Badges (4)
Profile information
Description
At this point it is appropriate that I preface my profile as follows :
For 9 great years, I have enjoyed stimulating and satisfying adventures courtesy of "Workaway". Realistically now and being prudent, I can allow myself a few more years on the "Workaway" trail before I hang up my boots. So if your place has a pleasant climate in March or October and not too distant from an airport, I may be a good garden maintenance choice for you !
I am a non-smoking, house owner, living in beautiful Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland. I come from a farming background. My early career was in the Irish public service - Dept of Agriculture - in Dublin. When some years ago, I took early retirement I proceeded to build a garden maintenance business, which I continue to date on a part time basis. I am an active person; golf, hill walking, etc.
In 2011, in order to bring a variation of a challenging and adventerous nature to my lifestyle, I registered with www.mindmyhouse.com as a house sitter. I completed four assignments, one of which consisted of 10 days in Tuscany helping the hosts with the olive harvest (Yes, this was working rather than house minding). On their recommendation, I switched to www.workaway.info which more befits my active nature and range of skills. I have completed roughly two assignments a year to date--please see feedback posted for me. I come to "working away"with the confidence born of meeting peoples gardening needs over many years.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn
I'm interested in:
Being an elderly companion
Some knowledge of:
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Life at a Farmstay
Animal Care
More details about your skills
From a farming and garden maintenance background, a wide range of manual work would come within my competence.This would extend to ground clearance, dry stone walling and fence repairs, paving , tree and shrub cutting/pruning and firewood provision. Also, general garden and patio clean-ups and miscellaneous round the house jobs.
I am not a garden adviser - have no formal training - but I have always said to clients,"If you know what you want done,the chances are that I can do it for you"
I am also available for house minding that could extend to house and garden maintenance.
Age
75
What else ...
Perhaps the most important thing for me would be to enjoy the whole experience of being allowed to come and contribute to the plans and projects of the hosts and in the process to avail of the wider facility that would afford.
Some more information
Smoker
Driver's licence
Allergies
NoSpecial dietary requirements
No
Feedback
3 Mar 2018
Left by host (Come to the Côte d'Azur, help ...) for Workawayer (John)
John has been wonderfully helpful. When he arrived, he asked what different projects were on, and teasing him, I gave a long list of all that I hoped to realise in the next months. But nothing is impossible for an Irishman, and in his short stay he managed to fulfil all the tasks! Nothing more to do, then? for the pleasure of having him back, I… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Come to the Côte d'Azur, help ...)
Is there a more energetic, inspiring and warm-hearted host in all of Provence? I doubt it! Spent two enjoyable weeks at Brigitte's wonderful place overlooking the blue Med. Had a range of work to choose from. Took care of a few projects.
Met lots of people including Brigitte's friendly family members; children and grandchildren.
Bye until another… read more
Met lots of people including Brigitte's friendly family members; children and grandchildren.
Bye until another… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Dec 2017
Left by host (Help with woodcutting in ...) for Workawayer (John)
We were lucky and happy to have John at home. He helped us really a lot with different works around the house and cutting woods. He was very profesional . At home John is easy going and very nice man. We'd be happy to receive him next year again.
(Excellent
)
2 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help with woodcutting in ...)
I have been with many hosts on "Workaway" in recent years and most have been good, but my stay with Alexis and Jitka, dare I say it, comes out tops. Comfortable accommodation, good food and much conversation aided by wine from the generous hand of Alexis. Alexi's and Jitkas's friend from Slovakia, Andrea, completed a happy gathering. And we did… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Thank you John for your hard work clearing back miles of undergrowth, weeds, junk along the sea edge of garden and stone walls - it's made a great difference, ready for some tree chopping.
I'm pleased to read you enjoyed your stay. Joan
I'm pleased to read you enjoyed your stay. Joan
(Excellent
)
7 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help me care for neglected ...)
I enjoyed a two week stay at Joan's spectacular 1880 built mansion/castle overlooking Barmouth town and seafront. Joan is dedicated to the upkeep of the property indoors and outdoors. I was happy to make some progress in rescuing the seaview from the encroaching scrub and fast growing sycamore.
As befits a castle, my stay was very comfortable and… read more
As befits a castle, my stay was very comfortable and… read more
(Excellent
)
Friends
Feedback
3 Mar 2018
Left by host (Come to the Côte d'Azur, help ...) for Workawayer (John)
John has been wonderfully helpful. When he arrived, he asked what different projects were on, and teasing him, I gave a long list of all that I hoped to realise in the next months. But nothing is impossible for an Irishman, and in his short stay he managed to fulfil all the tasks! Nothing more to do, then? for the pleasure of having him back, I… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Come to the Côte d'Azur, help ...)
Is there a more energetic, inspiring and warm-hearted host in all of Provence? I doubt it! Spent two enjoyable weeks at Brigitte's wonderful place overlooking the blue Med. Had a range of work to choose from. Took care of a few projects.
Met lots of people including Brigitte's friendly family members; children and grandchildren.
Bye until another… read more
Met lots of people including Brigitte's friendly family members; children and grandchildren.
Bye until another… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Dec 2017
Left by host (Help with woodcutting in ...) for Workawayer (John)
We were lucky and happy to have John at home. He helped us really a lot with different works around the house and cutting woods. He was very profesional . At home John is easy going and very nice man. We'd be happy to receive him next year again.
(Excellent
)
2 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help with woodcutting in ...)
I have been with many hosts on "Workaway" in recent years and most have been good, but my stay with Alexis and Jitka, dare I say it, comes out tops. Comfortable accommodation, good food and much conversation aided by wine from the generous hand of Alexis. Alexi's and Jitkas's friend from Slovakia, Andrea, completed a happy gathering. And we did… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Thank you John for your hard work clearing back miles of undergrowth, weeds, junk along the sea edge of garden and stone walls - it's made a great difference, ready for some tree chopping.
I'm pleased to read you enjoyed your stay. Joan
I'm pleased to read you enjoyed your stay. Joan
(Excellent
)
7 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help me care for neglected ...)
I enjoyed a two week stay at Joan's spectacular 1880 built mansion/castle overlooking Barmouth town and seafront. Joan is dedicated to the upkeep of the property indoors and outdoors. I was happy to make some progress in rescuing the seaview from the encroaching scrub and fast growing sycamore.
As befits a castle, my stay was very comfortable and… read more
As befits a castle, my stay was very comfortable and… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Thank you John for your hard work. Working on the land is obviously your forte! We hope you enjoyed the trips out to Nerja, Cantarin beach for lunch, Comares and your day in Malaga. Also all your meals and sampling the local life.
Some excellent clearing completed, yukka stripping,repotting plants, new archway with Rob and loads of bonfires plus… read more
Some excellent clearing completed, yukka stripping,repotting plants, new archway with Rob and loads of bonfires plus… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Volunteer in a beautiful ...)
It has all been eloquently testified before, and I can wholeheartedly concur, the great "workaway" hosts that Linda and Rob are and the labour of love that is their splendidly restored/developed finca.
My tusles with wild asparagus and yuccas, not to mention, according to Rob, my Indiana Jones like rediscovery of a lost well at the far end of the… read more
My tusles with wild asparagus and yuccas, not to mention, according to Rob, my Indiana Jones like rediscovery of a lost well at the far end of the… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Oct 2016
Left by host (Central Texas Hill Country ...) for Workawayer (John)
Many thanks to John, for transforming the entrance to this property into one which can now be described as "well manicured." What a fantastic job he did with everything you undertook. His suggestions were excellent and insightful. He approached his work methodically and with dedication, took care of the tools, and made some great observations… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Central Texas Hill Country ...)
What I appreciated was that Debi combined being a great person to work for - trusting everybody to get on with it - and being generous in facilitating the visiting of places near and far. My accommodation was everything I could want. Down time and dining well took place in an easy family like atmosphere.
Thank you Debi.
Thank you Debi.
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help us bring an 18th Century ...)
Much praise and appreciation has been accorded to Mary and Xavier by many before me; suffice for me to say that I wholeheartedly concur. I will always remember my stay with them with particular affection and thankfulness. Dare I say it, Mary's and Xavier's many and historical Irish connections ensured for me a big welcome.
To have played a… read more
To have played a… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Sep 2015
Left by host (Help in garden, kitchen and ...) for Workawayer (John)
John stayed for almost two weeks and did a great job in our garden, „cleaning the decks“ and building drystone walls (comp. foto), making very good suggestions, always looking out for new tasks and working very very hard. It was a pleasure having him, working with him and getting new insights about the amazing Irish sports culture, politics,… read more
(Excellent
)
2 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help in garden, kitchen and ...)
Have returned after a very satisfactory two-week workaway, guest of Tobias, at his splendidly located place overlooking Barcelona city. Tobias is a gracious, appreciative and helpful host. I was able to introduce him, courtesy of Barcelona's Irish pubs, to the non-stop action of Gaelic games, hurling and gaelic football, on successive… read more
(Excellent
)
25 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Volunteer in a beautiful ...)
Christie and Frank were hosts in the very best spirit of 'Workaway' They have a fine extensive place ,good accommodation and share great food.I felt at home and at ease from the start.
They were concerned to include me in/invite me along at all times, whether for shopping, outings,sightseeing or just to go for coffee and tapas. Also I had the… read more
They were concerned to include me in/invite me along at all times, whether for shopping, outings,sightseeing or just to go for coffee and tapas. Also I had the… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Mar 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Hi John, Frank and I just wanted to say a huge thank you once again for all your kind help and hard work.
You have been a blessing to us, and our garden now looks like a garden rather than as you put it " A wilderness" which in some parts of the land works, but not around the house and lovely pool area, which now have definition, light, space… read more
You have been a blessing to us, and our garden now looks like a garden rather than as you put it " A wilderness" which in some parts of the land works, but not around the house and lovely pool area, which now have definition, light, space… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Mar 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
It was a pleasure to host John. He is self motivated and worked hard on our rocks, poor soil and weeds. I can highly recommend his skills and abilities. I will post some of the photographic evidence of what John did. We are very grateful. John, Jim has still not found the solution to world peace, so more discussion is needed.
(Excellent
)
11 Mar 2014
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Come and grow with us in the ...)
I am very grateful to Sue and Jim for the kindness and hospitality accorded to me during my recent stay with them. It is pleasing to confirm all the good testimony of others before me for them both, their lovely home, large garden and location near Tavira. The work, which I enjoyed, was much appreciated--Sue being inspired to get out her camera to… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2013
Left by host (Help welcome on rural olive ...) for Workawayer (John)
John stayed about three weeks and made a real impact. He is knowledgeable, methodical and very conscientious. He sets very high standards for himself and worked much longer hours than required.
He made a wonderful job of restoring damaged drystone walls. He did a lot of other various gardening jobs including pruning, clearing up, preparing for… read more
He made a wonderful job of restoring damaged drystone walls. He did a lot of other various gardening jobs including pruning, clearing up, preparing for… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Nov 2013
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Help welcome on rural olive ...)
For me, Susan's place just back from the Riviera in November was a great workaway experience. Sue was the essence of kindness and consideration. We were both happy that her stonewall terracing was in better shape after my endevours.
Canelli has a lovely setting/aspect ; so perched as to give the feeling of surveying the world from a comfortable… read more
Canelli has a lovely setting/aspect ; so perched as to give the feeling of surveying the world from a comfortable… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Oct 2013
Left by host (Come and help on our estate ...) for Workawayer (John)
John came to help us with our olive harvest, a thing he had never done before, he learned quickly and was a very hard worker who never complained and really did give us a big hand, even climbing up into the trees to get the hidden olives off the branches. We thoroughly enjoyed his company too, we had some interesting conversations and he also… read more
(Excellent
)
1 Mar 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Dear John,
We are very thankfull to you for all your help at our B&B.
So much have been done by you, you never stopped working, I even had to tell you to sit down and take a rest, otherwise you would be still working.
Thanks for the nice intermezzos at the Lemontree and some restaurants and the healthy discussions we had. We hope we will see… read more
We are very thankfull to you for all your help at our B&B.
So much have been done by you, you never stopped working, I even had to tell you to sit down and take a rest, otherwise you would be still working.
Thanks for the nice intermezzos at the Lemontree and some restaurants and the healthy discussions we had. We hope we will see… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Come and help and stay with ...)
I very much appreciate the kindness and generosity of Ton and Nell in making my stay with them so enjoyable.Their area is spectacular,their house large and comfortable,the food great.Ton helped in terms of the enjoyment of local facilities and by drives further afield.
It was a pleasure to do some work for them,contributing a little,I hope,to… read more
It was a pleasure to do some work for them,contributing a little,I hope,to… read more
(Excellent
)
19 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
(Join us in a mountain ...)
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay with my klnd and caring hosts,Trixie and Allen.They made me feel very much at home and it was a pleasure to do some work for them.
The Casa has a splendid setting;inviting rest on the one hand and challenging walks and adventure on the other.
I wish Trixie and Allen success in their business and health and happiness… read more
The Casa has a splendid setting;inviting rest on the one hand and challenging walks and adventure on the other.
I wish Trixie and Allen success in their business and health and happiness… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Feb 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
Thank you John, it's been a pleasure having you helping here. Your work with our trees and garden as been fantastic and you are always welcome back especially during the Six Nations rugby.
The rustic steps you put in on the river bank are great and the work on the riverside paths has been invaluable.
All the best, Trixie and Allan.
The rustic steps you put in on the river bank are great and the work on the riverside paths has been invaluable.
All the best, Trixie and Allan.
(Excellent
)
