I've made some successful sour dough bread. I'd forgotten how tasty if can be. It was a bit crusty, so I'll try to pile it higher next time before baking. The next lot of starter is nearly ready so I can make more tomorrow. The loaf was so big that I thought it would last for a week, and then go stale, but it is nearly finished already. Greedy lot here!
I also attempted to make some nut loaf. I've never made it before but I thought it should look dark when finished. However, that doesn't make sense as all the ingredients, except the mushroom layer, are light coloured. We'll have to try it out. Ian has to take the first taste as he has to determine whether the recipe is OK for the next time Kristin comes to visit.
The fire is lovely and bright and warm. I'm so glad to have this week off to do precious little.
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Saturday 26 December 2009
Ice cream
Ice cream made so far:
Blueberry and banana yoghurt ice cream
Caramel ice cream
Raspberry yoghurt ice cream
Melon (and brandy) sorbet
Is this enough to keep us going? I still have pears and pineapples to use up so have to think of some way of being creative with them.
Blueberry and banana yoghurt ice cream
Caramel ice cream
Raspberry yoghurt ice cream
Melon (and brandy) sorbet
Is this enough to keep us going? I still have pears and pineapples to use up so have to think of some way of being creative with them.
Friday 25 December 2009
Coldest Christmas gets milder
I didn't think that a temperature of +2C would be something I would consider as mild, but after the big freeze of the last few days it seems that way. I brought the dogs out for a walk and found that the most surprising places are still slippy. I think the melting ice is flowing over unmelted ice. Tomorrow could be nasty if there isn't a full melt today. Last night my weather machine recorded -7.8C, the coldest ever.
It's the quietest Christmas day we've ever had. We're holding gifts until Carolan and Andy arrive on Sunday so it is a day for taking it easy. Brian has a big meal planned and estimated serving time is 7pm. I've made my fruit salad special, with all the fruit I could find in the supermarket thrown in together. It looks yummy. I now need to use what is left over for making lots of ice cream.
Leavy is very smelly. She and Pippa have found their way into the front room as they feel they should accompany us sitting in front of the fire. Leavy must have rolled in something unpleasant while we were out for a walk. She chased a handsome pheasant. The pheasant got quite a fright!
This photo was taken at c. 9 o'clock this morning
It's the quietest Christmas day we've ever had. We're holding gifts until Carolan and Andy arrive on Sunday so it is a day for taking it easy. Brian has a big meal planned and estimated serving time is 7pm. I've made my fruit salad special, with all the fruit I could find in the supermarket thrown in together. It looks yummy. I now need to use what is left over for making lots of ice cream.
Leavy is very smelly. She and Pippa have found their way into the front room as they feel they should accompany us sitting in front of the fire. Leavy must have rolled in something unpleasant while we were out for a walk. She chased a handsome pheasant. The pheasant got quite a fright!
This photo was taken at c. 9 o'clock this morning
Thursday 24 December 2009
It hit -3C in town
I made the ground floor of a car park in town just after 9am today. That is evidence of how cold it is as everyone must have been having difficulty pulling themselves out of bed this morning. By the time I left town there were traffic jams everywhere, all going the opposite direction from myself. I felt good!
I don't intend to leave the house until it gets warmer. Leavy and Pippa take note - if you want a walk you'd better ask someone else.
I don't intend to leave the house until it gets warmer. Leavy and Pippa take note - if you want a walk you'd better ask someone else.
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Christmas tree
The Christmas tree is now re-potted and inside. I have to wait for it to stop dripping before I can do anything more with it. I've also established that there are no birds' nests in the chimney so the fire is happily burning in the front room. It must be near to Christmas! Brian had to go out and get some coal and logs, but now we are all set.
Pre-Christmas freeze
We're getting weather of biblical proportions here - rain first, and now "the big freeze". My thermometer registered -4.7C last night. It snowed on Sunday night and the snow is still lying in large quantities on the ground. I've never known that to happen before, when no further snow has fallen. There has been sun during the day, but not enough to bring the temperatures above freezing in spaces that don't get it shining directly.
The impact on me has been to reduce my energy for doing things. Or, is that a reaction to a busy autumn? This week was supposed to be spent doing all sorts of householdy things that I've neglected over the past few months. However, I find I'm doing the minimum. I have managed to tidy the glass-fronted shelves in the kitchen, though, and the glasses in it are all neatly in rows.
I've just made some really nice raspberry yoghurt ice cream. It is very creamy (proportions of cream and yoghurt match) and yummy. It just might last until Carolan and Andy come home, but maybe I should just make more.
The meat delivery from Jack McCarthy's didn't arrive yesterday. Disaster! The driver said we were up on a hill and so he couldn't reach us. I think that's excuse number 1 from the list of the top 10. In spite of the cold, the roads are very clear. We have been promised that he will arrive by lunch-time today.
The impact on me has been to reduce my energy for doing things. Or, is that a reaction to a busy autumn? This week was supposed to be spent doing all sorts of householdy things that I've neglected over the past few months. However, I find I'm doing the minimum. I have managed to tidy the glass-fronted shelves in the kitchen, though, and the glasses in it are all neatly in rows.
I've just made some really nice raspberry yoghurt ice cream. It is very creamy (proportions of cream and yoghurt match) and yummy. It just might last until Carolan and Andy come home, but maybe I should just make more.
The meat delivery from Jack McCarthy's didn't arrive yesterday. Disaster! The driver said we were up on a hill and so he couldn't reach us. I think that's excuse number 1 from the list of the top 10. In spite of the cold, the roads are very clear. We have been promised that he will arrive by lunch-time today.
Saturday 28 November 2009
Floods in Castleconnell
It's very strange to be living only a few hundred metres away from people who have had to leave their homes due to flooding. Our only inconvenience is the fact that there is only one route by which we can reach our house, and that can be a long roundabout way to reach it if coming from the wrong direction. In order to reach the village and shops it is now a 3 mile trip, instead of a few hundred metres. Or, alternatively, we can wade through water that now contains a lot of sewage.
B's blog is attracting an unprecedented readership as it has a lot more information than most sources on what it all looks like on the ground (or under the water).
I've just come back from a different world - a day of pampering in a spa in Co. Wicklow, in the sunny eastern half of the country. I'd never had a facial before, and found it to be surprisingly good. Reflexology was also a new experience. It was relaxing, but not as stunning as others seem to find it.
While in the Dublin area I attended Chris Moriarty's talk on Darwin in Monkstown Meeting House. It was very interesting and enjoyable. I must read about Darwin and the Beagle again.
B's blog is attracting an unprecedented readership as it has a lot more information than most sources on what it all looks like on the ground (or under the water).
I've just come back from a different world - a day of pampering in a spa in Co. Wicklow, in the sunny eastern half of the country. I'd never had a facial before, and found it to be surprisingly good. Reflexology was also a new experience. It was relaxing, but not as stunning as others seem to find it.
While in the Dublin area I attended Chris Moriarty's talk on Darwin in Monkstown Meeting House. It was very interesting and enjoyable. I must read about Darwin and the Beagle again.
Tuesday 28 July 2009
It would be so nice
Do you think that there is any chance that this weekend will be a nice one? I'm just asking for one nice Bank Holiday weekend this year. Is that too much to ask for? It seems like it might be. However, we'll head off on Knocknagow anyway and try to find a sheltered place to relax.
I'm surrounded by sleeping dogs. They've apparently spent the day barking, so they must now be tired. I'm trying to work out a way of channeling their daytime energy into doing gardening tasks. Do you think they could be taught how to dig out weeds from between the patio slabs, and to clear all the moss and weeds from the front garden? I like gardening when it produces food, but don't like those persistent weeds and can't persuade myself to imagine them as pretty. Perhaps if the evenings were warm and dry I'd wander outside and make a start on the work.
Here is the O'Briensbridge anchor:
I'm surrounded by sleeping dogs. They've apparently spent the day barking, so they must now be tired. I'm trying to work out a way of channeling their daytime energy into doing gardening tasks. Do you think they could be taught how to dig out weeds from between the patio slabs, and to clear all the moss and weeds from the front garden? I like gardening when it produces food, but don't like those persistent weeds and can't persuade myself to imagine them as pretty. Perhaps if the evenings were warm and dry I'd wander outside and make a start on the work.
Here is the O'Briensbridge anchor:
Sunday 14 June 2009
That elderflower champagne
I've just tasted the first batch of elderflower champagne. It has a gentle fizz to it, and is nice and elderflowery. It isn't alcoholic, or rather I don't know how it could be with the ingredients in such a short time period, so I assume it isn't. It's very refreshing.
We've stayed at home this weekend, with b going up to the boat to do woodwork yesterday and today, and me going up today. The mornings have started up beautifully sunny but by lunch-time there have been heavy showers, so I didn't feel it was the best weekend for outdoor painting. As a result I tackled the huge pile of ironing that has built up over the last couple of weeks, and I've done a bit of gardening. I also cleaned the oven, always a horrible job.
At the boat today I took a jig-saw to the three middle cubby-holes opposite the sink, and increased their size for access. I then painted the whole area with a clean coat of white paint. We now have much better storage in that area. I took down the hanging bread bin and there are now three layers of plastic drawers for putting all sorts of things in, leaving a smaller tiled area for chopping on, but sufficient for what is needed.
Goldie is deteriorating. b is intending to bring him to the vet to ask for advice this week as we don't like seeing him uncomfortable. He still enjoys his walk, or at least enjoys it on the way out, but has difficulty returning, and collapses when he arrives home.
We've stayed at home this weekend, with b going up to the boat to do woodwork yesterday and today, and me going up today. The mornings have started up beautifully sunny but by lunch-time there have been heavy showers, so I didn't feel it was the best weekend for outdoor painting. As a result I tackled the huge pile of ironing that has built up over the last couple of weeks, and I've done a bit of gardening. I also cleaned the oven, always a horrible job.
At the boat today I took a jig-saw to the three middle cubby-holes opposite the sink, and increased their size for access. I then painted the whole area with a clean coat of white paint. We now have much better storage in that area. I took down the hanging bread bin and there are now three layers of plastic drawers for putting all sorts of things in, leaving a smaller tiled area for chopping on, but sufficient for what is needed.
Goldie is deteriorating. b is intending to bring him to the vet to ask for advice this week as we don't like seeing him uncomfortable. He still enjoys his walk, or at least enjoys it on the way out, but has difficulty returning, and collapses when he arrives home.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Elderflower season
I thought you might like to know that elderflowers are coming out and so it is the time of year to make elderflower cordial. I picked some flowers this evening and then realised that I didn't have any citric acid, needed to make the cordial. However, you don't need it for elderflower champagne, so I've made some of that. This is a new idea, so I hope it works.
Saturday 30 May 2009
Off to the sun (I hope)
We're off for a weekend on Knocknagow, hoping to meet up with other Heritage Boat Association folks and visit a castle we haven't yet reached on Lough Derg, near to Mountshannon. I also hope to get a second layer of paint onto the areas I painted last week.
Yesterday was an emotional day at Newtown. It is the end of an era with Henry Collins leaving, and for me it is the end of my major involvement with the school. Here are a few pictures of the day. The picture was commissioned from a past pupil, Sarah Richards, whose brief was to depict Newtown and Henry's influence. She wrote a description with it and I'll publish that when I receive it.
Yesterday was an emotional day at Newtown. It is the end of an era with Henry Collins leaving, and for me it is the end of my major involvement with the school. Here are a few pictures of the day. The picture was commissioned from a past pupil, Sarah Richards, whose brief was to depict Newtown and Henry's influence. She wrote a description with it and I'll publish that when I receive it.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Sun and gardening
I really did allow myself to get badly burnt on my face yesterday. It's uncomfortable, and my eyes are watery and sore. I went to the University of Limerick sports arena at 8am yesterday, bringing with me extra clothes and lots of layers to wear as it was both wet and cold. By 9am the rain had stopped, and the day gradually got better, though there was a cold wind all day. As I was wrapped up in a coat and lots of layers I didn't really realise the implications of the sun that appeared from about 11am onwards. Silly me!
Anyway, the day was fun. It was the Munster Special Olympics soccer tournament that Vistakon hosts each year. The Special Olympians are great fun - their joy is unlimited, and the occasional tears or tantrums don't last long. I think we volunteers get more out of the event than they do as the cares of the world just don't surface while they are around.
Today was "catch-up-on-gardening-and-ironing" day. I went to Meeting this morning and didn't get home until about 2pm (too much chatting!), but then set to planting out seedlings that are ready for the outdoors and generally organising bits and pieces. The forecast tells me it's going to be cold tonight, though, which could kill everything. However, there's nothing I can do so I'll hope for the best.
This week is Newtown week - committees to attend for the final time as Chair.
Anyway, the day was fun. It was the Munster Special Olympics soccer tournament that Vistakon hosts each year. The Special Olympians are great fun - their joy is unlimited, and the occasional tears or tantrums don't last long. I think we volunteers get more out of the event than they do as the cares of the world just don't surface while they are around.
Today was "catch-up-on-gardening-and-ironing" day. I went to Meeting this morning and didn't get home until about 2pm (too much chatting!), but then set to planting out seedlings that are ready for the outdoors and generally organising bits and pieces. The forecast tells me it's going to be cold tonight, though, which could kill everything. However, there's nothing I can do so I'll hope for the best.
This week is Newtown week - committees to attend for the final time as Chair.
Monday 4 May 2009
All this exploring....
Now that I'm getting to grips with Facebook I can see that sometimes I'll have to return here if I'm to give my views to the world in more than a sentence or two.
Explorations of a different kind, though, this weekend. We went out on Knocknagow and had a good weekend of really fresh air. My cheeks are burning from the wind. Unfortunately sun was in short supply, and cold wind was in great supply, but we enjoyed it all the same.
The boat is now as tidy as it has ever been, with a good clear-out done of both the main room and the forecastle. Large books and folders have found a new shelf underneath the seat in the living room. There are lots of hooks to hang large kitchen utensils from and a plentiful hanging supply of red plastic tray thingies to put away small bits. I moved the mattress of the double bed near the forecastle to the other end of the bed, with pillows up against the radiator, and I think that will make it easier to store luggage at the front end. I'm going to look for plastic boxes that will fit into the small area between the mattress and the wall.
B sorted the junk out of the engine room, which now has enough space to have a party in it. At one stage about 5 men were down there, and it wouldn't surprise me if there were empty bottles left behind! There are spotlights illuminating the room. These make the foam insulation look like Ailwee Cave, with rough surfaces that look as if they could have stalactites and stalacmites.
We went to Rossmore and stayed there on Saturday night. The wind was strong, and getting stronger, yesterday, and was extremely cold. As a result we headed back to Dromineer in the evening "calm", having decided not to join Gerry Burke and gang mooring along the bank of the river nearby. Our berth in Dromineer was very calm and peaceful. I lay in bed this morning trying to count the number of different kinds of bird-song I could hear. The birds were very busy, and I reckon I could distinguish at least 10 different songs. I'm going to have to learn how to identify birds from their song as it was fascinating to listen to them.
We had a very peaceful morning sorting out things on the boat and headed home at about lunch-time. It has been drizzling rain, very lightly, most of the afternoon, but I decided to take the opporunity to plant out broad beans, runner beans and cabbages, as well as replanting some tomatoes in the greenhouse. I now have 46 tomato plants in pots, and could plant out more if I had more pots. Floor space is at a premium and I'm going to have fun sorting them all out as they get larger.
It was sad about Munster's loss!
Explorations of a different kind, though, this weekend. We went out on Knocknagow and had a good weekend of really fresh air. My cheeks are burning from the wind. Unfortunately sun was in short supply, and cold wind was in great supply, but we enjoyed it all the same.
The boat is now as tidy as it has ever been, with a good clear-out done of both the main room and the forecastle. Large books and folders have found a new shelf underneath the seat in the living room. There are lots of hooks to hang large kitchen utensils from and a plentiful hanging supply of red plastic tray thingies to put away small bits. I moved the mattress of the double bed near the forecastle to the other end of the bed, with pillows up against the radiator, and I think that will make it easier to store luggage at the front end. I'm going to look for plastic boxes that will fit into the small area between the mattress and the wall.
B sorted the junk out of the engine room, which now has enough space to have a party in it. At one stage about 5 men were down there, and it wouldn't surprise me if there were empty bottles left behind! There are spotlights illuminating the room. These make the foam insulation look like Ailwee Cave, with rough surfaces that look as if they could have stalactites and stalacmites.
We went to Rossmore and stayed there on Saturday night. The wind was strong, and getting stronger, yesterday, and was extremely cold. As a result we headed back to Dromineer in the evening "calm", having decided not to join Gerry Burke and gang mooring along the bank of the river nearby. Our berth in Dromineer was very calm and peaceful. I lay in bed this morning trying to count the number of different kinds of bird-song I could hear. The birds were very busy, and I reckon I could distinguish at least 10 different songs. I'm going to have to learn how to identify birds from their song as it was fascinating to listen to them.
We had a very peaceful morning sorting out things on the boat and headed home at about lunch-time. It has been drizzling rain, very lightly, most of the afternoon, but I decided to take the opporunity to plant out broad beans, runner beans and cabbages, as well as replanting some tomatoes in the greenhouse. I now have 46 tomato plants in pots, and could plant out more if I had more pots. Floor space is at a premium and I'm going to have fun sorting them all out as they get larger.
It was sad about Munster's loss!
Friday 17 April 2009
Le weekend
The forecast is good for the weekend so let's hope that we have a nice day tomorrow as we start the clean-up of Knocknagow. We visited her last weekend and admired the new JCB engine, but I couldn't help look at all the activity of spiders and the accumulation of dust and dirt from the winter. The paint is coming off the deck so I'm going to have to do a cleaning job so that I can re-paint it. I might try the jet-spray implement I used to clean our patio.
Ian has headed to Dublin to go to his first Quaker committee meeting. He has done a huge amount of work in preparation for it as he is on a mission to make the Irish Quaker web-site more user-friendly.
I know have 3 friends on Facebook! The number is growing rapidly. Paddy McKee rang out of the blue yesterday and he has a presence on Facebook. It was great to hear from him.
I'm half-listening to the evening news on RTE. It is very depressing, with new legislation being suggested to tackle gang-land crime, and discussion on the government's attempts to tax us out of house and home. Christy Moore is due to be on the Late Late Show, so I may watch it for once.
Brian was in Dublin meeting someone today and came across an Italian shop so has stocked up on essential supplies. Loads of pasta and rice, an interesting lemon liqueur (I'm sure it would make ice cream tasty), and some nice bikkies were included in the spoils of his shopping.
Ian has headed to Dublin to go to his first Quaker committee meeting. He has done a huge amount of work in preparation for it as he is on a mission to make the Irish Quaker web-site more user-friendly.
I know have 3 friends on Facebook! The number is growing rapidly. Paddy McKee rang out of the blue yesterday and he has a presence on Facebook. It was great to hear from him.
I'm half-listening to the evening news on RTE. It is very depressing, with new legislation being suggested to tackle gang-land crime, and discussion on the government's attempts to tax us out of house and home. Christy Moore is due to be on the Late Late Show, so I may watch it for once.
Brian was in Dublin meeting someone today and came across an Italian shop so has stocked up on essential supplies. Loads of pasta and rice, an interesting lemon liqueur (I'm sure it would make ice cream tasty), and some nice bikkies were included in the spoils of his shopping.
Sunday 5 April 2009
Rows and rows
I have had a planting weekend. There is now a row of beetroot beside the parsnips, and spinach beside the beetroots. In the greenhouse I've planted seeds of leeks, cabbage, sweet corn and marigolds. And somewhere else in the garden I put some lettuce seeds. Not all of these will grow, but I'm ever hopeful.
I'm fed up of the junk in front of the shed at the front of the house, but I'm not sure what to do with it. However, I got around to tidying it and have now planted the old shower tray with bits and pieces that may product some colour and deflect from the rubble around it.
Nobody will notice it, so I have to explain here all the cleaning I did this morning. I took down pictures and cleaned around all of the living room. You'd be amazed at the places that dirt gathers. Even the couch is now clean so that guests might actually be able to sit on it if we remove the dog cover.
Ian is livening up the house and is putting a lot of work into the Irish Quaker web site. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of his efforts go live.
I'm fed up of the junk in front of the shed at the front of the house, but I'm not sure what to do with it. However, I got around to tidying it and have now planted the old shower tray with bits and pieces that may product some colour and deflect from the rubble around it.
Nobody will notice it, so I have to explain here all the cleaning I did this morning. I took down pictures and cleaned around all of the living room. You'd be amazed at the places that dirt gathers. Even the couch is now clean so that guests might actually be able to sit on it if we remove the dog cover.
Ian is livening up the house and is putting a lot of work into the Irish Quaker web site. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of his efforts go live.
Wednesday 1 April 2009
No hope for the kids
Ian and Carolan haven't a hope... Their parents both get themselves into trouble by acting on causes or paths that aren't necessarily the most popular. b has just been accused of being a "journalist looking backward" in an article to be published in Afloat. I'm not sure what to make of that description. Is he a journalist? Does he know how to look backward? Hmm.
Anyway, he is currently doing something unheard of in the history of Brian-kind. He is hoovering the floor in our bedroom. The house must be very dirty! I'll have to do some cleaning this weekend or we'll let ourselves down when the rest of the family returns home for Easter. Ian comes home on Friday, but hopefully he won't notice too much, and will be too polite to comment if he does (for fear that he might be asked to help with the cleaning).
On Monday evening I optimistically planted some parnsip seeds, fully believing the weather forecast that said the next few days were going to be warm. I also put in a row of sugar peas, though they will survive as they are already a couple of inches tall because I grew them first in the greenhouse.
The range of birds visiting our garden is amazing at the moment. They are of all colours, shapes and sizes, though mainly small and of the tit family. None have yet nested in Ian's nest-box, and I'm wondering whether I ought to be putting something in it to encourage them.
Poor old Ian is struggling through the last day of his assignments. Spare a thought for him, as we should all remember what it is like. The last one I did was about 25 years ago, and I still remember it with dread.
Anyway, he is currently doing something unheard of in the history of Brian-kind. He is hoovering the floor in our bedroom. The house must be very dirty! I'll have to do some cleaning this weekend or we'll let ourselves down when the rest of the family returns home for Easter. Ian comes home on Friday, but hopefully he won't notice too much, and will be too polite to comment if he does (for fear that he might be asked to help with the cleaning).
On Monday evening I optimistically planted some parnsip seeds, fully believing the weather forecast that said the next few days were going to be warm. I also put in a row of sugar peas, though they will survive as they are already a couple of inches tall because I grew them first in the greenhouse.
The range of birds visiting our garden is amazing at the moment. They are of all colours, shapes and sizes, though mainly small and of the tit family. None have yet nested in Ian's nest-box, and I'm wondering whether I ought to be putting something in it to encourage them.
Poor old Ian is struggling through the last day of his assignments. Spare a thought for him, as we should all remember what it is like. The last one I did was about 25 years ago, and I still remember it with dread.
Sunday 29 March 2009
Tired today
It's Sunday again. The dogs are lying down stretched out on floors and chairs. Leavy occasionally opens her eye just to check that I'm not doing anything untoward, or that she isn't missing out on anything. I wish I had that ability to nap. I'm feeling very tired after yesterday's committee meetings, in addition to "losing" one hour overnight due to the change to summer time.
It looks as if I'll be able to offer both broccoli and leeks from the garden to any family member that comes here over Easter. The broccoli tastes very good even in an uncooked state. I still need to learn how to have food in the garden all year. Mind you, one of the strawberry plants I have in the greenhouse is in flower, and others look close to it, so I might have strawberries available well in advance of the strawberry season (well, 2 or 3 maybe).
The birds are very active on the bird tables this afternoon. There is a robin sitting on one of the posts nearby, surveying all around, and lots of other little twitterers. It's drizzling, and a generally uninspiring day.
It looks as if I'll be able to offer both broccoli and leeks from the garden to any family member that comes here over Easter. The broccoli tastes very good even in an uncooked state. I still need to learn how to have food in the garden all year. Mind you, one of the strawberry plants I have in the greenhouse is in flower, and others look close to it, so I might have strawberries available well in advance of the strawberry season (well, 2 or 3 maybe).
The birds are very active on the bird tables this afternoon. There is a robin sitting on one of the posts nearby, surveying all around, and lots of other little twitterers. It's drizzling, and a generally uninspiring day.
Monday 23 March 2009
Remember me?
Hello, remember me... I've been to London and back since I last blogged, and had a lovely time. We visited Kew Gardens, and the best part was getting to say hello to Carolan and Ian. They're great!
Anyway, now we have won the 6-nations cup, and so the whole world is coming out of a depression. We're able to ignore the fact that our government is about to fleece us through its new budget, the economy has fallen down around us, and there has been another plane crash today. The sun is shining (well, it's not) and all is well with the world.
Gotta go now - it's Newtown week, so it's committees or meetings most of the week. Only 2 more meetings to go as chair of School Committee. Think of all the free time I'll have. What will I do? I'm even tempted by the special offer in the Castle Oaks leisure centre, but that may be going too far.
Anyway, now we have won the 6-nations cup, and so the whole world is coming out of a depression. We're able to ignore the fact that our government is about to fleece us through its new budget, the economy has fallen down around us, and there has been another plane crash today. The sun is shining (well, it's not) and all is well with the world.
Gotta go now - it's Newtown week, so it's committees or meetings most of the week. Only 2 more meetings to go as chair of School Committee. Think of all the free time I'll have. What will I do? I'm even tempted by the special offer in the Castle Oaks leisure centre, but that may be going too far.
Sunday 8 March 2009
Lazy day
It's been a lazy sort of a day. Carolan and Andy were here for the weekend but headed off at c.11am this morning back to Londinium. The dogs were so exhausted by their visit that they spent the day sleeping. Unfortunately they have started to wake up now and seem to feel that they have missed out on a walk. They have! Oh, well, maybe they haven't as B has just appeared in hat and coat. Maybe they sensed this was happening and that was why they were so excited.
Anyway, the weather has been so mixed that it is hard to know whether we are heading into summer or winter. We have had 3 seasons today - the one we haven't had yet is summer, mainly due to low temperature rather than lack of sun.
It was lovely to have Carolan and Andy here. We rang Ian yesterday to wish him happy birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing him next weekend in London.
Anyway, the weather has been so mixed that it is hard to know whether we are heading into summer or winter. We have had 3 seasons today - the one we haven't had yet is summer, mainly due to low temperature rather than lack of sun.
It was lovely to have Carolan and Andy here. We rang Ian yesterday to wish him happy birthday. I'm looking forward to seeing him next weekend in London.
Sunday 1 March 2009
Sunny day
I planted some seeds today, marking the start of the growing season. I planted them in pots in my greenhouse, but I hope that they will pop up nicely and just in time for the warmer weather we'll get in the next month or so. I've planted about 4 varieties of tomatoes, 1 variety of cucumber, aubergines (I've never tried them before), and some peas. I also transplanted some strawberries into pots that are big enough for them to grow into full-blown plants. I acquired a pottery planter thingy that allows 10 plants to poke out of it in different directions at different levels, and the rest have gone into conventional pots. I'm keeping them in the greenhouse for the moment but may put them outside as it gets milder.
The trouble about having a weekend with nothing on is that it allows me to realise how tired I am. I'm not sure I can face going into work tomorrow..... however, I will.
The trouble about having a weekend with nothing on is that it allows me to realise how tired I am. I'm not sure I can face going into work tomorrow..... however, I will.
Thursday 26 February 2009
How busy can it get?
On each day this week I have wondered why people have been disappearing home "early" from work, only to discover that it was after going-home time. How time flies when you're busy! Every minute has been taken up with something, and I've also missed doing lots of things I should be doing. However, today I think I've nearly finalised the bonus file so that I can send it to payroll. Tomorrow I need to complete the salary file for all the salary changes for 1st March. In addition we decided to change our health insurer, so there have been meetings with the new insurers, and people who need to be reassured that their various ailments will still be covered, without a break, by the new insurer. We've also had a visitor from the US who has needed attention, and a set of interviews for a senior vacancy. At least it is a good complaint to be busy during a recession.
I think the dogs are exhausted by it all. They are certainly being quiet, for once, and seem comfortable lying in their various locations. Goldie is dreaming as he grunts every now and again.
Why is it that when I find a hairdresser that I like she goes and works elsewhere? It's happened again. Is this a reflection on me, or is it that it isn't worth being a hairdresser if you are having to rely on someone like me to keep you in style? Anyway, instead of having a haircut on Saturday I'm going to have my eyes tested. The dogs decided that my glasses tasted good, so they (the glasses, that is) are no longer. Luckily they aren't my only pair, but my sight is deteriorating so I'm going to see whether there are glasses that will help when I look at a computer.
The new engine in Knocknagow is nearly ready for trying out. It's very exciting. We might actually have a working boat in time for Easter! They are now going to do some work on the hydraulics, so we'll be able to use our anchor again without getting it permanently stuck on the bottom of the lake. We'd better go up and have a look at it all soon, and even do some cleaning.
Prime Time is on TV at the moment. It is, as usual, very boring. It's not a programme I enjoy. I watched the final of Masterchef earlier, and the goody (my favourite) won. I think I might head to bed now and read my book by Barack Obama.
I think the dogs are exhausted by it all. They are certainly being quiet, for once, and seem comfortable lying in their various locations. Goldie is dreaming as he grunts every now and again.
Why is it that when I find a hairdresser that I like she goes and works elsewhere? It's happened again. Is this a reflection on me, or is it that it isn't worth being a hairdresser if you are having to rely on someone like me to keep you in style? Anyway, instead of having a haircut on Saturday I'm going to have my eyes tested. The dogs decided that my glasses tasted good, so they (the glasses, that is) are no longer. Luckily they aren't my only pair, but my sight is deteriorating so I'm going to see whether there are glasses that will help when I look at a computer.
The new engine in Knocknagow is nearly ready for trying out. It's very exciting. We might actually have a working boat in time for Easter! They are now going to do some work on the hydraulics, so we'll be able to use our anchor again without getting it permanently stuck on the bottom of the lake. We'd better go up and have a look at it all soon, and even do some cleaning.
Prime Time is on TV at the moment. It is, as usual, very boring. It's not a programme I enjoy. I watched the final of Masterchef earlier, and the goody (my favourite) won. I think I might head to bed now and read my book by Barack Obama.
Sunday 22 February 2009
Tired now
There is so much to learn about wine that what I really learnt this weekend is just that. I think, however, that I could attack a wine list with a bit more knowledge, and even be able to pretend I knew my Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays from each other. The blind tasting we did yesterday wouldn't have shown that, though.
The food in Ballymaloe is out of this world. Last night we had a six course dinner, with wines to match. It was absolutely splendid! Even breakfasts are wonderful, with really good coffee. There were some people on the wine course who were also attending the 12 week cookery course at Ballymaloe cookery school. Two of them recently retired. Instead of a round-the-world trip they are spending 12 weeks at cookery "boot camp" and having a great time. The husband had never so much as cooked a boiled egg but is thrilled at everything he is learning. It sounds like an excellent course to do (expensive, though, as it is 10,000 smackers for the course without accommodation).
Anyway, now I am very tired and could do with a week off to recover from all the travel I've done over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately work is too busy to allow for this, though I think I might try to put off a meeting arranged for next weekend in Newtown as I could do with a weekend at home. The weather might even continue to be nice enough to head out into the garden.
Did I tell you that I saw "Slum-dog millionaire" while I was in Dublin? It was excellent. The story line is very clever, and made for an enjoyable movie. I rarely go to films, but had a free evening with no need to entertain with others, so watched it in the film centre at The Square in Tallaght.
The economy continues to deteriorate here. 100,000 people marched through Dublin yesterday, protesting at a levy imposed on public servants by the Government to help to fund their pensions. It was also a protest against the frolics of the bankers who have helped to get us into such a mess. I don't see how Brian Cowen can go on much longer, but no doubt he'll continue to hold out. I wonder will the Greens pull out of government soon.
The food in Ballymaloe is out of this world. Last night we had a six course dinner, with wines to match. It was absolutely splendid! Even breakfasts are wonderful, with really good coffee. There were some people on the wine course who were also attending the 12 week cookery course at Ballymaloe cookery school. Two of them recently retired. Instead of a round-the-world trip they are spending 12 weeks at cookery "boot camp" and having a great time. The husband had never so much as cooked a boiled egg but is thrilled at everything he is learning. It sounds like an excellent course to do (expensive, though, as it is 10,000 smackers for the course without accommodation).
Anyway, now I am very tired and could do with a week off to recover from all the travel I've done over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately work is too busy to allow for this, though I think I might try to put off a meeting arranged for next weekend in Newtown as I could do with a weekend at home. The weather might even continue to be nice enough to head out into the garden.
Did I tell you that I saw "Slum-dog millionaire" while I was in Dublin? It was excellent. The story line is very clever, and made for an enjoyable movie. I rarely go to films, but had a free evening with no need to entertain with others, so watched it in the film centre at The Square in Tallaght.
The economy continues to deteriorate here. 100,000 people marched through Dublin yesterday, protesting at a levy imposed on public servants by the Government to help to fund their pensions. It was also a protest against the frolics of the bankers who have helped to get us into such a mess. I don't see how Brian Cowen can go on much longer, but no doubt he'll continue to hold out. I wonder will the Greens pull out of government soon.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Tomorrow it's Ballymaloe
Well, I'm off to learn about wine at Ballymaloe tomorrow evening after work. It's going to be a hard weekend... first, a wine tasting, then a dinner. On Saturday it's straight into a day of learning about wine (after a sumptuous breakfast), followed by another dinner. I'll tear myself away on Sunday morning after another breakfast. Tough, isn't it?
Anyway, this has been a busy week. I managed to get home from Dublin last night, a day earlier than expected. I've only been at work for 1 day in the last 10 so it was hectic. I'm going to be spending long hours catching up at what is one of the busiest times of the year. Pay increases and bonuses are all to be calculated and agreed by the end of next week, so panic reigns.
Goldie decided to eat the door-post in the middle of the night last night. It didn't make for easy sleeping. He wasn't interested in going outside, but couldn't settle. He disturbs quite a lot of nights at the moment. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but also can't settle. Leavy (at least, we assume it was her) managed an interesting task today. She emptied the meat from one bowl into the water bowl, making a lovely watery mix. It was neatly done!
It's eating time, so bye bye for now.
Anyway, this has been a busy week. I managed to get home from Dublin last night, a day earlier than expected. I've only been at work for 1 day in the last 10 so it was hectic. I'm going to be spending long hours catching up at what is one of the busiest times of the year. Pay increases and bonuses are all to be calculated and agreed by the end of next week, so panic reigns.
Goldie decided to eat the door-post in the middle of the night last night. It didn't make for easy sleeping. He wasn't interested in going outside, but couldn't settle. He disturbs quite a lot of nights at the moment. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but also can't settle. Leavy (at least, we assume it was her) managed an interesting task today. She emptied the meat from one bowl into the water bowl, making a lovely watery mix. It was neatly done!
It's eating time, so bye bye for now.
Friday 13 February 2009
For some reason
I don't know why the link that leads me to the web-site on this (work)lap-top gives the instructions and locations in German. Luckily, I've worked out how to get here anyway.
Ho, hum, not so good news on the TV as I woke this morning. A Continental airlines plane went down, killing all on board, late yesterday evening. It was going between Newark and Buffalo. I'm flying Continental today, and into Newark. If you follow statistical probability this means that I may be going on the safest airline in the world today as the likelihood of 2 crashes happening to one airline within 24 hours is very small. On the other hand, that is not a logical statistic.
I'm reading a great book that I bought for Ian. It's called "Plato and Platypus walk into a bar.... Understanding philosophy - through jokes -" The jokes are hilarious, but make you think. One piece of advice given is that you should bring a bomb with you each time you go onto a plane, because that means that it is unlikely anyone else will as 2 bombers on a plane is a statistical unlikelihood. That's the same kind of logic as is in the last paragraph. Ian should enjoy it, but I hope he doesn't mind that I'm just checking it's suitable for him!
I went for a walk earlier as it is nice and sunny out and there is a kind of spring coolness in the air. I'll be stuck in airports for most of the day so it was good to stretch legs. There are no pavements here. Or, rather, there are occasionally bits of concrete that seem to be leading somewhere interesting, but then they stop in the middle of nowhere. Another thing I don't understand is the grass. It is very coarse-leaved, and completely brown. Why don't they import Irish grass? Is this a business opportunity in these straitened times? And one other thing - the lake/pond I'm looking out on from the hotel apparently has alligators in it, but I haven't yet seen any. I'm disappointed.
Anyway, I'm homeward bound and looking forward to being back.
Ho, hum, not so good news on the TV as I woke this morning. A Continental airlines plane went down, killing all on board, late yesterday evening. It was going between Newark and Buffalo. I'm flying Continental today, and into Newark. If you follow statistical probability this means that I may be going on the safest airline in the world today as the likelihood of 2 crashes happening to one airline within 24 hours is very small. On the other hand, that is not a logical statistic.
I'm reading a great book that I bought for Ian. It's called "Plato and Platypus walk into a bar.... Understanding philosophy - through jokes -" The jokes are hilarious, but make you think. One piece of advice given is that you should bring a bomb with you each time you go onto a plane, because that means that it is unlikely anyone else will as 2 bombers on a plane is a statistical unlikelihood. That's the same kind of logic as is in the last paragraph. Ian should enjoy it, but I hope he doesn't mind that I'm just checking it's suitable for him!
I went for a walk earlier as it is nice and sunny out and there is a kind of spring coolness in the air. I'll be stuck in airports for most of the day so it was good to stretch legs. There are no pavements here. Or, rather, there are occasionally bits of concrete that seem to be leading somewhere interesting, but then they stop in the middle of nowhere. Another thing I don't understand is the grass. It is very coarse-leaved, and completely brown. Why don't they import Irish grass? Is this a business opportunity in these straitened times? And one other thing - the lake/pond I'm looking out on from the hotel apparently has alligators in it, but I haven't yet seen any. I'm disappointed.
Anyway, I'm homeward bound and looking forward to being back.
Wednesday 11 February 2009
Here in America
I don't like travelling as much as I used to. As we flew into Newark, in an extremely bumpy landing, I found myself relieved (as I emptied the contents of my stomach into the nicely supplied bag) that the Hudson river was close enough to land in. How sad!
I was glad of the few hours between flights as I really didn't want to get onto a plane again, or rather my stomach didn't. The flight to Jacksonville was fine, though my stomach objected to the landing even after 5 hours of settling.
Monday was an interesting day as I spent it learning about the new system we are installing worldwide in HR. It went live here on 1st January, and they have had some "interesting" experiences that we need to avoid when we go live on 1st July. I wonder whether I will get summer holidays!
I'm in a different hotel from the one I was in on previous occasions. My bedroom overlooks a pleasant small lake, and there is a lovely big window to view it from, with a large desk to work on. It's 5.15am here and I've been awake for over an hour, so jet lag rules OK! Don't worry - I'll have got into the routine for here by Friday, when I then have to head home.
I went to the nearby shopping mall on Monday evening. It is very expensive and there were no sales on, so I didn't buy anything. Last night we had a group dinner, but tonight I might see if I can go to a normal shopping place. I perhaps need to keep reminding myself that my euro buys 1.28 dollars, but I am surprised at the prices all the same.
Yesterday morning I enjoyed watching CNN's reporting of Obama's first press conference. The commentators all declare for a particular political persuasion, so everything is coloured prior to them opening their mouths. I've found it is acceptable here to say that I like Obama, whereas I used to feel that it was prudent to keep my mouth shut on anything political. I still tread with caution, only saying something if asked directly.
Anyway, that's it for the moment.
I was glad of the few hours between flights as I really didn't want to get onto a plane again, or rather my stomach didn't. The flight to Jacksonville was fine, though my stomach objected to the landing even after 5 hours of settling.
Monday was an interesting day as I spent it learning about the new system we are installing worldwide in HR. It went live here on 1st January, and they have had some "interesting" experiences that we need to avoid when we go live on 1st July. I wonder whether I will get summer holidays!
I'm in a different hotel from the one I was in on previous occasions. My bedroom overlooks a pleasant small lake, and there is a lovely big window to view it from, with a large desk to work on. It's 5.15am here and I've been awake for over an hour, so jet lag rules OK! Don't worry - I'll have got into the routine for here by Friday, when I then have to head home.
I went to the nearby shopping mall on Monday evening. It is very expensive and there were no sales on, so I didn't buy anything. Last night we had a group dinner, but tonight I might see if I can go to a normal shopping place. I perhaps need to keep reminding myself that my euro buys 1.28 dollars, but I am surprised at the prices all the same.
Yesterday morning I enjoyed watching CNN's reporting of Obama's first press conference. The commentators all declare for a particular political persuasion, so everything is coloured prior to them opening their mouths. I've found it is acceptable here to say that I like Obama, whereas I used to feel that it was prudent to keep my mouth shut on anything political. I still tread with caution, only saying something if asked directly.
Anyway, that's it for the moment.
Saturday 7 February 2009
and..
I forgot to mention that I planted garlic today. It is supposed to need some frost in the ground before it sets properly, so hopefully it will spring up with the coming summer weather.
Sun, and all that
It is absolutely beautiful out today. It's very cold away from the sun, but the skies are clear and there is no wind.
I attempted to light a bonfire this morning as I have a pile of old raspberry canes in the veggie garden. It wasn't successful as they are still too wet, but I enjoyed just trying to get it started and hanging around watching the flames that did come out of it. I also went for a walk with the dogs, passing pleasanteries with other walkers who were also enjoying the day.
We have rats in the compost heap, which is not very nice. I bought lots of poison last Sunday and we are waiting to see whether it has been successful. They seem to have been attracted by the bird seed that was falling onto the compost, so we've moved the bird food back onto the patio area where the dogs might act as ratters if they appear.
Did I tell you about my visit to Ballymaloe? Well, I've been given a present of a wine appreciation course in Ballymaloe House. It is the weekend after next. It starts with a dinner and wine on Friday evening. The course itself is on the Saturday, followed by dinner again on Saturday evening. It finishes after breakfast on Sunday. I'm invited on my own, so b will stay at home with the dogs, and that is the only down side of it. He has encouraged me to go, so I'm determined to relax and enjoy it.
I attempted to light a bonfire this morning as I have a pile of old raspberry canes in the veggie garden. It wasn't successful as they are still too wet, but I enjoyed just trying to get it started and hanging around watching the flames that did come out of it. I also went for a walk with the dogs, passing pleasanteries with other walkers who were also enjoying the day.
We have rats in the compost heap, which is not very nice. I bought lots of poison last Sunday and we are waiting to see whether it has been successful. They seem to have been attracted by the bird seed that was falling onto the compost, so we've moved the bird food back onto the patio area where the dogs might act as ratters if they appear.
Did I tell you about my visit to Ballymaloe? Well, I've been given a present of a wine appreciation course in Ballymaloe House. It is the weekend after next. It starts with a dinner and wine on Friday evening. The course itself is on the Saturday, followed by dinner again on Saturday evening. It finishes after breakfast on Sunday. I'm invited on my own, so b will stay at home with the dogs, and that is the only down side of it. He has encouraged me to go, so I'm determined to relax and enjoy it.
Thursday 5 February 2009
It's official
Newtown Letter, sent out today.
Dear Students, Staff, Parents and members of the School Community,
I am pleased to announce the appointment by School Committee of Keith Lemon to the position of Principal at Newtown School.
Keith is currently Head of Boys Physical Education and Year Head for Transition Year in Wesley College, Dublin, where he has taught for the past 18 years. During this period he had responsibility for boarder boys for six years in Wesley, and was resident housemaster in The Royal & Prior School, Raphoe for a short while, so is familiar with this aspect of school life. He teaches Physical Education, Religious Education, CSPE and SPHE to the range of year groups in Wesley, and has successfully coached and assisted hockey and rugby teams both in Wesley and elsewhere. He gained his primary degree in Sport and Leisure Studies at University of Ulster and taught at St Andrews College before moving to Wesley. He recently completed a Masters degree in Education (Leadership and Management) with the Open University.
We will also be welcoming Keith’s wife, Lorna, and their two young children, to the community.
Keith will continue to fulfil his current appointment at Wesley College until the end of the school year. In the meantime he will engage in the school community at Newtown, visiting the school and participating in appropriate meetings and events, and working with everyone to ensure a smooth transition to his new role. He looks forward to working full-time here from 1st August.
I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Keith and his family to Newtown. This appointment brings to Newtown an energetic and inspirational leader with the experience and expertise to meet the opportunities and challenges that we face as we move into a new and exciting phase of the development of our school.
Anne Goggin
Chairperson, School Committee
Dear Students, Staff, Parents and members of the School Community,
I am pleased to announce the appointment by School Committee of Keith Lemon to the position of Principal at Newtown School.
Keith is currently Head of Boys Physical Education and Year Head for Transition Year in Wesley College, Dublin, where he has taught for the past 18 years. During this period he had responsibility for boarder boys for six years in Wesley, and was resident housemaster in The Royal & Prior School, Raphoe for a short while, so is familiar with this aspect of school life. He teaches Physical Education, Religious Education, CSPE and SPHE to the range of year groups in Wesley, and has successfully coached and assisted hockey and rugby teams both in Wesley and elsewhere. He gained his primary degree in Sport and Leisure Studies at University of Ulster and taught at St Andrews College before moving to Wesley. He recently completed a Masters degree in Education (Leadership and Management) with the Open University.
We will also be welcoming Keith’s wife, Lorna, and their two young children, to the community.
Keith will continue to fulfil his current appointment at Wesley College until the end of the school year. In the meantime he will engage in the school community at Newtown, visiting the school and participating in appropriate meetings and events, and working with everyone to ensure a smooth transition to his new role. He looks forward to working full-time here from 1st August.
I’m sure you will join me in welcoming Keith and his family to Newtown. This appointment brings to Newtown an energetic and inspirational leader with the experience and expertise to meet the opportunities and challenges that we face as we move into a new and exciting phase of the development of our school.
Anne Goggin
Chairperson, School Committee
Wednesday 4 February 2009
Daffodil time
b bought daffodils at the market last Saturday. They are now in full bloom, spread in various jars around the house. In an otherwise gloomy week, they give some hope of good things to come. Maybe spring will come, and even summer after that...
Saturday 17 January 2009
Poor ol' Goldie
Goldie is miserable today. He is having difficulty walking and is going around panting. He needs to go to a vet, but of course there is no vet open until Monday. b brought all the dogs with him to Enniskillen yesterday, to the opening of the Waterways Ireland new offices. The car journey didn't help, I'd imagine, but he hasn't been in great form for the last couple of weeks.
It's been a really blustery day, with heavy rain showers, so none of us have ventured far outside.
I took an afternoon off work last Tuesday to spread the manure we had acquired over my raspberries. B and I worked hard at it as it had been delivered in a large trailer that had to be returned to its owner. We've either managed to kill the raspberries with the quantity we put on, or we'll have a bumper crop next autumn.
More depressing news has come out on the jobs front. Not content with the loss of 1,900 jobs in Dell and the various announcements from firms supplying them that they are to let go at least as many again, Kostal has now announced that they need 300 volunteers for redundancy. They manufacture components for the luxury end of the car industry, an industry that is a bit dicey at the moment. Anglo-Irish bank has been nationalised - a crazy move, bailing out developers and other friends of the current government. The world has gone mad!
It's been a really blustery day, with heavy rain showers, so none of us have ventured far outside.
I took an afternoon off work last Tuesday to spread the manure we had acquired over my raspberries. B and I worked hard at it as it had been delivered in a large trailer that had to be returned to its owner. We've either managed to kill the raspberries with the quantity we put on, or we'll have a bumper crop next autumn.
More depressing news has come out on the jobs front. Not content with the loss of 1,900 jobs in Dell and the various announcements from firms supplying them that they are to let go at least as many again, Kostal has now announced that they need 300 volunteers for redundancy. They manufacture components for the luxury end of the car industry, an industry that is a bit dicey at the moment. Anglo-Irish bank has been nationalised - a crazy move, bailing out developers and other friends of the current government. The world has gone mad!
Sunday 4 January 2009
Ice cream and sorbet
My ice cream maker has been churning out about one ice cream or sorbet type per day, but I will probably put it away for a while after today. My favourites so far are the champagne sorbet we made on Christmas day, and the melon sorbet (secret ingredient was brandy) I made a couple of days ago. I've also made chocolate ice cream, fruit salad ice cream (with the remains of my fresh fruit salad juices), strawberry ice cream (delicious!), caramel (unsuccessful and had to be thrown out), and kiwi sorbet. I think that's the lot. Today I will make ice cream with pecan nuts. If I could find marscapone in a shop I'd try using it as it would be an interesting substitute for cream. I should also try making it with yoghurt. Hmm, maybe I need to keep the equipment out on the counter for a bit longer...
Yesterday I attended 2 funerals. They were so different, with one having about 1,000 people there, and the other only a couple of dozen people. That is perhaps the right way, as the bigger was for a 16 year old who had died with 2 others in a car accident near Nenagh. The other was for someone who had reached a good age.
Today is the last day of my holidays. Routine starts again tomorrow, with the alarm already set for 7am. It's so cold out that the holiday hasn't been conducive to getting up and doing things around the house, though that isn't really logical as it would get my circulation going. However, as a result I've done lots of reading, and played far too much of shooting bubbles. I am definitely rested, so the return to work is much easier. Given a choice of times to take off work I would go for the summer, but I also think that a break is needed in the winter just so that we can see the light every now and again.
Safe driving to those returning to London today. It looks cold on the weather map.
Yesterday I attended 2 funerals. They were so different, with one having about 1,000 people there, and the other only a couple of dozen people. That is perhaps the right way, as the bigger was for a 16 year old who had died with 2 others in a car accident near Nenagh. The other was for someone who had reached a good age.
Today is the last day of my holidays. Routine starts again tomorrow, with the alarm already set for 7am. It's so cold out that the holiday hasn't been conducive to getting up and doing things around the house, though that isn't really logical as it would get my circulation going. However, as a result I've done lots of reading, and played far too much of shooting bubbles. I am definitely rested, so the return to work is much easier. Given a choice of times to take off work I would go for the summer, but I also think that a break is needed in the winter just so that we can see the light every now and again.
Safe driving to those returning to London today. It looks cold on the weather map.
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