If you are reading this on the day I am publishing, it is Saint Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day). In many Catholic countries, Saint Stephen’s Day is a public holiday. In Ireland, certainly. As well in Catalonia. I single out Catalonia because below is a link to a very beautiful Christmas carol and lullaby from Catalonia. A song…
My US tour begins in Texas and this will be one of my first events. I am currently practising my Texas dancing and I think this might be the first time I will have ever tasted Texas wine. If you are going to be anywhere near Dripping Springs outside Austin, Texas that first weekend of…
We are olive harvesting at present. It is one of the farm activities that I find the most relaxing, particularly during the glorious November days we are experiencing. The leaves of the olive tree, dried, steeped in hot water and drunk as a tisane, are supposed to be a very efficient remedy for high blood…
I have arrived into London where the weather is beautiful. England is always transformed by the sun and so are the British. Everyone is talking tennis and upcoming heatwave while I am preparing for the West Cork Literary Festival which begins on Sunday. I have three events there. Writing non-fiction and Memoir, a five-day workshop…
Last night, while I was watering the land, I watched a small flock of ring-necked turtle doves gorging themselves on fruits in the fig tree, which have ripened very early this year. There were other birds feeding off the grapevines. A large toad crossed the driveway and paused to study me with bulging eyes. I…