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.
Sunday 6 January 2008
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.
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