The mark of the nappy may be long gone but I still consider myself relatively young. Like most people over the age of twenty I'm regarded as a bit ancient in teenage circles, and fair game for receiving derisory text messages enquiring about life in the olden days. A visit to Annalong Corn mill didn't help my case especially when the kids discovered that the mill, a relic from a bygone age, only ground to a halt the year after I was born. Its continued operation until relatively recent times coupled with a prominent harbour location and sensitive restoration has contributed to its survival. It is often referred to as Ireland's most picturesque watermill and it might well be; I took a break from sketching the exterior to enjoy a guided tour and find out more about its history. Inside, light is shed on the odd arrangement of windows that grace the outside of the building, carefully positioned to illuminate the internal workings of the mill. The awesome power generated by the waterwheel seems at odds with the gentle flow of mill race, driving pulleys and turning the massive millstones. The noise is deafening and the heat, dust and, miserable working conditions can only be imagined. Combining my sketch with a few old photographs I have all I need to try and recapture some of the atmosphere of days gone by when schooners and skiffs lined the quay and the three millstones turned grinding oats, groats and wheat. Sepia with its nostalgic associations or a few muted colours is best for this type of work. While many of the surrounding building have gone, old photographs record the missing features; the obscured mountain backdrop obviously remains in place and can be sketched by walking a few hundred yards to the car park behind the mill. I may have all the necessary ingredients to recreate a bygone scene but Ill need to work quickly; for if the kids are to be believed my own sell by date is about to expire.