This is a bit of a mish-mash of a post resulting from a spur-of-the-moment decision to take advantage of a sunny (but chilly) afternoon to buy some plants from the local nursery. On the way back we did a little detour (of course!) to look at the ruins of an Augustinian abbey, the idea being to see if Mum would at least be able to make it inside the site, if only to sit on a chair rather than walking around. The sky was stunningly blue and so clear, the moon was easily visible. You can just about see the white dot in the top left and bottom right photos. The photos are a little deceptive as there was a fairly strong cold wind blowing when you were out in the open, but a couple of hours in the sun and fresh air was just what I needed after a difficult few weeks (see here). I took deep breaths and absorbed the tranquility of the place in its wide open spaces. We were the only ones there, apart from the cows, and even they were still and silent.
The shapes in the bottom right photo are the graves of the abbots. The right column of the entrance in the first photo used to be higher and there are spiral steps up to it where my husband and young grandsons once climbed up and had their photos taken right at the top. Sadly, the entrance is now fenced off and it looks like the tower has crumbled somewhat.
The abbey is surrounded by farmland and these very young calves were in the field by the lane. I thought this one was an unusual colour, it was nervous and very wary.
The others couldn’t care less!
Here are the some of the plants we bought, still waiting to be homed:
Just don’t ask me what they’re called!
Ps You can read about our other detours here: An Impromptu Mother’s Day Adventure or How We Survived the Vortex that is Our Local Bermuda Triangle … & Ducks, Daves and Detours
PPS Unfortunately, the entrance to the site is through an awkward swing gate with such a narrow opening so no, Mum wouldn’t be able to get through.
Copyright: Chris McGowan
pearsnotparsnipsdotcom 
What beautiful photos. Love the stunningly blue sky, Chris. Glad you shared your chilly adventure with us on Senior Salon.
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Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊
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I adore being brought along on the adventures of blog buddies – and I’ll bet your mum loves the pictures too.
I’m sorry to read that your last few weeks have been difficult, but it looks like this trip helped turn things around. Thanks for sharing – and have fun finding homes for your new plants. I hope you’ll share what you decided once they have taken root.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
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Thanks, it will be a while before Mum sees the photos as she lives some distance away and has no internet or mobile – she’s a real technophobe!
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My friend Sammy hasn’t seen Tink’s article about our trip for the same reason.
Waaay back when home computers were announced (CPM), I jumped in early because I didn’t want to turn into one of those little old ladies who hitch up the horse to the buggy because they didn’t approve of those new-fangled electric ones. 🙂 It turned out to be one of my best decisions.
That, and learning to touch type, though I was clearly not a natural there – which is why I avoid using a smart-phone for i-net tasks instead of a full-sized keyboard (thumb-typing, no thank you!)
xx,
mgh
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You always have great adventures to write about! I enjoy reading about them! 🙂
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Haha thank you, never a dull moment around here 😄
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