March certainly came in like a lamb and Spring definitely sprung.  The weather at the beginning of March was wonderful and the sight of beautiful spring flowers certainly lifted the spirits after a fairly dismal January and February.  The lovely weather made it feel as if winter was finally over and it was time to look ahead to longer days and getting outside more.

Breakfast outside.  What a treat!!  It is such a simple pleasure to sit in the garden on a tranquil Sunday morning and enjoy breakfast, admittedly with a coat on but who cares, the sun was shining.

We are still in lockdown and not allowed to travel too far from home.  Luckily there are many beautiful places within a short distance to visit and Beaghmore stone circles is one of them.  The air is fresh, the views are stunning and it is an ideal spot to catch a beautiful sunset.  It's amazing to think that these stones have been here for thousands of years. Life would have been very different back then!!

I always look forward to the snowdrops appearing, so it was a real treat to go into the garden on 1st February and discover these snowdrops.  Somehow, even though winter isn't over they are a sign that Spring and longer days are not too far away.

February, of course, brings Valentine's Day and we had a wee treat from Tim Hortons.  Tim Hortons opened in Cookstown just before Christmas.  Very handy and very tasty!

We also had Pancake Tuesday.  Pancakes are alway popular here both amongst the family and in the B&B.  My favourite is chocolate spread and banana. Yum!

Walking round Tullyhogue Fort there are some fantastic views into Cookstown.  Tullyhogue Fort is the ancient ceremonial site where the Chiefs of the Clan O'Neill of Tyrone were inaugrated.

Well, what a year 2020 turned out to be!!  Who would have thought this time last year that the way we lived our lives would change so much, I know I wouldn't.
Like many businesses we have been pretty much closed from last March.  I have really missed all the lovely people that come to the B&B.  I have missed catching up with those who have been regular visitors and meeting all the new people who would have crossed our threshold during 2020 and hearing their stories and why they have come to the B&B.
We have had lovely messages from former guests, checking in to see if we are all safe and well.  It means so much that people take time to do so.  It is very true to say that over the years many guests have become friends rather than customers.

January is the beginning if a new year and much as we are still in lockdown and closed, we are still looking forward and making plans.
We hope to revamp the B&B a bit so that when we finally open properly again our guest experience will be even better!
We are also spending time planning the garden and with some hard work and the help of Monty Don (his books have been read and inwardly digested) we hope to grow vegetables!

Drum Manor is always a lovely place for a walk, but in snowy weather it really looks magical.  We are so lucky to have this place on our doorstep

I love taking photos of the sun rising and setting.  The colours always amaze me!  January had some beauties, both at home and when out and about

May really was a glorious month.  The sun shone and everything in the garden just seemed to burst into life.  The pots around the B&B flourished.

I love the beech hedge when the leaves first appear.  They are such a beautiful green and make such a soft rustling sound in the wind.

It's worth going for a walk in Drum Manor at this time of year .  The blue carpet of bluebells are always stunning.

I managed to get my herbs all planted.  Parsley, Chives, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Lemon Balm, Rosemary and Bay.  Looking forward to using them in all sorts of dishes.

The Apple Trees blossomed and the Wisteria and Hydrangea bloomed.

With the beautiful weather we had some amazing sunsets!

It has been a busy weekend in the B&B. Our guests enjoyed the beautiful weather we had over the Bank Holiday Weekend!  It was great to have some sunshine and warmth after the long winter.

Great to relax in the garden in the sunshine.

Lovely blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

The ducks are certainly enjoying a wander about in the sunshine!