A Fun Fact...

Here is just a quick fun fact about Ireland (and all of Europe): Tonight is that magical time of year when the time changes in the middle of the night! To say that I am just a little excited is an understatement! The days are already getting long here, but this extra little boost will really make a difference in the length of the day. Now I just have to remember to change the clock tonight...

More Paddy's Pics

I've posted just a few more pics of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations around town. Just click here to go to the new page.

The Celebration Around Town...

St. Patrick's Day itself was a lot of fun. The small town where we live had a small celebration in the center of town. It wasn't much... But I think that it was the best part of the day. The local elementary schools put on a musical performance of traditional Irish tunes. The youngest kids who have not learned an instrument yet were given 'pom poms' and did a little cheer, while the older kids played on tin whistles, bodhráns (a traditional drum), various percussion instruments, and accordions. All the kids grow up learning these instruments and an assortment of traditional tunes. They don't learn to read music, but rather learn to play by ear. The event wasn't just about music, however, there was a special visit from a very windblown St. Patrick...

Celtic Nights...

St. Patrick's Day was a really nice day this year... The celebrations began the night before with a Celtic festival. Representatives from all the Celtic nations (and even some from the USA) came to the city for a night of parades, traditional music, and dancing. It was amazing to see them all proudly dressed in their traditional dress. The evening began with the different nations playing in different areas of the city. The Irish band went from group to group and invited them to join in a celebration. Slowly a small parade formed and then wound its way through the medieval streets until it came to the old courthouse square. It was there that the different groups each performed a short exhibition of music and dance. The crowd was surprisingly small, but it created a very intimate setting. I stood there next to a 6 1/2 foot Scotsman (who was wearing a kilt) watching Britons dance around in a long snake pattern. The night was amazing! I've included a picture of a young Briton from Brittany, France proudly displaying his Celtic heritage by carrying his nation's flag.

Mom & Dad

Today is my (Wallace) parents' 38th wedding anniversary! Happy anniversary Mom & Dad!

Today's Random Pic...

"Shipwrecked"

Top 5 Irish reactions to the fact that we are from Alabama

5. Is that in the deep south?

4. Isn’t that where they had the civil rights thing?

3. Where is that?

2. I’ve been to Boston!

And the number one reaction to the fact that we are from Alabama…..

1. Oh, Like the song… Sweet home… (followed by their rendition of the song).

Rugged Ireland...

(Click the pic to see it larger)

Today's random pic...

Isn't it cute? It really makes you want to go and hug those little pink ears!