Watercolor Landscape

While I was in Ireland I tried painting again. I stood at the window and painted the landscape. It has been a long time, my friends, since I have painted.

Landscape

This is a quilted landscape. Of course it isn't finished, that is my trademark.

Allens

This Burka / Whalen family is a busy lot. Work, school, adventures, and sports. We are such an interesting bunch. I have been researching our ancestors and they were also a busy group. I have been concentrating on the Allen side this summer. This side of the family came to America in it's early years. To date, I have charted seven men who fought in the Revolutionary War. They were from the Virginia, Georgia, NC, and SC colonies. Captians down to wagoneers and privates. These men were given land in the Tennessee area as reward for service. The settlers in the area welcomed them and together they fought the Indians and settled the land. Many became active in starting churches and politics while they farmed their land.
More later
Your Wild Irish Rose Reporter

ps.... Andrew's picture was for another post which disappeared into blog world....only his picture remained and refused to be removed...so there he is, the man of the moment in the Burka / Whalen story

Third Place

This is my third place photo. Paul and I hiked on the Cumberland Plataue last fall and climbed 200 steps down a ravine. Looking back up the stone steps, I saw this fantastic shot.

Award Winning Photos

Oh yes, went to the Fair and entered photos one more time and Bingo!, won three awards. Actually they are just ribbons. but hey, they are mine, don't ya know.

This photo taken in Ireland, took second place in it's catagory, waterscape.







The Cliffs of Moher got an Honorable Mention Ribbon

I will go now

I will arise and go now, for always
night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low
sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on
the pavement grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

w.b.yeats

May you have warm words on a cold evening
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.

The view outside my bedroom will change

I've made new friends

I've seen many sights...

The Burren

Yesterday I headed back to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. I walked with Miss Tennessee 1999-2000. She was beautiful and lively. She lives in Nashville and her traveling companion lives in Franklin. She pointed out that her jacket said Miss Tennessee, Sr. but I told her that I had not noticed the Sr. part. She dubbed me Miss Knoxville for the rest of the tour. A young woman that lives in London, but was from Japan sat with me for the tour. She was there with her employer, an older gentle man and his handicapped friend. I believe she was their companion, she helped them with lunch, walking and tickets. We discussed Japan's candy, greetings and her teenage sons.
This morning I once again had breakfast with Ann. This was her last day here and she was on her way home. She lives on the edge of Galway Bay. She plans to walk six miles along the shore when she gets home and then to prepare evacuation beds for her family. Galway Bay is expecting the highest tide ever on Friday. Her Sister's home, just down the road, will probably be underwater. Ann's home is somewhere in this picture of Galway Bay.
We spent out last breakfast discussing flowers, US politics, and exercise. She was an instant friend, and I shall miss her. We plan to write.

Murphy

Cork is full of Murphys.....look and see

More of Cork

Cork City Streets

More of lovely Cork

Cork City

Cork City is the second largest city in Ireland. The streets are built on hills and around canals that have been filled in and made into streets. Many of the older streets are cobblestone. Cork is still an active port. Many Irishmen emigrated to Canada, Australia, and American from this port. It is estimated that two million left from Cork during the potato famine of 1848. Oh, it was grand. Their hurling team was playing that day so many of their supporters wore red.

Blarney

What a beautiful day in Ireland

Cork, Ireland

We had a lovely Sunday visiting Blarney Castle and Cork City. We toured with a couple from England, and a mother, daughter team that told off the driver in French. Next to Blarney Castle was a Druid ruin, and Blarney Mansion. The Blarney Stone is at the top of the Castle and it looks a long way down when you are hanging upside down. But , it was grand...

Out of my castle window

Blarney

On Sunday I kidnapped Ireland's International Computer Super Star and took him to Blarney Castle and Cork City, Blarney Castle and grounds were impressisve. Even though it was not needed, I kiss the Blarney Stone and was granted the gift of Gab. Blarney means to eloquently deceive without offending.

Hello?

"Limerick , Ireland calling, collect, will you accept the charges?"