Did I Tell You I'm a Gardener?

Our front garden isn't spectacular. In fact it isn't really a garden at all.... but that is what people here call it. When we first moved in it was nothing but rock - weed - and more rock. Our landlord hauled in dirt and even planted grass... but there is still so much to be done. We have a large rock in one corner of the yard that is overrun with weeds and is looking desperate. It looked so bad last year (while we were in the states) that one of my neighbors said that she wanted to do something with it. Was that a hint of some sort? So.... now that it is springtime I have bought pair of wellies and a new shovel with the hopes of actually making a garden out of our little patch of grass. To be honest with you it is turning out to be a lot of fun. On nice evenings all my neighbors come out to work in their gardens... we all end up chatting, waving, or joking about our attempts. so.... with the help of Peig (our neighbor's dog) I am going to try and make something out of this corner. Stay tuned...

Today's Random Pic...

A Book Update...

I have been meaning to mention this for a while now... but several people have been emailing and asking about our book that was published last summer. Well... it is still available from the publisher. Just CLICK HERE to go to their online bookstore. Also - it is now available in a soft cover for a reduced price. Let me know if you have any problems... And thanks to everyone out there who has shown interest in the book. It has really been a blessing to get to share some stories and photos of this beautiful place and the amazing people we get to live among.

Just a Note...

Just a quick note to tell you that today is a very important day in our family. It was eleven years ago today that Dee and I had our first date. wow... I can't believe that she has stuck with me that long! ;)

Irish Words...

This post is just a FYI post. I thought that you might like to see about a few more words that we would use in English that have come from Irish Gaelic.

A shenanigan is a deceitful trick, or to do something as simply as an act of mischief. The word originates from the Irish Gaelic sionnachuighim, meaning "I play the fox." As you know, foxes are a constant annoyance to farmers and rubbish men... Both of which have to defend their flocks or bags (as the case may be) from these mischievous creatures that often do things for no apparent reason other than for the fun of it.

A hooligan is someone who causes great disturbances or a creates havoc as a result of celebration or as a retaliation. In Europe hooligans usually are associated with soccer clubs/matches and are considered to be a great threat to others after or during a sporting event. It is not clear where the word originated, but the most popular theory (to me at least) is that it's based on an Irish Gaelic word, Hooley, which means a wild, spirited party.

Today's Random Pic...

Who Was St. Patrick?

In honor of his feast day.... A short story of Patrick's life...

Patrick was a normal Welsh teenager in the late fourth/fifth century. He lived in a Christian family and attended church regularly until… He was kidnapped by pirates! Patrick was taken to Ireland and sold as a slave to a prosperous tribal chief and druid named Miliuc who put Patrick to work herding cattle. It was during his years of isolation in the wilderness herding cattle that he fell in love with God and with the Irish. He learned to speak the local Celtic language and came to understand the Irish Celtic people, society, and culture.

Patrick eventually escaped from his captors and began studying for the priesthood by being immersed in the Scriptures. One night at the age of 48, (already past his life expectancy in the 5th century) Patrick had a dream that changed his life. In his dream he could hear the voices of his former captives calling out for him to come back to them.

Patrick believed God was calling him to Ireland, and in 432AD he and his team went to Ireland. It was there that he preached to the kings and common people through parable, story, poetry, song, open-air speaking, visual arts, visual symbols, and, perhaps, drama to engage the Irish’s remarkable imaginations. (He used the three leaves of the clover to explain the trinity. A symbol that has lasted through the centuries.) The people heard the gospel message, saw the faith of Patrick, and turned away from their pagan beliefs. It was not long until the majority of Ireland came to believe in Jesus, and the Celtic church was begun.

Click Here to see a veggie tale video about St. Patrick

On This Day...

You all know that today is St. Patrick's Day... but did you know that it is also a very important day in my family? Today - March 17, 2007 - my parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary! Congratulations mom & dad!

Mom & Dad - 1967

A St. Patrick's Day Note from the President...

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ar chlann mhór dhomhanda
na nGael, sa bhaile agus ar fud na cruinne, ar ár lá
náisiúnta ceiliúrtha.

A very happy St Patrick's Day to all those taking part
in this year's festivities which link Ireland's
global family and its many friends in a huge
celebration 'of the green' all over the world. It was
Irish emigrants who introduced their vibrant culture to
a multitude of new homelands and we have them to thank
for the tide of affection and enthusiasm which the name
of St Patrick evokes far and wide. Today a prosperous
Ireland is itself attracting immigrants from many
far-off shores and they are adding greatly to our
legendary cultural buoyancy. The Irish love of music,
dance, fun and friendship will be showcased in every
continent thanks to the work of countless committees
whose passion for Ireland and her unique heritage has
seen the St Patrick's Day pageant grow into a truly
global phenomenon. I thank them all for this
outstanding network which connects Ireland to her
children and her friends in such a joyful way. I hope
that their commitment and dedication will be repaid by
the best St Patrick's Day celebrations ever.

Enjoy them wherever you are and may St Patrick bless
each one of you.

MARY McALEESE
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND

Things You Don't See Everyday...

The University of Tennessee's Marching band - complete with flag floppers - marching down the middle of a crowded pedestrian shopping street. I have to say that is a first! Oh... by the way - preparations for St. Paddy's day are well underway!

Guess what we got in the mail?

Our tickets to see Damien Rice came in the mail today!!! Wahoo!! If you have not heard of Damien Rice yet, get on his website, myspace, or itunes. He is an Irish singer/songwriter. I am not sure quite how to describe his music, folk/hard folk maybe? He is an amazing musician/artist. He is touring Europe at the moment, but will be back in the states this spring. If you see that he is coming your way, don’t think, go! go! go! You will not be disappointed. My sister and brother-in-law saw him play in Boston just before Christmas, and they absolutely loved the concert. I believe their words were “phenomenal”, “amazing”. We have to wait until August for the concert, but you can see him sooner. Check out his website at www.damienrice.com for details.

Big...

I had a strange moment a few weeks ago. Dee and I watched the movie "BIG" with Tom Hanks. I have always loved this movie... in fact, I was about the kids age when it first came out. I remember thinking that I wanted to be a fun adult when I grew up. I had a lot of the toys that were in the movie... and I remember really identifying with the young guy. As I watched the movie I was enjoying this little trip down memory lane............ that is until it hit me: I am now the age that Tom Hanks played! AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! (sitting here in a "Home Alone" pose - hands on cheeks screaming!)

It isn't a secret that I am quickly heading towards the big 20-10.... but when I found out that Tom Hanks was big and really old at the age of 30 I had to sink out of my recliner and onto the floor! When did this happen? When did I become Big? In many ways I'm a bit troubled by this recent revelation... but I am also comforted to think that I have not really grown up. I find that I have more in common with Tom Hank's character than the other grown ups in the movie. I mean - hey... I still want a trampoline...and bunk beds... I still love to play Nintendo... I still think that it would be cool to have my very own coke machine.... I still love silly string and baseball... and I still think girls are weird! So.... even if it is inevitable that I will hit the 20-10 mark.... I'm not worried! Thank you Mr. Hanks.

Today's Random Pic...

We have had a University group here with us this past week. Sorry that I have not updated in a while... I promise to double my efforts this week!

An Irish Joke...

What's Irish and stays out all night?







Answer: Patty O'Furniture