A bridge with a view

Bright and frosty morning, I attempted another sortie to the lake. I think I was a bit confusing in my description, the view was out to the sea and the wall of pebbles is a spit that divides the sea from the lake. Anyway, it was still cold but the wind was not quite so fierce though the lake was frozen. This view looks into the lake and the clapper bridge marks the spot where the fresh water runs into the sea. It is a gorgeous windswept place with amazing views in every direction. There used to be a castle somewhere at the lake edge but we've never been able to spot it. A few hundred metres away up on the mountain is the remains of a bardic centre - a future blip! This was apparently once famous around the world and young men came to learn to be bards/poets. Training was harsh - you were put in a small, dark room and not allowed to come out till you had your poem! Anyway, the story goes that the King of Spain sent two princes to learn the subtleties of bardism but sadly drowned in the lake. In true Irish manner, they were turned into swans and are said to still inhabit the lake. it is true, there are always at least two swans here. Today there were seven.

We then a had a very productive couple of hours in the garden. Gerry, our neighbour, cut down the tops of several big ash trees, chainsawed them into logs and offered them to us. Himself to'd and fro'd with several barrowloads. I repotted my fig tree then started the large job of clearing around the big pond. It was lovely. I was followed around by a couple of robins and three cats. Now we've worn ourselves out.

Season 2 of True Blood has arrived - I don't think we can put it off any longer!