It seems that the operation on Grandpa's eye accelerated the development of his cataract in that eye and that is why he can't see. He'll have to wait until the end of next month, but they will then remove the cataract and he will then have his sight back again. He is in good form and willing to wait if it means such a good result.
We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Park canal and the river Shannon leading up to University of Limerick on Sunday. It was sunny and ideal for taking photos. Large numbers of Sunday walkers were out, with no sign of any students at the university end. I think they may have been on holidays still.
Yesterday I managed to get through my talk to Newtown Association, and it seems to have been well received. It is a great reminder of the need to communicate. Things I have been intimately involved with have not been shared at all with parents. I assumed that parent representatives were communicating some of it, and that committee members would discuss the developments we are discussing with those near to them, and that the news would spread. It was scary to find the lack of knowledge, and encouraging to find openness to it all.
This evening I am very tired. Tomorrow I have to go into work early to hand out iPod Nanos to everyone on shift. What fun!
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Sunday 27 January 2008
Vegetable gardening
My veg garden is now empty except for broccoli plants, which will eventually produce the broccoli florets that we eat. A large heap of raspberry canes and other stuff for a bonfire sits in the middle of the garden awaiting a dry spell so that it can actually catch fire if I light it. The compost heap is working away at the end of the garden and probably needs to be turned over into its sister pen for further decomposing. Then I need to consider what to plant for next year.
Rocket was great last year, though it was difficult to grow. It seems to come into its own in the autumn and winter. Raspberries provided a great crop in the autumn, in just the right portion sizes to be able to enjoy them fresh. I planted lots of beetroot last year, and enjoyed the output, but I'll plant less this year. I didn't get best value from the spinach as it arrived at the wrong time for eating it. There wasn't enough of beans and peas, so I'll plant more of them this year. I always like the small number of sweet corn we get out of the space I allocate for them. I can't justify growing more, as they take up a lot of space, but I will grow the same amount again. Runner beans were good too, but planted a bit late. Leeks were mainly used for soup and came at a time when they are fairly easy to get, so I'll consider their value. I grew potatoes in small quantities as I was given them by Seed Savers, but they aren't worth it in the space I have, and they tend to keep on spreading. Courgettes grew in great quantity and so I used them when they were small, which is the best way to taste them.
Rocket was great last year, though it was difficult to grow. It seems to come into its own in the autumn and winter. Raspberries provided a great crop in the autumn, in just the right portion sizes to be able to enjoy them fresh. I planted lots of beetroot last year, and enjoyed the output, but I'll plant less this year. I didn't get best value from the spinach as it arrived at the wrong time for eating it. There wasn't enough of beans and peas, so I'll plant more of them this year. I always like the small number of sweet corn we get out of the space I allocate for them. I can't justify growing more, as they take up a lot of space, but I will grow the same amount again. Runner beans were good too, but planted a bit late. Leeks were mainly used for soup and came at a time when they are fairly easy to get, so I'll consider their value. I grew potatoes in small quantities as I was given them by Seed Savers, but they aren't worth it in the space I have, and they tend to keep on spreading. Courgettes grew in great quantity and so I used them when they were small, which is the best way to taste them.
Saturday 26 January 2008
Virtuous
It's 6.30pm and this is the first moment today when I've relaxed. It's Saturday, folks, so I should have been having a day of relaxation, in case you don't remember. This morning I went into work for our recruitment open day. 230 people visited, up considerably on the number who came to see us for a similar event in the autumn. The economy isn't as good as it was, and we are one of the few companies expanding, so maybe we are beginning to be recognised for that.
I took on the task of talking to everyone about Vistakon, the products we make, how we make them, and the jobs they could come to, as well as the benefits available when working for us. I think I convinced myself to work there! I had to do this talk about 6 times so was pretty tired by the time I was finished. After that, I did a bit of work before heading home at about 3.30pm.
I was, of course, trying to put off the inevitable. I have to put together my script for talking to parents on Monday night at Newtown. I discovered newspapers and all sorts of goodies to distract me at home but decided that I wouldn't reward myself until I had forced myself to make good headway into what I am going to say. Hallelujah - it worked, and I now have something that even b thinks is reasonably respectable. I'll work further on it tomorrow, but it doesn't require a huge deal of further thinking. So, I'm now going to relax for the remaining hours of the day.
It would, of course, be nice to read family blogs, but noone has blogged. I am on my own as a lonesome blogger responding to a non-blogging family. That is my fate, I can see! However, hope springs eternal.
Tomorrow b and I are going to go on a walk up the Park Canal and towing path to the University of Limerick, having left one car at each end. This should be invigorating and energising, and all sorts of good things. The dogs will love it too. b wants to measure some kind of harbour for his research so we have to bring a length of string to do this. He also tells me we have to bring the good camera. Let's hope the weather remains dry, as it is today.
Kayla and a friend are coming to visit us the week after next for a couple of days. She is daughter of Leslie, who in turn is sister of Patty. Kayla is attending Colby College in Maine, but is spending a semester in London so is taking the opportunity to visit various parts of Europe, including us. I won't be around much as the visit is mid-week, so b is having to do the honours. They will leave us to go to Cork, and then on to Dublin to stay with someone in Rockspring direction.
There are great cooking smells here. I wonder will they produce today's meal or are they for putting into the freezer. I'm going to get myself a glass of wine to ready myself for whatever comes my way.
I took on the task of talking to everyone about Vistakon, the products we make, how we make them, and the jobs they could come to, as well as the benefits available when working for us. I think I convinced myself to work there! I had to do this talk about 6 times so was pretty tired by the time I was finished. After that, I did a bit of work before heading home at about 3.30pm.
I was, of course, trying to put off the inevitable. I have to put together my script for talking to parents on Monday night at Newtown. I discovered newspapers and all sorts of goodies to distract me at home but decided that I wouldn't reward myself until I had forced myself to make good headway into what I am going to say. Hallelujah - it worked, and I now have something that even b thinks is reasonably respectable. I'll work further on it tomorrow, but it doesn't require a huge deal of further thinking. So, I'm now going to relax for the remaining hours of the day.
It would, of course, be nice to read family blogs, but noone has blogged. I am on my own as a lonesome blogger responding to a non-blogging family. That is my fate, I can see! However, hope springs eternal.
Tomorrow b and I are going to go on a walk up the Park Canal and towing path to the University of Limerick, having left one car at each end. This should be invigorating and energising, and all sorts of good things. The dogs will love it too. b wants to measure some kind of harbour for his research so we have to bring a length of string to do this. He also tells me we have to bring the good camera. Let's hope the weather remains dry, as it is today.
Kayla and a friend are coming to visit us the week after next for a couple of days. She is daughter of Leslie, who in turn is sister of Patty. Kayla is attending Colby College in Maine, but is spending a semester in London so is taking the opportunity to visit various parts of Europe, including us. I won't be around much as the visit is mid-week, so b is having to do the honours. They will leave us to go to Cork, and then on to Dublin to stay with someone in Rockspring direction.
There are great cooking smells here. I wonder will they produce today's meal or are they for putting into the freezer. I'm going to get myself a glass of wine to ready myself for whatever comes my way.
Thursday 24 January 2008
Grandpa's progress
I spoke to my father this evening. He sounds cheerful, though frustrated. His sight is no better than it was. He says there seems to be liquid on his eye - if he moves his head to the side he sees a line moving, and if he shakes his head he sees a wave. It is as if the line is the top of a layer of liquid. He was hoping to see the consultant again tomorrow, but the appointment is now for Monday so he has the weekend to get through before he asks about the liquid.
On Saturday he has been invited to a lunchtime birthday party of a school-friend whose company he enjoys, so that will give him and Granny a focus for the day.
On Saturday he has been invited to a lunchtime birthday party of a school-friend whose company he enjoys, so that will give him and Granny a focus for the day.
Tuesday 22 January 2008
Committees all around
I've just come home from a CIPD committee meeting. It might be the last one this year as we've arranged everything that needs to be done for all the talks we are having for the rest of the year, so hopefully all I have to do is to turn up at them.
Yesterday evening I was at a meeting of Monaleen National School Board of Management. I was asked to be a community representative on this, and am doing my Vistakon duty on this one. It is likely to be quite interesting, but at least I don't have any responsibility other than to attend meetings.
Next week is Newtown week. On Monday I have to speak to Newtown Association. On Tuesday I have a Finance Committee meeting. (and, on Wednesday, I have to attend a quick meeting of Monaleen NS). On Saturday there is the main committee meeting. The following week I have to attend a Planning Committee meeting. Then that is out of the way for a while, I hope.
Work is busy too, and I may have to do a few rounds of meetings in the evening and weekends to communicate on some changes. Luckily, most weekends are fairly clear, so I'll rest up at them. Having said that, this weekend we have an open day for recruitment on Saturday morning. So, it's all GO!
Yesterday evening I was at a meeting of Monaleen National School Board of Management. I was asked to be a community representative on this, and am doing my Vistakon duty on this one. It is likely to be quite interesting, but at least I don't have any responsibility other than to attend meetings.
Next week is Newtown week. On Monday I have to speak to Newtown Association. On Tuesday I have a Finance Committee meeting. (and, on Wednesday, I have to attend a quick meeting of Monaleen NS). On Saturday there is the main committee meeting. The following week I have to attend a Planning Committee meeting. Then that is out of the way for a while, I hope.
Work is busy too, and I may have to do a few rounds of meetings in the evening and weekends to communicate on some changes. Luckily, most weekends are fairly clear, so I'll rest up at them. Having said that, this weekend we have an open day for recruitment on Saturday morning. So, it's all GO!
Sunday 20 January 2008
Castleconnell in flood
I've put a link to photos of Castleconnell, showing both the village and the current high level of the river. I hope it works. I can't work out how Ian did his link to Flickr showing a small number of his photos, but I'll keep working on it.
Leavy isn't very good at knitting
Leavy doesn't seem to understand that you have to use the needles to knit. She thought that the idea was to take the stitches off the needles and unravel the wool. I'm not sure that she will ever learn, but I have learnt that it is best not to leave the knitting lying around for even a minute, as she has her eye on it! I spent a couple of hours last night just re-doing what she had undone.
Saturday 19 January 2008
CAO
In spite of Ian's definite decision to go to Bristol, I have put in a "just in case" application to the CAO. It's fun choosing courses when you know it doesn't matter! I chose:
1. International Development and Food Policy in UCC
2. International Relations in DCU
3. Management Science and Information Systems Studies in TCD.
The choice of courses doesn't matter, even if Ian did decide he wants to study in Ireland, as he can change his mind with the CAO form until July now that he has an application in.
I bought some wool in town today as my on-line purchase still hasn't arrived. I think I'll try to cancel it as there is no further update from them, and it was ordered on 6th January.
b is writing an article for Afloat, who gave him 2 days of notice that they want an article. He reckons he doesn't have news in the winter, so is using some of the research he has been doing to put together a historical news article.
The Saturday market still hasn't really woken up since Christmas, but stalls are gradually reappearing. There is a French guy from Tralee who is selling yummy patisseries, and there is a stall selling very nice pies. We bought from both today. The rain is contant, though, so town is very empty. There is a big rugby match later today and I don't think many are expected to attend as it is so miserable. This is unusual for Limerick
I took out all my minutes and other stuff about Newtown today, hoping that it will give me inspiration for my talk on a vision for the school. If anybody out there has ideas, let me know. Once I get started I'll probably be OK, but having to think about it isn't working for me at the moment.
1. International Development and Food Policy in UCC
2. International Relations in DCU
3. Management Science and Information Systems Studies in TCD.
The choice of courses doesn't matter, even if Ian did decide he wants to study in Ireland, as he can change his mind with the CAO form until July now that he has an application in.
I bought some wool in town today as my on-line purchase still hasn't arrived. I think I'll try to cancel it as there is no further update from them, and it was ordered on 6th January.
b is writing an article for Afloat, who gave him 2 days of notice that they want an article. He reckons he doesn't have news in the winter, so is using some of the research he has been doing to put together a historical news article.
The Saturday market still hasn't really woken up since Christmas, but stalls are gradually reappearing. There is a French guy from Tralee who is selling yummy patisseries, and there is a stall selling very nice pies. We bought from both today. The rain is contant, though, so town is very empty. There is a big rugby match later today and I don't think many are expected to attend as it is so miserable. This is unusual for Limerick
I took out all my minutes and other stuff about Newtown today, hoping that it will give me inspiration for my talk on a vision for the school. If anybody out there has ideas, let me know. Once I get started I'll probably be OK, but having to think about it isn't working for me at the moment.
Friday 18 January 2008
Grandpa
Grandpa is now recovering from the eye operation. The doctor is happy that it went as well as could be expected, so now it is a matter of time until we know how successful it has been. The outcome is painful, so his eye is covered to ensure that he doesn't agitate it. I suppose you can't put a collar on a man, like you can on our dogs!! The general anaesthetic has laid him a bit low, and he was sick this morning, but he has now started to eat again and so Granny is optimistic that this will make all the difference. He will get out of hospital on Sunday, so I'll ring him on Sunday evening. Granny suggested leaving him to rest tomorrow, rather than visiting him.
The weekend has finally arrived. It's due to continue raining, which will encourage me to stay in and invent what I want to say to Newtown Association at their agm on Monday week. What is my "vision for Newtown", I wonder? I'll probably de-personalise it and talk about what School Committee has been doing to determine their vision.
I had my car serviced today. This was the first service in over a year, which is a great service interval. Next time it needs one may be when I'm selling it.
The rain this week means that the river level is exceptionally high, and everywhere is mucky. Even the non-carpeted living room and kitchen floors get very dirty every day from the fun the dogs have in the muck. Today Pippa's little cosy bed was retrieved from the flower bed and was extremely mucky. Goldie or Leavy must have decided it needed burying yesterday, as it went missing during the day. I must take photos of the river tomorrow, and insert them here.
The weekend has finally arrived. It's due to continue raining, which will encourage me to stay in and invent what I want to say to Newtown Association at their agm on Monday week. What is my "vision for Newtown", I wonder? I'll probably de-personalise it and talk about what School Committee has been doing to determine their vision.
I had my car serviced today. This was the first service in over a year, which is a great service interval. Next time it needs one may be when I'm selling it.
The rain this week means that the river level is exceptionally high, and everywhere is mucky. Even the non-carpeted living room and kitchen floors get very dirty every day from the fun the dogs have in the muck. Today Pippa's little cosy bed was retrieved from the flower bed and was extremely mucky. Goldie or Leavy must have decided it needed burying yesterday, as it went missing during the day. I must take photos of the river tomorrow, and insert them here.
Wednesday 16 January 2008
Mid week missive
I can't believe it is only Wednesday as a lifetime seems to have past this week already. The FDA auditor has been in and kept everyone busy at work, and there has been a state of high alert all round. This evening he decided he had seen enough and would finish a day early, so he gave us a clean bill of health and went away. Much celebrations are going on everywhere!
Grandpa went into hospital for his op on his eye today, but I have no news yet as to how it has gone. My mother must be visiting him, and Rob and Jenny aren't answering their phones either. We probably won't know for a few days whether it has brought his sight back. He has to sit upright, and as still as possible, following the operation, so will be very tired by it.
Various negotiations are going on about what to do for Gran's 80th birthday. A meal is being organised, and hotels discussed. We await further instructions from b's sisters.
b is starting to work on seeing whether a location can be found for a barge harbour. I think about 10 people have expressed interest in finding somewhere, so he has started to coordinate explorations. I'll keep you posted on any developments.
Grandpa went into hospital for his op on his eye today, but I have no news yet as to how it has gone. My mother must be visiting him, and Rob and Jenny aren't answering their phones either. We probably won't know for a few days whether it has brought his sight back. He has to sit upright, and as still as possible, following the operation, so will be very tired by it.
Various negotiations are going on about what to do for Gran's 80th birthday. A meal is being organised, and hotels discussed. We await further instructions from b's sisters.
b is starting to work on seeing whether a location can be found for a barge harbour. I think about 10 people have expressed interest in finding somewhere, so he has started to coordinate explorations. I'll keep you posted on any developments.
Monday 14 January 2008
The trouble with electricity
is that we rely on it when we are supposed to have it. We've just had a third power cut this evening. Two happened before I came home, and one just now. The first lasted about an hour, the second a few minutes, and the latest about 10 minutes. I was just starting to blog when it happened.
Goldie was the one trying to bite his way out of the garden today. b's defences worked, and he didn't succeed. Maybe he was the ringleader all along. Leavy explored leaping over into the veg garden again, but the rope holding the wire fence tight seems to have done the trick.
The FDA auditor arrived at work today. The place looks immaculate, and everyone is on high alert. So far, so good. He has got stuck into the work, though, and isn't missing anything.
Leavy just alerted us to the fact that there seemed to be someone at the door. I went out to it, not expecting anyone to be there, and locked it. b told me he was expecting the "gate" man to call so I went and looked again. And there he was, being very polite about the fact that I had just ignored him and left him out in the rain. I think he is going to give us a quote for a new side gate.
Shannon Sailing has made a hole under Ian's bed to look at our water tanks and has found huge tanks under there. When they emptied them the boat rose up about 8 inches (15 cms!). It looks like it will be impossible to line them with plastic at the front, though, so they are going to look at the back ones.
No news has come yet re Grandpa. I'll keep you posted as soon as I know any more.
Goldie was the one trying to bite his way out of the garden today. b's defences worked, and he didn't succeed. Maybe he was the ringleader all along. Leavy explored leaping over into the veg garden again, but the rope holding the wire fence tight seems to have done the trick.
The FDA auditor arrived at work today. The place looks immaculate, and everyone is on high alert. So far, so good. He has got stuck into the work, though, and isn't missing anything.
Leavy just alerted us to the fact that there seemed to be someone at the door. I went out to it, not expecting anyone to be there, and locked it. b told me he was expecting the "gate" man to call so I went and looked again. And there he was, being very polite about the fact that I had just ignored him and left him out in the rain. I think he is going to give us a quote for a new side gate.
Shannon Sailing has made a hole under Ian's bed to look at our water tanks and has found huge tanks under there. When they emptied them the boat rose up about 8 inches (15 cms!). It looks like it will be impossible to line them with plastic at the front, though, so they are going to look at the back ones.
No news has come yet re Grandpa. I'll keep you posted as soon as I know any more.
Friday 11 January 2008
Grandpa and Leavy
Grandpa's good eye bled on Tuesday evening, leaving him unable to see except with peripheral vision. He has an appointment on Monday at 4.30pm with someone who will try to remove the blood at the back of his eye. This is the only hope of getting his vision to return. Meanwhile, he can't read, watch TV, or do normal things like pour tea into a cup, as he can only see at the sides. The specialist put her hand out in front of his face and asked him how many fingers he could see. He could only see 3, being unable to see the middle 2.
When I spoke to Granny at lunchtime today she was much happier, having fought to get the appointment for Monday. It has to be done within a week of the bleed. They were about to head out into the garden to do a few things together as it was sunny and it gave something to keep Grandpa occupied. Ian - if you read this, please send him a postcard or letter as soon as possible.
Leavy is excelling herself. Today she managed to escape a few times, and it seems she has worked out a way of getting over the fence into the veg garden. From there she gets into the graveyard, and away. Guess what we'll be doing tomorrow.
When I spoke to Granny at lunchtime today she was much happier, having fought to get the appointment for Monday. It has to be done within a week of the bleed. They were about to head out into the garden to do a few things together as it was sunny and it gave something to keep Grandpa occupied. Ian - if you read this, please send him a postcard or letter as soon as possible.
Leavy is excelling herself. Today she managed to escape a few times, and it seems she has worked out a way of getting over the fence into the veg garden. From there she gets into the graveyard, and away. Guess what we'll be doing tomorrow.
Thursday 10 January 2008
Lush - my favourite
I finished the day yesterday with a bath with an "I've been mangoed" bath melt from Lush. It has to be my favourite! I felt really ready for a good sleep afterwards, and beautifully warm and smelling of mangoes.
The fire brigade arrived at work today. I think they were trying to remove the huge lake that had formed overnight in the car park. There must have been a lot of rain, or alternatively the car park sank. Anyway, cars could barely drive through the patch of it in front of the canteen.
It's nearly the end of the week. I'll be glad of the weekend!
The fire brigade arrived at work today. I think they were trying to remove the huge lake that had formed overnight in the car park. There must have been a lot of rain, or alternatively the car park sank. Anyway, cars could barely drive through the patch of it in front of the canteen.
It's nearly the end of the week. I'll be glad of the weekend!
Wednesday 9 January 2008
Leavy
...has had one of those days. The floor was wet this morning, my leather chair has been chewed, the blue basin has been taken down from on high and chewed, curtains have been pulled down, the wind-up torch that was too high for her to reach has been damaged, and there are paw marks on the kitchen table. While she may not have been the culprit who actually did these things I suspect that she had a large role!
Tuesday 8 January 2008
More rain happens
It is very stormy and miserable out - again. It felt good to be inside at work today as it was cold and wet. The people who insist on continuing to smoke now have to walk up the roadway and out onto the path, but the addiction is so strong that there are still quite a few doing that in spite of the weather. What amazes me is the fact that they don't bother with coats, umbrellas, or any protective clothing. Pneumonia will be the result.
New machines were put in for swiping into the company and went live yesterday. Within half an hour someone had managed to hurt themselves by bashing into the doors and ended up going for an x-ray. You can imagine what fun that was. Now there is huge hype about the unsafe doors. What happened is that the person swiped her card and then didn't walk into the opening. After it had started to close she decided to swipe again and walk in, at which stage the doors had started to close. They reopened, but she panicked and hurt herself. I tried to recreate what she had done, with no success. Anyway, lots of people have been working on it today and it has the full brains of the company working on fixing it.
b and Ian are speaking on Skpe. I've had to re-load money onto it as they are speaking for such a long time. It's very exciting to hear what Ian is up to. His blog was great, and he has promised to bring us beyond day 1 as soon as he can.
That's it for now.
New machines were put in for swiping into the company and went live yesterday. Within half an hour someone had managed to hurt themselves by bashing into the doors and ended up going for an x-ray. You can imagine what fun that was. Now there is huge hype about the unsafe doors. What happened is that the person swiped her card and then didn't walk into the opening. After it had started to close she decided to swipe again and walk in, at which stage the doors had started to close. They reopened, but she panicked and hurt herself. I tried to recreate what she had done, with no success. Anyway, lots of people have been working on it today and it has the full brains of the company working on fixing it.
b and Ian are speaking on Skpe. I've had to re-load money onto it as they are speaking for such a long time. It's very exciting to hear what Ian is up to. His blog was great, and he has promised to bring us beyond day 1 as soon as he can.
That's it for now.
Monday 7 January 2008
The cooker is mended
The bloke came to fix the cooker element today and, this time, actually fixed it. That means we can grill waffles again...
I was in work at 7.45am today and suddenly it was 6pm. What did I do that was useful in between those two times? Hmm, maybe it's best not to ask questions like that in case I don't have a happy answer. Anyway, I'm home now (7.06pm) and ready for a nice meal, which smells like it is on its way.
I ordered some wool for knitting yesterday evening. That was a strange thing to do as I haven't done knitting for years. However, I decided I needed something to keep me occupied while I watch awful TV programmes, and also I need a slipover thingy to go over blouses as part of my work gear. I have no idea whether the wool will be good when I get it, or even if I have ordered the right amount. It is possible to buy a pattern on-line, but for some reason they don't let you see details such as how much wool you need to knit it, so I've had to guess. It will end up being sleeveless because I don't have wool, rather than because that is what I intended anyway. Or, it will end up having sleeves because I want to use up the wool.
I was in work at 7.45am today and suddenly it was 6pm. What did I do that was useful in between those two times? Hmm, maybe it's best not to ask questions like that in case I don't have a happy answer. Anyway, I'm home now (7.06pm) and ready for a nice meal, which smells like it is on its way.
I ordered some wool for knitting yesterday evening. That was a strange thing to do as I haven't done knitting for years. However, I decided I needed something to keep me occupied while I watch awful TV programmes, and also I need a slipover thingy to go over blouses as part of my work gear. I have no idea whether the wool will be good when I get it, or even if I have ordered the right amount. It is possible to buy a pattern on-line, but for some reason they don't let you see details such as how much wool you need to knit it, so I've had to guess. It will end up being sleeveless because I don't have wool, rather than because that is what I intended anyway. Or, it will end up having sleeves because I want to use up the wool.
Sunday 6 January 2008
Barack Obama wins Iowa
I forgot to say how exciting it is that Barack Obama won the Iowa primary so decisively. I'm listening to his victory speech on youtube and he is very impressive. It would be great to see such change in leadership.
Maybe Ian would like to go and help him in the US next summer?!!
Maybe Ian would like to go and help him in the US next summer?!!
A cold and miserable Sunday
It's cold and wet and I've turned the heating on for the afternoon. Even the dogs don't want to go out.
I went to Meeting this morning. There was Eoin, Hiram, Terry & Marian & kids, Joan, John G, Aidan, and various others - the speaking was on the topic of the epiphany, today being the feast of the Epiphany. I had a good chat with Eoin, and remembered to give him the voucher for Clare, so she is now trying to contact Ian. We still have to find an open post office for Andres's parcel, but it is wrapped, addressed and ready to go.
After Meeting I headed to work, the kind of saddo thing a parent does when there are no children in the house. I got some useful things done there in preparation for our FDA audit. b went to Killaloe market and got some goodies, as well as walking the dogs. I'm drinking some very nice soup he bought there, made by Mrs Rudd.
Gaybo has just started his Sunday afternoon programme on the radio. That makes it 4pm. I must go and do the ironing and then I will be finished with duties for the day.
I went to Meeting this morning. There was Eoin, Hiram, Terry & Marian & kids, Joan, John G, Aidan, and various others - the speaking was on the topic of the epiphany, today being the feast of the Epiphany. I had a good chat with Eoin, and remembered to give him the voucher for Clare, so she is now trying to contact Ian. We still have to find an open post office for Andres's parcel, but it is wrapped, addressed and ready to go.
After Meeting I headed to work, the kind of saddo thing a parent does when there are no children in the house. I got some useful things done there in preparation for our FDA audit. b went to Killaloe market and got some goodies, as well as walking the dogs. I'm drinking some very nice soup he bought there, made by Mrs Rudd.
Gaybo has just started his Sunday afternoon programme on the radio. That makes it 4pm. I must go and do the ironing and then I will be finished with duties for the day.
Saturday 5 January 2008
They've all gone away
We said goodbye to Carolan today. She flew off to Liverpool, courtesy of Ryanair. The airport in Shannon was very busy when we got there, mainly due to Ryanair flights coming and going. Destinations on the outbound side that were checking in included Liverpool, London Gatwick and Paris.
We started the day with an early morning visit to the market to search for Indian herbs for C before she went. The market was pretty empty, so no joy on that one. We thought we'd go to The Wild Onion to have breakfast but discovered it was closed too, opening again on 8th January. Instead we went to Relish on Thomas Street. We met up with Karen (by arrangement) so enjoyed her company. b then returned to the car to read papers and mind the dogs while C, Karen and I went around shops looking for a coat for C. No joy on that one either, so we headed on to the airport at about 11am.
Having left C to go to her flight we headed to Cratloe Woods to walk the dogs. It was pouring when we got there so we waited a few minutes until the rain/sleet died down. We then went for a shortish walk as it looked like it was going to pour again. It did, immediately after we reached the car, so our judegment was good.
On the way home we called in to PCWorld to buy a flat screen for b. It looks nice, and will save a lot of space on his desk. I haven't yet seen it in action.
I've spent most of the afternoon tidying up the house. I chopped up the Christmas tree so that I can burn the bits on the fire I will eventually have in the vegetable garden. That made a great mess, following which the hoover came into action to clean up the floor and surrounding areas. I cleaned up the fire as well, so the big room now looks neat. Next I gave the sofa in the living room a good clean (I'm sure the dogs appreciate that!), as well as the room itself. Finally, I went upstairs and changed sheets on C's bed. The washing machine is running as I type. The final task will be to empty the dishwasher, which has just finished running.
So, it's been a busy day so far, and it's only 6pm. I must see if there is something worth watching on TV tonight as I think I deserve some relaxation.
We started the day with an early morning visit to the market to search for Indian herbs for C before she went. The market was pretty empty, so no joy on that one. We thought we'd go to The Wild Onion to have breakfast but discovered it was closed too, opening again on 8th January. Instead we went to Relish on Thomas Street. We met up with Karen (by arrangement) so enjoyed her company. b then returned to the car to read papers and mind the dogs while C, Karen and I went around shops looking for a coat for C. No joy on that one either, so we headed on to the airport at about 11am.
Having left C to go to her flight we headed to Cratloe Woods to walk the dogs. It was pouring when we got there so we waited a few minutes until the rain/sleet died down. We then went for a shortish walk as it looked like it was going to pour again. It did, immediately after we reached the car, so our judegment was good.
On the way home we called in to PCWorld to buy a flat screen for b. It looks nice, and will save a lot of space on his desk. I haven't yet seen it in action.
I've spent most of the afternoon tidying up the house. I chopped up the Christmas tree so that I can burn the bits on the fire I will eventually have in the vegetable garden. That made a great mess, following which the hoover came into action to clean up the floor and surrounding areas. I cleaned up the fire as well, so the big room now looks neat. Next I gave the sofa in the living room a good clean (I'm sure the dogs appreciate that!), as well as the room itself. Finally, I went upstairs and changed sheets on C's bed. The washing machine is running as I type. The final task will be to empty the dishwasher, which has just finished running.
So, it's been a busy day so far, and it's only 6pm. I must see if there is something worth watching on TV tonight as I think I deserve some relaxation.
Friday 4 January 2008
Skype is great
We've just had a lovely call with Ian via Skype. It worked out at 2.30 euro for about 16 minutes, which seems like a good deal, considering it was to cost over 50c per minute via the normal phone line. We'll do that again.
It was great to hear Ian, who seems to be settling in. Getting up at 5am doesn't seem like an Ian kind of thing to do, but you never know what is possible!
It was great to hear Ian, who seems to be settling in. Getting up at 5am doesn't seem like an Ian kind of thing to do, but you never know what is possible!
Kenya news
This is a letter that has come from FWCC re the Kenyan situation:
Dear Friends,
You may be aware of the deteriorating situation in Kenya following last month’s elections. At the FWCC World Office, we have been receiving emails from Friends in Kenya. This email is a summary of what we know so far.
First, some background from David Zarembka, Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative/ Friends Peace Teams who lives in Western Province, Kenya. He writes:
“Since independence the Kikuyu [the tribe to which President Mwai Kibaki belongs; Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, is a Luo] have directly or indirectly controlled the Government and Kenyan business. Through this time, they continued and promoted the centralized system of Government given to them by the British. The 2007 election campaign revolved around “devolvement” meaning decentralizing. Naturally Kibaki and the Kikuyu opposed this since this meant giving up their power to the periphery.
“So it is payback time. It is amazing how only Kikuyu shops and homes were burned and everyone else left intact. Those at the bottom are taking it out on those whom they feel are on top. They have no contact with the Kikuyu tycoons and politicians and so they are taking the pent-up rage of forty-four years of independence out on the average Kikuyu in their community. The Kikuyu are then retaliating by killing the other ethnic groups that happen to live in their communities.
“With the large population increase in the past, there are many youth. Many of these have been educated to the secondary level or even above and then they are left with nothing to do, alienated from Kenyan society. They see no future so they can easily be turned to violence. This is the tinder and the spark was the announcement that Kibaki won what everyone in western Kenya considers was a rigged election.”
David’s most recent email, sent on the morning of 3 January, anticipated a violent clash at a rally being planned by the opposition in Nairobi.
“Today looks like the decisive day, and things don't look good. Kibaki has told the head of the African Union not to come to mediate because this is an internal Kenyan problem. In the doublespeak of the day, this means that Kibaki is not going to negotiate and will enforce his presidency with the police and military. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) plans a massive inauguration of Raila Odinga today in downtown Nairobi at Uhuru Park. One million people are expected to attend. The Government has banned the gathering. BBC reports that riot police have encircled the park standing a meter apart. In other words, this looks like its going to be a major confrontation. Kikuyu from hard-hit Eldoret have been evacuated under police escort to Nakuru and Nairobi.”
Bainito Wamalwa, head of a young Friends organisation and employed by a Swedish NGO, described the current situation in Eldoret: “The Friends church in Eldoret has 62 families who are displaced by some of them having their houses burnt. They have no shelter, food and other basics. There is no way to enter or exit Eldoret now. The food prices have gone more than treble high. Things are not right here.”
In the face of the catastrophe befalling Kenya, John Muhanji, the Director of the Friends United Meeting Africa Ministries Office, tried to focus on the future. He wrote:
“Happy New Year!! At least I can manage to say to you happy new year. It is true that those who are alive can say such words but in reality I would have said sad and bloody new year for Kenya 2008’. What a bad ending and beginning of the year. Friends when you see yourselves enjoying the peace you have now wherever you are praise God for everything. Because that can be taken from you in a twinkling of an eye as it happened here in Kenya. Peace is something that needs to be guarded with a lot of care from everybody in the world.
“I am experiencing a situation where people we have lived with for many years are being chased a way and their houses being burned not by their neighbours but by people from nowhere in a mob.”
John continued, “Tension is all over the country and especially in towns. In my village, Kivagala, I have occupied the young people in football games during this sad period. Many idle young people have not been involved in any activity of any nature but busy participating in the games that will reach its climax on Saturday January 5th. I am very much encouraged with the response… Yesterday after visiting Kisumu in the evening and seeing how tense the place was and the tension along the road, I arrived at home and found a different atmosphere where the playground in the school was filled with young people playing. The older generation was playing against the younger generation. It was such an interesting game… This may be an example to other parts of the country… I have also introduced an open air film show to the community to intensify peace in the community.”
But for now, the violence continues, and in some areas it is escalating. Transportation is also severely disrupted, as the Matatus that are the primary form of transportation country-wide most use are mainly operated by Kikuyus, and they are too afraid to work. David Zarembka writes:
“The death toll since the election is supposed to be 284, but I suspect it is much higher… There is a report that 10,000 armed Kalejin youth from the Eldoret area (there were 2000 people who burned down the church) are marching on Burnt Forest, an area with many Kikuyu where there have been clashes in the past. If this kind of thing is true, then we may be in for a real bloodbath on the scale of the Rwandan genocide. It is possible that the violence has gotten out of control so that the political leaders, the police, and army may not be able to control it even if there is a political settlement.”
From what we know as of this writing, US Friends living and working in Kenya Eden and James Grace and their children are safe in Kisumu and Jody Richmond is also in a safe place. We have heard nothing about the safety of Friends in Nakuru, Nairobi or other parts of Kenya. People are about to run out of time on their mobile/cell phone cards and internet access, so communication may be more of a problem shortly. The same is true of food for many people.
John Muhanji asks for financial support for prizes for his sports participants and we are sure there are other needs as well. Donations can be made via the FUM website www.fum.org or via the FWCC World Office www.fwccworld.org earmarked for this purpose.
In terms of the more general financial and other material support that Friends can offer, discussions are taking place both at AFSC and amongst Friends in Britain to determine the best and safest way to ensure that help reaches those who need it. We should be in a position to tell you more about this early next week.
Most of all, Friends in Kenya need our prayers along with prayers for peace and justice to prevail in their country. This is the season of the Prince of Peace and we must seek God's assistance and guidance amidst this turmoil.
With hope and faith,
Nancy Irving, General Secretary
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Harry Albright, Communications Director
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Dear Friends,
You may be aware of the deteriorating situation in Kenya following last month’s elections. At the FWCC World Office, we have been receiving emails from Friends in Kenya. This email is a summary of what we know so far.
First, some background from David Zarembka, Coordinator of the African Great Lakes Initiative/ Friends Peace Teams who lives in Western Province, Kenya. He writes:
“Since independence the Kikuyu [the tribe to which President Mwai Kibaki belongs; Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, is a Luo] have directly or indirectly controlled the Government and Kenyan business. Through this time, they continued and promoted the centralized system of Government given to them by the British. The 2007 election campaign revolved around “devolvement” meaning decentralizing. Naturally Kibaki and the Kikuyu opposed this since this meant giving up their power to the periphery.
“So it is payback time. It is amazing how only Kikuyu shops and homes were burned and everyone else left intact. Those at the bottom are taking it out on those whom they feel are on top. They have no contact with the Kikuyu tycoons and politicians and so they are taking the pent-up rage of forty-four years of independence out on the average Kikuyu in their community. The Kikuyu are then retaliating by killing the other ethnic groups that happen to live in their communities.
“With the large population increase in the past, there are many youth. Many of these have been educated to the secondary level or even above and then they are left with nothing to do, alienated from Kenyan society. They see no future so they can easily be turned to violence. This is the tinder and the spark was the announcement that Kibaki won what everyone in western Kenya considers was a rigged election.”
David’s most recent email, sent on the morning of 3 January, anticipated a violent clash at a rally being planned by the opposition in Nairobi.
“Today looks like the decisive day, and things don't look good. Kibaki has told the head of the African Union not to come to mediate because this is an internal Kenyan problem. In the doublespeak of the day, this means that Kibaki is not going to negotiate and will enforce his presidency with the police and military. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) plans a massive inauguration of Raila Odinga today in downtown Nairobi at Uhuru Park. One million people are expected to attend. The Government has banned the gathering. BBC reports that riot police have encircled the park standing a meter apart. In other words, this looks like its going to be a major confrontation. Kikuyu from hard-hit Eldoret have been evacuated under police escort to Nakuru and Nairobi.”
Bainito Wamalwa, head of a young Friends organisation and employed by a Swedish NGO, described the current situation in Eldoret: “The Friends church in Eldoret has 62 families who are displaced by some of them having their houses burnt. They have no shelter, food and other basics. There is no way to enter or exit Eldoret now. The food prices have gone more than treble high. Things are not right here.”
In the face of the catastrophe befalling Kenya, John Muhanji, the Director of the Friends United Meeting Africa Ministries Office, tried to focus on the future. He wrote:
“Happy New Year!! At least I can manage to say to you happy new year. It is true that those who are alive can say such words but in reality I would have said sad and bloody new year for Kenya 2008’. What a bad ending and beginning of the year. Friends when you see yourselves enjoying the peace you have now wherever you are praise God for everything. Because that can be taken from you in a twinkling of an eye as it happened here in Kenya. Peace is something that needs to be guarded with a lot of care from everybody in the world.
“I am experiencing a situation where people we have lived with for many years are being chased a way and their houses being burned not by their neighbours but by people from nowhere in a mob.”
John continued, “Tension is all over the country and especially in towns. In my village, Kivagala, I have occupied the young people in football games during this sad period. Many idle young people have not been involved in any activity of any nature but busy participating in the games that will reach its climax on Saturday January 5th. I am very much encouraged with the response… Yesterday after visiting Kisumu in the evening and seeing how tense the place was and the tension along the road, I arrived at home and found a different atmosphere where the playground in the school was filled with young people playing. The older generation was playing against the younger generation. It was such an interesting game… This may be an example to other parts of the country… I have also introduced an open air film show to the community to intensify peace in the community.”
But for now, the violence continues, and in some areas it is escalating. Transportation is also severely disrupted, as the Matatus that are the primary form of transportation country-wide most use are mainly operated by Kikuyus, and they are too afraid to work. David Zarembka writes:
“The death toll since the election is supposed to be 284, but I suspect it is much higher… There is a report that 10,000 armed Kalejin youth from the Eldoret area (there were 2000 people who burned down the church) are marching on Burnt Forest, an area with many Kikuyu where there have been clashes in the past. If this kind of thing is true, then we may be in for a real bloodbath on the scale of the Rwandan genocide. It is possible that the violence has gotten out of control so that the political leaders, the police, and army may not be able to control it even if there is a political settlement.”
From what we know as of this writing, US Friends living and working in Kenya Eden and James Grace and their children are safe in Kisumu and Jody Richmond is also in a safe place. We have heard nothing about the safety of Friends in Nakuru, Nairobi or other parts of Kenya. People are about to run out of time on their mobile/cell phone cards and internet access, so communication may be more of a problem shortly. The same is true of food for many people.
John Muhanji asks for financial support for prizes for his sports participants and we are sure there are other needs as well. Donations can be made via the FUM website www.fum.org or via the FWCC World Office www.fwccworld.org earmarked for this purpose.
In terms of the more general financial and other material support that Friends can offer, discussions are taking place both at AFSC and amongst Friends in Britain to determine the best and safest way to ensure that help reaches those who need it. We should be in a position to tell you more about this early next week.
Most of all, Friends in Kenya need our prayers along with prayers for peace and justice to prevail in their country. This is the season of the Prince of Peace and we must seek God's assistance and guidance amidst this turmoil.
With hope and faith,
Nancy Irving, General Secretary
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Harry Albright, Communications Director
Friends World Committee for Consultation
Visitors
Yesterday we had a visit from Cara LoFaro and her boyfriend, Kevin, who is Irish. They were very easy visitors, and it was a pleasure to chat with them. It was very cold outside so we had a nice fire, and b cooked a meal that went down very well for us all. Cara and Kevin hope to visit Dublin and stay with my parents within the next few days. It really was nice to see them.
Ian rang, and that was very exciting. He seems to have got to work very quickly and had his first teaching class yesterday. We're longing to hear more, so will try to ring him today again. We're signed up to Skype calls so will see whether that works in getting a cheaper method to ring him.
It snowed in Limerick (and elsewhere) today. I had to head to Cork early in the morning, but luckily it was not wet at that stage so I had an uneventful journey even though it was -2 degrees most of the time.
Ian rang, and that was very exciting. He seems to have got to work very quickly and had his first teaching class yesterday. We're longing to hear more, so will try to ring him today again. We're signed up to Skype calls so will see whether that works in getting a cheaper method to ring him.
It snowed in Limerick (and elsewhere) today. I had to head to Cork early in the morning, but luckily it was not wet at that stage so I had an uneventful journey even though it was -2 degrees most of the time.
Wednesday 2 January 2008
Back to work
Well, the holiday is over and it is back to work for us all today. Lots of "Happy New Year" was said today, and comments about the Christmas break. Some had over-indulged and others just had a quiet time. Now it's back with a bang, with the FDA inspection starting in less than 2 weeks. What fun!
Carolan brought the dogs for 2 walks today. Maeve and she were intending to go for a walk with some other friends at 11.30am, but the other friends weren't ready. Carolan had already put leads on the dogs so felt obliged to bring them out. Later the other friends were ready so she brought them for another walk. They are being well looked after. As a result they haven't even moved from the sofa to come and say hello to me since I came into the house.
Dad has spent the day searching the archives of the Limerick Civic Museum via the www. He is searching via 'sand', 'Plassey', 'canal' and 'barge' so far, and will add in searches for names of barges as he progresses. He is currently cooking and says I have a choice of garlic soup or garlic soup for my dinner. There is always the option of eggs, so I wonder whether I should get cooking!
It's been dark here for a couple of hours now. I wonder whether Ian has managed to take photos of the darkness gathering in Ghana yet for Carolan??!!
Carolan brought the dogs for 2 walks today. Maeve and she were intending to go for a walk with some other friends at 11.30am, but the other friends weren't ready. Carolan had already put leads on the dogs so felt obliged to bring them out. Later the other friends were ready so she brought them for another walk. They are being well looked after. As a result they haven't even moved from the sofa to come and say hello to me since I came into the house.
Dad has spent the day searching the archives of the Limerick Civic Museum via the www. He is searching via 'sand', 'Plassey', 'canal' and 'barge' so far, and will add in searches for names of barges as he progresses. He is currently cooking and says I have a choice of garlic soup or garlic soup for my dinner. There is always the option of eggs, so I wonder whether I should get cooking!
It's been dark here for a couple of hours now. I wonder whether Ian has managed to take photos of the darkness gathering in Ghana yet for Carolan??!!
Tuesday 1 January 2008
He is on his way
Ian should nearly be in Ghana by now, while we are about to eat a dinner of rice and chicken. We have checked it out and discovered that the time in Ghana is exactly the same as the time here.
Carolan and I had intended to visit the Avoca shop on the Naas Road after we left him at the airport but were disappointed to discover that it wasn't due to open until 12 o'clock, so we decided to head on home. The day was very disappointing from a shopping point of view - even our trip to the Crescent Shopping Centre in the afternoon was unsuccessful, with all doors closed.
We managed to buy breakfast rolls in the petrol station in Roscrea that is near the McDonalds outlet. The normal stopping place in Mountrath didn't have anything to offer, and had even increased the price of petrol and diesel by 8c since we visited yesterday.
The only shop open today that was worth visiting was Atlantic Homecare. There we were wowed with the delights of dog kennels with under-floor heating, and special shaving kits for dogs. Just imagine! Anyway, we bought child latches for the kitchen cupboards to stop the dogs getting into them, and also some bits for the fire - a shovel for coal, and yoke to collect the ashes. We also bought a new clothes airer that has a lot more space, and is a lot lighter, than our current one.
Dad didn't get to sleep until 4 am last night due to New Year celebrations (by others, you will understand) and the disturbance of dogs, so he was tired when we arrived home, and spent some of this afternoon sleeping. Mind you, he found time last night to purloin a bottle of beer not consumed by Ian. I'm in trouble for using Ian's rooms to air clothes, and Carolan has been using his lap-top, so you see what happens when his back is turned.
I'm intending to watch Dara O'Briain on the sequel to "Three Men and a dog" this evening so will report on that tomorrow. Unfortunately work beckons tomorrow - what sorrow - but I've had a good break so it isn't so bad.
Bye for now.
Carolan and I had intended to visit the Avoca shop on the Naas Road after we left him at the airport but were disappointed to discover that it wasn't due to open until 12 o'clock, so we decided to head on home. The day was very disappointing from a shopping point of view - even our trip to the Crescent Shopping Centre in the afternoon was unsuccessful, with all doors closed.
We managed to buy breakfast rolls in the petrol station in Roscrea that is near the McDonalds outlet. The normal stopping place in Mountrath didn't have anything to offer, and had even increased the price of petrol and diesel by 8c since we visited yesterday.
The only shop open today that was worth visiting was Atlantic Homecare. There we were wowed with the delights of dog kennels with under-floor heating, and special shaving kits for dogs. Just imagine! Anyway, we bought child latches for the kitchen cupboards to stop the dogs getting into them, and also some bits for the fire - a shovel for coal, and yoke to collect the ashes. We also bought a new clothes airer that has a lot more space, and is a lot lighter, than our current one.
Dad didn't get to sleep until 4 am last night due to New Year celebrations (by others, you will understand) and the disturbance of dogs, so he was tired when we arrived home, and spent some of this afternoon sleeping. Mind you, he found time last night to purloin a bottle of beer not consumed by Ian. I'm in trouble for using Ian's rooms to air clothes, and Carolan has been using his lap-top, so you see what happens when his back is turned.
I'm intending to watch Dara O'Briain on the sequel to "Three Men and a dog" this evening so will report on that tomorrow. Unfortunately work beckons tomorrow - what sorrow - but I've had a good break so it isn't so bad.
Bye for now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)