Special projects 2025

Dear Gentle Reader 

A while back I started this special project for a friend.  She needed some napkin ring holders in autumnal colours.  After days of searching (mostly YouTube), digging on the Internet I found a few patterns that inspired me to make these. Although I've met a few technique challenges along the way, I had to learn how to tat around the cabon/curtain ring, then how to make picots on the carbon ring - this wasn't easy because, holding a picot gauge against the ring can be a challenge itself. I nearly borrowed a few fingers from hubs for this.😜But as you can see, I've managed to do it on my own 😜😂😁. Then I had to embellish them with beads and leaves to make them even more special. I used my own mix called Frosty Autumn. 

and these.... Don't they look like leaves on a branch or leaves dancing in the wind? If they do, mission accomplished, because THAT was the idea 😜😁🍁🍂The leaves are Muskaan patterns from her collection Let's flourish, E25-Leaf Doodle nr 2, link here. These small leaves were tatted using Lizbeth heard size 20, 40 and 80. And just like that another idea was born. 

These are and inspiration from another pattern I love. Wanda Salmans at wandasknottythoughts has the most amazing little button Ornaments for one's Christmas tree, link here. Ornament nr 1 inspired me to steal a little bit of Ireland in those decorations; the limpet ring and the seaglass are from the beaches near to my home, I hope they'll bring smiles to their faces and they'll enjoy those ornaments as much as I enjoyed making them.

All the best

Happy Tatting

Annamaria

Rathescar Lake outing with my local photoclub 2025

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Co. Louth, Rathescar Lakeside Walk is a stunning nature preserve that beckons tourists with its serene landscapes and tranquil atmosphere. This scenic area features well-maintained walking paths that wind around the sparkling lakes, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, invigorating jogs, or a peaceful afternoon picnic. The gentle sounds of nature, coupled with the vibrant flora and fauna, create a captivating backdrop for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Each season offers a different charm, from vibrant wildflowers in spring to the rich hues of autumn leaves, ensuring that no visit is ever quite the same. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with various species residing in the habitat. As you walk, be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife that thrives in this natural setting. Families will appreciate the safe and welcoming environment, making it a great outing for children to explore and enjoy the outdoors. With no entry fee, Rathescar Lakeside Walk provides an affordable and enriching experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature without breaking the bank. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect spot for photography, Rathescar Lakeside Walk is a must-visit destination that showcases the natural beauty of Ireland. (according to evendo.com)

Every single word is true of what was said. The place is a real sanctuary for wildlife, occasionally surprising everyone with something. You'll find swans, ducks, moorhens, bugs and butterflies and plants for every season. It's the closest walk to my home so we often go out there for a walk.

The group also got 3 photo challenges and these are mine... Photo of a Swan or Duck, macro, and part of the lake....

Silent Valley Reservoir, an outing with my local photoclub 2025

Today we visited a place called the Silent Valley in the Northern Ireland. The Silent Valley Reservoir is a reservoir located in the Mourne Mountains near Kilkeel, County Down in Northern Ireland. It supplies most of the water for County Down, surrounding counties and most of Belfast. It is owned and maintained by Northern Ireland Water Limited (formerly DRD Water Service).

The road to there was smooth, sharp turns and loads of serpentine revealing breath taking landscapes. We were blessed with a gorgeous weather and the breeze was a bonus. When we arrived there was a race for the  Athletic Club's, but that didn't put a damper on our outing because we managed to stay out of their way. (Silent Valley wasn't silent anymore, well for a bit anyway). Full of ideas of where to go, what to shoot, camera settings, the group broke up in smaller groups (lads and lassies) and off we went to find subjects to shoot. Plenty to choose from. Banter and funny remarks are always a bonus, making our adventure more pleasurable. Cams were clicking, drones was flying, pics were taken as we were walking around the this huge Dam surrounded by mountains tainted by the blooming Heather, giving the whole place a magical hue of magenta. By the time we walked our feet off, on our way back finally after all of us were almost dead by hunger we've managed to find a picnic table and wolf down our sammiches that brought us back to life and gave us enough energy to take a few more pics and drive home. From the tens and thousands of pictures I took these are just a few. 

This is the reservoir in its all majesty, comfortably nestled between the mountains. 

And these are my attempts to show some of the unique features of the place and surroundings. 

And here someone must have been thinking that I'm getting ready to take a dip in the lake to cool down, which I wasn't. I was merely trying to shoot a Common Scarlet Dragonfly, before I was rudely interrupted "Hurry up, I'm hungry" sheeeeeesh 😂😂😂😂😂😜😁 some just don't understand, when one is in the creative zone, one should not be disturbed 😂🤣😂🤣😂. 

Of course these are only friendly banters, no bad intention in what has been said. Craic was good as usual. 😜😂 Box of frogs 🐸😂😁😜

My Garden - August 2025

Dear Gentle Reader,

August has arrived and ready to reveal what it has in stored for the gardener. This year my garden, for many reasons didn't perform the way I would have liked, but still it has its own moments. The pears are getting bigger and bigger (don't ask me the type, wind blew away the lable, but I know one of my pear trees is Conference the other something else. Thus coukd be Conference, I'm not sure, though), my apple trees were full of flowers, though only one fruit is on the tree. This could be due to early blooming, not enough pollinators, wet spring, honestly, could be anything at all. Cobnuts never fail they just produce. Happy(ish) days.

Yesterday (the 11th) I had to harvest my grapes, they were so ripped that at the smallest shake would end up on the floor, which would be a shame. They are so sweet and juicy and amazingly beautiful bunches. 3.2 kilos not bad from a 5 year old grape vine. 

This was a bunch from my 1st pick, but I'm sure there are heavier bunches. It doesn't come fresher then this. Tomatoes and chilies are keep giving which is awesome.

Aubergines keep growing which is fabulous too 😜

I decided to try my luck with kiwis....yes, they can be grown in Ireland in a greenhouse, this perticular cultivar is called 'Jenny' and it's specifically bred for colder, Irish weather. More info here. So I got my kiwi plant, gorgeous looking, strong plant and planted it according to instructions in my small greenhouse, because I felt that that greenhouse it's really not used to the max. So, with a bit of luck I shall eat my own, home grown kiwi in about 3-4 years 🤷🤦. I live in hope. 😁😁. So continuing on, that's my huge crop of onions so far and cucumbers and part of my succulents and cactae enjoying the sauna conditions in my small greenhouse. 😜

Autumn raspberries are full of yummie, delicious, sweet fruit. And they'll be producing fruit until the 1st frost will turn them into frozen delights (don't ask me how I know this 😜😂). The beebalms are young plants and I think they are doing well so far. The succulents and cactae in my small greenhouse will join the others in the living room on the windowsill before the 1st frost. 

I feel like all the odds were a bit against me this year, nothing went they way I would have liked. However the little blessings are keep coming and I'm OK with that. I count my blessings every day and I give thanks to God that I can enjoy life with the people dear to my heart 😊❤️