"Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity." Sean O'Casey

Ah to be home in Ireland... Winter is now upon us, the temperature has dropped and grey skies close in. The rain has set in for today, although it has been surprisingly warm and dry for this time of the year.
It was Halloween which marks the end of the Celtic year and the start of a new one, or at least it did in the Pagan days of old.
Only back here a couple of weeks we have had the arrival of our shipping consignment from New Zealand and Esther's bike arrived from Canada.. This is very important as we can start to plans some biking trips. The purchase of another vehicle will give us some level of freedom, I say another as we have yet to sell the car that's at Jim's place over in Campbell River, BC.. Could this be a sign that we may return there and settle before we get comfortable here!! Um, maybe not as there is still lots of biking I want to do here first. Here also includes the UK and Europe of course.
As with all Irish people I will settle on the remarking about the weather or more the change in season for just a moment. It's not only a topic of conversation, but a past-time which they seem to take very seriously..
I love the Autumn, should it be here in Ireland, New Zealand or on the USA's east coast with all the other 'leaf peepers' who come from miles around to see the spectacular change of colour. It's that time of the year when nature truly comes to life for me, signalling the end of the warmer weather and to prepare for the cold months ahead. It's the most colourful as well, for even though summer is green and lush, Autumn is golden and yellow with shades of red and brown. If nothing else we have the spring and summer to look forward to, or is the jumping the gun a bit, after all it is only the start of November..
But the weather aside there are some big decisions to be made now. Like where to live and work for one.. Not sure if my initial decision of moving and living in Cork on the south coast is such a good idea, especially giving that the reason for coming home was to be closer to the family. Still, it's only Ireland and nowhere is really that far away.
There are indeed many beautiful places here on the Emerald Isle, and it's not surprising that over the years many have returned should that have been for work or pleasure. Despite talk of 'doom and gloom' about a recession and the lack of jobs, I can say that there does seem to be lots happening here, plenty of new cars and shopping centres full of punter willing to part with their hard earned cash. Restaurants and pubs over flow with thrifty spenders, so lets put a positive spins on thing and look forward to forging new opportunities, or business ventures as the case may be.