The Shepherd's Companion
By Abbe Cart
The more observant among you may have asked yourselves in the past, "What, really, makes for perfect Irish castle weather?"
When viewing historical respites from Viking siege, do you choose "golden hour" late-summer sunlight to cast ancient stones in a fiery glow? Perhaps the gentle breeze and soft purple tones of dusk in spring? If so, I'm afraid you would be dead wrong. Friend and fellow traveler, the ideal castle weather is melancholy, with shrieking winds, overcast skies and maybe even light hail. For to truly appreciate the shelter provided by these dark, drafty, structures, puttering around inside must be a clearly preferable option to exposing oneself to the surrounding elements.
"But surely," you protest, "one cannot truly ruminate on these worn and barren buildings in such conditions! Along that cold and gloomy coast, one must have some protective garment to keep the harsh environs at bay!"
Reader, you'd be right. For me, at least, one vestiment proved to be a true difference-maker: The Shepherd's Companion. This light-taupe beauty was purchased at the Dingle Wool Shop in Ireland in December 2014. Heavy - some might say heirloom quality - it features a reinforced crew neck and a mix of traditional Aran Diamond and Honeycomb stitches. Inspired by classic fisherman's sweaters, this piece was clearly constructed to provide its wearer ample protection from blustery days on the Wild Atlantic Way.
"But daily, in our world of central heat and creature-comforts, are such qualities truly necessary?" The answer to this query is also a resounding yes. In any situation where hearty flannel warms its wearer's core, a sweater such as this one offers a stylish alternative. Long enough for office modesty, tailored enough for a respectable afternoon of spectator sports, The Shepherd's companion is truly a modern classic. For a festive evening look, it can even be garnished with imitation-velvet bows and bells from a Chinatown dollar-store. Throw another in your hair for extra holiday cheer!
At parties, at castles, in life, we all know the most valuable accessory is a good friend.
A loud laugh and kind heart bring their own warmth. A joyful spirit, unlike the fierce and mercurial trends of woolen-wear, doesn't go out of style. Find yourself, fellow traveler, with even one of these, and consider yourself lucky.
Know that your journey has been,
"a great success for everyone involved."
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