In Which we Move to the Wicklow Mountains

So - here we are living in the Wicklow Mountains - where the air is crisp and clear and the night sky is pitch black and spangled with stars.

I've mentioned before that this blog is not really meant to be about me and my family, but the fact that we are living here is actually quite remarkable.  Until the end of last year we had a very different plan in mind - but somehow every time we tried to put any of it into action we were thwarted at every turn.

When we went on the walks I chronicled at Glendalough, Crone Woods and Devil's Glen, I never thought for a moment that I would find myself living here.  What I was aware of was a deep sense of joy and contentment during those walks.  My spirit seemed to reach out to the landscape in a physical way and I could feel it resonating through every nerve ending.

It almost seems as though it wasn't so much us deciding to live here as the house and surrounding countryside choosing us instead.  I feel as though an elaborate plan has somehow been put into action beyond my comprehension and that I have been gently but firmly manoeuvred into place.  

And so here we are at the edge of a forest, deep in the mountains, where my soul sings and I can feel the enchantment crackling in the air.   

The forest comes right up to the fence that borders the garden.  It is a real fairytale wood, but it is also a working one - so one day it will be cut down and then left to re-generate itself again.

I have two greenhouses to play in - and there are fruit trees - apples, gooseberries and I think a plum.

The forest is even etched into the front door!

When I get it sorted out this is going to be my study.  I think I will spend more time gazing out of the window than actually doing anything!

I've brought all my containers with plants along.  The garden is just starting to come into bud and I can't wait for all the dead looking growth to come back to life.  I just love drystone walls - I'm assuming these were made by collecting material from the surrounding hillside.

This is our road.  (The sheep don't belong to us.)  In a country setting like this the road doesn't even have a name.  Just hills, trees and lakes as far as the eye can see!
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