A Weekend in Haren

Had such a lovely weekend with The Robinson’s and Mary in Haren. They spoiled me, it was so great to see them all, and I am so glad I was able to make the journey over to The Netherlands while still in Ireland and so close. The kids were so much fun, we played lots of different games, read many stories, baked cookies, and made pizza together, Toby and I had a game of “self frisbee,” as he called it at a park yesterday afternoon, we walked around and explored the town of Haren, saw a windmill or two, a few pairs of clogs, and many, many bikes. The visit was too quick, and I hope to see Sarah, Fergus, and the kids soon whether it’s in Canada or back in Haren. Not too many sleeps until I will pop down to Hove while I am in London to say hello to Mary before heading home.

I’m now on the plane headed back to the Cork, and cannot believe that this week is the beginning of the end. Week ELEVEN, I will be heading back across the pond in two weeks! Hannah and I were texting talking about it earlier this afternoon, we just have to stop thinking about it, and enjoy this week, and get organized for the final week of exams, packing and cleaning. This week is going to a be busy, with all of the events, but it’s a short week after having today off, so it’ll be grand. I am looking forward to being back in Kitchen 3 tomorrow, and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Slow Food Pop Up, and then a pint or two at The Blackbird. I managed to get my order of work done on the plane heading over to Amsterdam, so once I’m back on the farm it’s straight to bed for me.

Hoping the weather in Shanagarry and Ballycotton is good on the weekend so we can get out and see Shanagarry Strand gain, and perhaps The Ballycotton Cliff walk too. Pam is doing a cake demo Saturday afternoon, which I would really like to go to, but will wait and see how the week goes. Ireland is playing Wales, and although I’m not a big rugby fan, an afternoon at The Blackbird with a pint and a bag of O’Donnells might just be what I need.

"I began to realize how important it was to be an enthusiast in life. If you are interested in something, no matter what it is, go at it full sped ahead. Embrace it with both arms, hug it, love it, and above all become passionate about it. Lukewarm is no good. Hot is no good, either. White hot and passionate is the only way to be.” – Roald Dahl