"Sunny spells - occasional showers": this phrase from the Irish weather forecast perfectly describes the experiences of a German expatriate in Ireland. Surviving the surprises occasioned by the house purchase and the solicitor, he meets an assortment of delightful neighbours, and begins to learn the ins and outs of dealing with local tradesmen. All in all, the often inventive Irish ways of dealing with life's little exigencies are lovingly described, and delightfully illustrated.