Time For Another Game!

Yes... it is that time again.... Time for another game. You know how to play... I show you a sign (or part of a sign) that is common in Ireland. You pick the correct response by clicking on the answer. Keep your own score & email us the results.

1.

Unit in charge of regulating all naps

A rubbish/trash bin

Diaper changing station

Area where a special "nappy" must be warn on your feet

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2.


Caution 'quick' sand

Caution 'No' sand

Caution 'Blowing' sand

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3.


Beware of Angry Farmers

Beware of the Bull

Beware of Snakes

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4.


Approaching Herbie

Approaching Mountain Pass

Fire Your Car's Boost Rockets Now

Send us an email and let us know how you did!

This time last year...

Looking back over the website - I just noticed that it was this time last year (well... July 12th) that our little website had it's 1,000th visitor. Well... This month the site has had its 5,000th! I was not home on the day that the counter rolled over... So I didn't get to see who pushed us over the edge... But we want to thank all of you out there in cyber-space that keep coming back to our little corner and keeping a check on how things are going here in Ireland.

June & July

June and July are an interesting time in Ireland. I wonder how many people in the states have any idea of the religious tensions that are especially present in Northern Ireland during these two months. I plan on someday giving you a full history of the conflict... but let's just say that the North (still under British control) is still very divided between Catholics and Protestants. One day in particular is a day of protest. The 12th of July is the day that members of the Orange Order march through Catholic neighborhoods. The Orange Order is an anti-Catholic organization that has thousands of members. They parade each year in commemoration of a 315-year-old victory by Protestant King William of Orange over the Catholic he ejected from the British throne, James the Second (at the Battle of the Boyne south of Belfast) . Now - these parades are not simply a remembrance, but rather are seen as a hateful taunt, and Catholics living in the North are enraged at the act. In practice, the Orange Order mobilization demonstrates Protestant numerical superiority and power. Many parades come accompanied with so-called "kick the pope" bands of fife and drum that crank up the volume when they get near Catholic areas. Most Orange demonstrations/parades proceed without opposition, including one through central Belfast, where tens of thousands turned out on one of the hottest, sunniest days of the year to watch family and friends parade in traditional Orange regalia: conservative dark suits, 1920s-era bowler hats and orange vestments decorated with silver, secret symbols. There are other areas, however, that see large protests, police in riot gear, and physical altercations. In Dunloy, a Catholic crossroads northwest of Belfast, Catholic protesters abandoned cars and a truck to prevent Protestants from marching from an Orange hall to a nearby Presbyterian Church (the only reminders of Dunloy's past as a mostly Protestant village). Meanwhile in the second-largest city of Londonderry (or Derry), Orangemen were permitted to parade on the overwhelmingly Catholic west side for the first time in more than a decade as part of a painstakingly negotiated deal. But Catholic men and youths threw rocks and bottles at the parade, and police forced the attackers back. The day was met with protests and some violence all in the name of religion.

We are far removed from any parades, and the only difference that we see during the parade seasons are the thousands of northerners that flock down to the peaceful south (The Republic) trying to avoid the ugliness.

Cobh

Our work took us near an interesting place this past week. It was just too tempting - so we took a little detour to the small island of Cobh (pronounced - cove). Cobh is one of those little places in Ireland that is not well known (Well - was not to me at least) but is full of history. Cobh is a beautiful port town where 2.5 million Irish immigrants last stepped off of Irish soil and on to a ship bound for a new land. According to my mother's family (verbal) tradition- This was the site where my ancestors left their homeland and made their way to America. Cobh was also the last port of call for the Titanic on her fateful maiden voyage. If you wander around the old cemetery you can see many graves of those that died on the Lusitania. The rescue ships came back to Cobh with the victims and survivors of that famous cruise ship that was sunk by a German submarine (an act that brought the USA into World War I). I enjoyed our little detour here. It was amazing to close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the ocean... trying to imagine the fears and anxiety that so many people must have felt in this place. History tells us that most people spent their last night in Ireland having a wake (just as they would do when a family member would die). They anxiously stayed awake mourning the loss of their homes and protecting the few belongings that they had with them.

The statue of Annie Moore and her two brothers. Annie was the first immigrant to ever be processed on Ellis Island when it officially opened on 1st January 1892. An identical statue can be found on Ellis Island.

Today's Random Pic...

London Update...

Just a quick note to say that we have gotten notice from all of our friends in London and everyone is doing ok.

Shock...

I was sitting in our little coffee shop enjoying a few moments of peace and quiet, my tall dark mocha, and my bagel with cream cheese, when my mobile phone started playing music. I answered the phone and was really pleased to hear the voice of my good friend John calling from the United Kingdom. We talked for a few moments and then he told me. London had been hit by a terrorist attack. My quiet morning was over. I sat there in shock. It almost didn't seem real to think that not too far away a number of bombs had rocked the city's underground transport system. Things remained quiet in the little coffee shop - no one knew the news yet. I said a quick prayer, talked with my friends working in the shop, and then headed off to find a TV or radio in order to get more information. I just don't understand how someone could be involved in such a senseless act. It wasn't aimed at a politician, or the military, but rather was aimed at people from all religions and people from all walks of life. I have ridden the London underground numerous of times. There are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and atheists all crammed in a small car... I just don't understand how someone could think that by killing people that were simply going about their daily lives could be what God wants. What kind of god is that? We are very sad to hear all that is going on in London. We are very sad for all those that have lost loved ones. We only pray that some Good would come from this and that it would be used to speak to people's hearts about what is truly important. We do not know if all of our friends in London are ok yet. We keep checking our email... Praying... And waiting. We will let you know as soon as we hear something.

Grilled Out:

No… didn’t get any watermelon… but did get some jello in the shape of the good ol’ USA!

Rain, Church, and Hippies

We have been very busy over the last few weeks, and I have not had much of an opportunity to just walk into the town center. It isn't much of a walk - about 15min - but I enjoy the stretch of the legs because I never know what is going to come my way.

A few observations from my walk today:

As I was walking out of the house D reminded me to take my hat. I looked out at the beautiful blue skies and picked up my hat (just in case). I was about five min. From the house when rain started to sting me. I looked up - but there were not any clouds directly above me. I can only guess that the rain was being carried along by the wind from a distant cloud. Huh... Life in Ireland.

I walked down by the old church in town (It isn't used anymore but it sits in very scenic spot). I was just really passing by it, but the plaque over the door caught my eye. It stated that the church had been built in July 1776. Huh.... I know that date for some reason... Go figure.

I was just about into the town center when I saw something that caught my eye. There were a group of people from the continent that appeared a lot like hippies. They were camping on the beach in a volkswagen bus that was painted with rainbows, clouds, and swirls of color. Their sliding van door was open and I could see beads hanging down like a curtain. There wasn't much activity with the exception of one very tall and skinny guy in a tie-dyed shirt and long hair walking around the van. We waved to each other as I walked by and I had to smile to myself about today's surprise. It isn't altogether unusual to see people dressed like hippies. I think that they are drawn to the idea of Ireland being a place where Celtic music is played in every home and to the idea where life is a little less complicated. They are just another surprise part of my walk today.

I'm never disappointed when I take the time to walk into town. You never know who/what you are going to run into.

4th of July

I awoke this morning to the sound of my phone beeping. My Scottish friend had sent me a message congratulating me on my independence from England. I sent him a thank you text and then rolled over. As you might have guessed - the fourth of July isn't that big of a deal in Ireland... And to be honest with you it does not really seem like the fourth of July. It is a cool seventy-five degrees here with a very strong wind. There are no makeshift trucks selling fireworks, no watermelons, or flags flying. I went for a walk into town and wished my friend working in the post office a happy 4th. She just looked at me with a blank stare until I explained the importance of the day... I won't do that again. ;) We are going to have a bit of a celebration later this evening. We are getting together with some American friends for a Bar-B-Q... and who knows mabe a bit of watermelon if I'm lucky! We hope that all of you have a great 4th!