Building site clearance

The work on the building project along the shore in front of our house has finally begun. We woke early yesterday morning to the sound of chainsaws and a digger working on the site.
The pictures here are not in proper order but you will be able to see how our view of the lake has dramatically changed - we now have a panoramic view all the way along.

Robert then decided to cut away the two big trees at the front. They have been there a long time - probably way over 20 years so they had got out of hand and far too big. It's exciting to watch the progress now. Maybe the developer just wants to clear the site and put in foundations before his planning permission runs out. Time will tell.
They have also cleared the area down where the boats are tied up. There is an angling centre and 2 apartments planned for that area and 3 houses across the shore in our direction.
You'll not know the place when you get back.


Finally, a picture of the girls sitting in their new "Hello Kitty" chairs. Gareth, Kyra and twins are away in Portstewart for the Easter weekend staying in a B&B with Deborah and Dane. Jill & Nial are also up there with their caravan.

5 star accommodation at Rossclare

I have finally achieved my desire to keep hens again and also to house them in 5 star accommodation. Gareth made this coop a couple of weeks ago and just days ago my 4 hens moved into it. It is located just outside the sun room so it is easy to watch the goings on.
However, we may eventually move it further down the garden to a more sheltered spot.
The coop is of sturdy construction with a main compartment including some roosts and a nesting box which protrudes at the back. It has a hinged lid in order to access the eggs.
At the front there is a "runway" up to the entrance. My chicken book says horizontal struts are necessary across it to "give the hens more traction."
It was good to watch the hens' reaction to their new home and they were soon exploring all aspects of it.
We initially had four hens and then last night Robert was given three more to add to the flock.
Imagine my delight today, just before lunch, when I spotted my first egg! This had been produced by one of the newcomers as the others are not laying yet. She has obviously not discovered the dedicated nesting-box. Perhaps a signpost is required!

Sleepover at Nana's house!

Faith and Sophia stayed at our house from 5p.m. on Sunday to 5p.m. on Monday giving Gareth and Kyra a free evening to themselves - the first one they have had since the twins arrived.
In this one Faith is getting tired - time for a change of position or a new toy.
They look so grown up now when they have on their fancy clothes rather than babygro suits.
They're really cute now and sitting up unaided.
Sophia is always ready to pose for the camera. What about that runny nose?
Faith laid back as usual. She had to get in eye drops for an infection.
Not sure what is puzzling Sophia here.

Oberammergau.

We have returned from a wonderful holiday taking in the Oberammergau Passion Play and Austria. I have wanted to do this trip for a while and, as the play is performed only every 10 years, this was the year to go. The theatre itself has a capacity of 5,000 and the play is performed over 100 times from April to October. The actors, actresses and all others associated with the production have to either have been born in the town of Oberammergau itself or have lived there for at least 20 years. In some scenes there can be as many as 200 on stage at the one time!
The houses in Oberammergau are very ornate with many murals.
Houses everywhere in both the Bavaria area of Germany, and also Austria, are beautifully decorated with many window boxes and balconies displaying colourful flowers. It makes our own country look drab in comparison. They must spend a lot of time watering their flowers as the overhang of the roof extends out over them.

This was our second hotel - the Hotel Alte Post in the small town of Fieberbrunn in Austria. It was in the main street so the shops were convenient and there were lots of lovely walks around and along the nearby river.
Not far away, and also within walking distance, was the Fieberbrunn cable car. We went up to the first level where we had an icecream and sat in the sunshine to admire the view.
In the nearby village of St. Jacob there was a special celebration called the "almabtrieb" which is when the cows are brought down from the mountain pastures to the farm building for the winter. All the animals are decorated with colourful flowers on their heads. There were musicians and plenty of food and drink on offer. As you can see by the symbols, there is a religious connotation to this as well - I suppose you could liken it to our Harvest Festival in Autumn.
When we had the city tour of Salzsburg, we saw this stately mansion where some of the "Sound of Music" scenes were filmed.
The weather there was lovely with a lot of sunshine.
Unfortunately, when we returned home, it was cold, rainy and blustery. I think the summer short sleeves will have to go away until next year.

More babysitting!

Yesterday I was on my usual babysitting duties as Kyra had to go to get out a wisdom tooth.
She was on a waiting list for Altnagelvin Hospital but the tooth was giving her so much pain she was sent to a specialist dental clinic in Ballymena. She will have to go to Altnagelvin at a later date to get one out on the other side. Above, left to right, Sophia & Faith in very good humour.
Showing off the new outfits Aunty Jill bought for them. Faith in contemplative mood.
Sophia chatting away with arms straight out.
Dad found this thrush on the doorstep this morning. We're not sure what happened to it but it seemed to be stunned and its feathers ruffled up a bit. It sat on the back of the car for a while and then eventually flew off.

The Launch of Cygnet.

Today Fred launched his brand new yacht - Cygnet. it had been scheduled for Friday last but the weather was far too choppy. As it happens today is not good either but it had to go ahead anyway.
There were jobs for everyone as the yacht was gently lowered down the slipway and carefully manoeuvred along and round the jetty.
It was surprising that somebody didn't go in headfirst. The boat was not to touch the pier at all costs!
Once it was safely round, then the intricate job of rigging. It seems to take forever - especially if, like us, you are standing waiting in the cold wind and heavy showers.
It was getting well on to dark when the sails were finally raised and she sailed off towards the Yacht Club. Unfortunately the batteries in my camera were exhausted so I failed to get a photo of the yacht in full sail. Gareth does have one on his camera so I will post it when I get it.

The Glorious Twelfth!

We went to the Twelfth celebrations in Brookeborough today. Rita ,Ray, Robert and I travelled together. We parked on the Fivemiletown side of the village and walked back along the main road. We met lots of people to chat and then we made our way back to the car for a cup of tea.
Soon it was time for the parade to begin so we took our folding chairs out and found a good place to watch. Auntie Ollie came along so I took a photo and told her I was sending it to you.
Hope you enjoy these pictures.