The Snow Monster called Emma

I think that the Snowy Winter of 2018 is turning into the Winter Disaster of 2018.

In all my years here in Ireland, Honestly I have never experienced such cold. The whole of Europe is in the freezing grip of the ice monster called Storm Emma. There is a Red  Alert for the last 24 hours lasting until 6pm today. 

I just read in the news that all airports are closed in most parts of  Northern Europe. Total disarray and what a big mess!

People in rural areas are snowed in without access to the main roads. It is good that everyone was shopping like mad around here, supermarkets were totally empty and ransacked by yesterday afternoon. There was no bread, water, milk or other essentials left. The queues in Tesco store, Headford road, Galway city yesterday at lunch time were as long as the isles themselves!! 

It felt a bit like the Zombie Apocalypse was coming... Believe me, I am not joking.

All right, time for some photos, taken from the car (don;t worry I wasn't driving!!) on the way home in the freezing Storm Emma and I do hope the weather warms up soon, and we get our water back!!

Yes, I was one of those unlucky ones that got their water pipes frozen ;(

And I thought March was a sign of Spring?!

The Snowy Winter of 2018

It's been quite a snowy winter so far. 

I have to admit we haven't had such cold weather here in Ireland since the Big Freeze of 2010 

I love cold and snow since I come from a country where there is an abundance of both. I love the feeling of freezing air on my face and the almost painful crispness of the bone chilling wind. Weird, isn't it? 

But as much as  I would enjoy the snow and cold in Bulgaria, I don't feel the same about it here. Ireland is not used to such extreme temperature fluctuations  and is definitely not prepared for it. I do prefer a dry crispy day than a pouring rain any time, don't take me wrong. 

I did not have great opportunities for photography since I was working most of the time but I managed to do a few snaps while walking the dogs.   

Here you go. The images are mixed from different walks. 

The Snowy Winter of  2018

Warning:

I just have to add that when we talk about snow in Ireland it mainly means a light dusting of white over the scene. 

Do not imagine 2 meter snow drifts.... :-)

I am writing this in January 2019 because in March 2018 I was proven wrong when the big snow started falling. Have a look in HERE 

The World For Myself

It seems that lately I am taking a lot of photos in the dark or right at the crack of dawn..

What can I say?! It is so much fun. I find it kind of exciting being awake so early, I also love the stillness and the peace. It is like having the whole world for myself, as selfish as that sounds, I just love it!!  

One of those rare moments when I feel and do as I please, long before everyone wakes up and before the day starts rolling along its usual tracks. 

 

Oughterard at dawn

So, I wake up the other Sunday and I discover that there is no butter in the house. 

My first thought was of hungry kids and husband looking for toast in an hour or two. I made myself coffee in a takeaway mug and off I went on the way to town in search of butter. 
Bear in mind it was Sunday and it was still about 7 in the morning so I was wondering if anywhere will be even open. But I prepared myself for a nice walk and once I was on my way I saw the first light of the coming day...That was it... The fun began and I almost forgot why I went out in the first place. I started taking photos and it was simply fantastic.

Don't you just love it when you can get lost into doing something and forget about everything else?! It is really so relaxing and cleansing and refreshing. This is what photography is for me, peace for my mind, a quiet place where I need to go and just create and make real things with my imagination. I love it. I need it. It keeps me sane.
   
Unfortunately the phone is not a great quality photo maker in the dark but I like the graininess and texture it adds to the photos almost like a real film camera they even remind me a bit of pinhole camera images.

Luckily, I found my butter right there, at the trusty and reliable corner store ( apparently Connor's is always open!! Man, this guy works hard!!)  but unfortunately that meant I had to turn back home.

Never mind,  I had a fab hour walking into the sunrise and enjoying the birth of the new day.
Next time you are out of butter, I am telling you, it is worth taking a walk looking for some...

 

The trusted Corner Store in Oughterard 

The reason I went out in the first place :-)

The day is definitely waking up 

 Here is a link to the album with all the photos I took that morning

Oughterard in the Fall

If you find yourself walking in the village one early foggy morning you will discover how peaceful, calm and wonderful it is.

The colours of autumn are so warm and bright against the white softness of the fog, every sound is subdued and hushed, there is no one about... Perfect...


What an amazing feeling. I just love where I live.

Welcome to Oughterard, the Gateway to Connemara