Retreat!

Well, I'm in Northern Ireland, so I am. A long weekend with friends found, made and kept through UK Scrappers; we have a lot to be thankful for. Crafting was the point of our pursuits, so it was. And of course, you'll note from the distinct and unusual lack of photographs for today's post that well, so far we've done some chatting, and very little craft work. Of course, Northern Ireland has for years been synonymous with 'the Troubles' (capital T) and lots of you would avoid it. Really, don't. Since the outbreak of 'Peace' (capital P) this fabulous country has opened, formed a bud and started to bloom. Everywhere is not very very from somewhere, the coast is truly a sight for sore eyes, the fresh air and space is, well, therapy, so it is. The hospitality is legendary, for a reason. Do you know, last night we went to Lisburn for Thai food. (OK, but the National dish will feature later..) There were other people in the restaurant of course, and it was Danny's birthday. And do you know what, his family shared his birthday cake with everyone, strangers to the last. I was incredibly touched by that inclusiveness. And when owner, Robert, brought us our bill and sweeties, he uttered the immortal words: 'don't hurry away, we're here for you' - even though we were the last people there and clearly the staff would cheerfully have cleared up and gone home. I was staggered, so I was.

You may like to know that this morning, we're over the path to the apple store to explain to each other the basics of the projects we planned to do. The sun is shining, splitting the pavement, so it is. There's the promise of an Ulster Fry for brunch. And I have to do the Bristol Fly today. I will miss this, so I will.

Normal service, terrible photography and all, will resume. So it will.