Every now and again a memory is made. I had one of those experiences recently when I drove with my daughter Susie towards Glenties and up Into the Donegal Hills to a little thatched cottage, a whiff of smoke coming out of the chimney and a welcome on the mat. Before we could even get out of the car, Breezy Kelly was there arms wide in greeting.
Her invitation to lunch was a treat as she surrounds you with love and interest, happiness and bread. She is a beautiful soul who believes it is more blessed to give than to receive, she inspired the international day known as Bake Bread for Peace, not only one day but every day she encourages those who can to open their homes and invite friends into a peaceful kitchen to bake and share.
High on her agenda is peaceful protest. Two years ago she lead a march in memory of Lyra McKee and more recently walked 62 miles to raise money for Children in Cross Fire, she thinks nothing of walking miles and she’s welcome where ever she goes and usually ends up in the kitchen – baking bread.
Through the red half door into the tiny kitchen, the fire glowing in the range and the smell of baking fills the air. She explained: “When I was a child I felt most secure in the kitchen when my mother was baking bread, it’s the aroma of peace, the smell of fresh bread hugged me and I felt safe.”
This engine room of this power house, where many notable people have broken bread, was colourful and somehow expectant.
Breezy’s little dog Sheila was curled up in her basket snuggled in beside the cat and her two black kittens. And so began a time of learning, discussion, singing and reciting poetry. The chat and the laughter ricocheted round the cottage.
Breezy was a chef and her vegetable soup was like nothing I’ve tasted before, then little triangles of home made pizza and a choice of banana bread, maize bread and wheaten bread. Cups of tea and fresh cold water.
We Got Round To Nature,
We were introduced to Mother Elder behind the cottage, a tree steeped in folklore, the ‘eye of the day’ like a carpet all round, daisies to your and me.
I told her of a friend who has a lawn which is kept well manicured. When it’s too wet to cut her husband is infuriated but she’s delighted because she loves to see the defiant buttercups jump out of the soil, the blue speedwell, white clover and the little daisies always turning their face to the sun. And what about the dandelions, the only plant that represents three celestial bodies, yellow flower the sun. puff ball the moon the seeds the stars.
Not so popular for some reason yet these brilliant yellow flowers have a wonderful story which fascinates children and adults alike,
“The dandelion has been used in traditional medicine since time began. In Ireland it’s always been associated with Saint Bridget, perhaps because it’s the first flower to come into bloom following her festival in February and in Scotland it’s thought its milky sap provides nourishment to the lambs in early Spring.”
But it’s the seed head that fascinates me most. We called them clocks and believed you could tell the time just by blowing the seeds off their base – if one blow frees them all then it’s one o’clock, four goes and it’s four o’clock and so on, it’s also known as the Shepherd’s Clock as it opens its petals at sunrise and closes them at dusk so times can be worked out with this botanical sun dial.
I remember sitting in a garden with a friend who was suffering the last stages of Alzheimer’s. A single seed drifted towards us like a tiny white parachute and I said ‘catch it and make a wish’, something we did as children. She caught it, clasped it to her breast and in a rare lucid moment, whispered ‘I wish for my son to be happy.’ It was an emotional moment which brought tears.
What’s In A Name?
Most of the generic ED drugs are not approved by discount bulk viagra the FDA is against the law; some states have their own laws relevant to importing drugs; and some companies are really criminals promoting out of date or fake drugs. Many of these are the consequence of other illnesses that sildenafil online pharmacy the man might be suffering from. As the medication achieves buying this purchase generic levitra the blood, discharges nitric oxide. Any overuse or misuse of this cialis without prescription medicine can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Breezy also told us that here in Ireland other names for the seed heads are Jimmyjoes and Jinnyjoes but there are more!
“Throughout Europe the dandelion has always been used in a wide variety of traditional herbal cures, it’s particularly well know for its diuretic properties, giving relief with all sorts of kidney problems. this has lead to it being called Piss-the-bed or in society, Wet-the-bed!”
If the milky sap is applied to warts apparently after nine days they will be gone. Our conversation is now on a role and Breezy is recalling how nature cures were used in the country.
“I remember as a child when I was tortured with hives dandelion tea was one of the remedies that I was given to purify the blood, I do believe that it brought relief. And long ago when ‘consumption’ – tuberculosis – was rampant, it was believed that a sandwich of bread, butter and dandelion leaves brought relief and sometimes even a cure.’
However, these are old wives tales, tonics and remedies from the countryside long before doctors sent you to a specialist for your complaint so wise to check them out.
I’ve begun to drink dandelion tea and I don’t know if it has purified my blood but it hasn’t done me any harm. Just trim off the flowers into a teacup pour in boiling water leave for five minutes, strain and drink.
We sat in the sunshine beside Mother Elder, a tree with many favourable qualities, and the craic continued until well into the late afternoon. Then it was time to take our leave of this unique woman, herself a tonic for the soul. Her parting shot – “Enjoy the day that’s in it for it will never happen again!”
Breezy, I hope it will in some shape or form.
THE ATTRACTION OF TENNIS
My first born arrived after some delay on 12th July and whilst I was waiting, in fear and trepidation I must say, I binge watched Wimbledon. Not because I am a tennis devotee because I’m not, not since having to play in strong sunlight in school and not allowed to wear sun glasses or a hat and ending up with pounding headaches. But for the last couple of years I’ve got involved and this year is terrific, the match Federer v Norrie yesterday was something to behold. Exciting or what. I suppose there was little doubt that Roger would win but Cameron is such a star and handsome too. But when I talk of handsome, charismatic and lazy sexy charm look no further than the Latin lover Fabio Fognini. Wow!
Football didn’t get a look in, boring compared to Centre Court London WC19 and there’s another week of it but Fabio has already gone from the finals. He should give exhibition matches with Cameron Norrie and please the ladies.
THE COLOURS OF SUMMER – WHEN IT ARRIVES
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
