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# Jennie Finch

Life in rural Ireland

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## Posts

- [An exciting (and exhausting) couple of weeks](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/an-exciting-and-exhausting-couple-of-weeks/) - An exciting week - hard work but with bright spots and really hopeful outcomes. Our little dog is home safe, the rain is watering our wood and now we will rest
- [The weeks were short but the days so long](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-weeks-were-short-but-the-days-so-long/) - An exhausting fortnight but with a happy ending as Charlie is out of the vet hospital and recovering well. And it is raining at last!
- [Happiness is rain – and a new fly screen](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/happiness-is-rain-and-a-new-fly-screen/) - At last we have a break from the heat and are crossing our fingers for rain. We are working hard to keep all the plants and healthy and looking after the wood.
- [Bats, bindweed and several (almost) broken fingers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/bats-bindweed-and-several-almost-broken-fingers/) - First of all, apologies for missing last week’s blog and many thanks for all your kind messages. As you can see from the picture, I have been quite incapacitated especially as I am left handed. It was one of those freak accidents where a heavy cupboard door that is supposed to be soft-closing slammed shut
- [Onwards and Upwards – well, onwards anyway](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/onwards-and-upwards-well-onwards-anyway/) - Another busy few weeks here in rural Tipperary. Everything is growing and fortunately much of it wanted. A lovely birthday was celebrated with amazing cake.
- [Making it to the weekend at last](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/making-it-to-the-weekend-at-last/) - We were expecting a quiet few weeks but instead got a lot happening all at once. Well, we've made it to the weekend, it's raining again and we can rest a bit.
- [A bit more than “something” this month](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-bit-more-than-something-this-month/) - A month full of many small(ish) events and obstacles has been rather challenging but we are undeterred. After all, there's always something, right?
- [Mainly about (not) writing, despite a lot of encouragement](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/mainly-about-not-writing-despite-a-lot-of-encouragement/) - Hello and apologies to you all for missing the last Tipperary Tales episode. Life has been rather busy here and not in the usual way either. We have had the usual run of vile weather, hospital and vet visits and occasional health glitches but it is writing that has caused the biggest upset. As you
- [Short and sweet this week, I hope](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/short-and-sweet-this-week-i-hope/) - Another busy few weeks here in rural Tipperary. The joy of spring finally arriving is mixed with the need to deal with hospital doctors and their systems.
- [It’s a busy time in rural Tipperary](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-a-busy-time-in-rural-tipperary/) - Despite the awful weather spring is upon us and life is getting very busy again. With trees to see to and the polytunnel to floor I still find writing time.
- [In like a lion, out like a (bi-polar) lamb](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/in-like-a-lion-out-like-a-bi-polar-lamb/) - Despite unpredictable weather we have added 20 trees to our wood and spring is visible all around. We are adjusting to our house without Chloe but miss her.
- [Lock down life and unwelcome residents](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/lock-down-life-and-unwelcome-residents/) - We were under lock down almost as soon as we arrived and it would have been easy to feel isolated, especially so far out in the countryside. In fact the wide open spaces proved to keep us rather busy. A combination of warm weather in March and the (in)famous rain led to an explosion in
- [A post mainly about our lovely Chloe.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-post-mainly-about-our-lovely-chloe/) - We are adjusting to changes as we lost our wonderful Chloe last week. She was over 18 years old but remained a force of nature right up to the end.
- [The flowers that bloom in the spring tra lah](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-flowers-that-bloom-in-the-spring-tra-lah/) - Spring is supposed to be here but no-one told the rain! Flowers are beginning to bloom but we spend a lot of time looking after our very old dog Chloe.
- [To the wood, to the wood – again.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/to-the-wood-to-the-wood-again/) - Resting and recovering from the "shark 'flu" we focussed on the wood with new trees coming. Cynthia news is good and we are wet, tired but unbowed!
- [Living in interesting times, in the Chinese sense](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/living-in-interesting-times-in-the-chinese-sense/) - An interesting month that feels a bit like a curse! Still, we are carrying on, pulling through and looking forward to spring and better times.
- [And a Happy New Year to you all](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/and-a-happy-new-year-to-you-all/) - A new year begins and we move into it with a combination of optimism and determination. Warm wishes to all my readers and may 2026 bring all you hope for.
- [Keep Calm and Carry On – it’s Christmas](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/keep-calm-and-carry-on-its-christmas/) - Five years on from our arrival we are looking forward to a peaceful and happy Christmas. A lot has changed for us but we are certainly settled and happy.
- [I’m alright! – Growing old is not for wimps](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/im-alright-growing-old-is-not-for-wimps/) - We are still adjusting to our changed circumstances but we are doing well despite occasional setbacks. Old age can be hard but hey - I'm alright!
- [What a week we’ve had this week](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/what-a-week-weve-had-this-week/) - Some settled routines and new challenges make for an interesting time. Meanwhile the local wildlife continues to try and move in as winter approaches.
- [It is what it is – for now](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/it-is-what-it-is-for-now/) - Sometimes something happens and it changes everything if you let it. Well, it is what it is for now but we will carry on and work around everything we can.
- [Not everything new is a good thing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/not-everything-new-is-a-good-thing/) - The "need" for a new, updated system has stopped me posting a full blog this week. I'm struggling with "the new", and not everything new is good.
- [Mainly about writing this time](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/mainly-about-writing-this-time/) - The current state of publishing is making writing an endangered profession. A few thoughts we've had these last few weeks.
- [It always rains in Ireland](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/it-always-rains-in-ireland/) - It always rains in Ireland but when the rain stops the growing begins. Everything from herbs to weeds are flourishing here as we welcome friends old and new.
- [Driving on – literally at the moment](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/driving-on-literally-at-the-moment/) - We've been driving on this fortnight - literally, with a three ton digger. It's been a steep learning curve but we are certainly making progress.
- [A bit of a roller coaster](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-bit-of-a-roller-coaster/) - This has been a fortnight of ups and downs - definitely a roller coaster. Still, we have donkeys, dentists and a brass band to make life interesting.
- [Life can be like a row of dominoes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/life-can-be-like-a-row-of-dominoes/) - Like a row of dominoes, one thing sets of another until everything comes tumbling down. What an exciting fortnight it has been , from blocked drains to bats!
- [A busy time when nothing much happened](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-busy-time-when-nothing-much-happened/) - Despite feeling nothing much happened this has been a busy time. The weather has been very wet but we have plenty to keep us happily occupied.
- [It’s been one heck of an August](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-been-one-heck-of-an-august/) - This August has been very busy and demanding - a heck of a month. Many apologies for the late posting and here's the story so far.
- [Love our home but hate the infrastructure](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/love-our-home-but-hate-the-infrastructure/) - Pondering over the last month or so over last night’s dinner we both agreed we love our home, despite some snags. Here's how it's working out.
- [It’s a bit slow going at the moment](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-a-bit-slow-going-at-the-moment/) - There's a lot going on and it's a bit slow going at the moment. Despite this we are still working away. And I may have some new readers too!
- [Despite our difficulties we’ve made a breakthrough](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/despite-our-difficulties-weve-made-a-breakthrough/) - Those of you who read the last blog will be aware we have some serious difficulties at the moment. But, despite everything, we have made a breakthrough.
- [Well, some upgrades are good, if annoying](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/well-some-upgrades-are-good-if-annoying/) - Upgrades are a fact of life now and I've finally had to accept a new computer and all its difficulties. On the plus side, we have water again. A good upgrade
- [Memories are made of this (thank you mother)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/memories-are-made-of-this-thank-you-mother/) - Great excitement as we almost relive my memories of my mother and the exploding pressure cooker. Charlie is sad as he had minor surgery but is almost better.
- [Tired, incoherent and still standing. Yeah!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tired-incoherent-and-still-standing-yeah/) - We are tired and a bit incoherent after an exciting few weeks. But we are still standing despite the odd accident and more uninvited residents.
- [Goodbye to 2023 and here’s to a better 2024](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/goodbye-to-2023-and-heres-to-a-better-2024/) - A hearty Goodbye to 2023 which ends with a bang here in Tipperary. Everything crossed for a better - or at least dryer - 2024.
- [Thoughts on these past three years](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/thoughts-on-these-past-three-years/) - It is now three years since we enbarked on our bit of an adventure and time for reflection, as well as a plethora of celebrations this winter.
- [Memories are made of fish (and other things)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/memories-are-made-of-fish-and-other-things/) - Everyday life can bring back memories of happy times past. In the middle of Ireland our fish supper evokes journeys across Europe for us.
- [To the wood, to the wood!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/to-the-wood-to-the-wood/) - Despite the rain and some problems with flooded roads we finally managed to get more of the wood cleared. Now we are preparing for trees - and a small orchard.
- [Is it spring yet? Oh, I hope so!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/is-it-spring-yet-oh-i-hope-so/) - With spring just around the corner we decided to start our tree planting and ground clearing. And some great news as my book "Puppy Brain" will be at Crufts!
- [Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/happy-st-patricks-day-to-you-all/) - Reflecting on our recent little roadtrip to Cork - tiring, fun and very interesting. Now we are resting up and enjoying St Patrick's Day back home.
- [Happy Easter but no news from Tipperary](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/happy-easter-but-no-news-from-tipperary/) - Happy Easter to you all. No news from Tipperary this week so enjoy your holiday and I'll be back next week.
- [And the rain it rains every day](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/and-the-rain-it-rains-every-day/) - We've still got the rain but we now have the start of our orchard and new trees in the wood. With some better weather we hope to make more progress this year.
- [The mini digger and very boggy ground – it’s April alright](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-mini-digger-and-very-boggy-ground-its-april-alright/) - Planting and land clearance falls foul of the April weather with boggy ground and a malfunctioning digger. Still, April brings flowers, birds and bats too.
- [The good, the bad and the ugly this week](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-this-week/) - Life here has good, bad and ugly bits this fortnight. Despite the nasty parts we are moving on - or at least making sure to consolidate our progress.
- [An EPIC Adventure part 2 – and a batty return](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/an-epic-adventure-part-2-and-a-batty-return/) - A visit to the EPIC museum in Dublin was inspiring, fascinating and entertaining. On my return we had to deal with baby bats in the bathroom. That's a first.
- [Wildlife rescue, new friends and a different way of life](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/wildlife-rescue-new-friends-and-a-different-way-of-life/) - We seem to be running a small wildlife rescue at the moment but as we settle into a new routine we are tired but much more comfortable here.
- [A few weeks of preparation and planning](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-few-weeks-of-preparation-and-planning/) - After a busy few weeks, we are getting ready for more fun-filled days and a hefty wrestle with Limerick hospital. Success? It's all in the preparation
- [August is the cruelest month – in Tipperary](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/august-is-the-cruelest-month-in-tipperary/) - August throws up surprises and obstacles, a bit of a struggle. With the help of friends old and new we are heading for autumn feeling positive once more.
- [Happiness is a working mower and baby swifts](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/happiness-is-a-working-mower-and-baby-swifts/) - Lots of small events make this a much happier week despite the dire weather. Who could be sad when surrounded by baby swifts and with a working mower too?
- [It’s that time of year again](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-that-time-of-year-again/) - Autumn is upon us and it is the time of year for preparing for winter. There is still a lot to enjoy here with colour and fruit and at last the flies are gone.
- [Stormy days and unwanted visitors](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/stormy-days-and-unwanted-visitors/) - Stormy days are upon us with a number of unwanted visitors seeking shelter from the rain. Still, we are warm, safe and very well guarded.
- [Adjusting to a very different country](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/adjusting-to-a-very-different-country/) - Ireland is a very different country with new customs, traditions and challenges. After almost four years we seem to be settling in better, safe and happy.
- [Sometimes things just seem to get harder](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/sometimes-things-just-seem-to-get-harder/) - There's been a lot to learn and more to do here in Ireland. It can be harder to focus on the things we loved - painting for Jacqui, writing for me.
- [Interview with BBC Radio Tees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/interview-bbc-radio-tees/) - Listen to me on BBC Radio Tees:
- [News of the second book](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/news-book/) - The sequel to "Death of the Elver Man" is progressing nicely. Provisionally titled "The Drowners", it takes up the story six weeks after the ending of "Death of the Elver Man". Once more set in the unique landscape of the Somerset Levels and surrounding area, it features many familiar characters and a few new ones
- [Moving on...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/moving/) - Poor old Alex is having a bit of a hard time.... Strange goings-on out on the Levels are unsettling her friends and clients and seem connected to new problems amongst the young men "with their hard eyes and crude letters tattooed on their knuckles, their suspicions and the scorn with which they treated this, their
- [Squibbing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/squibbing/) - The Carnival (always with a capital letter in Somerset) and squibbing are both major events in the town of Bridgwater and really do have to be seen to be believed. Anyone curious about squibbing might like to watch this video: for a taste of what it is like. The noise of the crowd and the
- [That time of year again...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/time-year/) - It's the middle of February, unseasonally warm up here and I find myself back at my computer after I've already finished my words for the day, after all my research is done and printed, waiting for tomorrow - here I am. Suddenly the story grabs me and I can't leave it. Not tonight, not just
- [Still juggling](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/juggling/) - My Achilles heel strikes again - issues with the time line. So many threads running through this new book and I've gone back to lay them out properly in a plan. This, of course, I should have done (and meant to do) right at the very start. Well, it's fairly well sorted now and suddenly
- [Time for some housekeeping](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/time-housekeeping/) - I'm getting to the end of my latest student group and it is time to peer with bleary eyes over the mounds of papers, course books and forms and wonder where my writing space has gone. I am horribly untidy unless I keep a very tight grip on things - possibly something to do with
- [A really good week](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/good-week/) - Yes, last week was remarkably good on the writing front. I discovered I had sold my first copies of "Death of the Elver Man" in the USA, on the Kindle platform. Then I was asked to speak at the Middlesbrough Literary Festival in June. Watch this space for details of date and time closer to
- [What goes around...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/what-goes-around/) - Listening to the budget yesterday, I was struck by how familiar much of it seemed. After a depressing hour or so I returned to "The Drowners", and realized why this might be. The world around us is much closer to the decade of greed in the 80s than many would admit. The characters from "Death
- [Starlings!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/starlings/) - The Somerset Levels, and Shapwick in particular, are probably most famous for the extraordinary displays of birds. During the winter, and into spring, huge flocks of starlings gather at dusk and dawn and seem to perform astonishing aerial displays. This wonderful sight has been captured by photographers and film makers for those of us who
- [Readings in the summer](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/readings-summer/) - News of two readings coming up. On May 23rd I will be appearing as part of Teesside University's Creative Arts Week. This is a lunch time appearance, 1pm. Exact venue to follow! On Wednesday 20th June I am appearing as part of the Middlesbrough Literary Festival, sharing the stage with Danielle Ramsey and Val Laws,
- [Reading this week](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/reading-week/) - I'm preparing for my forthcoming reading at the University of Teesside this Wednesday, 23rd May, at 1pm. I'll be reading from "Death of the Elver Man" and using a couple of extracts to illustrate how real events in my life have inspired some of the action in the book. I hope to include a sneak
- [Marching towards winter with some help from our friends](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/marching-towards-winter-with-some-help-from-our-friends/) - This latest flurry of jobs means we can march towards winter with confidence, thanks to our friends and helpers.
- [Forty Years on and a glance back in time](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/forty-years-on-and-a-glance-back-in-time/) - Forty years ago Jacqui and I moved down to Somerset together. Now, forty years on, after three houses and many changes we are celebrating with new friends.
- [Easing into Christmas as the solstice arrives](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/easing-into-christmas-as-the-solstice-arrives/) - As the solstice arrives we are easing into Christmas after a somewhat frantic few weeks. Despite storms, trips to Limerick and a lot of shopping we are almost ready.
- [Rounding up the year in 1,000 words](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/rounding-up-the-year-in-1000-words/) - A short rounding up of the last year - the good, occasional bad and seemingly random events of 2024.
- [Surviving the zombie cow apocalypse and other oddities](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/surviving-the-zombie-cow-apocalypse-and-other-oddities/) - Exciting times as the zombie cow apocalypse arrives. Actually it turned out to be more like Houdini cows but at midnight who can tell the difference?
- [First the cows, then the storms – welcome to January](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/first-the-cows-then-the-storms-welcome-to-january/) - Another exciting few weeks here in Tipperary. The storms have passed but the impact will be long lasting I suspect. Here's to an early spring!
- [Some bright spots on a dirty day](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/some-bright-spots-on-a-dirty-day/) - On a dark, rainy, dirty day there are still many bright spots to remember. February is still with us but there are signs of spring out there.
- [The joys of living on a learning curve](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-joys-of-living-on-a-learning-curve/) - Reflecting on the steep learning curve living in a new country can be. Still, there are real compensations and we would not go back, even for a bin collection.
- [The joys (and occasional sorrows) of the garden](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-joys-and-occasional-sorrows-of-the-garden/) - A fortnight of work in the garden brings surprise, delight and occasional dismay. Still, we expected very little and have learned some valuable lessons.
- [Hedgerow jam, new readers and left-over books](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/hedgerow-jam-new-readers-and-left-over-books/) - A wet autumn with lots of (free) fruit so why not make jam? I discover something I didn't know I knew! A warm welcome to new readers and old friends.
- [August again – feral crows, biting flies and a special birthday](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/august-again-feral-crows-biting-flies-and-a-special-birthday/) - It's August again and battles with bird and insect predators keep us busy. Still, an old friend visiting and our oldest dog's 18th birthday are bright spots.
- [A very different life – and rather horticultural](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-very-different-life-and-rather-horticultural/) - A new rhythm and whole new knowledge set make up much of our different life here. Much of it is good, some things less so but we wouldn't change it now.
- [Shrinkflation and the perils of remote shopping](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/shrinkflation-and-the-perils-of-remote-shopping/) - We experience some hilarious shrinkflation whilst Internet shopping. On the bright side, the polytunnel is thriving and so it our wildlife.
- [Full speed ahead on the Homestead Rollercoaster](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/full-speed-ahead-on-the-homestead-rollercoaster/) - A rollercoaster of a fortnight from a birthday to the onset of doggie dementia. Life can be hard and happy but it is rarely boring here.
- [A real mixed bag of a fortnight](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-real-mixed-bag-of-a-fortnight/) - Good and bad weather, a horrible visit to Limerick Hospital and some real progress around the house. A real mixed bag of a fortnight this time round
- [Seeing the world through different eyes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/seeing-the-world-through-different-eyes/) - Four years on we are more settled but we still often see new things, surprising our friends as we look at the world through different eyes.
- [Spring arrives as we make some decent progress](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/spring-arrives-as-we-make-some-decent-progress/) - Spring is advancing, albeit in fits and starts. Now we have the polytunnel up and should make decent progress growing and planting as the weather gets warmer.
- [Comments on the state of publishing – and other news](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/comments-on-the-state-of-publishing-and-other-news/) - Musings on the state of publishing and some background to last time's silence. Still, life goes on and we are still enjoying the most remarkable garden.
- [Blossom, Butterflies, Bees and Bastard Awful Weather](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/blossom-butterflies-bees-and-bastard-awful-weather/) - This fortnight we had the best of times and the worst. Lovely and productive spring days followed by awful weather but the blossom survived and bees are back.
- [Glorious weather, mower as beast of burden and a bit of a setback.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/glorious-weather-mower-as-beast-of-burden-and-a-bit-of-a-setback/) - Lovely weather and some hard work begins to pay off as the trees flourish. Some heavy work is accomplished using our mower as beast of burden.
- [The unexpected and EPIC trip to Dublin](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-unexpected-and-epic-trip-to-dublin/) - Much excitement this week as I have an unexpected trip to Dublin. Meeting an old friend, a trip to the theatre and experiencing the EPIC museum all in 2 days.
- [Very little has happened and it’s very tiring](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/very-little-has-happened-and-its-very-tiring/) - How can a seemingly quiet few weeks be so very tiring? We thought very little has happened but on reflection we've been rather busy.
- [When one door closes another may open](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/one-door-closes/) - This last fortnight there has been a sense of one door closing behind me. A lot of this has to do with writing as well as events in the UK leaving me with a feeling of – not helplessness but certainly being limited in what I can do. Several people we care about have suffered
- [Forty Years On](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/forty-years-on/) - Today, April 16th 2023, is a beautiful day after several weeks of rain, cloudy skies and strong winds. It is also exactly forty years since Jacqui and I met, in a discotheque in east London. Yes, I really am that old, and who goes to a disco now? Or even calls them that? Forty years
- [Cross the river before you abuse the crocodile](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/before-you-abuse-the-crocodile/) - This has been a rather odd few weeks with some fairly frantic activity mixed with slow periods of waiting, perfect for reflecting on life. Sometimes the delays in events can be infuriating and I have to speak sternly to myself. Life is generally lived at a slower pace here in Tipperary and there is a
- [Watching and waiting](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/watching-and-waiting/) - We have spent a lot of the last few weeks watching and waiting for things to happen, or change. No sooner had I posted the last blog than the (hopefully) last of the winter storms swept through Ireland. It is generally much milder here than in northern England but we woke to snow – real
- [Slow but steady progress](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/slow-but-steady-progress/) - Hooray – February is finally over! Universally loathed as a “beastly month”, the arrival of March suggests Spring is just around the corner. We will be very happy to see that as at present we have almost ground to a standstill on some important jobs. The most pressing is the roof to the kitchen. This
- [Well, there’s always something](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/theres-always-something/) - I’ve been reminded these past weeks of one of those brilliant one-liners from a film. In the movie “Carrington”, the title character is warned against getting involved with the critic and writer Lytton Strachey. “Dora dearest, he’s a terrible old queen!” says a friend, in much less PC times. “Yes,” replies Carrington, “But there’s always
- [Beginning the third year](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/beginning-the-third-year/) - The seasons are rolling around again and it is one day shy of our initial move into this little house. As we begin our third year here we can reflect on all we have done – and all that has happened. It seems fair to say there have been a few surprises along this journey.
- [Hoping for a better year all round](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/hoping-for-a-better-year/) - Well, January has certainly shown its teeth here in Ireland and I think the same – if not worse – in the UK. In the last few weeks we’ve had the big freeze, complete with frozen pipes and no water before Christmas. This was followed by some torrential rain and a leaky roof. In my
- [A Happy New Year to All](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-happy-new-year-to-all/) - It’s a bit late but may I wish you all a very Happy New Year. It is getting lighter now, slowly but surely. Soon there will be signs of spring and everything will start to grow again. We will get the hedge trimmed before that happens! We are past the worst of the cold spell
- [A Christmas update](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/christmas/) - It is Boxing Day in the UK and St Stephen’s Day here in Ireland and the first round of festivities is behind us. We had a lovely day – quiet, warm and very restful. This is mainly because we planned carefully and managed to get everything done early, something I can heartily recommend if you
- [The season for anniversaries.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-season-for-anniversaries/) - We are well into December now and winter has crept in with all its delightful little quirks. Here in Tipperary we are not immune to the cold – it has been very frosty with ice and freezing fog for most of the last week. We are, however, having a run of small celebrations. December means
- [A strange, mixed fortnight](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-strange-mixed-fortnight/) - I’m sitting at my desk and enjoying a rare sight through the window – the sun is shining. We’ve had rather a lot of rain over the past few weeks, as I think a lot of you have. Here it has veered from long, sullen downpours to bursts of hail mixed with sudden bright spots.
- [A post mainly about writing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-post-mainly-about-writing/) - I began this blog expecting to use it mainly about writing. After all, that was my new venture back in 2010 when the first of the four crime novels came out. Then, of course, the unexpected happened and we upped sticks and headed over the sea to land in Ireland. After the dust settled I
- [A Happy Halloween to you all](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-happy-halloween-to-you-all/) - Well, we’ve had quite an exciting – and rather busy – time these last few weeks. Halloween is fast approaching and autumn is definitely here. It's stamping its mark on all around us, sometimes with a bit more force than we expected. On the plus side, the wood is looking good and unusually for this
- [Hunkering down ready for winter](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/hunkering-down-ready-for-winter/) - It’s a few weeks away from the changing of the clocks and we are hunkering down ready for winter. Days are noticeably shorter, of course. The first storms are gearing up for some excitement to come and the first frosts have appeared in the morning. In a rural and relatively isolated house hunkering down involves
- [Living in interesting times](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/living-in-interesting-times/) - Hello and welcome to a most crowded few weeks. There is supposedly a Chinese curse – may you live in interesting times. Well, this is certainly one of those interesting times for us. Let me begin with the book news, on several fronts. I “attended” the virtual meeting last week and along with half a
- [Things leaving and new things coming](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/things-leaving-and-new-things-coming/) - Autumn is very much on its way in here and there are changes all around. Things are leaving and new things coming, some welcome and others less so. The past week has seen more and more swifts around the house. They line up on the electricity lines in the evening, all pointing in the same
- [Moving in fits and starts](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/moving-in-fits-and-starts/) - Every Saturday evening we have a special meal, eaten at the table with the “nice” china. That dates us, doesn’t it? And every week we raise a glass and say “What a week!” Well, yes, once more this has been very busy and challenging. We are still moving on – moving in fits and starts
- [Well, it’s August so…](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/well-it-is-august-so/) - Well, it’s August again so some things are the same as last year and some are rather different. The schools are closed, of course, and the shops are now filled with families dragging around behind tired parents. Small children run up and down the supermarket aisles demanding toys or their choice of dinner. Here there
- [A bit too much going on](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-bit-too-much-going-on/) - When we moved here and “retired” – at least from full time paid employment – we expected to have more free time. There are quiet days but more often times when there’s a bit too much going on. Take this last fortnight. A roller coaster of events and emotions have swept us up and left
- [Another lovely Irish tradition](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/another-lovely-irish-tradition/) - I know we say it every week but – what a few days we have had. Despite our planning and clever sequencing things never go smoothly but we are lucky – very lucky – in our friends and workmen. Despite the weather and the constraints of equipment hire and labour they really came through last
- [What the heck was I thinking?](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/what-the-heck-was-i-thinking/) - Those of you who have followed this adventure from the start will know the move, over 18 months ago, was close to being a disaster. This is especially true for “my” side of it as the decisions I had to make and the sheer volume of stuff I had overwhelmed me. I ended up taking
- [Making good use of our time](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/making-good-use-of-our-time/) - As we wait for jobs to be completed we have been making good use of our time. We hoped to get the grass cut using the mower but, alas, it refused to start. After calling the mechanics (“Will be up to you, soonish”) we picked away at the grass and weeds. Jacqui wielded the strimmer
- [It’s flaming June – flaming awful](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-flaming-june-flaming-awful/) - Yes, it’s heading for summer but here in mid Ireland flaming June is, quite frankly, flaming awful. I know Ireland has a reputation for bad weather but this year it’s been all over the place. January, for example, was very nice. Sunny, mild and promising the earliest of early springs, we were ready to enjoy
- [It’s wonderful what a plan comes together](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-wonderful-when-a-plan-come-together/) - Isn’t it wonderful when a plan comes together? Well, almost comes together anyway. And it is always rather unexpected. I am reminded of my (many, many) Open University days. Looking into the future with at least six years of study ahead could be extremely dispiriting, however engaging the current course might be. The only way
- [Surprises – some good and some not so good](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/surprises-some-good-and-some-not-so-good/) - Whilst not wanting to seen too mawkish, I have to agree with Forrest Gump who famously declared, “Life is like a box of Chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get”. And so it was this last fortnight. Considering we live a very quiet life deep in the countryside life throws a lot of
- [Two steps forwards, one step back](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/two-steps-forwards-one-step-back/) - This has been another mixed few weeks for us. We do feel we are making progress finally in some directions. It is very much two steps forwards, one step back. Spring is its usual manic self and everything is bursting into life. The wood looks so much healthier now despite the many damaged ash trees.
- [Spring is on the march here](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/spring-is-on-the-march-here/) - Spring is on the march here in Tipperary (excuse the pun, please) and everything is waking up, flying, walking and growing – oh how it can grow here. There’s been a warm few weeks (February) followed by several very wet weeks. Now it is sunny during the day though devilish cold at night. This has
- [A bit of a rough week overall](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-bit-of-a-rough-week-overall/) - It’s been a bit of a rough few weeks here overall. Some of it was good with progress on several fronts but, as with life in general, some was not so encouraging. We finally got the hospital appointments for Jacqui, after changes to times, changes to dates and cancellations. The first, last Monday, was for
- [And suddenly it is spring again](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/and-suddenly-it-is-spring-again/) - At last we are past the “beastly month” of February and suddenly it is spring again here in Ireland. For several weeks trees have been shrouded in a soft patina of green as the leaves begin to emerge. Daffodils are flowering all along the roadside. In the morning I wake to the sound of cooing
- [This has been a very eventful few weeks.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-very-eventful-few-weeks/) - This has been a very eventful few weeks, and not just because of the weather. That has had quite an impact, of course. In fact looking back I’m surprised we did much at all. After a bright and relatively warm January, February arrived determined to live up to its reputation. The first few days were
- [All part of the Adventure](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/all-part-of-the-adventure/) - Well, what a few weeks we have had here in Tipperary. We take time on Saturday evening to reflect on the past days over a special meal and this week realised every week has been busy, ever since we arrived. It is a year round now since we first began the move into our house
- [New Year, same old problems](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/new-year-same-old-problems/) - Firstly apologies for the late blog entry. This was due to another spell of drain trouble – “second verse, same as the first”. The fatberg broke down a little when I was removing it and some got washed back into the kitchen outlet. This meant all the washing up water flooded over the back patio,
- [And a Happy New Year to you all](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-happy-new-year-to-you-all/) - Hello, welcome back and a Happy New Year to you all. This is the first of the fortnightly blogs, hopefully alternating with the podcasts of previous episodes on Southside Broadcasting. I will post a link to the podcasts for anyone interested in listening as we record them. The New Year certainly brought some surprises for
- [Hoping you had a very Happy Christmas](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/hoping-you-had-a-very-happy-christmas/) - Here we are, a year round and our first Christmas in our own house in Ireland. I don’t know about you but we had a very happy day. Last year Jacqui scrambled and juggled and somehow made a special time for us. This year we had a bit more time and a bit more space.
- [Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose…](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/sometimes-you-win-sometimes-you-lose/) - Life is a series of ups and downs and the best we can hope for is it evens out in the end. Take this last week for example. A lot has been going on and there were mixed results. Some we won, some we lost and at least one outcome managed to be both at
- [Another anniversary – and what a year](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/another-anniversary-and-what-a-year/) - I said last week this is the time of anniversaries for us and here is another. We landed in Ireland a year ago. It is hard to believe sometimes, looking back. Firstly that a whole year has passed since we packed up and headed for an unknown future. Secondly that we have done so much
- [A week of surprises, mainly happy ones](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-week-of-surprises/) - Life has a way of surprising us all and this week did not turn out as expected. Our grand hopes for the final stages of the building work came to nothing. Absolutely nothing as our joiner was pinged as a close contact for Covid and had to isolate. No floor then, and no presses either.
- [This week, a very rubbish post](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-very-rubbish-post/) - I think it is obvious that life here in Ireland is very different from life in the UK. Whilst some things stay the same – lots of (almost) familiar forms, daylight saving time, TV licences – the basic structure is very different. For the first time we are personally responsible for most of our services.
- [Living in "The Wind in the Willows"](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/living-in-the-wind-in-the-willows/) - "The Wind in the Willows" was one of my favourite childhood books and now we seem to be living in it. This week has seen radical changes in the land around the house. Fergus the tree surgeon arrived on Wednesday with some frightening machinery and along with Tom and Robbie set to, making the road
- [This weekend we got hopelessly lost](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/we-got-hopelessly-lost/) - First an explanation into why I am a day late with this week’s blog. We went to get another vital part of the grooming room and got hopelessly lost. We headed into County Cork using the main roads but around one town there were diversions and road works. Anxious to avoid a trip into Cork
- [What a difference a day makes – and two lovely men.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/) - We are slowly chipping away at all the stuff that needs doing and are surprised at the end of each week at how much we have managed to do. This week we had some help, in the form of Will and Anthony, two of Derek Madden’s “Merry Men”. They were the crew who helped us
- [Travelling hopefully through the house dominoes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/travelling-hopefully-through-the-house-dominoes/) - We have made some progress here this week. Several people have contacted us about the many jobs we need doing and our floor and joinery man came to measure up. We are hoping to have a floor down in the grooming room soon and then can tackle the dominoes. Floor down means the freezer, washing
- [A week of miscellany – but better than the last one](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-week-of-miscellany/) - This week we were expecting a fairly quiet time but life does throw a lot of stuff at you, doesn’t it? We had a few things we had to do, chiefly sort the damn bins and get to the hospital in Limerick. There was a delivery to be organised and we hoped there might be
- [It’s been one of those weeks this week.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/its-been-one-of-those-weeks-this-week/) - It’s been one of those weeks this week. You know the sort. Stupid little things don’t work. Bigger things start to really bug you. It’s cloudy and showery outside and grey all around. The sort of week where you want to revert to childhood, swing on a chair and kick the table until your mother
- [The long, slow road back to “Normal”](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-long-slow-road-back-to-normal/) - After the past overly stressful (and very unwelcome) excitement of the last month we are on the road back to “normal”. Whatever that might be in these strange times. We are both still very tired as recent events have taken most of our energy but life does not stand still. In fact here in Ireland
- [Autumn comes early in Ireland – and an update](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/autumn-comes-early-in-ireland/) - Having come from the North East of England we are used to relatively short summers but autumn seems to come early in Ireland. After the blazing, uncomfortably hot days in the middle of summer it turned cooler. This was most welcome, to be honest. We were not properly set up for extreme weather and spent
- [Every day is a school day (in Ireland)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/every-day-is-a-school-day-in-ireland/) - “Every day is a school day” is something I hear a lot in Ireland. It startled me the first time but I think it shows how open many people here are to hearing new things. Many adults I have known don’t like to acknowledge they don’t know something. Perhaps they feel it is demeaning or
- [Apollo 13, Titanic and other disasters.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/apollo-13-titanic-and-other-disasters/) - You may wonder what the films “Apollo 13” and “Titanic” have in common with our life here. Well, both are referenced on a daily basis as we wrestle the house into order. It has been a very busy and eventful year so far, perhaps too busy on reflection. We began with a list of things
- [An apology for the lateness – but I do have a note](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/an-apology-for-the-lateness-but-i-do-have-a-note/) - First an apology for the lateness of this episode – but I do have a note to excuse this tardiness. This last week has been interesting – a bit more interesting than we wanted, to be honest. For the past month Jacqui has had recurring attacks of breathlessness that we had attributed to asthma. Late-onset
- [News about books and that boot in the wood](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/news-about-books-and-that-boot-in-the-wood/) - I began this week thinking there would be no news for the blog but it seems I was wrong. First I would like to share some writing news with you all. The fifth book in the “Alex Hastings” series is due out next year though the actual publication date depends on a lot of things
- [Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible…](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/normal-service-will-be-resumed/) - Another week has flown by - another week without transport here in the depths of rural Ireland. The insurance saga grinds on though I feel we are making some progress. The garage collected the car at stupid o’clock on Tuesday and checked it over. Not surprisingly it passed the NCT (the Irish MOT) and we
- [What’s in a name? Rather a lot actually…](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/whats-in-a-name-2/) - What’s in a name, William Shakespeare asked and the answer can, sometimes, be “rather a lot”. Firstly, thank you everyone who commented and expressed sympathy for our car troubles. We are still without transport but I can report we are moving forward. The garage behind our first cottage have been magnificent and they will collect
- [It's been a rough week all round](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-rough-week/) - Apologies for the delay in posting this week but it has been rather a rough few days. After several months rolling smoothly along the sheer weight of new things – people, places, procedures – caught up with me with some quite negative impacts. There is a rich and extensive bureaucracy in Ireland and it is
- [Things I’m glad I learned from the Open University](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/things-im-glad-i-learned-from-the-open-university/) - There is a lot of snobbery around education – inverted snobbery from the “University of Life” people and academic snobbery that still maintains Open is not a “real” university. I’m a proud graduate and have also taught for them and I have found a lot of useful stuff I learned has come back to help
- [A summer of “plagues” in Tipperary](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-summer-of-plagues-in-tipperary/) - Summer has always brought “plagues” to most places and Tipperary is no different. Many of these are due to moving into a house that has always been a rental property. With the really big plague – Covid – still circulating the rental market has collapsed. This brought our house onto the market (definitely not a
- [Yes, yes, let’s talk about the weather!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/yes-yes-lets-talk-about-the-weather/) - With thanks to WS Gilbert for the title In the UK everyone talks about the weather. It’s a national pastime and one we came to expect and accept. It seems it is the same in Ireland. One important difference here is you cannot go into a shop, pick up a paper, put the money down
- [Strange Infrastructure way out in the Country](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/strange-infrastructure-way-out-in-the-country/) - I said a few posts ago the house seemed a long way out in the country and it is. This has some very good things. There are no noisy neighbours, for example apart from occasional tractors hurrying past and the cows in the evening. We have no problem parking as there’s a large gravel forecourt.
- [Birds, Boxes and total Bewilderment](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/boxes-and-bewilderment/) - One of the most striking things about the house was the number of birds co-habiting our little acreage. We picked our way past piles of boxes to open the back door and the bird song barely hesitated. It was February but there were many birds rarely seen in England until spring or summer. In the
- [Our house is a very fine house](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/our-house-is-a-very-fine-house/) - As soon as our offer for the house was accepted time seemed to drag. Days were darker, longer and colder with the prospect of that fine house ahead of us. This was made much worse by the lockdown as there was no going anywhere. We couldn’t even go up to look at “our” house as
- [Learning to appreciate what we have](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/learning-to-appreciate-what-we-have/) - It is a given that Ireland is wetter than Britain, sitting further out in the Atlantic. It is generally quite a bit warmer however. The locals were delighted and a bit apprehensive when we woke to a light dusting of snow in the New Year. We took the dogs into the park and they trotted
- [Time for a radical rethink](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/time-for-a-radical-rethink/) - Now, I don’t want you thinking we were just sitting around moaning about the cold. We had intended to stop and try to recover a little after the recent insane few months but we were struggling in the cottage. It was a perfect base for a holiday but not really set up for long-term life
- [The Wonderful Kindness of Strangers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/the-wonderful-kindness-of-strangers/) - A lot of people have commented on these posts (thank you all!) and many have said how brave we have been. Well, we don’t feel all that brave. And we didn’t do it on our own either. Throughout this whole “adventure” there have been people by our side. Some are old friends. Some are unexpectedly
- [Christmas is a big deal in Ireland](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/christmas-is-a-big-deal/) - We hadn’t expected much of a Christmas. We had moved in December and were mainly confined to our cottage but Christmas is a big deal in Ireland. When we arrived on our first evening there were fairy lights around the Ingle nook. We had scarcely got inside before our friends’ young daughter was demanding we
- [You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/you-dont-know-what-youve-got-til-its-gone/) - Joni Mitchell once sang “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” and I can vouch for the truth of that statement. We finished our packing in a mad scramble and the car was mainly filled by us, the dogs and our bedding. How Jacqui got a couple of cases, some books and a
- [Moving from Darkness into Light](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/moving-from-darkness-into-light/) - It is dark at night in rural Ireland. Very, very dark, especially in the rain - and especially in winter. As we turned the corner into the village suddenly there were lights from houses by the road. The shop and pub opposite the entrance to our little enclave had bright windows and outside lamps shone
- [December is not a good time to move](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/december-is-not-a-good-time-to-move/) - December is never a good time to move house. We should know – all of our moves have taken place in December due to differing circumstances. This December however was the hardest of the lot. We drove off in the car loaded with bedding, three dogs and essentials of life for the first few days.
- [A Wealth of Experience (or too much)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-wealth-of-experience-or-too-much/) - There are some advantages that come with age and one is a wealth of experience. My remarkable partner Jacqui had, in another life, been in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Refusing to panic she rang the Stranrae hotel and explained – several times, using increasingly small words – we were not travelling for “Leisure or
- [Full speed ahead to nowhere](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/full-speed-ahead-to-nowhere/) - With new restrictions and rules changing almost weekly it seemed we were moving at full speed but going nowhere. Suddenly time seemed to speed up as the deadline to move came ever closer yet we were still floating in a sea of uncertainty. Moving home was one of the exceptions to the lockdown but only
- [Travelling more hopefully](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/travelling-more-hopefully/) - As the warm weather arrived we began to travel more hopefully. Despite our best efforts we could not finance a house before selling ours so the plan was to sell, put our stuff in storage, move into a rental property and then look for somewhere permanent. Seemed a fairly logical way to go about it,
- [And so it begins - rather slowly](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/and-so-it-begins-rather-slowly/) - So, there we were, both more than slightly incapacitated. I don’t know what we had caught or where we had caught it, but I never want to get it again. It began a bit like the ‘flu with a high temperature, shaking – you know what it’s like. Then there was the cough, and that
- [A bit of an Adventure](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/a-bit-of-an-adventure/) - Hello, welcome back and many apologies for my long absence. As some of you may know I have been on a bit of an adventure – a bit more of an adventure than I anticipated when I began – and many things have changed over the last months. I want to share this journey with
- [Small changes in strange times](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/small-changes-in-strange-times/) - These are strange times, there's no avoiding that idea, and like everyone else I am having to make changes to my life, my work and my expectations. Life is, of course, somewhat constrained at present though I am probably luckier than most in that I work from home and generally work alone so it's not
- [Bring me Sunshine!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/bring-me-sunshine/) - I've never been invited to a crime writing festival as a panellist before - or any writing festival - and so when I received an invitation to this year's "Morecambe and Vice" I was pleased, flattered and - let's be honest here - a little apprehensive. I've been to conferences before in a professional capacity
- [Living in the Past II - and my Superpower](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/living-in-the-past-ii-and-my-superpower/) - There is a lot of nostalgia for the past floating around at the moment. Things were so much simpler, there was a stronger sense of community, we knew our place in the world... Well, I lived in this "past" and I struggle to recognise it from the discussions around me. This is the past I
- [Living in the Past](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/living-in-the-past/) - Whoever said "Don't live in the past but look to the future" was only half right - and they probably were not a writer. For us the past is our own personal goldmine, the source of characters, events, adventures and the occasional quirky phrase we slip in to get a smile from the reader. The
- [First Steps in Writing - My earliest story](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/steps-writing-earliest-story/) - Every writer, published or not, takes their first steps into the unknown sometime. Often that moment is lost in the past, a distant memory from school or left to moulder between the covers of an embarrassing teenage diary. As we practise, our prose becomes more polished and those of us using a word processor have
- [The Hazards of Travelling - Adventures on the Autoroute](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/hazards-travelling-adventures-autoroute/) - I've just returned from a short trip away and very enjoyable it was too. A hop across the Channel (or under it in this case), a few nights in a favourite little town and "le shopping". But somehow it is not possible to escape everyday life especially if, like me, you are a bit of
- [A New Writing Project (after a long silence)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/project-long-silence/) - Apologies to everyone who tried to access this blog in the past week. I ran into a technical problem and my Web Master was a little bit busy during the run up to the election! Those of you who have followed this page will know this is the first time I have posted since last
- [Telling Stories - it's a real job.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/telling-stories/) - There are hundreds of books and web sites out there to help you become a writer - or a better writer - but for me the core of it was always telling a story. I've always been a story-teller, first orally and then through stories and novels. Even when I had a "real" job, I
- [What's in a Name? - Names and Pseudonyms.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/whats-in-a-name/) - “What’s in a name?” Shakespeare asked in Romeo and Juliet and this is something writers must ask themselves before they push a button to publish their first story online or – should they be so lucky – sign off on the proofs for their publisher. The name on the front cover will become their writing
- [Occupational Hazards of a Crime Writer](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/occupational-hazards/) - You may think that being a writer means I have few, if any, occupational hazards. Certainly I can avoid many of the difficulties and occasional dangers that surround "ordinary" working life. For example, I have a strong measure of control over where I work, when I work and I provide all my own equipment
- [Smoke and Adders (but mainly adders...)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/smoke-adders-adders/) - September sees the publication of "Smoke and Adders", the fourth book in the Alex Hastings series. Like most of the titles, this is the result of some heavy thinking from the team at Impress and I would like to thank Davi for coming up with it. Adders, I have to say, loomed large in my
- [New Year, New book, New covers.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/new-book/) - With the New Year come new plans and new ideas and the team at Impress Books have been working on the Alex Hastings series on my behalf. I'm trying to do my bit, writing the new book (which is as yet untitled). I've found myself juggling things a bit as "The Moth Man was,
- [NaNoWriMo almost over? Keep going!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/nanowrimo/) - Writing is a lot about persistence - the ability to keep going even without external encouragement. "NaNoWriMo" (or National Novel Writing Month as it is properly called) is a call to arms for all you writing hopefuls out there. Write 50,000 words in November and finish a book! Have a set target, keep count, get
- [Look, what I really mean is...(reading the subtext)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/isreading-subtext/) - The biggest problem with writing is it depends on words. "Well Duh," I hear you say, but what I mean is everything I write is mashed up into an approximation of meaning and delivered to you, the reader. You then put your understanding on the words and it is a miracle we ever communicate at
- [Paranoia (or Trouble in Dystopia)](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/paranoia-trouble-dystopia/) - It is easy, even commonplace, to live with a twinge of paranoia nowadays. We live surrounded by cameras with computers in our cars, trackers in our phones and even smart chips in our passports. We are counted out of the country and counted back in again, our phones are besieged by people wanting us to
- [Return to the Levels](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/return-levels/) - I have wanted to return to the Levels in Somerset for some time. When I began writing the "Alex Hastings" books in 2010 my tutor, Carol Clewlow, told me I needed to find a setting strong enough to be another character in the story and the Levels soon became just that. I left Somerset twenty
- [Be Here Now - musing on a writer's eyes.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/musing-writers-eyes/) - "Be Here Now" - the slogan a friend wore on his t-shirt way back in the 1980s. It was all a bit mystical and Zen at the time, a call to live in the present and appreciate the world around us but it is just as valid today. Perhaps it is even more so. Then
- [(Why) Does Genre Matter?](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/genre-matter/) - The subject of genre is one that continues to concern writers and publishers, though perhaps not readers so much. Genre, we learn in creative writing classes, is very important. It allows our work to be categorized, placed alongside similar works and so, we hope, will find an audience more readily. Agents are great fans of
- [Writing is...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/writing/) - I was watching Matt Haig on the television this morning and was impressed by his openness and how much good sense he spoke. I also wondered how on earth he's managed to write so much and so well, considering his struggles with depression. The popular stereotypes of the writer seem to be either a rich
- [Writing a book is like digging a well...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/writing-book-digging/) - I firmly believe writing a book is a craft as much as an art, at least for most of us mortals. There are a few lucky individuals who might be able to lift up a pen and produce something sublime but generally I believe writing to be something that comes with practice. A friend of
- [Finding your "helpful reader"](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/finding-helpful-reader/) - One of the more interesting aspects of writing is the arrival of the "helpful reader". Formally identified by Bernard Cornwall of "Sharpe" fame, the helpful reader is more knowledgeable and even more eagle-eyed than your editor at their best (or worst). Helpful readers abound in all genres and eras but they flock to historical fiction
- [Writing - and Being a Writer.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/writing-writer/) - The more I do this - job? thing? - the more I realize I had no idea what I was doing when I first sat down to write "Death of the Elver Man" in 2010. I had just completed my MA at Teesside University and was inspired and excited by the experience. Above all I
- [Attention-seeking Authors](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/attentionseeking-authors/) - Writing a book is one thing. Getting it noticed is quite another, and that is what makes up a good percentage of a writer's work between novels. There are a lot of ways to attract attention, some good and some not so good. An example of the latter is flooding the Twitter feed with messages,
- [The bat squeak of fame - and Vincent Price](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/bat-squeak-fame-vincent-price/) - A rather wonderful thing happened to me last week. I was walking along the street just enjoying the sunshine when Sheila, who runs our lovely Deli "Real Meals", ran across the road holding a copy of "The Drowners". Somewhat breathlessly she insisted I follow her into the shop where a young couple were sitting at
- [Starting over - the joy of a series](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/starting-joy-series/) - There is a strange calm that descends on a writer when the latest book is on its way to the publisher. For a few weeks the voices that have echoed around your head are silent - or at least somewhat muted. Plot twists are resolved, surprises no longer lurk around the corner and all is
- [In praise of bookshops](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/praise-bookshops/) - This weekend I was lucky enough to be invited to read at the official opening of our new independent book shop, "Book Corner", in Saltburn. Nestling between the former NatWest bank and Whistlestop Wines, it is a small but perfectly formed gem run by Jenna, an aspiring writer . She has managed to create a
- [Even writers need friends](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/writers-friends/) - It has been quite a month. First, the new book, "The Moth Man", is finished and now I'm waiting to see the proofs before it goes to press - but more of that later. Then there was the London Book Fair and I've given a few thoughts on that experience in my previous post. This
- [London Book Fair 2014](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/london-book-fair-2014-2/) - This was my second visit to the London Book Fair and I was a bit more focused this time but the whole show is so darn BIG and COLOURFUL and NOISY it is hard to avoid getting swept away by it all. It is a great opportunity to meet people face to face and to
- [Somerset Levels : A Lost Landscape ](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/lost-landscape-somerset-levels/) - When I began writing the Alex Hastings books I started with the setting. My tutor, the excellent Carol Clewlow, asked us to write a place as if it were a character, advising us that the landscape should be central to crime fiction. Reflecting on my experiences in different parts of the UK, it was the
- [In praise of libraries](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/praise-libraries/) - I am a fan of libraries. Big ones, little ones, those wonderful book buses - show me a library and I find myself smiling. I owe my professional life to libraries - really. Without access to books I would not be writing this today. I would never have worked as a lecturer, survived the education
- [Radio interview on Friday](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/radio-interview-friday/) - Although I'm currently staying with friends in France, finishing off the second book, I will be talking on Radio Tyne Tees tomorrow (Friday 8th) at about 11.45am, thanks to the wonders of mobile communication. There will be a discussion inspired by Nick Clegg's apparent desire to write a book and public comments are most welcome.
- [Middlesbrough Literary festival](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/middlesbrough-literary-festival/) - Well, the reading at the University went well and it was lovely meeting up with some of my old friends from the MA course. My next appearance is on June 20th at the Central Library in Middlesbrough. I will be sharing the stage with two other crime writers from the north east, Valerie Laws and
- [Second book finished!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/book-finished/) - I'm happy to say the second Alex Hastings book is finished. Well, actually I'm overjoyed and rather relieved. I did not realise it could be harder to write a sequel - naive of me I know but I'd never done it before. The first problem concerned serial characters. Some readers will pick up "The Drowners"
- [Less is more - I think](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/less-is-more-i-think/) - So, what else have I learned this last year? It is interesting to note many serial works get bigger as they progress. I mean - just look at the first Harry Potter compared to the so-big-it needs-two-films finale. I too have produced a second book some 20% longer than the first volume. Now, this isn't
- [And another thing...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/and-another-thing/) - Probably the most important thing I've learned this time round is how vital planning can be. I have the basic outline of each book in my head - what the crime is, who does it, how they get caught, but as the story progresses new characters and events appear and confuse the way. Towards the
- ["The Drowners" : 1st November](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/drowners-1st-november/) - The next book in the Alex Hastings series is now scheduled for publication on November 1st 2012. It will be available in paperback and e-book format, from Amazon and other on-line sellers. I will post news of other sellers when I get some news but meanwhile, below is the write-up on the back cover to
- [Thoughts on a change of direction...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/thoughts-change-direction/) - It is getting very cold up here, very fast. It's also extremely wet and today, whilst out walking the dogs, I encountered a gruesome sight. The mutant slugs we have been warned about are here! Over 10cm long and oozing attitude, I watched one slime its way along the upper promenade leaving the dismembered corpses
- [A sideline](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/sideline/) - Sat up too late last night watching "Terminator 3". Not the best of the franchise (though not as dire as "Terminator Salvation" - whew, what a turkey!) but still quite enjoyable. My guilty secret - I love the first two "Terminator" films, partly as the title character is so compelling. The role model (if it
- [A busy week ahead](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/busy-week/) - Now the new book is well and truly out there, I'm doing some appearances around the area. On Wednesday (13th) I'm on Southside Radio (107.3FM and via the web) at around 6.20pm. I'll try to post the podcast on these pages after the broadcast. Then on Sunday (17th) I will be reading from "The Drowners"
- [Look, it's just a story...](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/story/) - Please enlighten me if this is commonplace but it seems a lot of people I know or have known in the past are convinced they can recognise themselves in my books. Now, like every writer, I tend to take a snippet of conversation, an overheard remark or an interesting personal foible and weave them in
- [After long silence](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/long-silence/) - So, a new year and a new book at last. I must admit, I was very despondent at the end of last year when despite all our efforts "The Drowners" failed to make the shops in time for Christmas. We were so close to a December release but - there were problems with the cover
- [A note about Sunday](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/note-sunday/) - Getting myself all prepared for the reading on Sunday 17th. Thank you to all at Saltburn's wonderful "Real Meals" deli who are opening especially - and making their wonderful dark chocolate muffins with plum compote. There will be books available to buy and I'm happy to sign any you bring along - provided I wrote
- [Seriously cheesed off.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/cheesed-off/) - Grrr. On the one hand, great news as Waterstones in Middlesbrough have agreed to stock my two books. This is a major step forwards and I am so happy. They also suggested I might supply something that could be used as a bookmark. Excellent idea I thought. Yes, a little bit of publicity by the
- [A lovely morning in Guisborough](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/lovely-morning-guisborough/) - Well, I spent a really nice couple of hours at Guisborough Bookshop yesterday (Saturday). They'd put up a display of the two books and a disturbingly large copy of the "gazing moodily out to sea" picture and I set up my stall, more books, pen and a heap of bookmarks. People were very friendly -
- [Writers as Readers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/writers-readers/) - There has been some discussion lately about the link between reading and becoming a writer. As a prolific reader from an early age (see "In praise of libraries"), I would say from personal experience there may be a link. I was extraordinarily indiscriminate when young, consuming whole series of books by one author (Willard Price,
- [Radio Gaga](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/radio-gaga/) - I've always been a fan of radio. I remember buying my first transistor (cast your minds back - or ask your older relatives) and glorying in the freedom to listen to what I wanted, when I wanted. This was at the time of the pirate radio stations and, living as I did on the east
- [](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/125/) - I received a compliment from a new reader last week. Well, I think it was a compliment, anyway. She came up to me in my favourite local cafe, stared hard and said, "I thought I knew you. I thought I knew what you were like." There was a pause and she added, "Now every time

## Pages

- [Lots of bits and pieces this week](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/lots-of-bits-and-pieces-this-week/) - This has been a strange few weeks. We’ve had no coherent events but rather lots of bits and pieces. Some of them are the culmination of weeks (or months) of work and some are just little events that have impacted in some way on our lives. I guess the description of “life as a tapestry”
- [The Moth Man](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/mothman/) - Description "This was the moment. The moment he had dreamed of since first seeing the house three weeks ago. Inside, the woman reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and it was the most exciting, provocative gesture he had ever seen. He was shaking though he no longer felt the cold
- [Podcasts](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/podcasts/) - Radio Tees September 2011: Radio Tees Interview South Side Broadcasting 21st November 2013: More Jennie Finch, William Sitwell , Alan Stevens & a surprise guest Author Jennie Finch connects with Alex Lewczuk, Ed Wellman & Katie Grimason before the team share a telephonic breakfast with William Sitwell & a surprise guest followed by Doctor Who
- [The Drowners](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/drowners/) - Description In Somerset it is carnival season once more, but Alex Hastings is not in the mood to join the festivities. Struck down by a potentially lethal illness, she is beset by problems both at work and within her family. Meanwhile, the demise of Derek Johns’ gang has left a power vacuum, and an uneasy
- [Death of the Elver Man](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/death-elver-man/) - Description Probation office Alex Hastings is struggling with the customs, dialect and prejudice she faces as an 'incomer' to the Somerset Levels. When one of her probationers, Kevin Mallory, is charged with murdering the 'Elver Man', who operated in the poaching underworld, she is embroiled in the investigation. Determined to prove Mallory is innocent, Alex
- [Biography](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/biography/) - I did not expect to be a crime writer. Although I have always read a lot of crime and detective novels I always thought my work leaned more towards science fiction or horror so no-one was more surprised than I when "Death of the Elver Man" was short-listed for the Impress Prize in 2010 under
- [Home](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/home/)

## Categories

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## Tags

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- [small steps](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/small-steps/)
- [education](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/education/)
- [bureaucracy](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bureaucracy/)
- [transport](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/transport/)
- [baking](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/baking/)
- [car insurance](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/car-insurance/)
- [oak trees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/oak-trees/)
- [horse flies](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/horse-flies/)
- [no transport](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/no-transport/)
- [hot water!](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hot-water/)
- [TV option](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/tv-option/)
- [Driving](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/driving/)
- [episode](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/episode/)
- [hospital](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hospital/)
- [building work](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/building-work/)
- [Apollo 13](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/apollo-13/)
- [Titanic](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/titanic/)
- [school day](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/school-day/)
- [history](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/history/)
- [bindweed](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bindweed/)
- [Turing Tumble](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/turing-tumble/)
- [autumn](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/autumn/)
- [wood](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wood/)
- [Jacqui](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/jacqui/)
- [Thistles](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/thistles/)
- [The Institute](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/the-institute/)
- [Goat's milk](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/goats-milk/)
- [bins](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bins/)
- [goats](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/goats/)
- [uncertainty](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/uncertainty/)
- [workmen](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/workmen/)
- [neighbours](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/neighbours/)
- [Irish English](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/irish-english/)
- [fences](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fences/)
- [hedges](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hedges/)
- [lost](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/lost/)
- [tree felling](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/tree-felling/)
- [owl](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/owl/)
- [badger](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/badger/)
- [rubbish](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/rubbish/)
- [solar power](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/solar-power/)
- [anniversary](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/anniversary/)
- [buzzards](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/buzzards/)
- [new life](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-life/)
- [building](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/building/)
- [season's greetings](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/seasons-greetings/)
- [New Year](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-year/)
- [drains](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/drains/)
- [fatberg](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fatberg/)
- [shoulders](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/shoulders/)
- [many workmen](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/many-workmen/)
- [Storms](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/storms/)
- [mopeds](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mopeds/)
- [storm](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/storm/)
- [St Patrick's Day](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/st-patricks-day/)
- [hospital doctors](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hospital-doctors/)
- [tractor mower](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/tractor-mower/)
- [spring](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/spring/)
- [water](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/water/)
- [small gains](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/small-gains/)
- [Betsy's Corner](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/betsys-corner/)
- [socks](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/socks/)
- [jigsaws](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/jigsaws/)
- [road](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/road/)
- [fence](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fence/)
- [new plans](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-plans/)
- [Storm Alex](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/storm-alex/)
- [deliveries](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/deliveries/)
- [weeds](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/weeds/)
- [wild flowers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wild-flowers/)
- [Dentists](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/dentists/)
- [pump house](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/pump-house/)
- [hurling](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hurling/)
- [wall flowers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wall-flowers/)
- [pine marten](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/pine-marten/)
- [visitor](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/visitor/)
- [book news](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/book-news/)
- [heat wave](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/heat-wave/)
- [mower](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mower/)
- [plumbing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/plumbing/)
- [Chloe](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/chloe/)
- [Puppy Brain](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/puppy-brain/)
- [swifts](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/swifts/)
- [mushrooms](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mushrooms/)
- [publishers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/publishers/)
- [publisher](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/publisher/)
- [frogs](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/frogs/)
- [bank](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bank/)
- [Mabel the cat](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mabel-the-cat/)
- [hunkering down](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hunkering-down/)
- [Halloween](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/halloween/)
- [fallen tree](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fallen-tree/)
- [skull](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/skull/)
- [rural life](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/rural-life/)
- [blow-ins](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/blow-ins/)
- [trees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/trees/)
- [good friends](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/good-friends/)
- [thanksgiving](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/thanksgiving/)
- [frozen pipes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/frozen-pipes/)
- [rainbow](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/rainbow/)
- [Teeth](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/teeth/)
- [LPG woes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/lpg-woes/)
- [new roof](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-roof/)
- [rescued books](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/rescued-books/)
- [beautiful setting](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/beautiful-setting/)
- [starlings](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/starlings/)
- [mammal tracks](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mammal-tracks/)
- [water testing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/water-testing/)
- [trail camera](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/trail-camera/)
- [roof](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/roof/)
- [water problems](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/water-problems/)
- [Kindles](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/kindles/)
- [snow](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/snow/)
- [electricity](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/electricity/)
- [heart monitor](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/heart-monitor/)
- [wood creatures](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wood-creatures/)
- [little victories](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/little-victories/)
- [forty years on](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/forty-years-on/)
- [colours](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/colours/)
- [Lighthouse](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/lighthouse/)
- [publishing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/publishing/)
- [A Long Shadow](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/a-long-shadow/)
- [New genre](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-genre/)
- [I.T.](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/i-t/)
- [blog post](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/blog-post/)
- [celebrity writers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/celebrity-writers/)
- [rain](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/rain/)
- [visitors](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/visitors/)
- [digger](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/digger/)
- [party](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/party/)
- [new freezer](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-freezer/)
- [broken door](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/broken-door/)
- [bat](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bat/)
- [chain saw](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/chain-saw/)
- [August weather](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/august-weather/)
- [diggers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/diggers/)
- [new home](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-home/)
- [power cuts](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/power-cuts/)
- [Iris's story](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/iriss-story/)
- [bugs](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bugs/)
- [upgrades](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/upgrades/)
- [mice](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mice/)
- [pressure cooker](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/pressure-cooker/)
- [memories](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/memories/)
- [swans](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/swans/)
- [accident](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/accident/)
- [water system](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/water-system/)
- [Kildangen](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/kildangen/)
- [shoulder injury](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/shoulder-injury/)
- [fish](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fish/)
- [orchard](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/orchard/)
- [flooded road](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/flooded-road/)
- [Siren Radio](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/siren-radio/)
- [Ballinhassig](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/ballinhassig/)
- [St Patrick's Day](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/st-patricks-day-2/)
- [Roadtrip](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/roadtrip/)
- [roads](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/roads/)
- [April](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/april/)
- [mini digger](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mini-digger/)
- [blossom](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/blossom/)
- [Cynthia](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/cynthia/)
- [slurry](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/slurry/)
- [giant spider](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/giant-spider/)
- [mowing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/mowing/)
- [planting](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/planting/)
- [Dublin](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/dublin/)
- [trains](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/trains/)
- [Brian Butterfield](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/brian-butterfield/)
- [EPIC Museum](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/epic-museum/)
- [Baby bats](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/baby-bats/)
- [wildlife rescue](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wildlife-rescue/)
- [Eyes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/eyes/)
- [show](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/show/)
- [flies](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/flies/)
- [apples](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/apples/)
- [dubrovnic](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/dubrovnic/)
- [slurrying](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/slurrying/)
- [traffic](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/traffic/)
- [sketchbooks](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/sketchbooks/)
- [winter](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/winter/)
- [wasps](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wasps/)
- [celebration](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/celebration/)
- [past journeys](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/past-journeys/)
- [Limerick](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/limerick/)
- [zombie cows](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/zombie-cows/)
- [early spring](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/early-spring/)
- [wine](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wine/)
- [stove](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/stove/)
- [red doors](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/red-doors/)
- [protected buildings](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/protected-buildings/)
- [farm rubbish](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/farm-rubbish/)
- [polytunnel](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/polytunnel/)
- [butterflies](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/butterflies/)
- [bees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bees/)
- [state of publishing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/state-of-publishing/)
- [fruit](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/fruit/)
- [compost](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/compost/)
- [tractor near-miss](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/tractor-near-miss/)
- [cats](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/cats/)
- [raspberries](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/raspberries/)
- [shrinkflation](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/shrinkflation/)
- [bats](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/bats/)
- [grass](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/grass/)
- [vegetables](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/vegetables/)
- [August](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/august/)
- [Chloe's birthday](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/chloes-birthday/)
- [crows](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/crows/)
- [biting flies](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/biting-flies/)
- [garden](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/garden/)
- [dragonfly](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/dragonfly/)
- [jam](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/jam/)
- [damsons](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/damsons/)
- [old friends](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/old-friends/)
- [covid](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/covid/)
- [knees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/knees/)
- [hospitals](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/hospitals/)
- [new stove](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-stove/)
- [marmande tomatoes](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/marmande-tomatoes/)
- [desk](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/desk/)
- [frog](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/frog/)
- [buzzard](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/buzzard/)
- [old age](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/old-age/)
- [wasabi](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/wasabi/)
- [escape](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/escape/)
- [dogs](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/dogs/)
- [new pc](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-pc/)
- [past](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/past/)
- [calico cat](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/calico-cat/)
- [crochet](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/crochet/)
- [new trees](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/new-trees/)
- [shark 'flu](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/shark-flu/)
- [flowers](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/flowers/)
- [motor rally](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/motor-rally/)
- [house martems](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/house-martems/)
- [weekend](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/weekend/)
- [growing](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/growing/)
- [birthday cake](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/birthday-cake/)
- [heatwave](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/heatwave/)
- [Charlie](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/charlie/)
- [eclipse](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/eclipse/)
- [opera riot](https://www.jenniefinch.me.uk/tag/opera-riot/)