I suspect I was just plain busy … but that summer
(1969) I had been over to Eire to see my childhood friend … we’d been
inseparable for the first 9 years of our lives …
 |
| Clonakilty pinned in southern Ireland (Cork further to the east with the large harbour) |
Renny was a traveller … and a wanderer … she spent
time in Morocco, India, New York, a commune in Wales, and Ireland – married by
now possibly twice – I think eventually there were three …
 |
| An Sugan pub in Clonakilty |
I came over for six weeks arriving via the
Swansea-Cork ferry – we both needed to think about our futures, but thankfully we
still got on really well … one balanced, yet prepared to try things and one
happy go lucky …
 |
| Gypsy Cob - a mare |
… Renny had a ‘huge’ horse – for me: they aren’t
amusing … I’d been thrown as a kid when we were neighbours …
… but caution thrown to the wind I decided I’d like to
try again – it is not my forte … and
this beloved animal walked me up to the top of the hill, then promptly threw me
– bang … mind you that could explain a few things?!
The horse didn’t bolt, once the stars disappeared … he
and I walked back down the hill – me feeling pretty dejected that I wasn’t
riding, but I had my rather large bump … well that solved the horse dilemma –
never again!
 |
| Renny's was similar - but much more rustic and in need of some attention! |
Renny had thought of taking her Romany gypsy caravan
with himself (the horse!) around
Ireland … that hadn’t and didn’t happen to my knowledge – but she’d always
loved her animals …
So we ‘played around’ her parent’s house, yard and
outbuildings … it was quite big – there was space for us all … Renny was
creative and happily making and designing her own clothes … she failed with me
– rather I flunked out – I had the dusty pink, velvety satin pieces for a long
long time! …
 |
| Clonakilty farmland |
The Romany carriage – looks idyllic … but not for
me! They’re called Vardo carriages …
and this one is a Reading or kite wagon … so named as it was made in Reading,
Berkshire – west of London …
… it is the type of wagon that is highly prized by the
Romanies for its aesthetic design, beauty and practicality to cross fords, pull
off road and over rough ground …
 |
| Cobh - the early harbour - where the Titanic stopped over before her fateful voyage (near Cork) |
Renny was desperate to get her ears pierced … my
arrival was the clarion call to achieving that goal … I had a car and we could
easily go to Cork …
 |
| The English Market in Cork city |
… secretly I’d always wanted mine pierced – she was
wily though … she knew I was braver and would go first! – then she had no
choice but to follow … gosh it hurt – those were the primitive days …
 |
| Theatrical poster for the film 'Women in Love' |
… we dulled our pain by going off to see a film … I thought we’d gone to see Women in Love …
but as it only came out in September that year … it must have been another
similar art house movie – whatever it was the agony was mostly over by the time
we came out!
 |
| Poster for the film 'The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie' |
Perhaps it was The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, which
did come out earlier in 1969 … who knows – not me?!
 |
| Beara Peninsula, Bantry Bay area |
After that we travelled around … firstly to the west …
Bantry, Killarney … we went further north for a few days – we’d just drive and
map read our way around – at the end of the day find a B+B …
 |
| It was a stunning visit ... and I love the name Knockmealdown Mountains! |
… we also went east … across the Knockmealdown
Mountains on our way to Waterford … where the rhododendrons were out … the
whole area had a purple hue … gorgeous colours …
 |
| 1897 - his wife is holding his trouser belt! |
… and slightly north of Cork to kiss the Blarney Stone … I
think that’s probably one of the more odd things I’ve done in my life … now 50
years later – no doubt it’s worse ‘disgust-wise’ (unhealthy!) …
 |
| Blarney Castle - it's a fair drop! |
… whether it achieved its objective: said to give those who kiss it a mystical
eloquence … I leave for you all to decide – but if so – it took 40 years to
get going!
Then home from Cork on the overnight ferry to Swansea
… to Market Harborough, Northamptonshire through the Welsh hills in a
thunderstorm … I was flagged down by a lorry driver – who said … go another way
– it’s flooded and you won’t get through … I had a low slung girth (the car
did! – my low slung version developed as the years rolled by) ...
 |
| Brecon Beacons, Wales |
These are some of the remembrances of why I missed the
moon landing … Ireland is beautiful … I’ve been back, but would love to go
again for further explorations …
It’s a good thing the moon doesn’t wander or ramble on
… but I’d half-forgotten those days … fun times – interesting ones too …
This prattle, babble, blather endeth here … thanks for
the memories and for reading!
My inspiration and memory jog came from Fil and her husband Tom's recent trip to Cork ... they are from Northern Ireland, but had a visit back to Clonakilty ... they are folk singers, musicians and all things associated with a composer and singer's way of life ... including extra snippets about places visited, book stores, nature ... delightful stories ... I'm late adding this ...
Fil's Songs and Stories - found here ... Thanks Fil and Tom for reminding me that it was Clonakilty that Renny's parents had moved to in southern Ireland ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
61 comments:
It sounds wonderful - and oh, that purple hued hill is just gorgeous.
I had my ear pierced for the second time under very similar circumstances - and yes, it did hurt.
Not to be too pedantic, Hilary, but I am quite sure it should be "different from" and not "different to" and I am equally sure that a woman of your erudition would wish to have this pointed out. It is actually very encouraging to hear that you were tootling around Ireland with your erstwhile friend, getting ears pierced and avoiding flooded roads, rather than being like most of us gearing our day to make sure we were installed at the television set when the moon landing happened. I suspect that many of our girths have become low slung in the intervening years, accompanied by wrinkles and turkey wattles too, but we earned those imperfections, didn't we? As always, my dear Hilary, a wonderfully entertaining, eclectic post. I am already anticipating the next one.
1969 was the end of my adolescence and end of my single life. So I remember the late 1960s with great pleasure. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie therefore came at a perfect time! Her politics were dismal but her enthusiasm for life and experience was unstoppable.
Thanks for the memories :)
That's a lovely story. My late parents-in-law were from Dublin and Belfast so we have been to Ireland many times. I really enjoy going there. I have always found the people to be very warm and friendly - even to the English!
Did you keep in touch with your friend?
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s righteously rebarbative Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
There, told you, that would make a delightful short story for a magazine, Hilary 🙂 🌹
Gosh, that sounds divine! Almost like the kind of visit that would leave me both wanting to go back and reluctant to risk overwriting those memories. Lucky you!
@ EC - thanks ... I still wasn't working and was worried about my future, but life happens ... and I took the opportunities I could. Ear piercing back then was pretty gruesome. I loved that trip across the Knockmealdown mountains - while spending time with Renny was a delightful special interlude for us both ...
@ David - thank you: my English is awful - I never did master it ... the grammar side of it - I'm just lucky I seem to be able to speak and write it relatively coherently! Duly corrected!
I don't think they even had television in the house ... 'dem were the days.
Earning my low slung girth, wrinkles and turkey wattles yes I'm sure I've added to my range of elderly imperfections!
Thanks for the compliment ... just glad to know my a-penly jottings get read and noted ...
@ Hels - certainly the end of my adolescence ... and as you say an era with much going on. Maggie Smith was superb as Jean Brodie, while Glenda Jackson outstanding in Women Love ...
@ Bazza - thanks so much ... I haven't been that often - but have always loved visiting - and really should spend time there. I suspect we were relatively law-abiding polite young ladies - so respected the people we met. I only remember good times.
Unfortunately her early life caught up with her ... and she died of lung complications ... aged 52 or 3 ... we did see each other for my 50th here in Sussex ... and I did keep up with the family ... her stepfather and mother lived into their 90s ...
@ Carole Anne - well that's an idea ... it was even longer - but I cut it right back ...
@ Jz - thanks it was an idyllic time ... and there's lots more I could add to the story mix ...
I obviously will have to rethink and perhaps post another part to this post ... I guess the nostalgia of those years catch us all; so I'm really pleased you each seemed to enjoy the memories of those early (for us) years of the 1960s ... lovely to see you here and thank you for the appreciative comments - cheers Hilary
You might have missed the moon landing but you were off on quite the adventure.
Me and horses don't get along either.
Hari om
A wonderful reminisce, Hilary! See,vyou hadn't forgotten, just had to search the files! YAM xx
I loved this journey and remembrances - such fun. Good to have a friend of such opposite interests who challenges. Forget that horse stuff, though. Not for me either.
An interesting and entertaining post. Loved it. I hate to admit it but at one stage in my life after a really bad fall and the horse ending up on top of me winded, I nearly decided that it was time to give up riding, so glad though that I didn't. It seems so often that two people, so different from each other, manage to become very best friends. Great memories for you I am sure. Cheers Diane
What a lovely memory. ACK! I can't believe a horse threw you again! That's not cool. I'd love to see the Knockmealdown Mountains with the rhododendrons in bloom! So beautiful.
:-) The kissing the Blarney Stone. It's funny how in our youth we are up for anything, piffle the stone kissed by so many. As we grow a bit older, and wiser, we think...nasty! LOL
I enjoyed this post!
You are getting to see things and parts of the world I will never get to see. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing these fond memories of yours of Clonakilty and beyond. Wether it is
"different from or different to" it really does not matter because for sure the idiom over here changes dramatically from the English English to Irish English and I am convinced that your memories were corectly written using Irish English !
Clonakilty is well known for its traditionally made Black Pudding, which supasses all other black puddings
regardless of where they might be made.
@ Alex - I'm sure I was aware of the enormity of the moon landing - but being young takes precedence! So glad you join with me re horses - love them ... but not too close ...
@ Yam - yes suddenly another blogger jogged my memory of place at that time ... then I remembered lots of snippets ... many I left out ...
@ Joanne - thanks for the 'horse stuff: not for you either'! Just delighted you enjoyed the journey and remembrances ...
@ Diane - so pleased you enjoyed it; oh I'm so glad you did get back on your horse ... not then, but later and obviously enjoyed your riding. Yes it was sad that she died so young and we couldn't be friends today ... even with our differences. Certainly happy memories of time gone by ...
@ Holly - thanks so much ... it hurt! But if they know you're frightened ... those long four-legged creatures will do their thing!
Those mountains are just gorgeous - the early summer is the time to see them in full bloom.
I know the Blarney Stone - still doesn't thrill me ... as long as I don't dream about it - I'll be happy ... !
@ Sandie - these sights were fifty years ago ... but through the blog you can get some idea ...
@ Mel - I don't mind ... having suggestions made, especially if they're reputable ... as it was so long ago my English is not particularly good ... too much Cornish, and South African influences ...
I was living back there 50 years ago - and wasn't at that stage aware of black pudding and only just beginning to learn about culinary differences - I'd seen the reference to Clonakilty's black pudding - but my 'era' was fifty years earlier ... I believe you though!
Thanks so much to you all - just delighted you've enjoyed my ramblings ... there's more, I guess I should write that up too ... take care - cheers Hilary
I've never been to Ireland, even though my ancestors are from there. Fortunately I know people who have been there (such as yourself) so I don't feel deprived.
I'm not a horse person, either, though I've never been thrown. Beautiful animals, don't get me wrong (I have a cousin who inherited his mother's Arabian horse farm), I just don't care to sit on them, and the feeling's mutual.
Sorry, I just had to laugh about "low slung girth."
Thanks for sharing...
A delightful post, Hilary! I love your adventures in Ireland but I'm sorry to hear that the horsing around came to a bumpy end. I haven't ridden for years now (not since South Africa) but loved it when I did. All this is of course great explanation for why you missed the moon landing! :)
And I too giggled at your low slung girth...
Such a lovely story of a youthful summer!
What a wonderful memory and beautiful country. I'm sorry your riding experience wasn't better.
Sounds like it was a lovely time. Totally worth it.
I spent one day in Ireland, on business, I would love to have spent time there. I envy you that stay. I too love the fields of rhododendrons, beautiful. I didn't see the landings as they happened, but saw the video a week later. Heard it on Yugoslav radio as I mentioned before.
Your friend Renny sounds very adventurous! And I see she got you to join her. That’s great! Those are memories I bet you treasure,
That is a marvellous excuse not to see the moon landing. What a great adventure touring around the country, getting your ears pierced and going to the movies. What an adventurous friend you have I bet you could write a book about her having visited all these countries, living in a commune and owning a gypsy cart and a horse. Really enjoyed all this
Hi Hilary! Sounds like it was a good reason to miss the moon landing. Love those Romany carriages. Perhaps you girls should have horsed it around Ireland. It is a beautiful place. I've visited twice as that's where my grandfather came from. But I'll go again for sure. Don't those hills look adorable!
Your tales bring back memories of our trip to Ireland many years ago. Never went into Cork, but we mooched around the peninsulas by Bantry, Kenmare, and Dingle. Beautiful country.
@ John – I don’t think I have relatives from there … Cornish, London and Suffolk … well I’m glad you feel you had a glimpse of rural life 50 years ago.
Beautiful animals … and how amazing that your cousin inherited an Arabian horse farm – still I’m not sure I’d love them! Well I’m not getting back on one!
Glad you appreciated the low slung girth …
@ Val – thank you … if I’d been horsing around perhaps it wouldn’t be so demeaning … but the plod up the hill was a p-l-o-d! Oh yes I remember your stories of horse riding in the SA bush – that must be amazing … the freedom …
It was a good reason to miss the moon landing … probably not even factored in as there was no media to remind us.
Glad my or the car’s long slung girth amused.
@ Anabel – yes a youthful summer …
@ Sandra – it’s the way it was … still I had a lovely experience being out with Renny and seeing something of Ireland.
@ Liz – certainly was worth it ..
@ Jo – it’s a beautiful country … while those mountains still amaze me in my memories. I remember you said you were in Yugoslavia …
@ Sue – yes Renny was intrepid and would turn her hand to anything … it was me that decided to join her for a visit – but lovely memories to have …
@ Marja – I just wanted a chance to spend time with her again – before her life changed by going off to another country … so was very happy to go over to Ireland. She could definitely write a book … but sadly having died I can’t tap into her memories …
She led an interesting life … that was for sure … now I wish she was still around – but that’s the way life goes …
@ Denise – in those days I expect many people missed it – as life carried on – there was no hype. The trouble with those beautiful Romany wagons is the slow pace – we’d still be going round Ireland!
I’m pleased you’ve had a chance to visit and see where your grandfather came from … and good to know you’ll be back … those ‘mountains’ are just glorious in rhododendron season …
@ Ian – oh that’s wonderful … that this post has brought back memories of yours and Ali’s trip into Ireland … the west coast is stunning isn’t it … ‘mooch’ is a good word for the slow pace, particularly in those days.
My memory had been jogged by Fil – of Fil’s Songs and Stories via her recent trip back to the Clonakilty area … which I’ve just added as a credit at the end of the post …
Just happy memories … which I’ve been delighted to share with you … cheers and thanks for all your lovely comments - Hilary
Not a bad thing to trade "watching" adventures to the the moon for your own adventures with friends/family. Your personal memories have not been broadcast a million times over the last fifty years or so since that lunar landing. I'm glad you got away from the TV and went out and enjoyed life.
Far more adventurous memories than just watching the moon landing. Such great fun. Sorry you and horses don't get along, they are lots of fun.
It all sounds like so much fun and you have an amazing memory! Renny was clearly a great friend.
My daughter rides horses each week, but you couldn't get me on one! Too clumsy by far.
Hi Hilary,
Thank you so much for the mention - now I understand your comment of jogging your memories :)
That sounded like a great adventure - going to another country with your own car at that time really made you exceptional I think :)
Clonakilty and the area probably hasn't changed that much except there are now so many more travellers. But it's always been my favourite part of Ireland.
Have a great week. Fil x
Renny is a friend to hang onto. To visit but never try to keep up with!
Gypsy Varnners are such pretty draft horses. I've not had a horse throw me but I did have one catch sight of the barn and took off at full gallop with me clinging for dear life.
It sounds like an absolutely fantastic way to spend time with an old friend. Except, maybe, for getting thrown from that horse again. (I'm impressed you were brave enough to give it another go after it threw you the first time!) I must confess, you made me laugh. Not about being thrown by the horse, but your comments about being "low-slung." Uh, yeah, I can relate, and as a corollary, it's not nearly as easy getting in and out of those low-slung vehicles any more, either!
@ Donna – it was a long time ago … but I agree – I’m glad I went off to Ireland and had that time with my best friend …
@ Mason – yes it was … they didn’t have tv out at their house in Clonakilty – well I’m just glad the horse fall wasn’t worse … especially as I wasn’t wearing a hat!
@ Elizabeth – well it was a wonderful time … and yes Renny was most definitely a friend … I’m just sad she’s gone …
I remember you mentioning your daughter rides – sorry you don’t join her … but quite understand …
@ Karen – it’s a beautiful country and I’m glad you had those memories for your first novel … it is a magical place …
@ Fil – thanks so much … I should have added in your link earlier … I’ve been a bit switched off with other things going on.
At least it was an English speaking country … which made it easier – I’d have never have gone over to Europe and driven, let alone speak another language!!
I don’t remember the town/village – we were out in the sticks … but I was so pleased to read your post … it really reminded me of the area …
@ Jacqui – if only she was still alive … I was the go-getter while I was visiting – she’d do her own thing again later …
@ Diane – the horses are enormous aren’t they … I’m not sure how you hung on… after my fall – I felt my life was dear, once I’d recovered …
@ Susan – it was a fun time …we lived happily just doing things together … travelling out in my car – not by horse. Well there was a 15 year gap between the last attempt to ride a horse …
Yes – I rather liked my idea of the low-slung girth … so I’m glad commenters have been laughing about it … as you say – not so easy to get in and out now-a-days …
Cheers and thanks so much for your appreciative comments - Hilary
Well you certainly have a perfect excuse--several--for missing the moon landing. What an adventure--horse disaster and all. I loved how your dear friend was an opposite of you. I have a few of those opposites in my life, and they make things very interesting.
Thank you for sharing your memories. I went to Ireland four years ago for the first time, and I'd go back in a living minute!
I didn't get to ride frequently, but was never thrown. It would have kept me away from horses for the rest of my life.
Love,
Janie
Such great memories, and such beautiful places!!! I love the Knockmealdown Mountains. Gorgeous.
Life can be busy, even when you are young. Certain things are more important and your priorities change as you grow up. I am always thankful that there are recordings of the first walk on the moon. Whether or not you saw it at the moment, you can revisit it over and over again.
Adventures such as this make the moon landing pale into insignificance. Simply delightful Hilary.
Your adventures were definitely worth missing the moon landing over. Renny sounds like a great, fun person.
Hi, Hilary - No wonder you missed the Moon Landing. You were off on a fabulous adventure of your own. As I remember it, repeats of the landing were played again and again (and can now be found on YouTube)! :)
I can't believe you and I were in Ireland at the same time... now, mind you, I was only 3 months old, so I wouldn't have been much fun on your very, very cool trip - but me Ma swears that she put me and the buggy in front of the TV, so apparently I got to "see" the moon landings while you and Renny were off map-reading and B&B hunting.
You definitely had more fun :)
That must have been so much fun to spend all that time wandering with a friend. I watched the moon landing with my parents. I'll never forget it. It made anything seem possible.
Thanks for sharing your memories and the pictures, Hilary. I've only been on horseback a few times in my life. They all ended well, but I'm in no hurry to get back up there.
Hi Hilary....
What a fun memory. I was in grade school in '69 ....I think third ... we were sitting at our desks when the blk and white TV was turned on. It was pretty impressive, but at that age, I think I would've enjoyed tootling through Ireland with an almost gypsylike caravan...
Hi Hilary!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. It’s always good to hear from you.
Reading your blogs is like stepping into a fabled English garden where every view is breathtaking, every stroll an adventure. First friends stay in your heart forever, don’t they? How well I remember the ear-piercing incidents of my youth – gads! You were incredibly brave to get back on a horse – or as crazy as I was to attempt a second set of ear piercings – ha! Good thing we are survivors. “taking her Romany gypsy caravan with himself around Ireland” I had to laugh at that! But that little wagon reminded me so much of the one in The Wizard of Oz ;- ) You kissed the Blarney Stone? Well, that explains why your blogs are so enchanting! I’d love to visit Ireland, maybe in my next life ;- )
Take care,
Sounds like you were a bit distracted by life at that juncture! And maybe your friend was thinking a bit like (who was it that said it?), if we can send a man to the moon, why can't we send all of them?
I missed the moon landing because I wasn't born yet. Or was it because I got in a fight with a bear?
Randomly found your blog through IWSG.
@ Lee – I’m sure I was relatively oblivious to the moon landing. Horses and I obviously are just not meant to be. Despite being opposites we always got on … independent minds …but as you say – it’s always so much fun and makes life interesting, not following the well-trodden path …
@ Liza – it is a very pretty place to visit, with a lot of history over its years … I too would go back more often …
@ Janie – I’m glad I tried (twice) – and can always dream I can ride off into the sunset! Dreaming is enough now …
@ Lynda – fun memories of those times – there’s another layer to perhaps tell one day … but I would love to revisit the Knockmealdown Mountains in rhododendron time …
@ Rhonda – I think I was mostly always busy with something going on. I should have paid more attention to the repeats of the moon landings this summer – but again life was there to be enjoyed and I never got to watch … as you say I can find out when I feel the need …
@ Keith – thanks … life is more fun here on earth – though I can understand people wanting to learn about the moon and space …
@ Chrys – yes I’m pleased I had that time with Renny … she was fun – way more adventurous than I was …
@ Donna – thanks … I’m so glad I went – I guess Renny was there and so it was an opportunity to visit … better than watching tv – and as you say it’s on YouTube now – when I feel the need to watch in depth …
@ Mark – oh ok … I’d have had to wait a few years for you!! I’m glad I didn’t wait for you, but was able to enjoy my trip! I’m sure you did watch it back then – possibly slept through it … but yes being with Renny was definitely more interesting and worthwhile …
@ Susan – I have lots of happy memories of that six week holiday time; I’m sure for Americans it did make it feel ‘anything was possible’ …
@ Dan – yes … it’s quite high up isn’t it – once up the hill getting back on the horse wasn’t an option … I doubt I could have got my leg into the stirrup … let alone the hoik up! Glad you agree with me …
@ Michael – yes this six week trip had lots of things going on and was a great time. The only thing I remember watching in B+W en masse at school was Winston Churchill’s funeral! Not quite the same … perhaps now I’d have enjoyed a holiday with the Vardo + horse … but way too much work for a regular way of life …
@ Diedre – good to see you and thank you for the lovely comment. Glad you remember the ear piercing scenario – I probably would do it again now – the science has improved: but one lot of piercings is enough! However even with the horse trials … we are the survivors.
Those wagons are remarkably heavy … it’d have been hard work, especially with horse to keep up to scratch as well – they need more looking after than we do …
Also glad you picked up the Blarney Stone reference … the writing took 40 years to come to the fore – but it’s wonderful the posts are appreciated now – thank you. Ireland awaits you …
@ Rebecca – the time of youth – and perhaps Renny was thinking about counting husbands down – but no, I don’t think so – she had one other husband, but then remained unmarried …
Your “if we can send a man to the moon, why can't we send all of them?” led to the phrase … question … if we can do that – why can’t we do other things – waiting to be invented … I’d not thought of that … thanks!
@ Powdered Toast Man – thanks for coming back via IWSG – I can’t see your blog – so am unable to reciprocate by visiting …
Thanks everyone – some fun thoughts here … but I’m glad these memories have returned … cheers to you all from a wet UK … Hilary
I love when things said or seen now can spark fun memories of the past. It's like a little gift - a surprise. I had a horse back me into a sticker bush one time. That wasn't a ton of fun.
Elsie
That Vardo wagon looks amazing. What a character your friend was. And you are still going on adventures. Cheers, Hilary! Denise
@ Elsie - yes I was glad I wrote this up ... it's been in my memory bank all those years and was a special time. Sticker bush ... I see is a densely packed plant full of thorns - very nasty! I'm sure it was very uncomfortable ... nasty horse!
@ Denise - her Vardo wagon definitely needed some attention - but she was determined to deck it out with gypsy fabric, ideas and materials ... not sure if it got finished! Yes - I still wander off ... one of the advantages of being single ...
Thanks to you both - good memories for us all - cheers Hilary
A blog friend of mine visited the Blarney Stone last year. I think she said they use sanitizer now, but still... yeah, it's icky if you think too hard about it. I've been to Ireland but didn't go visit the stone. Perhaps I should have, in order to gain some mystique. ;) Hurrah for childhood friends who added value to our lives. :)
Sounds like a wonderful adventure! They've shown the moon landing so many times, you didn't really miss it, anyway.
Your posts are so full of interesting information. How apposite that my first blog post of new blog relates to moon landings. :D https://fibrofug.blogspot.com
@ Rosey - they'd have have to do something ... and it's not easy, as one is lying backwards over the huge drop and moving one's face up towards ... the kissing zone. I doubt the mystique, duly promoted, really helps - forty years is a long time to wait!!
But can't not agree with you re our childhood friends ... she was certainly different and special ...
@ Shannon - it was a good six weeks ... and I've yet to see the moon landing films ... one day! I keep hearing about it though ...
@ Madeleine - yes ... one of my motivations is to write interesting content - so I'm glad it's working! Good to see you back ... and it'll be interesting reading more about fibromyalgia ...
Cheers to the three of you - thanks for visiting - Hilary
How wonderful. I'd miss the moon landing for a trip like that too! I had a friend that very much loved horses as well. She even fancied she could telepathically talk to them at one point! Have a lovely week. :)
Hi Christine - I think the joys of youth overtook me ... some time with my best friend seemed to be just right and what I needed, even if the moon was being landed upon!
A horse whisperer I believe ... and some people definitely have the knack to 'talk to animals' ...
Good to see you - cheers Hilary
It sounds like a wonderful trip with a friend. I learned so much in this post and I loved the way we got to experience your trip with you. It makes sense with all the adventures you were having you missed the moon landing! The fields of purple sound and look lovely (from the picture). I think the Romanian caravan looks fabulous!! I can only imagine how the ear piercing may have hurt!
Thanks for sharing your long ago adventures with us. :)
~Jess
Thanks Jess ... it was a wonderful get-together ... there's more, but I'm glad I got the evocative racconteur memories across. I'm not even sure if Renny's parent's had tv. But it was a truly memorable time ... especially our trip through the Knockmealdown mountains with its stunning purple flowering of rhododendrons.
Yes Romany caravans are just unbelievable ... still entice people into the slow age ... but that ear-piercing was just plain painful! Not nice. Delighted you enjoyed my ramblings - thanks for the catch-up visit - cheers Hilary
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