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It Looks Like Spring!
24 Jan
The sun shone all morning and there was a hint of Spring in the air.
Mr Toad…not a real toad, you understand…caught the rays of the late winter sun and looked quite animated.
Spring is officially welcomed into the west of Ireland on February the 1st, Imbolc, Brigid’s day.
I would not be surprised to see it arrive early!
Certainly here at Bealtaine Cottage, the Daffodils are ready to open flower and Primroses are out.
Clearing the polytunnel formed part of this morning’s work, one of the first dry, sunny mornings in some time.
This involved scraping the weeds off the paths and composting them.
Then the top layer of last year’s straw was cleared from the topsoil and spread on the beds. it doesn’t take long and the result is worth the small effort.
I use an Oscillating Hoe, which although expensive to buy is a great investment, as it saves a lot of hard work.
The winter has been mild and most of the herbs in the tunnel have kept their leaves, with Fennel beginning to grow already and broccoli making a good show.
The garden took on a mantle of life in the sunshine and the birds all appeared to be very lively.
A beautiful fox has made an appearance over recent nights and even sauntered along the front of the cottage in broad daylight yesterday morning.
I think it’s a vixen as I hear her calling at night from the hill of Ballyfermoyle behind the cottage.
Meanwhile, indoors, Sam continues to eat, drink, play and sleep.
I make sure that little Flo stays in the lodge with Sam and Che, as being white furred and young, could fall prey to a very beautiful but hungry fox.
I lost a beautiful marmalade mouser called Ossian to the fox some years ago and it was a dreadful experience.
Flo is very territorial and chases all comers!
Jack, as you can see, is very hen-pecked by Flo…he always gives in!
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In Violation!
Over the past few thousand years, humankind has regarded Nature as property. 
This concept is rooted in biblical text and has spawned generations who have regarded themselves as having dominion over the Earth. 
The feudal system was based on dominion and continues today as a land-grab mentality, based on the principles of ownership and extraction. 
Where we are at this point in time is the evolution of that concept, that biblical teaching, where we are now forced to try to manage degradation of the environment rather than prevent it. 
We blow the tops off mountains to extract minerals. 
Hundreds of chemicals are injected into the Earth to extract gas. 
The filth of Tar Sands is hailed as our energy saviour! 
Seed is wrenched from us to be “owned” by corporations like Monsanto. 
Presidents enact laws to protect these creatures of destruction from the very courts that are there to protect you! Nine days ago I started a petition.
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/We_Will_Not_Comply/?cCgoWbb
Nine days ago I drew my line in the sand, deciding to refuse to comply with laws that violate Mother Earth and the abundance she so generously bestows upon us. 
My own line in the sand has been confirmed this morning as the decision to refuse to comply with all laws that violate Mother Earth has been made. 
The days of fence sitting are over. The gloves are off
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