Atlanta...

I’m now sitting in the Atlanta airport…. My laptop is telling me that it is currently 2:35am….. my body is whole heartily agreeing… In reality it is only 9:35pm…. The jet lag is really setting in…. but that is ok…. If I thought it was fun to explore Boston’s airport Atlanta is a wonderland. I have stood and smelled the fresh Krystal burgers being cooked. I’ve drooled over the brownies at Chick-fil-a…. but you would be proud. I have not eaten any of it (yet). I’m saving up for IHOP with my family tonight! My plane lands around 11PM and the plan is to go straight to the restaurant! Oh, how I used to love eating their Viva la French toast smothered with strawberry syrup… It will be great to go out with my family… and I want to have a strong appetite when we get there

From Boston's Logan Airport...

I am currently half way home. I’m sitting here in Boston waiting to catch my flight to Atlanta. I’ve got a root beer in one hand… twizzlers on my knee… and a small bag of cheez-its right here ready to be eaten. Ohhhh….. the wonderful things that you can get in the States!!! I walked around in a little newsstand just laughing to myself at all the things – candy & such – that I had forgotten about. Our travels so far have been good.

The airport in Ireland was so relaxed and quiet. We waited in line for about 3 minutes, and then checked in without any problem. I found the man at the security check in very refreshing. He smiled with a sort of twinkle in his eye and greeted us with a sideways nod/twist of the head. He talked with us and even made a few jokes as he asked where we were going today. He wished us a Merry Christmas and said “God bless” as we walked off. I couldn’t help but smile. How refreshing! We went in to the waiting and shopping area only to discover hundreds of US Airborne soldiers wearing their desert fatigues. They were on one of the many US troup carriers that stop over in Ireland to refuel before they go to the Middle East. This group was a group returning home from Iraq – just in time for Christmas. I loved just sitting back and watching the joy and relief on the men and women’s faces as they strolled around buying gifts for loved ones, enjoyed a pint of Guiness at the airport pub, or waited in long lines to call their loved ones. It was an awesome way to start our journey home for Christmas!

We are on our way to the USA today!!!

Our Visitor...

We were sad to say goodbye to a little visitor today. Flat Andrew came all the way from Franklin, TN to stay with us for a couple of weeks. Inspired by the story - Flat Stanley - Mrs. Hall's class created flat versions of themselves to send out in the world to have adventures. Our nephew, Andrew, sent his flat self to us. The little flat guy rode in my camera bag for a couple of weeks and got to see all kinds of cool stuff - castles and rainbows - to name a few. Flat Andrew is leaving us today to make the long journey back to the classroom.

Click here to see a picture of Flat Andrew on a walk down our road.

Final Countdown

Well.... We have less than 22 hours until we fly out. Today is going to be a very full day where we try and tie down all of our loose ends. Our to do list looks something like:

1. Write an elementary school in TN
2. Finish Christmas card to a friend
3. Last coffee of 2005 (with a friend) at 11:15
4. Pack
5. Go to post and pay bills
6. Clean office
7. Pack
8. Deliver a few Christmas baked goods to friends
8. Elementary school kids' carols in the church
9. Christmas party tonight
10. Pack
11. Get in bed at a decent time

There really isn't too much to do on our to do list... But I have a feeling that the day will be a long one.

In The News...

Nothern Ireland made history today when two women married in Belfast. This same sex marriage was the first ever for the United Kingdom. The private ceremony in Belfast's city hall was met with protests from different religious groups. The news here has reported that "Some of their approximately 70 guests brushed off point-blank insults from Christian evangelists as they walked through the city hall's wrought-iron gates.
'You need to turn yourself away from your sinful lifestyle. You're an abomination before God', a Scottish preacher, the Rev. James Dawson, told one lesbian couple as they walked past."

The nation wide (United Kingdom) law comes into effect over the next few days and nearly 600 similar marriages will be taking place in Scotland, England, and Wales this week. British pop star Elton John will marry his long term partner, David Furnish, on Wednesday. Singer George Michael has also said he plans to wed his partner, Kenny Goss, although no date has been announced.

Note: Same sex marriage is not legal in the Republic of Ireland.

'Tis The Season To Be Messy...

I can remember the first Christmas present that I ever wrapped. I don't know why - but one year (a long long time ago) I decided that I wanted to do all of my wrapping myself. I locked myself in a bedroom and proceeded to make a royal mess. I faced so many important questions... questions all men face in the presence of adversity....

"Is this much paper going to cover all of the present?"
- Answer: "Ahhhh.... Probably not.... I should use a whole lot more than I think I am going to need.... Mom has a ton of paper..."

"How much tape should I use?"
- Answer: "Ah... I don't want them to see in.... I'll tape down every edge of loose paper!"



Ribbons didn't curl the way they were supposed to...


Bits of paper were everywhere...


Some gifts looked more like modern art than a present...


I am sad to say that I don't think that I have learned much over the years. I have been wrapping presents over the past few days... And have made a bit of a mess. I still can't quite do the ends of a box the right way... I always seem to have too much paper... And I always end up having to cut off the extras.... And then I end up with these long strips of left over paper that are too small for any present. I tried to tape several of these strips together to cover a present... but that didn't work... I've already run out of tape.... and wrapping paper.... and discovered that hours after wrapping that I had pieces of tape still stuck to my bum.

Is this just an inherent guy problem? Am I just wrapping impaired? Was it because I took band in middle school and not Home economics? But hey... before you point a finger and laugh... ask yourself... (guys:) how many presents am I going to wrap this year? or (girls:) does your guy actually wrap or does he leave it to you?

I should at least get some grace points for effort and not leaving it to my wife?
Shouldn't I?

Wax On Wax Off

Welcome the newest member to our plant family! Any suggestions for names?

Today's Random Pic...

Ok... Everyone seemed to like the last bird pic... So - I thought that I would give you another. This one was taken a few days ago right here at my desk.

Oh Holy Day....

Today is a holy day here in Ireland. This day is called a day of obligation when everyone is supposed to attend Mass. The day is supposed to be set aside to celebrate The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary - or in otherwords the Virgin Mary was created immaculate and was not defiled in any way by sin. Schools were closed down for the holy day and special masses were held all day.

On a side note - Today was also the kick off of the Christmas shopping season & was the biggest single shopping day of the year!!

Comment

Just a quick comment on the picture below. I don't know what it is about this winter... the lack of strong winds... living in a new location... or the mild winter... but this winter I am really noticing the birds here. It is truly amazing how many (especially the small ones) are still here. I seem to be snapping pictures of them just about every day. On the roll of film I just developed about half of the pictures were of the amazing sunsets we have been having and the other half were of birds. This particular photo was taken down by the convent in our town about a week ago. It was a really crisp morning, and I felt like the photo really captured the stillness of that morning.

Today's Random Pic

"A Winter's Bird"

Dee is finally posting!

Two years ago I was watching a program on RTE(a local Irish station) called "Other Voices". Every year music fans flock to the beautiful town of Dingle for amazing concerts at St James' Church. The church has amazing acoustics and very few seats. These intimate concerts are recorded live for us unlucky souls who can't get seats and is played on RTE late at night. While watching this show I have been introduced to some amazing talent. Examples of the acts included: The Cowboy Junkies, The Divine Comedy, Clive Barnes, Gemma Hayes, Paddy Casey, Bellx 1, Bic Runga, Glen Hansard(lead singer of The Frames), Christy Moore, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. I would love to give commentary on all of the above but am afraid no one would want to read all of that....

So for the few folks still reading....I was really impressed with Rodrigo y Gabriela. They are two guitarists(or is it two guitar players?) from Mexico. They were playing in a heavy metal band in Mexico City, but felt they were not being heard. So what do you do when you want to break away and want to move towards acoustic work? Well, you move to Dublin, Ireland. Because of limited English and the need to pay bills, they began busking(playing without a venue) on the streets of Dublin. They slowly moved towards gigging around the country. They are now touring around Europe and are currently opening for David Gray. They came through our area several times over the summer, but because of our crazy schedule, we were unable to go. I bought their live album for Wallace and convinced him that these are folks we need to see when they come back through. Well, they played over the weekend, and we were able to go! It is hard to describe their music. I have never seen the guitar used as both a melodic and a rythmic instrument at the same time. It was one of those times when you are sitting on the edge of your seat, and you are afraid to blink for fear that you will miss something. These are two of the most talented musicians I have ever seen. I could go on and on(and on) about the night, but.....Wallace and I really really enjoyed the night. So if you ever see an album by Rodrigo y Gabriela, BUY IT! I don't know if they will be touring in the states, but keep your eyes open. They are coming out with a new album this February as well. If you want any info about these guys their website is www.rodgab.com

And because my sister always tells me what she is eating and listening to while writing her emails and because you asked....
Listening: Gemma Hayes - "The Roads Don't Love You"
Eating: dried papaya and yoghurt coated raisins(no need to correct my spelling here, that's exactly what the package says)