On the walk this morning (8am … can you believe it!) Coco and I went along Railway Terrace.

Just past the fountain is a truly beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and writer … John McGahern.

John lived near Ballinamore and writes fondly of it in his book ‘Memoirs’.

Many people here in town would have known and loved John.

He was a writer of international distinction.

I have read ‘Amongst Women’, ‘Memoirs’ (his biography … which left me breathless with its story of brutality and love), and my favourite ‘That they may face the rising sun’.

John wrote in a deceptively simple style about Irish life that rammed straight to my heart.

The bench was made and carved by Adrian Smith (you’ve seen him out with Maggie, Derek, Lynda and me) and I believe that the simplicity and beauty of the piece reflects John’s writing … a very fitting tribute to John who never made a fuss and reveled in the quiet turnings of his life.

Adrian is a bit like that and you can see it in the quiet beauty of the bench.

The writing is by John

‘... the best life is lived quietly, were nothing happens but our calm journey through the day, where change is imperceptible and the precious life is everything …’ John McGahern

The quote touches me deeply as it reflects the kind of life I hope I live … probably not as quietly as John … but certainly with a deep contentment … even when the sun isn’t always shining.

When you sit on the bench you then see a compass with the quote ‘That they may face the rising sun’

The bench is really comfortable and Coco loved it.

Congratulations Adrian … you created not only a fitting tribute to John … but also a lasting legacy of your own work in the stone.

I think I may find my way there most days from now on to just sit quietly.

And …we walked along past the houses in Railway Terrace and I was keen to see what was along the road ….and how far we could walk before we ran out of path.

Gotta say folks …people drive really fast on these roads and even if you get into a ditch … it’s a bit scary … for me … never mind the dog.

We were able to walk for about 10 minutes … and as usual … beauty everywhere.

Ballinamore is twinned with a town in Brittanny.

I think it would be fun to visit there one day and photograph the ‘twinned with Ballinamore sign’.

And …walking along the road I was amazed at the number of big trucks rumbling along … noisy buggers.

We walked back into town as the road just got too dangerous to walk along … sigh.

Said good morning to the neighbours that were up and around … Hi Dee and Jerry and Maggie … and of course … John Joe.

This is my postman’s car …he always has a smile and a cheery word for everyone.

And this has always made me smile … imagine trying to sit in front of those fires.

They are on our main street.

Quiet day today …a bit of work … then I think I might just have a lolling day with a book and the bed … and Coco.

After Maggie finishes work we’re taking the dog pack to Garadice Lake.

Can’t wait as I’ve never been there before and Coco will get a chance to run free and play with the big dogs… who are all really lovely.

I send you wishes for a day of calm contentment.

Liz

P.S – James and Coco get on well and I’m teaching the children how to behave with the dog. It’s as much about training people … as training the pup.

P.S.S if Stinky and Coco can reach a detente … a kind of peaceful co- existence … do you think people might give it a try?