Summer Stock Sunday

There was lots of work going on in Madrid when we were there in August. When Madridians clear out to the seaside, the city takes the opportunity to upgrade streets and Metro stations. Seems very sensible to me

I was fascinated with the word "Obras" in the second sign, because the Irish word for work is Obair.

But it wasn't all work and no play, there was lots of relaxation going on too!

For more Summer Stock Sunday, to see or to take part (and this is the second last one!) click on the button at the top, which will take you over to Robin, who hosts this summer meme.

Summer lights going out, one by one.

Lights of summer are extinguishing, one by one.

We can feel it in the ever-cooling air, see it in the ever-darkening evenings, sense it as we see leaves curl up their edges, lose their vibrant green and depart their trees, sometimes float gently down, sometimes whizz to ground on a wind-fuelled rapid descent.

Time marches on, irrespective of the wishes of those of us who would cling to those embers of a favourite season (me!).

But, with each passing day, next summer is one day nearer! Not so bad after all!

Where I'd rather be today

Stephanie from Hookin' Knittin' & Livin has inspired me for today's post, with her photo of where she'd rather be.



It has been a tiring week, with a couple of difficult meetings at work, and a busy time at home, so I'm tempted to say I'd rather be here
e

yes, actually having the craic.....

but my soul could use some peace, so really I'd rather be here... walking around the lakes


or sitting on this bench, soaking up some autumn sun.
These last two are Glendalough, which in Irish means the glen of the two lakes. It is a place of great beauty, only a short drive from Dublin, where St. Kevin hung out for a while. I guess he found peace too.

And this is very similar to where Stephanie wants to be, and for similar reasons!

Summer Stock Sunday

I really liked this graffiti in Madrid, and would have been quite happy to sit at one of those tables and admire it.

For more Summer Stock Sunday, or to join in the fun (only a couple more weeks left!) visit Robin by clicking on the pic below. And thanks, Robin, for hosting this meme.

It's a dog's life

On my way to work this morning, I saw this lot heading up the street.

My first thought was "they're bunking off school".

on closer inspection, not alone were they bunking off school, they were up to all kinds of shenanigans too!! Now I wonder do their mothers know what they're up to?

And they were caught in the act. Yes, there are 5 dogs in the picture below!

I just about got these pics on time, though (and even pulled in to take them!) cos 2 seconds after I took the last one, two ladies came down the street and reclaimed two of the dogs, with a strong reprimand.

Well, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do!

Ruby Tuesday

Back to France for this week's Ruby Tuesday. As cachanilla73 says below-

Freedom isn't free

My idea in composing this was that the sacrifices and loss of life endured by those brave soldiers(symbolised by the poppies), and that horrible machine gun, were necessary so that we can today enjoy the freedom to ride on that lovely carousel. The beach in the background is one of the D-Day landing beaches. Click to enlarge.

I was quite emotional on our visit to these beaches, our teenage children, on the other hand, were not interested in gettting out of the car! WW2 probably seems like a long time ago to them!

For more Ruby posts, visit Mary T, who hosts this meme.

Click on these slippers, you'll have fun!

Summer Stock Sunday

I took this picture in Porto, while I was there in August.

I just thought there was something cute and a little cheeky about the stand of this fella. To me, he looks as though he has just pooped all over the stone, and stands proudly displaying his deed.

What do you think?

And the Summer Stock Sunday element is that you'd never see doorways like this in Dublin, so every time I look at it, I know it's from a trip abroad.

For more Summer Stock Sunday, which continues till the end of September (hurrah, extended summer!!) click on the picture below, which takes you to a beautiful tropical island, and Robin, who hosts this fun meme.


Edit: I got an invite from Catherine at Despatches from the Deise to a BBQ at Karen's. Popped in, brought some twice-baked potatoes and a giant sized chocolate cake, and there's some great food and even better company! Links are in names, if you're at a loose end any time this weekend. I love a good party!