic on our side. We fished, enjoyed a picnic, played games and had a glorious Sunday afternoon. Read more
A lot has happened since I first launched Project: House back in January and I realise it’s time I gave you an update. Read more
It’s been a busy week here with getting our new cock settled, patiently waiting for that first egg from our girls (which has not yet materialised) and making some key decisions on our house design. I’ve somehow managed to keep up with my reading. There was lots of interesting stuff on the net this week. Did any of you get duped by an April Fool’s joke? I know I did! Read more
A street performer in Sydney, Australia. He had incredible strength and agility as well as being an engaging character. Read more
What a bloody palaver. This morning one of our neighbours gave us a present of a cock. He’s a tall and handsome chap and the hens were very happy to see him. The dog however, was not. He immediately jumped up to grab him from Arūnas’s arms. Thwarted, he barked around the perimeter of the run all day. At least the cock was safe in the run, we though. Read more
I’ve always loved Fridays. From early morning there is a sense of joy at the impending weekend. By lunchtime you know the worst is behind you and by mid-afternoon you are really starting to unwind. Back when I had an office job, Friday was usually the only day when I could take my afternoon coffee break uninterrupted. I might even get to write a few personal emails or to catch up on social media. Finally a little “me” time. Read more
Our little beauty reflecting on life. What do you think is going through her mind? Chasing rabbits? Tasty meals? Who knows! Read more
Our beautiful girls have finally arrived. It feels like a monumental step in our self-sufficiency journey and I’m very, very excited. We decided to buy twelve chickens to start. We had the space so we thought, why not? Chickens are sociable creatures and love company. They will also keep each other warm in the cold Lithuanian winters. Read more
I must admit to being a little homesick today. How could I not be? St. Patrick’s Day was always one of my favourite days of the year. As a child it meant a day off school and a brief respite from the abstinences of Lent. In my college years and early twenties it meant finding a pub with good Guinness, music and craic. This day last we were up the Dublin Mountains in Johnnie Fox’s eating the finest Irish fare. Read more
My Food Odyssey 