Christmas

Things I like about Christmas:
Collecting wood for the fire and sawing it into pieces. I love feeling I am getting something for free. It also gets us out for an afternoon and sawing wood burns calories.
Eating good food.
Drinking nice wine.
Getting over the Winter Solstice.
The kids anticipation.
Walking in the hills after Christmas.
Lazing around the house.

Things I don't like so much:
The presents culture (except for children).
The fact that it starts in November.
Eating too much good food.
The post Christmas anti-climax.
Going back to work before the New Year.
New Years Eve.
Going back to work after New Year.
The thought of the long winter ahead.
Stupid Christmas songs.
People who light up their houses with Xmas lights.

One of my favourite photos taken in a field in Shropshire while out walking. Camera is about 6 inches from the ground. Shropshire is terrific for walking. There is unlimited access to the countryside with stiles and signs inviting you to walk for miles. The English/Welsh border area has hills and valleys unlike anything I've seen in Ireland. High hills and deep valleys!

Walking the hills aroung Gleninchiquin, Kenmare, Co Kerry, April 2007. I am pointing at where we started the climb. At the top of the mountain we walked in a horseshoe to get to where I am standing.

Finnian and Caitlin's Great-Great-Great Grandparents (seated), Mr and Mrs Tichbon. Great-Great Grandfather (on the right), Augustus Albert Winter born 1876 is operating the camera with a remote control bulb. Leah (Lola) née Tichbon seated on the right born 1878/79. Dorothy (Dolly) born 1899 and Great Grandfather (child on the right) Nalder Augustus born 1903 sitting on dog kennel. Nalder married Phyllis Gertrude Glass. They had 2 children - Shirley Gertrude b1931 and Paul Augustus Orlando b1936. Taken circa 1905.

Gene O'Neill's new puppy.

Walking in Shropshire, England in early November.

February 2007...I don't think this pub is going to open and I'm cold and wet. Photo taken after a walk around the Seven Heads.