Dun na síog

Today it was partly sunny so I decided to cut the grass. Had to take some hay fever tablets otherwise I wouldn't be here typing right now. Few months ago I've asked John, our neighbor who is also into folklore and Irish legends, why he always leaves a square of bush when he is cutting his grass and he told me that you need to leave a place for the...erm, fairies. I didn't ask what is the possible consequence of not doing that and decided to try myself too. It was fun to draw a circle and imagine that there are some invisible creatures living there. Today, few weeks since the last time I cut the grass I've noticed that the circle that I left has become even more flowering so I was careful to not cut it again...Who knows what the fairies could do? That was "gay" but regardless whether you believe it or not, it is just nice to see your garden with that ring of flowers, isnt it?

for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairy_fort

Only a fool thinks he goes fishing to catch fish

my wife took that pic yesterday at Aughris Head pier. It was the second time that I went there and got that mackerel which only stayed for 30 sec out of the water till I promptly put him back. As you can see it is summer in Ireland (11 degrees celsius) but I still have my jacket and cap on to keep my bald head warm enough. "Only a fool thinks he goes fishing to catch fish" is just a quote from Far and away: a prize every time by Neil Peart that I took the liberty to use as the title of this post. Till later! 

ladies and gentlemen.

this was the stage set up by me and Siobhan last saturday night. It was a pleasure to work in that event and I have to say am proud of the result. Looking forward to the next one :-)

The Countess Cabaret presents Pimps 'n Pinups!

back to Ireland and no time to waste so lets go straight to point or "cut to the chase" :-)



http://www.facebook.com/events/243077065778465/

Tickets 10 euros advance (12 on the door)
Reservations: countesscabaret@gmail.com
http://thecountesscabaret.blogspot.com/

Strict dress code: Corsets, fishnets, top hats, tails. You get the idea!
Entrance through Adelaide Bar, Wine Street Car Park.

Proudly sponsored by Vivien of Halloway, 1950's Fashion's
http://www.vivienofholloway.com/

When in Rome...just take ur clothes off

It's not that am very busy during my holidays in Brazil that I couldn't have time to post something here. Nor that I didn't have enough subjects to discuss here. Blame my lack of posts to the lazyness caused by wonderful weather + nights out wit few nice hangover + just-not-feeling-like-posting-or-dont-want-to-be-bothered-to-touch-the computer.

I "wore my t-shirt" as we say in Brazil and am acting like the romans. There is one week left till we get back to normal life...DO NOT WANT!

Homemade wine, Classiebawn castle

The 28-days-cycle is not completed yet but I can tell you my homemade wine is fantastique! Lots of aroma, strong, fruity, tasty without being strong in acidity, it s just, perfectly balanced! I have to say am not a wine person but sometimes I like to have a sip.

Yesterday we drove up to Mullaghmore, County Sligo to have a look at the giant waves. That is the place where many surfers around the world come for the tow-in surfing. As there was no surfer at all for our disapointement we just drove-by and headed back home. But first a little stop on the way. Mullaghmore is also the place for the fabulous Classiebawn Castle. I remember back in 2006 when I first came to Ireland that I tried to jump the gates to have a proper look at it. The castle is miles away from its entrance and the best photos you can see from it are like this: http://www.a-wee-bit-of-ireland.com/eire_jan_2004/mullaghmore_1.html or maybe this: http://www.castlestories.net/Ireland/County-Sligo/Classie-Bawn-Castle.html . It is probably the most impressive castle I've ever seen.

Tin tin!

That lazy afternoon in good companion

To appreciate a single malt can be compared to many other things and it might require some time/experience. It is like the first time you look at an artwork or listen to a song. You will have to listen to it a couple of times till you find out whether you like it or not. That is what I like about single malts. In my personal experience it was passion at first sight when I first had a Caol Ila-12 in the Museo de Whisky in the north of Spain.

Experiencing a single malt on a lazy Sunday afternoon just can slow down everything. You can have it after a busy day, when you are a bit tired or simply when you feel like it. You don't need any excuse to open that bottle of spirit that is being aged for years. Then you let the spirit talk. The only rule for single malts is to not mix them with anything but ice or water. But be aware that if you add some water you will just make it "stronger". Better to have it neat to have a proper "conversation"...

Extend your arm and check its colour. Is it amber? Dark amber? Golden? The body will be noticeable when you swirl and the "tears" take long to fall down. The aroma will tell you the story of years of maturation. Sea breeze, toffee, vanilla, honey, herbal, medicinal, smokey, etc. Then you roll it on your mouth to get the flavour for about 20 sec. The finish or "after taste" can be long, short.

Single malts are far the most complex of all whiskys, let alone spirits. Yet, it can be the most enjoyable drink. It is just a matter of becoming "his" friend.

AJ

(This post was accompanied by the amazing Old Pulteney 12)