Two-for!

"No hard rock" she says!

(For June 6th!)
We woke up! That's always a good start! We began by sorting the rocks and sticks and long roots out of the dirt from the forest that's piled outside out cabin. There was quite a bit to go through but it was simple enough. As we were finishing Thomas, a friend of Christine and Stiofan's that works on their land a couple days a week came up to chat for a bit. He is a really sweet guy from Belgium, I believe and told us about a lot of cool history and neat places we could visit in Ireland. He told us about St. Brennan who sailed from Ireland to Newfoundland in a small leather ship with only a few other guys. That's pretty flippin; bizarre. Thomas departed and Stiofan came up to see how we were doing. We talked a bit about the bees that were possibly moving into the beehive he recently built. He's been going to beekeeping seminars and learning a lot about the whole process. We talked a lot about the complexities of their social system and it truly is amazing that such small insects can sustain life on this planet and work so hard as unit. Thanks bees!
Next we needed to get some limestone so we could level the pH of the acidic forest soil. Stiofan brought out the TRACTOR! We decided the best and safest option would be to sit on each side of the seat, the part above the massive wheels! We also held massive smiles the entire ride over to the neighboring farm! It was a really sweet place. Babies of all kinds- chickens, ducks, goats and a new born foal! We walked up to the top of the hill to take a peak. We walked up to a very regal, proud mother standing over a small and tired baby boy horse! We approached slowly and cautiously, so as not to startle her. She allowed us to come pretty close and we all stood in wonder of how sweet the little babe was sleepin'. After praising her good work we departed to get the limestone. Mimi and Stiofan shoveled some into the back and we rode even faster back home. The view of Ireland from the side of a tractor is priceless. Stiofan backed it up the hill (after we jumped off) so we could spread it across the soil. We both got a bit carried away with the limestone flinging and subsequently have a few knots in our shoulders, but no matter because the soil is leveling out as we speak!

We went in to eat an awesome lunch, potato and beet salad with lots of goods mixed in with love. After lunch we did some weeding and waited for the rain to clear a bit. Stiofan came out to the poly tunnel to ask if we'd like to go on a walk with him and the 6 dogs. As we walk up, all the dogs are tightly snugged in the back of the van. They looked a little on edge and some were barking quite a bit. I got in the front seat and Nico, the older dog was sitting right next to me, looking pretty stressed. I tried to put my hand down next to me, in an effort to appear calm, as I was doing this he snapped at me and caught my thumb. Given my previous fear of dogs, this did not go over well with me. Even though he only slightly bruised my thumbnail, I felt a huge rush of emotions and immediately exited the car. I started crying like a little sis and walked up the hill. I felt like a doof and Stiofan felt bad. Now I feel a little weary with the dogs but am working slowly back up to fearlessness. But with the negative, always come the positive! Mimi finally got to put on the long awaited bee suit for a bee check up on the hive! Unfortunately, Stiofan thinks the bees aren't swarming after all, but perhaps just stealing honey! Either way, Mimi was just happy to have the chance to take a look and get up close and personal with the bees.

We closed the day out by calling Clio, a lady we will be staying with in Portugal, over Skype. She sounded like a real sweetheart, with a rad English accent. Mimi sounded real professional while talking to her and we hung up feeling really excited about staying there.

Today, June 7th was pretty cold, wet and moody. Not much happened except a lot of hard work-and hilarity of course- while moving wood under a tarp in pouring rain. It was very physical and slightly ridiculous. After 2 hours of that, we went to pull more weeds. Afterwards, we both lost our minds a little. I forgot how to paint and Mimi decided to make cookies with "1 cup of everything". We realized we just needed to take a walk and did so. It was nice and refreshing to get out, and luckily the rain slowed for only the amount of time we were outside. On the way back to the house I had to face my fear when a dog came charging up to us as we were passing by its house. I did pretty good but I really do need some advice on how to handle these protective farm dogs! When we got back we watched some amazing Ted Talks which were very grounding and interesting. Mimi made some really tasty potato and beet pancakes! That pretty much brings it up to right now where I am getting very sleepy from the Valerian root tea I just drank. More wild, intricate dreams to dream!
In the meantime, check this:
 Symbiosis dance on Ted talk

-Chelsey