A Note about Irish Weather

No, this is not going to be a post about the many grades of rain (who knew there were so many?!) or the lack of a summer in Ireland. It is, in fact, going to be a glowing review of Irish weather so far. Sure, February wasn't pretty at all. We know now to plan a vacation to someplace warm next February. We didn't have 10 feet of snow. We hardly had any ice at all this winter. The spring was not bad either. We had sunny patches between the rain and it was never that cold. Much like spring in New England. The summer, however, has been a completely different story. We have had day after day of nice warm, sunny weather. I have a tan. Our windows have been open for months. We've picnicked, played tennis and tag, walked for miles on the beach, and even busted out the summer clothes. We have been so lucky with this weather. I'm almost afraid to write about it and break the streak.

I took a long walk to the beach this morning and was amazed by the effects of all this sun (mixed with the inevitable bit of rain). Walking through the city I gawked through iron gates at the unbelievable gardens with giant roses (Alicia, even you would love these things), calla lilies, flowering bushes and trees, poppies, and greenery. When I got the beach, I walked the trail along the shore and passed clouds of wild flowers. So much color everywhere I turn!

For good measure, here is a shot of my little balcony garden. I've managed to keep geraniums, and dahlias alive. I'm also growing herbs and tomatoes.