Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. I was so glad for the weekend to arrive as I was working late a lot of the nights this week- it's a long day at work from 9:00am until after 9:00pm and as I commute I wasn't home until almost 11:00pm some of the nights. It was nice today to catch up on housework and go for a nice long walk around the farm. The morning was lovely, we even had some bright blue skies... Below are some photographs from the farm... Enjoy the rest of your weekend..

Hello everyone... It's midweek already which is great. I have holidays to take from work so I have decided to make a long weekend of it. Can't believe it's Easter- the year seems to be flying by. I had an extremely busy weekend, gardening, working on the farm, painting and put together some new furniture I purchased in IKEA.

Above are some photographs of my sunroom. I'm trying to create an eclectic look for it.. Doing some painting of furniture so I will post some photographs when it all comes together.

On Sunday I explored along the lake shore and helped out on the farm.

And just a few more photos from home...

Last weekend we had dry crisp weather which made such a change. I done lots of Spring cleaning on Saturday and went to a birthday party Saturday night. Sunday I spent time with family and went off for a lovely long walk around the farm in the evening. It was really cold but I wrapped up warm and off I went. Below are some of my photos, you can see how the light was changing and the sun began to set over the lake. I love getting out and about with lots of fresh air...

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend. I'm having a quiet one as I have the cold... The weather has been awful the past few days. Thursday it snowed heavy and Friday it was freezing. I didn't go to work Friday as I have the cold and the roads were slippy. I have over 40 minutes drive to work each way on narrow back roads. I'm snuggled up now on the couch with a blanket and a big mug of tea. I felt really housebound so went out for a stroll about. Here are some images from my walks over the past week...

This was my local road on Saturday.... nice winter sunshine but very cold...

This was a view out the window today just after dinner, it was beginning to get foggy and very cold. A lot of the snow has melted however there are still patches in the area. 

 More of the snow and ice...

 The flooded lake which was taken earlier in the week..

And a view back towards the village, spot my shadow.... Enjoy the rest of the weekend and keep warm and cosy wherever you are...

So here they are the top liked images on my Instagram in 2015.
In first place is this beautiful photo I took of the coastline at Cinque Terre in Italy. We visited in late September and had a great time.

I am delighted that my second most liked image from Instagram last year was from Ireland and it is Glencar in County Leitrim. This is a lovely tranquil setting in County Leitrim beside the famous Glencar Waterfall, claimed to be one of the most romantic places in Ireland. 

November sunsets are so beautiful... check out these photos I took last Sunday evening when the sun was setting over the lake.... A picture speaks louder than words.....

Just thought I'd share with you a few images of two of the birds I spotted out on the lake this evening. The first one is a Cormorant as far as I know (all you bird watcher out there can correct me if I am wrong). It is the same size as a a large goose. He spent a long time just standing around and then took off in flight. The second image is one of the resident Mute Swans which are so elegant. There are lots of them out on the lake all year round. They are very graceful and I love watching them.

What have I been up to lately?
Below is a little collage of photos I took recently. I have spent a lot of time indoors as the weather hasn't been great. Today was miserable, however whenever I go out I bring my camera with me.

From top left:
1.Sunset yesterday evening over the lake shore- how beautiful is that sky.
2. A lovely graceful swan on the lake
3. Sparkly fairy lights on my kitchen dresser, I visited IKEA a few weeks ago and bought more fairylights.
4. Reading The Hidden Cottage- I'm enjoying it but reading it quite slowly.
5. A winter walk in the local woods- the landscape is just beautiful in Winter.
6. Eating fruit this weather to keep the colds and flus away.
7. A visit to the park.
8. Another evening sky at home, spot my favourite tree too.
9. Our cottage through the hedge.

What have you been photographing lately? It is hard believe it is the 1st December, I'm listening to Michael Buble Christmas and drinking tea at the fire. Roll on Christmas......

Have you ever been to Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle in County Roscommon. It is a lovely place to go for a day out or a Sunday evening. Here are a few photographs I took when I visited at the weekend. We went for a walk around the park. There are lots of activities- playgrounds, zip wires, tree top canopy walks, caravan and camping and electric bikes and segways for hire. I would highly recommend it for a day out. For more info visit the website Lough Key Forest and Activity Park

Hello Everyone! As some of you already know, I was really lucky to win a place on the Blogging your Way e-course by Holly from Decor8. I enrolled yesterday, so I am looking forward to starting it on Monday. It is a long weekend here in Ireland for Easter and I get an extra day off work too which is good. The weather is fabulous here with the sun shining. Yesterday I was out and about, below are some photographs from my day. Have you any nice plans for Easter?

Images from top left; new dresser in my living room with some small decorations for Easter, view over the lake from the farm, rolled field, primroses on my kitchen table.