Nothing but blue skies......Wednesday 12/8/2015

What a gloriously sunny day today, on the way to work had to stop to look down the Liffey at Dublin  bathed in sunhine and a clear blue sky overhead.  I wouldn't want to be in any other city in the world than Dublin when the sun is shining.

Very tired this evening, lots of walking this week to and from work.  Gonna have a couple of vinos and hit the hay early tonight.  I'm off for the rest of the work (from paid work LOL) so can take it easy, just housework to do tomorrow and the rest of it.

Photo was taken this morning on way to work, it was glorious, had to stop and take it.

Namaste
Marie

Hi Ho its off to work I go..............Monday 10th August 2015

Monday and its back to work.  The Hols are over and back to the office in  Foley Street.
I'm lucky as I do not start until 10am so usually leave at 9, catch the Luas (tram) to city centre.
I work 10-4 so its reasonably relaxed.  I am only on a part time research role but its a bit of money for next years fees and its giving me great experience into research and how it works.  As it was the first day back after the holidays I must say I am tired tonight.  Finished at 4 and walked home - 50 mins walk so a good workout.

After dinner of Shepherds Pie and salad (weird mixture I know) I sat down to watch BBC4 and some interesting programmes.

A short entry today.

Namaste
Marie.

Back home from holidays Fri 7-8

Woke up to a  beautiful sunny morning with blue and white cotton wool skies.  Wouldn't you know it  we were leaving today ?  One of our neighbours called rather early at 9.30am (we had a rather late one last night so wasn't best pleased) but what could one do.  Had to get up, and after an  hour he left. Then another neighbour called so our departure planned for 11am was delayed to 12.15.  Finally we got on the road.  Made sambos and tea so we would be fed on the way.  Stopped in Adare to visit the Black Abbey which have been threatening to visit.  Some fabulous stained glass windows and lots of plaques for dead war heroes, Earls of Dunraven (the local lords for some considerable period) Adare Manor is world famous for its golf course, accomodation and location..  Got home by 5pm and the usual unpacking and putting stuff away, washing one, etc.  Firstly had to have a cuppa though.

Wasn't looking forward to leaving as had a lovely holiday but will be back in Sept/Oct again so not long to wait to be back.

Tomorrow will be busy shopping, visiting mum, charity shop drop, and cobblers.Then its the Puissance in the RDS at the Dublin Horse Show with OH and DD2.  We won the Agha Khan trophy today for the Nations Cup.

Great buzz in Dublin tonight, hopefully the sun will be shining again tomorrow.

image below www.irishtimes.com - two of the 4 members of the team - guy on the right is only just gone 20 - Bertram Allen - he's no 5 in the world standings at the moment I believe.

Namaste,
Marie.

Wednesday 5th August 2015

Well the Bank Holiday has been and gone and it was a washout.  Less said about that the better ! Don't really mind if its not too good weather wise as I can be lazy and read, write and computer surf without feeling too guilty.  On Monday it was nice for a few hours so we headed to Kenmare on a bit of a road trip, took some sandwiches, and the dog, and it was gloriously sunny albeit it was very windy.  Stopped at Dromquinna Manor on the way which is a  beautiful wedding venue with Glamping (glamorous camping) which we wanted to see.  Its in a beautiful spot on the Kenmare river but just as we got out of the car and started to walk with the dog the heavens opened !! Such a shame as I could imagine on a sunny day it would have been magnificent.

Got to Kenmare and walked around the town in between showers, there are some lovely shops and knick knack  places browsing and being seriously tempted, but we persevered.  Got some take away cups of tea and ate our sandwiches outside the lovely Kenmare Church which is 150 years old.(since 2014)  We had a browse around there, it had some amazing stained glass windows which two tourists? were taking shots of, mind you we were tourists also as we are not locals !!

On the way back we stopped in Waterville and the waves were immense, the tide was exceptionally high due to the full moon and the winds made them even bigger, we drove down to the shore where a house we have often viewed from the road is situated, right on the edge of the shore,  The woman who lives there came out to see what we were up to - understandably - and we had a very nice conversation with her.  Amazingly she lives there alone and I suspect in another 3-5 years she won't be living there as the sea will have taken the little bit of space between her and it - iykwim.

The last couple of days has been taken up with housekeeping the house getting ready for our return home to Dublin.  House has been fully repainted outside and I have cleaned, decluttered and tidyed up to beat the band.  As a little end of holidays treat we are heading to the Dublin Horse Show on Saturday for the Puissance with DD2 which we have been to before and really enjoyed.  Then its back to work on Monday.  Have had a  lovely time here in Kerry, its so relaxing.  Images below from www.dromquinna.com of the wedding venue and the glamping in the woods, both taken on nicer days than we had on Monday but nevermind its a beautiful place.  Also a drawing of Kenmare Church from a book written to celebrate 150 years since it was built.

Namaste
Marie.

Another month begins............1st August 2015

Not a huge amount going on today, up late, lazybones me.  Got hair done and came back and  had lunch.  Did a bit of housework as OH was outside painting the house so felt like I should do some work rather than pottering around on the laptop which I am known to be fond of.

It started off like a nice day sun was shining, after last nights disappointment at not being able to see the 'blue moon' due to heavy cloud cover.  May see it tonight yet.  Its become very dull now though so it may be the same tonight.

We are heading into Cahirciveen (nearest BIG town) as the annual Celtic Music Festival is on this weekend.  Usually its a bit of a washout weatherwise but it does not stop the people from flocking to the different pubs and musicians playing around the town so will head into there for some dinner and a few drinks to listen to the music.  I am not particularly keen on 'Irish' music but OH LOVES it.

A few brownie points will be earned tonight hopefully.  Image from http://www.celticmusicfestival.com

I think the image of the girl (very small) is very Jim Fitzpatrick in its ethos (irish painter of great renown)

Namaste
Marie.

Its been almost six months since I last posted :(

July 31st already and its been nearly six months since I posted here.  What has been happening in my life?  Well lots and most of it has been very good but busy.  I have finished the first year of my Masters at UCD, I have started a part time research job for Inclusion Ireland, I have finished mentoring for the moment, and have applied to work as a Volunteer 3rd Level study tutor with Ruhama.

Wow when its written down it looks like I've achieved a lot however I am still a mum of 3, wife, daughter to a mum in a Nursing Home as well as trying to get to lots of conferences, talks, seminars which interest me in my line of study which is Women's Studies.  I know that title covers a multitude.

Basically I am interested in all women's issues, feminism, gender equality and historical women especially interest me, particularly Irish women.  I recently completed an assignment on Cumann na mBan which may be taken up and published which is hugely exciting, even if its only for an Historical and Archeological Magazine but it would be a first for me.  Exciting but scarey at the same time.

So I cannot promise I will be posting more regularly here but I'll do my best.  Photo from DD2's debs night she looked fab and its a lovely photo.

Namaste
Marie.

Rugby success for Irish women and men :) Sunday 21st March 2015

Well what a rollercoaster of a day yesterday!! And glad to say a thrilling conclusion for the Irish men's rugby team winning the Championship for the second consecutive year.  All three matches were such hard fought affairs and such high scoring games.  It was wonderful to come out winners at the end of the day.  And today the ladies rugby team did us proud against Scotland with a 73-3 win to win the Women's Championship

I'll leave it at that.

Namaste
Marie.

Saturday 21st March 2015`

A lazy start to the day with a cuppa in bed and writing up ideas for one of my assignments.  Meeting a friend at 11am for coffee and then it will be catching up with chores.  Ireland are playing Scotland today in our last Six Nations rugby match and its still all to play for as all the the teams have lost a match (or two in some cases) so if we run in  a good score against the Scots we could still win the Championship on points difference.  So come on Ireland :)

The sun is shining so up and at them!! However the Scots have a nasty habit of beating us, even when they havn't won any matches this season we could still come a cropper against them.

A picture of my graduation day to give me inspiration to get through this semester of my MA.

Namaste

Marie.

Friday 20th March 2015

Spent most of this week in London with my DD2 who was taking part in tests for London University Hospital.  We stayed in the Radisson Edwardian Grafton beside Warren Street Tube station and it was a whistle stop tour to try and see as many 'sights' as we could as well as fitting in DD2's tests which were the purpose of the trip.  Nevertheless we managed to visit the British Museum, the National History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as Oxford Street for retail therapy, Her Majesty's Theatre for Phantom of the Opera on Tuesday night as well as Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

Have to say the three highlights were the V&A, the Theatre to see Phantom and Westminster Abbey.
When we got home were exhausted but well worth visiting London even for a couple of days, its amazing what you can fit in especially with the underground, its fantastic.

I will be back London.  Image of one of the cloisters at Westminster Abbey, no photos allowed in main areas, such an awesome place, full of history.

Thursday 12th March 2015

After a gap of some weeks I have decided to post a small one.  Not a lot happening to be honest but its been more of the same, home, college, mum, and catching up with myself.  I am on a two week 'reading break' from college to catch up with our reading and prep our assignments.  I am beginning to decide what ones to do and get started on researching readings, books, journals and articles to enable me to write a good assignment.  I will be heading to London on Monday with DD2s for some medical tests so I will endeavour to go to some of the 'sights' whilst there.  I will be in London for St. Patrick's Day :)  I am looking forward to the trip and spending some time with DD as well as relaxing in a nice hotel and getting some R&R.

Namaste
Marie.

Today its the 'old enemy' at Aviva - Sunday 1st March 2015

3 pm today it will begin and Ireland will attempt to beat England in the Aviva stadium which they havn't managed in the last 4 meetings of the two teams.  However we are at home and home advantage may swing it for us.  Hopefully.

Nothing much planned for today except prep dinner early and sit and watch the battle unfold with a few vinos.  Its a wet and cold day outside, fire is lit, and i'm cosy in my yoga pants and a hoodie so let the battle commence - 20 mins to go.  www.psl.teamsports.ie

just a few of our lovely lads :)

Namaste
Marie.

Here comes the weekend............. Friday 27th Feb 2015

Week 6 done and dusted (academic weeks) and yesterday was an exciting day in the life of an MA student, a class visit to the National Archives, I had been looking forward to this for weeks.  Arranged to meet one of my classmates earlier than the arranged 2.45 and met at 1.45.  To my dismay in the interim period between when I left my home to walk into the designated spot the event had been cancelled as the guide who had been arranged to take us around had the flu :( To say I was gutted was an understatement.  However my clever friend said we should go in anyway, after all it is open to the public, so that's what we did.  We registered, got our readers cards and they are valid for 3 years !! We can go in an out whenever we want.  We spent a happy hour going around looking at old books and files and finding our way about the place.  We had to leg it back to UCD for the lecture at 4 which was hastily rearranged in the aftermath of the cancellation.  Needless to say we were half an hour late, and there were only 4 at the lecture.  So all was not lost.

Today got the hair blow dried and visited mum.  Had a good old chin wag with her about her mum and my uncle who are both dead and had interesting lives, wish I had spoken to them more when they were alive.  The National Archives has whetted my appetite for further study.

Tomorrow I am going to UCD to get some research/reading done as I find I cannot get it done at home.  Wonder why??? Distractions of running a home and adult children 'Mum.....' spring to mind.
Sunday is the much anticipated rugby match between Ireland and England at twickenham.  May the best team win.....................:)  The Irish women's rugby team have already thrown down a marker to the lads !!! by beating England tonight.  (image www.rtesport.ie).

Namaste
Marie.

Lazy Wednesday morning 25th Feb

Today's planned mentoring was cancelled so I had an unexpected free morning that I am enjoying having a lie in and a cuppa.  I'm catching up on emails, texts and checking SKY for the headlines.   Bliss as not expected.  Later on I will be slow cooking a piece of ham in cider and doing the usual chores, as well as visiting mum.  Tonight I am recording Wolf Hall (the last episode) as I am going to the cinema with DD1 and DD2 to see The Theory of Everything.  Want to see Eddie Redmayne's oscar winning performance.

Last night I caught up with a friend and went to an Art lecture in UCD which was really enjoyable and  had a couple of vinos afterwards.  Home at 9pm so not too late.  There are always events on in UCD at 6.30 in the evening or a similar time which I always tend to miss so I am going to make more of an effort to attend events that I am interested in.  One funny comment which I liked last night was by one of the event contributors who had also combined one of the 5 books which were being discussed - on sculpture - and she remarked 'sculpture is what you bump into when you move back to look at a painting'.  It is a quote by an American artist but I know not whom at this present time.  It did make me smile.  (photo courtesy www.ucd.ie)

Namaste

Sunday rainy Sunday............ 22nd Feb 2015

Thought that the awfully cold weather was a thing of the past, well not so, we have had terribly cold and wet weather the last few days.  It was wrap up and keep warm weather and no mistake.  Never mind we will get through it with our lovely Stanley to keep us warm (our wood burning stove).

Had a busy week in and outside college.  We have been given the first of our group presentations and the groups have been organised. We have our first get together on Tuesday to discuss our topic and the due date is 31st March so a bit of time to get it done.  Its 20% of the module so not to be sneezed at.  Also applied for some work at the end of term exams in May as an invigilator so fingers crossed I will get some work as need to get some cash coming into the coffers, its all going the one way lately and thats OUT.

Went to a very interesting (free) talk yesterday with a guy called Fergus Heffernan about mindfulness and minding ones' own mental health.  He was just fascinating to listen to, I could have sat there all day and listened to him, He spoke for 3 hours and had us in hysterics one minute, and almost in tears the next.   It was all about giving us pointers for our own self care and ways to stay healthy in mind and body.  It really empowered me and made me determined to mind myself a little bit more so thats what I'm going to aspire to from this day forth.

This week on Tuesday I'm going to an Art Talk in UCD with a friend and having a coffee with her before hand and a catch up.  Havn't seen her for about 3 weeks.


Namaste
Marie.

Monday 16th Feb 2015

Yet another absence which is remiss of me.  Sorry about that.  The last week or so has flown by and I cannot believe where it has gone.  It was the usual round of college, home, mum etc so no real reason for not posting since Wednesday last.

Thursday I had my usual lecture 4-6pm so was in college for most of the day doing readings, prepping notes and catching up with friends and my group.  Friday was my day 'off' and I did the grocery shopping, went to get my hair done (v.important) and then went to visit Mum (also important).  Saturday was the IrlVFrance rugby match which I was looking forward to.  We won which was great.  As it was St Valentines Day my DD1 was going out to dinner with her bf so they invited me along so I met up with them for a drink later on.  First I had to bring DD2 to work, collect her and bring her to her bf's.  Mom's taxi indeed.

Sunday I went to visit mum and did the usual chores on Sunday.  Its now Monday evening at 19.59 and I'm pooped.  Gonna have a sambo, cup of tea and then hit the bed.

Namaste.
Marie.

Mentoring Wednesday 11th February 2015

A lazy start today as not in UCD today as I am meeting my mentee today.  The last two weeks we have gone to yoga and today we are going to the cinema, its a nice bit of 'me' time for my parent mentee and I get to enjoy myself as well. Win Win !! Going to see American Sniper which wouldn't have been my choice but it isn't about me on these meet ups.  Meeting in Dun Laoghaire so will get there early and mosey around the charity shops and Penneys, my all time fav bits and pieces store.  Always get a few bits there, they don't last but they give one a lift for not a lot of money.

So far today I've prepped the dinner, put away the dry clothes and set the fire for later.  Have to be organised, that is the key to success.  Won't be home until 5.30 - 5.45 so don't want to be prepping dinner then with the starving hoards on my tail.

Here's a tee I spotted on Penneys website, might get it today if its in stock in store :) For 8.00 euro its a snip !!

Namaste
Marie.

Tuesday/Wednesday 10/11th Feb 2015

A late one tonight/early am.  Busy day in college, readings, lecture, feedback on one of my modules and then home to prep dinner.  Out early to a supervision session with LeCheile whom I volunteer with weekly.  We get together with other volunteers to swop case studies, ideas, support each other and I find the sessions very helpful and informative.

Home at 8pm and watched Pavee Lackeen with DD1 - very sad and very eye opening film on the day to day life of a traveller girl in Ireland circa 2005-2006 before the demise of the Celtic Tiger, Even in those far away days of plenty of money before the recession hit with a bang there was very little in the way of helping travellers out of poverty through education, training, housing and health care.  I am sorry to say it has only got worse since then.

Namaste
Marie.

Monday 9th February 2015

Another week another round of readings, assignments and lectures to attend and prep for.
Got in reasonably early at 9am and then had a coffee with a couple of colleagues.  Got cracking on readings and spent from 10.15 to 1.30 going over some readings for Tuesday and Thursday,  Glad to get started as have a lot of readings to do for Thursday especially.

Home at 2.30 and then prepped pasta bake and salad for dinner, lit fire and pottered around kitchen.
Gonna watch a movie tonight called Pavee Lackeen about a young Irish Traveller which is meant to be very good, as one of my modules is on Travellers, Rights, Roma and Nomadism it should give me an insight into their culture.  Image courtesy www.google.images,ie






Namaste
Marie.

Missing in Action - Saturday 7th Feb 2015

Well I have indeed been missing in action.  A lot has happened in the last 7 days that I won't go into here but have meant that I have been rather less than full of beans in myself.  However I am taking one day at a time and intend to come out of this situation better and better than I am now.  So onwards and upwards.

Friday of last week (30/1) I went away overnight with 5 girlfriends for one of the girls 50th birthday celebrations.  The place was The Village at Lyons, just outside Dublin.  What a luxurious place and our 'cottage' was amazing.  When we arrived we chose our bedrooms and then we had a very nice lunch al fresco in the cottage with cheese, bread, olives, chicken, and of course vino :)  Then we headed to the kitchens where we had a cookery demonstration on how to cook the perfect steak, very good fun as well as informative.  I forgot to mention we were brought everywhere by golf cart, no walking for us.  After the demonstration back to the cottage for yet more vino and prepping for dinner.  Dinner was in a fab converted conservatory and the staff and food were second to none.  Got back to the cottage about 11.30 and stayed up chatting until the early hours.

Next morning it was  brekky and then we headed home, a lovely short sjourn away and definitely worth doing again, felt like I had been away for much longer than 24 hours.

Today I spent getting the house tidied, hoovering, mopping, cleaning kitchen etc and DD1 cleaned bath and bathroom which I hate doing so kudos to her. Spent most of the afternoon keeping an eye on the rugby - 6 nations - Ireland played and beat Italy in Rome, not a great match but a win nevertheless.

Tonight DD2 is at work so have to collect her at 9pm.   Image is of one of the fireplaces in the Village at Lyons similar to the one in our 'cottage'.

Namaste
Marie.

Saturday 23rd January 2015

The end of the week and last night went out for dinner and drinks with OH, not planned but very enjoyable.  This morning was a little slow to get started due to plenty of vino last night.  Still managed to get a lot of chores done and then headed out to visit mum.  When I got back DS had prepped the dinner and was working out on the new treadmill in our bedroom.  Thought it was going to come through the ceiling :)

Watched a very moving documentary on Channel 4 about the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps to honour Holocaust day.  Its hard to imagine that such things actually happened and these films serve to remind us that such events should never happen again.  Nevertheless when I think of the different atrocities that have happened since 1945 I wonder if human beings are capable of living in a state of peace and love for their fellow humans for any real length of time.

Namaste
Marie.

Thursday 22nd Jan 2015

An early start today as getting lift to college at 7,45 from DD1.  It was dark, dank and cold when I got there and walked the rest of the way from the gate to the library building.  Met a friend at 8.30 and then headed to the library to print out some readings for next weeks lectures.  Had a nice enough day as I met up with a few different friends and also had training from 1-2 (Endnote X7) which is helpful when researching and doing bibliographies so every little helps.

Met another friend at 2.30 so it was a very social day.  Had a lecture from 4-6pm on the History of Feminist Politics which was very interesting indeed.  Home at 6.30 and OH had a lovely beef stew made which was delicious.

Now curled up in bed watching the BBC1 News about 'quantative easing in the eurozone'.  Exciting.


Namaste.
Marie.

Results day 21st Jan 2015

Today our semester results were published and I have to say I was delighted with mine.  Nevertheless its all to do again to get stuck into new subjects and assignments but I wouldnt have it any other way.

Today was my first official mentoring day of 2015.  Firstly I met with my co-ordinator to review my progress and then get my mentee's opinion of how she feels things are going.  Overall it went very well and I am happy with both sets of feedback.

After finishing the session I went to visit my Mum and she is bedbound with a cough and a cold but otherwise in good form.  When I got home DD2 had also received her results and did very well, 3 a's, 2 b's and 1 D+ - on a course she dosnt like and is dropping out of !!

Tonight I think I will treat myself to a glass or two to celebrate my 2 A's and watch BBC2's Wolf Hall starting tonight - from the books by Hilary Mantel on Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn.  My all time favourite period in history:)

The man himself.............. courtesy www.sundaytimes.co.uk/google.images.co.uk

 

Namaste
Marie.

Back to UCD :) 20th Jan 2015

Today was my first day back since end November and glad to be back although I was not up as early as I had wanted to.  Nevertheless I got up made lasagne, hung up wet washing, stocked up the wood burner with wood and made myself some porridge with honey and fruit.  Gosh was I shocked last night watching a program about the amount of sugar in all our foods.  It sure is awful what food companies are doing to us and even though its on packets whats in food how many of us actually read those labels.

I was out the door by 11.30 and in the library at 12.00 courtesy of my trusty bike.  Did an hours reading prep for lecture at 2-4 and then met a friend for coffee (not planned but nice all the same).
Then headed to lecture at 1.45.  It was fascinating.  It was about travellers, rights and nomadism and is being held by a phd student from UL (University Limerick) herself a traveller.  I really had my eyes opened to the rascism and inequality that is meted out to travellers in every area of life.  For example it is hard to believe in this day and age that the life expectancy of a male traveller is 9.9 years LESS than a settled male.  Unbelievable.

Anyhow really enjoyed it and finished off class with a photo as this was an historic occasion - the first lecture on travellers in UCD given by travellers so it is nice to be part of something historic.

Home at 4.30 and back to normal feeding the troops :)

Image courtesy of http://www.ict.mic.ul.ie/

Namaste
Marie.

The end of an era.............. 19th Jan 2015

Today was a rather emotional day as myself and my brother had to go to the solicitors and sign the papers for the sale of Mum's house.  As she is now in a Nursing Home her house needed to be sold to enable us to keep her there as the grant from the Govt dosn't cover the full costs.  Needs must.  We did the necessary and then we went for lunch which was nice as we do not see each other v much and we had a chance to catch up and spend some time together.  He has done so much since Dad died and without him I don't know how I would have coped with everything.

Got home and needed to rest as I had walked into town and back and for some reason have a rather bad pain in my right leg and needed to put it up so I am now in bed with laptop on lap and DS doing the dinner.

Namaste
Marie.

Sunday and its a cosy day 18th Jan 2015

After a few days away from the blog I am back.  Nothing too exciting to record since my last post and I have spent the last few days perusing other peoples blogs.  I especially like moneysavingexpert.com which has lots of different blogs which can keep me occupied for hours if I let it.

Today I was up early and made OH and DS poached eggs with toast and tea.  After feeding myself decided I would head on foot to the nearest ALD? to get the weeks shopping in using a list and a budget.  DS decided he would come with me so of course the budget was blown, still managed to get a lot of food and meat etc for a good price.  If it lasts the week it will be even better.OH collected us from the supermarket and when I got home just prepped the dinner for later - roast chicken pots, hm stuffing, carrots, brocolli and roasted courgettes.  Followed by eton mess (well my version of it - yum. )

House is lovely and cosy as it is meant to be very cold tonight and DD2 is up in the bf's on her bike and has to come back on the bike so I hope she stays safe and dosn't stay out too late.  There is some of the white stuff forecast but we have been lucky so far not a sign of any.  It is indeed very pretty to look out at but if you need to go anywhere or do anything forget it.

image www.googleimages.ie

More of the same .......... 15.1.2015

Well Hurricane Rachel arrived but overall there was less damage than had been anticipated. Nevertheless the house certainly rocked last night as the wind howled and the rain lashed against the windowpanes.  Happily and thankfully we were all tucked up in our beds oblivious.  This morning everyone was slow to get moving except DD1 and DS - she was up for college and he was up to go to help a mate with some painting, he lives close by, just moved a few weeks ago.

I was determined to stay indoors today and get some more chores done, later on myself, DS, DD2 and her BF went to the local village to go to the bank, alterations place, Carphonewarehouse and LIDDLYs to get some supplies.  Got home and prepped dinner of pizza, chips (oven) salad and courgettes roasted in the oven, and I had mine washed down with a glass of Sauv Blanc  Lovely.

Tomorrow I will be up early as am heading out to Bray to get my hair done and visit Mum.
So up to shower and get ready and be presentable.  Love being in college but the holidays are too long and lead to lazy ways, I must try harder.

Namaste
Marie

The windy city............Wednesday 14th Jan 2015

Gosh its windy out there.  Today started out frosty and snowy and ended up torrential rains and high winds  Weather alert is code Red, highest warning.  Batten down the hatches  I know many countries in Europe have experienced high winds, rain and storms, so Ireland is not alone in this weather. Hurricane Rachel has arrived on our shores.

This morning I met with a friend from college and we went to a very nice local hotel for tea and danish pastries but boy did we pay for the experience.  Nevertheless it was nice to sit in the lovely surroundings enjoying the soft furnishings, looking out at the beautifully manicured gardens and being served by very polite and efficient staff.  I guess one has to pay for such service.  Back home at 11.30 to more mundane matters, tidying, putting away stuff, hoovering, my exciting life.

image google images of storms in Sligo in Feb 2014, not quite so bad hopefully this time around

Namaste
Marie

Not a lot happening........... Jan 13th 2015

Today was an uneventful kind of day.  After a late start (I am falling into lazy ways) I got stuck into the decluttering and tidying of the kitchen, and got everything that I wanted to get done done iykwim. Used up all the left over bits and bobs of veg and made a lovely veggie soup with some turkey stock from the freezer that was left over from Xmas.  OH, DS, and DD2 and myself had a bowl for lunch, it was delicious if a little thin.  I usually make and go for thicker soups but it went down well with everyone.

Later this afternoon myself and DD2 went for a long walk and on the way back got caught in a really cold snow shower, brr it was freezing, was I glad to get home to my warm and cosy kitchen (I had left the stove ready to light) and OH had arrived in before us and lit it.  DD1 was at her course and afterwards she was heading to a information evening in UCD for Mature students. She is hoping to get into the Level 8 Veterinary Nursing course in September 2015 so fingers and toes crossed.

After dinner we all had some gorgeous red velvet chocolate cake (courtesy of T--co) which was luscious with cream and Lidly's bourbon vanilla ice cream.  The reason we had it was our spanish student Eduardo was 19 on Friday but he was out and about for the last 3-4 days and it was the first chance we had to celebrate with him.

Will be hitting the hay early tonight, For some reason I am exhausted these days.  Must be all the extra walking and exercising, its helping me sleep anyway which is a bonus.  Image below from google.ie and is similar to the one we had this evenng.  Nom nom. :)

Namaste
Marieever

A week later...........Monday 12th Jan 2015

Where do the weeks get to?  Cannot believe I havn't blogged since Nollaig NaMban.
It was a lovely evening, met my friend at 7.30 and we strolled down O'Connell Street to the Irish Writers Centre and met up with many other women (and a few men) and had a complimentary glass of vino, and put our books on the table for the later KK (which was limited to those who had brought a book which was only fair).  The event was a little late starting at 8.20 pm and it started with various 'soapboxers', whom who stood up and for 2-3 mins spoke about various topics which were dear to their hearts or annoyed them or whatever !! It was very interesting, however it was a pity that the audience were not able to join in and make comments on the topics discussed.  Then there was a round table discussion on different feminist books and authors such as Lena Durham and Nora Ephron.  It finished with a rush to the KK table to choose a book in exchange, I got a very good one on 10 buildings in Dublin which I will find very interesting as I live in Dublin.  We finished off the evening with two hot chocolates in Bewleys of Grafton St.

The rest of this week has gone by in a blur of chores, visits to Mum and also bringing DD2 to Limerick on Saturday to University of Limerick open day.   She has now decided that she wants to do Equine Science at UL which means she will have to have accommodation and stay on campus.  This week myself and DS have been walking every day to lose some weight and get fitter.  Sunday we walked into town and went on the Je Suis Charlie walk to show support for the French after the awful week they have had.

Today I was meant to be going to Madrid but decided over the weekend that I would not go for various reasons.  So today I spent the day getting rid of food that was out of date, tins, flour etc and getting some space in my cluttered cupboards.  Tomorrow I will continue clearing out and making space.

Now settling down to watch Jurassic Park 3 (for about the 100th time :)

Namaste
Marie.

Tuesday 6th Jan Nollaig NaMban - little christmas and women's christmas

Today in Ireland we celebrate 6th Jan as Nollaig NaMban, Women's Christmas where traditionally the woman or mother of the household did not have to do any household chores and was free to enjoy the day as she wished.  Its an old tradition but tonight I am heading to an event for Nollaig NaMban in the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin City Centre to celebrate with readings and meeting up with other women to celebrate it.  We have to bring a book from a woman writer, wrapped in newspaper with a label on giving a little of information about the book or the author.  I chose Rebecca Millars book 'the Secret Life of Pippa Lee' and in return I will receive a book - its a Kris Kindle type of thing.  I am meeting up with a colleage from college who has been on the MA course with me since September and it should be an interesting night with talks from women guest speakers such as Una Mulally and actress Tara Flynn............ I am looking forward to it.

We got back from Kerry on Saturday and Sunday was spent cleaning and hoovering the house and getting back to normal.  Monday I went to get my hair done, met my friend (vbf) and then visited my mother where I sorted out her clothing, put her name on most of her stuff, put her laundry in her new laundry basket and sorted out some of her drawers which were in a bit of a mess.  She is in a Nursing Home and is increasingly becoming disinterested in her appearance and clothing, she has Dementia, which is v. sad as Mum was always very smart looking and kept herself well.

Now I am off to meet DS to have a walk and meet him to carry home the groceries which he went off to get, also having a walk and getting his hair done in the process.

Namaste
Marie.


image courtesy google images.ie: old fashioned photo of women enjoying Nollaig NaMban, they look like very posh women to me !!

The first of many........ Jan 1st 2015

Today in Kerry it is blowing a gale and this has led to a change in plan for the day.  I was planning a walk on the lovely beach at Ballinskelligs with the dog and OH but the weather has defeated this plan....... at least for the moment, SO I am tucked up in my bed looking out at the windswept countryside, surfing the MSE forums and having a duvet day :)

One of the major goals I have for 2015 is 'I'm not buying in 2015'.  By this I mean I will not excessively consume goods.  I will obviously have to buy food and essential items such as personal care, dental care etc. but apart from these I will endeavor not to buy anything unnecessary for the whole of 2015 and hopefully beyond.  Additionally I want to declutter the vast amount of junk in our home, OH is a devil for bringing home 'stuff' and it stays in our home which gets more cluttered with each passing year.  So I am going to be bagging up, and bringing to the charity shop or selling more quality items on DoneDeal and such sites to generate a bit of cash.

As I am in college and will be for the next 18 months of so I am not working so this plan should help to keep my funds firmly locked in my pocket.  Similarly in conjuction with this I will be logging NSD days or Non Spend Days so Jan 1st is a NSD. 1/31


Namaste
Marie.