A symbolic and emotional event took place during the week. Our most junior of shepherds and our baby boy, had his last day ever at school. He graduated on Wednesday and now heads into the Leaving Cert in just over two weeks’ time. After 22 years of junior shepherds going in and out to school, the school bus, lunches, kit bags, matches, nativity plays, art works, concerts -that’s it we are done. We are so lucky to have (I hope) been able to give them roots and also wings, but I would be lying if I didn’t say my heart isn’t sore.
Work is a bit crazy too at the moment too. On the farm we are lambing again, and getting a lot of work done that you can only do when its very dry. Cheese making is in full flow because this is the time of year milk is in abundance, so we are producing every day. I’ve been on the road this week visiting wonderful chef and restaurant customers and trying to drum up more business. This Monday Michael attends the Euro-Toques annual food producers awards. It is in Ashford Castle this year and always a great day out. I can’t join him, because we are in last minute preparations for Bloom. We head up there Wednesday morning to erect the stand and get everything ready and then from Thursday to Monday the doors open in Phoenix Park to a really special festival. This year I am proud to say, there will be a Flanagan family member on the stand every day. The junior shepherds have gotten to a stage now, that I can leave them in charge of opening and closing when I need to get on with other jobs. It’s a cliché but time flies, and life moves on, this is not a dress rehearsal. Have a lovely weekend, and please if you go to Bloom pop by to the Food Hall to say hello.
