We’ve had very little pure light here in the South-East of Ireland in recent weeks. It’s been as if the ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ has been seeking to have it all her own way.
The country woke in a state of dejection this morning trying to shake off the effects of the horrible defeat by the the flowing Argentinians in the Rugby World Cup. (I knew nothing whatsoever about Argentina before this week except the overwhelming natural brilliance of Gabriella Sabatini and Diego Maradona ~ magical duo that should have been enough to forewarn me.)
So it started as a ‘one foot in front of the other’ kind of day:
But, as the new day unfolded, there were signs that nature was striving to lighten our spirits. I simply had to follow the opening sky and it brought me to the Anne Valley in Dunhill for my morning run. As I got out of the car, I was greeted by the clatter of horses hooves on the road beneath Dunhill Castle. Instinctive thoughts of The Highwayman, The Listeners …..
The light danced on the cinder path of the Anne Valley Walk and there was a softness that made running seem like the most natural thing in the world.
Dunhill Village called at noon where the Church bells rang out and the local dogs sang along:
No possibility of resisting a call to Harney’s Shop
for a blaa (Co. Waterford bread roll) and some of their home-cooked ham:
Perfect day for a swim at Annestown Beach in the heat of the midday sun:
‘One foot in front of the other’ took on a whole new meaning on the golden sands of the Co. Waterford Coast.
The clarity and magnificence of the day lasted right up to sunset and beyond.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Thank you for taking us on part of your journey. It is pleasurable. Love that ham. Yum
My pleasure, Joseph. The ham is delicious.
Beautiful Jean. So much history and nature all around.Here the predominant scenery is concrete, pavement, brick and steel.
Paul, the mere thought of being away from the countryside makes me shudder now but I must confess to loving a year that I spent living in the very centre of Dublin with traffic roaring all day and night.
What a wonderful day you had from start to finish. I too am a lover of Ham sandwiches especially on a roll or bun. Thank You for the treat of taking us on your trip…
Hi Joni, interesting how ham seems to appeal. We’re very proud of our blaa here in Waterford. It has a very long history and a lovely soft, floury texture.
… So life goes on in it’s amazing way despite rugby! Sorry for the teams loss … But I have to admit that I could nurture a crush for Argentinians!
Val, I’ve had a serious crush on Argentinians since witnessing Maradonna Magic in that World Cup of yore. He was the epitome of poetry in motion and the rugby guys showed similar touches.
He was indeed … And that hair! He was like a stallion prancing over the field ☺️
And the facial expressions, especially determination and the smile. (I wouldn’t have thought of stallion in relation to him, though, more of a mixture between a squirrel and a lion!
LOL!
Hi there
Yes I was sorry that Ireland lost and a bit unsure of whether to celebrate Australia’s win coming as it did on the back of a bad decision. But…I do love your post, the photos and the journey we can all take from here:):)
Hi Olga, yes it was a weird match between Australia and Scotland. I can just imagine your mixed emotion.
It was my very first rugby match that I watched from beginning to end… It so sucked for them to lose by one point following a bad decision… oh well…
Lovely post Jean, reminding us to move on and hopefully things get better. The Anne Valley looks very runnable – must bring my gear when I’m next over.
I’m almost glad now England got dumped early on seeing the heartache the other home countries have gone through.
Thanks Roy. What a weekend!
Sport can certainly affect the mood of a nation. Poor Scotland indeed.
And meanwhile Ballygunner beat Tallow in the Waterford hurling club final. You could pick a Gunner supporter out with absolute ease in around Waterford yesterday!
A grand looking day Jean with a fine sunset to round things off. It has been similar here but it ends tomorrow with an Atlantic low 😦
Robin, I thought you’d know better than to mention Atlantic lows to me!
Love the essence of the whole post put Jean that last photo is ethereal and really reaches out to me. ❤
Willow, I’m glad that particular photo resonated with you. It’s special for me too.
So beautiful xx
Lovely journey and photos, Jean, and that ham blaa looks delicious! The motto, ‘one foot in front of the other’ is profound and resonates personally and that last photo is stunning…
This post is absolutely lovely. And a testament to the fact if we just make ourselves go, one foot in front of the other, we will walk into wonderful adventures.
What a perfect day with splendid photos.
Really? Where on earth did the term “blaa” come from? 😉