The very last day of 2013...........

I cannot believe that it has been so long since I last posted on my blog.  Forthwith I am going to do my utmost to blog daily even if its only a couple of lines.  Happy New Year to everyone and a prosperous New 2014 to all.  The flowers are from my hall table Christmas arrangement containing my favourite flowers lilies.

Namaste.
Marie.

Safely back in dear old Dublin town.

After some considerable amount of hours travelling Delhi to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Dublin landed in Dublin at 7am this morning after being in India since 2nd August last.  What a couple of weeks its been.  Lots to write up on the blog but I'm going to hit the bed for a few hours to catch up on my zzzz's then I'll update.

Namaste
Marie.

Booking start times and getting organised for India

Up early today and did a bit of packing for trip.  Still need some supplies so will head out after lunch to get what I need.  Today had to stay close to the laptoparooney as I had to book my start time for Registration for 3rd Year on 15th August, which is happening when I am in India.  I got 11am on the 15th so one of my colleages who was very lucky to get an 8am slot !! is going to do my registration for me and he is very reliable and good to do so.  I am so relieved although an earlier time might have meant I had a better chance of getting the modules I prefer in history but I will leave that in the hands of the Universe.  Thank you universe and thank you colleague.

This afternoon went up to Dundrum Shopping Centre and hit Penneys (the lines were SO long) Marks & Spencers as well as Easons, had to get 6 helix geometry sets, 6 pens, 6 pencils and 6 rubbers for my students in India as a gift, we were told to get these, I have a group of 6, we all do so they will be well supplied for writing anyway !!

Home at 4pm and prepped shepherds pie for dinner and after dinner will drop OH to  meet his buddies for a pint and I'll pop up to a friends for a cuppa.

Namaste
Marie.

Lots to do Tuesday............

After a really enjoyable afternoon/evening out with my college buddies yesterday today is back to reality and family and responsibilities.  My DD2 left early this am 03.45 for Dublin Airport and Barcelona on a 10 day trip, her first one away with her friends so waved her off and have had 2 texts from her already saying she was about to board and then to say she had landed.  Hopefully it will go well for her and she will be sensible enough.  She's almost 18 so grown up somewhat but not entirely an adult yet.

Today is all about Mum and her care.  Have to go out to her today and then afterwards meet with my brother and sister to try to come up with some type of care for her.  She is 82 now and has failed terribly since poor Dad passed away last June 2012.  It is a worrying time for us all and to make me feel worse I am going to India on Friday and will be away again and feeling awful and like I'm not pulling my weight with her care but it will be sorted out pg.  I am very lucky that my siblings are all on board with her care and we share it equally although my brother has been fantastic with all aspects and is a real doer as is his wife.  So we are very lucky.

OH decided that as DD2 is away he is going to paint and decorate her bedroom so at 9am he asks me to start emptying her room and putting it into DD1's room but thats not gonna work as DD1 is coming home from OZ on Monday 5th August and would not at all be pleased to have all DD2's stuff in HER room:)
Fun and games, as if I didnt have enough on my plate today.

Onwards and upwards, the universe will sort it out for me.  Have to drop laptop into PC shop to get graphics display sorted out so still cannot post pictures :(

Thank you universe

Namaste
Marie.

Just another manic Monday.....Oh Oh (Bangles )

Well no not really but a lot to do this am.  Clean and tidy house, never ending task that :)
Get a few bits of fruit in for snacking, trying to be healthy.

Meeting up with the gang from UCD today at 1.30 for lunch and then off to Henrietta st which is a historical area of Dublin for a reconstruction piece on the 1913 Lockout.  It should be a good afternoons entertainment, might even have a few scoops afterwards........ :)

DD2 is off to Barcelona in the am so will probably have a few last minute dramas on that score as well.......


Namaste
Marie.

Busy Sunday

Well we left the lovely environs of Kerry today and headed east for Dublin.  Wasnt a bad drive despite the downpours of rain.  Left at 12.30pm and arrived at home at 5.00pm which was an OK timeline for travelling from Kerry.

Spent about an hour unpacking, sorting out and getting back to normality now we are at home.  Glad to be back and from tomorrow will be getting organised for my next BIG adventure......... India on Friday 2nd August.  I am volunteering in Dehradun in Northern India and dont know if I will have internet access but will be keeping a diary and photo journal of the day to day activities and if I can will upload some photos and some blogging if I can whilst there.  Otherwise it will be a mega entry when I get home !!

However before I get my India hat on I have to do lots of other stuff this week.  So the blog entries may be few and far between or just a couple of lines each day.  Due to problems with laptoparooney cannot upload photos at mo :(

Namaste
Marie

Late night Sat post

Been absent all day and unable to get to the laptop.  Weather today atrocious and spent the day tidying up the house and getting ready for going back to Dublin.  Did some packing and used up some food in the fridge to avoid having to bring it home, not that there is much left :)

This afternoon I went to get my hair cut, coloured and blow dried.  Turned out really nice and curly.  Going to the 'day after bbq' from a wedding which was on yesterday and beforehand we are going to the launching of a ship in the local village, not as grand as it sounds but a very enjoyable evening.  The rain had stopped and the sun came out, the was a pig on a spit and food and drink galore.  Spent about an hour and a half there and then went up to the post wedding bbq.  Most enjoyable evening had by all and home at a respectable hour...........11pm.  However due to the heavy rain the TV and internet wasnt working:(
Hence the lateness of this post.  Never mind.

Namaste
Marie.

Two weddings and a funeral Friday 26/7

Today there are two weddings happening in the community here in Kerry, neither of which we are attending but still there is a great interest in them.  We are going to the after do tomorrow at the home of one of the Brides Fathers so that will be a good evening's entertainment and no doubt a late night :(

One of the brides is getting married in the village church at 1.30pm today so I'll pop to the church to have a look at the style and listen to the music.  Both wedding receptions are being held in elsewhere, one in Sneem and one in Killarney.

Yesterday was a rush to Killarney to drop DD2 to the 7.35pm train to Dublin, made it with 10 mins to spare after being stuck behind a slurry spreader, horse box, tail back of trucks and a funeral:(  Poor DD2 thought she would miss her train but all was well in the end.

Will have to spend a large portion of the day getting the house ready for our imminent departure as my neice and her husband and two boys will be coming down next weekend for 2 weeks to have to have the house up to spec !!

No photo today due to probs trying to upload so sorry about that.


Namaste
Marie.

Travelling to Killarney today.....again :)

Yesterday was a little late getting organised.  Additionally with DD2 here it can be difficult to get access to my laptoparooney.  She likes to stay in contact with her friends/boyfriend etc whilst here in Kerry needless to say as all teenagers.  Yesterday morning was terribly wet and misty so didnt budge outside the door until after lunch by which time it had cleared up considerably.

Went for a walk with DD2 and the dog for about 20-30 mins and then returned to find a friend had texted to see if I wanted to go for a proper walk so drove into the village and did the circuit with her which takes about 40 mins so had a good workout after all.

After returning home did a little tidying and cleaning and then read my latest book by Shakti Gawain which is proving interesting.  Its called Living in the Light and its very enlightening to say the least.  Later on myself OH and DD2 headed out for dinner and DD2 drove us to Waterville which is a good distance away to get in some driving practice.  She was very good.  Arrived in Waterville and tried a few restaurants before we found the Butler Arms Hotel which is there a long time and was the venue for Charlie Chaplins holidays when he was in Ireland.  There are photos up all over the hotel of him and his family and the village hosts a Chaplain Comedy festival for the last few years.  Had a very YUM mushroom linguine and a few sauvignon blancs.  Altogether very enjoyable and OH drove home.

Today DD2 is going back to Dublin so dropping her to Killarney for 7.pm.  We will be going home on Sunday.  Picture is of the Butler Arms Hotel.

Namaste

Marie.

Wet and Windy Tuesday

Well today started off where yesterday finished off, wet, windy and very heavy overnight rainfall.  No chance to see the full moon or the stars last night.  After a late start and late brunch myself OH and DD2 headed out for a drive around to Ballinskelligs beach and on the way spied a house for sale close to the beach where we always thought we'd love a house.  House wasnt bad, 3 bedrooms and a snip (!) at 150,000 euros but needed a good deal of TLC.  I always thought that I would like a house closer to the village and people but on seeing that one and the many people staying around I (well we) decided that we like where our house is situated thank you very much.

Myself and DD2 walked the dog along the beach and OH rested and read his newspaper.  Afterwards we headed around by Bolus Head and then onto Finians Bay a well known and popular surfing spot.  The waves were amazing and lots of people we enjoying the waves although no swimming is allowed there.
We also called into the Skellig Chocolate factory where they make chocolate on site and allow people to taste the different types of chocolate before buying.  YUM! I chose the hazelnut truffle, OH the orange brittle and DD2 the bar of plain chocolate.

Later on tonight we will go into the village for the music night, but first we will enjoy a chinese take away.
OH has taken DD2 for her 2nd driving lesson and will collect the take away on the way home.  Picture taken last week late one evening in village just after sun went down.  Beautiful.

Namaste
Marie.

quiet Monday and short post

Monday started off misty and overcast and a chance to catch up on some ZZZZ's today.  Nevertheless was woken early by a call from DD1 from Australia telling me she had booked her flight home for August 5th.  So great excitement was generated by that phone call although both myself and DD2 will be away on our travels when she lands in Dublin.  She could only get this early flight as all others are booked out and her 1 year visa expires on 5th September.  I will be in India and DD2 will be in Barcelona.  However her Dad will be there to meet her and bring her home and give her some TLC if necessary when she arrives.

Most of the rest of the day was spent relaxing, did go into Cahirciveen briefly to get some antihistamines and cream for my mozzy bites as well as some citronella oil which is meant to be great for deterring the little blighters.

The rest of the afternoon I snoozed, read some of my book and did a little tidying before getting dinner ready.

The rest of the evening will be uneventful, staying in watching TV, maybe having a glass of Vino and early to bed with book.  I've now started a new book after finishing Eat Pray Love today.

Pic of my dresser in Kerry which I rearranged today and removed all the books from the lower shelf, think it looks better now. :)

Namaste
Marie.

Early to rise Sunday

Up very early this am to go to Killarney, which is about 1 hours drive from our house in Portmagee.  We had decided to visit Ross Castle which opens at 9.30am and gets very busy in the summer months, so we headed off at 8.30 and arrived in Killarney at 9.50am.  Headed straight for Ross Castle which is a Tower House (Castle) built in the 16th Century and added to and changed over the 17th and 18th centuries.  Had a guided tour around the interior and afterwards found a nice spot to have our sandwiches which OH had made first thing this am.  Did a bit of shopping for groceries and bits and pieces for the house then headed to the Malton for afternoon tea about 2.30 to await DD2s arrival on the 16.21 train.  Here I am below at Ross Castle on the battlements with cannon in place.  Headed back to Portmagee where we arrived home about 6pm.  Quick cuppa and showers all round then heading into village for dinner late with DS2.

Namaste,
Marie.

Sunny Saturday morning

What a lovely settled spell we are having here in Ireland.  Down in Kerry it is absolutely roasting here with temperatures of 23-29 degrees this week.  Just heard on the news that people in Ireland are cancelling their foreign holidays and holidaying at home in Ireland in caravans, holiday homes and hotels.  What a boost for the tourism industry here. Hurrah !!

Yesterday I continued my adventurous cycling around the local area and going off the beaten track on dirt roads, byways and lanes.  I was out yesterday and decided to investigate a little lane beside a house which lead down to a beautiful little harbour which I had seen briefly when flashing by in a car many times but had never been down to it.  Well I wasnt disappointed, it was absolutely stunning, blue blue water and blue skies with barely a cloud to be seen and the mountains in the distance. Magnificent.

I am so glad that I decided to bring my bike down to Kerry this year, I did bring it last year but didnt really use it much.  This year I decided I would use it and so far this week I've used it every day cycling a minimum of 5 miles to 7 miles a day.  Not a lot compared to Tour de France cyclists but it makes me happy especially with the beautiful weather, scenery and flora and fauna, its good for the soul and the figure if nothing else !!

These are roses which just grow on the side of the banks and the road, arent they beautiful ?

Namaste

Marie.

Relaxing around the house Thursday

Today didnt have any great plans so decided to do some stuff around the house, washing clothes, drying outside in the sunshine, ironing, again out in the sunshine and catching some rays at the same time.  After lunch decided to go on a bit of a cycle and have a look around places that I've passed in the car but never explored by bike.  There are lots of little side roads and country lanes that I have been meaning to check on but never got around to it.  So today I was on my way to Cahirciveen and enroute I decided to take a random left turn at a sign which said Ardcost and explore.  I was not disappointed as it was first and foremost pretty traffic and people free.  There were a few animals dotted around the fields such as a few cows and a couple of horses.  There were also some houses but not many.  There was a farmer in his field spreading slurry (manure and boy did it stink!!) and that was about it.  I believe I encountered one car and that was all.

I passed a lovely albeit very fancy horses stable which from the distance looked like a fine house until I was up level with it and then I spied the lovely half doors that horse stables have.  The road eventually came to a dead end at a beach of sorts which I walked down to have a look at but it was a little disappointing.  There were two unfinished houses on either side of the road and it was such a shame to see them as they were beautiful and would have made gorgeous holiday homes and what a view they would have had.  However this is a familiar sight in Ireland in these post Celtic tiger days, unfinished houses dotted all over the landscape.

On my return to the house donned my maxi and decided to spend an hour sunbathing and reading.  At the moment I'm reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and am at the India part at the moment.  I have seen the film with Julia Roberts but as always the book is better.  On Jane of The Small Fabric of My Life blogs advice I am going to give Alice Munro a try. However after about 40 mins I was forced inside as it was just TOO hot.  Sacriligious I know to say such a thing.  How will I cope with India in August?
Photo of OH at Bray Head, Co. Kerry on Sunday last 14th July, 2013.

Namaste,
Marie.

Warm humid Wednesday

Today started out with a cycle into the Village to the weekly market.  I hadnt been there before and it was a veritable treasure trove of goods  Fresh fish, fresh fruit and veg, jams, cakes, candles, jewellery, books and bric a brac.  Got some fish, apple pie and eclairs for todays lunch and afters.  When I got back I got out the sun loungers and lay out for most of the afternoon, stopping only for tea and cake.  No lunch, just snacking.
Later on we went in Cahirciveen the local town for some storecupboard essentials and then decided to have our evening meal at 5.30.  So visited a local pub who did simple pub grub and  had a main course and dessert.  It wasnt gourmet but it hit the spot nicely.  Afterwards we got the Valentia ferry over to the Island and had a drink in Bostons Bar on the Island.  By 8.00pm we were pretty tired so headed home.

Now settling down to watch Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes in The Reader possibly with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Namaste
Marie.

Sunshine is back and blue skies are above again

Yesterday evening we decided to go on a bit of a drive around the local area and we visited the local beach at Ballinskelligs at about a 10 mins drive from the house.  The beach is wide and long with lots of lovely sand and few pebbles.  The tide was on the turn and there were a few swimmers in enjoying the late evening calm waters.  I walked the beach from beginning to end and back up to the carpark where OH was sitting in the car.  Although he climbed Bray Head on Sunday his ankle was at him so he declined the walk.

Afterwards at 8.30pm we headed to Reenard which is the ferry point for the ferry to Valentia Island and there is a lovely bar/restaurant there O'Neills the Point, who serve the most delicious food.  Usually it is jam packed and it can take up to an hour to get your food but its a sad sign of the times that it wasnt as  busy as previous years but there were still many people sitting inside and out enjoying the fish dishes and having a drink or two.  We ordered a plate of squid for two and when it arrived it was HUGE.  Plenty indeed for two and priced reasonably at 9.95.  At 10pm we got the ferry over to the Island and drove home around the island and ended up in Portmagee village where we listened to some musicians in the Fishermans, a local bar and restaurant.  I wished I had my iphone to take some photos of our night out to put up at a later stage but I didnt take it with me !!

Home to bed by midnight.  Slept like a log once again.  I always sleep well here in Kerry, must be all that fresh air, great food and nice vino :)

Namaste

Marie.

Magic, slow start to the holidays and Monday already............

I am now down in Kerry after travelling down on Saturday on what must have been one of the hottest days of the year so far in Ireland :)  What a drive though and not a lot of traffic.  It still took the best part of 5 hours to get here though.  After unpacking, sorting out the fridge and generally getting settled in took the dog for a walk and then cycled to the village and back which is about 7 miles so felt quite virtuous after that.

That evening we went to a local small hotel for our evening meal and I chose calamari, salad and chips, delicious, washed down with a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc.  Blis.  Home to bed and we slept like logs.

Sunday wasnt as sunny as we had hoped but after breakfast we set off for Bray Head which is a reasonably taxing climb to the top of the headland which takes about 35 mins to ascend and usually a little less to descend.  My OH was doing it for the first time unbelievably even though we have been coming to this part of Kerry for nigh on 18 years.  We have some photos to prove the moment but I dont have wi fi on my iphone down here so cannot send them to my email just yet but I will get an opportunity to do some during the week when in Cahirciveen again, the nearest BIG town :)

Later on Sunday we went to Valentia Island to the King Scallop festival where we had a pint and listened to a band playing some very jazzy and enjoyable music.  Then home for some late lunch.  Later on we had scallops and salad for a light evening meal and headed into the village for a late drink and visit some friends.

Today Monday did another long cycle in the other direction from the village which is about the same distance so a round trip of 7 miles to get bread, milk, ice cream ! and a newspaper for OH.  Sat outside and had our lunch al fresco in the sunshine. So thats my magic few days so far, not very manic actually just very relaxing and enjoyable.

Namaste
Marie.

That Friday Feeling

Friday again and another week has gone by.  What a week its been weather wise, temperatures in Dublin of 29 degrees c, almost unheard of in Ireland.  Although the record is 33 degrees back in 1887 !! Its going to last for the weekend and into the week ahead until at least Wednesday.  By that stage I will be in Kerry on a two week break so it would be lovely to have the nice weather down there too.

So today I have lots to do, shopping to bring with us, groceries to leave at home for DD2, choosing what clothes to bring and packing for the two of us.  Yes I do DH's packing, how sad is that ?? He's working today and I'm not so fairs fair I guess.  He is self employed so lots of last minute things for him to do and its always stressful for him to get away from work.  Needless to say as he's self employed his phone is never turned off even on vacation and he will be getting calls when we are away in our house in Kerry.  I try to get him to be unavailable to give himself a good break but he wont listen.  I think a factor of being self employed is that fear of the phone NOT ringing and no work coming in.  So he's always available to take calls.  Ah well I'm not going to change him now.

Have to visit mum this afternoon too as I wont be around for two weeks and then I'll be heading to India shortly after I get back from Kerry.  So its nice to spend as much time with her before I go away.
Here's photo of house in Kerry.

Namaste

Marie.

A game (or day) of two halves.

Today was a little bit a day of two halves. In the morning I met with an ex work colleague for a chat and brunch which was really nice, she is a lovely lady and is always so upbeat and full of positive energy.
Had pancakes, maple syrup and fresh fruit yum !

Later on had to go the dentist for the second part of a root canal treatment which went surprisingly better than the first part and the bill was not as much as I expected.  Thank you universe and abundance.

At the moment I am perusing styles for my trip to India in August and wanted to pick something comfortable but stylish for the flight which is in two parts, flight from Dublin to Abu Dhabi and then from Abu Dhabi to Delhi but I am conflicted due to the dress code in India.  I wanted to wear something like this ensemble courtesy of http://www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/  featuring a photo of Miranda Kerr.  See below.

However my DD2 who has been there advised that its a little low in front and might be very hot for Delhi when we arrive.  I realise that I will have to conform to the dress code when there but dont want to travel in a kaftan and baggy trousers especially when arriving in Abu Dhabi airport.  Furthermore I have the dress and the flip flops, just need a denim jacket and stylish tote.  What to do?  I guess I could pack a scarf and wrap that around my shoulders and neckline when I arrive in Delhi as after a bit of a rest and some lunch we have a 5 hours + drive to Dehradun in Northern India, its the most sacred part of India and the source of the Ganges.  I am really excited now and cannot wait to go.  Any advice would be welcomed from anyone reading this blow and who has been to India and what they wore when travelling and when there.  :)

Namaste
Marie.

Coffee and catch up...

This morning I will be catching up with my UCD buddies for coffee as is usual on a Wednesday morning.
We have been doing this catch up since 2010 when we were in Access and have a standing arrangement that we meet up at 10 every Wednesday during the summer.  Some weeks there are only 3/4 of us, other weeks there could be 8/9.  Its a lovely way to stay in touch over the summer months.  Everyone is doing their own thing with holidays, get aways and such like but there is usually a core 3/4 there every week and that usually includes me.  As I am going away on Saturday and wont be around for 4/5 weeks I'll not be able to catch up for a while, I'll miss it.

Later on I'll be bringing DD2 (been calling her DS2 dear daughter or dear sweetness 2)  to choose a bikini for her holidays, she's off to Barcelona on 30th July for 10 days and its her first foray away alone with friends.  She has been on lots of school trips etc but this is entirely different.  She is almost 18 so I feel that I have to let the shackles off a little, she is the youngest also so its a little easier after doing it for the other 2 although it dosnt stop me worrying about her :(

Yet again later I'll be heading out to Bray to visit Mum and go visit Dad's grave and give it a tidy up.  We got the headstone erected for his anniversary but the area around the grave needs tidying.  They are implementing the rules at the graveyard stating that its been returned to a 'lawn cemetery' - basically it means that no plants or flowers or extra memorial stones etc will be allowed on the graves, its to assist them with cutting the grass and keeping the place neat and tidy and homogenous I guess.  It will upset many people I fear as some of the graves have lots of flowers, momentoes and such like on them.  However the rule has been in place for some time but hasnt been enforced until now.

Tonight I hope to go for a cycle around the area to keep in with my exercising regime.  Now to bring the dog for his little walk.  Quite early today at 08.05am.  The early bird gets the worm as the saying goes.

The photo was taken the other night at the book launch I wrote about in a previous post. I'm on the left. :)
Forgot to put the photo in before posting.

.

Namaste
Marie.

Exercising using my Bike Tuesday 9/7/2013

I have been increasing my exercise levels in the last week or so and apart from the usual daily walk with the dog which isnt terribly strenuous due to his frequent stops and starts for sniffs, smells and lifting his leg I have started going everywhere on my bike, well with the exception of grocery shopping and out to Bray to collect Mum, I am doing all the running around, so to speak, on my bike.

Its really liberating as I dont get stuck in traffic and with this lovely weather its glorious being on the bike.  Last night I cycled for over an hour all around my local area, goatstown, mt anville, fosters avenue, stillorgan road, and in through and around UCD campus.  It was very enjoyable albeit tough in the more hilly areas, as my bike only has 3 gears, but I made it :)  Today however my legs are a little jellified but i'll just walk today and get on the bike tomorrow to go to Merrion Tree for coffee with the gang, which should take about 1/2 hour there and 1/2 hour back so my exercise will be sorted.

Today nothing really planned as such, but will possibly get started on my holiday packing.  We are off to Kerry at the weekend for 2 weeks.  When I get back I will be heading off to India on 2nd August to teach english which I am excited about but also a little nervous about as I've never done that sort of thing before.  It will be a huge challenge both in terms of what I'm doing there as well as the heat, dust and the environment.  I'll be taking lots of photos and will post some here.  I have always wanted to go to India so its a dream coming true thats for sure.

Namaste
Marie

Yet another manic Monday :)

Well not really but it sounded good as a title.  Another beautiful sunny day, I could get used to this weather.  Its so nice to wake up to sunshine streaming through the window and to feel the warmth of the sun in the house and outside.  Its so nice to be able to dry clothing outside in the sunshine and to bring them inside dry and sweet smelling and bone dry in a short space of time.  To spend time in the garden just tidying up, dead heading flowers, and watering plants and to see them blooming with all the heat and a little moisture.  Summer is most definitely here.  Lets embrace it.

I was so delighted that Andy Murray won yesterday.  He had to work so hard to get past Djokovic who didnt make it at all easy for him.  Well done Andy Murray.  77 Years have now been put to rest.  Fred Perry has lost his crown and everyone is delighted.

Not a lot planned for today, just everyday chores but it is nice to be able to do them in this heat and sunshine.  No moaning about the heat Marie !!

Namaste
Marie.

Relaxing Sunday

Today will be relaxing and unwinding.  After a good lie in had breakfast and then headed out with dog for a long walk.  Later on collecting Mum from Bray for her weekly visit chez Marie for an overnight stay and dinner.  Other than that wont be doing an awful lot.  Will be watching Murray & Djokovic in the final of the  mens tennis today.  I see that if Murray wins today he'll become the UK's richest sports star.

Interesting.

Namaste
Marie.

Well done the British & Irish Lions

What can I say? All criticism of Gatland can be cast aside.  The Lions were magnificent today even minus BOD.  What a score 41-16.  They totally ruled in the scrum, in the forwards and Halfpenny was magnificent.
The Irish lads were great, Sexton with his kicking, his try and  Tommy Bowe with his fast pace and defending, Sean O'Brien, and Connor Murray. Having said that the Welsh lads were also fantastic.
The whole team were just fantastic.  Really enjoyed the match although at times it was nerve wracking especially at the start of the second half.

The rest of the day was spent doing normal stuff, gardening, lunch, collecting DS2 from the train and getting my hair done. Then at 4.30 cycled up to valeries for a BBQ, only got home at 12.00 midnight.  Caught up with DS2's antics today and checked out Bobbys haircut (not the best :( )

Sunday tomorrow so a bit of a lie in the order of the day. Mum over tomorrow for the night.

Namaste
Marie.

Seminal Sunny Saturday morning

Well todays the day the Lions take on Australia in the final test, or should I say the Welsh take on the Lions in the final test.  The last five times Wales have played the Aussies they have lost so that dosnt inspire me to believe especially without BOD :(  Wish them the very best though and hopefully it will work out for Gatland.

On a more ordinary note for us ordinary mortals today Bobby our westie will be getting his summer cut.  Its well over due he's more like a little sheep than a dog at the moment.   10 am he's off to the groomers.  He'll be a cutie when he gets back.  Going to a BBQ this afternoon and hopefully we will be able to sit out and enjoy this wonderful spell of weather.  The Sun is indeed shining at the moment.

Watched a rather funny chick flick last night, Failure to Launch with Matthew McConnaghy and Sarah Jessica Parker.  Bradley Cooper and Jooey Deschanel were also in it as well as Kathy Bates as McConnaghys mom.  It was good though and I enjoyed it.  Prior to that watched the 4 setter with Murray and  Janowicz which Murray won so happy about that.  Murray now plays Djokovic in the final.  Hope Murray wins it now.  Come on Murray.

Little pic of bobby the last time he had his hair done !!

Namaste
Marie.

that friday feeling

Proud mother this evening as DS2 got her Theory Test 40/40 full marks!!  So pleased for her and now she can apply for her provisional license and start learning to drive.

I didnt use the car at all today, I cycled everywhere. Up to UCD, up to the supermarket, post office, shoe menders (cobblers) up to friends for chat etc so now its 5.30pm and i'm pooped.  How unfit am I?  Well somewhat unfit but not too bad.  Pleased that I used the bike and got out and about in the sunshine today.

Accomplished lots today, all those little bits and pieces that one threatens to do and never gets done.  Well I did them today.

Namaste
Marie.

thursday and thoughts of BOD..............

Cannot believe that BOD has been dropped from the Lions squad for Saturday.  This would have been his very last match for the Lions  - EVER - and while I know that Warren Gatland is the head coach and all decisions are his it seems decidedly disingenuous to drop such a stalwarth of world rugby (I'm not biased at all as an Irish woman of course) but it seems to me that he could have put him on the bench at least and put him on for a few mins towards the end.  At least it would give him another option if the team werent doing so well.  While I know that should the Lions win the third test match and the series BOD will be included in that pantheon of greats but if they lose it will always be a question of ' if BOD had been picked they might have done it'. He must be gutted the poor guy :(

More mundane matters in my own life are pressing however, and today I have to head to passport office to collect DS2's new passport which she needs for her Driving Theory Test tomorrow.  Best of luck to her, its her second attempt, she missed it by one point last time.  She is quite nervous about it due to the fact that she missed it last time, but hopefully it will all go well for her tomorrow.

Off to Molesworth Street, if I can get her up out of bed.  Teenagers !!!

Namaste
Marie.

Trip to the Dentist............. :(

This morning I had an early dental visit for a check up.  Didnt mind too much as my dentist is a dish !!
Had everything checked out and treatment recommended.  More money needed for root canal, ah well its keeping my mouth healthy.  TMI I guess this early in the morning, sorry.

Last night was at a book launch and it was a very good night.  Met a friend  beforehand and we had a coffee in the National Gallery and a quick browse around some of the exhibitions, really relaxing hour or so.  Then we headed to the bookshop where the launch was being held.  Refreshments (white wine) were  being served and we met the author Stephen Kelly who wrote the book Fianna Fail, Partition, Northern Ireland 1926-191.  A really lovely guy and a great book.  Guest speaker was Vincent Browne and the authors father also spoke a few words.  Later on was talking to him and discovered that he had his own story to tell.

Afterwards a few of us decamped to the Bailey in Duke street for a couple of drinks.  Home by midnight which wasnt too bad and feeling OK this morning.  Result.

This afternoon I am heading out to visit Mum and my sister and have some lunch.

Namaste.

Marie.

Taking it easy Tuesday

Today is a clean slate type of day. Nothing planned until the evening so am going to spend the day in a relaxed fashion at home.  Despite this will get some tidying, decluttering and some general household chores sorted out.  Will also spend some time beautifying myself - which is very necessary :) Will go for a walk with DS2 - we have started a walk every day month for July - and then she has some things to do this afternoon herself.  Will take bobby too as he loves his walks and gets very glum if we dont take him on his lead.

Later on this evening I am heading out with some college friends to a book launch in Hodges Figges (sp?) in Dawson Street.  One of our UCD tutors has written a book on Fianna Fail and the guest speaker is Vincent Browne so it should be interesting to say the least as he can be quite controversial.

Afterwards we will probably retire to a local hostelry for a drink or two !! Will be taking it easy as I have an early Wednesday morning appointment with the dentist. UGH!

Namaste
Marie.

A titanic type of a Sunday

Yesterday was an amazing day.  We started off at 9.45am heading for Newry but decided to keep going and go to Belfast.  So we HAD to visit the new Titanic venue and it didnt disappoint.  It is absolutely HUGE and takes at least 2.5 hours to get around and thats going at quite a brisk pace.  I was pretty tired after but really enjoyed it especially the ride that takes you into a reconstruction of the works which were carried out in Harland &  Wolff Shipyards, my goodness those men worked hard in very dangerous and difficult conditions !!  That was one of my favourite parts of the visit, as well as a virtual 4 min tour from the bowels of the ship to the 1st class areas and the captains deck.  You really felt as if you were on Titanic herself.

I also really liked the reconstructed cabins which gave an idea of the luxury that the 1st class passengers enjoyed, but the 2nd class cabins werent too bad either !!  Afterwards we had a well deserved lunch in The Galley bistro where all the staff were dressed up like those of one hundred years ago.  Food was gorgeous and very well presented and priced.  A quick browse in the gift shop and then we headed into Belfast city centre.  OH really wanted to see City Hall and DS2 wanted to shop.  Spent a pleasant few hours browsing the shops and the only thing that I found a bit unnerving were the amount of RUC police vans and police men dotted around Royal Avenue, not sure what they were there for but as I am from the South of Ireland I am not at all used to that type of police presence.

On the way home we stopped in Julianstown Co Meath which is where OH spent his childhood summers and he wanted to see it as he hadnt been there for a long time.

So all in all a very pleasant experience and enjoyable day.  Rounded off by a few vinos at home.

The only silly thing is I never took any photos !! They werent allowed inside the Titanic venue and forgot to take them once we left.

Only one thing for it................ we'll have to make a return visit.

Here's a shot from the website but it dosnt really do it justice.

Namaste

Marie.

The Lions lose but only just..........

Bring on Sydney next weekend and hopefully an historic win for the B&I Lions.
Wouldnt it be wonderful for them to win a series again at last and especially for BOD and the rest of the Irish lads............... as well as the rest of the Lions team.

A good day today as up early to watch match and got lots of chores done as well.  Go me !!
Went for a cycle after lunch and ended up visiting one of my college buddies for a cuppa so only just back home at 6pm.  Put the lasagne I prepped earlier in the oven so can now relax and browse on inet for a while guilt free.  OH asleep at the moment on the couch after a busy days work and DS2 out in city at a Gay Pride festival so hopefully she is safe and sound, well she is thank goodness as I've just spoken to her.

Will be taking it easy tonight as getting up early in am to go up North for a spot of across the border shopping.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday wet and windy :(

Big change in the weather today, wet windy and cold.  Yesterday was such a warm beautiful day its such a difference today though.  Well at least I wont have to water the hanging baskets today!!  I shall spend the day cosy at home and do some tidying (much needed) and decluttering and make some progress that way.

Yesterday I was at a friends father's funeral but it was not a sad day, very much a celebration of his life and the sun shone on his funeral as if to say what a lovely man he had been.  The burial was in the Quaker cemetery in Blackrock which I had never been in and it was such a haven of tranquility in suburbia.  It was leafy and full of simple headstones, no mad flowers or memorials just a simple stone and name and date.  All are equal in death there.  The sun was shining, the birds were singing and it was just SO peaceful I could have stayed there a lot longer, in fact I may well go back there for a visit just to take in the peace and tranquility of the place.  I also want to do some research on the Quakers and how they came to Ireland.

Namaste
Marie.

Lunch date with some work colleagues

Today I am meeting up with some colleagues from my workplace where I worked before I started in UCD.  Going to a local hotel for 2pm to catch up on the chat and have a bite to eat and a coffee.  Should be a fun couple of hours as they are all lovely ladies.

Last night I had an unscheduled night out with a couple of college buddies so a late one last night and feeling a little tired today but will get the glad rags on and enjoy myself.

Tonight will be an early one though.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday 20th June

Gosh June is sprinting to an end so quickly.  Today its a quick one.  Have mum with me today so dont want to be spending time on the PC in her company.

Sun is shining and we have just come back from a walk around our local beauty spot Milltown Park and it was lovely.  Met another dog owner with a rescue dog called Pip a cute little terrier who had been mistreated as a puppy and was a real little scared doggie poor thing but so cute.

Back home now and having a cuppa.

Namaste
Marie.

Feedback Tuesday :(

Popping up to college this am to get some feedback on one of my history exams which I was a little disappointed with results wise.  Wish me luck.

Namaste
Marie.

Fathers Day June 16th.

Today is Fathers Day and the 2nd time that I have had to get through it without my dear Dada Edward.  Was at the grave a few times this week though so that helped a lot.  Poor mum is distraught without him and its getting worse so we as a family are going to have to get something set up for her care.  We knew it was coming but its come a lot quicker than even we anticipated.

Today was also my OH's turn to be spoiled as its fathers day and only one of our three children are around, as one is in France and one is in Australia.  However the ones away both were very good and called him to wish him a happy day and he was delighted with that.  The youngest DD2 made him lunch and a home made card which he especially loves.  So all in all a good day and to finish it off for him we paid a visit to his parents grave which he hadnt been to in a while and tidied it up and planted a few plants.  A little morbid today perhaps with talk of graves but as death is part of life its good to mention it sometimes.

Namaste
Marie.

wet and windy friday

Once again I have been absent and not been blogging regularly.  Mea Culpa.  I am sorry but in my defence I have been somewhat involved in looking after Mum and also visiting my brother and staying in touch with family.  However I have also been staying in touch with friends and catching up.  As a result today I decided to stay home and put some order on my home, mop, sweep and generally get the house ship shape.  So thats what I did :)

I also spent some time checking the college courses that I am interested in registering for in September.  A little previous I know but I want to be sure that I really want to do these courses as this is my final year of the BA degree and so far the history (and archaeology) has been very much what is designated by the college, this year coming it is supposed to be more in tune with the topics that the student is interested in but on checking out the modules it dosnt appear to be quite like that.  I am very keen to do a module on Tudor England but with the new set up there are only 15 places in the module so the chances of me getting on the module are quite slim however I am going to believe that I get onto it.  The other course I really wanted to do has been removed so now I am in a quandry !! However it is not just me, there are a lot of history students in UCD and I'm sure they are all feeling the same.  Nevertheless one must be positive and look at all avenues before deciding.  Namaste, the universe will provide, thats my motto.

Marie.

Tuesday June 11th

Today saw an end to the lovely sunny weather we have enjoyed for the last week but hopefully it will return shortly and we will once again be basking in the glorious sunshine :)  I got my examination results on Friday last and am happy to say I was very happy overall with my grades.  I am on course to get my 2:1 and go on to do a Masters in September 2014 (once I get through 3rd year and stay on my GPA or increase it !!)

Today I was meeting up with one of my college friends, a lovely lady who is great fun and very wise and full of knowledge.  Lunch was 3 hours long and not a drop of alcohol passed our lips yet we still had great fun.

Tonight we are going out for dinner with my brother and sister in law to celebrate the 100 birthday of my OH's father (well he would have been if he was still alive).  Some alcohol will definitely be passing our lips tonight in contrast to today :)

Namaste
Marie.

9th June............... 1st anniversary

Today was the first anniversary of my Dada Edward who passed away this day last year at the age of 84 years.  The family got together and after mass and a visit to the cemetery to lay some flowers on his grave we  had a lovely lunch in our local golf club where we rememebered Dada and told stories and reminisced about happier times.

Miss you Dada.  Picture was taken in January when my son was tending to the grave. It now has a lovely gravestone and some beautiful posies adorning it.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday 6th June

Decided to leave Kerry a day earlier than planned so travelled home yesterday instead of today.  Was a pleasant drive home, not a lot of traffic and the sun was shining so all in all a pleasant trip home.  Got home about 5.30 so instead of cooking ordered a chinese takeway to finish off the weekend.

Today will be spent washing, ironing, and putting away the stuff from the weekend as well as tidying around the house so not very exciting but necessary nonetheless.  Got up early and after doing some quick tidying around went out for an hour long walk to make the most of the lovely sunshine.  It is so nice to have a spell of good weather, we have been waiting quite a long time for it :)  and its meant to last to Tuesday of next week.  Hope thats not our summer then !!

Tomorrow is the BIG day - the exam results are out so a little nervous about that as I so want to do well.  Anyhow there's no point in worrying, its in the lap of the gods now.

Little pic of evening in Kerry night before we left (Tues)

Namaste
Marie.

Kerry Sunday

After a restful nights sleep and tea in bed got up and went for a walk.  Then myself and OH went to Cahirciveen for a look around.  Got the papers and then drove to Ballycarbery Castle which is a Tower House and was built in the 16th century.  Got some photos on Iphone but unfortnately no wifi here in Kerry so cannot send them to my email and post on here.  Suffice to say its amazing :)  Then we were driving around and I spied what looked like an old style walled kitchen garden and we went to investigate.  We found a beautiful but dilapidated old mansion with walled gardens and outhouses.  It also had its own chapel with beautiful Gothic shaped windows but unfortunately the windows and the lintels were long since removed.  There was a beautiful HUGE standing stone to the right hand side of the house and later on when looking on the OSI (Ordnance Survey) maps I saw that the Standing stone was originally (well in the 19th century) some distance away from the house so it must have been moved :(

Further investigations on returning home revealed who the house belonged to and a little of its history.  I am intrigued and as a student of both history and archaeology this house is beginning to fascinate me.

Wish I could post some pics but perhaps another time...........

Namaste
Marie.

June 1st 2013

Today was an early start and down to Kerry for a few days over the bank holiday weekend.  We have not been down here since last Summer so its well overdue.  The garden was all tidy and grass cut courtesy of our neighbour Ted and the house although quite cold was clean and tidy (as I had left it :) )
The fire was set as we always do when we leave so we lit the turf and wood and papers and it blazed away straight away.  After a bit of a relax headed out for a bit of a walk with Bobby then when I got back OH was asleep.  Made some tea and had some apple tart and relaxed.

Tonight we will head into the village and have something to eat and a glass or two of Sauv Blanc.  Bliss!

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday 30 May 2013

The long weekend is fast approaching and the sun has been shining for the last couple of days.  The weather forecast says it will last into the weekend which is great (if its true) as I am heading off to Kerry on Saturday for a few days.

Today is busy with a visit to the hairdressers, then out to Mums for lunch and also meeting up with my sister as well.  If the sun is still shining we may go for a walk on the seafront in Bray to catch some fresh air.

Tonight I am out at a friends for our Poker night - the last one of this season.

Namaste
Marie.

Tired today Tuesday

Must be the full moon cycle but was unable to sleep last night.  This happens or has been happening regularly but more recently it had stopped however it was back again with a vengeance last night (the sleeplessness).
So this morning not as bright eyed and bushy tailed as I had hoped to be.  I had planned to go to the Post Office and get a PO for Indian Embassy and get photo etc. and pop in with my Visa application but may leave it until tomorrow am instead :)

I have organised to call up to a friend for a cuppa later on this am so I will do that alright.
My DS2 has gone off on her school trip today and wont be back until Friday pm so it will be quiet around the place this week.  Just myself and DH.

Its my best friends birthday this coming Bank Holiday Monday so must get a card today as well.

All in all a few things to get done today.

Namaste
Marie.

wet and windy Monday:(

Well a bit of a change in the weather today after two glorious days of sunshine and the upshot of this was the fact that I ventured out into the garden and did some well overdue gardening, tidying, weeding, throwing out dead plants etc.  So the garden now looks really nice and inviting to sit out in should the weather permit.
On Sunday DH did some painting up of old plant pots and bought a load of plants which were planted up by our neighbour Jessica who is a bit of a gardening buff.  The front and back gardens now have lovely hanging baskets, troughs with plants and various other lovely varieties of fuschia, pansy and other plants that I dont know the names of !

We now have a buddha in the garden as well and I attach a photo below of him looking resplendent in his surroundings.

He's a little hard to see but he's to the left of the rhodedendron (sp?).

Namaste
Marie.

Sunny start to Saturday

Its a lovely sunny morning and going to go for a walk with bobby in a little while.  This afternoon bringing my DS2 thrift shop shopping as she is going to her bf's 18th party next week and the theme is 'thrift shop' so we will be trawling the local charity shops for something appropriate to wear (whatever that is).  I also want to do some work in the back garden, sweep leaves, blossom from the apple tree etc and do some weeding so better get cracking.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday 23rd May.

A leisurely sort of start to the day.  Up at 9am and had a cuppa and some toast.  Telephoned the travel agency and paid for my flights to India in August.  Its really happening :)  Delighted that I've taken the first step to fulfilling one of my life goals which is to go to India.  Later on I headed to the hairdressers to get my colour done which was extremely overdue.  Left the salon after being pampered and looked after.  There was a colour advisor in the salon and he was fussing over my hair and the colour etc.  but I must say it turned out lovely and Kerry the stylist both coloured and blow dried it and did a lovely job.  Thank you Kerry :)

This afternoon spent some time applying for my tourist via online (a few botched attempts - its not terribly user friendly) but I persevered and got it done thank goodness.  Also checked my travel insurance doc which is a yearly family one and I'm covered worldwide so India is covered thank goodness.   All in all a productive sort of day from an 'India' point of view.  It was lashing rain for most of the afternoon so I was just as happy sitting in my kitchen pottering away on my PC.

Tonight DS2 has her last piano lesson of this term so will bring her to that and do a bit of grocery shopping in LIDL while she is at that.  Then it will be home and a few glasses of vino................? Perhaps :)

Namaste
Marie.

Wednesday 22nd May

Up early this week despite finishing up in college as my DS2 is doing her 5th year summer exams and making a bit of a fuss of her, calling her and making her breakfast to get her fully prepared.  She has had her maths, p1 Irish, English, as well as Music and French.  So far so good, p2 Irish and English tomorrow as well as one other subject which escapes me now :)  Had a bit of a review of one of my assignments this morning at 9am and then went to Merrion Tree in Mt. Merrion to meet up with some college colleages.  Trying to organise my flights to India with the two other ladies who are going so we are sorting that out at the moment.

Once the flights are booked its the visa, and jabs to organise.  Really beginning to look forward to the trip now and the challenges ahead.  It will be very hot in India in August also which will be a challenge in itself.
However I am up for it.  Tonight will be spent relaxing and getting to bed early after a couple of small glasses of vino.

Namaste
Marie.

Monday 20th May

Oops fell by the wayside again with my blogging.  Yesterday I was busy catching up on the household chores, and in the afternoon my mum called over.  My DS2 was singing at the 5pm mass and then her singing teaching was having 'refreshments' afterwards so we had a very pleasant few hours yesterday evening.
Came home and watched ITV Soap Awards 2013 - exciting and dramatic stuff.  Its a long time since I watched the soaps on a regular basis so I dont really know whats going on in any of them, although I only really ever watched Corrie on a regular basis.  However judging from the scenes and sections they showed some very dramatic story lines have been played out.

Today was spent grocery shopping, and dropping mum home. At lunch time called over to a college friend for coffee and spent a very nice few hours chatting and catching up.  Exciting times after dinner catching up with the ironing.

Ah the life of a housewife !!

Namaste
Marie.

Simply Saturday

Well today is a blank canvas waiting for me to write/draw/improve upon it.  First day of the rest of my life eh?  Well having a relaxing lie on this morning but now want to get up and attem!! Plans for the day include breakfast/brunch, going out to Bray to visit Mum and then go and see my new grand-nephew Riley, so a visit to a store is in order firstly to get a gift for him.

 Later on will go and visit my Dad's grave which I havn't been to for a couple of weeks.  The memorial stone is being put up very soon, in time for his 1st anniversary which is the 9th of June next. Gosh that year has really flown.  Some very upsetting days ahead for poor Mum who hasn't come to terms at all with his passing, 65 years together is a lifetime and she is lost without him.


Namaste
Marie.

Friday relaxation.

This is the life, on the couch, computer on lap, tv on with Leinster V Stade Francais Final of Amlin Cup.  So far Leinster 7-0 ahead with 16.50 mins gone.  Last exam done and dusted and the less said about it the better.  Anyhoo.  Its full speed ahead with relaxation tonight.

Bowl of icecream at my left hand so say no more.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursdays late post

A late quick post tonight.  Finally I am at the end of my examination weeks and tomorrow is the LAST EXAM - wait for it - its on Archaeological Theory ...... exciting .....NOT.  However its a core module and had to be done and exam is only an hour long so by 4pm tomorrow I'll be on official summer holidays.
Getting my hair done at 4.30pm to celebrate.

Namaste
Marie.

Wednesday sessions

Today will be a frenzy of last minute studying on all things archaeology.  Meeting with college buddies from 10-2 and 2-4 to discuss Theory and Castles.  Nice combination I know :)  Not so worried about the Castles aspect as I'm 2/3 of the way there with regard to preparation but the theory is really beginning to get to me.
Anyway hopefully after this mornings session and some more work tonight and later tomorrow I should have enough to get me through the 1 hr exam.  Collecting my Kilmainham Jail project today which is part of the theory module so if I get a reasonable mark on that part (its 50%) then I should be able to get an overall good mark.

Sorry to be so boring about exams and revision.  From Friday thats all done and dusted for another while.  Then it will be DD2 and her summer 2013 exams starting on Monday but at least I will be able to give her my fullest attention and TLC.

It is her boyfriends 18th birthday today so happy birthday Jordan.

Namaste
Marie.

Vikings and another exam:(

Its getting a little boring here on the musings blog page but I have yet another Exam today in RDS on the Vikings in Ireland.  I am hoping that the questions are similar in form to what I'm expecting and the revision that I've done in anticipation.  So I am manifesting questions for myself that I can answer.  Bring it on.
After the exam I'm meeting up with a colleague who is also doing the same exam and we are heading somewhere in the Ballsbridge area for a coffee and a chat.  Four Seasons perhaps..............?
Or perhaps just a local hostelry with local hostelry prices which suit us students.  Definitely.

Later on I will resume the revision - onwards and upwards its now Archaeology - Medieval Castles and Archaeological Theory (not one of my favourite modules) but I do like Medieval Castles.

Namaste to all

Marie.

Monday mania

Monday yet again !! where do the weekends go to?  Today was an early start as DH was having a small op on his other eye this am and we had to be out at the Hospital for 7.15am.  So up at 6.30 and home again at 7.30.  Then dropped DD2 to school.  She was all nervous this morning as she has her Grade 3 piano exam this afternoon so needed a little extra TLC.  Came home and did some Vikings and Archaeology revision from about 8.30 to 11.00 with a few breaks in between (ahem :).  Dropped out to collect DH from hospital and then back home for some more reading and revision.

This afternoon brought DD2 up to Dundrum for piano exam and all appears to have gone OK.
Back home for some tea and chocolate as a bit of a treat and am now supposed to be revising again.
Not !! On PC so will have to finish up here fast.

Namaste
Marie.

Sunday 12th May........... becoming a grand aunt :)

Today at 12.30pm my nephew became a dad and I became a Grand Aunt :) My goodness that sounds SO old:(  However he was a bouncing 8lbs 11ozs and the brave mummy had no pain relief and the birth lasted a mere 2 hours from breaking of the waters............ sorry to any readers who are weak stomached ..... so I am very proud of her.  She knows who she is.

Yesterday we were at my neices son's communion and a lovely afternoon was had by all.  The lucky first communicant got a quad bike (from his own money) and a trip today to see Sir Alex Ferguson end his stellar reign as manager of Manchester United (and no I am not a Man U fan) but he has done well for the club in all honesty.  So at the age of 8 said first holy communicant has been to Old Trafford, not once but TWICE in the last couple of months.  To be there today must have been epic for him.  Anyhoo I thought there was a recession on here in Ireland.............. no sign of it around here.

Haha LOL

Namaste
Marie.

Thank Crunchie its Friday:)

The first week of exams is over and two down and three left to go next week.
So far I feel I've done OK so will spend the weekend doing some more revision, its the Vikings next:)
Tomorrow I have a family event to go to in the afternoon, and on Sunday I will do some study and also visit my Mum in Bray for a few hours.  Then its back to the study.

My DD2 had her school prize giving last night and she made me very proud as she won a prize, however I hasten to add I am proud of her in any event, she is a good one:)

She has her piano exam on Monday so is practising her scales as I type this, at 10.40pm on a Friday night.  I have just collected her from her boyfriends house.

Now I'm off to have a couple of glasses of Sauvignon Blanc courtesy of O'Briens off licence.

Namaste
Marie.

Tension and Tuesday.

Yet another lapse in my blogging schedule.  Have to say that's only due to revision which is ongoing and tomorrow will be the test of that when my exams start.  First one is Islam and Christianity at 12 noon in RDS. Cannot wait to get started, hopefully I'll be able to remember some relevant stuff to get me good grades.

This evening I'm taking a moratorium from study and meeting my sister for a bite to eat in a hostelry halfway between where I live and where she lives.  So I can forget (hopefully) temporarily.

Had a nice chat with DD1 who phoned from Margaret River this afternoon, in Western Australia, she was feeling a little low as her friend has gone back to Perth and some other friends also, but they will be back on Thursday so hopefully she'll bounce back.  She was hoping to get a second year visa sorted out but the regional work is patchy at best and she needs 88 days, so far she has about 30 so 58 to do, and the work starts at the end of June, leaving her July and August, but she may just about make it before she leaves at the end of August.  A good friend is due her first baby sometime in August so she is keen to get home and see the new arrival however it would be great if she could secure a second year visa before she leaves to come home to Dublin.  After a few months at home she may get restless again so the visa would be good to have as an optional extra.  We shall see, its in the hands of the gods, and the universe.


Namaste
Marie.

Bank Holiday weekend Sunday

May bank holiday weekend and so far its been quite relaxing with a little spot of revision thrown in for good measure.  Friday night we went out for a bite to eat in our local  hostelry which was very nice.  Saturday I did two hours history revision on the Vikings then headed out to Bray to visit Mum.  She was in quite a low mood and seemed very tired and out of sorts.  Felt really sorry for her.  Hopefully she'll bounce back to her usual positive self very soon.  Last night I just did another bit of revision and had a few vinos to relax and unwind afterwards.

Today, yes you've guessed it another bit of revision then popped into the city centre to visit Christ Church Cathedral which is a very historic church and we were lucky enough to catch evensong from 3.30 to 4.15 so we were able to get a bit of religion as well as culture thrown in :)  I had hoped to visit the Dublinia exhibition which is all about the Vikings but unfortunately by the time we had visited the crypt after evensong Dublinia exhibition had  - oh well it will be there for another afternoons entertainment.

Stopped off at the local supermarket and got some burgers, buns, salad stuff and crusty bread to enjoy a bit of a barbque and enjoy the summer sunshine.

Namaste to all
Marie.

Thursday 2nd May

It is now May 2nd and I'm knee deep in trying to get my revision up and running.
I have been working away religiously but unfortunately not getting a lot completed.
Cannot seem to get my head around aspects of International History into a competant essay
which will suffice to answer 2 exam questions next Friday 10th May. Panicking greatly at this stage
despite this I do have another 7-8  days to get my formulae right which isnt so bad.
However I do have an exam on Wednesday next which also has to be prepared for although
I have already done a lot on this one Islam and Christianity - so it will be revision of the revision
Hopefully I'll remember what I revised :)

Namaste
Marie.

Lots to do today

Up early-ish today to get some study done.  Want to do about two hours then want to go for along walk along the river Dodder which is close to my home.  Its lovely and sunny at the moment so need to take advantage of that :)

DD2 is away overnight at a friends house so the house is very quiet.  DD1 was on the telephone from OZ yesterday and feeling somewhat homesick.  Sent her some photos of the dog today to cheer her up, he looks hilarious with his hair all standing up on his face, he looks like a werewolf.

Have a good day all, relax and enjoy, as its Sunday - although I must be honest Sundays are usually the most busy day of the week for me with cleaning, tidying, washing, prepping Sunday roast and tidy up afterwards.
Usually by 10pm I'm ready for bed.  The Village is on at 9pm tonight on UTV so must watch that, have seen all the episodes so far the whole series.

heres the werewolf

Namaste
Marie.

Sunny Saturday

A lovely sunny start to Saturday.  Up at 9am and planned on doing 2+ hours revision for Islam & Cristianity - did about 1.5 hours which was OK I guess.  Did a few chores around the house then headed out to Mum's for lunch and a short walk around the block.  

Home at 5pm to watch Munster V Clermont in the semi of the Heineken Cup.  Unfortunately they lost 16-10 but Leinster beat Biarritz in the Amlin Cup so not so bad.

A relaxing evening ahead
Namaste
Marie

Friday night catch up

What a busy few days its been.  The last day of term today and now all thats left is the Exams.
Start 8th May and end 17th May.  So its revision all the way.  Just relaxing tonight with a few glasses of Aldi's best sauvignon blanc......... 5.29 a bottle.  Cannot go wrong with that kinda of pricing.  I paid 7.00 euro on wednesday night in my local italian pizza place.

My DD2 had a 'dinner party' for 9 of her classmates tonight.  Lasagne, garlic, bread, salad, sparkling water, orange squash, and sprite.  Then tea and chocolate cake, toffee pops, home made cheese cake and Aldi's best tray bake 4.99 (7.99 in Tesco and 10.99 in M&S)  can you guess ALDI is my new crush?

They all left by 10.30 (here since 8.00) and now just watching the Friday night Cowboy movie on TG3.
They are all 17 and 18 and its refreshing to see that they didnt need alcohol or boys to have a good nights entertainment, lots of laughing and girl talk.  The best kinda night.

Namaste
Marie.

After a short absence - I'm back

Fell by the wayside for no other reason other than I was busy at college.
Missed my birthday and all on the 9th.  Ah well its good to be back in blogger land
Hope everyone is well.  College has been full on due to trying to catch up on extended out
deadlines due to the wrist being out of action.  Happily I've caught up now and my last
assignment is due on Wednesday and is not extended - the due date is 24th so I'm fully up to date.
Happy days.  Now all I have to do is get cracking on my revision.  May 8-17 is examinations period.

Namaste !!

Marie.x

Sunny cold Sunday

Where do the weekends go?  Its Sunday already, weekend almost done and dusted.  Had a busy one though with visiting Kilmainham Jail yesterday to get a few last minute pieces of information for my Interpreting Archaeology module. Thank you Enda!! Then out to Bray on the bus to visit my Mum.
No car as OH taking DS2 to have her driving theory test, unfortunately there were tears as she failed - 34- out of 40 - pass required 35 - she was really upset, its rediculous, getting 85% in an exam and failing :(

Anyhoo today visited Rathfarnham Castle, once again to get some last minute information for yet another archaeology module - Arch of Medieval Castles - its such a magnificent castle  however I am more fond of the older 16th century part of the castle rather than the georgian part which was added in 1771 - nevertheless its a beautiful place - they really knew  how to spend their money the elite/wealthy in the 18/19th century :)

Still waiting to get together with the co ordinator for India so no news yet on that volunteering post - but I'll be going come hell or high water :)

Namaste
Marie.

Friday feeling

Feeling rather tired this am but had to get up and out and at'em!
Was meeting a good friend for an early cuppa and some others were also there so had
a great chat and it was lovely to have time to catch up.  Had a history seminar at 10 and also got an essay back which was a good result at a B.  History is an area I love but find difficult as an area of study as critical thinking and analysis is difficult for me.  I can express myself in written form quite well but in person I find it difficult to speak up and out in public (like many others I know).

Had an interesting email this morning from my daughters school regarding volunteering in India so I am going to follow up that one.  India is somewhere I've always wanted to visit and the opportunity to volunteer blends perfectly with what I am hoping to do when I graduate.

Thank you universe and angels :)

Namaste
Marie

Casting off

Horray finally got my cast off my arm today, glad to be done with it but poor old wrist looks very wizened and dry and still very much a funny shape :(  it will take time to get it back to its normal pre break state
Onwards and upwards, trying to learn to write again haha
Good old pc and being able to type and write with my left hand (illegibly)

Namaste
Marie

A quick late post

A later than usual post, the days are so busy lately time is short :)
The day started early but got lots done and finished in UCD about 2.pm
Home by 2/30 then had lunch and brought the dog out for a walk, boy was it cold out
despite being wrapped up, the wind chill was a killer.  However himself loved it and it was
good exercise for me.

Later on this evening met a college friend for a philosphy inaugural speech by none other than Noam Chomsky the eminent philisopher, linguist, writer and all round knowledgeable guy.
Very interesting discussion on whether or not capitalism will survive in todays economic climate.
It was an incredibly popular event and standing room only meant we had to stand for the entirety from 6pm to 9pm which was a little hard on the feet :(  However it was good to hear such an iconic speaker in person and for only E2 - ah the student life and the prices :)

Namaste
Marie

Monday

Darn another day and I've forgotton to post.
The holiday weekend has ended and its back to normal tomorrow
Had my mum here for a couple of days so it was nice to spend time with her
She has been very lonely since Dad passed away last June although myself and
my brother and sister are doing as much as we can to be there for her as much as possible
She does appreciate it and is always telling us so which is sad.  She is 82 years old and had
been with Dad since she was in her late teens - courting 5 years, married 59 years, in total 64 years together

The weather is still very cold even though its April now.  The evenings are longer now with the clocks going forward so hopefully it will give me the impetus to walk more in the evenings.
Once I get this cast off my arm i'll be able to cycle to college again -Yay
Spring has hopefully sprung.

Namaste
Marie

Sunny Saturday

Today was busy and productive. Up early as usual (body clock set to wake at 6am) so cannot sleep on much these days however the early bird catches the worm apparently.  After an early breakfast and little bit of kitchen tidying, dishwasher emptying etc I settled down to do some college work, prep on my history essay.  Got dressed and made up (I'm a total convert to being in my casual attire aka dressing gown when up early ) and then did some shopping and visited one of my neighbours for a catch up,


Delighted to say that by 9.30 pm tonight its ready for submission.  1944 words for better or for worse they will  be submitted.  Finishing off the evening with a take away and a few vinos, celebrating the essay's completion - I'm such a saddo, and essays completion is a cause for celebration

Clocks go forward one hour tonight so one less hour in bed folks :(

Happy Easter to all

Namaste
Marie

A good Friday

Well Easter is fast approaching and its good friday (and it will be good hopefully)
Despite my planned early start and study session I did the early start part - up at 9am
but I've spent the last few hours on the laptop browsing blogs that I like and checking out MSE
or Moneysaving website that I read every day.  I find minimalism and frugal living very interesting and aspire to have that sort of lifestyle.  Despite being a student I am lucky to have a nice home and no debt to speak off so I am very lucky.  Some people are living frugal lives purely by choice so I dont want to sound flippant about being interested in living such a life.  However I am conscious of my spending and try to limit the amount of clothes and accessories that I buy (not difficult when living on a student BTE grant).

Splashed out last night and bought 2 easter eggs for the OH and DS2 and a little bottle for moi :)

Going to finish  up now and get cracking on some essay prep.  Then I'm going to bring the dog out for a long over due walk as its a nice sunny day at the moment.

Happy Easter
Namaste
Marie

Holy Thursday 28th March

Just a quick update tonight.  Taking it easy and going to have a couple of vinos tonight :)
Thankfully the snow seems to have left us and today was a bright and sunny day although there is more cold weather forecast for the weekend.

Tomorrow will be an at home day catching up with all my chores and household stuff.

Namaste
Marie

Wednesday 27th March.......oops

Just realised I didnt post anything yesterday and am now going to catch up.
Yesterday was my busiest day of the week in college as I have back to back lectures from 9am to 2pm Happily one of the lectures was cancelled as the lecturer was ill (not too happy for the lecturer)
Was especially happy yesterday as I got one of my assignments back and I was really happy with my grade. Its given me extra impetus to get cracking for the next few weeks until end of term.

We have had the dreaded snow today and yesterday although it hasnt caused too much disruption in my area but other areas have had lots of snow such as Northern Ireland.  Hope in the morning I dont wake up to lots of snow as I have an early start and lots to do.

Anyway I'll finish up
Namaste
Marie

Monday, Monday,

Well what do you know its Monday again. Where do the weekend's go?  Back to UCD term time now 2 weeks reading weeks are over. Ahem ! Didnt do a lot of reading but got a lot of other stuff with my assignments done so not a complete waste of time.  Had an early start again today, up at 7.30 and in UCD at 8.30 with packed lunch, flask so NSD for me today as well (no spend day).  Hopefully anyway.

Had a get together with a group from Archaeology as we are doing a presentation on Marxist archaeology and its not a percentage type assignment, there will be prizes though for the best ones.  An extra 10 or 15% onto our marks would be preferable. Anyhoo.  Very productive and interesting get together.  Then did some perusing the web for some information on another project for Experimental Archaeology.  Lecture on the Vikings at 11 then coffee with the girls and home.  Did some assignment work at home so all in all  happy with my progress.

Have a meeting with my brother and sister regarding our elderly mum tonight, then home to do some reading for tomorrows history seminar.  Busy Busy :)

Namaste
Marie

Saturday night

Nearly forgot to blog today and its somewhat late on a Saturday so I'll keep it short,

Quite a busy day with the majority of the morning and into the afternoon spent researching my project work for one of my archaeology modules.  Tomorrow morning will be spent in the library looking through some books that I've ear marked which could be useful - thats if they are actually in the library, as so many times the system says they are on the shelves but when I check the shelves they aren't and that can be quite annoying.  Fingers crossed.

Had a nice pampering wash and blow dry later this afternoon and then home to prepare dinner, fish, corn and  potatoes sliced with curry powder and oil done in the oven - delish.

Had a lovely text from DD2 and she is  having a great time in Berlin but is also missing home and us which is nice to hear.  The main thing is she is enjoying herself, she's almost 18 but she is still my baby :)

I said I would keep this short so goodnight all

Namaste
Marie

Another early...ish start

What a wet and windy night and again this morning.  Where has all this wetness come from ?  I know its better than snow and ice but I see from the Journal.ie that already flooding is a problem in parts of the country and in areas that have already been flooded out so my heart goes out to those who have been affected.  We are lucky here in D6 that we dont suffer from flooding tg.

DD2 arrived safely in Berlin and seems to be having a good time......... how do I know ? No news except to say they landed safely.  No news = good news.  Met with a lovely ex colleage yesterday for coffee and long overdue chat.  Really enjoyed her company and time flew by.  It was lovely not to have to rush home to get DD2's dinner etc.  I am an empty nester at the moment, one in Berlin, one in Oz and one in France..........but the liebling in Berlin will be home on Tuesday next pg.

Today will be spend at home doing some office work for Dh and catching up on my assignments for Uni.
Glad of an excuse not to have to leave the house too early.  Will have to be Dh to Dr apt in Blackrock at 1.15 but other than that nothing especially has to be done today.  Looking forward to this evening when I will have the house and TV remote to mysel.  I predict a bottle of SB and a blanket over my feet on the couch, BLISS :)

Stay safe out there

Namaste
Marie

An early start today ....

Well this is an early entry today :)  I was up at 5am this morning as DD2 was  heading to Berlin for 5 days on a school history trip.  When I was in school my trip was in 6th class to Drogheda to see the head of Blessed Oliver Plunkett !! How times have changed.  Now its skiing trips, trips to the sun for LC year, history trips to Berlin etc.  I wish I was growing up now.... for more reasons than one (which I wont go into here :) )
So already I've been to the airport and back home now.

I've had my porridge and now I am heading up to UCD to meet a friend for an early 8.15 coffee then I need to do a serious 2-3 hour session in the library getting my Medieval Castles project to some sort of good stage. Find I'm procrastinating a lot lately finding other things to do rather than college work. Hmm not good.
I find i'd rather spend time on MSE or blogs or some such tasks which are more enjoyable.  This is worrying me tho as I need to put serious work into my assignments and get revising as well.  Usually I am not a procrastinator so I need to get back into the ZONE.

So its baby steps Marie to get to where you want to go...................

Namaste
Marie.

How time flies.....

My goodness cannot believe it was the 4th Jan since I last posted ? Time goes so fast.  I spend far too much time reading other peoples blogs and forget to update my own, must  be because they have more interesting lives than I do :) anyhoo I am back and my resolution is to add an entry every day or at least every other day to keep on track.  Knocked back a bit recently when I fell and broke my wrist, right wrist of course, so I am tapping this slowly with individual fingers rather than touch typing which is my normal way of typing.

Happened 21st Feb so have been one handed since then.  Gosh how we take our gifts for granted.  Having a cast on is terribly annoying and invasive, it prevents you doing all sorts of things.  However I know it is only a temporary blip in my otherwise smooth enough lifestyle so onwards and upwards Marie.  Two more weeks and the cast will be off :)

I am still in college and semester 2 of Year 2 is coming to a close, in about 4-5 weeks, then its exams and then finished for the summer.  Cannot believe that I am 2/3 way through a degree.  Its flying by.
Hoping to continue studying after I get my degree and do a Masters/Post Graduate study so the studying isnt ending if I have anything to do with it.  Funds permitting of course.  I will have to try to get some sort of a part time job or a couple of students to keep my studies on track.

Workin away on a couple of archaeology projects at the moment, which thankfully I have got extensions for, so pressure is somewhat eased from that point of view.  Also have 2 history essays to complete and submit by 30th April.  Then its revision and exams.

My DD1 phoned me from Oz today and she has bought herself a car, which she needed as they are travelling around fruit picking and need to get inland more to get more work.  She has 2 more months of fruit picking to do before the 2nd year visa can be applied for but she is coming home in August as she is going to be a godmother :)

Thats all catching up for now
Namaste
Marie

Friday 4th January - week 1 of 2013 already whizzing by

The first week of January is already flying by and we are on Friday already.  The last few days has been busy enough, making time for walks, readings, relaxing and spending time family.  Yesterday my son, my youngest daughter and myself went out to visit my Dad's grave in Bray, (he died on 9th June 2012) and to give the grave a bit of a tidy up, which hadnt been done since we did it in November 2012.  It wasnt too bad but we brought some fresh flowers and planted some narcissus and hyacinth bulbs, so they will be lovely in the spring when they come up.  My son is home from France for Christmas and he got stuck into the weeds on the perimeter of the grave, turned the soil and did a great job.  He has been a joy to have around the house and we will miss him when he goes home on Sunday 6th Jan.  We then called to my mother and had some chip butties and cakes for lunch, and my sister happened to call in also with her eldest son, so we had a lovely get together and chat over tea and cakes.  Then we took Mum to the grave for a look-see, she dosnt like to go there and especially not alone.  Then we took her back to our house for the night.  A relaxing tea of a big fry up and we all collapsed on the sofas for the rest of the night.

Today has been more of the same although I have been busy too, out walking the dog with Mum locally, then out walking with my youngest daughter and cycling up to UCD to get some library books.  Trying to get ahead of myself with some Semester 2 readings.  Successfully got the two books I was interested and can keep until 22/1/2013 - result :)

Photo is of son tidying grave yesterday in Bray.

Namaste