Thursday 13 June 2013

Quaker Island

This year we decided was the right year to finally take the kids out in the boat on the lake.  Now when I say boat, I don't mean a luxury cruiser but a little fishing boat with a little put-put engine on the back.  We live very close to Lough Ree which is the biggest lake on the River Shannon and is a very big part of the life of the community.  The men stand around togged out in all their fishing gear chatting about the may-fly, in the hot weather large groups gather on it's shores for barbecues and parties.  Children learn to swim in the swallow sandy bays while mothers give encouragement to them all the time.

So this year as the kids had been doing swimming lessons for most of the year and had grown more comfortable around the water, we thought it best to bring them out on the promise of a picnic on one of the biggest islands, the Quaker Island.  They have always had a strange fear of the boat but this year its was surprising that they were very willing to head out.

On the first outing we moved slowly out of the harbour and watched their faces closely to see how they were coping.  But they were laughing and smiling the whole time.  Molly, who comes everywhere with us, was the only one shaking and hiding under the bench!





The first excursion we kept quite short, as the Hubby was itching to go fishing and seeing all the may-flies dance was pure torture for him.  So on Sunday afternoon we packed up the boat with a BBQ, tons of food, books, blankets and chairs.  The perfect ingredients for a perfect afternoon.  This time Molly was the first to jump into the boat as soon as it was ready!  This time there was no fear, as she stood looking over the sides trying to catch the waves as they slashed by.


On the island there is the ruins of an old monastery and most of them are still in very good condition considering they're age.




The island is wild and has a certain air of loneliness to it.  The whitetorn and wild flowers bloom freely because there are no people here to destroy or damage their beauty.


This is the place that we chose for our BBQ.  We cooked it outside and then sat lazily among the ruined walls, eating and drinking while chatting merrily.  Afterwards the kids sat back and read their Harry Potter's, the Hubby snoozed under his hat while I sat on the wall sketching this view.  Perfect afternoon.

Finally I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while for a couple of reasons.
The main reason is that my son, who has had a great break from his medication from petit mal epilepsy has once more began having seizures.  He was doing so well and the last thing that we thought would happen was for him to have a relapse.  Normally I am the strong one who has to cope quietly and stay strong for those around me but this time it's hitting me hard.  I need time to concentrate on my little man and get him better.
Secondly I need to come off my dreaded Oxycontin medication because it's having a really bad effect on me now.  Having gone through this withdrawal before, I know exactly how severe that it can be.  I'll have to recover from this in order to have my brain working at full speed once more.
And thirdly, I love blogland but seeing all the fantastic talent that there is out there is a bit overwhelming and is making me feel ever so inferior.  So much so that all of my crafting has come to a complete halt.  I watch with great interest with all of the beautiful things that you make and do and feel like I could never achieve this.  Some quite time crafting my own little things while trying to get through these difficult times ahead I think is what is required.

I will see you all in a couple of months.  Hopefully by then my little studio will be well on it's way to being complete.
Have a happy summer,
Rosie xx

12 comments:

  1. Firstly, what a beautiful little outing, that island looks stunning! And secondly, I understand about the other stuff! Your health and that of your sons is very important, get the R and R that you need I order to manage what comes your way! Oh and don't worry about the crafting stuff, I'm not brill at anything, it's just the creating bit that's important, improvement I'm told comes, I've been waiting a while now ;)
    Take care Rosie, keep strong, it will work out ok :) xxx

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  2. This looks like such a nice outing, I would love to visit there someday. And Molly is such a pretty dog. I'm sorry you're having some trouble right now and I understand needing to take a break. I'll miss your blog, though, and I will be awaiting your return, whenever you're ready. :)

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  3. What beautiful ruins. If only they were just a boat ride away in New Zealand.
    It sound like a good idea to take some time to focus on getting you family's health back in balance. Hopefully the creative,crafty itching will come back in due time. I look forward to your return to blog land.

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  4. Looks idyllic. I love old buildings and seeing the sun shine burst through the window is spectacular. What a great photo. Ireland is one of the places on my places to visit list. I saw a television programme years ago about holidaying on a river boat and its still one of my dreams. Keep strong, family comes first. I understand I've had health difficulties myself and you must do what is best for you. Take care. Xx

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  5. A beautiful little island Rosie, thank you for sharing your pictures. I'm so sorry you are having health issues, please take good care of yourself and your family. I sometimes think we are our own worst critics, I love your blog and so enjoy reading your posts. Please return when you feel up to it. Take care.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  6. I hope the crafty therapy helps you through...we only show our best bits. Take care and looking forward to seeing your caravan transformed. EE xx

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  7. I will miss your blog, but hope to see you again soon. You live in such a beautiful place. It looks so clean and unhemmed in by people. Hope you and your family are soon all feeling well. Ginny

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  8. What a wonderful place. Good luck with your health issues. Unfortunately most medication has some side effects and they don't always make these clear. xx

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  9. I wish you only the best in overcoming your health issues and those of your son. Don't give up your crafts everyone feels like this at different stages but your crafts are for you, it gives you joy and contentment and that's all that matters..good bless.

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  10. I missed this post, and now I have so much to say. That that looks like a wonderful place for a picnic. That I am so sorry you and your son are dealing with health issues just now. And that you honestly - and I'm qualified to say this because I'm the proud owner of my little Rosie made flower brooch - have absolutely nothing to feel inferior about. Don't stay away too long, you'll be missed :)

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  11. Just read this. What a lovely post about a lovely trip. I fully understand that bit of feeling overwhelmed and needing some time of quiet crafting.
    Am very sorry to hear about your and your son's health problems, and wish you and your family all the best.

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  12. ~ what a magical adventure, you all had! I wish you well and your 'wee' boy too! Take time to be....for a little while any ways.....We will all be here again for you! Hugs Maria x

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I adore to see a comment popping up. If you have the time, please do leave a few words. I try my best to reply to all the comments that I get.
Rosie xx

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