Saturday, May 09, 2009

Old Roads and New Life

We were talking some time back - it was probably last year - about old roads and how powerful they can be. I was referring in particular then to the Gearagh, an ancient post-glacial alluvial forest, flooded by a hydro-electric scheme, and how its old pathways can sometimes reappear in dry periods.

That's only a mile or so away, but I realised rather tardily this morning, as I went down through the orchard to see how the fruit blossom was doing (chilly for May as yet, they need a watchful eye, although I've never tried that country remedy of lighting little brush fires on frosty nights to protect their delicate petals), that I have entirely omitted to let you into a rather nice secret. Some people claim to have fairies at the bottom of their garden - Celtic Memory has an old road. Yes, a genuine stretch of old boreen, running right along the boundary. You cross the lawns, go under the rose arch, through the long grass of the orchard, and down to the fence. It's shadowy there, under the overhanging trees, but peek down about a 6' drop and what do you see?




That wall once bordered the busy little highway to Macroom. Donkeys pulling cartloads of turf, black-cloaked women taking butter to the market, herds of cattle and flocks of sheep, all made their way on the old route. The new, wider road, more suitable for fast cars and big trucks, is about forty or fifty feet beyond. The trees have grown up, and you would never know this little stretch of the old road was here unless you happened to come down into my orchard and look over the fence. Which you are very welcome to do if you are passing. I like to think that at night, if you go and stand very quietly in the orchard, leaning on an apple tree (their magic is just as powerful as that of rowan, and that's why they're planted in so many old hedgerows and boundaries), you just might hear the soft tapping of a donkey's neat hooves or the trudging of a tired woman of the roads with her heavy basket. Surely old roads must retain memories of all they have seen, all those who have passed by?


We're pretty rich in this particular corner with highways of former days in fact - across the main road, there's a stretch of another one to be seen - the route that branched off from mine and headed out across a valley, now hidden beneath a lake.




You could walk along this for half a mile or so, but after that you would need a wet suit and breathing apparatus as there is a fairly deep stretch of water between you and Macroom. Denis Murphy's farm is up to the left, and his sheep often gather down here at night or on warm summer days, enjoying the peaceful shade. Nice to have so many vestiges of the older, slower world still there to be found, if you take the trouble to look for them.



The primroses and violets are blooming all along these old ways now, undisturbed by traffic.




Out on the lakeshore, the gorse is in full bloom, and if it's a warm sunshiny day, you can get that delicious coconut scent from its flowers. (Did try to make gorse wine once or twice, but since you have to add grape concentrate, raisins, and dozens of other rich encouragements, you do wonder what part the gorse blossoms play in the preparation at all, if any. Maybe it's just the thought that counts.) Tufts of wool caught on the thorny branches tempt you to gather pocketsful and take them home to spin. When I was learning that craft, a long time ago in England's West Country, I was told very severely that this hedgerow fleece was no good at all and should not even be gathered. If it hadn't been cut directly from the sheep, then it wasn't worth using. Well, I was in fairly penurious circumstances at the time and my Irish heritage wouldn't let me leave such generous offerings unheeded (I'll even pick up dry branches laid on the road in front of me by the wood spirits, and say 'Thank you' for good measure.) I gathered lots and lots of the tufts I found on the Devon moors and it was just fine for spinning. Made several Christmas gift scarves with it. Just goes to show you can't believe everything you're told by the experts.

If you're quiet enough on these rambles, and stay in the shadow of the trees, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the residents going about their business.




Mr. Tod on his way to the fast food outlet at the local chicken run (or possibly Mrs. Tod going shopping, although this chap looks too resplendent to be an exhausted mother in springtime).




A treecreeper bringing food to its own young family


and out on the lake, a proud mama little grebe taking her firstborn for a nice swim in the sun.

DH was very excited about the fox and went off for the afternoon in the car to a spot by a grassy bank where he could park and sit very quietly with the big lens positioned at the window. He figured that where there was one, there could be more, and probably, in May, some babies as well.

He said it was a long afternoon, as he waited, afraid even to move an inch or change position, but in the end it was worth it.



Two curious little fox cubs came out to regard the car gravely, wondering what this strange shiny monster might be.
It was a warm day, and after a while, the temptation to fall asleep was overwhelming, said DH. But that was all right, since everybody felt the same.





Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Celtic Memory was busy dyeing up some new yarns - both sockweight and a new blend, cashmere silk laceweight.



Left to right, we have merino/tencel in Apple Blossom, pure merino superwash in Bluebell Woods, and right down there in the shadows, cashmere/silk laceweight in Mermaid's Garden.

Dyeing them up and hanging them in the grove to dry doesn't take all that long - it's the listing on eBay that can take forever. Perhaps it's because we're right at the end of the possibility line for broadband here, and the connection isn't always as fast as it could be. These days, a project is always in hand so that a few rows can be put in while waiting for a page to refresh. Surprising how much you can get done that way. Next to me now as I type are a pair of tube socks (tube worked on the sock machine, tops, toes, and heels worked by hand) in bright red, plus the latest new excitement, the start of a cropped, heavily cabled little jacket top, with side and back slits, something after the style of Elsebeth Lavold's Ragna, in blue mousse merino.





Here you can see the first panel for the back, and the second in progress above it. They, and the panel for each front, will be joined after two pattern repeats to work to the armhole shaping and after that we'll see. Maybe an Elizabeth Zimmermann raglan decrease to bring the whole thing in to the neckline, including sleeves worked in the round up to the same point (might put a sleeve slit in too).

That mousse is quadrupled to bring it up to chunky weight - not in the mood for millions of stitches right now, want quick gratification.

Which way of thinking is of course because we've just finished Round Four of Sock Madness




Lucky Diamond, designed for Round 4 of Sock Madness by Melissa Goodale.

and although the design was delightful and the result very happy indeed, these fingers don't want to see tiny stitches and endless rounds for another while. Not in fierce competition anyway (you wouldn't believe how fast some of these speedsters knit, especially the Norwegians!)


UK Ravelry Day is on June 6 in Coventry and you wouldn't believe how difficult it is to arrange a quick there-and-back-in-a-day, which is the method of travel most favoured by Celtic Memory. To put it succintly, you can't. Having explored all the options, including camel train to Ulan Bator, onward donkey to Ladakh, flight to Gander and connecting flight to the Outer Hebrides, finally accepted the inevitable and made a long weekend of it. Still, people like Northernlace are genuinely making major multiple-stop trips to get there (Kirkwall to Inverness and onward, anyone?) so CM can hardly complain at having to use Aer Lingus, get in on Friday afternoon, and not leave until Sunday afternoon, since our national airline clearly doesn't believe anybody needs to travel to Birmingham on a Saturday. Added to which, they have the lowest weight allowance for cabin baggage of any short-haul airline I know (half that of Ryanair), which further adds to the load of Celtic grievance. Large raincoats with tons of poachers' pockets are clearly indicated, to assist the carefully-measured, regulation size rucksack, and never mind that it will be June.


Cold enough for May right now, though. The flowers are emerging, as are the young leaves, since they really can't leave it any longer, but they haven't got that vigorous spring in their step that we find when it's muggy warm and damp as it usually should be at this time of year. The clematis is spectacular though, and one particularly energetic plant in the back garden gives me joy every time I look at it. I had fully intended to trim this very tall tree in the hedge last winter but didn't get round to it (knitting or something), and when I saw how the clematis had used it, I was very glad I hadn't.






Can you see how it's climbed right up and thrown its sprays around the very top of the tree? Do you know what it reminds me of? That famous portrait of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) with diamonds in her hair. Let me see if I can find an image.



Yes, here's one. Well, I can see the comparison anyway. Always wanted a climber to create that effect on a dark tree, and now the clematis has done it for me. Thank you, clematis!


The lily of the valley, with their seductive scent, are blooming too, recalling memories of First Communions and confirmations when our veils were garlanded with the little perfumed bells. Picked a little bunch to keep on the desktop, to remind me that this is Maytime.


I hope the flowers are blooming for you too. Or if you are still shivering in winter, that they are nevertheless there, just underneath the ground, waiting to gladden your heart when warmer weather returns.

36 comments:

Jean said...

What a gorgeous post. I just love reading your blog first thing in the morning. It starts my day off right.

Unknown said...

Absolutely great pictures and a very inspiring post. Thanks for it and have a great weekend!

Angeluna said...

Richard got a photo of fox kits!!!! Fantastic. Never mind that you have a secret old road of your very own. You live a blessed life.

Me? I'm off this second to a Madeline Tosh trunk show down the road. Not so bad...but not the same.

Wudas said...

We are expecting the 80's today in the Central Valley of California. But I am delighted by my roses, petunias, and most especially my sweet peas. I love the scent of those sweet peas.

Suzy In Oklahoma said...

As usual ....... great pics and a beautiful post. Fox babies!!!
Wishing you continued blessings!

rho said...

great picture of the grebe - a friend carved one that is pretty close to that picture ;)

love the fox pictures

and the lily of the valley pics - I do love them - but they are my birth flower after all so maybe that is why :D

Unknown said...

Your blogs always ease my need for Ireland, at least a little bit. Thank you - and in what sort of tree is your wool drying?

LaurieM said...

Ah! Your lily of the valley is pink. In Canada, this flower is bright white with many more little bells. I wonder if they smell the same?

Your posts are always full of magic....

Ruth said...

I think you live in a magical part of the world.

EGunn said...

How beautiful! I would love to wander slowly down that old road, thinking on all the feet that have gone that way before. The fox cubs are so cute! Lovely pictures...thanks for sharing.

Stephanie said...

Beautifull post, lots to be amazed at. The foxes are amazing, congrats to your husband to be so patient, and thanks for sharing.
Beautifull yarn too ;-)

Else said...

The yarn is Fabel from Garnstudio. I`ve bought some in Tromsø and some is gotten from swaps. I love this yarn and it`s quite cheap too. No shop in Lilehammer sells it, so I can`t buy you some. I hope you can find a shop that sells it on your trip in Finnmark. By the way, most snow is gone now hubby tells, at least in my area. Still some in the muntains. I`m flying home tomorrow. Exam will be delivered then. Looking forward seeing your again. Nice if you could teach me the short-row heel.

iowagirl said...

Loved your post this morning. I, too, love to read your blog and enjoyed the walk down your old road this morning while drinking my coffee. Think I'll also pick some lily of the valley for my desk.

Madeline said...

I have to echo Ruth's comment: you do live in a magical part of the world! Spirits and fairies must exist there.
Your garden is lovely and must be extensive. I hope you have help with all the work.

pacalaga said...

I had to call my family in to see your DH's photos of the foxes. I just love seeing all your green, and your flowers, and your yarns hanging from the old trees.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jo. Like everyone else, I so enjoy reading your posts. You are able to call forth the memories of the old ways we long ago have forgotten to remember! Thank you for taking us on these journeys with you, complete with pictures. Looking at the lovely old trees and moss lined roads, they not only look magical—they have to be, don't they? Please thank your DH, too, for his patience so we could see the fox pups! (I'd forgotten how lovely the lily of the valley is—it's my birth flower!)

Melody

SueJ said...

Wonderful pictures, great reading!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely loved your post. Am still in a mystical mood after watching the movie "Photographing Fairies" a few days ago, courtesy of Youtube. Loved slipping into your delicious Irish world today and sharing your delight. Do notice the charming handknitted cardigans worn by the little girls in the above movie ... circa 1920.. and quite possibly handspun - I like to think. Adore the pink lily of the valley - here in Niagara Region, Ontario they are about to bloom within a week or so, alas not pink. Many thanks for your wonderful blog. Jayne

Windybrook Spinner said...

I've always wondered what gorse and primrose looked like after all the books I've read about your part of the world. I could have looked them up of course, but the stories are too good to put down for a little research like that and by the time the book is over I've forgotten. Many thanks! Beautiful flowers and delightful photos. I especially love the road at the bottom of your garden.

T said...

Oh how I long to visit your beautiful country - especially after reading your wonderful entry. The Lily of the Valley are blooming here in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and so are my Lilacs, Iris and Dogwood....I wish the spring would last longer as I love the freshness of it all.

Dreamin Diva said...

I love the posts you write on rural Ireland and they make we want very much to visit your part of the country again. Here on the south shore of Nova Scotia the magnolias are in bloom.

Heather said...

so green and beautiful!
thanks for posting those for me :0)
tell your hubby i love the old road picture!

Sallie said...

Another great post! Thank you for sharing your spring in Ireland with us. That photo of the fox kits is priceless. Sad to say, spring is just about over here in southeast Texas. Summer times highs have already started.

Anonymous said...

Thank you.

BTW, baby foxes are called kits (at least they are in the US).

Helen said...

Re: Ravelry Day. If you run out of baggage allowance, I'm sure we could arrange onward shipping :-)

Charity said...

Love all the yarn hanging to dry! Beautiful.

The jacket looks great - I can't wait to see it. :o)

Kate/Massachusetts said...

I LOVE your posts! What wonderful stories and pictures!

Roggey said...

How lovely to see these photos!

Heather said...

After this particular post, I almost packed my bags and headed over there! Breathtaking!

Anonymous said...

I grew up in SE Iowa, where we had Lily of the Valley around our house foundation. I used to love bringing in some flowers. Mom would put a few drops of food coloring in the vase, and we would get striped Lily of the Valley. Such fun!

janice said...

Absolutely gorgeous photos. Thank for a glimpse into your beautiful countryside.

Nancy Fletcher said...

I always love your posts -- I feel I've taken a quick rejuvenating trip to Ireland. Thanks!

NancyKnots

tmjackson said...

What a lovely post! Thank you so much, as usual, for a beautiful vacation at my desk while I read your blog.
Happy for you that you're still in springtime, too. Here there is heat, humidity, the beginning of the rainy season, and frogs.

Silver Phoenix said...

Those pictures are beautiful! I'd love to get a print of the top one, the wall along the road. Do you ever sell the pictures anywhere?

Tina said...

I just love your stories and your (DH’s) pictures. Thanks for taking me on those short trips to your country. There definitely is magic around! And with mentioning the gorse you even take me to my beloved Bretagne where I know the warm bright yellow flowers from - with their coconut scent (and I remember them with a hint of vanilla added). Great post to read and watch and dream on – perfect for my lunch break.

SunshineDreams said...

Oh, those beautiful baby foxes. And that beautiful yarn, hanging to dry.

Thanks again for another lovely post.