Out with the old........... in with the new 2013

Well its finally arrived, 2013 is here at last and hopefully brings with it renewed vigour and hopes for the future.  Happy New Year to all.............. here's to the next 365 fresh new days.


Namaste
Marie.

Friday 28th December

A quiet one today at home......  up late and then did some grocery shopping, despite having had all that food for Xmas, running low on essentials.  Dropped up to LIDL and got some bits and pieces.  Returned home and had some home made soup, bread and tea.  Then went out for a walk with the dog down to the Bank and lodged some Xmas money.  Home again now and relaxing for the evening.  Watched a very good drama last night on BBC1 called Restless and part 2 is on tonight.  Bring it on!!  Photo harks back to August when down in Glendalough on an archaeological fieldschool - clean the stones on the cairn.

Namaste

Marie.

Thursday and the sun is shining, the sky is SO blue

After a dull, dreary and wet stephen's day today has dawned bright and sunny.  So off to do a long walk to blow away the cobwebs and the calories consumed over the last number of days.  Other members of the family are staying on in bed and sleeping off their late night last night.

Once I've blown the cobwebs away its back home to make some nice soup from the turkey stock I made last night. Lots of veg and spices to bulk it up and make it even more tasty.  Yum :)

Following on from that I'll be starting a mega declutter today  !  Starting with all my semester 1 modules, and bits and pieces that I no longer need, as I'll be starting new modules on Jan 21st, although I learned a valuable lesson last year, do not throw away notes as they may come in useful this year.

Namaste .

Marie.

The feast of St. Stephen.......

Its hard to believe that christmas day has come and gone and now its St. Stephen's Day.  Although yesterday was extremely relaxing and it was lovely to have a formal table and everyone sitting down together, the food and drink is now consumed and its left over time:) However I love this day as its still christmas but quite so formal and no cooking is required as its left overs for lunch, dinner and tea!!!

Dinners are plated up ready for eating, the turkey carcass has been stripped and the bones are making stock for soup and there is no waste :)  A couple of images of what was the table and xmas cake yesterday.

Namaste,
Marie.

23rd December.. the countdown is well and truly on.

Its really begun to sink in that Christmas day is just around the corner.  In order to be ready and organised on the big day I did my last few bits and pieces today, flowers for the neighbours, wrapping and packing up gifts to be handed out around the neighbourhood.  We are very lucky here in our cul de sac as we have a lovely group of neighbours and we all go to each other's houses on the 25th for a bit of festive mixing and mingling, but only for a short while.  This year we will have my brother in law, sister in law and neice for christmas lunch (well rather later than lunch time,) so beforehand the mixing and mingling will go on for a while.  Sadly we will be missing our eldest daughter Ellen who is in Oz for the forseeable future.  Nevertheless thanks to the wonder of skype and social media we are able to keep in touch on a weekly basis, or even more frequently with mobile phones etc.  So its not all bad.  But she will be sorely missed when we sit down to dinner.

Tomorrow early in the morning I will prep all the veg, starters etc in order to free myself up on Christmas day to only have to simply turn on the oven to cook the turkey and ham.  In fact the ham will probably be cooked already on Xmas eve as my OH likes to have some ham sarnies on xmas eve to start the ball rollling so to speak.

All I have to do tomorrow will be to get my hair done and go into town to meet OH and DD2 for some bits and pieces of Christmas shopping (a present or two for me perhaps!!)

Happy Christmas to all and here's to a prosperous and contented 2013.

Namaste

Marie.

Friday........... Winter Solstice and the end of the world .not

Well the dreaded day has finally arrived.............. with a whimper and not a bang thank goodness.
As it is the winter solstice today there was a lot of interest in Newgrange this early am but unfortunately it was very misty and dull so the sun didnt get to enter the passage way as it was hoped.

My day started with a lie in and up at 9am . Followed by breakfast with mum.  We then headed out for a walk and a bit of air before she heads up to Donegal on the bus.  It will take 4.5 hours approximately so she should get to Killybegs about 5.30-6.00 - she will be tired.

I was very lucky when I went into town as the traffic was OK and I even got a spot right outside Busaras, or as close as is possible to it as there is no parking outside.  Thank you angels!!

Mum headed off and I headed to the supermarket to stock up on all the Xmas trimmings, cream, custard, ice cream, cake, etc. as well as veggies, starters, etc. to make it a festive feast to remember.  Now all I have to do is go through the house and tidy, tidy, tidy, wash, wash, wash, dust, dust, dust.......... ah well its nice to have a nice clean house.  Of course not forgetting the turkey and ham, which will be collected on Monday afternoon.............early,

Namaste

Marie.

Dark and dreary Thursday

But only weatherwise!! Had a lovely morning with DS1 up shopping in the local shopping centre.  To my surprise it was not incredibly busy so we didnt spend a lot of time queuing  up to pay, although Eason's did have a rather long queue that moved very quickly. Got all the bits and pieces in about an hour, which was good going.  Came home on the Luas (no parking and queuing to get into the car park - there's that word again).  Lunch of home made veggie soup, crusty bread and tea, Delicious.

This afternoon will be spent relaxing and chillling with laptop and iphone.  Lazy day.

Tonight off to Bray to collect mother for night, she is heading up to Donegal for Christmas on the bus.
Prior to that its grocery shopping time............ now perhaps i'll wait until the am to do that ????

Yes....:)

Namaste
Marie.

Tuesday........... and a week to go to the day

Just one week to the day to go to Christmas Day.  Seems like it was only Christmas a while ago.  Where has the year gone to?  It will be here before we know it and over just as quickly.  All the preparations, effort, money spent and boom its gone.

Glad that my exams are now over and now comes the chance to catch up on the dust and dirt.

Time to get cracking on beautifying and decluttering the house.

I love a good challenge.  At least the lad below is already beautified for Christmas.

Namaste

Marie.

Wednesday 12.12.2012

Today is a special day or rather date, 12.12.2012.  It will be the next century before it will be possible to have such an alignment of similar numbers again in the one date.  So it is the last time in my lifetime i'll see such a numeric alignment :) Gulp!!  Ah well so what.  Just watching an amazing documentary about Dr. Ruth Gruber an American Jewish woman (now aged 96) who has had a fantastically interesting life.  I want to do more with my life and be a writer so thats what i'm going to do!!  Watch out 2013 !!

College is now finished for the semester and I am in the middle of exams.  I have had one, another one tomorrow then one on Saturday.  I am lucky this semester as I have had a lot of assignments and 4 were due in the last couple of weeks of November.  So that's why I have so few actual examinations.  Nevertheless a lot of study and work has gone into the revision and hopefully it will be enough to get good grades.

Namaste
Marie.

November 1st 2012 ........ a more special day than usual

Today is DD2's 17th birthday.  As a treat we went out for lunch to our local Italian Marios for pizza and glass of vino for me.  Later we lit candles and sang happy birthday.  It was a lovely day and the birthday girl certainly seemed to enjoy it.

I am trying to get some study/research/writing done on some of my archaeology reports but I'm not having much luck so I think i'll call it a night.

Picture of DDS enjoying her coke on her birthday lunch date.

Namaste
Marie.

Tuesday 30th October

Today is an off day from college so relaxing and having a cuppa.
Its a bright sunny day today so I will chance a walk later on with bobby then up to UCD for some library work as I have an assignment due in 2 weeks time in Archaeology - a Landscape survey.

I also want to spend some time in some retail therapy mode as I am way over due for some bits and bobs that all women of a certain age need from time to time. :)

As it is Halloween tomorrow and my DD2's birthday on Thursday 1st I also have to get some treats for the trick or treaters, a birthday cake and some other surprises.  I am also meeting a dear friend this evening at 4.30 for coffee.

Happy days
Namaste
Marie.x

Simple Sunday

I am sorry to have been AWOL for such a long time.  I cannot believe it is so long since I posted
I have been back in UCD since the last week in August.  This year I volunteered as a Peer Mentor and that was a very valuable experience.  I shouldnt say was as I am still a Peer Mentor, in fact for the whole year.
I have a lovely group of mature students, and so far they have been all doing very well in their first term at UCD.

Prior to orientation I spent two weeks in Glendalough on a fieldschool for my Archaeology Module.
It was hard going, the midges ate me alive and the rain never stopped.  I must admit for the first week I felt that I was mad being there but by the end of the second week I felt I had achieved a lot and was glad I had made the effort to complete the fieldschool.  Apart from anything else it was worth 10% of my total module. Then all I had to do was a journal and an archaeological report.  Gulp!!

The weeks have flown by and its already reading week (week 8) next week.  With being in college full time I have a lot of friends to meet, things to do next week to catch up with the real world.  One of my goals is to keep up the blogging despite all the deadlines and assignments.

Namaste
Marie.

Delay in service ..... oops

Where has the time gone since my last post ? It was the 3rd August when I last blogged and unbelievably it is now 15th August and we are home from Kerry.  The holidays went very quickly, especially the second week and we returned home yesterday.  I have a lot to do this week, playing catch up, ready for back to school/college and heaven knows all the other little jobs that need to be done prior to the start of a new term.

I will endeavour to add a few lines on a daily basis but this will be increasingly difficult from Monday next week due to a fieldtrip in Glendalough which is ongoing for 10 days - week days - from 20th to 31st August - whew I'll be fit if nothing else tramping over all those Wicklow hills.

Here is a picture from our holidays on our way to Dingle, we stopped in Anascaul which is where Tom Crean the Artic explorer was born, outside the pub there dedicated to his memory.

Namaste.

Marie.

View from the top

Friday again and the plan this am was to climb to the top of a local beauty spot but had to be delayed until after lunch due to inclement weather.  However at 2pm myself and DD2 headed to Valentia to climb Bray Head and the sun shone on us for the entire 1.5 hours were were walking/climbing except for a few errant drops of rain.  Arrived back and were well pleased with our efforts.  Lit fire due to rain and wind which followed on from sun and prepped dinner - roast duck, roast pots, roasted veg and salad for dinner. YUM

This evening we will head for the village for the set dancing night much beloved of OH.

Namaste

Marie.

Nothing but blue skies.....

Yesterday Wed 1/8 we went to the beach at Ballinskelligs, a beautiful sandy beach with miles of sand.
The sun was shining and the sky was beautifully blue.  Walked with DD2, OH and doggy for about 1/2 hour then retired to the local hostelry for lunch.  We had to wait a while due to the large nos of families in for lunch but boy was it worth it.  Salt and pepper squid (calamari) for me and such a large plateful I could hardly finish it (but I managed it :) ) OH had burger, chips & salad, DD2 had fish & chips with salad.  Such large portions and great value.  Washed down with a sauvignon blanc and pint for ourselves, diet coke for DD2.  Bliss !!

A relaxing evening in front of the turf fire due to coldness of evening,  watching Olympics and movie, Monster in Law which was very amusing.

Today started out well with a long walk on the local beach, with doggy, then home for tea and toast with honey.  After a late lunch went for a drive to Valentia Island which is about 10 mins drive across the bridge and visited a local book store for a browse.  Into Cahirciveen for some essentials and then collected 2 freshly killed duck reared locally.  Mmm........ duck a l'orange for dinner tomorrow evening methinks.

This evening we will head out for dinner.  Afternoon completed by call from DS1 from Antibes, France where he has been working since last summer.  Off to get ready for evening ahead.

Namaste

Marie.

Tuesday thoughts......

Well the first full day of the holidays and the plans I had made for today may have to be shelved.  A cycle to the village of 3.5miles and coffee with a friend will have to wait for another day as the rain is lashing against the window panes and wind is howling.  However this can be turned into a positive by doing something else.  I have decided to write up some of my blog, and do some advance reading for my archaeology fieldschool which runs from 20th-31st August next.  Its part of Yr2 Stage2 archaeology module but the fieldschool has to be run during the summer months.  Its a completely new aspect for me, and I'm so looking forward to the hands on aspect of it, however, at the same time I'm quite nervous about my ability to complete this aspect successfully.  Nevertheless I have felt this way before when starting new challenges and usually have a successful outlook so this will be the way I look at this challenge.

Namaste
Marie.

Holidays ahoy

Another early start to get on the road to the house in Kerry.  Left at 07.30 am and arrived at 12.30 pm - 5 hours door to door which wasnt too bad, despite the rain which we encountered once we arrived in the Kingdom.  A quick unpack dodging the raindrops and a welcome cuppa.

Hit the bed for a few hours and feeling a lot fresher and ready to rock and roll.  Out to dinner tonight to celebrate the first night of the holidays.

Hope all are well, namaste.

Marie.

Wet and windy Sunday

Well a very bad start to Sunday for me.  I was up early to drop my student to the bus for the airport - her flight was at 7am and she had to be at the airport by 5am for Ryanair flight to Modena.  We drove to the bus and sat in the car waiting for its arrival.  By the time it arrived it was 45 mins and when I got back into the car it was completely flat !! Needless to say I was in a bit of a panic and stayed in the car to see if it was miraculously restart itself but unfortunately it didnt so decided to walk home which wasnt too far but it was 4.30am in the morning, dark and quite cold.  Happily when I went down to get it sorted out at 11.30am with OH it was OK, not clamped or ticketed.  Thank you universe :)

Spent the day relaxing, OH in Kerry, DS1 at work and DS2 at boyfriends house.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday & Friday together

Yesterday was a busy day and I didnt get to post anything so decided to amalgamate the two days into one post :)  Up early to meet with my brother to discuss some legal docs then headed into the city centre for an eye test at SS........... you know who.  It went well and I did need an upgrade on my prescription so I chose a really cool pair of tortoisehell frames with reactive lenses which go dark in the sunshine saving me putting on and off my sunglasses and reading glasses every time I want to read something.  Brilliant !! I feel they suit me well and they will be ready for collection when I get home from my holidays in Kerry which are starting on Monday 30th July. Looking forward to the trip

Yesterday afternoon I met up with a couple of college friends and we had a nice lunch in town.  Then we went to the Hugh Lane gallery to see a Home Rule exhibition.  We had a lovely hour or two strolling around the gallery, also visited the Francis Bacon studio which is housed there and I couldnt miss a chance to see the beautiful Eve of St. Agnes stained glass window by Harry Clarke which is also housed there.  I absolutely love it, its so beautifully delicate and the colours are gorgeous.  It hard to imagine that they are done in glass and its not a painting.  The story is from the Keats poem about Porphyo (hope thats the spelling)

Friday ended up being a rest day due to the late hour that I got home last night (1am .... ahem)  I attached a picture of the stained glass window but it dosnt do it justice.

Namaste

Marie

Wednesday Weekly catch up

I am always in good form on Wednesdays as I always catch up with the gang from college for coffee and a chat in a local cafe.  Its a great chance to see how everyone is doing over the summer - some weeks there are only a few people and then other weeks we have a big turnout.  However there is always a small core group who go almost every week and we usually end up  planning day trips and events.  For example tomorrow we are going to the Hugh Lane Gallery in Parnell Sq to view an exhibition on Parnell and then possibly lunch/drinks to finish off.  It means I get to go to places I would otherwise never go to alone.

I feel genuinely lucky to be in college and to have met such a great group of fellow mature students.  It was such a help starting out last September as we had already done the Access course together and went on into UCD.  I know going forward at college and even after graduation we will still  be good friends and meet up regularly to catch up - I sincerely hope so anyway :)



Once again thank you universe.

Namaste
Marie.

Dreary Tuesday

Well such a difference 24 hours makes, yesterday we were baked, today we are drizzled upon.  Ah well, what can you do except get on with it?  Today I had an early appointment with the Dr. for a check up on blood pressure/thryoid, that sort of female stuff.  Decided to get myself started on HRT for a month to see how it goes, havnt been sleeping very well despite exercising and cycling, exhausted when I go to bed but sleep wont come :( and as for the hot flashes :)

Today was a stay at home kinda day, tidying, putting away clothes, decluttering and that sort of thing.  Two DD's were at home so all together which is a nice change.  Now they have gone out to various activities and I am home alone with the doggy.  Too wet to take him out so he's kinda dejected looking and has just began to howl which generally means he's feeling low............. AWHHHHHH poor thing i'll have to suffer the wet to take him out for a walk.

Time now to prep dinner and then i'll take him out for 20 mins.

Namaste

Marie.

The day has finally arrived............

July 23rd the first step in registering for Stage 2 at UCD :) Easy enough, just go into the website and choose joint majors and thats it............ for today at least.  Cannot do anything else until 1st August.  Thank goodness, was dreading it but seems OK......... thats if I got my facts right :)  Ah well.  Why is it we always doubt ourselves when it comes to doing stuff?  At least I sometimes doubt myself and my understanding of things.  Will have to make a new resolution to stop doing that.  I have got this far in my life so I must be doing many things right, not just some things.  Lesson learned.

Thank you universe.
Namaste
Marie.

Sunshine on a Sunday

What a wonderful warm sunny day we had today............. us Irish are obsessed with the weather, talking about it, complaining about it, no matter what the weather is, we always discuss it.  Anyway today was one of those rare summer days, sunshine, warm breeze, and just bliss. Went for a walk with DD1 for 50 mins with doggy in tow and it was lovely to be out and about.  The rest of the day was spent prepping the big Sunday dinner which we always have about 6pm and this evening it was no exception.  However due to the heat it was oppressively warm in the kitchen and had the patio doors fully opened all afternoon, in fact even now at 8pm they are still open.  Outside I can hear gulls calling so perhaps there is a storm out at sea, they usually come inland when that happens.  Some very big gulls are sitting on our wall, my they really are huge up close.

Anyway wanted to put something up today, I have been falling behind in my 'daily' posts.  Have to try harder.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday catch up

I have been AWOL for the last few days for no apparent reason other than I've been spending time with my youngest daughter who is at a loose end with her boyfriend being away at the moment :)  We went for a cycle/walk yesterday with the NEW BIKE and walked along the river bank with doggy on lead.  We took some cute pics with him in the basket of the bike which i'll try to load on here.  Spent the rest of yesterday and today with my mum who is still very traumatised about the loss of my dad on 9th June last.

Today in the pm spent some time tidying up our back patio and washing outside of patio doors.

All in all quite a productive few days in different ways.

Namaste

Marie.

Monday madness

Up early this morning in a spring cleaning kinda mood !! Strange !! Washed the kitchen patio doors inside (as outside it was lashing rain :( ) .  The kitchen seemed lovely and clean and bright again. Decided to do some more cleaning up and tidying so spent a couple of hours getting mess sorted out.

In the afternoon decided to go up to the bike shop and collect my new bike.  Its a beaut and I also bought a top of the range lock to keep it safe.  Cycled up to UCD library to get used to the bike and return some archaeology books.  Its lovely to cycle, very secure and comfortable.  I must say it made me happy to be on the bike, out in the air and exercising.  Hopefully the weather will enable me to get out on the bike daily and get some exercise.  I plan to make the bike part of my daily routine and use it to get around my local village doing chores and errands, and not just use it for exercising.  It has a lovely big basket on the front so I can put lots of stuff in and carry home.  I will probably look like a crazy older woman on my bike but I don't care !!!

Happiness is being on my bike.  I'm in love :)

Namaste
Marie.

A sad....ish.... Sunday

Sunday was the day we had a memorial mass for Dad, who died on the 9th June last.  We call it a 'months mind mass'.  It was at 10am on Sunday and myself, my daughter, my mother, sister, brother, sister in law and   my best friend attended the mass.  It was a lovely sunny morning and afterwards we went to the graveyard to put some flowers on the grave.  It may sound a little sad and sombre and it was somewhat, but it was good to be there and remember Dad.  He gave us so much for so many years and we loved him SO MUCH.

Afterwards we headed to a local bistro in Bray for brunch which was a lovely treat.  I had french toast with maple syrup and honey roast bacon.  Yum.  A couple of pots of tea finished off the brunch beautifully and we headed home.  We had just about got the best of the day as when we returned home the rains came..........again.  Spent the rest of the day relaxing, drinking tea, and having a lovely Sunday roast of pork with roast potatoes, leeks, and turnip.

Spent the rest of the evening watching TV and watched Wallender with Kenneth Brannagh which I'm getting into.

Namaste
Marie.

Sunshine on a rainy day Saturday

Hello :)

A late afternoon invitation yesterday meant I had a lovely Friday pm with another good friend who has a most beautiful home and we spent a lovely few hours sitting in her conservatory which was filled with gorgeous furniture, candles, books and bric a brac.  It overlooks the gorgeous garden which is full of trees in full foilage and flowers and plants.  We chatted continuously and enjoyed a few glasses of vino.  It was great to spend time with her and she had her fire lit and her heat on, due to the unseasonal coldness of the day.

It turned into a late night and I didnt get home until 2.30am :)  Despite the lateness of the hour I was up early this morning and went for a long walk with bobby and then called into the bike shop to admire a bike I am thinking of buying.  I negotiated a good price for the bike and cannot wait to collect it on Monday morning.

Called out to see my mum and sister this afternoon and had some lunch.  Relaxed and enjoyed the all girls company for a few hours then called up to the graveyard to see Dads grave with my youngest daughter.  Home at 5.00pm and didnt have to cook as we ordered a chinese take away.  Enjoyed another episode of The Hollow Crown which finished at 10.00pm.

Namaste
Marie.

Unlucky for some.........Friday 13th July

Evening all, just a quick few lines this evening.  Met with a good friend this morning in a local cafe/restaurant which opened not so long ago.  Disappointingly the service was tardy and not overly friendly.... the coffees were cold and not the cappacinos we were expecting, rather they appeared to be lattes ?? When we queried why there was no choccy bits on top of the 'cappacinos' we were told by the waiter ' we dont put chocolate on our cappacinos' so no joy there then.  It wasnt overly expensive but it was very disappointing to get such service, indeed my friend had to return her coffee to have it reheated which took ages to be returned, in the end she had to go in search of her hot coffee.

Suffice to say on returning home I sent a mail to the cafe concerned and received a very nice response which offered 2 free breakfasts and hot coffees all around.  I hadnt sent the mail to receive a freebie but it was nice to get one all the same.  We will give it another whirl next Friday.

Have a good weekend/evening.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday and abundance

I had arranged to meet an ex work colleague who is a good friend and we met up in a local coffee shop for breakfast at 10.30 (well brunch really :).  Had a lovely breakfast of granola with yogurt and banana and a white coffee.  My friend had porridge with honey and a tea.  A most enjoyable hour and a half spent chatting and catching up.  On my return to the office (my former workplace and her office) she gave me some freshly laid hens eggs from her hens, some angel guidance cards and some items for my daughters school uniform as well as school books.  Talk about abundance in my life.  The universe is bringing all good things to me.  Know that this is a friendly universe indeed.

As well as the aforementioned abundance the sun was shining so I was able to bring bobby for long long walk along the river and back home. A veritable feast of abundance today and its only 3.15 pm so far.
Thank you universe.

Namaste
Marie.

Tuesday Sunshine :)

After a dull start the sun has finally come out  - hurray - in celebration decided to splash out and get my hair coloured and blow dried.  The result was nice so decided that a little bit of additional retail therapy was the order of the day so headed up to Dundrum Town centre with my daughter where we browed in Penneys for a little while and spent a little on some bits and pieces to make the day complete.

Home and the sun is still shining.  Time to take the little dog out for his second walk of the day today to enjoy the sunshine and put out some damp clothes that have been vainly trying to dry indoors for the last 2 days.

Enjoy the sunshine as long as it lasts.

Namaste
Marie.

Soggy Sunday July 8th.

Sunday morning and another wet start which was a disappointment after Saturdays lovely sunshine. It was a stay at home kind of day with prepping Sunday dinner - making coleslaw from scratch, stuffing from scratch, peeling potatoes and vegetables for cooking with the roast Chicken which is a Sunday staple in chez Marie.

Walked the dog for 20 mins in the local park/grounds of the Jesuit community nearby.  It was good to get out and stretch the legs for a while despite the misty spilling rain.

Watched the tennis with G and Mum who arrived about 5pm - poor Andy Murray, I was up for him to win especially with the Queens Royal Jubilee this year but sadly it wasnt to be a fairytale win for him against Federer - he played some of his best tennis - but Federer was just too good on the day.

Sunday dinner rounded off with a visit from Guilia's parents (our Italian student) who were over for the weekend from Modena in Italy.  Very nice people who very kindly brought me a beautiful bottle of strawberry flavoured Balsamic Vinegar, a local delicacy from Modena.

Early to bed at 11pm to enable me to be up early Monday morning.

Namaste
Marie.

Edinburgh enjoyment

Just back from a whistle stop visit to Edinburgh on Thursday 5th July.  After catching the red eye Ryanair flight at 6.35 am myself and 6 of my UCD buddies headed for Edinburgh.  After a much needed breakfast in Garfunkels on the Royal Mile headed for Edinburgh Castle which didnt disappoint despite the inclement weather.  Plenty to do and see in Edinburgh and much to our surprise the Queen herself was visiting Edinburgh on the same day (she must have heard we were visiting :) and the crowds were swelled by curious sightseers vying for a view of her outside St. Giles Cathedral.  This was obviously the reason we were unable to visit Holyhood House - one of the must sees on our list -  Prince William and Kate were also in town - however time pressures meant we hadnt time to stay around to catch a glimpse of them -  we then headed to the Art Gallery off the Mound where we spent an enjoyable hour having coffee and perusing the art works - such as Raphael and Lippi -  as well as the Gift Shop.

A trip to Mary Kings Close followed which entailed an enjoyable hour underground exploring the old world streets and houses (if you could call them houses) under the guidance of our expert guide Catherine.
We then embarked on an open topped bus excursion of Edinburghs heritage (very blustery on top !!)
which culminated in a visit to the Grassmills area for some much needed refreshments :)  Sadly it all had to come to an end about 6.45pm when we had to leave for the airport :( A quiet perusal of duty free which resulted in a trio of galaxy bars for loved ones at home in Dublin.  Arrived home safe but extremely tired at 11.30pm.  After a welcome cuppa straight to bed.

Namaste
Marie.

Monday musings for 2nd July.

Its been a while since I posted.............. 3 weeks plus a few days ............... due to the loss of my dad and stuff going on as a result of same I have not been of a mind to.  Tonight however I decided to get back to blogging however small the entries may be.  Its been another difficult weekend trying to look after Mum and the worry of this is taking some degree of a toll on myself and my DS.  However onwards and upwards.
Today was an 'at home day' spent pottering around the house, tidying, sorting, doing household chores.  Just as well really as it was raining torrentially for most of the day.  Also sorted out financial stuff with SW which was good.

Tonight it will be a shower followed by an early night with my latest book ' Tolstoy - A Russian Life' which I have started a few times and failed to finish so am making that my goal - finish reading Tolstoys life story.  Wish me luck all.

Namaste
Marie.

Sadness

Todays post is to record the recent passing of my Dada Edward who died on Saturday last at 12.55pm June 9th, 2012.  He had been ill for the last 2 years with dementia and was 84 years old.  He was a gentleman, a gentle man, kind, funny, silly, strict and is sadly missed by my mum, his daughters, sons and extended family and relatives.  The removal and funeral were on Monday and Tuesday and despite the sadness of the occasion were happy events, filled with love, laughter, tears, memories and remembrances of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbour, friend.  He was much loved and will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him.  Rest in Peace Dada, I will always love and miss you.


Marie.

Wednesday 6th June

Another long weekend over and still no sign of the summer!!! Watched some of the Diamond Jubilee festivities in London on Sunday and Monday.  The concert in front of Buckingham Palace was great.  My favourite was Stevie Wonder and Elton didnt do a bad job either.  Another queen celebrating his Diamond Jubilee !! haha

Today back to basics and my DD2 has started a part time job.  Great news for the pocket and the figure.  Walking there and back and making money in the process.  Perfect !!  On the other hand I am off to UCD to get my feedback on one of my exam papers which I wasnt especially happy with the marking of :( then out to Bray to visit Dad.

Best of luck to all the Junior and Leaving Certificate students starting their summer exams today especially Leah and Emma.  Thankfully no big exams in our house this year............. and mine are over and results obtained.

Namaste
Marie.

Friday essentials

Good morning, and its an overcast one today.  After a lazy start with a nice long lie in, will be going out to Bray today to have lunch with my mum and sis and then down to visit Dad in San. Remo.  My younger daughter has her prom night tonight and will be getting ready all day no doubt, with hair, make up, tanning, all to be done to perfection by 8pm tonight.

Have a good day all
Namaste
Marie.

Results at last!!

Up early this morning awaiting the online results of my Sem 2 exams.  Well the wait is over and I'm so glad that I got all my subjects and my 60 credits to enable me to continue into 2nd Year Arts in 2012-2013.

There will be some celebrating tonight.

Namaste.
Marie.

maries daily musings july 22nd 2010

hi there this is the first entry of my new blog. Have decided to update my daily musings.
I am starting in university in September studying English Literature and History.
Its a new start for me as I've not gone to 'proper' university before.

marie.

Catching up

My goodness its been AGES since I posted on my blog.  New resolution will be to keep on track with this with daily entries even if only a few lines.  What a lot has happened since I started my blog.  I have finished my first full year in UCD and completed Sem 1/Sem 2 exams - so far so good :)

Now the summer is ahead for enjoyment and taking time away from the books.  However I have just completed a weekend of creative writing which was really enjoyable.

Going forward discipline myself to write a little of my story every day, or at least plan characters and plots to get something together.

The sun is shining so time to go out with a certain little Westie for a walk........

Namaste
Marie.