photo taken at mid-day

Follow The Vikings Roadshow came to Waterford on the Easter weekend. I guess, attendance would be greater if the festival took place on some other weekend, but what to do – even Google never does Easter Doodles  At least we know for sure that the Vikings have been eventually converted 

Familiar streets look different. Amazing actors and dancers from many European countries came to Waterford- or rather Veðrafjǫrðr– to celebrate our viking heritage. Famous for their spectacular performances, the Roadshow will tour another seven viking locations (twelve altogether) in the UK, Spain and Scandinavia.

I only caught a glimpse of the night show, but you can see plenty of images on their website.

Ancient viking civilization made a major impact on European history and culture. Far from being just barbaric raiders, the vikings left the legacy that is still evident today in various parts of the world.

You can learn…

  Results from my current knitting project – hats in shades of brown

   Me modeling the latest hat

                    a sampling of the ceramic masks hanging on my backyard fence.  The masks are made by a local potter named Faye.  I’m attempting to transfer the Voodoo Mask idea into knitting.  And I’m working with shades of brown.

This was a trip to the West as the title implies. My husband Ian and I are more familiar with Westport on the West Coast of Ireland.  The 2 Westports are approximately 6000 miles apart and very different.   Westport Washington – a Marina waterfront with many many fishing boats, places to eat, gift shops, a kite shop, ice cream shops, etc.  But the area in the background is one long strip of motels and guest houses – overnight to longer stay facilities catering mainly to RV’s (Recreational Vehicles).  Unfortunately some were in a bad state of neglect and decay.  Others looked more cared for.  An eclectic mix.  And to add to the impression I had were grey skies and a chilly wind.  Contrasting with this I visited the local library – a very clean, modern, up to date, facility and apparently well used by a local clientele in midMay…

 Sunset clouds – we haven’t seen a sky lie this in a long time – Seattle’s go;den summer!

I am still thinking that Spot the beast 41 was too difficult! To make up for this, I am presenting you with this (more dangerous) creature we found while walking in Carmelo, Uruguay.

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It is a venomous snake known locally as “yara”, “yarará” o crucera (crossed pit viper)(Bothrops alternatus). It is found in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina and, although not naturally aggressive, it is an important cause of snakebite. The reason for this is its reliance on its comouflage for protection. It is then easy to either step on it or nearby causing a defensive reaction that can end in a bite.

The venom is haemolytic and can cause serious tissue damage although is not as deadly as it is generally believed.