Highlights and Roots

"I think we all long for glamour" Linda Lee

2011-10-17T15:31:00.002+01:00

The only corner of our house that doesn't have windows or Mirrors!

Our great friends and neighbors, Fiona & Fintan

The beautiful hostess Julie (in silver), with Ian & Jackie (also beautiful :))

Jax & Maryvonne in the lovely antique chairs

Atmosphere shot

The piano man with one of Julie & John's friends singing- it was really good

Last Saturday we went to a party thrown by our friends, Julie & John. They live behind us- just over the wall- and they have 3 boys. The youngest is the same age as our boys, and their 8-year -old is so good with them as well. Unfortunately John's Dad passed away earlier this year.

Before they sell his house, they decided to throw a party to say goodbye to it in style. And did they ever! It was amazing party and it really solidified my notion that there are so many great, nice people here. Thanks Julie & John!

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”- Mother Theresa of Calcutta

2011-10-15T21:45:00.004+01:00

Camilla

My Girls

Great to have a night out!

We will miss you Camilla!

Sometimes people come into your life, even for a short time, and they make it better. It's so important that moms have each other as friends, and it seems even more important when you live far from old friends & family.

Thursday night we said goodbye to Camilla, who is on her way to Sydney, Australia. Just last week after a stressful morning, she offered me some very wise and very needed counsel. I am glad to know you Camilla! And best of luck in OZ!

"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. " William Penn

2011-10-14T20:23:00.006+01:00

Mildred Marion Abitz Gallagher Butler

September 9, 1922-October 15, 2011

Because of the time difference, I didn't hear of my grandmother's death until the day after. But just that night the boys and I were talking about her and looking at her picture.

In an email to my Dad, I remembered my grandmother. But the one thing that I didn't include was her greatest accomplishment. My Dad. He is the best father and grandfather and I love and admire him so much.

Here are some thoughts from the email:

Grandma used to take us to A&S for our birthday to get new clothes. She would pick me up in her powder blue car (the one I smashed in 1986) and we would look at clothes and try things on and I would come home, very excited and feeling very special.

She always had lots of Juicy Fruit in her bag and she let us go in and take what we wanted.

Sometimes Tricia and I would sleep over at her house. Once I remember I got to go by myself. Grandma and I ate ice cream and watched "The Boy in The Plastic Bubble".

Tricia and I used to go up in her room and go into her scarf drawer. She had millions! We had so much fun playing with them.

When I had a tick in my head in 3rd grade, Grandma picked me up and took me to the Dr. to have it removed.

Tricia and I went to visit her and JB in Florida in High School and we had a lot of laughs between us, and Grandma and JB were very nice, and took us out to dinner every night.

And when I was staying at the White's while Brian was born & Tricia was having her tonsils out, I was upset and didn't want to stay there anymore. I snuck home after school and started really crying. She hugged me for a long time, and said that I could stay at home. Grandpa was there too.

I know that she loved us a lot, and I am glad that she is at peace.

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

2011-09-12T16:10:00.000+01:00

The Beautiful Bride and her Dad

The Lovely Maid of Honor, Amy

My Loves

I love this picture!

Tom reading an Irish Blessing at his Goddaughter's Wedding

Molly & Lou

Wedding Party

The Groom brews his own beer!

Some special time with Happy Joan

We were so excited to arrive in Maine for the wedding of our niece, Molly and her fiance, Lou. Their wedding date was September 10, 2011 (9-10-11!). Molly and Lou met at their first year at Hamilton College and have been together ever since. It was lovely to be a part of their wedding day and to spend some great time with Tom's family!

The ceremony was beautiful, and they had a perfect New England day. Our niece Amy, the Maid of Honor, gave a funny, touching speech, as did Lou's brother. It was really nice to hear all the funny stories about the couple and how much they are loved. Ann, the Mother of the Bride hosted a beautiful brunch the next day. We had a fantastic time!

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

2011-08-18T19:38:00.002+01:00

At Trinity College

Molly & Michele - the obligatory Dublin Shot

With Michele after climbing Killiney Hill

Michele in her Cell (another one for my collection!)

My very good friend Michele from New York came to visit this week. She was at a conference in London and added a trip to Dublin to her itinerary. It was so nice to see her and spend some time in person. I loved catching up and showing her where we live.

Michele loved Ireland and thought that it was one of the most beautiful places that she had ever seen. I have to agree. Thanks for coming Michele!!!

"It doesn’t matter where you go in life, what you do ….. it’s who you have beside you."- Unknown

2011-08-07T20:24:00.006+01:00

The Dublin Horse Show 2011

Getting to watch during the short dry spell

Ready to Ride!

What is a Horse show without riding one yourself?

Happy to get on a horse, even in the pouring rain

At the statues in front of the Four Seasons

Miss Mary at our house!

Sort of coincidentally, the last few days have brought us back to some of our earliest experiences in Ireland. Our first few days were spent at the Four Seasons. After weeks of packing and preparing to move in hot, sweaty, New York, I wanted to relax and unwind a little before moving into our temporary apartment. The boys loved the statues outside, and we have pictures of their 2-year-old selves with all of them.

With no car and a bunch of still-foggy heads, we headed over to the Dublin Horse Show on the first weekend we were in the Apartment. It was within walking distance, interesting for the kids, and a great, much needed day out.

Finally, on our third weekend here, we headed to Killarney on the train to visit our good friends Miss Mary and John. They are long time New Yorkers, originally from Kerry and the usually come over for August. We REALLY needed that weekend away and I remember how exited I was to get on the train at Euston Station.

This past weekend, we went to the Horse Show, Visited the Four Seasons and Miss Mary came to our house in Dublin. Really nice time, and lots of good memories.

"Where thou art, that is home."- Emily Dickinson

2011-08-01T22:59:00.002+01:00

Two years ago today we arrived in Dublin. We are living, learning and loving it here, more than we could have imagined.

"Summertime, and the livin' is easy" - George Gershwin

2011-07-31T20:08:00.004+01:00

It's not over yet, but the kids are having a great summer. They spend the mornings at camp, and the afternoons playing with friends, or we go to the beach or to a park. Every night they fall into bed exhausted. They are real little kids now. This is the best age! But I think that every year.

"They breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin." Ian Paisley on Catholics in 1969

2011-07-13T15:16:00.013+01:00

Reverend Ian Paisley in 1969

Yikes! Yesterday was July 12, a day in which some British Loyalists in Northern Ireland celebrate William of Orange's victory over Catholic King James II at the "Battle of the Boyne" in 1690. William, King James' nephew and son-in-law was a Protestant and his victory ensured his place as King William III of England, Scotland and Ireland and restored Protestantism to the throne. His wife Mary, was Catholic King James' daughter (of College of William and Mary fame).

Today, the Orange Order commemorates this day every year with parades and celebrations around Northern Ireland and Scotland. Named for William of Orange and founded in 1795, it seems that this organization and its lodges of members was created in order to protect protestants. Incidentally, the Irish flag is Green, representing the 26 counties, Orange, representing the 6 Northern counties with white in the middle representing peace. It is based on the French flag- early revolutionaries such as Theobald Wolfe Tone (a protestant) and Robert Emmet visited France to learn about how they planned their revolution.

July 12th Parade Banner

The Grand Orange Lodge says:

"In 1795, following the culmination of attacks on Protestants in County Armagh at the Battle of the Diamond, in which Protestants routed those who had attacked them and attempted to burn properties, it was decided to form an organisation which would protect Protestants."

http://www.grandorangelodge.co.uk/

The ILOI says:

"An Orange Association was formed in England in 1688 to assist the Prince of Orange in defence of the Protestant Religion and the Liberties of England. The Orange Order, as we know it, was formed by the victorious Protestants after the Battle of the Diamond in 1795.

Its aims were to defend Protestantism, Protestant property and the Constitution."

http://www.iloi.org/

Earlier this year, Tom and I watched a documentary on BBC about the Orangewomen, the Women of the Orange order. They have their own meetings, hierarchy and lodges- and are able to march in the parades only if invited by the men.

I found a posting on politics.ie from someone who also saw the same documentary:

"I watched the excellent documentary on BBC NI on Monday evening about the Women's Orange Order in the north.
Still alive and thriving today, their rule book forbids mixed marriages.
Most of the members were 50+, with one exception. A pretty lady whose parents are members of their respective Lodges and so too is she.
I thought I was watching a documentary about the FreeMasons in Dublin with all the pomp and ceremony performed at one stage!!
But I came away thinking how sad that these people oppose Catholics marrying Protestants, given they admitted to mixing well with their neighbours.
I thought we had moved on since the Good Friday Agreement but clearly not when it comes to this bigoted view across the north.
When asked if they would support a rule change relating to mixed marriages, those interviewed gave a definitive 'no'.
Obviously, they are still living back in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s.
Times have moved on.
The young lady interviewed joked that if she ever decided to marry a Catholic she would have to change her partner's religious beliefs and he would agree to bring up their children as Protestants.
Very sad. Because she could just meet a Catholic she is compatible with and likes. And she wouldn't be allowed marry him because of some silly, historically, bigoted rule."

Mural in Belfast

This year, chaos ensued once again as some republicans rioted and threw petrol bombs injuring police. Although it has been 13 years since the Good Friday Agreement, there are still some people who are very angry that Ireland is divided. Fewer still are so angry that they think that violence is way to go. But I am fascinated by those who celebrate on July 12th. It seems so archaic and irrelevant. It appears that people get caught up in the hierarchy and surround themselves with similar small minded people. Let's face it, there is more than one way to express anger.

"A landscape fossilized, / Its stone-wall patternings / Repeated before our eyes / In the stone walls of Mayo." -- Seamus Heaney

2011-07-10T21:17:00.005+01:00

The beautiful West Coast

Another opportunity for driving practice. Big improvements were made.

The Swan boats at Westport House

New York & Dublin friends- and we found them in Westport!

We have to find a playground on all trips

"Can we play that game where you whack the balls?"

Ferry around Killary Fjord

Dolphins followed us almost the whole way!

Instructions for pilgrims

We climbed as far as the Statue of St. Patrick- maybe when they are a little older we will go all the way up to the top

Murrisk Abbey- founded in the 15th Century by Pope Callistus, who I had not heard of before today.

The famine monument near Croagh Patrick. Notice the skeletons.

After our quick trip to Galway in the dead of winter, we promised ourselves that we would come back to the area when the sun sets later than 4:30! This time we based ourselves out of Westport, Mayo. Westport is a cute little Irish town, and the Hotel had a great pool which all of us love when we go away.

The first day we went to Westport House, an old estate that has small amusement park and swan boats, and a little train. It was a great day and coincidentally, we ran into our Irish New York friends who happened to be on a getaway to the west as well.

The second day was very wet, and so we drove down to Leenane and took a cruise around Ireland's only Fjord. It was perfect for a rainy day. The boys loved it and there were Dolphins that followed us the whole way!

We also went up to Croagh Patrick. Also called "the Reek" Croagh Patrick is the mountain that St. Patrick is said to have climbed barefoot in the 5th Century. It is told that he stayed up there and fasted for 40 days and at the end of the fast he threw a silver bell down the side of the mountain killing Corra the she-demon and banishing all the snakes from Ireland. Each year about 20,000 pilgrims clim Croagh Patrick on the third Sunday in July. Many climb barefoot and some have died. We decided not to go all the way up. This year.

We had little issue on the last night, the T man may have had his second migraine. But he is doing great now. My favorite part of these getaways is that we get to spend all the days together away from regular life. It was a great trip.

A different language is a different vision of life. ~Federico Fellini

2011-07-03T21:59:00.006+01:00

This weekend, we went to see "Translations" at the Abbey Theatre. I really enjoy seeing plays written by Irish playwrights.

"Translations" was written by Brian Friel, and the first production was in Derry in 1980. It takes place in a small village in Donegal called Baile Beag and really captures the colonial relationship between Ireland and England. Set in 1833, post Act of Union, post failed rebellion, and post growing sense that the English language was the path to modernization.

The story illustrates how, through an land ordinance survey, the Irish names of towns and villages were renamed to reflect a more anglican influence. Even though the new names made sense to no one. The whole play asks the question: "How important is a language to it's people?"

Since moving to Ireland, I have seen that public road signs are in both Irish and English. Not all Irish people speak fluent Irish, but many do. It is a required subject in schools. Some will go to Irish language schools, or summer camps, or have lived with an Irish speaking family in Galway to work on their Irish. I understand that if you take your leaving certificate (the Irish SAT's) in Irish you get extra points. The police have to speak irish, and it seems that most politicians do as well.

Towards the end of the 19th Century and the early 20th, there was a big push to revive the Irish language, Gaelic sports, Irish music and literature in order to reclaim Ireland. These ideas were very unifying and helped fuel the rising in 1916. The IRB and the Irish Volunteers communicated and recruited through these Irish interests. Irish is still the national language of Ireland, though there has been talk of dropping it as a required course, and accepting non Irish-speaking Gardai.

Ireland would be a different place if the Irish language had not been so diluted. The play's characters represent some of the emotions that were present at the time. The teacher who felt that the English had taken enough from the Irish and that they had to hold on to their language, the girl who wanted to be modern and leave the small village and who saw English as a way out. Both are very sympathetic.

The theme was relevant in 1833 and it is relevant today. The Irish tell these stories like no one else could. And I love to hear them.

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” - Plato

2011-06-27T23:27:00.004+01:00

Playing outside the Dromoland Castle

Learning about how people lived "a long long time ago"

Thatched Cottage

Discovering that the water used to be pumped from a well

Ready to Ride

Ricky & Silverado take the boys out

Last weekend was a great weekend away with the boys. Weekends away with just the four of us is one of my favorite things. We spend a few whole days together, discovering new things in a new place.

The highlight of this trip was the pony ride. The kids have been on horses once before with a quick trip up and down a field. The smiles on their faces told me that e should try this again soon. This stable that we found in Clare was amazing. It was clean, the man and his young son were excellent and we were the only ones there. They gave the boys a half hour lesson about how to treat the horses, what the equipment was called and how to turn around in the saddle. The boys were thrilled! And so were we.

"Nothing happens until it happens first"- Colum McCann

2011-06-26T21:37:00.005+01:00

Ireland Fund Gala Dinner 2011

With my new friend Emer

Chatting with Colm McCann

Last Friday night we attended the Ireland Fund Gala Dinner at the Dromoland Castle in Limerick. The Ireland Fund is a global organization that raises money on behalf of Irish Charities. In learning more about their work I am once again struck by the force of Ireland. The Irish diaspora (and its supporters) is so strong, and the people so passionate and connected that I can't imagine any other country that would compare.

The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese was honored at the event. She has been president for 14 years, and was preceded by Mary Robinson. I have often heard them referred to as "the Marys". President McAleese is very popular and has been an amazing ambassador for Ireland. It was wonderful to see her and hear her address. We didn't get to meet her, but we did sit at the table next to her!

Also at our table was a very nice couple, Emer & Basil. Emer and I had a quick laugh on our way from the cocktail to the dinner, and coincidentally were seated right next to each other. I liked her straight away- and hey live very close to us. Basil actually climbed Mt. Everest recently to raise money for the Ireland Funds- Amazing!

Finally, there was a very pleasant surprise. Colum McCann, author of the very critically acclaimed and award-winning Let the Great World Spin, accepted the Ireland Fund's Literary Award at the dinner. I have read and loved Let the Great World Spin, as well as his short stories. In fact, I mentioned him in this blog on February 28, 2010. And here is another strange coincidence: I happened to be in the middle of another book by Colum McCann at the time of the dinner. This Side of Brightness- I totally recommend it! I did get to meet Colm and chat with him a little. He is Irish but lives in New York. What a nice, down to earth guy.

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

2011-06-18T21:56:00.009+01:00

Dalkey Book Festival June 17-19, 2011

Niamh Sharkey reading her books to the kids

Margaret E. Ward interviews Ryan Tubridy

Margaret conducted a fantastic interview!

Tom with the Heineken Cup

Me (pretending not to notice the Heineken Cup)

This weekend was the 2nd annual Dalkey Book Festival. The festival was born when David McWilliams (economist, author, and broadcaster) attended a Dalkey Business Group meeting. In an effort to come up with ideas to boost local business, he thought of using one of the most valuable local resources- writers!

We attended last year, and it was great. This year, however, I discovered that my friend from High School was interviewing Ryan Tubridy about his book on JFK. Margaret is a Garden City girl who has lived in the Dublin area for many years. She is a journalist, has written 2 books and hosts the Newstalk radio show in the mornings. Ryan Tubridy hosts the Late Late Show here, and has his own Radio Show on RTE. His book chronicles JFK's last visit to Ireland.

Margaret is often a guest on Ryan's radio show and they have an excellent Rapport. The interview was interesting and funny, and I was so impressed and proud of her! Oh, and we got to meet Ryan too.

After an afternoon at Finnegan's and dinner with Margaret and her kids, we went to see my friend Tim Pat Coogan talk about his interview with Brian O'Nolan (aka Flann O'Brien). There were so many events that I would love to have attended, if only it lasted a week! Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy, Conor McPherson, and Neil Jordan were among those who participated. If my readers are thinking of visiting, this would be a good thing to try and catch!

It was a wonderful day, and at the end we came across the Heineken Cup. Leinster, the Rugby Team from the province that we live in recently won the trophy. We had to take photos of that!

“I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.”- James Joyce

2011-06-17T20:21:00.011+01:00

June 16th- Bloomsday!

"Mr. Joyce" was greeting the people on the streets of Dalkey

A Happy face from 1904

The sidewalks of Sandycove/ Glasthule where Leopold Bloom began his day in 1904

So, maybe not completely authentic, but people went to a lot of effort.

The cars really added to the atmosphere.

How can I describe it better than Wikipedia?

"Bloomsday is a commemoration observed annually on 16 June in Dublin and elsewhere to celebrate the life of Irish writer James Joyce and relive the events in his novel Ulysses, all of which took place on the same day in Dublin in 1904. Joyce chose the date because his first outing with his wife-to-be, Nora Barnacle happened on that day, when they walked to the Dublin urban village of Ringsend. The name derives from Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of Ulysses."

No, I have not read Ulysses. Yet. It is on my list of things that I will probably do, just like Yoga. But I don't think that reading the book is required to appreciate the affection that Dublin has for James Joyce and he literary tradition that he helped to create here.

"Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed." ~Charles Schulz

2011-06-07T21:21:00.013+01:00

Jackie, Me & Emma from Team Angus

Just before the race

Yesterday, I participated in the biggest women's race in the world- the Dublin Flora Women's Mini Marathon (10k). Over 40,000 women, and a few men in wigs ran, jogged, walked and skipped the 10K rout through the streets of Dublin. Everyone was raising money for various causes and mine was for the Hospital that took care of my friend Jackie's nephew Angus.

On 3 June 2010 Angus arrived and began his courageous journey. Angus underwent open heart surgery at just 6 days old and despite a few complications he was soon home and began to thrive. Angus' life was full of love, happiness and cuddles but sadly, it wasn't enough and at the end of September 2010 the angels took him away.

Thank to friends and family we raised 1,670 GBP (That's 2,745 US Dollars!) for Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Hopefully it will help Angus' parents to know that he is remembered near what would have been his first birthday!

I finished in 1 hr 9 minutes and 8 seconds. Better than my last 10K, and yes I ran almost all of it. I am just a slow runner!

Before the race, a radio station had a DJ to pump up the crowd playing songs like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Shout". I am not really into that crazy crowd stuff, I think that my crazy crowd shennanigans reservoir was depleted during my Club Med Years. But the last song that they played was Molly Malone, and it was really great. In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty...

“Americans are like a rich father who wishes he knew how to give his son the hardships that made him rich”- Robert Frost

2011-05-31T20:18:00.006+01:00

The Wedding Party of Alice Carolan and Harold Scott Hood 1877

We are all born into situations. Some of us would consider ourselves fortunate, and some of us not. Some would consider themselves fortunate to have been born into fortune, while others would consider it a curse.

As a parent, I am constantly thinking about the things I want for my kids. I want them to have every opportunity and be well prepared for them. I want them to know who they are and accept and love that. I want to teach them the life lessons that I have learned. And I want them to always feel loved.

The picture above is a photo of the Wedding party of my Great Grandparents. It was sent to me by a contact that I made on Ancestry.com. I have heard a little about Alice Hood, but I have never seen a picture. And I have heard almost (or totally) nothing about Harold Hood.

Alice's father, Patrick Carolan was born in Ireland on the heels of the Famine and died in New York during the Great Depression. He emigrated in either 1865 or 1868 at age 16 or 19. It appears that he stayed with the Tulley family on Staten Island when he arrived. It is indicated on one of the census forms that he could read but not write. He was married and had four children, including my Great Grandmother. He is always listed as employed at jobs including a "cartman". At the end of his life, he lived with his daughter Mary and her family.

That is all I know thus far about my Great Great Grandfather. It doesn't sound like an easy life, but I hope that he had some love, joy and hope. But my curiosity has been re-ignited by this picture. When I moved to Ireland I sensed the irony that I had ancestors who left this country under extremely difficult circumstances. What would they think of their Great Great Great Grandsons living here so happily? How many generations forward do we think would matter to us?

I do know that I feel blessed to have been born into the family that I have, and we are the family that we are thanks in part to Patrick Carolan and his daughter Alice.

"There has always been a little green behind the red, white and blue" -Barack Obama

2011-05-23T18:12:00.005+01:00

President Obama and President Mary McAleese

President and Mrs. Obama with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and his wife Fionnula

I was so struck by the excitement and enthusiasm by the Irish people about a visit from the American President. Politically, the visit is good for Ireland and it is certain to boost tourism, but the emotions were so genuine. The Irish seem so grateful that the President of the United States would come here. About 25,000 people showed up to hear him speak on College Green, some had waited in line since the night before. The speech that Obama made spoke to the long history of friendship between the two countries and was very well received.

Watching the joy and exhilaration of the people in the crowd made me feel like I might take my American Citizenship for granted. I am definitely blessed to be an American, an Irish American in Ireland!

"Feedback is the breakfast of Champions" Ken Blanchard

2011-05-22T21:34:00.005+01:00

Last night I got an email. It was from a woman in Los Angeles who has twin boys, and it looks like her husband will be taking a job in Dublin. She was googling ex-pat in Dublin and found my blog. The blog that I stopped writing out of, laziness? feeling that too much time had passed since I'd last written? Anyway, she inspired me. So:

Today we went to a barbecue at a friend's house. There were 5 families there, all with kids at the same school as the boys. One of the Dads was Irish, but everyone else was English, Scottish or American (us!). Our friend Ian was telling us about his experience of shaking the hand of Queen Elizabeth. Apparently she is very little in person. And the Duke of Edinburg is only 5 foot something.

It is pretty unanimous over here that the Queen's visit last week was a huge success and a very historic, healing event. The thing that nobody can deny is how amazingly well the 85 year old Queen and her 90 year old husband held up. She was getting in and out of the Range Rover unassisted, going up and down stairs like crazy and standing for very long periods of time. I am no monarchist, but they must have some secrets to sprightlyness in old age!

"Get on with the bloody play"- Sean O'Casey

2010-10-17T19:18:00.011+01:00

The boys are really into taking pictures. I've named this one "tired mom with potty seat"

In an effort to remain focused, Sean O'Casey pinned a note over his desk with the words in the above quote. I read about this a month ago when Tom and I went to see "The Plough and the Stars" at the Abbey Theatre. As some may have noticed, I have not posted to this blog in 3 months, and Mr. O'Casey's motivational strategy has been pecking at my brain for the last few weeks.

After the mid-July posting, we spent August in New York. It was wonderful to see friends and family and by the end of the trip, we were all anxious to get back to our life and our routine here in Dublin. It really does feel like our home now, the boys have lived a large percentage of their lives here.

Last year at this time I was determined to get settled in. I found a school for the boys, set up the house, learned to drive on the left, invited potential friends out on coffee dates and discovered some familiar food (or at least good substitutes). This year, I seem to be moving at a much slower pace. I am exercising, but only when it's something I have committed to in advance. It took me 5 weeks to invite friends over for a playdate. You may read this and think that I am being too hard on myself. Perhaps I am. But if laziness begets laziness, I want to start doing some of the things that I have been wanting to do, but have been avoiding. Getting on with the blood blog is a great start. I feel better already.

“Maybe it’s bred in the bone, but the sound of pipes is a little bit of heaven to some of us.” — Nancy O’Keefe.

2010-07-17T08:32:00.004+01:00

There was a time when the mere survival of Irish traditional music was not at all a sure thing.

In January 1951, representatives of the Thomas Street (Dublin) Pipers’ Club went to Mullingar for a meeting with traditional music enthusiasts from County Westmeath. Two ideas which had already been mentioned amongst traditional musicians were discussed at this meeting; the first was the founding of an organisation to promote Irish traditional music while the second was the organising of a great annual festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance. A further meeting was held in February, and at this meeting it was decided that, in conjunction with Feis Lár na hÉireann (a Gaelic League Feis which had been held in Mullingar for many years), a Fleadh Cheoil would be organised in the town in May over the Whit weekend.

In the years before the Fleadh, although the ordinary people of Ireland loved traditional music, the hundreds of traditional musicians in the country were largely unappreciated in popular social and intellectual circles. The aim of the Fleadh was to promote traditional music and to arrest the decline in its popularity. The cream of traditional Irish musicians attending the Fleadh played a major role in furthering this aim.

Fleadhanna Cheoil gave traditional musicians a platform where they could play to an appreciative audience and where traditional style was the criterion. That first Fleadh Cheoil in 1951 attracted only a few hundred patrons - a small but enthusiastic crowd. Within five years, however, this annual gathering had grown to become a great National Festival attended by traditional musicians, singers, and dancers from all parts of Ireland and overseas.

On October 14th, 1951, at Árus Ceannt, Thomas Street, Dublin, the first standing Committee of Cumann Ceoltóirí na hÉireann was elected. At a meeting in St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, on January 6th, 1952, the title of the organisation was changed from Cumann Ceoltóirí na hÉireann to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music. We’re a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world, and as you can read in our history we’ve been working for the cause of Irish music since the middle of the last century (1951 to be precise). Our efforts continue with increasing zeal as the movement launches itself into the 21st century.

(Above text taken from http://comhaltas.ie)

Thanks again to Catherine and Damien, we were able to experience this wonderful look into Irish music- a huge part of Irish Culture. Irish music, as well as the language, sports and literature were great sources of strength and unity for Irish Republicans during each of the rebellions and the Anglo Irish War in particular. This music center teaches and performs Irish music and dance. Another must see if you are living here. It was great!

Uilleann Pipes

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy. ~Anton Chekhov

2010-07-12T07:56:00.000+01:00

Summer in Ireland is not what we are used to, and certainly nothing like they are experiencing in New York this year! We have had some really beautiful days. At times it can get quite warm, but never too hot. That doesn't mean that I don't overhear people talking about what a "scorcher" it is! On most days, you could wear a jacket, or not. We haven't had much rain but as always, you never know.

The kids have been in camp everyday. It's almost the same as school in that it is at their school and they are familiar with many of the other kids. The big difference is that the big kids and the little kids are together for the day. For the most part, being with older kids is great. I have heard some new words like "idiot" at home. (Sigh.) More infiltration of our little bubble!

We try to do something everyday after school. but some days the kids are just too tired! They have quite a little 3-year-old life!

Digging in the "good" sand at one of the nicest beaches around here

The waves are not bad!

Painting pottery- a little change of scenery

Taking the train is still a fun thing to do

They will go to any playground, but I need to change it up once in a while!

Spinning is the best

Having a snack on the patio with the ladies

I guess you could call this homework

We brought some American sports to Ireland

Painting with painted faces

Being 3 is Exhausting!!!!

“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.”- Albert Camus

2010-07-05T10:44:00.006+01:00

When talking to American friends and family this week, they all asked "what are you doing for 4th of July?". "Well, nothing" I said, "we don't have that here". We didn't have a 3-day weekend, with beaches and barbecues planned, but we did have some friends coming for dinner. And I did manage to pull out some red, white and blue napkins.

The O'Connors are a great family who have been so amazing and welcoming to us since our first visit to Ireland. We were so glad to have them over and it was a great July 4th!

On a serious note, I really have to say that learning so much about what Ireland has gone through in order to gain the freedom that they have today makes me feel even more appreciative of what we have in the United States. There is something about the fact that the events in Ireland happened less than 100 years ago, and in fact, are still happening that makes it more... relatable?

I also happen to read a story about an Iranian woman who was caught in a miniskirt at a party by the religious police at age 16. She was sentenced to 40 lashes. Many of people don't even have the most basic things that we have. God Bless America! And God Bless Ireland!

When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme, when you wish upon a star" - Jiminy Cricket

2010-06-25T21:25:00.010+01:00

In the weeks leading up to our trip to Paris and Disneyland Paris (it is no longer called Euro Disney), I was very excited. Disney was always a special place for my family while I was growing up. My first trip was to Disneyland in California, and it was my first plane trip. I was five years old, and my cousins lived in San Diego. My parents always planned great Disney trips. My Dad was especially famous for his trip planning. He always researches what to do, where to eat, what to see and makes sure that we take advantage of everything there is on offer.

My memories of Disney have always been that it is a very special place, and I always felt special there. I know that my siblings feel the same, my brother Kevin was practically jumping through the phone telling me how anxious he was to take his baby to Disney!

Ah, it's just like a fairy tale- except for that dude with the rifle.

Six years after our honeymoon, I am back with these silly boys.

French Brasseries are right up their alley, anything in the bread family is usually a hit.

They couldn't care if they were in front of the Arc de Triomphe or a tree.

We had the nicest weather on this trip

Disneyland!

Tom took this picture of me. I was so excited and happy that I was crying.

D-Man checking out Snow White

Dinner with the Disney Characters- a must.

Goofy was like a Rock Star to them!

Classic Main Street photo with the Castle in the background.

Ahoy Mateys!

Arriving home after a long day of travelling

"Growth is the only evidence of life." ~John Henry Newman

2010-06-18T22:46:00.007+01:00

When we arrived in Dublin, I was not sure what I was going to do with the kids. If we had stayed in New York, we were going to do a 2's program, where I brought the kids to a preschool- ish setting and they stayed for 2 hours, 2 days a week. I would stay with them for the first few (or more) classes, and then start to leave.

I tried to research online, but it really is not easy to get perspective when you don't have your bearings yet. It seemed that most of the Montessori preschools required the children to be 3 by December. I was thrilled to find this school that had a class for 2 & 1/2 year olds. We all found our friends there. They went from 9am until at least 12:30, usually 1pm and they loved it.

The only one who wasn't ready for them to go to everyday school was me. But I really came around.

They are off to a new school next year, but we will always remember this first year of school. On the last day, there was a barbecue for everyone.

The moms and dads had fun at the barbecue while the kids were inside howling at a puppet show.

That's their teacher in red. We all loved her. We would not have asked for a better first teacher. I have a lot of teachers in my family- you are all amazing!

Walking in on the first day

Strutting out on the last day

" Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." Paul McCartney

2010-06-13T22:26:00.004+01:00

We went to see Paul McCartney last night. I would not have said that I was a huge Paul McCartney fan, but I definitely wanted to take the opportunity to see such an iconic, enduring performer. The crowd was very interesting. There were a lot of people in their 60's & 70's. There were young people, and even kids. I took a shot of the crowd before the concert to show the range.

Here he is walking out. He sounded really good! He was even greeting the crowd in Irish!

My parents were not Beatles fans at all, so I did not hear it growing up and could take or leave a lot of it. But, I have to say that the Wings songs were very prevalent on the radio when I was little and they brought back great memories. I am more of a Wings girl. But that is the thing about Paul McCartney- he really reached so many. I am glad that I got to see him live.

As the concert was coming to an end, I began to feel intimidated by the crowds. I wanted to be sure that we got a cab home. Granted, most of these people drove to this concert, but I did not want to chance having to get on a cramped train or roaming around for a cab. We left during the last song, Hey Jude, but before both encores. I hope that my husband will forgive me.

Unflattering Self Portrait

"Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate." -Carrie Bradshaw

2010-06-10T19:45:00.001+01:00

Girls Night Out

My friend Jackie, who is sort of involved with the International Women of Dublin, (I am just a delinquent member of the American Women of Dublin) invited me to an event that they were having to see the Sex and the City Movie. It was my first outing to "the cinema" since moving here, and I was excited to get a little dolled up and indulge myself in a bit of fantasyland.

We met at a the bar of a restaurant, beforehand. When we walked in, it was difficult to spot our group because the place was packed with women dressed up to see this movie. I actually ran into a few girls that I did not expect to see.

I love to watch Sex and the City. Well, I don't like the first couple of seasons but I feel that way about a lot of shows (Seinfeld, Friends). I really do like how New York is sort of a character in the show and the movies. In fact, it appears that Mr. Big works in the first building that I ever worked in, 875 Third Ave. That was slightly exciting. In this movie, they spent a lot of time in Abu Dhabi, so I felt a little gipped on the NYC scenes.

It took a few years for me to get into the show, but there are things about it that I really do enjoy. Admittedly one of those things is watching these dysfunctional women navigate their lives. Part of me can identify with them, part of me feels better about myself because "wow- I am doing pretty well compared to these crazies!", but mostly, I am fascinated and a little irritated with the way they glamorize the unrealistically selfish, immature and irresponsible aspects of their lives. Now THAT's entertainment!

With my good friend Jackie

This movie was actually much better than I thought it was going to be, though there was one part where it turned into a kind of zany caper where the girls had to disguise themselves in the traditional Abayas (I had to look that up) in order to escape a mob of angry men and make their flights back to NY.

Well, Carrie and Big are still married. The fact that they are together in the first place is such an improbable, unbelievable scenario that it is a little distracting. I think Carrie is still as misguided as ever and her priorities are just as backwards. Charlotte is the same as she always has been, neurotic but likeable. Miranda, however, is one of the best character evolutions that I have ever seen. She has evolved in a very realistic and endearing way from a terrified, bitter, angry woman to a much more secure, connected person.

Now Samantha, who has been so overtly sexual that it completely defined her character, seems to be ramping it up as the series goes on. I have definitely found her funny and likeable at times. She is certainly very loyal to her friends, they all are. But the in your face explicit and constant sexual theme to all of her action and dialogue is, well, boring! Anyone who talks so much about one thing, be it money, dieting, whatever- boring (reminder to self). The other thing is if I could look nearly as good as Kim Cattrall in my 50's I would be thrilled (and very surprised). But I have to say, even though her character has always been periodically offensive, it seems even harder to watch now that she is older. Her character has not progressed in a positive way at all, and if I think of her as a real person, I think that she is very sad. But I would love to be her therapist!

My favorite part of the movie, because it was the most relatable to me, was the mommy conversation between Charlotte and Miranda. I would also love to have been invited to Stanford and Anthony's wedding. It looked like lots of fun and the ceremony was very nice.

All that said, I had some strong thoughts and reactions from the movie so I would have to say that it was good. But in a very different way than some other movies are good.

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible. " Charles Haughey

2010-06-08T23:16:00.011+01:00

Well, I guess it's goodbye Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends, but hello bank holidays in May and June! We don't really have the rhythm of the calendar here yet, so the June bank holiday snuck up on us a little. We really want to take advantage of all of Tom's days off, and we decided to head over to Clare. So far, it is my favorite place that we have visited in Ireland. My overall favorite is of course where we live. I am always marvelling at the beauty of this place.

But Clare is Ireland. It's the Ireland that you imagine when you only have references that you can't even place.

The view from our room

O'Brien Tower at the Cliffs of Moher. That's Mow-her. Not Moore.

We stayed in a B&B that was a Manor House to Ballinalacken Castle which was historically owned by the O'Briens (they seem to have ben dominant in this area). The boys are running toward the Castle ruins.

We took a boat over to one of the Aran Islands, Inisheer. It was an AMAZINGLY beautiful day!

There are very few cars on the Island and this is a great way to see the Island with 3- year- olds.

These walls were built over 200 years ago. The stones covered most of the Island and the Islanders built walls to clear and divide the land.

See- thatched roofs. Real Ireland.

It might not be the most modern and luxurious, but what a view it has!

Tom on Inisheer, looking up at O'Brien Castle.

The Sunset out of our window. Of Course it was about 10pm.

The best beach I have seen so far in Ireland.

The Cliffs of Moher. Go if you can, try to make it on a nice day, and do the boat cruise.

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine

2010-05-31T20:11:00.006+01:00

There is a children's book called Flat Stanley that was written by Jeff Brown in 1964. It is basically a story about a boy who has a bulletin board fall on him, and he mails himself around the world on many adventures. The Flat Stanley project was started in 1995 in Canada. The project encourages teachers to read the book in class, and mail their own Flat Stanley to friends so that he can have some adventures and report back to the student. The students write letters to the friends asking them to take Flat Stanley around. When the Flat Stanleys come back, the class discusses geography, letter writing, and has fun with all of the places Stanley has gone.

My friend Joanie's son, Will, sent us his Flat Stanley and we showed him around Dublin. In fact, he went to Munich with Tom on a business trip!

I have to say that Tom was a surprisingly good sport, and took most of the pictures! Thank you honey.

Here is Stanley in Dublin:

And in Munich:

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."-Mark Twain

2010-05-19T11:38:00.009+01:00

I don't know enough about Mark Twain to know if he ever spent a Summer in Ireland, but the quote above makes me think not. More than 5 people have recently told me that this is our summer. There has not been a day where I have not worn a jacket.

When we were here in June, I noticed that many people were in sleeveless shirts, shorts and sandals. I was wearing a trench coat. August had some warm days, but it just doesn't get very hot here. I am hoping that the next few weeks bring us just a little more warmth.

Thankfully when you look around, it certainly appears to be summer. All of the trees and flowers are in bloom and it just makes this beautiful place even prettier.

The lovely (yet rocky) beach

I was pushing it a little with the shorts and the sandals that day.

Our back garden, or as the boys call it, the back yarden

Flowers growing out of a stone wall (you see that a lot)

This is a tree that I pass everyday. I am not leaving this country without one of them, even if it's new home will be an apartment in NYC!

Yes, there are palm trees in Ireland

"Good manners have much to do with the emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them." Amy Vanderbilt

2010-05-18T20:19:00.029+01:00

Growing up, my mother mentioned once or twice that we were related to Amy Vanderbilt. She didn't really know how we were related, but she knew it was on her mom's side. I had never heard of Amy Vanderbilt, but we did have a copy of one of her cookbooks in our house.

Recently, I made contact with a distant relative who had traced the connection.

Bridget Carlin- James McGinnis

Margaret McGinnis-Patrick Carolan Loretta McGinnis-William Brooks

Alice Carolan-Harold Hood Mary Brooks-Joseph M. Vanderbilt

Celeste Hood-Francis Jennings Amy Vanderbilt

Patricia Jennings- James Gallagher

ME!

As you can see from this wonderfully simplified genealogy chart, Amy Vanderbilt was my grandmother’s second cousin. Her Great-grandparents were my Great-Great-Great Grandparents. That makes her my second cousin, twice removed.

There you have it. But there will be more on Amy.

"The childhood shows the man As morning shows the day." -John Milton

2010-05-12T13:30:00.006+01:00

We have been (delightfully) busy lately getting together with friends for playdates, going to the parks with other families, even having them over for dinner or going to barbecues at their place. The kids seem very happy in their school. Their teacher is amazing and they are at an age where the whole class is their friend. It's easy for me now to organize playdates with mom's that I am friendly with. I know that will soon change. Next year, they will be in different classes, so they will each make new friends of their own. I still plan on keeping my friends, even though I will probably make new ones myself!

More fun at Jackie's

Jackie & Edel and our kids

Playing at my house

They are very nice with the little ones!

Don't dance on a volcano. (French Proverb)

2010-05-08T12:54:00.008+01:00

While we were in London, we heard the news that the ash from the Icelandic Volcano, Eyjafjallajökull, was affecting flights again. We remained hopeful, but in the end, our flight back to Dublin was cancelled. Rather than taking our chances the next day, we booked the train from London to Holyhead, Wales, and then the ferry to Dublin Port. It was a 12 hour journey door to door, but it was kind of an adventure. We will take the ferry again, but next time we will have our car, and fewer bags/strollers to carry. Tom booked a "berth" for us so we had a place to throw our stuff and a private bathroom for our newly toilet-trained and bathroom curious children.

The best part of being somewhat stranded for a day is that while it was happening, I had 2 friends from Dublin texting me to see if we were stuck, and asking if they could do anything. It really felt so nice that they thought of us. And it made me feel more connected here.

I have to say that the train was a little crazy and crowded, but the kids really like it.

Tom, sitting in our luxurious "Berth"

First time on a really big boat

There was a pretty big game room. We don't even put coins in, they don't know the difference.

They had to look out the window to even understand that we were on a boat!

"Tis said, London and New York take the nonsense out of a man. " Ralph Waldo Emerson

2010-05-07T19:14:00.007+01:00

Yeah! We went to London! More specifically, I went to London!

I went to a College where going abroad for a year or a semester wasn't something that a lot of people did. In fact, I can think of 3 people that went away for one semester Junior year and I thought that they were crazy. I only had eight semesters in College, I could not imagine giving one of them up!

Thankfully, twenty plus years later, my world is a little bigger. A few years ago I went on a Tudor, Middle Ages reading frenzy and I have been dying to see London ever since. Tom had to work there a couple of days, it was a bank holiday, it was time. And it was great. I loved it!

The Tower of London, the place I most wanted to see.

The Tower Bridge

The London Wall

The Rainforest Cafe - deplorable food, the boys loved it!

The phone booth shot. I had to.

10 Downing Street- may have a new occupant soon.

Westminster Abbey

Preparing to change the guard

This is where the Queen lives!

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

The Princess Diana Memorial Playground- really amazing

This is a Pirate ship on the South Bank. It was closed, but I was so glad to see the neighborhood that it's in- Southwark I think

London Aquarium

The three party leaders - Election Day was May 6th. It resulted in a hung Parliament. At the time of this writing the Prime Minister is undetermined. The boys loved the giant head balloons though!

I had no idea that there once was a Clink Prison!

We really covered a LOT of ground. OK, I would have gone into a lot of old churches if I did not have the buggy. That's OK because I know that I will be back!

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques Yves Cousteau

2010-04-11T20:08:00.002+01:00

It was a great first weekend back at home. I really look forward to going away, and we have had such a wonderful time, but I am ready for some normalcy. Back to school tomorrow! Today, we took advantage of the continuing outdoor perfection and went to the beach.

Everybody was out today. It felt like we live in a beach town. I guess we do. There was a whole range of approaches. In Ireland we sort of have to dress for all seasons everyday, so many people were in pants, with sleeveless shirts and jackets tied around the waist. There were trainers (sneakers), flip flops, and bare feet.Lots of people dipped their feet in the sea.

A handfull even jumped in and went swimming!

One guy even wore a sweater and a hat!

It was so nice to be out there today. And when we got home, we got the news that our niece Molly got engaged. Very happy for her. Congratulations Molly & Lou!

"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by its breathtaking moments." Michael Vance

2010-04-10T22:56:00.003+01:00

Just another beautiful weekend with the boys in Dublin.

" Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." Daniel O'Connell

2010-04-07T20:10:00.007+01:00

My Great Great Great Grandfather, Bernard Jennings, was born in the Parish of Donaghmore, in the Townland of Derrycraw located in County Down, Province of Ulster. From what I can gather, he was born in 1792. I know that he was married in 1827 in Scotland to Catherine O'Rourke, and left Scotland in 1830 for Prince Edward Island, Canada. He died there in 1857.

Bernard's son, Hugh was born and died on Prince Edward Island. Hugh's son, also named Bernard, left Prince Edward Island for Staten Island, New York and had 10 children. The youngest, Frank was my Grandfather. My mother was born on Staten Island, and moved to Long Island as a child.

This is one line of my Irish heritage. Close to 200 years ago, a man left Ireland, got married in Scotland and moved to Canada. I really wish I could learn more about him. Why did he leave? Why Canada? What was life like for him?

Cathy, my second cousin who I connected with on Ancestry 8 years ago, has discovered a reference to a Bernard Jennings from Donaghmore on the Flax Growers list of 1796. This could be Bernard's grandfather or uncle, but there does not seem to be any way to verify this. Penal laws against Catholics, including the keeping of Church records, were not repealed until 1829. Flax Growing and the linen industry was very big in Northern Ireland in the 19th Century. The Bernard on the 1796 list was given a spinning wheel in exchange for growing flax. Maybe Bernard wasn't hopeful about his Flax prospects? Maybe the conditions following the Act of Union (when Ireland became part of the British Kingdom) in 1801 made him seek a better life? The Jennings seemed to be Farmers in Canada, so it is likely that livelihood was a big factor.

I did find this excerpt from an 1837 Topographical Dictionary that somewhat illustrates the time:

DONAGHMORE, a parish, in the barony of UPPER IVEAGH, county of DOWN, and province of ULSTER

From A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) by Samuel Lewis

DONAGHMORE, a parish, in the barony of UPPER IVEAGH, county of DOWN, and province of ULSTER, 5 1/4 miles (N. by E.) from Newry; containing 4463 inhabitants. It is situated on the great road from Dublin to Belfast, and comprises, according to the Ordnance survey, 8396 1/4 statute acres; there are 110 acres of woodland, 499 of bog, 16 of waste, and 48 of water; the rest is arable and pasture land, generally good and in a high state of cultivation. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the weaving of linen for the merchants of Banbridge. Fairs are held on the first Friday in every month for cattle, sheep, and pigs, at Sheepbridge, which consists of only two houses, on the Newry road. Drummantine, the seat of the late Arthur Innis, Esq.; Beech Hill, of E. Curteis, Esq.; and the glebe-house, of the Rev. M. J. Mee, are the principal residences in the parish. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Dromore, and in the patronage of the Lord-Primate, to whom the rectory is appropriate: the tithes amount to £451, of which £251 is payable to the Lord-Primate, and £200 to the incumbent. The glebe-house, which is large and handsome, was erected in 1786, on a good glebe of 36 Irish acres, comprehending the townland of Tullagh, or Tullynacross. The church was built at the sole expense of Primate Boulter, in 1741 : it is a small handsome edifice in good repair, with a lofty tower ornamented with buttresses, pinnacles, and finials, which was erected, in 1828, by voluntary contributions. The R. C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church: a handsome chapel is now being built at Barr, and there is a small one at Ballyblaw. A meeting-house for Presbyterians, in connection with the Synod of Ulster, stands on the borders of this parish and that of Newry; and at the Rock is a large meeting-house for Seceders. There is a parochial school on the glebe, built in 1818, and principally supported by the vicar, who gives the master one acre of land rent-free; also a school at Derrycraw, built and supported by Trevor Corry, Esq.; and there are five private schools. In the churchyard is a remarkable old cross; beneath it is the entrance to an artificial cave, which extends a considerable distance, the sides being formed of loose stones, covered over with large flat stones : near the centre is a cross or transept, forming two distinct chambers; the cave is about 3 feet wide, 5 feet high, and 62 feet long, and, at the cross, nearly 30 feet broad. The Dowagh, or Danes' Cast, passes through the western extremity of the parish, and in some places forms the boundary between it and Drumbanagher, and between the counties of Armagh and Down.

"A people free to choose will always choose peace." Ronald Reagan

2010-04-03T18:02:00.005+01:00

As soon as we drove into the city of Belfast I noticed the banners above many of the tall residential buildings. I soon learned that they are memorials to the hunger strikers in 1981.

After being denied Special Category Status, or being treated as a political prisoner, many Republican prisoners went on a hunger strike which resulted in 10 deaths. I was in 7th grade at the time, but I do remember hearing about the hunger strikes and hearing the name Bobby Sands. He attracted a lot of media attention after being elected to Parliament while on hunger strike.

This is a residential building in the Catholic area of the city. Note the very high protective gates surrounding the complex.

This is one of the first murals that we saw. We decided to do a private taxi tour that could take us into the areas where "The Troubles" really took (are taking?) place?

This is a memorial in the courtyard of some residences on the Catholic side. There is a list of the IRA volunteers who died and an even larger list of the innocent bystanders who died.

Well, I can't say that I would have disagreed with OC in the 17th Century. The church has a long history of being both very influential and very influenced by politics. Then again, the King of England made himself Head of the Church of England so that he could divorce his wife and marry a mistress who might give him a male heir (she didn't). But this sentiment by Cromwell was so strong that it defines a conflict that remains alive today.

This mural on the Protestant side is notable because as you walk or drive by, the gun follows you. - Creepy.

This mural depicts William of Orange (a Protestant) who is celebrated by loyalists for defeating his Father-in Law, King James II (a Catholic) at the "Battle of the Boyne" in 1690. England and Scotland were Protestant again. The College of William and Mary are named for William and his wife.

Sinn Fein (Ourselves Alone) Headquarters in Belfast, with a Bobby Sands Mural on the side. Sinn Fein has historical links to the IRA, and is an active party in Northern Ireland and has representation in the Dail Eireann, the Irish Parliament.

The Peace Wall which divides areas of Protestant and Catholic. There are parts that of a gate that are locked at certain times of the day.

Signing the Peace Wall

The Crown Bar. We were told that the original Bar Owner was Catholic and his wife was Protestant. Apparently, she had the upper hand in the marriage because she demanded that he call the place "The Crown Bar". He had the last laugh when he had a crown laid in tiles on the ground by the door so that all who entered stepped on the crown.

I am taking the most objective approach that I can to my quest for understanding Irish History. But I couldn't resist!

The Europa Hotel- the most "Bombed Building in the world". Apparently British Journalists often stayed here so it was a big IRA target. Bill Clinton also stayed here twice when helping to negotiate the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. It's a nice hotel.

Belfast City Hall

It was great to learn so much about Belfast, the Troubles, and Protestant -Catholic relations. But the best part was being with all of my boys on my 6th wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary Tom!

P.S. We stayed about 5 miles out of Belfast in a town called Hollywood, and this happened a week later!

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Explosion-In-Vehicle-Behind-Palace-Barracks-In-Hollywood-Belfast---Police/Article/201004215599530?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15599530_Explosion_In_Vehicle_Behind_Palace_Barracks_In_Hollywood_Belfast_-_Police

"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time."- Steven Wright

2010-03-28T18:27:00.002+01:00

The day after the wedding, one of my brothers and his wife generously opened their home so that we could all get together. It was a beautiful day, and it was so nice to relax and talk to everyone. The kids had a great time with their cousin too! Thanks Jimmy & Lauren!

The hosts with the newlyweds

We also celebrated Meg's 30th

She was very surprised!

My cousins from PA & IN. I got to talk to them a little at the brunch.

I miss these get-togethers when I am away.

I want these guys to know each other well as they grow up!

They definitely have fun together.

The newest one!

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

2010-03-27T14:09:00.002Z

Uncle B & Kerry's Wedding Day

Although we did many things on our trip to New York, the reason that we are here this week in particular is to celebrate Kerry & Brian's wedding. What a day. I was so happy to see them so happy. I was so glad to see my extended family. Everyone had a great time and the whole reception went off perfectly.

Some of the highlights included: a gorgeous bride & groom, a humorous, detailed, toast by the best man, my sister's concert from the speaker, Richie's round off into my sister knocking her down, my sister's quick recovery and continuation of the concert, amazing mini hot-dog & hamburgers hors d'oeuvres, and some kind of molten chocolate cake!

The ring bearers. In the end, they pulled it off. As did my nephew who booked it down the aisle in style ahead of these two.

Bridesmaid Jessica making way for the bride.

The joy of seeing his bride in her wedding dress.

Escorted by her Dad.

With the bridesmaids

Just Married!

Sorry guys, no reception. It's off to Miss Mary's for you!

I LOVED the flowers! So beautiful, just like everything else from the day.

I believe this was some sort of Springsteen jam out.

Best Wishes to the happy couple!

"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." Alexander Graham Bell

2010-03-26T10:46:00.005Z

The night before my brother's wedding, the families and wedding party did a walk through of the ceremony. My sister and I did readings, the kids practiced their ring-bearing, and the wedding party learned where to stand, walk and line-up. Afterwards, my parents hosted a dinner at the home of a family that has been in catering for years. The Egans in Rockaway have a beautiful home where they will cater special events. It was perfect. Cozy and elegant.

The best part of the night for me was getting to know Kerry's family and friends. I have met her parents, brother and grandmother and they are wonderful people. At the rehearsal, I got to meet some of Kerry's cousins, friends, aunts and other grandmother. Since I missed the bridal shower, and the engagement brunch, I felt way behind! It is no surprise that Kerry comes from an amazing family and surrounds herself with great friends. I have to say that I could have sat and talked with her grandmother for hours. We are so lucky to have Kerry join our family!

Jimmy delivered a very thoughtful and sincere toast to his brother. It was really nice.

It was so nice for the bride and groom to include the kids in their wedding. It was very special for them!

Trish and Kerry talking about the big day.

The Best Man with two Groomsmen, KG & Pete

Meg's first time away from her baby for a night out. A difficult moment for all new moms, but she handled it very well.

The Groom with his Godson

Dad toasting the Bride and Groom

My Brother Mike and his awesome girlfriend Joanne

Me and my new Sister-in-law!

"Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children's eyes."- Lawana Blackwell

2010-03-24T10:11:00.003Z

Tom: "See honey, we have the best of both worlds. We can visit New York, have a great time and go back before we get sick of it."

Me: "I was never sick of it, I still love it here."

I din't feel the pangs of homesickness (for NY) that I felt on the last trip, but I was really happy to be there. While I am in Dublin, I don't feel homesick for New York very often, but I do miss seeing my family. I am still very happy to be living in Dublin, and I know how lucky we are to have the opportunity to live here. I guess I see my husband's point.

The kids were so happy to see their cousin, and so was I. He has grown so much and the little time we have with him is never enough!

Aunt Tricia was so nice to babysit while we went out with some friends.

They were so glad to play with the girls again, it was like we never left!

Playgrounds do seem a bit more accessible in NY.

I love being able to go to the docs & dentist that we are used to seeing. Healthcare here seems a bit complicated and kids are only referred to a pediatrician as a specialist. Pediatric dentistry is hard to come by as well.

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” - unknown

2010-03-22T22:35:00.004Z

Happy Birthday Terri!

For many years now (I don't even know how many!), my friends Terri and Michele and I have celebrated each other's birthdays. We thought our tradition was going to have to end when I moved away, but since we were in town in November (for mine) and again this time for Terri's, I am going to have to come back for Michele's in June!

It was so nice to see the girls, and Miss Mary too! She came to stay with the boys while I went to dinner. I really love Dublin but never want to lose the friends I have in in the U.S..

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses." ~Joyce Brothers

2010-03-22T21:46:00.001Z

Every year, about a week after St. Patrick's Day, my hometown puts on a St. Patrick's Day Parade. It always seems to be a really nice day, but this year was so nice, that I had to get new shoes and clothes to wear or I would have fainted from the heat.

This year my sister was very involved in the parade committee, so it was extra nice that we were able to be there. There are so many people that I knew who still live there, or have moved back. It always makes me feel connected and grounded in some way because I run into so many old friends.

The parade committee marching

Of course all of the local volunteer firefighters and trucks were the big draw for my kids!

It was also the first day of this trip that we saw my parents, my sister, my brother & a couple of sisters in law, and my nephew!!!!

The hardest part about living so far away is missing my family and getting together with them. It makes these times so much nicer though!

"True heroism is... not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." -- Ron Dicianni

2010-03-20T22:53:00.001Z

One of the things we HAD to get on the calendar for the New York trip was a visit to Uncle B's Fire Station. The kids are so into Firefighters, Fireman Sam, Firetrucks etc. that I knew it would be a highlight for them. I have to say, I hope Disney is as exciting for them because they were so happy!

They love their toy ride-on Fire trucks, but c'mon. Ain't nothing like the real thing baby!

Sliding down the pole- for real!

Uncle B is like a Superhero!

The truck came back, just in time for the boys to climb in.

Thanks Uncle B- we re so glad to be here for your wedding!

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." - Richard Bach

2010-03-20T21:34:00.003Z

You can't see him in this photo, but the little guy in the stroller is my newest nephew! He was 6 weeks old when I finally got to meet him and it was wonderful. He is so darn beautiful. He and his parents were doing great. I love to see KG & Meg with their baby, they look like pros. And they seem so happy. He looks just like his Dad (my brother), he was a cutie too!

It was about 70 degrees when we arrived in New York, and I was not prepared. I was packin' boots and sweaters and had to run out for some warm weather gear. This was our first day out on this NY trip and we made it productive!

The kids were great travelers once again, slept most of the way on the plane!

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do-- and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always. -

2010-03-17T20:00:00.000Z

Although we had great plans to take the kids into town (Dublin) for at least the beginning of the parade, I was convinced by various people that it might just be a little too crazy. We ended up going down to the festival and parade in Bray with our neighbors and it was a great call.

It was festive, Irish, and the boys had a great time on the rides and bouncy castles. St. Patrick's Day in Dublin is still on the list- maybe next year?

"I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from."- Eddie Izzard

2010-03-15T11:35:00.006Z

We just had a lovely visit for Tom's sister Joan, or "Happy Joan" as the kids call her (their attempt at happy birthday as 2-year-olds stuck). Joan and I always have a nice time, I am lucky to have in laws that I really like. She is an American History teacher and an avid reader. We always talk about books that we like, and don't like and she always leaves me some great recommendations.

It was great to have her here, to see where we live and spend some time. Thanks for making the trip Joan!

Lunch at Powerscourt Gardens

On a walk with the boys

We met Tom in town for lunch (town is Dublin :))

Brother and Sister time

Happy with Happy Joan!

"Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promised land. She prepares a world she will not see."-Pope Paul VI

2010-03-14T14:42:00.009Z

Today is Mother's Day in Ireland. For the past few weeks, the boys have been building things out of mega blocks and telling me, "Here Mom, I made this for you for Mother's Day!". I was a bit confused about why they were talking about Mother's Day so much when it is actually a couple of months away (and how would they know that?). Anyway, they have been working on some lovely things for me at school:

My sister-in-law is visiting us and we decided to spend the day at Powerscourt, an old estate with beautiful gardens in County Wicklow. We took my parents there in October, and both visits were lots f fun with great weather.

I always look for headline quotes that have something to do with the posting, usually with a specific idea in mind. Today I was looking for a quotes about motherhood, the joys and privilege of motherhood, etc. But I came across this quote, and I really liked it. It reminds me of what I can not control and that there are some things that I have to let go, and to accept and enjoy my kids everyday for who they are. (they make it easy so far). I am also thinking about my mother-in-law, who has such a huge effect on my husband in such a short time. I often wish that she was here to see what a great job that she did. And of course I think of my own mom. Although we talk often, I know that she can't possibly see all of the great things that she continues to do that make me a better person and mother. Thanks Mom! Happy Irish Mother's Day!

"Staying with people consists in your not having your own way, and their not having theirs." ~Maarten Maartens

2010-03-13T17:19:00.007Z

Visitors beware! If you come to Dublin and stay with us, I will drag you to Kilmainham Jail. We love having guests here, and I know that it could be so easy to let the time slip away just catching up, spending time with the boys, and sharing what our life is like here. That is why I like to get ideas from our guests about what they would really like see. So far, everyone has been pretty open to suggestions and I have strongly suggested Kilmainham Jail. There is a lot to see in Dublin, but the Jail is tied to such significant events in this county's history that you can really learn and see so much from a tour here. I have never had the same guide twice and each time I get a different perspective. I think my guests/prisoners like it too.

Me in front of the Jail on trip number one.

Here I am in my cell.

Tom looking sad in his cell.

Tricia in her cell on my second trip.

Joanne and me outside the newer cells.

Mikey (this was visit number 3 for me).

Joan looking sad in her cell on my fourth trip to Kilmainham.

Who will be jailed on my fifth trip? Will it be you?

"The Irish don't know what they want and are prepared to fight to the death to get it."- Sidney Littlewood

2010-02-28T20:05:00.012Z

I chose this quote because it made me laugh , and because it says so much by saying so little, I believe there is a lot of truth in its message.

Before moving to Ireland, I began reading books by Irish authors. Initially, I wanted to start to learn more about Irish history, but I got side tracked. I read some books by William Trevor, Maeve Binchy and Colm Toibin. Although I enjoyed the actual stories and the writing, I found the underlying familiarity most compelling. There were characters and reactions and relationships that I had seen before. I just couldn't put my finger on what that was. It was very difficult for me to put the connection that I was feeling into words. Was it my Irishness?

What does it mean to be Irish anyway?

Over the years, particularly around St. Patrick's Day I would get a mass email that went something like "You know you are Irish when..." and then it would be a list of funny drinking-related criteria. Then there is the "Irish Goodbye" (just leaving a party or a bar without saying goodbye to anyone usually in a huff), something I have performed countless times.

Author Tim Pat Coogan writes in the preface of his book "Ireland in the 20th Century":

"The Irish worldwide are one of the globe's success stories, emerging from slum, swamp draining, coal mining, brawling and boozing illiteracy, to the scents of the rose garden of the white House in the case of John F. Kennedy."

Examples like these (the Kennedys are even more revered in Ireland than in Massachusetts it seems) are the type that stir the feelings of pride in Irish people. Drawing from your culture to find hope that anything is possible and strength that you can overcome anything, is such a valuable gift. And the Irish seem to have it in spades. Being in Ireland conjures up thoughts about my great great grandparents leaving this country, and how they would feel about me being able to come here under such good conditions. Proud (of themselves) I hope.

Having said that, there is also something about sharing common challenges, flaws or hardships that help groups relate to each other. Like the opening quote for today- it seems admirable, but isn't it really just dumb?

My sister gave me some books by Colum McCann for Christmas and among them was a book of short stories that take place in Ireland. One of them is entitled "Everything in this Country Must" and is a story about an Irish Farmer whose favorite horse was stuck in the river during a storm and was close to drowning. The man and his young daughter struggled to pull him out, but were not having any success. Finally, the farmer was overjoyed to see headlights coming towards them through the storm. Help was on the way, only when he realized that the car was filled with British soldiers he was filled with hate and anger. The soldiers worked hard and eventually rescued the farmer's beloved horse. The farmer was sullen and withdrawn when his daughter invited the soldiers back to tea. At the end of the story, the soldiers drove away and the farmer went down to the barn and shot the horse.

This is the kind of story that feels like a familiar Irish story. By no means do I want to dilute the very long, very oppressive, very real experience that the Irish have had with the British. The ideas of hating one thing more than you love another, cutting off your nose to spite your face, finding the only power that you can when you feel powerless even if it hurts you, are the tragic elements of the Irish. There were so many conditions in Irish History that contributed to the fear of being vulnerable, the secrecy, the belief (hope) that if you don't think about it, it will go away and the reflex of putting down people or groups that you are afraid of.

All cultures have their history, both positive and negative. Learning about your culture and trying to understand it with some objectivity can really help you understand yourself and those that you came from. It is only when you start to learn that you can DECIDE which elements to identify with, which to perpetuate and also which to leave behind. Just try not to forget that those who came before you are part of the reason you are able to be who and what you are today.

These are just a few of the thoughts and observations that I have had. You will see this subject again!

"Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think." ~Robert Henri

2010-02-21T20:13:00.006Z

It seems that I have always lived near water. There are times that I appreciated it more than others. Whether it was the Atlantic Ocean, the Hudson or East Rivers, The Sea of Cortez or Dublin Bay, my encounters have been more circumstantial than deliberate, or have they?

As far as swimming goes, I would definitely consider myself a pool person. Though there is nothing like the ocean in perfect conditions, clear, clean, good waves, no creatures! I just love being near the sea. Seeing it, smelling it, watching people swim in it even on the coldest of days, and taking in the sailboats and ferry boats that are out there every day.

It's still quite cold on most days, but the ground has dried up enough so we can play outside a little more. The boys have gotten more daring in the playground since we were last there!

"Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of the Lenten journey in a celebratory way. We're on this 40-day path." - Diane Archer

2010-02-16T21:04:00.007Z

Hmm. Never heard of Shrove Tuesday. Or Pancake Tuesday. I actually only knew of Fat Tuesday because it was the name of a bar, in Baltimore, maybe a chain, in the '80's. Whatever you want to call it, it is the day before Ash Wednesday. I would like to do something or give something up, and I am late on deciding what that will be.

From Wikipedia about Shrove Tuesday:

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Shrove Tuesday is often known colloquially as Pancake Day or Pancake Tuesday. In the UK and for those who follow the Anglican tradition elsewhere it is known as Pancake Day; in Ireland and other countries following the Catholic tradition it is known as Pancake Tuesday.

A traditional pancake is slightly thicker than a French crêpe. It is served immediately after preparation. Long ago it was traditionally served with a meat-based stew (also a luxury then).

"Nothing could cure me of the notion that Cork needed me and that I needed Cork. Nothing but death can, I fear, ever cure me of it." -- Frank O'Connor

2010-02-15T18:12:00.007Z

Hey, I haven't had kids for that long and they have only been in school for 6 months. I am not yet programed to live by school vacations. This one surprised me a little. But we knew that we had to take advantage, and I begged Tom to take a day even though he is taking lots of days in a few weeks when we go to NY.

"We'll go to Cork and look up your ancestors" I said. Thankfully, he was able to do it and we semi -blindly booked a trip to Mallow, Co. Cork, which is near where we think Tom's Mom's family came from. After discussing it with a few friends, we decided there is not much to see or do in Mallow, but we really need to see West Cork. I picked Bantry at random and we just winged it.

Turns out, it really is a must see. It was great to be away and experience another part of Ireland. The boys were great. They have always been great travelers, and I was thankful for the recent regression on the potty-training front. Two kids in diapers are much more convenient on the road than 2 kids just learning to use the toilet. I am not saying that I plan to discourage them- just that I appreciate the ability to keep the car moving. It was A LOT of driving, and Tom did a great job.

We covered a lot of ground, but we did not make it to Mallow. That will be another trip. As well as Kilkenny, which we tried to visit, but the kids fell asleep just as we arrived, we couldn't find a good parking spot and it was really starting to rain. Kilkenny deserves a full day trip anyway. The more I see, the more I feel like I have to see.

Beautiful West Cork

A Brave man walking on this road. We couldn't help but notice how fast people drive on these narrow, windy roads. There was one guy fanning a controlled fire from the road just beyond a sharp bend- be careful guy!

Late afternoon on the way to Glengariff.

Goleen- little town where we made a pit stop.

This is a picture of a National (public) School in a little town in West Cork. Very Little House on the Prairie, no?

Dad & D-man looking out at Mizen Head, the Southwestern most part of Ireland.

That is a big cliff behind us- this picture does not do this spot justice. But T-man looks very cool.

These horses really liked Tom!

A glimpse of the beautiful scenery on the drive from Bantry to Mizen Head.

Just a house we passed that looked very Ireland-y.

This is a cow next to our car. He was in the road, but he kindly let us pass by.

Just one of the MANY castle-y type structures (that's what we were calling them) that you see as you drive around West Cork.

At the Michael Collins Statue in his hometown of Clonakilty.

Walking in Clonakilty.

"Grasp the subject, the words will follow." - Cato the Elder (234 BC - 149 BC)

2010-02-10T21:31:00.043Z

Some Valentines Day Biscuts that I made in the Cooker!

We have been living in Ireland for six months. Enough time has passed that we are really feeling at home and connected, but we continue to learn new things all the time. Even though we speak the commonly used language (the national language of Ireland is Irish), there are many things that are known by different names than they are in the U.S.. Of course your mind does not skip a beat when someone refers to the motorway, but the first time someone asked me if I was "wrecked", I became very self-conscious. (It means tired and we had just flown overnight). They might have also asked me if I was "knackered".

So I put together a little list in case you come to visit. Or have had minimal exposure to England, British people or British movies. Or if you need help understanding what my kids are talking about.

Lots of fun Great Craic ("crack")

Stroller 1. Buggy (preferred)

2. Pram

3. Pushchair

Shocked Gobsmacked (gob=mouth)

TV Telly

Garbage Can Bin

Eggplant Aubergine

Gas Petrol

Vegetables Veg. just veg.

Vacuum Cleaner Hoover

Garbage Truck Bin Lorry (yes, my name is truck)

Cookie biscut

Santa Santa, Father Christmas

The police The Guards

Fire Dept. Fire Brigade

Dr. Office Surgery

get in line queue up

rentals lettings

diapers nappies

Lawyer solicitor

French Fries Chips

Reservation Booking

Backyard Back Garden

Toilet Paper Toilet Roll

Stove Cooker

Day Care Creche

Well, I'm off to bed. the chisellers will have me out of the scratcher very early tomorrow!

"The best way to make children good is to make them happy." - Oscar Wilde

2010-02-09T20:27:00.006Z

He's here! My beautiful little nephew. I am really feeling a loss not seeing him in person, holding him and hugging his mom and dad. I am so happy for them, and for him because they will be such wonderful parents.

I am not sure what the secret is to making children happy, but I try to remind myself that they see themselves through those they love. I think that this little boy has a lot of happiness ahead. Congratulations KG & Meg!

"Silly is you in a natural state, and serious is something you have to do until you can get silly again."- Mike Myers

2010-02-07T20:13:00.008Z

He really loves to put diapers on his head- says he's a doctor.

D-man took this one.

This one too- action shot of me engaging in one of my favorite actions.

And my most favorite- being with my family!

After a busy week of school, appointments, swimming and playdates we really took it easy this weekend and goofed around in the house. Well, Tom went to the Six Nations Rugby yesterday. Ireland vs. Italy at Croke Park. This tournament is a huge deal and Ireland won yesterday's match. Tom had his first "man-date" - he invited a guy that we met at last week's Black-Tie dinner. They had a good time, this guy is really into Rugby. Unfortunately, he misunderstood the invitation to be a double date and brought his wife along. Apparently she was very cool about it and was happy to do a little shopping on Grafton Street. We should actually do a double date with them.

So there were lots of puzzles, Fireman Sam, smoothies and silliness. Just what I needed. We wrapped it up with a family trip to the pool and both boys were kicking around by themselves (with armbands) They love it and smile like crazy when they are swimming. Ahhhhh.

"Oh, that God the gift would give us To see ourselves as others see us" Robert Burns poem

2010-01-31T20:12:00.018Z

When my friend Jackie called to ask if we would like to join their table for a Black Tie event, I said "Yes!" before I even knew what she was inviting us to. I was just happy to be invited out- with people! More than getting dressed up and going out, the thought of being invited to an event with opportunities to meet other people made me feel like we are getting more connected to people here. And that felt great.

The event was actually a "Burns Supper Ceilidh", which was organized by a few Scottish expats here, many who have children at the school where the boys will go next year. I had never heard of this before (or even Robert Burns). The dinner was held at the Dun Laoghaire Yacht Club, and it was nice to see that as well. Those of you who know might have guessed that I did not try the Haggis. There were toasts and speeches and the Scots were in kilts. We had a great time.

Wikipedia describes it:

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of man Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day or Burns Night (Burns Nicht), although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.

Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, expatriate Scots, or lovers of Burns' poetry.

and also defines the Ceilidh as:

A céilidh (Irish pronunciation: [ˈceːlʲiː], Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: [ˈcʰeːli], English pronunciation: /ˈkeɪli/) (in modern usage) is a traditional Gaelic social dance event originating in Ireland andScotland, but now common throughout the Celtic diaspora.

“The national dish of Scotland is something called haggis, the specific ingredients of which I won't go into other than to say that if you can visualize boiled, inside-out road kill, you're pretty close.”
David Grimes quotes (American composer b.1948)

Of Course there were bagpipes

The atmosphere

Ready to go!

Our friends: Jackie & Ian

“We live in an age when pizza gets to your home before the police.” - Jeff Marder

2010-01-23T21:09:00.006Z

Well, I thought that delivered pizza was a basic right. There seems to be quite a few Italian Restaurants in the area that do take away and I know serve pizza. There is a Dominos, and there is a place called Mizzoni's two towns over. So when I was planning the boys birthday party, I figured that I would serve the kids (and parents) pizza, have a face painter and games, and then do cake. Easy. I even printed on the invitations "We will have pizza for kids, moms & dads", just to let everyone know that they don't have to feed their kids beforehand and that we wanted parents to come.

As the date drew closer, I realized that Mizzoni's opens at 4 pm. Our party was at 12n, but I still had options. The restaurants either didn't do lunch, or opened at 12n, slightly later than I needed. I was so excited when, on a long walk with the boys, I discovered a place that looked great and they were open at 10am! So I ordered the pizza and pre-paid so that Tom could just run in and grab them at 11:30. I didn't know that they would lose electricity (or so they said) the next day and not have our pizza! At 11:45 I had no pizza for a 12n party.

Dominos came through, a little later than we planned, but it turned out great. We had a wonderful time, and I hope that the boys did too. It was so nice to have so many kids and their parents over. I finally have their names straight!

And it was a beautiful day. I feel like Spring is not too far away!

“We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves” - May Lamberton Becker

2010-01-19T20:01:00.005Z

Christmas 2006

It is hard to believe that this is how I looked three years ago. In this picture, I actually had more than 3 weeks to go before the boys were born. Although that seems like a long time ago, their 3rd birthday has come so quickly. They are such big boys now! They go to school, have friends, and the most amazing ideas come out of their little mouths. I love getting to know them. I have two wonderful boys!

3rd Birthday Party Cake for School

This is the cake that I brought into their school to have with their class. It was plagiarized from a cake that my mother made for my brothers for years, a tradition still carried on by one of their wives. We are having a birthday party at our house this weekend. They were absolutely fine with the classroom party, but Tom and I are selfishly seizing the opportunity to have people over.

Thank you God for these two big boys! I feel like I have become more like myself since they have been in my life.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page."- St. Augustine

2010-01-15T20:07:00.004Z

My brother Mike is definitely the traveller in the family. That's is good for me because he is visiting right now. I am so glad that he has also brought his lovely girlfriend Joanne with him. They only arrived yesterday, but I have spent more quality time with Joanne here than I have in the year and a half they have been together! (I struggle to have quality chats due to my children). So I am really enjoying having them here- it is going fast!

Shortly after they arrived at our house, we went into the village to grab something to eat. Bono decided that he was hungry as well and happened to choose the same cafe. After 5 plus months of living in Dublin, I finally had a sighting. It was exciting, especially since our guests were able to experience that as well. I hope that it overshadows the fact that we have only had intermittent running water, and have no idea when it will fully resume.

If the water will not come to the kids, bring the kids to the water. Coincidentally, the boys had their first swim class today. They have taken swimming before, but it has been inconsistent and each time they get in the pool it could be like the first time. Let's just say that half of my children jumped in like a fish, and the other half cried on the pool edge and helped me decide to do naps on swimming day.

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Huxley

2010-01-09T18:17:00.013Z

Last night Tom and I had a date in town. We went out to dinner and went to see the Seafarer at the Abbey Theater. I was looking forward to getting out, seeing a play, trying a new restaurant, and just experiencing that side of Dublin. The only city "nightlife" that still interests me!

I arrived early so that I could walk around a little on my own. It felt great to have some idea of where I was going. There were 3 guys performing on Grafton Street, and they attracted a pretty big crowd. I stood and watched them for a while. There was a guy with a fiddle, one with a guitar and one banging away on something that I am sure had a name. They were young and they were great.

I also wandered into a bookstore where they had a huge section of Irish history books right in the front. I wanted to get most of them. I love my kindle but I love books! There is a queue (a long line) of books that I want to read at home, but it is good to know that there is always another when I need it!

We had dinner at a restaurant called Fire, which is in the Mansion House. The Mansion House is the home of the Lord Mayor of Dublin (Currently Emer Costello) and was built in 1710. The restaurant is in a huge room that historically was used as a banquet room for official entertainment. The house also has a room called the "round room" where the first Dail Eireann met on January 21, 1919 to sign the Irish Declaration of Independence. Now the Round Room is a venue for meetings and large events.

We had a lovely time. And at least the snow stopped for 1 day for us, but it was back again this morning!

"Getting an inch of snow is like winning 10 cents in the lottery. " - Bill Watterson

2010-01-06T19:27:00.013Z

What a nice day we had yesterday! Our friends, Mary Ann & Pat, were passing through on their way back to New York and we met them for lunch in town. They are expecting their first baby in April. It was a beautiful, sunny, albeit very cold and windy day. We bundled up and slid down to the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). Tom met us at the station and we went over to Grafton Street. That is my 3rd time to Dublin in 2 weeks- my familiarity is increasing. And I will be back in on Friday night for a date.

As long as the holidays are over, it feels great to be getting back to a regular schedule. Undecorating is much less fun than decorating, but I was glad to put the Christmas stuff in the back of the storage! School is scheduled to resume tomorrow but I am not optimistic. It has snowed again and the roads are so icy that those who are choosing to drive are sliding all over the place. The mail has not been here in a few days, and my grocery delivery was cancelled. Apparently it is the worst Dublin winter in 30 years.

So the kids and I will likely be snowbound again. Today might be hard to beat. One of their school friends came over with his mom and cousin. They live across the street, up the hill. Mom and I had a nice time chatting while the boys all ran around like maniacs. They were laughing and red faced- waaaaay different from when we have girls over. When they left my next door neighbor and her 1 year old came over. I really like the next door neighbors. We are very fortunate.

I am going to try to do lots of things together- maybe an art project, oatmeal cookies, memory, puzzles. They are really loving jigsaw puzzles. As I wrote to my mom-to-be-sister-in-law Megan yesterday:

"It's the ultimate introduction to parental restraint. You watch them struggle, putting the pieces in the wrong place. You can help them a little but you can't do it for him. You are dying to, but you know that you want them to learn things and figure them out on their own. It's already hard and this is the easy part!"

You can't tell from this picture, but it is snowing. That is our tree. Tom brought out the living room door and threw it over the terrace until we can drive it over to be mulched.

"Chance is the pseudonym of God when he did not want to sign." - Anatole France

2010-01-03T08:48:00.007Z

Today I am thinking about the path of my life. How different it is from what I imagined. I am reminded of the importance of faith, and how you can never tell what is to come next. I have been blessed.

"Well begun is half done."- Horace

2010-01-01T08:35:00.007Z

Welcome 2010. "2010" seems very science fiction to me. We are really in the future! Where are our Jetson mobiles? At least we are not all dressed in the same skin tight space suits.

I haven't really thought much about things that I want to do or change because the calendar had a milestone, but I think it's a great opportunity to do so. Of course I want to go back to paying attention to what I eat because that practice has been on hiatus since I started baking Christmas cookies. The gym was on a little hiatus as well. Boring no-brainers. Since we have been here for 5 months. Yes, 5 months today as a matter of fact, so the "settling-in" excuse has been exhausted. I need to get some goals, and part of them should include daily practices. And I should start today. Sigh.

It snowed here last night and that does not happen very often. We can tell by the lack of plowing/salting and sanding on the roads. We are a little trapped here in our hilly town. Luckily, there is no work or school and we have lots of Fireman Sam videos.

The boys tested out all of their snow gear. They looked very cute and seemed to like the novelty of the cold, white dusting. It actually felt like an accumulation of hail more than snow- but what do they know?

Happy New Year to my much appreciated readers!

Highlights and Roots

"I think we all long for glamour" Linda Lee

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”- Mother Theresa of Calcutta

"For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity. " William Penn

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"It doesn’t matter where you go in life, what you do ….. it’s who you have beside you."- Unknown

"Where thou art, that is home."- Emily Dickinson

"Summertime, and the livin' is easy" - George Gershwin

"They breed like rabbits and multiply like vermin." Ian Paisley on Catholics in 1969

"A landscape fossilized, / Its stone-wall patternings / Repeated before our eyes / In the stone walls of Mayo." -- Seamus Heaney

A different language is a different vision of life. ~Federico Fellini

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” - Plato

"Nothing happens until it happens first"- Colum McCann

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

“I am tomorrow, or some future day, what I establish today. I am today what I established yesterday or some previous day.”- James Joyce

"Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed." ~Charles Schulz

“Americans are like a rich father who wishes he knew how to give his son the hardships that made him rich”- Robert Frost

"There has always been a little green behind the red, white and blue" -Barack Obama

"Feedback is the breakfast of Champions" Ken Blanchard

"Get on with the bloody play"- Sean O'Casey

“Maybe it’s bred in the bone, but the sound of pipes is a little bit of heaven to some of us.” — Nancy O’Keefe.

People don't notice whether it's winter or summer when they're happy. ~Anton Chekhov

“Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.”- Albert Camus

When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme, when you wish upon a star" - Jiminy Cricket

"Growth is the only evidence of life." ~John Henry Newman

" Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young." Paul McCartney

"Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate." -Carrie Bradshaw

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible. " Charles Haughey

"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Saint Augustine

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."-Mark Twain

"Good manners have much to do with the emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them." Amy Vanderbilt

"The childhood shows the man As morning shows the day." -John Milton

Don't dance on a volcano. (French Proverb)

"Tis said, London and New York take the nonsense out of a man. " Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." Jacques Yves Cousteau

"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by its breathtaking moments." Michael Vance

" Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong." Daniel O'Connell

DONAGHMORE, a parish, in the barony of UPPER IVEAGH, county of DOWN, and province of ULSTER

"A people free to choose will always choose peace." Ronald Reagan

"Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time."- Steven Wright

"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." Alexander Graham Bell

"Outings are so much more fun when we can savor them through the children's eyes."- Lawana Blackwell

“Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.” - unknown

"When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses." ~Joyce Brothers

"True heroism is... not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." -- Ron Dicianni

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." - Richard Bach

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do-- and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always. -

"I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from."- Eddie Izzard

"Every mother is like Moses. She does not enter the promised land. She prepares a world she will not see."-Pope Paul VI

"Staying with people consists in your not having your own way, and their not having theirs." ~Maarten Maartens

"The Irish don't know what they want and are prepared to fight to the death to get it."- Sidney Littlewood

"Why do we love the sea? It is because it has some potent power to make us think things we like to think." ~Robert Henri

"Shrove Tuesday marks the beginning of the Lenten journey in a celebratory way. We're on this 40-day path." - Diane Archer

"Nothing could cure me of the notion that Cork needed me and that I needed Cork. Nothing but death can, I fear, ever cure me of it." -- Frank O'Connor

"Grasp the subject, the words will follow." - Cato the Elder (234 BC - 149 BC)

"The best way to make children good is to make them happy." - Oscar Wilde

"Silly is you in a natural state, and serious is something you have to do until you can get silly again."- Mike Myers

"Oh, that God the gift would give us To see ourselves as others see us" Robert Burns poem

“The national dish of Scotland is something called haggis, the specific ingredients of which I won't go into other than to say that if you can visualize boiled, inside-out road kill, you're pretty close.”

“We live in an age when pizza gets to your home before the police.” - Jeff Marder

“We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves” - May Lamberton Becker

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page."- St. Augustine

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Huxley

"Getting an inch of snow is like winning 10 cents in the lottery. " - Bill Watterson

"Chance is the pseudonym of God when he did not want to sign." - Anatole France

"Well begun is half done."- Horace