Every year I hope for a
decent summer and wish for an Indian summer. This year my hopes and
wishes came true. At the back of my mind I worry that this is climate
change in action then, being sensible, remember that climate change
and the weather are different things. Still, it is good to know that
fine summers are not a thing of the past.
The hedgerows are
loaded with berries and, as always, I've been out picking
blackberries, I've not had to walk further than ten minutes from the
house to gather pounds and pounds of them. Stretching for the
juiciest berries, always high in the hedge, is doing wonders for my
stiff shoulders. It's a bitter sweet thing gathering
blackberries for I'm loaded with memories of my younger days and
remembering 2012, gathering berries for consolation as my dear cousin
Joe lay dying.
I hope the Indian
summer continues into October as we expect many family visitors.
Ganching is doing a tour of Ireland and Vancouver Brother will be
here in just over a week. He is including London and France in his
grand tour. Leitrim Sister will be popping up at some point, London
Sister is expected near the end of the month and everything would be
complete if Kerry Sister could make Antrim this side of Christmas.
And I've just had
daughter Katy and her husband to stay. It was little more than a long
weekend but still a delight to have them. On Tuesday we went to Derry
on the train. It was rather a dull day but we were able to
appreciate the spectacular scenery between Coleraine and the Maiden
City, described by Michael Palin
as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”.
We visited the murals
in the Bogside and Mark was taken aback to see graffiti stating
'Brits Out.' Katy was quick to reassure him that this didn't apply to
the average Englishman, rather to the British state and government.
I'm not certain that he was completely consoled by this knowledge.
Katy and Mark in the Craft Village
Derry is not a big city
and the part within its walls is small too. We visited Bedlam and I
noted that the crocheted and knitted cladding is looking less vibrant
than before. The weather takes its toll. The Bernadette mural in the
Bogside is in need of restoration too. Before Derry became the City
of Culture many of its buildings were dilapidated and overgrown with
buddleia. Now there are signs of a return to dilapidation. Despite
this I love Derry, I love its history and I love its vibrancy. Some
say that it is a violent city by night but I find its people to be
incredibly welcoming and friendly.
On the way home we sat
on the other side of the train, the side that does not look out to
the sea and instead admired the hills. A worthwhile visit for sure
and I look forward to going back very soon.
Places we enjoyed
visiting in Stroke City.
5 comments:
A day in Derry by train, now there is a plan to think about. Thanks Nelly. Enjoy your visitors!
I will!
Thanks for the tour, I learned more than a few things!
Wonderful and I really enjoyed the links. :)
All welcome.
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