Ireland:
A lift for
the heart

At the end of a dirt lane in County Cork, I found a gleaming whitewashed cottage with thatched roof and a garden of flowers. As I was taking a few shots, this delightful old gent appeared. He greeted me in a brogue so rich, I couldn't understand. I took it to mean "Good morning", smiled and we exchanged a few words. I asked if I might take his photo - he grinned and said, "Aye, darrrrlin', fire away!"