Released ...

... into the wild. Me that is, the frog was already there.

Yesterday was my birthday and in all the excitement I didn't really take any pix but I did have a very nice day. It actually started on friday evening when the Kiwis, Joe and Esme, phoned home. They were both in their jimjams, Esme dancing, painting and reading, mostly all at once. Next day nice catch ups with Will and my brother, then in the evening Finola and Robert and TJ and Roger came for a sumptuous supper -  Himself made pizzas (the pear and gorgonzola was rather magnificent), Finola brought one of Budd's death by chocolate cakes (gluten free so it was good for us) and we finished off with Roger's florentines! 
There was amusement over presents for Himself and TJ , knowing me well, had bought the same book Thirty Two Words for Field: Lost words in the Irish landscape. It has literally only just come out, (Himself was alerted to the fact about 3 days ago), and TJ couldn't believe I knew about it being in splendid isolation. Finola looked on with envy, and having missed her birthday in June, it looked only right to share! All happy. It looks a fascinating book and you will be hearing extracts in due course.
Quarantine now done, we ventured out for a quick walk this afternoon, down to the lake at Farranamanagh, then up and over. It's a wonderful walk up on the cliffs, past some ruined buildings and yes, even past a holy well. Today I was thrilled to see this one included a frog. Now you may remember that many holy wells contain blessed fish and should you see one it is considered extremely good fortune. In County Cork 6 wells have the distinction of containing a blessed frog, similarly thrilling should you see it. This is not one of them but I reckon this was a very hopeful portent - if ever needed, it is now!