I got C insured for driving my car today so we went for a lesson. She did stops and starts all around the nearby university campus, doing very well and maybe better than she did when she last drove 15 months ago. She also exercised in the university gym while I went to Maplins to seek "stuff".
More about Cuba is gradually going up on the Knocknagow site, but it's laborious work.
I'm moving lots of music onto my new mp3 player that I got for Christmas. It'll soon have loads of listening material. I've also put some photos onto it, though it's not a great place to view them if you want to see them clearly.
Thursday 28 December 2006
Tuesday 26 December 2006
Blogging and raspberry canes
I cut back all the raspberry canes this afternoon, discovering in the process that large chunks of our neighbour's pine tree were deposited in our vegetable patch when the tree was lopped recently. B cut large branches off a tree that is just outside our gate and getting in the way. Now we need to find a way of disposing of the branches, a laborious process as we have to chop them up first.
I've typed in lots of C's Cuban diary, reminding myself of all the things we learnt on our trip in the process. There is now a link to the blog on this site.
I've typed in lots of C's Cuban diary, reminding myself of all the things we learnt on our trip in the process. There is now a link to the blog on this site.
Cuban blog starting up
For those interested, go to my Knocknagow blog to see the
beginnings of Carolan's diary of our Cuban trip. I'm going
to put it up there gradually over the next few days.
The sun has just come out so I don't have any excuses
to avoid going out to do some gardening. I'd better get
out there while I can...
beginnings of Carolan's diary of our Cuban trip. I'm going
to put it up there gradually over the next few days.
The sun has just come out so I don't have any excuses
to avoid going out to do some gardening. I'd better get
out there while I can...
Sunday 24 December 2006
I got into blogger at last!
I've been problems getting access to the new blogger system but I've now worked out what
was wrong so am back in action.
It's Christmas Eve. We managed to get a Christmas tree today. This may seem late but we've been looking for one since Friday afternoon when Carolan cycled to meet me at work so that we could go choosing one together. We went to all the normal places where there are usually trees aplenty, but this year there was no sign of any. It seems that there is more money to be made selling trees to other European locations so there is a shortage of them in Ireland this year. However, all's well that ends well and it is now decorated and looking good. The fire is lit as well. The twigs the birds collected to make a nest in the chimney earlier in the year are beautifully dry and helped to get the fire going nicely.
I hoovered the front garden today. Lots of polystyrene baubles are still on it and gradually making their way into the house so this was the only method I could think of to get rid of some of them. They are amazingly persistent and I'll have to make a few more forays with the hoover before they are completely gone.
was wrong so am back in action.
It's Christmas Eve. We managed to get a Christmas tree today. This may seem late but we've been looking for one since Friday afternoon when Carolan cycled to meet me at work so that we could go choosing one together. We went to all the normal places where there are usually trees aplenty, but this year there was no sign of any. It seems that there is more money to be made selling trees to other European locations so there is a shortage of them in Ireland this year. However, all's well that ends well and it is now decorated and looking good. The fire is lit as well. The twigs the birds collected to make a nest in the chimney earlier in the year are beautifully dry and helped to get the fire going nicely.
I hoovered the front garden today. Lots of polystyrene baubles are still on it and gradually making their way into the house so this was the only method I could think of to get rid of some of them. They are amazingly persistent and I'll have to make a few more forays with the hoover before they are completely gone.
Wednesday 20 December 2006
Great concert
As usual, it was a great concert last night, with lots of variety. The school chamber choir has some superb sopranos. The star of the show was, of course, Ian, who sang a BellX1 song and amazed a lot of people who hadn't heard him sing. I might be a bit biased on him being the star ;>), but he certainly did us all proud.
The drive down to Waterford and back was very foggy, and therefore slow. On arriving home it looked as if we had had hailstones around the house, but on closer examination I discovered that they were polystyrene beads. The insulators came and injected them into our house yesterday, so we should have a cosy Christmas. I'm not sure whether it was my imagination but I felt that the house was warmer this morning when I got up than it usually is, yet is was freezing outside.
I'm off to our department party this evening. Better remember to bring the credit card.
The drive down to Waterford and back was very foggy, and therefore slow. On arriving home it looked as if we had had hailstones around the house, but on closer examination I discovered that they were polystyrene beads. The insulators came and injected them into our house yesterday, so we should have a cosy Christmas. I'm not sure whether it was my imagination but I felt that the house was warmer this morning when I got up than it usually is, yet is was freezing outside.
I'm off to our department party this evening. Better remember to bring the credit card.
Monday 18 December 2006
Christmas letters
I love receiving Christmas letters, particularly if they have been written directly to me. I got a long hand-written one from my best friend from school with all the news about her family. Her eldest daughter is getting married at the end of June and preparations are well in train for a good country wedding. Then
there is the letter from another friend saying how delighted they are that their daughter, who has just graduated and is in the middle of a masters course, is due a baby. I suspect that delight isn't quite the right word. Yet another friend wrote to say that she is taking early retirement from her public sector job in which she has worked extremely hard over the last 30 years. She is going to do a masters degree in history, a well deserved change.
Now I am feeling very guilty that I haven't yet written to them and I've tried to start letters without any success this evening. However, I console myself with the fact that I can respond to
their news and make the letters more personal. Some of our specially designed Christmas cards arrived today. They have a photo of Knocknagow on them, looking very splendid, though not very Christmas-like except for the red hull.
Tomorrow is Christmas concert day at Newtown and Ian is singing a solo, accompanying himself on his guitar. I'm looking forward to it. It's a pity that term doesn't end until Friday as it means two trips to Waterford this week. Roll on next weekend!
there is the letter from another friend saying how delighted they are that their daughter, who has just graduated and is in the middle of a masters course, is due a baby. I suspect that delight isn't quite the right word. Yet another friend wrote to say that she is taking early retirement from her public sector job in which she has worked extremely hard over the last 30 years. She is going to do a masters degree in history, a well deserved change.
Now I am feeling very guilty that I haven't yet written to them and I've tried to start letters without any success this evening. However, I console myself with the fact that I can respond to
their news and make the letters more personal. Some of our specially designed Christmas cards arrived today. They have a photo of Knocknagow on them, looking very splendid, though not very Christmas-like except for the red hull.
Tomorrow is Christmas concert day at Newtown and Ian is singing a solo, accompanying himself on his guitar. I'm looking forward to it. It's a pity that term doesn't end until Friday as it means two trips to Waterford this week. Roll on next weekend!
Saturday 16 December 2006
Back from Cork
Well, we've made it to Cork and back and had a good day of wandering and shopping. There are a lot of interesting shops and I know that my favourite daughter would love some of the clothes shops. I reckon a trip there after Christmas during the sales would be a good idea. It would even provide some driving practise.
We ate at the Farmgate café in the English Market. It is located on a balcony above the market stalls and is a popular place for eating. We decided to treat ourselves. B has this strong conscience that says that when he is in a particular place he must eat the food from there. Luckily I don't have any such notion as he felt he had to eat tripe and drisheen and didn't find them particularly interesting. He says they were bland. They were served in a white sauce. I had lambs liver and bacon, which was very tasty.
Goldie and Pippa stayed at home so are very lively now. I had brought them for an early morning walk before we left for Cork but they have long forgotten that. The river continues to rise. I must take photos of it tomorrow as I don't think I've ever seen it so high. Next week is due to be dry and cold so it may be at its highest level now.
We ate at the Farmgate café in the English Market. It is located on a balcony above the market stalls and is a popular place for eating. We decided to treat ourselves. B has this strong conscience that says that when he is in a particular place he must eat the food from there. Luckily I don't have any such notion as he felt he had to eat tripe and drisheen and didn't find them particularly interesting. He says they were bland. They were served in a white sauce. I had lambs liver and bacon, which was very tasty.
Goldie and Pippa stayed at home so are very lively now. I had brought them for an early morning walk before we left for Cork but they have long forgotten that. The river continues to rise. I must take photos of it tomorrow as I don't think I've ever seen it so high. Next week is due to be dry and cold so it may be at its highest level now.
Wednesday 13 December 2006
That rain
Is the rain ever going to stop? The river passing through Castleconnell is at the highest level it has been for many years. A big puddle completely covers the road just near Lisnagry as you reach the main Limerick road. Puddles are just everywhere.
Just one weekend left before the Christmas season starts. We're off to Cork, where I hope to do some shopping for those little bits and pieces that make the big day fun and give us a few pressies to pull the paper off.
The first Christmas card we receive is always from an aunt and uncle of mine. They are so efficient and I know the season is getting under way when their card arrives. It came in through the letter box on Monday. Now I suppose I'd better think about sending out mine, though at this stage I reckon I need to resign myself to the fact that my card will arrive with the recipients after they have taken all the other ones down. As a result I'd better ensure that I put notes in them all.
One of my tyres was badly punctured on Sunday and I'm having difficulty getting a replacement one. I rang around tyre places seeking the kind I want (Goodrich) and eventually found a company that supplies them and said they had my size in stock. B kindly offered to drive to them and sort things. When he arrived they told him that I hadn't specified the make of tyre I wanted (tosh, tosh....) so they only had other kinds as the "Polish guy hadn't yet arrived in the lorry".
Just one weekend left before the Christmas season starts. We're off to Cork, where I hope to do some shopping for those little bits and pieces that make the big day fun and give us a few pressies to pull the paper off.
The first Christmas card we receive is always from an aunt and uncle of mine. They are so efficient and I know the season is getting under way when their card arrives. It came in through the letter box on Monday. Now I suppose I'd better think about sending out mine, though at this stage I reckon I need to resign myself to the fact that my card will arrive with the recipients after they have taken all the other ones down. As a result I'd better ensure that I put notes in them all.
One of my tyres was badly punctured on Sunday and I'm having difficulty getting a replacement one. I rang around tyre places seeking the kind I want (Goodrich) and eventually found a company that supplies them and said they had my size in stock. B kindly offered to drive to them and sort things. When he arrived they told him that I hadn't specified the make of tyre I wanted (tosh, tosh....) so they only had other kinds as the "Polish guy hadn't yet arrived in the lorry".
Saturday 9 December 2006
Dara O Briain
Isn't Dara O Briain wonderful? We bought a DVD of his performance in the Theatre Royal in London today and are watching it. He seems to have endless ways of ad libbing and has an amazing bank of knowledge. Yesterday he managed to have a conversation with Jonathan Ross on atomic physics and sounded like he knew exactly what he was talking about, out-Jonathaning Jonathan.
Hair cut day today. I love watching all the fashions on the people who work in the hairdressing salon, and their range of hairstyles. Everyone was busy and there was at least 20 people rushing around washing hair, drying it, cutting it, dying it, brushing the floor, cleaning towels and doing loads of other jobs. There was no time for anyone to stand around admiring the work of the stylists today, as sometimes happens. The guy who cuts my hair knows he is never going to make his fortune from me as I always leave the cut until weeks after I should have gone. Birds could make nests from the amount cut off each time.
Talking of nests, Goldie is shedding a lot of hair at the moment so any birds nearby who feel like making a nest at this time of the year can have plenty of material. Great lumps are coming off him and the house is a mess - I seem to be endlessly hoovering. He managed to find the only mucky puddle, as usual, while on his walk today. The river was flowing extremely fast and was at the highest level I've seen it in some years.
Hair cut day today. I love watching all the fashions on the people who work in the hairdressing salon, and their range of hairstyles. Everyone was busy and there was at least 20 people rushing around washing hair, drying it, cutting it, dying it, brushing the floor, cleaning towels and doing loads of other jobs. There was no time for anyone to stand around admiring the work of the stylists today, as sometimes happens. The guy who cuts my hair knows he is never going to make his fortune from me as I always leave the cut until weeks after I should have gone. Birds could make nests from the amount cut off each time.
Talking of nests, Goldie is shedding a lot of hair at the moment so any birds nearby who feel like making a nest at this time of the year can have plenty of material. Great lumps are coming off him and the house is a mess - I seem to be endlessly hoovering. He managed to find the only mucky puddle, as usual, while on his walk today. The river was flowing extremely fast and was at the highest level I've seen it in some years.
Wednesday 6 December 2006
The week flies - what a cliche
The holiday seems like it was ages ago, and this week has flown past. It's less than 3 weeks to Christmas. Everyone around me seems to be rushing around in a panic worrying that their Christmas shopping hasn't been done. Should I be worrying too? It somehow just seems to come together, and Christmas is a time for relaxation in our family.
This is the first time in a few years when we'll all be at home for a week together with none of us going out to work. The chimney has been cleaned so we should have no fires in it from birds' nests and can make that room look warrm and cosy. All we need is some cold weather to go along with it.
This is the first time in a few years when we'll all be at home for a week together with none of us going out to work. The chimney has been cleaned so we should have no fires in it from birds' nests and can make that room look warrm and cosy. All we need is some cold weather to go along with it.
Sunday 3 December 2006
That was some holiday!
Well, we're back from Cuba and I'm now trying to absorb all we saw and learnt. We saw a good variety of the different parts of Cuba - Havana, Isla de Juventud (aka Treasure Island), Trinidad and Vinales. These places ranged from crowded city to old fashioned countyside, and a lovely beach in between with a view of those lovely fishies you find on coral reefs. We heard all sorts of different opinions on the present state and future prospects of Cuba, though wished we were able to speak Spanish so that we could ask all the questions we wanted to of our hosts in Casa Particulares.
As we were leaving the preparations were at frantic point for the big celebrations held yesterday to remember 50 years since the start of the revolution, and to celebrate Castro's 80th birthday. We saw part of a rehearsal for the military parade on Wednesday, with hundreds of soldiers lining the main street dressed in green trousers and special tee-shirts (and no guns). The military equipment waiting around was enough to scare anyone, though!
Carolan has written a comprehensive diary on our trip and I'm hoping she'll publish it on-line. That will save me doing anything.
It's ever so slightly windy here. The felting has blown off the top of our shed and B has spent half the afternoon tying to mend it. He is currently trying to warm up and also to remove tar off his hands and clothes.
Anyway, back to work tomorrow.....
As we were leaving the preparations were at frantic point for the big celebrations held yesterday to remember 50 years since the start of the revolution, and to celebrate Castro's 80th birthday. We saw part of a rehearsal for the military parade on Wednesday, with hundreds of soldiers lining the main street dressed in green trousers and special tee-shirts (and no guns). The military equipment waiting around was enough to scare anyone, though!
Carolan has written a comprehensive diary on our trip and I'm hoping she'll publish it on-line. That will save me doing anything.
It's ever so slightly windy here. The felting has blown off the top of our shed and B has spent half the afternoon tying to mend it. He is currently trying to warm up and also to remove tar off his hands and clothes.
Anyway, back to work tomorrow.....
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