Hello,
I'm in Waterford, well just outside. On ahill, middle of know where - you know the sort of place?! I'm fairly new to this site as well, but it really helps ground you for setting up all the animals etc. I'm learning to 'just do it' and see what happens - it hasn't gone far wrong yet. You are right about the weather though, when I moved here it was a good summer, not had one since, so hoping this year will be different.