VERDIGRIS
  • Blog Intro
  • Day by Day Blog
  • Website
  • Contact Jen
  • Sign up!
  • Blog Intro
  • Day by Day Blog
  • Website
  • Contact Jen
  • Sign up!

From purgatory to heaven.

8/17/2011

7 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
I lay in a chaise contemplating the large pink room  as it boast dimensions far greater than any room I have ever been in. Since arriving two days ago, I'm beginning to feel much differently. I had been grasping my kidney in the three hour ride from Dublin, just wishing I could have more medication for the pain. It was raining as we drove through the county limits of Sligo. The name seems to imply a dark, sinister place. We drove down an endless one lane road with moss growing down the middle of it. Soon, we came upon a massive manor house built sometime during the 1800's. In the dark, it seemed haunting, but the vista beyond it was unreal. Ruins of a castle built more than 1100 years ago and defended by Templar knights lay untouched by time. Only the vegetation and my children would seem to invade it today. I was pondering the idea of heading back to the states as my condition hadn't felt any better, but I could sense that if there was a place to heal, that this was it. The great ceilings in the home stand nearly 20 feet and the moldings within cannot be found elsewhere. Rodrick, it's owner, is a decedent of  Lord Perceval, the original baron of the land  from more than 1000 years ago. Little has changed since then.  More than 1000 acres dotted with sheep graze their lands,  while four dogs laze around the home waiting for scraps. In contrast to the larger mutts, the two working dogs tend to sheep proving who is really  in charge on this farm. Our room was more like an apartment within the home with more than enough room for a dancer to leap around the floor. Funny enough, Peter sits so close at the moment that I can scarcely move my elbow while I type this. Much like sweet dogs that roam this property, he has enjoyed Temple House fully. He has run it's many acres and explored the ruins. Both he and Kate have made errors in judgment by touching the stinging nettles. They have explored the lake surround in row boats and seem to never want to leave. The miracle and the charm of this place is that time truly stands still here. Chris has enjoyed running through the single lane roads in the early mornings startling the sheep and in turn being equally startled back by their loud bellows. Kate has enjoyed the four course meal sitting under the massive portraits while they watch her sit at the same table that they had dined on many years before. I have enjoyed the feeling of less pain.  The big house seems to have healed and given me a brighter outlook on the time to come in Ireland. I have enjoyed my camera even though it has been used far less than desired as I have had to take it slower than normal.  For those that are searching for the less touristed part of Ireland, this area satisfies. Sinister Sligo has proven itself quite the opposite. The town is lively, the people are warm, and the scenery near the ocean is wild and the farmland is breathtaking. I won't soon forget it here and it's worth a revisit someday. The sun is shining, not a typical guarantee while in Ireland. So off we go to see what's ahead.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
7 Comments
Kim
8/17/2011 07:40:56 am

I am so happy that you are feeling better love your words and also the pictures are great, it looks like everyone is having a great time be safe and be well.
Kim

Reply
Jane Schulten
8/17/2011 07:57:41 am

So glad things are turning around! Is that the "house" you are staying in? It looks so restful!

Reply
Joan Slater
8/17/2011 08:25:13 am

Stirs up lots of great memories. Truly captured in your photos. Look forward to more!

Reply
Daniela
8/17/2011 11:00:09 am

Jen, beautiful pictures! I want to go to Ireland. You captured so much beauty in all sorts of things!
You deserved heaven!

Reply
Kim
8/17/2011 11:52:02 am

You have gift with words and pictures

Reply
Gail Florio
8/17/2011 11:57:43 am

So glad to know that you are back in action. Absolutely loved the photos. Looking forward to following you on your journey. Love to all----Mom

Reply
pat scales link
8/18/2011 12:42:07 pm

So glad you're feeling better - would hate to see you miserable in Ireland. The pics are great! Keep them coming! Take a second look at the pic of Chris and the kids - look at Chris and Pete and their smiles. Boy! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!
And the best part ever? Gail is on FB:)Yea!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    July 2018
    June 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011

    RSS Feed