The Arctic weather we’ve been threatened with hasn’t turned up as of yet, so here’s to it staying away – especially now that there’s a bit of a stretch in the evenings. After a break, I’m back feeding the garden birds and they are costing a fortune to keep.

I had given up on them as the cheeky crows and magpies developed all sorts of strategies to empty the feeders. One day, I watched as two magpies held down a branch while another one pulled the bird feeder to the ground with its beak. So far they haven’t realised the free food is available again.

We had no frost on Friday night, which was a blessing as we were on the road late after being at the Kerry IFA’s 60th anniversary gala. More than 400 people turned up and all the tickets sold out well in advance.

The dinner took place at the Ballygarry House Hotel and compliments to all who had a hand in making it such a good night.

I met lots of old friends and readers – a few of whom were recent mothers of the bride, like myself. We had a great laugh about all the mishaps and the need to be totally organised on the big day itself.

I was explaining how, on the morning of Hazel’s wedding, I was feeding people and ended up being the last to get ready. I’d forgotten I was wearing peep-toe shoes and when I arrived downstairs in all my finery, all anyone saw were my toenails at half-mast.

I’d painted them red earlier in the year and they had grown out, leaving only a little strip of varnish. “Where’s the nail varnish remover?” I asked. Of course, no one had any, so off came the tights, on with a dab of varnish and then we had to wait until they dried before anyone could head for the church. The bride was not amused with her mother.

Talking about nice events, I was delighted to be invited to the Limerick IFA Farm Family Nollaig na mBan lunch earlier in the month. They had a record crowd of 57 women from Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, Clare, Dublin and Galway.

It was such a pleasant way to wrap up the Christmas season and it would be lovely to see other counties follow suit.

On a sadder note, it’s hard to believe that we marked the first anniversary of the death of Barry Nash last weekend. The church in Scariff was overflowing with people who wanted to remember a wonderful young man who sadly lost his life in a freak road accident.

In his opening remarks, Fr Joe McMahon said it was wonderful that so many people continued to walk with Barry on his journey in a different place.

It made me think of all the families who have lost loved ones, how hard their journey is and how time can be the only healer. It’s good to remember that as we walk life’s journey with the living, by remembering, thinking and talking about those who have died, we accompany them on their journey as well. May they rest in peace.

Finally, the latest issue of Irish Country Magazine is in the shops this week. It’s got Jean Byrne on the cover and is a great read.