Hello there Beastie friends! I hope you’re all staying safe and keeping well in these strange times. I thought I’d do something a little different today, and share a behind-the-scenes story… My Christmas in the countryside!
I usually head north of the border to spend the festive season with my family in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, Coronavirus laughed in the face of my holiday plans. But luckily, Boyfriend’s family stepped in and “adopted” me for a couple of days, and Christmas Eve saw us both scooting westwards on the train to the peace and quiet of County Roscommon.
It was so nice to leave the city behind for a couple of days, and I made sure to head out for a walk every day to enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside! Care to join me?
Now, we are in Ireland here, so it rained A LOT. Can you tell?
And while some shadowy thickets retained a feeling of chilly mystery when the clouds parted…
… In some places the winter sun broke through the trees and made the empty fields glow.
Gotta love those quiet roads and wide open skies.
And there are wonders right at your feet in the undergrowth, too.
These alien-looking marvels are fungi called earthstars. They pop up in the same place every year, so I always make sure to check in on them when I’m in the neighbourhood.
Then as the sun slipped below the horizon, I headed for home… Just as the moon started to rise over the fields.
But where was Explorer Beastie while all this was going on? Ummm…
Well, I suppose the holidays are a time to rest up and recharge your batteries.
So, did the pandemic throw a spanner in the works of your usual end-of-year activities? And did you end up doing something different but equally fun? Be sure to tell us all about it in the comments!
Aww…he looks so cozy! And how embarrassing that his bedroom is cleaner than mine. Those fungi are fascinating. Although, I’d be tempted to call them Boobie Mushrooms. I guess Earthstar is a bit more family-friendly ; ) Looks like a lovely time. We made no plans, so no plans were ruined.
Ha! Making no plans seems to be the way to go at the moment – very foresighted of you. And aren’t the earthstars cool? They remind me of the eggs from the “Alien” movies… I like to think that someone involved in the set design might have clapped eyes on these at some point and been inspired. I also think a psychiatrist might have a field day with our two differing perspectives, what do you reckon? 😂 Cheers for popping in, Tammie!
I imagine so. Although in defense of my dirty mind, I’m not seeing them in person. Maybe in real life, alien spawn would be the first thing that came to mind. Just be careful about posting those on Instagram…you never know about their censors’ sensitivity levels. 😂
Ha! Noted! I think I got away with putting that picture up in my stories a while back, so they can’t be looking too closely 😉
Huge smile! Explorer Beastie in bed – so cute! Glad your boyfriend’s family adopted you and you were able to get away for the holidays a bit – wonderful photos! I think I had a miniature holiday just looking at the photos – quiet roads and open skies sound (and look) exquistite!
Thanks, Tierney! Like many of us, Explorer Beastie is experimenting with hibernation at the minute… I think he’s quite enjoying it 😁 As for those roads less travelled – they have to be one of my favourite places on earth. Hopefully the pictures will tide you over until you get to take your Irish vacation! Thanks for stopping by 😊
You’ve got some nice pictures there, Christmas was kinda ordinary but it was fairly quiet too. Make sure there’s a mince pie waiting for explorer beastie when he wakes up 🙂
Hahaha! He’s slept too long and I’ve eaten them all 🤣 Glad you managed a nice quiet Christmas chez Simon, and thanks for wandering with us! 😊
Always a pleasure to wander with you… Your didn’t leave him even one?
I didn’t think he’d want any. He’d already had a piece of Christmas pudding the size of his head 🤣
That’ll keep him going I think! lol
Thanks for showing us your spectacular photographs of the countryside.
Explorer Beastie has a very nice blanket — maybe that’s why he decided to rather snuggle up when you went walking.
Thank you, Mariss! It was such a beautiful sunny afternoon (for this time of year!) that I couldn’t help taking pictures. As for Explorer Beastie, I reckon we’d all follow his example and spend more time snuggled up in bed this winter if we thought we could get away with it 😂 Thanks for dropping by!
We always stay home for Christmas, so things were much the same as usual. However, we ventured as far a a local beach and Daisy found a seal pup – now that is a Christmas first.
I’d say so! Was it injured? Or just enjoying Christmas day on the beach?
It seemed perfectly healthy. Apparently their mums leave them on the beach whilst they go fishing, then come back and feed and collect them later. The advice is to leave them well alone, which we did. Daisy was not sure what it was, so happily maintained her social distancing!
Haha! That’s a good arrangement for everyone then. It must be a nice quiet beach – perfect for festive wanderings.
Beauteous. The Irish countryside really is as verdant as I imagine! And the way you’ve written about your time there brings out the magic of the places (those earthstars). I’m glad to hear that your holiday revision lead to a break from the city and this beautiful hiking. I love a glowy winter field, and there’s nothing quite like a daytime moon, too. Hope your holiday with the bf’s fam was restful and rejuvenating — it sure looks to have been!
Thanks, Shirley… It was a really lovely break, and MAN did we eat well over those couple of days! I was even amazed at how green everything was myself, but I reckon all that rain helps 🤣 Thanks for strolling with us!