Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in Ireland but I’ve had my own little ritual for the day over the last five or six years. Weather permitting, it involves a swim, a picnic and a whole day by the sea.
Today was a splendiferous day here so I got my every wish.
Early morning with Puppy Stan at Kilfarrasy Beach:
Back home to gather up swimming gear and the feast which included Sushi from a Co. Waterford, award-winning company, Glorious Sushi.
My choice of beach for the swim was Benvoy, which is lovely and sheltered. When I arrived, a big golden heart was shimmering out in the water:
Onwards to have look at Faugheen Church which is tiny and divinely picturesque:
On the day that was in it, it seemed very fitting that one of the tombstones that I saw bore the inscription that the railing around the grave had been erected by a man in Butte, Montana, U.S.A. in memory of his parents. As I have highlighted before, many of the miners from the copper mines in Co. Waterford emigrated to America, and especially to Butte, when the mines closed down in the late 1870s.
As evening was closing in, I headed to Tankardstown, just across from the ruins of the engine houses from the copper mining era, and soaked in the sunset:
What more could anyone want? Now that my secret is out, maybe I’ll get start a Thanksgiving Movement here in Co. Waterford as we have so, so much to be thankful for.
We do indeed have so much to be thankful for. Beautiful post. We don’t celebrate thanksgiving either, but we certainly raised a toast this evening to all our American friends and all the things we are thankful for. How cold was the water? you are much braver than I !
Lovely to hear from you.
The water was fine and the rocks were lovely and warm when I came out so it was like having a hot stone massage!
sounds fabulous, I do know people who swim all year round and swear by it.
Yes, it’s the answer to all sorts of stuff like sinusitis, flu and winter malaise.
What words are there to compete with your post. Wow. Beautiful photos. Wonderful way to give thanks.
Hi Tric, thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot. Hope you had a good day too?
Gorgeous pictures, Jean. What a beautiful day!
Thanks very much, Sue.
Beautiful, post beautiful, photos, beautiful video, beautiful day, beautiful person! Thank you Jean xxx
Now Willow, that seems a bit OTT, but thanks a zillion.
🤗
I’m thankful that you shared your beautiful day, as well as being thankful for so much more…
My pleasure, Cris.
Lovely photos you have here Jean. Glad to know you enjoyed the day on the beach.
Glad you like them, Arlene. It was superb.
Happy Thanksgiving from Houston, Texas. It was a lovely day, sunny and cool, wonderful. Great food with family and friends and sharing lots of gratitude for so many many things. Sending love your way.
Delighted you had a good day, Sandy xxx
I’m grateful for your gentle blog.
That’s ever so kind. Thank you.
That was a beautiful, thought-provoking post all ’round, Jean.
Text, photos, videos – perfection. I love your ritual!
Hi Dale, yes ,’ritual’ is a good word for it. I’m into mini rituals, especially if they offer a reason to spend the day at the beach!
Like you need a reason to go to the beach!! 😘
How lovely Jean, and wishing you a happy thanksgiving. I think your little thanksgiving celebration is just perfect and wonderful. Kind regards.
Many thanks, Agnes. Much appreciated.
And you can start with being grateful for puppy Stan :). Beautiful post, beautiful photos, beautiful country. Happy Gratitude, Jean!
Breathtakingly beautiful Jean! Love the photos!
The photos don’t do it justice at all but give a hint!
Hope you are having a good weekend.
I wonder how many people would have even noticed the golden heart–I for one, would have missed it had you not pointed it out. You are observant!
Suz, you should know by now that I’m a total romantic and see hearts all over the place.
🙂
What a lovely way to celebrate and give thanks in your own corner of the world Jean 🙂