Photo was taken recently near St.John’s Well, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

A storm along the east coast of America, affecting big cities like New York and Boston this weekend, is set to produce snowfalls up to one meter deep! The little sprinklings of snow we have had in Ireland recently just fade into insignificance!

Thought on Saturday – February – 09/02/2013

‘Do not fear going forward slowly; fear only to stand still.’ ~Chinese Proverb


Tomorrow marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year and is also known as the ‘Spring Festival’. In China and for Chinese people all over the world it is a hugely important day. Later on this evening to mark the eve of this special day, Chinese families all over the world, will gather for their annual reunion dinner. Within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the Chinese new year vary widely. People will pour out their money to buy presents, decorations, food, and clothing. It is also traditional for every family to thoroughly cleanse the house, in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. Food will include such items as pigs, ducks, chicken and sweet delicacies. The family will end the night with firecrackers. Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year and receive money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. These sentiments are something we also hold dear to us and as the Chinese New Year begins tomorrow, we also wish each other blessings, peace and good things to come.