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.