The hot weather in Europe and the UK has been so hot, as we know (I feel for all the wildlife in those wild fires) it has even affected Donegal, which is not normally known for it’s 30 degree weather.

But over the last three weeks we have had very hot weather, not quite on the levels we had in France, but up there.

It was RD’s birthday last week. We had a few days off , and spent the first few days just chilling in our garden with our girls. It was too hot to sit out in it until about 5pm, and then we sat under our trees, our orchard of love, where Harley, Wiglet, our old Westie Snowy’s ashes, and Diddies have been laid to rest. They have helped the trees grow. With the dappled light it was reminiscent of our times sitting under The Tree of Tao in Ambrieres all those years ago.

As we sat there looking out across the Sperrin mountains, with a light breeze, the sun shining, our girlies laying around us, the fae listening in the trees, the rooks cawing contentedly, the leaves rustling, it felt as if we were surrounded by love. We both said to each other how it was as if we were on holiday.

A realisation came over me and I said to RD how I was the most content I have ever been in my life. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside and views. We are protected by the fay, I can feel it. We have three beautiful dogs, and a very old content cat. For the first time in our lives we are not rich, but we are comfortable, and do not worry about money. Because we chose to live in a small house that is not expensive to run, and we have learned, through our adventures, that you do not need a lot in life, as long as you have nature and each other. We have each other, more than ever before.

It was a realisation, because I am in pain every day, I struggle now with my leg, but I am still content. I don’t have a huge house, but I have a big garden that gives me solace, sitting with nature brings me contentment.

I have come to understand the Tao when it talks of labels, and how they control you; and due to that I have, without malice or ill will, stepped back from toxic situations. I am too old now to have it in my life. But the crux is, from all I have learned, I bear no ill will or malice.

I no longer ‘need’ people, and thereby their approval of me. I have accepted that I live in the Truman Show, and some things are a necessity, that there’s no point in fighting it, or stressing over it. But I am in older, in the enviable position that I don’t have to care. I don’t need to interact with mankind too much, if I don’t want to.

I have had hardships in my life that have sent me towards books and philosophies that have helped me open my mind. I have learned.

I have a strong personality.

I have paid my dues.

I count my blessings,

Mois