Cloncaw's Journal

Pots for Spring Colour.

In need of a tidy up

Back in November I bought packets of bulbs from the €2 shop and bags of compost to plant them up, this job was always put on the long finger then the weather changed everything was put on hold. Bags of compost frozen solid little did I know it would last for 5weeks, yesterday I checked the compost which seemed to have defrosted so this morning even though it was raining I headed to the tunnel. Couldn't believe that the centre of the bag still had frozen compost but now all the bulbs are planted in pots on the tunnel shelving. Pots of Quail narcissi, mixed botanical crocus, blue and yellow crocus, Glory of the snow, mixed iris and blue iris now it's fingers crossed they'll flower and be placed into gaps to provide spring colour. Most of the pots of plants in the tunnel appear to have survived the freeze along with seedlings of hollyhocks etc. the one's I'm not so sure of are the echiums given to me by Jacinta only time will tell.

Surviour

Wallflower

In the planter by the back door the cyclamen have turned to mush the violas are a bit sad looking as is the varigated perwinkle but this little wallflower is starting to show it's colours. With the rise in temperatures with luck spring bulbs and other plants will begin to peep up.

Christmas Day Sunset.

Christmas Day Sunset.

Captured this yesterday afternoon while setting up for Christmas dinner, hope this is the last snow photo of this this year and in 2011. As all my children are grown up the house is quiet on Christmas morning which is a real contrast to when they were little. Now after dinner everyone opens presents relaxing in front of a great fire with tales being told of Christmas past and childhood memories. Later the two younger boys headed off to the friends and then onto the disco so the house is very quiet today. Am going to do a bit of indoor gardening as I was given an Amaryillis and Paper White Narcissi as gifts and then going to have a quick look at a set of DVD'd that Kate gave me on the Victorian Garden Series look interesting. Hope everyone had a great day with family and friends and that the thaw continues.

Christmas Eve Sunrise

Christmas Eve Sunrise

With the snow retreating now the thaw is here as predicted this will be the last one of the snow the sun gives the impression it was quite warm but temperature didn't get above -7c through the daytime and fell rapidly to -11c at 7pm. Fingers crossed the weather is going to improve.

Tinged Pink

Drumbannagher Fort tinged pink by the setting sun.

Today was a fabulous day with the sun shining causing the hoare frost to plummet off the trees was -16c at 8:30am and although in the sun it seemed quite warm by lunch time the temperature had only risen to -8c with it dropping to -10c by 4:30pm so it's going to be another very cold night.

Christmas Decorations

Mini Christmas Tree

Have been trying to get motivated to get the Christmas decorations done. This year we had decided to only have one tree instead of two normally we get them around 8-9 ft tall, Rosemary offered to buy ours when she was getting hers but I was dismayed when she arrived home with a 5ft tree as there were no bigger ones. It looked really lost but it was a case of make do and it doesn't look so bad now it's up on a table and now most of the garlands are done, need to put on the snow gear to go out and put lights on the conifer tree tomorrow and then it's brave the roads to get supplies in and try to find a bit more Christmas spirit.

Double Vision

Double Vision

Captured this moon shot on my way back from Kate's put up a few more photos in the Snow is Falling album.

Winter Solstice Moon

Winter Solstice Moon

Had to go out to visit my friend Kate this evening after 5pm in Caledon on leaving the house there was the moon over the hill in front of our house so back in to get the camera. This photo was taken with lighting from the car the temperature was reading -12c with road conditions were pretty grim but luckily I managed the journey with no mishaps.

Winter Solstice Sunset

Winter Solstice Sunset

Today the fog lingered most of the day and then for a split second there in the cold sky was a very cold looking sun which quickly disappeared before it could be captured. The same happened before I could capture Drumbanagher hill bathed in pink but a sunset made an appearance in the very cold sky. Temperature didn't rise above -8c and quickly dropped to -12c after 5pm.

Christmas Wishes

The Old Railway Station Glaslough

The Old Railway Station Glaslough December 7th 2010

To All Garden Friends Wishing You All a Very Happy Christmas a Prosperous New Year & Successful Gardening in 2011.

From Johnny, Geraldine & All The Bellew Clan at Cloncaw.

Thank you so much for all the plants, seeds that have found their way to Cloncaw in 2010 for the friendships formed that will continue to grow in the coming years.

Cold Moon

Moon in a very cold sky.

The freezing fog has barely lifted for the last two days no further snow but everywhere is pure white from the frost am wondering how many plants will die as a result of this prolonged freeze. Have spent the last two days working on Christmas decorations and housework as no work due to people not travelling. This evening had to go down to the flat as the heating had gone off due to a lack of oil and it wouldn't come back on although it is now working thanks to Seamus. On the way back from the yard I decided to collect the camera and try to photograph the moon this was before seeing Martin's comment.  Doesn't really show up that well the halo that was around it but then I'm not looking for a prize.

Moon Shot

Moon Rising

Saturday afternoon the moon rising

Clouds

Fantastic Sky

Absolutely nothing happening here the garden or for that matter outside in the stables on Saturday afternoon the moon was rising the clouds were pink and it looked fabulous. So as Martin brought up shots of the moon thought I'd start with this one of the clouds have posted up more photos in Snow falling.

Snow is Falling All Around

Snow is Falling.

Yesterday saw the return of freezing cold weather again with skiffs of snow late afternoon, ground frozen solid again early evening then at 9pm as I finished teaching it started snowing within minutes everywhere was white. This morning it didn't look much different around 5cm of snow but then at 9:30 it started again has been snowing on and off since then. It's beautiful to look out at but very depressing as once again my business will feel the effects of people not being able to travel and overheads don't stop because of the weather. Then I think of Deborah's Croatia journal and realise that in comparision to circumstances there I shouldn't be complaining.

Green Green Grass of Home

Green Green Grass of Home

Thaw well underway although there are some still some patches in places fingers crossed it continues.

Tales from Castle Leslie for Dick

I originally moved here to work for the Leslies as my employer was involved in the Equestrian centre when it started in the early 70's. I got married here and we had our reception in the Billard room which we painted for the occasion, one day Johnny was called up to Sir Jack's room and he was laid out in bed and he informed Johnny that the room should be painted custard colour even produced a bowl of it to make sure he knew the right colour. Johnny told him it was white as had been agreed with Desmond and that we would just move our reception to the Pillar House hotel outside the gates. He shot upright in the bed and then agreed to it being white. Have to say it was a fantastic summers day even if leading up to it was stressful the day before was torrential rain and water was coming through the glass dome. At that time in 1977 he always seemed very frail and reserved only came back in the summer for about 2 months he has certain changed.

Wintery Scene

Wintery scene

Another cold day trees once again covered in hoare frost hard to know if thaw will start here although -2 here this morning. The sun has just risen out of the clouds which are moving southwards to my east sky much bluer on the west really do hope that this weather changes for the better although the forecast seems to have it improve and then freeze again. Long to see this view not as a Christmas card scene. 

New Moon and Sunset

New Moon Rising and Sunset

Oh so cold there is no sign of a thaw here was -9.3 at 10am -5.8 at midday although the sun was out with a brilliant blue sky but bitterly cold. Sun started dropping early with mist rising, roads are very bad in a lot of places once again no riding as people won't travel and due to the freezing fog appearing. Not a great sunset initally this evening too much cloud but a short while later the sky had changed, fog rising and a new moon high in the sky.

Magical Light.

Magical mist and sun light

Early afternoon there was a mist rising off the snowy fields was fairytale like and the sinking sun created a pink glow is already very cold - 8c here and earlier this morning was -13c it's going to be another very cold night all lessons cancelled due to bad roads and people being sick. Hope this thaw comes sooner rather than later.

Out and About in Snowy Glaslough

Like in a fairy tale- the old railway station

After leaving Drumbannagher the light was beautiful trees tinged pink by the setting sun. Posted up an album with shots of the Station house the old railway station and some views as well of the setting sun behind Cloncaw house. Hope you enjoy the album.

Trip to Drumbannagher Fort

Lit by the setting sun

Decided this afternoon there was no way I was going to stay in so off I set armed with my camera to climb up Drumbannagher hill, accessed it by a different entrance. It's well I grew up on a farm as a herd of hungary and inquistive cattle charged down to see if I had any food for them. On into the next field and continued up the hill went to enter but I got a sinking feeling and after Martin asking did it have a moat I decided this was not a good idea. Further on I found an entrance with footprints in the snow so reckoned it was safe enough. The views over the countryside were spectacular as the sun was sinking in the sky. It was well worth the climb up it's unbelievable that I've lived here for over 30 years and never been up to investigate. Have put up an album which I hope you enjoy.

History Drumbannagher Hill for Martin

Drumbannagher Fort.

Started off to walk up to the top but decided this wasn't a sensible idea, in this photo it is possible to see the raised moat, trees are a mix of conifers ash and oak from what I can see, definitely will go and explore ridiculous to have lived here for over 30 years and never explored it. Copied following details from the web.

This hill outside Glaslough in County Monaghan was the site of a Viking Fort in the 10th century. Here the invaders staged attacks on Old Donagh Church. A significant strategic area for battle, Drumbanagher Hill is most widely remembered as the site of the first battle of the war between James II and William III of England in 1688, the outcome of which would change life in Ireland forever.
The Battle at Drumbanagher Hill in 1688 was waged by John Mc Kenna, a member of the powerful McKenna clan. In fact, when McKenna and his Catholic army were defeated here by Anketell and the Protestants, it signaled the end of the McKenna power in the Glaslough and Emyvale region. McKenna was beheaded during the battle, and his severed head was taken to his wife at their home in Monmurray. It is said that the McKenna fortune was deposited into the lake at Monmurray just prior to the battle, and pieces still wash up occasionally. Some of them can be seen at the National Museum in Dublin, kept under the label "Dawson Collection".
The scope of the war then widened, and had a monumental impact on Catholics after it ended in 1691 with William III emerging as the victor at Aughrim, Galway. The Penal Laws of 1695 were enacted, forbidding Catholics from bearing arms, and restricting their rights to education and the free practise of their religion. The Penal Laws also placed limits on the amount of property and possessions they were permitted to own. For example, owning a horse worth more than 5 pounds was unlawful.

Drumbannagher Fort for Martin

Drumbannagher Fort

This fort is on the hill opposite our farm have posted up photos of it before but today it was magical.

Lights of the Village

Night View to the Village

After I arrived back from Monaghan noticed how beautiful the light was over Glaslough village.

Snowy Conifer

Outdoor Christmas Tree

This conifer will be lit up for Christmas wonder will it be dusted with snow or frost.

Oh No Here We Go Again.

Here We Go Again

Was already white outside due to the hoare frost light was quite ominous this morning and there was a breeze, had a feeling there was a change on the way from being really cold to snow. Having lunch when Caroline thought she could see snow - Johnny told her she was dreaming but no she was right very fine dust falling which was followed by large flakes has eased off but getting heavier again by the look of it. Another bird just hit the window it happens a lot as there are so many windows in the house the birds must think they can go straight through. Have to go to Monaghan best get moving before it gets much worse, likely to have no lesson tonight as already two people have cancelled - oh the joys of life.

Here Come The Ducks.

Here Come The Ducks.

Yesterday evening there were only 8 ducks when Rosemary went to feed them due to the freeze they have been keeping a low profile so decided to feed them early as I could only find 2 this morning. Connie and I set off with some barley in search of the ducks and found 11 of the 14. I'm hoping that as they've been flying off they haven't ended up as someone's or somethings dinner.  Have posted up some photos of the ducks up close really amusing watching their antics eating.

Cold Beauty

Spider's Lace

Outside is a spectacular winter wonderland with plants totally changed by the frost and hanging cobwebs everywhere, but it feels like there is a change in the air was -4c at 8am this morning and everything is pure white from last nights freezing fog. There is a bit of a breeze this morning, on the weather last night it was giving more snow for the north and north west and I wouldn't be at all surprised if we got more snow. Took a few more photos of plants and views this morning just couldn't resist as it is so beautiful although I'm fed up of this weather as it's looking like another week few people riding.

Another Fabulous Sunset

Another Fabulous Sunset

Another fabulous sunset this evening after a really beautiful day, have been indoors all day except going out to the chemist to get something to clear up the flu that I have caught. Once again the sunset scene was captured, temperature really only got to 1c today here and was down to 0 c early afternoon so another cold night in store. Listening to the radio driving conditions round the country sound treacherous with ice being a real danger. David our 2nd son is in the Army based in Cathal Brugha he was somewhere in Wicklow clearing snow by shovel had no idea where he was, must have been beautiful but I'm sure he wasn't enjoying the view I reckon they should have been involved much earlier to keep the country moving and helping those trapped by the snowfalls.

Flying By

Flying By

Braved outdoors to capture the sunset just before 4pm and heard this flock of swans flying by heading NW. We've had swans on our pond before but it's totally frozen so no chance of them dropping in here.

Glowing in the Sunlight.

Glowing in the sunlight.

No freezing fog today but everything is covered in hoare frost. The temperature was at -5.5c when Caroline came to work just before 10am so dread to think what it was last night. There is so much beauty about in this weather that it becomes a love hate relationship, certainly we got off light here with the snow but have more or less been carrying water to horses and cattle since last weekend, it's no fun but would be much worse if trapped out in the country due to the horrendous road conditions.

What a Wonderful Sunset

What a Sunset.

Today started very cold and foggy however just after 12:00 the sun got through and it was a beautiful if cold afternoon didn't seem to get above 0C. At 3pm the sunstarted to sink and rising from the snow floated a mist was magical looking. Have posted up photos of the sunset the glow highlighted plants etc in the garden. The temperature dropped to -2 by 4:30 pm and freezing fog was all around by 5:00pm with temperatures dropping to -5 by 7:00pm going to be another very cold night so think the snow will be around here for a while longer although the main roads are more or less fine. Wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Where Are The Trees?

Where Are The Trees?

This is the view to the east towards the cottage and the trees.

Sun Trying To Come Out

Oh so cold

This morning everything is shrouded in fog not as cold though, skies look clear to the west and touched with blue. Sun is now out but still very foggy. Off to work now for those prepared to brave the weather hope conditions have improved down the country.

Sunset December 1st

Sunset December 1st

Funny sort of afternoon colds sun disappearing and then brilliant sun and pink sky and clouds. Decided to drive up to the top of the farm and have posted up photos of the views over the countryside the views are fantastic was worth driving up.

On The March

On the March

This afternoon the sky became very dark and the sun disappeared decided to try some photos the clouds and sky at 2:30pm think the impending snow must have moved on down the country. Captured this shot of the ducks on the march across the frozen pond, two in front seemed to be the leaders initally way ahead of the others it looks a bit like an army on the march, they all stopped and ended up huddling down on the ice, sun back out now so they are sitting in the sun on the ice. Imagine their feet must be really cold must remind Johnny to feed them.