tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146995314089359982024-03-13T11:26:29.632-04:00Faint Heart ArtMy attempt to slay the inner critic and produce art that is fighting to get out.Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.comBlogger1005125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-21581311702510971392016-07-11T14:37:00.000-04:002016-07-11T14:37:02.064-04:00A Visit from My American Family and FriendsThe day after I arrived home from my visit to Michigan, I got up and stripped my bed, washed the bed linens and hung them on the line. I then made the bed using the second set of sheets that were clean and folded in the hot press.<br />
<br />
I had my usual late morning with coffee with Sarah and then wandered around town waiting to hear that they were in Ireland. Their flight was a bit late, but they were expecting to get to Wexford by bus around 2 pm. I met them at the bus station here in town and escorted them the short distance to my place. They considered taking a nap, but decided they'd adjust quicker if they tried to sleep at the regular night time here. We went out to lunch at Simon's where we met Sarah. We each had some variation of soup and sandwich and then walked around a bit. We then came home and played some Farkle and ate cookies with tea for dinner.<br />
<br />
We all had a good nights' sleep and then met John and Sarah and our driver, Greg, out front at 8 am. On the first day of the tour we went to Enniscorthy to the 1798 museum and Vinegar Hill and then stopped at Curracloe Beach and the Wildfowl Sanctuary before heading to the Wren's Nest for fish and chips and a pint. What a fabulous day. I know I took photos while we were touring, but am having trouble finding them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsbrpHnhkq7gJJ19FLyVFPIdKdXwaNKSK3A0P_2_EObS1LfiOapUo5d-UTB-ccAJKn2m-MFZL0tHXiop_XPCZZO3gBQ2R4o9y-H7aazpTXy9C6NauqfQXvze8Q7tcgywODt1ClJAxuRzP/s1600/the+visitors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsbrpHnhkq7gJJ19FLyVFPIdKdXwaNKSK3A0P_2_EObS1LfiOapUo5d-UTB-ccAJKn2m-MFZL0tHXiop_XPCZZO3gBQ2R4o9y-H7aazpTXy9C6NauqfQXvze8Q7tcgywODt1ClJAxuRzP/s320/the+visitors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atop Vinegar Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the second day of our tour we went to Johnstown Castle, Tintern Abbey and the Hook Lighthouse. Again a lovely day, except for the clutch trouble Greg had with the vehicle, but he seemed to know just how to take care of it. We had a delicious lunch at Templars Inn before heading back to Wexford.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFih9JlrXYP7i-wffWd6EVZvG1xNuIk8ouWlztK6ZpWXsguKg8gyf1P1F5WYnp4NUXOFGd44xPts49C94Ao2Uu3sB1jVzI6xC26LzVDp2Z3OqUJEuO-MnHYNlLotG9mJOj8KOkVGxNg5Wh/s1600/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFih9JlrXYP7i-wffWd6EVZvG1xNuIk8ouWlztK6ZpWXsguKg8gyf1P1F5WYnp4NUXOFGd44xPts49C94Ao2Uu3sB1jVzI6xC26LzVDp2Z3OqUJEuO-MnHYNlLotG9mJOj8KOkVGxNg5Wh/s320/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tintern Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRqJSGkwWEngPPeRfXXFIBvOxkfNtUU6ip-OP25IZkKUGRvSQx3JS1c7G5Iharx4sbOFK00PhaDJ1duG0DRXp6pEbcxnqDmNOD7Fu72VZt8OiVQmp1hJcLA1R7pdpWopbQSDAFuQbwac0/s1600/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRqJSGkwWEngPPeRfXXFIBvOxkfNtUU6ip-OP25IZkKUGRvSQx3JS1c7G5Iharx4sbOFK00PhaDJ1duG0DRXp6pEbcxnqDmNOD7Fu72VZt8OiVQmp1hJcLA1R7pdpWopbQSDAFuQbwac0/s320/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walled Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKW_rPIBvEKJF_-MLUSg5zL-AlUybnr0B71pneZBfohFzauBDy30HcWFoSpzHdmau_BgI_FUwmgWLC53UsGXCQvxMlu5RLFj7qyw32ujRFcCkftdtSkmxHkd3gkvp8hbALJuaDTXmZAbO/s1600/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKW_rPIBvEKJF_-MLUSg5zL-AlUybnr0B71pneZBfohFzauBDy30HcWFoSpzHdmau_BgI_FUwmgWLC53UsGXCQvxMlu5RLFj7qyw32ujRFcCkftdtSkmxHkd3gkvp8hbALJuaDTXmZAbO/s320/Tour+Day+2+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hook Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhute3J2b5ZQHxe4u_u9RnK7rOLkHG4cb4bHrfe6RQKmIKqXU1z6_VdtguthHGvZ2BApiS1yZVWxBa2wZiyuIKIMHzZig0OZBUYBkrNwTxR5PflWpRWtZaews2YdIO3k5OFH_iPiaLEOVT1/s1600/Johnstown+Castle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhute3J2b5ZQHxe4u_u9RnK7rOLkHG4cb4bHrfe6RQKmIKqXU1z6_VdtguthHGvZ2BApiS1yZVWxBa2wZiyuIKIMHzZig0OZBUYBkrNwTxR5PflWpRWtZaews2YdIO3k5OFH_iPiaLEOVT1/s320/Johnstown+Castle+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johnstown Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hate to admit it but much of the time the girls were here is a blur. We had a trip planned to London, but they went off without me when my ankle proved too much. I've been referred to a orthopaedic specialist at Beacon Hospital in Dublin and my local GP didn't think I should plan to be away. As it turns my appointment is not until 11 August, but I think it was good to give my ankle a rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The girls had a blast in London, which included, but was not limited to, Sue getting locked in the loo at the place where they were staying; a hop on hop off bus tour of the city; and a cruise on the Thames. They then took a train to Pembroke, Wales, where they spent a night before returning to Ireland via a ferry. They all seemed to think the ferry ride was the high spot of their trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For the rest of their stay we pretty much walked around Wexford (except for the day John and Sarah took Judy and Sue to Enniscorthy to see the sights and have lunch) having our main meal at lunch time at various restaurants in town followed by cookies and tea for dinner. What could be better.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope the girls had as good a time as I did while they were here. Looking forward to Anne coming back in a couple of years to see me and for us to explore a bit of Europe together..... </div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-88423700565688233722016-07-04T12:21:00.002-04:002016-07-04T12:21:27.121-04:00Visit to The StatesI'm way behind, but better late than never, I guess!<br />
<br />
I flew to Detroit via Chicago on 26 May. I set my alarm for 4 am and caught the 5 am bus to Dublin Airport. It was a clear, crisp morning, so I wore a fleece jacket for the walk to the bus. I stored the fleece in my carryon bag once I was inside and checking in at the Aer Lingus desk.<br />
<br />
The flight was uneventful, but 8 hours long and brutal for all that. We left Dublin at half eleven and arrived 8 hours and 6 time zones later in Chicago around half one. It was jam-packed and hotter than blazes there. The heat I get, but I was slow on the uptake when it came to the crowds. How could I have forgotten about Memorial Day weekend and the scramble to go on holidays.<br />
<br />
I took a short flight to Detroit arriving around 9 pm. Adam, Payton, Katie and Zoë were waiting for me with a lovely, glittery "NANA" sign. At first they weren't sure whether or not they'd spotted me. I have a bit more hair than I had when I left. When they heard me laugh, they knew who it was, though. I got lots of hugs and kisses (Payton had tears running down her cheeks). Zoë and I almost had a catastrophe at the down escalator, but we were rescued by a couple I'd met at O'Hare.<br />
<br />
We had a lot of conversation on the way to Adam's house where Dana and Morgan met us. After a bit of a visit, Zoë and I settled down in her loft bed and her Dad read a couple of chapters of Junie B Jones to us. He read with changes in his voice that had us howling. We then settled down to sleep.<br />
<br />
In the morning, I kept Dana's car after dropping her off at work and drove to Leslie to have my taxes done. I actually got a chunk back, so I was thrilled. I really don't remember specifics of the first few days because I was so tired. I thought I was just adjusting to the time difference and all, but it turns out I have a Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Unusual tiredness is one of the symptoms! I am on a regimen of once a week shots for 5 weeks and then a shot every few months.<br />
<br />
I saw lots of my dance family here and there and ran into Angela, the lovely apartment rep, at the Crossing. I got lots and lots of hugs. Had lunch and shopping with my friend, Carol, and spent a bit of an evening with Divya, Manish and Prisha. Mona took me out to dinner, too, where I ran into a former sister in law who I hadn't seen in a while. There were many people I wanted to see, but wasn't able to. I hope to make up for that next visit.<br />
<br />
On 1 June, I rented a car from Enterprise and drove up to St. Ignace to visit Mom. Anne, Mary and Kathy were also there. Brother Mike came over to visit, as did Dan's wife, Sue. Had a lovely visit with family and then met my girlfriends from high school at the Village Inn for a brew and a sandwich. Such fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZJB_nPZAGVi8fp0NDtxCLvU_n0EgxnOdlnJ-w_uy6c_ZO4XwkJLMtPxpUn3ZsmmmLTcy-EL1egmjASVMM75_u7l0GRLEHJcH9saSwff4llmz-3-E4U4dsRm___UdFCFw8wSZecPvegNA/s1600/Iggy+Girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZJB_nPZAGVi8fp0NDtxCLvU_n0EgxnOdlnJ-w_uy6c_ZO4XwkJLMtPxpUn3ZsmmmLTcy-EL1egmjASVMM75_u7l0GRLEHJcH9saSwff4llmz-3-E4U4dsRm___UdFCFw8wSZecPvegNA/s320/Iggy+Girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I was sorry to miss Mary, Jane, and Monica, but am hoping they've put 22 October on their calendars when we will be meeting at the Driftwood. I've probably forgotten someone, but it is not intentional. I hope to see my cousin, Judy, in October too.<br />
<br />
On Monday, 6 June, I met with some of my former cohorts from SHS at Bob Evans for breakfast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcCgvZ7CU0fWjjKvhvciTvFzban7daUyXdBFhEAKUwHUwnJsog14j_OxxhRHW_ErWTOrCrGikaJm7AYpLPoZNFygWFuTtZpm8ZvbTC59AlwBiNHiZ8LDms89tGQavDjrxmMtCAXxzuq8g/s1600/SHS+retirees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcCgvZ7CU0fWjjKvhvciTvFzban7daUyXdBFhEAKUwHUwnJsog14j_OxxhRHW_ErWTOrCrGikaJm7AYpLPoZNFygWFuTtZpm8ZvbTC59AlwBiNHiZ8LDms89tGQavDjrxmMtCAXxzuq8g/s320/SHS+retirees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So good to see everyone; it'd been too long since I'd seen some of you. Everyone appears to be doing well and keeping busy. How did we ever have time to work??</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My little girls had recitals and were exceptional! What a whirlwind! Two nights of dress rehearsal which included hair, makeup and costumes. Then the real thing on Friday evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yzdbrtDFRS1XIPMnhc8dQCK1cLNdsO6ABf07EYZrsm_kp0qMBxaK2Z6GmxNJ3dEu5cmoouaBveVT35LpwSPbjYVkBPxjpVNAxM4FtRXr0C1tb19A3TKlcgTGaopvVLM1ABNWvasDYd-E/s1600/Cellophane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yzdbrtDFRS1XIPMnhc8dQCK1cLNdsO6ABf07EYZrsm_kp0qMBxaK2Z6GmxNJ3dEu5cmoouaBveVT35LpwSPbjYVkBPxjpVNAxM4FtRXr0C1tb19A3TKlcgTGaopvVLM1ABNWvasDYd-E/s320/Cellophane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Payton is on the far right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KBQ3ALR0w-fLJkxts40RAV9IErweTacpZ5bvtowiEpjYBFAJ-o7WiSYm8vgH1q7ZPFG-curl4OnatP_ZbsKuuzeP52LLricQDV4lTxprJs1ysp9IlD5OQXwSkdem2l7QtIpC-lsYhf_T/s1600/Morgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KBQ3ALR0w-fLJkxts40RAV9IErweTacpZ5bvtowiEpjYBFAJ-o7WiSYm8vgH1q7ZPFG-curl4OnatP_ZbsKuuzeP52LLricQDV4lTxprJs1ysp9IlD5OQXwSkdem2l7QtIpC-lsYhf_T/s320/Morgan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
On Saturday morning, my other little dancer had a performance at Western High School. Such a good ballerina and tapper, sweet Zoë!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI07CU1fhG3ydCeW3WjPHmIp2an1o_8ZHsOfxZLAZrKA7sGda02M_QFDgA_3GXWz75NlVYFCzOosg4OjnVDxeGMfOhFV581Akp1f9Ej3bJFyM6gLTfpMjj5tCKzPz86E_EOu3Ifa0pgpZ/s1600/Zoe+ballerina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI07CU1fhG3ydCeW3WjPHmIp2an1o_8ZHsOfxZLAZrKA7sGda02M_QFDgA_3GXWz75NlVYFCzOosg4OjnVDxeGMfOhFV581Akp1f9Ej3bJFyM6gLTfpMjj5tCKzPz86E_EOu3Ifa0pgpZ/s320/Zoe+ballerina.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
A wonderful, but chaotic visit! I am planning to return for another visit in mid-October. I will go to the UP for my Mom's 92nd birthday and to see my high school friends, and hope to see my retired friends while I am in Jackson, too. My visit with my kids and grand girls will be more tranquil as there will be a normal schedule in place. Looking forward to it!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-77548418884917916972016-05-02T06:02:00.001-04:002016-05-02T06:02:14.622-04:00May Day - Wexford's Labour DayMay Day is on May 1st, but it includes a bank holiday on the first Monday of the month. May Day is associated with a lockout of workers in 1911 who were working to unionise. It was an awful time with lots of hardship.<br />
<br />
I went to a celebration/remembrance yesterday in the Faythe at the site of the sculpture that commemorates this occasion. There were speeches by dignitaries and relatives of those who took an important part in the resolution of the lockout.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ3qsyfF6Rjx2agXM59pAKBfYncwSJsaulYco9NNUcpJAjNYXZPB0Mb3Si9vkLsoplgAk74zCrBdnkJIIOrJOsxXMpm6n-mGGbNlHzn1TZd1IeDyRSR89snxkt-XU1Y5WBTnnx6rk_Iw4/s1600/MayDay+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ3qsyfF6Rjx2agXM59pAKBfYncwSJsaulYco9NNUcpJAjNYXZPB0Mb3Si9vkLsoplgAk74zCrBdnkJIIOrJOsxXMpm6n-mGGbNlHzn1TZd1IeDyRSR89snxkt-XU1Y5WBTnnx6rk_Iw4/s320/MayDay+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The band</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtvLMus_-9TMt23cxkxPn0-0BFOAZ4FG_O41_hAIsROHBtw0O2ED7yhMIpFZF2g-Y7yaC9WSdyQyNKRvDpeBBaJrrXQYi8828UuC5X5AlE4LC3kFb0lpdeif53zdEj_Lwine7lPa4H1Py/s1600/MayDay+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtvLMus_-9TMt23cxkxPn0-0BFOAZ4FG_O41_hAIsROHBtw0O2ED7yhMIpFZF2g-Y7yaC9WSdyQyNKRvDpeBBaJrrXQYi8828UuC5X5AlE4LC3kFb0lpdeif53zdEj_Lwine7lPa4H1Py/s320/MayDay+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mayor in all his finery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFWZtr6fZ0EURXbzqf2nLxfnIOYQBvcfa_S7DuRr9OzDH_O3Mpzsg3fj46Kq8Aqj7dTKlcGAA3Gjpl5ZCJw4GDVmpBWtjklmH5bfKoGNBQjkRMvSGJi8udEdXbj8y3_0gnDx4E3jbSF6l/s1600/MayDay+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFWZtr6fZ0EURXbzqf2nLxfnIOYQBvcfa_S7DuRr9OzDH_O3Mpzsg3fj46Kq8Aqj7dTKlcGAA3Gjpl5ZCJw4GDVmpBWtjklmH5bfKoGNBQjkRMvSGJi8udEdXbj8y3_0gnDx4E3jbSF6l/s320/MayDay+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other dignitaries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a get-together afterward at the Talbot Hotel that myself and my new friend, Norah, attended. Afterward she had errands and I was hungry so I went to the Wren's Nest for lunch. John and Sarah joined me there to watch the football (soccer) match on tv. We had a pint and then Sarah and I walked around for a bit. We spent a bit of time wandering the quay looking at the tractors that were part of the Tractor Show.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EkOZsQyeRV0Oy_3JQBrojf5R9gkPZMl_ABzclaZ6IN5yZpDmhwUEyn9xxAwLHbOCdzbUVR2zcXWyCgPl60WkOJEvYNA_fLFsROUcY8NO9fXJeWUaY6Z9T1Ht2shndB8PWVQHibANXBbr/s1600/TractorShow+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EkOZsQyeRV0Oy_3JQBrojf5R9gkPZMl_ABzclaZ6IN5yZpDmhwUEyn9xxAwLHbOCdzbUVR2zcXWyCgPl60WkOJEvYNA_fLFsROUcY8NO9fXJeWUaY6Z9T1Ht2shndB8PWVQHibANXBbr/s320/TractorShow+-+1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the old ones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4mjN5OR2lsmDrZYOfFazsiv8fyxMIFXR3zRb-zo3TBHXYEZziQeL5D78anPawtyEaGgOvE61dWZhKaHOT8SdXpPDRG-QU0ImNFUbadpmn3rMKJ74d8jVwA3K48wojkjlH9fxwwniYWfY/s1600/TractorShow+-+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4mjN5OR2lsmDrZYOfFazsiv8fyxMIFXR3zRb-zo3TBHXYEZziQeL5D78anPawtyEaGgOvE61dWZhKaHOT8SdXpPDRG-QU0ImNFUbadpmn3rMKJ74d8jVwA3K48wojkjlH9fxwwniYWfY/s320/TractorShow+-+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were also some old cars on hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohCFA_ZSVeYENyZkFfVZpKddjkyIR0Yah-fQgmpLCEEiLHPONqhN4QV3x9oRwQlJZmkZ0ZZzifzNrCXgxxpAL1QPwr-guRvflnloo8RN7Gz4YvWGVlgHJEIVpTltwCMUmVa3H34lesC00/s1600/TractorShow+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohCFA_ZSVeYENyZkFfVZpKddjkyIR0Yah-fQgmpLCEEiLHPONqhN4QV3x9oRwQlJZmkZ0ZZzifzNrCXgxxpAL1QPwr-guRvflnloo8RN7Gz4YvWGVlgHJEIVpTltwCMUmVa3H34lesC00/s320/TractorShow+-+1+%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also liked the unusual ones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYFMDyBLQMRDOxHrW2TW7NMFzPySDNZaG7m_l0vqEALo7LOoE1txI99gMfSq2vircM_ZRGDmYRAmWs5DN388Ujv163VYa2H_R47pBvPPToHszXKYmyfI6JdlGVb9WAhRVJvBTth7FY9p/s1600/TractorShow+-+1+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNYFMDyBLQMRDOxHrW2TW7NMFzPySDNZaG7m_l0vqEALo7LOoE1txI99gMfSq2vircM_ZRGDmYRAmWs5DN388Ujv163VYa2H_R47pBvPPToHszXKYmyfI6JdlGVb9WAhRVJvBTth7FY9p/s320/TractorShow+-+1+%25284%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More old ones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohQ61dNnWHho3yjDlWA4W-Lirau_P77yXNQG-Wgpqu_WCyS8Y8dgv7-xDjhXP37490UaB7Azoic0vxEkrkBVj00AE1GBXgi_j9Ta8KwZ7NpPDsln4Hud3kNK5Kd72M2OT7WT8DW1bDO0O/s1600/TractorShow+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohQ61dNnWHho3yjDlWA4W-Lirau_P77yXNQG-Wgpqu_WCyS8Y8dgv7-xDjhXP37490UaB7Azoic0vxEkrkBVj00AE1GBXgi_j9Ta8KwZ7NpPDsln4Hud3kNK5Kd72M2OT7WT8DW1bDO0O/s320/TractorShow+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were hundreds of them on the quay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been quite busy in Wexford the past couple of weeks. I made a trip to Sligo, climbed Knocknarea, dog sat, went to Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers at the National Opera Centre, attended open mic night at the Fusion Cafe, and attended a tribute to Thelonius Monk at the Art Centre. With the arrival of warmer weather and the "season" things are starting to happen around here. Next Friday there are three things I want to go to, but they conflict with each other.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tomorrow I have Andy the Handyman coming over to install shelves in the hall closet, hang towel racks in the large bathroom, fix a fussy window, install under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, install a couple of small shelves in the bathrooms, and attach a rail that has fallen from the fence between my neighbor's patio and my back yard.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll close with one of my favourite photos taken shortly after I arrived in Wexford. It is amazing how when I look back at my first pix I feel so familiar with the places where they were taken. In the beginning I had to take notes so I would have a perspective for them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyaXpoRvRM7plpiqUPFX2uf7rKiEPYQy9cqctZ3bgjl5FHMnhqeEhzkfuWnojVqH3ZMNjTt4YnZs18SSlGiN_ole5jA1JguFGIgy0KG1MSVoTeBwM6qJst-LAIUbEnt_ZKVPT2tklpoqH/s1600/QuayPix+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyaXpoRvRM7plpiqUPFX2uf7rKiEPYQy9cqctZ3bgjl5FHMnhqeEhzkfuWnojVqH3ZMNjTt4YnZs18SSlGiN_ole5jA1JguFGIgy0KG1MSVoTeBwM6qJst-LAIUbEnt_ZKVPT2tklpoqH/s320/QuayPix+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am making my first trip back to the states to see my family in late May into mid-June; then my sister and two friends are coming over to visit; I'm returning to the states in October to visit my family and help my Mother celebrate her 93rd birthday; then I am going to Malta for two weeks with John and Sarah around Christmas time. Busy year shaping up including a very busy Opera House and Art Centre schedule from now through October.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I will try to post to my blog more often. I've been lazy and opting for posting to Facebook instead, but I have been asked by a few of you to get into blogging again. So this is for you.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-61312382190554747922016-01-10T08:28:00.001-05:002016-01-10T08:28:09.533-05:00JanuaryIt is a new year and I am happy to report that the awful grey and rain of December seems to have given way to loads of sun! We are still getting rain, but at least it is not all day long. The mornings are glorious and I sit with my coffee in the living room and listen to the birds' serenade. Life is good.<br />
<br />
I generally get up, take my prescription (remember when I reported that it was $355 in the states for a month and it is only €29 here? Something I failed to notice at the time makes my meds here even more amazing. In the states, the charge was for 30 days; here the charge is for 56 days, almost two months, which actually brings the monthly cost closer to €15. I am so happy with the medical costs here.<br />
<br />
I turn on the heat; I make my coffee - I am buying an Italian brand called LaVazza, it is very good - and check the weather. This morning I could see it was a beautiful, sunny morning and the app on my phone showed 6ºC with sunny skies all day with a good chance of rain overnight. The Yahoo weather app on my iPad showed 42ºF, which is equivalent to 6ºC, but showed rain mixed with snow. What??? I have some photos for you which might explain the misinformation.<br />
<br />
These are the Wicklow Mountains, which are only about 65 miles from here. Usually when I take photos from the bridge, the mountains are just visible and usually misty and dark. The snow really makes a difference.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpt-kGQ3hiPafbUZCB5GizY8gk5rt_Nr8OMZsRWIp1pRFF3Kihj9Eh_GRD3X3l_m9UcXn-jXFmBCRhuhYJZqyHxEgp2jEL3f9zPIG9I5b46MJn2rupsQ88vl-EDzzHS8cWslvvXl6jrEk/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpt-kGQ3hiPafbUZCB5GizY8gk5rt_Nr8OMZsRWIp1pRFF3Kihj9Eh_GRD3X3l_m9UcXn-jXFmBCRhuhYJZqyHxEgp2jEL3f9zPIG9I5b46MJn2rupsQ88vl-EDzzHS8cWslvvXl6jrEk/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDFxicpm6MEGe70RJjk6lpOCTh7rjk85awa8ZVEzDJDOUcuhHBKegDWNwcNezz_fzhk1X1FjuS9VssACG-xA8K3GVtXjMxGHB8uvnReOGzIwF_evCyHlOLEae624AAGOOp84eFBEJToHW/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDFxicpm6MEGe70RJjk6lpOCTh7rjk85awa8ZVEzDJDOUcuhHBKegDWNwcNezz_fzhk1X1FjuS9VssACG-xA8K3GVtXjMxGHB8uvnReOGzIwF_evCyHlOLEae624AAGOOp84eFBEJToHW/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yGTXkzyaa9Vu4S6hIpB6fJf7hqRF3zVLTFAA0dPwGCR_mLYyDxwzMnKNpwV9ENxT2Beifpgpv2SQxoCcfnoKEmZUP1W9XeOVm4dSPKC9Kxj5ZwwGYJuLhlkfGOJnvGm3di8bL5qunCxI/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yGTXkzyaa9Vu4S6hIpB6fJf7hqRF3zVLTFAA0dPwGCR_mLYyDxwzMnKNpwV9ENxT2Beifpgpv2SQxoCcfnoKEmZUP1W9XeOVm4dSPKC9Kxj5ZwwGYJuLhlkfGOJnvGm3di8bL5qunCxI/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Depending on the day, I usually take a shower after my coffee because by then the bathroom is nice and warm. But today I just had to get outdoors. I put on my sleeveless thermal undershirt and a waffle weave long sleeved shirt with a pair of jeans and then just needed by mid-weight hooded jacket. I wore my fingerless gloves instead of regular gloves so that taking pictures would be easier. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hopefully, you are not yet totally bored with these photos from around Wexford. I thought I should head away from the water for a change of pace, but the pull of the sea was just too strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjy6zlykqegRO4YdHqg7cd7UHMTFsncZEoAqiWNDKCr2eX1lm5xwlpV2WvwSYPbhztd1vT9gBObi-1un6dV3Q_eb2BgajlHa18zMkTz-MgUxmNcFj9g9AvL7u44Rb_Hxue3VvWulkAGDd/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjy6zlykqegRO4YdHqg7cd7UHMTFsncZEoAqiWNDKCr2eX1lm5xwlpV2WvwSYPbhztd1vT9gBObi-1un6dV3Q_eb2BgajlHa18zMkTz-MgUxmNcFj9g9AvL7u44Rb_Hxue3VvWulkAGDd/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the beads of dew on the lines?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzMRJflP5xraD6rPq62TY36lT4MkBNUTgiuhzwCTRhyZCVObIJoOZ9OoSqC9jRBcjQihn1sI2OkLUQLuXU_pAT-bxItK2oxoplQu6ZItdJpIC5ic3thZCQ9OUuDODPIOzeBdd05KO2rz1/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzMRJflP5xraD6rPq62TY36lT4MkBNUTgiuhzwCTRhyZCVObIJoOZ9OoSqC9jRBcjQihn1sI2OkLUQLuXU_pAT-bxItK2oxoplQu6ZItdJpIC5ic3thZCQ9OUuDODPIOzeBdd05KO2rz1/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I have to fill the bird feeder today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWjNKGMk9Te8zt-TiwIGpBbRMuw0ECQOwaf0yo7OLDKYrTU0A1vpS85Ry84gM7EgSssqT_GY17hYuFbc5hvR9yy9BPKNTY-Ohs3CpQ-JRkbln3aa6uMBCDL2sZYDQj9TVfNkAnaF4fhx7/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWjNKGMk9Te8zt-TiwIGpBbRMuw0ECQOwaf0yo7OLDKYrTU0A1vpS85Ry84gM7EgSssqT_GY17hYuFbc5hvR9yy9BPKNTY-Ohs3CpQ-JRkbln3aa6uMBCDL2sZYDQj9TVfNkAnaF4fhx7/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see my parking spot (17) as well as part of the Abbey.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxYy2xss4JBsHHGsqLcAmkUfCr_QyiOQWOggCUoY6EbxM5OnQuqgPHkiSLUCJf-r2oZDJCrVXW13tysx_hw-Ua3vzF-l5xgP9qpYXnVr5bCyRap382PzwK5UE5BJ7Ou57CPaLLC87MTgr/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxYy2xss4JBsHHGsqLcAmkUfCr_QyiOQWOggCUoY6EbxM5OnQuqgPHkiSLUCJf-r2oZDJCrVXW13tysx_hw-Ua3vzF-l5xgP9qpYXnVr5bCyRap382PzwK5UE5BJ7Ou57CPaLLC87MTgr/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is such a typical European chimney.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CeKIwl3jgdGIQvSwTabYX4Gng-Of0HJ-sPwUMxpt3EVvIson3CHnz0rq3_LTiGetu-wO73Vnwq7_c68KvfALwcMwoJhe0spSIP-TiybZzf4iYwMc-1W69rsyui943H6he86psXJqUnwV/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CeKIwl3jgdGIQvSwTabYX4Gng-Of0HJ-sPwUMxpt3EVvIson3CHnz0rq3_LTiGetu-wO73Vnwq7_c68KvfALwcMwoJhe0spSIP-TiybZzf4iYwMc-1W69rsyui943H6he86psXJqUnwV/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view up the hill from my place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI7O9_WPErV1MYJgkqC5XZvAMkTLhIA2Grpl9sJxEG7ebMJAkAzIK0J7Tlbz3c7KXiY7pG6EfHWCTHwm0lKeZLZqUREhx51JypHQZFuAfMxcJ-8jvZ63ICJUVjCr241gz8_LAVgcB_Q0M/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI7O9_WPErV1MYJgkqC5XZvAMkTLhIA2Grpl9sJxEG7ebMJAkAzIK0J7Tlbz3c7KXiY7pG6EfHWCTHwm0lKeZLZqUREhx51JypHQZFuAfMxcJ-8jvZ63ICJUVjCr241gz8_LAVgcB_Q0M/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of those chimneys.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKLW6WwOwvurYTZrH5rtB3Zuj1kPTfn3obRTMEcZTBbdznMSLRGqWWamSuf9xaHWvDVMf_pKhXeCwzR1FVEwXmdgRKmwWai9beJX_4vDVUIP16JgJwbhaWs790ukqJ7w39NV8TCnieuQI/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKLW6WwOwvurYTZrH5rtB3Zuj1kPTfn3obRTMEcZTBbdznMSLRGqWWamSuf9xaHWvDVMf_pKhXeCwzR1FVEwXmdgRKmwWai9beJX_4vDVUIP16JgJwbhaWs790ukqJ7w39NV8TCnieuQI/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the juxtaposition of the ruin and the tropical looking tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWd4d9E2uKErCE2044LufRN0DBrBiYXy-gu87cmsffTEUIDd5pa7kqk_XZwfuqn-jPPQ67TY7OECChixTscuZVySi4L-oy2aVHQJ4c1jrHFG3VCF7nopyx5IqG1xnQ-fI4qo1xQre8zIj/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWd4d9E2uKErCE2044LufRN0DBrBiYXy-gu87cmsffTEUIDd5pa7kqk_XZwfuqn-jPPQ67TY7OECChixTscuZVySi4L-oy2aVHQJ4c1jrHFG3VCF7nopyx5IqG1xnQ-fI4qo1xQre8zIj/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wexford has a St. Vincent's as well as several other charity shops.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fOJdOgkEG2f1_Nx2sIolwpTlKjdBAWl2y4aLLqDTmbA_aB34GhEfRzrEjLHMZJhpHOmLUulOcE0eKxsNtJHuc-11udrnr23q_tnklQp1LIvH-Rb6zkSST-apHHrCCBzUmalHZbzqL7Q/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fOJdOgkEG2f1_Nx2sIolwpTlKjdBAWl2y4aLLqDTmbA_aB34GhEfRzrEjLHMZJhpHOmLUulOcE0eKxsNtJHuc-11udrnr23q_tnklQp1LIvH-Rb6zkSST-apHHrCCBzUmalHZbzqL7Q/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The train/bus station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA181BrDO1rIEmLrCju1s3Lca8fsc1VMTIJUw14SdFI6fxBhp7SDJg1mp6AYTd40ov32CYW1ReXaqESRUSNHnilH6eox_FfPhcrd2iqLHEEUnrXSwDG8qCYwRb8pVzZjZoRStpVg3iuRBW/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA181BrDO1rIEmLrCju1s3Lca8fsc1VMTIJUw14SdFI6fxBhp7SDJg1mp6AYTd40ov32CYW1ReXaqESRUSNHnilH6eox_FfPhcrd2iqLHEEUnrXSwDG8qCYwRb8pVzZjZoRStpVg3iuRBW/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The name of the station in Gaeilge (ge:l'g'ә) Irish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN9zICyfm-R5qAvps28SgWnlkQL-mRnHEWnJZqqZYYXVeEwhQC4TBlQlcBEEsKd8dOsfkEyufBe6wC0qBHp0aFLnv8HjsYnyZxQpFc-dnRR9IuicSrT8LCjWlEVBTpIs2PFsgdYiSswL7/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdN9zICyfm-R5qAvps28SgWnlkQL-mRnHEWnJZqqZYYXVeEwhQC4TBlQlcBEEsKd8dOsfkEyufBe6wC0qBHp0aFLnv8HjsYnyZxQpFc-dnRR9IuicSrT8LCjWlEVBTpIs2PFsgdYiSswL7/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road signs across from the station.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0yQHTbFmPz3RhV7w76Hv8tvPj-x0RZLrbObWkbPqnjWBOFNTXS1Usj1AaM6RdwfrY-Aa4xPpFymwPKhW4LmO6_uIm6hAESEwVnEmxu0pkUhIkbWU7ibxakeYQNvx-iyeyTzFnvXOnZqS/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0yQHTbFmPz3RhV7w76Hv8tvPj-x0RZLrbObWkbPqnjWBOFNTXS1Usj1AaM6RdwfrY-Aa4xPpFymwPKhW4LmO6_uIm6hAESEwVnEmxu0pkUhIkbWU7ibxakeYQNvx-iyeyTzFnvXOnZqS/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really don't see any rain or snow showers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3bTcXfV1v_P3zSNqjs_YiQNmk-EESGYqo-78K2n35UDcCyvjD-boLpzujCh1hS7vwQPWJZKgmw-0gnJ1rqoOqOR_pxCwvzet5LcccMnGe-vcfUxMJf0iQiIvMkbyjhtI6-6AcQGf5uEG/s1600/10+Jan+2016+-+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3bTcXfV1v_P3zSNqjs_YiQNmk-EESGYqo-78K2n35UDcCyvjD-boLpzujCh1hS7vwQPWJZKgmw-0gnJ1rqoOqOR_pxCwvzet5LcccMnGe-vcfUxMJf0iQiIvMkbyjhtI6-6AcQGf5uEG/s320/10+Jan+2016+-+22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I do see lovely clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a very nice day on Friday. I took the bus to Dublin (two and a half hours). I am not a big fan of riding a bus, but I left at 9:30 in the morning and the scenery was lovely and the towns we stopped in were very picturesque. I went to the National Museum where I met two new friends Shevaun Doherty and Róisín Curé (on my iPad it is easy to get the fadas over the vowels in her name, but not so obvious on the MacBook Air. Found it - it is Option e and then type the letter you want under the fada) We spent hours in the cafe getting to know each other a bit - they shared a couple of their sketchbooks - and then wandered around to look, take pix and do a bit of sketching. In Ireland there is no charge to visit museums - imagine! Here are a few photos from that lovely day. The building is so fantastic, the elements rival the exhibits.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisyVfNX1nPNXMnEhOPfhLAEKMbI5AxYTxOYuIbJE9O9iojFKjaq8uyv5KlOVC4S-c0DestZIgd0_z-v_QWN451k7HhlgBogBDBWqxNMstq52jM3kuO-typ9fSwdYvH0mpkgUZNtYdYguk/s1600/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisyVfNX1nPNXMnEhOPfhLAEKMbI5AxYTxOYuIbJE9O9iojFKjaq8uyv5KlOVC4S-c0DestZIgd0_z-v_QWN451k7HhlgBogBDBWqxNMstq52jM3kuO-typ9fSwdYvH0mpkgUZNtYdYguk/s320/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5o3NQhjuZDUUKmz_79_0WN3KAw4aJ9E7d2XPnFq4TafB9bZ-T0ng1enSe6y0pQErCAyJeNHP5sQDOqzz4i-Xa_at5uW3dyrzxA2N5phqgb7e6OnsRtu6YJGsLzWniDa1KiorzfhzWt7C/s1600/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5o3NQhjuZDUUKmz_79_0WN3KAw4aJ9E7d2XPnFq4TafB9bZ-T0ng1enSe6y0pQErCAyJeNHP5sQDOqzz4i-Xa_at5uW3dyrzxA2N5phqgb7e6OnsRtu6YJGsLzWniDa1KiorzfhzWt7C/s320/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+14.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The two women (mna) I met are both very accomplished artists. Their sketchbooks were fabulous. I wish I had asked to take photos of some of their work. I put the Irish word for women in parentheses because I love it. When I talk to the girls on FaceTime we frequently get into singing mna, mna, doo doo doo doo du, - you know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a couple of their sketches:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOzReAhQfAGeohZwEKMqLMyVsxBeO7i8_HdAOOFSu4q2REEnjms0xHfe7BR1VvkeufnYg85DEjUa4ND66lu5vHnt2b6uqBdOEZx6W5XejAhh571QDiGGaLK7VjuLYb2msJ1BRJgr73U4G/s1600/Roisin%2527s+museum+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOzReAhQfAGeohZwEKMqLMyVsxBeO7i8_HdAOOFSu4q2REEnjms0xHfe7BR1VvkeufnYg85DEjUa4ND66lu5vHnt2b6uqBdOEZx6W5XejAhh571QDiGGaLK7VjuLYb2msJ1BRJgr73U4G/s320/Roisin%2527s+museum+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Róisín's Museum sketch with watercolor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyI47TI9ND_lICc_85bgQUNJyxAR-7grIQCoMbNa0Hd1jn7K4z15gK6zvIS0Z8oeZUItp483gN8yB9w18HfmtWjrWnYn8UoFfPRvn5kyR5KgE1DyVBY7pRAhazowozmkoAx3ITx0CVQEQ/s1600/Roisin%252C+Shevaun+and+me+at+Tara+Brooch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyI47TI9ND_lICc_85bgQUNJyxAR-7grIQCoMbNa0Hd1jn7K4z15gK6zvIS0Z8oeZUItp483gN8yB9w18HfmtWjrWnYn8UoFfPRvn5kyR5KgE1DyVBY7pRAhazowozmkoAx3ITx0CVQEQ/s320/Roisin%252C+Shevaun+and+me+at+Tara+Brooch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> (Róisín, Shevaun, The Tara Brooch, and myself)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO7XReS5GZF_znDPB7QQj4m2bnedWx0BjB8ww0s2tZ-gwjEIsaEbizhnshpjEyjGkvU8whulkXj03fjd3KxPykJfOpEoIt2A3hhzDy3qiDYJPA95D6koYgnRTm2HNLbafZyeYwb8-stWw/s1600/Shevaun%2527s+museum+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXO7XReS5GZF_znDPB7QQj4m2bnedWx0BjB8ww0s2tZ-gwjEIsaEbizhnshpjEyjGkvU8whulkXj03fjd3KxPykJfOpEoIt2A3hhzDy3qiDYJPA95D6koYgnRTm2HNLbafZyeYwb8-stWw/s320/Shevaun%2527s+museum+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shevaun's museum sketch with watercolor.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here are my two sketches. I should have brought watercolor, but didn't. I may add a bit of color later to see how I like it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqft81KoZTxBNaouUa6ky2dog6aDNEpXgDtHkk0p_8K4d-VsLWX1PniwujhAA1He71GsKq0PwHvayvIUDiCGs9YuWx0vTt3BP4USd0D8j0d5Yyu60UF5dXSG7SQPlhVfnCInQw3TaQIHev/s1600/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqft81KoZTxBNaouUa6ky2dog6aDNEpXgDtHkk0p_8K4d-VsLWX1PniwujhAA1He71GsKq0PwHvayvIUDiCGs9YuWx0vTt3BP4USd0D8j0d5Yyu60UF5dXSG7SQPlhVfnCInQw3TaQIHev/s320/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
å<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpEj8MvONbIJno3GT2pwsZz5SuOzhJ-VWo5efDmON6bavtOJHua28qRaMj-9Ml1lmf2NE6rbudf5s6WWWp87YXMQhwb_Kx5iABR-DTkPl-2ANzLGTtf5byxhe4MsOD2h5xjc_7_rNf9V9/s1600/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpEj8MvONbIJno3GT2pwsZz5SuOzhJ-VWo5efDmON6bavtOJHua28qRaMj-9Ml1lmf2NE6rbudf5s6WWWp87YXMQhwb_Kx5iABR-DTkPl-2ANzLGTtf5byxhe4MsOD2h5xjc_7_rNf9V9/s320/8+Jan%252C+Nat%2527l+Museum%252C+Dublin+-+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can see the disparity in our skill levels. Maybe if I get back to sketching every day, I will see improvement in mine. I really got a creative charge from spending time with these two and hope we can manage to meet up again. Would love to go to Galway in the Spring and spend some time walking that beautiful town again - and of course would love to meet up with Róisín again. Maybe Shevaun would like to go with me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spent some time with Catríona on Wednesday - we visited for a bit and I had a lovely lunch with her of tuna and spelt pasta with tomatoes. Then we walked the dogs at the race track and met up with David Ward to buy organic veggies. It is really good to have her back from her Christmas trip to her family in Sligo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sarah and John got back from their vacation in Sicily and it is great to have them around again. We had lunch together at the Wren's Nest on Friday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I see it is after 1 pm and I am still in my walking clothes, need a shower and have not eaten yet. I made some lamb stew yesterday which may become my brunch, or I could still stir fry some courgette (zucchini) with onion and egg with a toasted bagel that I was planning on for breakfast. At any rate, it is time for me to get on with my day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hope you are having a great day wherever you are....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Slán</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-7635493274143607132015-12-24T17:48:00.000-05:002015-12-24T17:48:48.495-05:00Happy ChristmasJust got back from a walk to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, known hereabouts as the Rowe Street Church. I was planning to go to midnight mass at 10 pm. Local stories agree that the mass was changed some time ago due to the fact that bars close at midnight on Christmas and some inebriated persons became disruptive during services (they were described as pi**ed though, not inebriated). You'll never guess, this year the service was changed to 9 pm. So I arrived just as the service was about to end. I missed the choir which was the main reason I was going to attend. So I swallowed my disappointment (it apparently wasn't meant to be) and walked back here and into my snugglies and decided it was time to update the blog.<br />
<br />
We have had a bit of sunshine lately and I have tried to remember to take my camera so I could get pix. One morning I took pix of the outside of my apartment complex.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOoZ27hoANtzRhmJYua4TjM_Uqybep1UdFDLtChS-bfspFX_glWMam79Sq7spf6T3vIyrbn2Z2axO1BsG701LretHM5R6DI5AGBQcRc2Z_j441yye9lOdbMQXAegbfEAD_73WROA41c0I/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOoZ27hoANtzRhmJYua4TjM_Uqybep1UdFDLtChS-bfspFX_glWMam79Sq7spf6T3vIyrbn2Z2axO1BsG701LretHM5R6DI5AGBQcRc2Z_j441yye9lOdbMQXAegbfEAD_73WROA41c0I/s320/Abbey+Court+-+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the door I enter to get into the building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicZjz4aTTFzfUFdDUTp75_1q1XwFu6Ngg9i9DIaARnBCAuLfJbUte8GxXubohMMhOy_Jiwmpc6jerKAM5LPObntnbbD26ZhpmPFUqAtDgUVpEFRv3Rdd_JxS_abDZ8UvQsnig8Hstd8ge/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicZjz4aTTFzfUFdDUTp75_1q1XwFu6Ngg9i9DIaARnBCAuLfJbUte8GxXubohMMhOy_Jiwmpc6jerKAM5LPObntnbbD26ZhpmPFUqAtDgUVpEFRv3Rdd_JxS_abDZ8UvQsnig8Hstd8ge/s320/Abbey+Court+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance to the courtyard. My post box is on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzdmJG2cPKB6XRXcyMHl5dGCMxzo3M8CRsy6weHwMZmC2-Ho4oDiRQXJNcb-Oco7WUAzGmqAHQcQk2BDtBnZRg4GIiYt4H1kUBdOmPaRwoXW3bSlf_2ZROnUEYGOPKP2Hjz6YvVBkPTHZ/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzdmJG2cPKB6XRXcyMHl5dGCMxzo3M8CRsy6weHwMZmC2-Ho4oDiRQXJNcb-Oco7WUAzGmqAHQcQk2BDtBnZRg4GIiYt4H1kUBdOmPaRwoXW3bSlf_2ZROnUEYGOPKP2Hjz6YvVBkPTHZ/s320/Abbey+Court+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parking spot is two over from the one you see parked here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxVRpYN-5DBF3IfrLu6-xcjzRgUIV7xAIjWqIQzhBqh6RsfF0AM9oCReYESti3ThvV9zcG8ODVxSxiOwV4y3GV42fy6wmLXeW1s067Tar_6Zj-YAGWVWGcTNzXpSFSIMFVUjZkuhDuQh4/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxVRpYN-5DBF3IfrLu6-xcjzRgUIV7xAIjWqIQzhBqh6RsfF0AM9oCReYESti3ThvV9zcG8ODVxSxiOwV4y3GV42fy6wmLXeW1s067Tar_6Zj-YAGWVWGcTNzXpSFSIMFVUjZkuhDuQh4/s320/Abbey+Court+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are abbey ruins seen from the parking lot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6Xa9yJD_gqSyjRR7B1l1WwxRaxdYvUCJmvQ1he_TpAwemukvtzT7F9w2DApBJ8Jq_vtf4LHYb2WEo_j_Qh43tTX_eQHmZqdVkw6zQ_6Ezv5FIKFFKfLlDzoW8PeesTkagLsReA4g1kyG/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6Xa9yJD_gqSyjRR7B1l1WwxRaxdYvUCJmvQ1he_TpAwemukvtzT7F9w2DApBJ8Jq_vtf4LHYb2WEo_j_Qh43tTX_eQHmZqdVkw6zQ_6Ezv5FIKFFKfLlDzoW8PeesTkagLsReA4g1kyG/s320/Abbey+Court+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bushes are still in flower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7nSzh9S10XBydUNz5UtMfsJony3hOiM82Rb4RZT8aO5PF90e3HJYa6NGgscUSJGVHt6SeuPHhK3v-rEmppok4wrkSDrN0Jd5Xjcoshcoye2qpLezrzFtNljuPUKXW4uZGO68WMWnLsAd/s1600/Abbey+Court+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7nSzh9S10XBydUNz5UtMfsJony3hOiM82Rb4RZT8aO5PF90e3HJYa6NGgscUSJGVHt6SeuPHhK3v-rEmppok4wrkSDrN0Jd5Xjcoshcoye2qpLezrzFtNljuPUKXW4uZGO68WMWnLsAd/s320/Abbey+Court+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from the sidewalk. I am in the right hand three story building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday a couple of weeks ago, I went with the Ramblers to Curracloe Beach again and took some pix. It was a drizzly day, but still a fabulous walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JBkxeJb12q4XxHSjiV0C5K613CH_1ZqHHaYDPJhXGUh4ienKS1S0e2hgXIRX7fArG9WIkAyiMJ3dPAlCSbH0XbbJcw26cB6DXLSOt5pQcCCL9KM8GzFGPNUqC2_QLFk0uA9YHXuXZPjT/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JBkxeJb12q4XxHSjiV0C5K613CH_1ZqHHaYDPJhXGUh4ienKS1S0e2hgXIRX7fArG9WIkAyiMJ3dPAlCSbH0XbbJcw26cB6DXLSOt5pQcCCL9KM8GzFGPNUqC2_QLFk0uA9YHXuXZPjT/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach from the trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhDhz5INMHLos-iztdZRq2H5MtGw4TYvuWJnWaiV0YTqgvbI_iu-zKXuf8IYDIVjLWifNR05xctzn_guSidLfijt8uMAxUcz5cro8ZdvD2iWKQqaVPyrpQ23aZ884ej64QgnuygEG6Rft/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhDhz5INMHLos-iztdZRq2H5MtGw4TYvuWJnWaiV0YTqgvbI_iu-zKXuf8IYDIVjLWifNR05xctzn_guSidLfijt8uMAxUcz5cro8ZdvD2iWKQqaVPyrpQ23aZ884ej64QgnuygEG6Rft/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach from the beach (LOL).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7R3bBgY10s4xrJsN4USfC0TKX2Zn7Xg0pkDgz2qucPlY6qqsudSzySQIqhZ53d_ibZBBhl4gGD_PQ2pdniDfNpwxDzHZu8WeS2T9HBiLPc9FVueFaRMx7ke-2EMmWBrBj7hF0FRCac8K/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7R3bBgY10s4xrJsN4USfC0TKX2Zn7Xg0pkDgz2qucPlY6qqsudSzySQIqhZ53d_ibZBBhl4gGD_PQ2pdniDfNpwxDzHZu8WeS2T9HBiLPc9FVueFaRMx7ke-2EMmWBrBj7hF0FRCac8K/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y7d2-gJQaHY0tMpag78UFJe6kfugCgkWRNMFpv9SEARZAN66n7TsGR-7T22VWWNZZDxxXve_451To40StC-GmVklBwN8rgZMuNRhoZJjeuMfv02ZO33DHNjbBuXHpmK5cF6BjSfjpR2Y/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Y7d2-gJQaHY0tMpag78UFJe6kfugCgkWRNMFpv9SEARZAN66n7TsGR-7T22VWWNZZDxxXve_451To40StC-GmVklBwN8rgZMuNRhoZJjeuMfv02ZO33DHNjbBuXHpmK5cF6BjSfjpR2Y/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My walking buddies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIDHYtKD1gdpHqRJhA0iSODqZKBYNIFxVx9SGREJKWead-tj7lFyinFAW6cECZW9wP9ttzSzpb6LWnt-9pQJ3TjHf6iIq__EAVhdoLXqWSkJRRYcsWeRLxMn_Zben5-L9D5d81OGBMRHH/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIDHYtKD1gdpHqRJhA0iSODqZKBYNIFxVx9SGREJKWead-tj7lFyinFAW6cECZW9wP9ttzSzpb6LWnt-9pQJ3TjHf6iIq__EAVhdoLXqWSkJRRYcsWeRLxMn_Zben5-L9D5d81OGBMRHH/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bit of erosion and exposed roots.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8GzL7yXxY3VqB39W_BRqENpn-Z22MW6r6KocuU33wN0E7CYzD5fwGjtIxqG-a4h8g17BbaQlZf1VaBKEa-tPT0Nx2NqkCcqOfrQYK_6fo7jSv_vpdto45WFQSoNZmxtTDwrX8K3rsFNn/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8GzL7yXxY3VqB39W_BRqENpn-Z22MW6r6KocuU33wN0E7CYzD5fwGjtIxqG-a4h8g17BbaQlZf1VaBKEa-tPT0Nx2NqkCcqOfrQYK_6fo7jSv_vpdto45WFQSoNZmxtTDwrX8K3rsFNn/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to quit taking pix when at the beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUy8fMbtdirYUUz1aweAOBmScBiOrbl0XsFc0AVe8qD8lLBih2S6hXtQZB7dbsFyLOlBLX3mSpmLWRn3kfeQQfVqQCL8z-cNTtKS_QUoz15btQBL2Q9rb69rmaxEBRhmzxCgqNR6eXuM0/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUy8fMbtdirYUUz1aweAOBmScBiOrbl0XsFc0AVe8qD8lLBih2S6hXtQZB7dbsFyLOlBLX3mSpmLWRn3kfeQQfVqQCL8z-cNTtKS_QUoz15btQBL2Q9rb69rmaxEBRhmzxCgqNR6eXuM0/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some perspective.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZvXwzRa7MCTQX5lxZMBt0kKnWBYwNsJgQwUudNfmcUTt_6xeI7g1aI_f0dF7QcasESIciK6OiL4jGCF0xbpn1sI9T-i_ehVC-ULql5CCoI6Q-_AoKF6b-WQvAsQXoaCApPnP4nT2od6e/s1600/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZvXwzRa7MCTQX5lxZMBt0kKnWBYwNsJgQwUudNfmcUTt_6xeI7g1aI_f0dF7QcasESIciK6OiL4jGCF0xbpn1sI9T-i_ehVC-ULql5CCoI6Q-_AoKF6b-WQvAsQXoaCApPnP4nT2od6e/s320/Curracloe+Beach+Ramble+-+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A starfish. He was still soft and perhaps alive, so Lionel picked him up with the tip of his umbrella and returned him to the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here are some pix from my walk along the quay. I hope you aren't tired of these views - I'm not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcgAYRCEDYJkRsGsyVC4dWxh0tgRS-Wvt1r2y2up2kGTk9j2B7nJ3pZ32egBsXFG0GqXHdscN-7emFtxTanoTcVeMvKIJFqC81-vDe5DQfvUrfMK-0wopiidtTLJi9cOx3_gvbxhCeL9f/s1600/The+Quay+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcgAYRCEDYJkRsGsyVC4dWxh0tgRS-Wvt1r2y2up2kGTk9j2B7nJ3pZ32egBsXFG0GqXHdscN-7emFtxTanoTcVeMvKIJFqC81-vDe5DQfvUrfMK-0wopiidtTLJi9cOx3_gvbxhCeL9f/s320/The+Quay+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steps from the quay to the bridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kXFbx0fDyMySl8kwjRU1F9TMvmDVBrcOVVGpZHjBJv00PgxVgZsVLwOSngWLLTkRqH8laxWgu80-LYCr3KWDRm2NUOnGZ7nAsV2x5c29XTghhKx_yx6thDYhkz-Rb5Kc9bSCBW0a3Shl/s1600/The+Quay+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kXFbx0fDyMySl8kwjRU1F9TMvmDVBrcOVVGpZHjBJv00PgxVgZsVLwOSngWLLTkRqH8laxWgu80-LYCr3KWDRm2NUOnGZ7nAsV2x5c29XTghhKx_yx6thDYhkz-Rb5Kc9bSCBW0a3Shl/s320/The+Quay+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Bridge (A little Yooper influence)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvDaCQOEhAwy_2zJP5h_1xYgjyniuHoQq_m6h04DrK_YvlgiH-UG0A20npz25788g1PdAvNnK3k_y4ozAnnd75P-q_gaogQTOUc1DqfkqfjhxPieC5WH3T-VgxArWDdTTEPt6t2JcYV7F/s1600/The+Quay+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvDaCQOEhAwy_2zJP5h_1xYgjyniuHoQq_m6h04DrK_YvlgiH-UG0A20npz25788g1PdAvNnK3k_y4ozAnnd75P-q_gaogQTOUc1DqfkqfjhxPieC5WH3T-VgxArWDdTTEPt6t2JcYV7F/s320/The+Quay+-+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fishing boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmVpLvSkaBpcNJM8hQbVXLw_WHfxW5jpCcsnn2xG8MylnbVqGK77jBOFBy3w68f1Ekot7t5ana4D0SlZSIO0C-n2fvPRTdedG44swdp3NId_SBKnC4uHeGl5AJgMb5G6CEmIvKFnMXxFV/s1600/The+Quay+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmVpLvSkaBpcNJM8hQbVXLw_WHfxW5jpCcsnn2xG8MylnbVqGK77jBOFBy3w68f1Ekot7t5ana4D0SlZSIO0C-n2fvPRTdedG44swdp3NId_SBKnC4uHeGl5AJgMb5G6CEmIvKFnMXxFV/s320/The+Quay+-+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreaths left in memory of suicides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNRnC2Hcp7l7knemT1S2MMXl0dDGDudGYAazqCPtjCRdQr2ekqiSXIb0cg519V08yvM_kZ3Ow3x_cAfMq0kv1xLQkvweejnJ6m87Q7VHnTKfrlJ1OPjkqcwhCcEL2aLCpnrqp0DKrOmtV/s1600/The+Quay+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNRnC2Hcp7l7knemT1S2MMXl0dDGDudGYAazqCPtjCRdQr2ekqiSXIb0cg519V08yvM_kZ3Ow3x_cAfMq0kv1xLQkvweejnJ6m87Q7VHnTKfrlJ1OPjkqcwhCcEL2aLCpnrqp0DKrOmtV/s320/The+Quay+-+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selfie on the quay. Must have been late in the day. Look how tall I am!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u5v897wJR_59RWwuGFVtSkfr3Fr6m173sEC2HJanMF03aYvVyfRHSQwTLcwJRM81peG-fKqK_blHjBFL1x5EAxDCI19hDWyaL2LYI0O0ZKcKyP7GXDfgWQLmIGbe9Y9InpZ0Ma_m9OLR/s1600/The+Quay+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u5v897wJR_59RWwuGFVtSkfr3Fr6m173sEC2HJanMF03aYvVyfRHSQwTLcwJRM81peG-fKqK_blHjBFL1x5EAxDCI19hDWyaL2LYI0O0ZKcKyP7GXDfgWQLmIGbe9Y9InpZ0Ma_m9OLR/s320/The+Quay+-+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quayside businesses from the quay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5gIzuTx0tPP-8_M9MCs7BP-PEFckL-60KLOQofmXKSi5O1laoxSunRgfAnfNXPzJEW58B2OPM2vmhIFLD7Ss_kJwv2N8qHEw5Zl-cnM_eKzE8OhzsT2IF7vM8GTYxq6-lbw6VqFdxcMI/s1600/The+Quay+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5gIzuTx0tPP-8_M9MCs7BP-PEFckL-60KLOQofmXKSi5O1laoxSunRgfAnfNXPzJEW58B2OPM2vmhIFLD7Ss_kJwv2N8qHEw5Zl-cnM_eKzE8OhzsT2IF7vM8GTYxq6-lbw6VqFdxcMI/s320/The+Quay+-+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually on Main Street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I brought my camera with me the last sunny day that I walked around town to get a variety of shots for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBhmOTpz01sEqDuQ6f80waw706Xi9mU4y1VkJAyBF6rf30tP9DwWkrU4anPA07u49O_-iALq3q_3PCKazeZ00ciBA4Lgy0d39Xzmr0Romh1MYXvx4ENEhMW4fE28ZpX9mAWxtgSd7A3-N/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBhmOTpz01sEqDuQ6f80waw706Xi9mU4y1VkJAyBF6rf30tP9DwWkrU4anPA07u49O_-iALq3q_3PCKazeZ00ciBA4Lgy0d39Xzmr0Romh1MYXvx4ENEhMW4fE28ZpX9mAWxtgSd7A3-N/s320/Wexford+Town+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought these doors were rather Christmasy in color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK-jIfPcEwrwSLLblNBmkqT-jpD8t3scA5rn_cf_a0M_TVW9l9K668BqbCmlKbURQpGuF5SE_wtYp2NXjFUOnLiYVj-9lrXP5-n-wj8q-8C64mcuE685GgGM1NjLzcMDWYiRkxMU9ghOS/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK-jIfPcEwrwSLLblNBmkqT-jpD8t3scA5rn_cf_a0M_TVW9l9K668BqbCmlKbURQpGuF5SE_wtYp2NXjFUOnLiYVj-9lrXP5-n-wj8q-8C64mcuE685GgGM1NjLzcMDWYiRkxMU9ghOS/s320/Wexford+Town+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like the red brick with the light shutters on this building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rZDTDoo5qgm4r0UuWnRdO7lyr4rehxN46obJZ1Xt5F5pi5Q2J7ZLiYYYZ1tZBCNjF2yrTf4zRX005-Wb3P6sYQgTnPpDyxxDLkirTWYZ_bCRblhFc7lH43vRIfDWMw8Hx1VDPwDQhQWo/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rZDTDoo5qgm4r0UuWnRdO7lyr4rehxN46obJZ1Xt5F5pi5Q2J7ZLiYYYZ1tZBCNjF2yrTf4zRX005-Wb3P6sYQgTnPpDyxxDLkirTWYZ_bCRblhFc7lH43vRIfDWMw8Hx1VDPwDQhQWo/s320/Wexford+Town+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Santa Train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nb36PBOt2cOftdln6yQgFUOznSrdO8lyDl_qip1CR3i3Q_CI5C6bk3fO112CVr7hmS3cHFTcncsVI2XvxCfip7Dta5zKQTzMF2WhDBIQ54Ovh4ryt_4HyvoHZFVMQ-zl-0Ftt6NK0CXe/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nb36PBOt2cOftdln6yQgFUOznSrdO8lyDl_qip1CR3i3Q_CI5C6bk3fO112CVr7hmS3cHFTcncsVI2XvxCfip7Dta5zKQTzMF2WhDBIQ54Ovh4ryt_4HyvoHZFVMQ-zl-0Ftt6NK0CXe/s320/Wexford+Town+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa posed for me here in his booth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL-qbJUhIvqZIoQzaRxmxmGUgpa9VBTSqRINx7W-p1MtxLs6a5qBvIXd3dPe6aEESwlPPNTU0HxsLEGx0iA6bTDqGxpsACEMhh7k-PjZBvfhqRSOgrX1hsRzL-uaAwwIW7QNJH3lb7G7r/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL-qbJUhIvqZIoQzaRxmxmGUgpa9VBTSqRINx7W-p1MtxLs6a5qBvIXd3dPe6aEESwlPPNTU0HxsLEGx0iA6bTDqGxpsACEMhh7k-PjZBvfhqRSOgrX1hsRzL-uaAwwIW7QNJH3lb7G7r/s320/Wexford+Town+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the equivalent of our dollar stores, but the prices are varied.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeEPNC5jfuoq9pM3xix_QlQbx_t4f4PyolG_DFEZfwSbkoMYzD6_XNAQ01BHSSaA651JxESmvxubpObE-z21f6VZHpLxtcttKtzoUjAX1cKnA2OI5AXUkUIOmwgffLrTlz731afOR9KAJ/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeEPNC5jfuoq9pM3xix_QlQbx_t4f4PyolG_DFEZfwSbkoMYzD6_XNAQ01BHSSaA651JxESmvxubpObE-z21f6VZHpLxtcttKtzoUjAX1cKnA2OI5AXUkUIOmwgffLrTlz731afOR9KAJ/s320/Wexford+Town+-+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hamper is apparently a gift bag or basket.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEmLfNMu-NgYOVipL-0GqPp-gXAxfDFxFgfT516C3lH0e-y-TqsnO_JrMeucoPEePmyXQ9D0gKzjT7Ox1ubEqfNhrXDus67UtDvz8QJskpRihhcvRYgBvTDBlWMT-df0vtcRjf4gHQFzg/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEmLfNMu-NgYOVipL-0GqPp-gXAxfDFxFgfT516C3lH0e-y-TqsnO_JrMeucoPEePmyXQ9D0gKzjT7Ox1ubEqfNhrXDus67UtDvz8QJskpRihhcvRYgBvTDBlWMT-df0vtcRjf4gHQFzg/s320/Wexford+Town+-+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice view down to the quay from Main Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLQRcNXi9H4Cudf7AFKyedTAHvHLiqGSH5iBqW1P2QD-IFL3rnQ989MvjbOwkfsIkxxZ0v7VpjUwuhwEWNcKUSXlEP5t3MTQuHROyZPcVERqpkoPAilB8E9s3Eu8FZ64i538bbEdppjCC/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLQRcNXi9H4Cudf7AFKyedTAHvHLiqGSH5iBqW1P2QD-IFL3rnQ989MvjbOwkfsIkxxZ0v7VpjUwuhwEWNcKUSXlEP5t3MTQuHROyZPcVERqpkoPAilB8E9s3Eu8FZ64i538bbEdppjCC/s320/Wexford+Town+-+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh produce all the time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQtUaWHxl82Cw2cUw1QCmMg45BfE9rU_PPHz4AZ1Ciox2jXU7gIz0H3nwz32qlw53Fg2np8CzqOyHPwetrGJ1s3r6ScN8xL_AaFBaiFT93f74OpFG9ID11_WenTc87FtXMdAzrgFgJrxD/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQtUaWHxl82Cw2cUw1QCmMg45BfE9rU_PPHz4AZ1Ciox2jXU7gIz0H3nwz32qlw53Fg2np8CzqOyHPwetrGJ1s3r6ScN8xL_AaFBaiFT93f74OpFG9ID11_WenTc87FtXMdAzrgFgJrxD/s320/Wexford+Town+-+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice cafe and I love the name.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
These last two are from the inside of the Wren's Nest where I frequently eat lunch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcZPrqxFZwcoTgGBOhY_BtLPNHZMzLCkJqfnQ0lSrSrLDY8zhWe4WfkBcl3qZ24QoKW-W1XgmsXCZw4Km-zDHkaR8upyQ-AmdmX1cutFAk-EKsAyAJlf2hKwngzd074hjEmCz-DcqMdc8/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcZPrqxFZwcoTgGBOhY_BtLPNHZMzLCkJqfnQ0lSrSrLDY8zhWe4WfkBcl3qZ24QoKW-W1XgmsXCZw4Km-zDHkaR8upyQ-AmdmX1cutFAk-EKsAyAJlf2hKwngzd074hjEmCz-DcqMdc8/s320/Wexford+Town+-+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5chId81nbjn-HIwSmmhknSc-JH-01yk4-klVXANLphvT4ghbzz5pXOjrc4XQZlJxoF4jKRfaQidPIbCPLetGHeG-lINSn7mW6MXUMb8iDUk_0uxz8yugYutKDq5r8cNBEvlPLSALPG4La/s1600/Wexford+Town+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5chId81nbjn-HIwSmmhknSc-JH-01yk4-klVXANLphvT4ghbzz5pXOjrc4XQZlJxoF4jKRfaQidPIbCPLetGHeG-lINSn7mW6MXUMb8iDUk_0uxz8yugYutKDq5r8cNBEvlPLSALPG4La/s320/Wexford+Town+-+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I talked to the bank this week about a car loan and am in the process of pre approval. I am hoping to find something through a dealership that is a year or two old with low mileage. I find I really don't mind traveling by bus, but there are some places I want to go that are not easily accessible. I will keep you posted. I've been looking at Cirtoens and Skodas. They are small and affordable.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I went to Richie Doyle's today to get some food for the next two days as everything is closed on Christmas day. I love this butcher shop. I chose a pork fillet and had him trim the fat and butterfly it. He then put dressing on it and rolled and tied it. I brought it home and baked it in the over for about 45 minutes. I also made garlic mashed potatoes and mashed root veggies. It was a delicious meal and I have plenty for tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4kbEU1T7qKpKWlPQKEDLSlcq2veB1OqR6Lkgg3qMV7hT71cxUX2SkrTo14Zucg6xjuc8ZZZrEypBrjDIramGiuON9dScSbBzea70dKS4a5DNcP2a7GYeuKXK7tgPyPvTPtEGdpITVjYY/s1600/Xmas+Dinner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4kbEU1T7qKpKWlPQKEDLSlcq2veB1OqR6Lkgg3qMV7hT71cxUX2SkrTo14Zucg6xjuc8ZZZrEypBrjDIramGiuON9dScSbBzea70dKS4a5DNcP2a7GYeuKXK7tgPyPvTPtEGdpITVjYY/s320/Xmas+Dinner.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It would only have been better with company. I love to share a meal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been FaceTiming my family watching the opening of gifts and the making of Christmas cookies and just visiting. I do miss my family at this particular time, but am not truly homesick. With as fast as time passes I feel it will be no time before I am snuggling with them and enjoying their dance recitals and field days. Looking forward to FTing again in the morning to see what kinds of loot they received from Santa. Such fun!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been spending lots of time with Catriona this past week or so and have learned tons about Irish custom and cooking. She makes the best Christmas cake (fruit cake, but nothing like that awful stuff in the can that I was used to seeing in the States) and fabulous mincemeat pies (again, nothing like the canned stuff). She makes everything from scratch with the best ingredients and has multiple pans and recipes going at once. I think she must have been a juggler in a previous life. She and her husband and the two dogs have gone to Sligo to have Christmas with their families. I look forward to their return. Sarah and John are in Sicily for the holidays and I am missing them. They are experiencing lovely weather and delicious food. Looking forward to their return after the new year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been invited to a New Years' Eve Party by a California couple, Richard and Heather Burns, I met at the Fusion Cafe last week. They are artists. I am planning to go unless it is pouring rain as I walk everywhere. Hoping to meet more people, but hope they aren't all Americans. I am so enjoying the Irish culture and am planning to try to learn a bit of Irish (not Gaelic - that is Scottish).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been seeing some very good fares for round trip nonstop flights Chicago to Dublin, which is what I will fly in the future. It will be worth the train trip and bus ride to get back and forth to Ohare if I can forego the 6 to 10 hour layover in Boston. Looking forward to some visitors, just let me know when you are coming.....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata.....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-69090496072448785312015-12-11T18:11:00.001-05:002015-12-11T18:11:30.643-05:00Week of December 7, 2015Monday is generally my art day. Kevin and Dimitry have a free drawing class in the Friary along John Street, not far from me. This week we worked on using our outstretched arm with a pencil in our hand with a squint to measure relative size. Here is my attempt at a still life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSAEXq5GoI0FjE-SoFub1X4QpOKTUkoFirU1PvhMJIXTk47CBmUJq6rdHCI9jpo1mBBRWeEsl4TyK8PY9d2KVQi6PWnWOgi2IzvPm2Ka7PyAEu4r90xkdyJXbqkdzXr5twwmrXmN5rAVo/s1600/art+class+7-12+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSAEXq5GoI0FjE-SoFub1X4QpOKTUkoFirU1PvhMJIXTk47CBmUJq6rdHCI9jpo1mBBRWeEsl4TyK8PY9d2KVQi6PWnWOgi2IzvPm2Ka7PyAEu4r90xkdyJXbqkdzXr5twwmrXmN5rAVo/s320/art+class+7-12+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of pitchers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5goosaOyNnfbWxvKgxmbli-zMyA1e_shZKU98nVFrkvMfk3nhnta6XSn16BbeVr3E_GZwbPXF85-r3ng1yODup4iu7gUZZx27AVqYvSIrKmsy8BaKOYwrP6FExWLUaB1dy056tfjUgGY/s1600/art+class+7-12+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5goosaOyNnfbWxvKgxmbli-zMyA1e_shZKU98nVFrkvMfk3nhnta6XSn16BbeVr3E_GZwbPXF85-r3ng1yODup4iu7gUZZx27AVqYvSIrKmsy8BaKOYwrP6FExWLUaB1dy056tfjUgGY/s320/art+class+7-12+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two tries at an antique planer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKWxlnhFAnRtVLBpKzLIeH7emVhesGfr-HgGDCEe5C8gCmSd5oFZohhTfv8enZWHmkXmqV8qWGBpM0_uyUcAZmf4KCn3YVBR5NZG72mRw5hlJTN4ftqQHi4nhrU2uYrRH9Ud2-CRp4PSf/s1600/art+class+7-12+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The second part of the lesson was drawing negative spaces. The set up was two chairs - one upright and the other on its side up against the upright one.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYcE0hJkqCX4_2vqlGEbcqacK6tZHE6b00qddzVN0Sxi06m68NPf9ihVY5_J0S_mTPGjybISngTzO-fWFeYFF2Uhk7LpwBvuGeOVp6Soq4jVqSaakSZCYWbhp319ly3D8ib73C2L93-Tu/s1600/art+class+7-12+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYcE0hJkqCX4_2vqlGEbcqacK6tZHE6b00qddzVN0Sxi06m68NPf9ihVY5_J0S_mTPGjybISngTzO-fWFeYFF2Uhk7LpwBvuGeOVp6Soq4jVqSaakSZCYWbhp319ly3D8ib73C2L93-Tu/s320/art+class+7-12+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see it (and all the photos for that matter) better if you click on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
After art class I met Sarah at TK Maxx to look for a handbag for her upcoming travels, then on to Simon Lambert's for lunch. Sarah had already eaten so just had coffee. I had lamb with chips and roasted root vegetables. We then strolled around town stopping in some of the shops and it began to rain, lightly at first and then the sky opened. We ended up at Dunnes and Sarah called her husband, John, and he came and picked us up.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Talked to the grand girls via FaceTime in the evening to see the decorations at Papa's that they helped hang and found out that my Christmas package was already received. No worries this year! All my shopping is done and I didn't go over my self-imposed limit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On Tuesday, it was again another sunny morning as I set out for my group walk across the bridge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QP5IrlZYBw7MPl52STAK4ttua82RydFtOxtiYp5s2gouaJOf5IaAoeX8P4H7R_gH7jMsQroay7xX4IXI0H35M0BkGxhgF5C1wrUIXyiO8VcWNoTIcrvdzinvJ40yppY_htz7ObHc0JRC/s1600/tuesday+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QP5IrlZYBw7MPl52STAK4ttua82RydFtOxtiYp5s2gouaJOf5IaAoeX8P4H7R_gH7jMsQroay7xX4IXI0H35M0BkGxhgF5C1wrUIXyiO8VcWNoTIcrvdzinvJ40yppY_htz7ObHc0JRC/s320/tuesday+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from my parking lot; you can see my spot marked 17.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyWzE5PJtiYn5p1P7LWLBBZZ5NMv7Eg_gjPf_eHQ7cEtuPLLOfgEWazT_lJaOwgsv2PtcJa842feDEMHH_iGcHcgMiUL7c4gwvfdCZkk5fxeJTDAwGUTvP3Uxzvlc7jB9rbTblRNCrbhY/s1600/tuesday+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyWzE5PJtiYn5p1P7LWLBBZZ5NMv7Eg_gjPf_eHQ7cEtuPLLOfgEWazT_lJaOwgsv2PtcJa842feDEMHH_iGcHcgMiUL7c4gwvfdCZkk5fxeJTDAwGUTvP3Uxzvlc7jB9rbTblRNCrbhY/s320/tuesday+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpabmB5CawsxWXwA-DspkA_L4NFtbzOGbtqQUcX4k9wGSlYJMBFMqMUOlaD2xEJfrum742wH5wPsxP0DVhnouT5cQ6JFNyuNboqbH5qtjRqIIxWzWTl7wFl0fDo9nkKr5juutOkDsN6niU/s1600/tuesday+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpabmB5CawsxWXwA-DspkA_L4NFtbzOGbtqQUcX4k9wGSlYJMBFMqMUOlaD2xEJfrum742wH5wPsxP0DVhnouT5cQ6JFNyuNboqbH5qtjRqIIxWzWTl7wFl0fDo9nkKr5juutOkDsN6niU/s320/tuesday+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the beautiful sky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0YUmSaycdxtaO0X9SYWKxEgoYz7lVCukAbUuFucLz-DxJbyk-s33zq5egLKoeoQ9v-wo0nPCAVKrO89EUOdqPhSKbvtMNrCr2TLw5fCSevk4UyP5vTGKlydXnRCz9rVnbxE8h81ceoHX/s1600/tuesday+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0YUmSaycdxtaO0X9SYWKxEgoYz7lVCukAbUuFucLz-DxJbyk-s33zq5egLKoeoQ9v-wo0nPCAVKrO89EUOdqPhSKbvtMNrCr2TLw5fCSevk4UyP5vTGKlydXnRCz9rVnbxE8h81ceoHX/s320/tuesday+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sky and interesting chimneys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9GXPCkso8aqqI3ZFWlY712PXLsun9NREsCdXMIx44mM9dQN_rD53JcVaR3tv4hP7jqoCTR2yiEzxXXh3CCN8HQT_TGjUvtSTtH9KqsFW95HnuRihlWcQAGcwnPG3shEtcvSdCkHlEHtk/s1600/tuesday+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9GXPCkso8aqqI3ZFWlY712PXLsun9NREsCdXMIx44mM9dQN_rD53JcVaR3tv4hP7jqoCTR2yiEzxXXh3CCN8HQT_TGjUvtSTtH9KqsFW95HnuRihlWcQAGcwnPG3shEtcvSdCkHlEHtk/s320/tuesday+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love, love, love being by the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5qUTfyITcPi4CPxSxOa9U-8FcbNJcnPPA42pQUokuKMNwkcDZcmc-teAEosXH3RoQ76XvFfgye2L6V9Ax8cShzLMNKUbj7imxN9-RbdfdBF4pcJhs9D2yXK-w2-kVATf9U0ULKSfL8bY/s1600/tuesday+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5qUTfyITcPi4CPxSxOa9U-8FcbNJcnPPA42pQUokuKMNwkcDZcmc-teAEosXH3RoQ76XvFfgye2L6V9Ax8cShzLMNKUbj7imxN9-RbdfdBF4pcJhs9D2yXK-w2-kVATf9U0ULKSfL8bY/s320/tuesday+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wexford Bridge that I am walking across to meet my group.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9lpbV-M7mcDX6N-WluTTp6hVIrLTDvo5IpEBJxxIrOYiEor40DyF6vPzRljdUypBBe3LSlklOBd44n_QtcedvDXDd30QmeSNm-bLxgke_fKR-2tZS-6q4TS27lEi10TNKdpl6Pd5KvMs/s1600/tuesday+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9lpbV-M7mcDX6N-WluTTp6hVIrLTDvo5IpEBJxxIrOYiEor40DyF6vPzRljdUypBBe3LSlklOBd44n_QtcedvDXDd30QmeSNm-bLxgke_fKR-2tZS-6q4TS27lEi10TNKdpl6Pd5KvMs/s320/tuesday+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decking can be very slippery when wet, so walkers have to be careful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just about 3/4 of the way through our walk, it started to pour - I mean it was coming down in buckets! I was soaked from the bottom of my jacket to the soles of my feet, but stopped in to the Riverbank House Hotel for our tea anyway. This time we sat by the fireplace, though. It was dry walking home afterward, but I was still wet and cold. So when I got home I turned on the immersion heater to get some water hot, did some laundry to hang in the spare bedroom on the clothes horse by the radiator, then showered. I really must try the shower in the main bathroom. It is in a bathtub. My shower is a rectangle standing one and my arms are too long. I am forever banging my elbows.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Late in the afternoon I met Sarah at Dunnes, then went to Trimmers for tea. It was quite chilly this evening, but quite pleasant without the wind.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a lovely surprise in the evening - Mona called me via Messenger and we talked for quite a long time. I miss her and my other friends at Gallery Place. I look forward to seeing them when I am back to visit in late May and early June.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wednesday is usually my Fab@50 aerobics class, but my thumbs are still very sore from kickboxing last week. I go back to A&E on Wednesday next week for a reappraisal, but am still being quite protective of them. I walked instead to Bean & Berry for an omelet and then took a walk along the quay and across the bridge and back. I stopped in at the Wexford Dental Clinic on my way back and made an appointment for an evaluation and cleaning close to Christmas. If I understood the receptionist correctly, the exam and the cleaning both done by the dentist will cost €65. Unbelievable!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I continued my walk to Pettit's SuperValu for a few groceries, then stopped by home to put them away. I am still getting mail for previous tenants so walked to the post office branch on Main Street before heading for St. Aidans to see the other, bigger SuperValu. I really like the selection there. It is much bigger and is a better walk for me, so I may take my business there from now on. It is owned by the same family that owns the downtown one and they have their own farm from which they get their meat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When I got home I lazed around for awhile playing Words and Wordbubble (I am addicted to it, Anne, just as you predicted), then went out after dark to get a few more pix. The day time photos below are from across the bridge near the pool where we meet to walk on Tuesdays.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTClG2Bzh5DlMk0uWAGbHX8-_PEWax_gpyfyIy50CaFrEaPNik-IXBUn0Y_TGnXD28lKdpm-MealMVlDGhaVTeKLN6p-CzaF1t7543lW7b7H6WdHoLHPA6ZMPcGRFNh3891y9Wqq4VtCm/s1600/wednesday+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTClG2Bzh5DlMk0uWAGbHX8-_PEWax_gpyfyIy50CaFrEaPNik-IXBUn0Y_TGnXD28lKdpm-MealMVlDGhaVTeKLN6p-CzaF1t7543lW7b7H6WdHoLHPA6ZMPcGRFNh3891y9Wqq4VtCm/s320/wednesday+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAj5uS91MTi_kfdnXrcn0bEirhGBx1bldDFztcmDcEaHCym-kqo7MYWbHej4x8AXHvgD8zANABGeTzu7wHrXBAW-PmyX8kmdgGVli5gUD7Y2ycmVNKjT85NzyVybJZPJ9vx4S0tKslEfz/s1600/wednesday+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAj5uS91MTi_kfdnXrcn0bEirhGBx1bldDFztcmDcEaHCym-kqo7MYWbHej4x8AXHvgD8zANABGeTzu7wHrXBAW-PmyX8kmdgGVli5gUD7Y2ycmVNKjT85NzyVybJZPJ9vx4S0tKslEfz/s320/wednesday+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFoJBiJHdH6SVJnqWyR_DK6k0t8Q6KlEoAxcYr8H38n4EJlYkWk0G3uE9hdBdqdaK43zbkOYkJNm6ETRU-1H1t6WaDcD-BybP2kIGiatbk0Cptp-aMe_AYTzLz2mfGQ83h2ibOV_s6n6_/s1600/wednesday+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFoJBiJHdH6SVJnqWyR_DK6k0t8Q6KlEoAxcYr8H38n4EJlYkWk0G3uE9hdBdqdaK43zbkOYkJNm6ETRU-1H1t6WaDcD-BybP2kIGiatbk0Cptp-aMe_AYTzLz2mfGQ83h2ibOV_s6n6_/s320/wednesday+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9CxLlWH9bPkRl0AShcKpdN5Q3m13GQFNGvlEbZ_GLra41dUzAbhD5oVB55x4RLcyds0F333oBKkdIXkvKxEDWhFY6VB1Ep11NuUffIwqPcHIPHo0rdlf3U_pGd20VzFAnPktLRbw7IOw/s1600/wednesday+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9CxLlWH9bPkRl0AShcKpdN5Q3m13GQFNGvlEbZ_GLra41dUzAbhD5oVB55x4RLcyds0F333oBKkdIXkvKxEDWhFY6VB1Ep11NuUffIwqPcHIPHo0rdlf3U_pGd20VzFAnPktLRbw7IOw/s320/wednesday+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The next ones are from around town and the quay after dark.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHUlw8vPMgS4p2M8edn35zkSQT3aim7NqoizRUSWsF53hyphenhyphen7rA2P8GqdiKKPYeGHqRXvVNWX9NWVUwlx9RN33OcKxvFiAm9hlib4BSuwb38b12P0eMOrIsVssT73Q4hSrs9GqQd9PyRkvJ/s1600/wednesday+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHUlw8vPMgS4p2M8edn35zkSQT3aim7NqoizRUSWsF53hyphenhyphen7rA2P8GqdiKKPYeGHqRXvVNWX9NWVUwlx9RN33OcKxvFiAm9hlib4BSuwb38b12P0eMOrIsVssT73Q4hSrs9GqQd9PyRkvJ/s320/wednesday+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dDA_RTNXvPTKnQanwwtLftH7Fr7e0zYHoRH01E-Gt3AwH_jbqwF6NGIWInxhm1Fd6rxQGSUltDJ0ebeZ-ykF8rzrvvrpSLAB1EGi9hLOcodUjHpRlrStUfJlXVOlcGPnZ2_ny8XRV0v_/s1600/wednesday+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dDA_RTNXvPTKnQanwwtLftH7Fr7e0zYHoRH01E-Gt3AwH_jbqwF6NGIWInxhm1Fd6rxQGSUltDJ0ebeZ-ykF8rzrvvrpSLAB1EGi9hLOcodUjHpRlrStUfJlXVOlcGPnZ2_ny8XRV0v_/s320/wednesday+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixN3Fnqa4SNUDzl7hR6cUN9ig3IQHOgOC2E85JQUE6V0rnwT3kNLgspUxfDVpOuPB-X0WxqrbMRWfuJyH2HHNOOFT7PHko9IdYgr_NdrtnEZX5ZWouVzj9rak7G2fl4ShQ54GnyoBBySe/s1600/wednesday+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixN3Fnqa4SNUDzl7hR6cUN9ig3IQHOgOC2E85JQUE6V0rnwT3kNLgspUxfDVpOuPB-X0WxqrbMRWfuJyH2HHNOOFT7PHko9IdYgr_NdrtnEZX5ZWouVzj9rak7G2fl4ShQ54GnyoBBySe/s320/wednesday+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On Thursday I usually do aqua aerobics at the gym, but the thumbs, you know, so instead I headed out for a walk to an area I haven't walked before. It included a walk up a really big long hill. I enjoyed it and took some pictures from the top of the hill.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi058Y20kVs_fn5w-Jp7xh0S2GHJAxT0ACPO7ocjUXOwiH3FwXc6q8qEgb4eTQvkyb5ilPAHLZKzTBKZuAFiCIk3nZJQTGdezOUJlcCkbNVrU8YSOisgmEfKK6OOQmIrDqmYvyQNbJia0uG/s1600/thursday+-+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi058Y20kVs_fn5w-Jp7xh0S2GHJAxT0ACPO7ocjUXOwiH3FwXc6q8qEgb4eTQvkyb5ilPAHLZKzTBKZuAFiCIk3nZJQTGdezOUJlcCkbNVrU8YSOisgmEfKK6OOQmIrDqmYvyQNbJia0uG/s320/thursday+-+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from the top of the hill. You can see the River Slaney just north of the Wexford Bridge in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3WgIVd8lYNFejmor39nMB-CmvdiDxAWegTY8fGIE4wVILKIzd-0kj_yetoOI4Pb9NGwvukSr3WqsFfpCktzG76OD_7gsrhuncClPeyNnKFPOOTEoXo3ZQlDouv0RwIAOfl1pOGcgdVKW/s1600/thursday+-+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3WgIVd8lYNFejmor39nMB-CmvdiDxAWegTY8fGIE4wVILKIzd-0kj_yetoOI4Pb9NGwvukSr3WqsFfpCktzG76OD_7gsrhuncClPeyNnKFPOOTEoXo3ZQlDouv0RwIAOfl1pOGcgdVKW/s320/thursday+-+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was taken toward the north from part way down the hill and shows the Super Value I trekked to the other day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlj50TJnbjMbA-ztI4XlbjE2v48A50X-NGmDiJb1ucmMQS4M9fm-wL2TbNNxvgyYwNH1HyeXvBn1rnffdjOLbz47RY5FaI-zVo-4W0YAabNVvCmamR3NIs2Ulagdz2taG98UaAWH4CS9M/s1600/thursday+-+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlj50TJnbjMbA-ztI4XlbjE2v48A50X-NGmDiJb1ucmMQS4M9fm-wL2TbNNxvgyYwNH1HyeXvBn1rnffdjOLbz47RY5FaI-zVo-4W0YAabNVvCmamR3NIs2Ulagdz2taG98UaAWH4CS9M/s320/thursday+-+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is at a junction. I usually go left (The Fide is how I think people pronounce it), but today I went up Mulgannon to the top of the hill where it dead ends in a cul de sac. My friends Lionel and Connie from the group walk and Sunday ambles live up there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked along the Faythe on the way back because there is a juxtaposition of two buildings that I thought would make an interesting picture. What do you think?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7tj4lgjgvTXuZGn2tylD6uaN8hE3JqHswbAFumMfB93TX66kKYkwgQyIBzMlpzvClyB7u6mENieFO9QaXpHAOVOECWlMALWbYKxS2sx2QxRPp1WVmwlAyvMqCrlKAPsuJpxrSk5ovUtD/s1600/thursday+-+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7tj4lgjgvTXuZGn2tylD6uaN8hE3JqHswbAFumMfB93TX66kKYkwgQyIBzMlpzvClyB7u6mENieFO9QaXpHAOVOECWlMALWbYKxS2sx2QxRPp1WVmwlAyvMqCrlKAPsuJpxrSk5ovUtD/s320/thursday+-+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gun shop right next door to a Montessori school.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Here are a few more pictures from the day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSPLdmBVb5tBFUt4naJ6LsaIpzMiG9jozrWMauadCNLF04ghXxviMZF-WARslSu62fqiaMWe0btUgUCJT_Fe0pklSMEazhvtoeUoHX53XqfOs64zDPzNiPs6_1oBvuApcCJuN5Ih_sbo8/s1600/thursday+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSPLdmBVb5tBFUt4naJ6LsaIpzMiG9jozrWMauadCNLF04ghXxviMZF-WARslSu62fqiaMWe0btUgUCJT_Fe0pklSMEazhvtoeUoHX53XqfOs64zDPzNiPs6_1oBvuApcCJuN5Ih_sbo8/s320/thursday+-+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful sky from the parking lot of my apartment. There is something rather special living right next to old ruins.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8kga7oPp2o2Jk12iKbHRBMqI0utuwgMGZiSW88HA6oRYEvNl5p8Bh9B_eFzCIAtWm0gwuGAIeuwEq2wyAyEWi2pnFsALHBKqEqDpD07-MkxLY0LZnpKfCzOCEYyZwP6nMspuiDwXKlW3/s1600/thursday+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8kga7oPp2o2Jk12iKbHRBMqI0utuwgMGZiSW88HA6oRYEvNl5p8Bh9B_eFzCIAtWm0gwuGAIeuwEq2wyAyEWi2pnFsALHBKqEqDpD07-MkxLY0LZnpKfCzOCEYyZwP6nMspuiDwXKlW3/s320/thursday+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More ruins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlUXB1jjjfETn6Y50uCEiReJ4gvOIJiTk225H7onB8pd0UTlNte3LpH6XG1JMe5zAqT6dSzL9EMefhobOtwJGJPKcuVZGXJzJopT-IrNDhhaa1EsAskDmSp325mah1THqp5pOmc6Yp7n3/s1600/thursday+-+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlUXB1jjjfETn6Y50uCEiReJ4gvOIJiTk225H7onB8pd0UTlNte3LpH6XG1JMe5zAqT6dSzL9EMefhobOtwJGJPKcuVZGXJzJopT-IrNDhhaa1EsAskDmSp325mah1THqp5pOmc6Yp7n3/s320/thursday+-+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these brick buildings with the interesting and colorful windows.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucjFmmZqer4u9kRA1XO6tyaTrf6MdFNlhWvilrxh3m-0D7pgzBi7NX3oZvc94HL3WmvzAJkA1WKa0T2j0pE2FFGvSjLsCQKdJHIZCEaL_NqkTyx5EhBuno6pImZU9VV8loh2eNW9gjMuu/s1600/thursday+-+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucjFmmZqer4u9kRA1XO6tyaTrf6MdFNlhWvilrxh3m-0D7pgzBi7NX3oZvc94HL3WmvzAJkA1WKa0T2j0pE2FFGvSjLsCQKdJHIZCEaL_NqkTyx5EhBuno6pImZU9VV8loh2eNW9gjMuu/s320/thursday+-+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEuuLpyHbx2Pp9IZQeTrV28rMUjK-q-Ul9aS90Zgr_2vllOIZgkG75GlneVNkZWksNGag1fd9B1xye1f1oQojggBbsjLUoNPgFDfYI0901h-bkTLekZYSEStE15jKI5dS7SiCBiJo_WDl/s1600/thursday+-+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHEuuLpyHbx2Pp9IZQeTrV28rMUjK-q-Ul9aS90Zgr_2vllOIZgkG75GlneVNkZWksNGag1fd9B1xye1f1oQojggBbsjLUoNPgFDfYI0901h-bkTLekZYSEStE15jKI5dS7SiCBiJo_WDl/s320/thursday+-+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love architecture and colorful buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnbt6DXbx4K6f8VSQfQ2-z1Wq9uLWoyrYdUl2YwfjYKa2wA2RbrG5pfCW6WPBDpyR4doZc-7MRl_pq2GmKMbWXaQyKfgnf8WNRHfm099GS6C26x59X6zouV6TEuub9EdBolS82uwTuaNM/s1600/thursday+-+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnbt6DXbx4K6f8VSQfQ2-z1Wq9uLWoyrYdUl2YwfjYKa2wA2RbrG5pfCW6WPBDpyR4doZc-7MRl_pq2GmKMbWXaQyKfgnf8WNRHfm099GS6C26x59X6zouV6TEuub9EdBolS82uwTuaNM/s320/thursday+-+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appears to be an old graveyard along the Faythe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlt-7doGN1QOZ-nfXyGby0HusBsdIxtsbYJv0xKvOauYDeOLzxf0rzhdT38qMDiFyqeEd6WdmScLytUR2DDp9egjMIooNu43f4EQxsjjucUr2XR7faJLq1VRGW19KeN99RbE2qHIcg68K/s1600/thursday+-+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlt-7doGN1QOZ-nfXyGby0HusBsdIxtsbYJv0xKvOauYDeOLzxf0rzhdT38qMDiFyqeEd6WdmScLytUR2DDp9egjMIooNu43f4EQxsjjucUr2XR7faJLq1VRGW19KeN99RbE2qHIcg68K/s320/thursday+-+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the empty (at least I think they are empty) kegs from the evening before along the sidewalk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORN_X9-A8tF-_kcHaX-NAX1GM7rELh-FQOa-AeyD7pHH61-7VQM_3FybkpE5QzcXUij_SVcx2kOoI6R3LEgUq5fdAk-nX2uM2_D7oG-H4yIt31A2Bxg8ci0-t8D8Q7auvh28wtQ_q13PE/s1600/thursday+-+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORN_X9-A8tF-_kcHaX-NAX1GM7rELh-FQOa-AeyD7pHH61-7VQM_3FybkpE5QzcXUij_SVcx2kOoI6R3LEgUq5fdAk-nX2uM2_D7oG-H4yIt31A2Bxg8ci0-t8D8Q7auvh28wtQ_q13PE/s320/thursday+-+12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look slightly familiar?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmpsljPJtr8c4ckkQK0HHbXRNq0R_8UG8TMtHKzr5WglgWr0TSwBf_y3w1j5iNK496Ncr9sgEKFjzKiW9r0x0eMfXLhb9JcITnsHdinL-P9cWUvgO6Cu0e-qZPpGBDVeURG9WrLW7xhfa/s1600/thursday+-+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmpsljPJtr8c4ckkQK0HHbXRNq0R_8UG8TMtHKzr5WglgWr0TSwBf_y3w1j5iNK496Ncr9sgEKFjzKiW9r0x0eMfXLhb9JcITnsHdinL-P9cWUvgO6Cu0e-qZPpGBDVeURG9WrLW7xhfa/s320/thursday+-+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea what these lads are doing, but thought it made a good photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-Cb4PmuJM8tBMX9rQKm3AXapfXXEb_swftBNXFdv3vle8J36ET0LdiAQqHUcU1cwTdHus-bV9uB_Ym7XueZm-VMwVDbRYea0geyJgwSi7jQZchEwe4uT94F7ol_kZ1CSko2NGymp0THD/s1600/thursday+-+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-Cb4PmuJM8tBMX9rQKm3AXapfXXEb_swftBNXFdv3vle8J36ET0LdiAQqHUcU1cwTdHus-bV9uB_Ym7XueZm-VMwVDbRYea0geyJgwSi7jQZchEwe4uT94F7ol_kZ1CSko2NGymp0THD/s320/thursday+-+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the local fishing boats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqF8IfTkTGcGbAHncuR6B3h1gDb4seFFGLKfySCYd-TUfgiDzrmoo_zorL3qY4MCxhQ2wApraxjBQE46g5iDzlpqHxA-f8qXNZXj3db8Wi2oS-blt21JFBRRKYnSdQsVpzjpovcARJuKl/s1600/thursday+-+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqF8IfTkTGcGbAHncuR6B3h1gDb4seFFGLKfySCYd-TUfgiDzrmoo_zorL3qY4MCxhQ2wApraxjBQE46g5iDzlpqHxA-f8qXNZXj3db8Wi2oS-blt21JFBRRKYnSdQsVpzjpovcARJuKl/s320/thursday+-+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely skyline.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDWuEqC5TNrPIOTj3hvSRojYxCj8zAowsO7BTlBiAN0SX4pSU-9Nf3zDflVQVoN8dxA3_lvbYyrrxhEaC0Fjz1BLv4LtDKqhBfGrgzJ11ZnYZQxsp3gu0-oTUMlE343H40EYyRaMOTPyp/s1600/thursday+-+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDWuEqC5TNrPIOTj3hvSRojYxCj8zAowsO7BTlBiAN0SX4pSU-9Nf3zDflVQVoN8dxA3_lvbYyrrxhEaC0Fjz1BLv4LtDKqhBfGrgzJ11ZnYZQxsp3gu0-oTUMlE343H40EYyRaMOTPyp/s320/thursday+-+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the quay with a partial reflection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's Friday and I stayed up very late reading last evening. I couldn't believe it when I checked the clock when I got up. It was just after 10. Got up, made coffee and laid around drinking it then had a banana before getting dressed and heading out for my first walk of the day. I did my usual walk over to Redmond Square across to the bus/train station and then across the bridge, then back and along the quay before heading into town. I noticed that Simon Lambert's had butternut, carrot, coconut milk soup so stopped. That banana didn't go very far. It was only in the mid-40s, but without wind it was quite pleasant. Sarah called me just as I sat down to order, so she walked down to have lunch with me. She had the soup too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Walked over to the butchers (Doyles) for a lamb roast as I had some root vegetables I wanted to roast. Brought it home to put in the fridge and then headed for Tesco. They have a wider selection of toiletries and I needed deodorant, mouthwash, and fingernail polish remover. When I am done with the blog I will attack these fingernails. I also bought some fresh rosemary to rub into my lamb roast along with some olive oil and cooked it slowly with carrots and turnips. Wonderful meal.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow the TidyTown group is supposed to be meeting on the quay near the skating rink. I am not sure what we are doing - picking up is my guess - but it is supposed to rain tomorrow so I will wait and see. On Sunday a friend, Susan, is performing in a choir performance at Clonard Church and if it is not raining Sarah and I will be going. It is so nice to have things to do here. So far I have not been at a loss for entertainment. I am also on my last book - it is called Ask Alice - and I am quite enjoying it. I may have to find time to get to the library tomorrow to replenish my supply.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope I haven't overdone on the photos and have not bored you to death. Maybe I shouldn't wait so long between posts. What say? Do you like a weeklong post like this or do you prefer a shorter version more often?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-24542423625065831512015-12-05T15:42:00.000-05:002015-12-05T15:42:13.185-05:00December is HereIt is very windy here this evening and has been spitting all day. The temps are moderate though so it is not as bad as it might be. It's been a week since I've checked in with photos of Carne Beach and this has been an eventful week.<br />
<br />
On Monday, I did my gym workout and walked around town finishing up my Christmas shopping. I was able to buy all my gifts in Wexford and they are all authentic Irish products. I got them into the mail on Tuesday at which time I was told they would arrive in time for the holidays. When the post person put the package on the scale she told me it would be €17.90 and I said, "Wow, that is more than I thought it would be." She told me that it was so high because I was .017 over the allowed kilogram. Wouldn't you know it. There was nothing in the package that could be removed, so I swallowed the pain and paid for it. I did have a very nice walk across the bridge with the usual group on Tuesday morning and we agreed to do our next Sunday ramble at The Raven and along Curracloe Beach once again.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday I went to my Fab@50 class and Marie decided we should try kick boxing. We ventured down into the "torture chamber" which is really the Boot Camp room to run laps, box mitts to mitts and kick and punch a bag, then we did leg press, chest press and then hit the floor for some ab and core work. When we were done my thumbs were throbbing. I went home and iced them and then took a nap. When I awoke my left thumb was twice its normal size and was looking a bit wonky, and my right thumb was swollen a bit and very sore. I iced and took anti-inflammatories and decided to wait and see. By Thursday morning (I obviously couldn't do my usual aqua aerobics class), my thumbs were really painful and didn't look any better than they had the day before despite repeated icing and ibuprofen.<br />
<br />
I called my friend Philomena who has assured me that she is my go to person when I have a problem, but she had the grand boys and they were sick, so she called Denis who also is a TidyTown volunteer and he came and drove me to the hospital. I had looked up the reviews of the A&E department at Wexford Hospital and they didn't have very good reviews, but I didn't know what else to do. I was completely surprised! I was registered, triaged, x-rayed, treated and released in 45 minutes. I had to pay €100 euros for treatment, but was assured that it covered the entire visit including X-rays and treatment and the follow up visit in 2 weeks even if that follow up included a session with a bone doctor. Amazing!!!<br />
<br />
I have been wearing a splint on my left thumb and wore a wrap on my right thumb for the first day, but you literally cannot do a thing without thumbs, so I took off the right thumb wrap and am just being careful with it.<br />
<br />
Last evening was our Christmas dinner at White's the hotel where my gym/spa is located. It is just a block from my apartment. We each paid €20 for the meal. I had black pudding stuffed portabella mushrooms (minus the brie) for appetizer, seatrout almandine with side veggies for my main course and apple crumble (minus the cream) for dessert. It was most delicious and the company was fabulous. So nice to get to know these people better. It is hard to do much socializing when you are working out. After dinner there was a holiday party in the Library Bar (also part of the hotel) where there was complimentary wine and snacks. I was way too satisfied from the dinner to have any snacks and I don't like wine so I ordered a black russian at the bar and made sure they didn't add any coke or Guinness to it. I sat for quite awhile out in the lobby (as you couldn't get seats in the bar) visiting with Michael and his wife Margaret. Had a very pleasant evening and was home by half eleven. Stayed up long enough to ice my thumbs and heat up a hot/ice bag for my back which went out during dinner. I am thinking I am not going to do any more kick boxing in this lifetime.<br />
<br />
Stayed in bed until 10 this morning and was awakened by a text message from Richard seeing if I wanted to play Upwords with him and a young man named Patrick that I also met at the Monksgrange tour during the Opera Festival. They came over about one. I made tea and offered some cookies and we played. A very fine afternoon. Patrick is from Czech Republic but has lived here most of his 17 years - a very charming young man. The three of us are planning to get together again to play a game they called Robbery Rummy which is played just like my computer game Romi. Should be fun.<br />
<br />
I walked over to Dunnes after the lads left and picked up a bit of meat that I cooked for dinner and am now lazing around with a hot pack on my lower back. I just took off the splint to get a look at my left thumb and give it some air. It is not quite as swollen, but is black and shiny and very painful.<br />
<br />
I am reading a very strange book called "Making Nice". It is very different and quite readable if you can get past the language. I don't know if I will finish it or not as I have four more choices in my library bag in the corner, but for now I am going to try to stick with it.<br />
<br />
Thursday it rained very hard all day. It has been very windy, but most days it is mostly dry. Unfortunately, the skies have been pretty gray all week. Tomorrow if the weather permits I am looking forward to the walk out near Curracloe Beach. I will try to get some pix.<br />
<br />
Sorry this is quite a rambling post and I don't have any new pix. I promise to make the next one much more interesting.<br />
<br />
Tata....Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-25725691251255848762015-11-25T16:51:00.001-05:002015-11-25T16:51:28.306-05:00WaterfordToday Sarah and I took the bus to Waterford. It takes about an hour to get there and cost me €13 round trip. It was spitting rain all the way there, but we didn't see a bit of rain once we arrived. Yay! We looked around in the shops and almost bought a few things, but then didn't want to carry them around with us, so we settled for looking. I did buy a new Smart Cover for my iPad mini at Argos and then realized I could have waited until I got home as we have an Argos in Wexford, but at least it fit in my handbag, so nothing extra to carry.<br />
<br />
Waterford was settled by the Vikings and is the oldest town in Ireland. I took a few pictures around town and you will see some of the Viking influence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljkLVfEZSiclsvgbug_LQMQ94UcDT3iSBbHbamNxACt0guxutDyl2VqfQZvkZZZTOP1RcF4AGS_zaSo-Pz-PJIu-YrnjHFhy4oroPGuu3EsyoSrIfufeA0tu0Bz7i7rThbFaFwhV9dHLZ/s1600/IMG_0675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljkLVfEZSiclsvgbug_LQMQ94UcDT3iSBbHbamNxACt0guxutDyl2VqfQZvkZZZTOP1RcF4AGS_zaSo-Pz-PJIu-YrnjHFhy4oroPGuu3EsyoSrIfufeA0tu0Bz7i7rThbFaFwhV9dHLZ/s320/IMG_0675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47IQFpNjOl2UD12Q_l5KA6BmiQMkd1LRpvEUWdCU4qKppqdEZ7-x82R_bgjAMv86YTpOBR7SzfsB2SYjbxqzQ9WOuf-VRvvTnZjEUWu9ByBmu_BBEIcGajAje6vn5Y9HYjM9UQMIOcSdR/s1600/IMG_0676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47IQFpNjOl2UD12Q_l5KA6BmiQMkd1LRpvEUWdCU4qKppqdEZ7-x82R_bgjAMv86YTpOBR7SzfsB2SYjbxqzQ9WOuf-VRvvTnZjEUWu9ByBmu_BBEIcGajAje6vn5Y9HYjM9UQMIOcSdR/s320/IMG_0676.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq06XAWnv5iWZ7NWx58hEQ5WfCU5pwvJwIh4yY56WfEI-hGtPCTlF6IWwUVdeUnLmC5KS2Z802_biEm7ohg0abafzx8ih537_UWbfHiOmM0ITcwc9jHiw78Oliknd6T0ArR4vNSbyqMjbS/s1600/IMG_0677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq06XAWnv5iWZ7NWx58hEQ5WfCU5pwvJwIh4yY56WfEI-hGtPCTlF6IWwUVdeUnLmC5KS2Z802_biEm7ohg0abafzx8ih537_UWbfHiOmM0ITcwc9jHiw78Oliknd6T0ArR4vNSbyqMjbS/s320/IMG_0677.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8780nPxiwK3dE8E2HEnV26u76ZUsOuxM81GreSZIB5j3kESSqIUOoNbEsscBoGKfFkbr3VNURHSgFPxhGAsWpLx_s-2nvYfpo4CI_gKuLFl8hY7YkL5NQKqrwtj-sBaHy2FMFkddrKXq9/s1600/IMG_0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8780nPxiwK3dE8E2HEnV26u76ZUsOuxM81GreSZIB5j3kESSqIUOoNbEsscBoGKfFkbr3VNURHSgFPxhGAsWpLx_s-2nvYfpo4CI_gKuLFl8hY7YkL5NQKqrwtj-sBaHy2FMFkddrKXq9/s320/IMG_0678.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
After a bit of walking we realized we were starving and by then it was half twelve so we went to a cute little place with homemade food called Bistro on the Dole. I had chicken soup with vegetables and noodles and Sarah had the potato and leek soup; then we shared a modified shepherds pie (I can't have mashed potatoes, so they served the interesting meat mixture with chips (fries)). It was very tasty.<br />
<br />
We went into a really fabulous store called Guineys that had everything from fruit to nuts at very good prices. I definitely want to go back there when we are in a car because there were lots of things I would have bought. I have up until now thought I would not buy a car here, but have now decided that I will in the future. When the house in Michigan is sold and I get my share, I will buy a small used car. I have an off the road parking spot reserved for me at my apartment place and would only use the car for going out of town, but it would surely be handy - and I may as well get used to driving on the left and shifting with my left hand. I do so like learning new things.<br />
<br />
Here are more pictures of things that caught my eye in Waterford. I cannot wait to get Photoshop on my laptop so I can straighten and crop my photos, but that will have to wait until I go to visit Michigan in May.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXY0JRhSgR1gN6WClMXl45x4BklqTQOlUT22nTQUcy6q-wtkVBsf5DvfTE8uY6gAu9DrSZwgvhyf0GcKY1RhpPNLuvb3PLj8FE569B6Rq2PLUySXRpajPm2KpfbrgQLU2-8eRgR1t5BJp/s1600/IMG_0679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXY0JRhSgR1gN6WClMXl45x4BklqTQOlUT22nTQUcy6q-wtkVBsf5DvfTE8uY6gAu9DrSZwgvhyf0GcKY1RhpPNLuvb3PLj8FE569B6Rq2PLUySXRpajPm2KpfbrgQLU2-8eRgR1t5BJp/s320/IMG_0679.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love gates and doorways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuv8iPoyGsQ5iHwEPBFBAqqHkP9ZkFxIPT7gk__TEApSoFMuitwijLzapQqiYUUdHtjPXJhESN12oCWFW4WkY-7-LnC51SxGtLO3Zi4Rq8azkvhJZnWPQ85HBsQWYjjbU8wiI1y8DwGiG/s1600/IMG_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieuv8iPoyGsQ5iHwEPBFBAqqHkP9ZkFxIPT7gk__TEApSoFMuitwijLzapQqiYUUdHtjPXJhESN12oCWFW4WkY-7-LnC51SxGtLO3Zi4Rq8azkvhJZnWPQ85HBsQWYjjbU8wiI1y8DwGiG/s320/IMG_0680.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And alleys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7ID8uumLYkH8p3_TKErLU-DYy58EFq3yEm9qqAmtJGt3S0wlOq6AKj-IURObkmSvdDFdCFJZFM_y_4WahJ8YcUwBPx7062he5md1HjybG6cw0Y2aU3Sb2-jHUkqTkJwBoRvc8vubUkdb/s1600/IMG_0681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7ID8uumLYkH8p3_TKErLU-DYy58EFq3yEm9qqAmtJGt3S0wlOq6AKj-IURObkmSvdDFdCFJZFM_y_4WahJ8YcUwBPx7062he5md1HjybG6cw0Y2aU3Sb2-jHUkqTkJwBoRvc8vubUkdb/s320/IMG_0681.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jhgCynE92_1gThgWfr-m7XkL3QW20hcy0ybG6S7NYlOFr4U2OwGymQXJbpKxf8bqUF0P2YS-QWKYG-0czlnXIncw6zQYH-B10aaIAcQ6-sa0WlegYoKYBR99UPZSpxY3_7ECerOZ-gP0/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jhgCynE92_1gThgWfr-m7XkL3QW20hcy0ybG6S7NYlOFr4U2OwGymQXJbpKxf8bqUF0P2YS-QWKYG-0czlnXIncw6zQYH-B10aaIAcQ6-sa0WlegYoKYBR99UPZSpxY3_7ECerOZ-gP0/s320/IMG_0682.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwPUunC4qjyn6DS4TS-0XupBT4o6Utf7Q2DC48fSQHJC4U2jOcRHMV3vDlpOVQX8-uaTtnVg1kY3K4Sev06BYg3hWr93cjhyxUXc-OkUKf72TSYDXNpDGNks_oMt2__aAmh38QKF9pIIm/s1600/IMG_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwPUunC4qjyn6DS4TS-0XupBT4o6Utf7Q2DC48fSQHJC4U2jOcRHMV3vDlpOVQX8-uaTtnVg1kY3K4Sev06BYg3hWr93cjhyxUXc-OkUKf72TSYDXNpDGNks_oMt2__aAmh38QKF9pIIm/s320/IMG_0683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a retirement home right in the pedestrian friendly part of town. What a great idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2WBo7JEM7NocD00y9XPOIcPEEQ0OS3nXWD7_HKQ8lp1uZeG12RQpUnwskerLB4NyWdTdZxfTi5e73YjkVZmP9JXsw3RX0vE-ls2nzbzIw3t0LQxtExhnUtY98_3Evf68YNBYIFc2EoQY/s1600/IMG_0664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2WBo7JEM7NocD00y9XPOIcPEEQ0OS3nXWD7_HKQ8lp1uZeG12RQpUnwskerLB4NyWdTdZxfTi5e73YjkVZmP9JXsw3RX0vE-ls2nzbzIw3t0LQxtExhnUtY98_3Evf68YNBYIFc2EoQY/s320/IMG_0664.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBdGTwjDM29skqlky-z_5NRFJclZpDwlad5VrbIx6D-x3NuepLRqSajwGdMBoDcCpSP-WpxSvyNNSIatL_B1SQQo9dgs1yTIQqmjYlyVS-IcSvjut7VHPz3RhDTTYUHcv5tUwKwdOSCP/s1600/IMG_0665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBdGTwjDM29skqlky-z_5NRFJclZpDwlad5VrbIx6D-x3NuepLRqSajwGdMBoDcCpSP-WpxSvyNNSIatL_B1SQQo9dgs1yTIQqmjYlyVS-IcSvjut7VHPz3RhDTTYUHcv5tUwKwdOSCP/s320/IMG_0665.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zp8BIZ5vYrboWUMoQ2B7BrniQrrWZ_BvBOAcnMjWdwfdl1M3Xll1HFI2F3mc_K5kIHsYSwzZUxLliXIXTiZa6aGEVCQcUBSAL_RmQWgxW1N5o2IVYevR_yvF4ZuHOO_rcLgLR5n03i8b/s1600/IMG_0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Zp8BIZ5vYrboWUMoQ2B7BrniQrrWZ_BvBOAcnMjWdwfdl1M3Xll1HFI2F3mc_K5kIHsYSwzZUxLliXIXTiZa6aGEVCQcUBSAL_RmQWgxW1N5o2IVYevR_yvF4ZuHOO_rcLgLR5n03i8b/s320/IMG_0668.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEc9-mQiE0kiXlnDLApsmnxo1agGQSOQUcN1jpp_cQ30LIwtytlDd7c2DB5HraECS1qC4oZfWWNFLSZKsfbkG6ihdgVWtY1BLMwOdks_g08q9kX_XcQSS9fTwT66d7awEv0KDSyQE4IKn/s1600/IMG_0669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEc9-mQiE0kiXlnDLApsmnxo1agGQSOQUcN1jpp_cQ30LIwtytlDd7c2DB5HraECS1qC4oZfWWNFLSZKsfbkG6ihdgVWtY1BLMwOdks_g08q9kX_XcQSS9fTwT66d7awEv0KDSyQE4IKn/s320/IMG_0669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't have time to see the museum this time, but will go back some time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighydyrGGmw5hurbMSzH-fs5OTNgCtFPBG1Vfu4DAREmdnPpEWFsisYscPX75muxokAf-qdSm0Qr5BNxHMTo2Epd6kmq_gxAiAseD7cjN3ST2K9GDMGezTjTWlRxbZUa_QmcNgowOg8_Rh/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighydyrGGmw5hurbMSzH-fs5OTNgCtFPBG1Vfu4DAREmdnPpEWFsisYscPX75muxokAf-qdSm0Qr5BNxHMTo2Epd6kmq_gxAiAseD7cjN3ST2K9GDMGezTjTWlRxbZUa_QmcNgowOg8_Rh/s320/IMG_0670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73vdH7ICxHp4I11zd4VGTJBxDAKVQ5X-BRmuVc7Au0_Kietca6oabPi05mSJx28UOsnUld_hQoftiW0LIP90GCj-TmpUBlEepdBGRqdsfxMos6YrjYgdlBSQIxxfqr3SrKiNKGZtgk23y/s1600/IMG_0671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73vdH7ICxHp4I11zd4VGTJBxDAKVQ5X-BRmuVc7Au0_Kietca6oabPi05mSJx28UOsnUld_hQoftiW0LIP90GCj-TmpUBlEepdBGRqdsfxMos6YrjYgdlBSQIxxfqr3SrKiNKGZtgk23y/s320/IMG_0671.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Chrisinske - this one is for you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi798pCyd0sc9nnqFys1ub5WZ2x_ckmwYojC4o7Hcn8fBbKYJ-zA98yVdhvRnzG2Ktj3jHzCEaqLcEc1Xgn44sunbI-X9fYfhFMX2fS56wUget4A4CV8oqiiHVCGwuw8L6DdsqggkUbe7rr/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi798pCyd0sc9nnqFys1ub5WZ2x_ckmwYojC4o7Hcn8fBbKYJ-zA98yVdhvRnzG2Ktj3jHzCEaqLcEc1Xgn44sunbI-X9fYfhFMX2fS56wUget4A4CV8oqiiHVCGwuw8L6DdsqggkUbe7rr/s320/IMG_0672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceLqx7P3RrCr97f35YJZOmjuDUiAhpqtewXl_37HsKdA8amjkwe89K1BVuPdSggYaR1D-vRVGdrzFUE1WtQ1vFrzT7MErU2kKZWQfKd9PzGqY8wf_Ogl3QtKk3MjYnrBmHBRbzGTWlN_Q/s1600/IMG_0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceLqx7P3RrCr97f35YJZOmjuDUiAhpqtewXl_37HsKdA8amjkwe89K1BVuPdSggYaR1D-vRVGdrzFUE1WtQ1vFrzT7MErU2kKZWQfKd9PzGqY8wf_Ogl3QtKk3MjYnrBmHBRbzGTWlN_Q/s320/IMG_0673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyoSNPhEXIuujzt6JOn_E321xDlWpDFjppuNAq-ZFO9qa2q1sBWfy8M8NYdzfU-Zc01SCq0qF-HNek4koQeG9H_t-YujtLy579YMvweYV6vQfwzRsT13qu1iJasBai_sCsQMYLpXpywwB/s1600/IMG_0674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyoSNPhEXIuujzt6JOn_E321xDlWpDFjppuNAq-ZFO9qa2q1sBWfy8M8NYdzfU-Zc01SCq0qF-HNek4koQeG9H_t-YujtLy579YMvweYV6vQfwzRsT13qu1iJasBai_sCsQMYLpXpywwB/s320/IMG_0674.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We actually went to Waterford to go to an auction house to look over the things that are being offered on Monday next. They had some beautiful things, mostly antique furniture, paintings, and mirrors, but I don't think there was anything there that I would bid on. I think they have these auctions periodically and I would like to go check out what is on offer again some time.<br />
<br />
We got back home on the bus about half five and stopped in Dunnes to grab a few things before walking home. I heated up a bowl of the stew I made on Monday and yesterday and had a toasted roll with it. I am in for the night. I had a nice visit with my sister, Anne, using FaceTime and caught up on what some of the family is doing for Thanksgiving Day. I talked briefly to my daughter, Dana, yesterday and she was putting up her Christmas tree with a bit of help from their little kitty. I think instead of having named him Thomas they should have called him Trouble. I was hoping to FaceTime with her girls this evening so I could see the tree.<br />
<br />
One more photo for you<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzPB5Ev7IRsdepLZhCUgxvBdFx0WBaAPn8yNq_LnAYjRiEirf5p7cumZwPLsveVtt2P-y7TQAhcw4k2m1TXnn5qF1ueIABAdxOoD562aptXTkVEUY3ghU31K3LThkaLcZyvKNBOuJF8a7/s1600/IMG_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzPB5Ev7IRsdepLZhCUgxvBdFx0WBaAPn8yNq_LnAYjRiEirf5p7cumZwPLsveVtt2P-y7TQAhcw4k2m1TXnn5qF1ueIABAdxOoD562aptXTkVEUY3ghU31K3LThkaLcZyvKNBOuJF8a7/s320/IMG_0684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Hope you had a great day, too, and if you are in the States I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. May those of you who have a long weekend enjoy it thoroughly. For those of you who have to work in retail on Black Friday my heart goes out to you.<br />
<br />
Tata....<br />
<br />
<br />Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-28127339247485617812015-11-23T15:53:00.000-05:002015-11-23T15:53:01.126-05:00Another Busy WeekendOn Thursday after swim aerobics and then soup in D'Lush Cafe at the Art Center, Sarah and I walked up to her house, which is just a few blocks up from my place. She has a lovely place and a woman, Siobhan (Shavan) was coming to hang sheers on the doors off the kitchen out to the garden. It was after that visit that we stopped in to visit Katrina, whom I introduced in the last post. While we were visiting her, she told us about a fund raising concert to be held at St. Iberius' Church, not far from my place.<br />
<br />
Saturday morning Sarah and I and many more of the TidyTowns group met to plant flowers in the planters all around town. It was extremely cold, but I wore a thermal under my shirt and a hoodie that I didn't mind getting a bit dirty with a hat and gloves and once we got to work I was warm enough. Afterwards a few of us went to O'Brien's for tea (Sarah and I shared an apple tart). When we were walking back home I told her I had pretty much decided it was too cold to go out in the evening for the concert. I spent much of the day in my kick-about clothes reading and then realized that I'd been indoors far too long. I turned on the hot press for a bit and then took a shower and got ready to go for a walk.<br />
<br />
The concert was fabulous, but imagine my surprise when Brian Murphy was introduced to find that he wasn't a folk singer, but a baritone and he sang opera - fabulous voice. There was also a folk singer/songwriter, a pianist, a French Horn performance, a reading, a trumpet (no, I think it was a flugelhorn), a poetry reading and a soprano. The soprano sang The Sound of Music theme and it was quite fine. She and the baritone ended the program with a couple of songs in duet. I was really glad that I went. Katrina walked with me as far as my place before heading up the hill to walk her dogs and settle in herself.<br />
<br />
Sunday I was lazy all day except for a couple walks for provisions. I made a trip to Heaton's and bought a half dozen rag rugs to use as draft excluders in the window sills. They work quite well. I then walked to Pettit's to buy something for dinner. I started a stew when I got home, but had no carrots. I will finish it tomorrow. I had a chicken and avocado sandwich instead. I finished The Dark and Distant Shore, a multigenerational story that kept my interest throughout. It had quite a bit of historical fact interweaved. I have just begun Brooklyn that was just released as a movie here. It takes place in Enniscorthy, which is in County Wexford, and includes a span of time in Brooklyn, NY.<br />
<br />
Today I went to the gym early and then came home and showered and had breakfast, then headed out for the drawing class. This was my first experience. We did value charts and then used easels and charcoal to do value studies of my friend and fellow TidyTown volunteer, Dennis Collins. Big fun.<br />
<br />
Here are my results:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJcdqEp3o1f7A4Qkv9DpPuSEqnogI6b1LJlui4Q8lgQQnjSQKTuB5hvsXAYxS7P70YBb2lHqNjd6DxUoAMAr2tBAnmVf8i1Dyaqmxi6JmA80Nh2LIoTgmEC3oG-_r_3VHXc4wZnI5THGH/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJcdqEp3o1f7A4Qkv9DpPuSEqnogI6b1LJlui4Q8lgQQnjSQKTuB5hvsXAYxS7P70YBb2lHqNjd6DxUoAMAr2tBAnmVf8i1Dyaqmxi6JmA80Nh2LIoTgmEC3oG-_r_3VHXc4wZnI5THGH/s320/IMG_0196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my value study. I was supposed to get 12 gradations, but was not totally successful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBFWLo6pPJ95q6x2n-M-GAwqHrFPJ1_XzIg3AHxOl9PbqzEn_RBlnhmgRJ0uVzPpmZvl5OUB7jTYxcSPIWP7J9VNCtPoVRgW-BCBMSxDEO5VicKm4phB8ovxGK4UikAPaukXvsb4nMZ-1/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBFWLo6pPJ95q6x2n-M-GAwqHrFPJ1_XzIg3AHxOl9PbqzEn_RBlnhmgRJ0uVzPpmZvl5OUB7jTYxcSPIWP7J9VNCtPoVRgW-BCBMSxDEO5VicKm4phB8ovxGK4UikAPaukXvsb4nMZ-1/s320/IMG_0198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was a picture from an art book that I used an eraser on to uncover the lights of the drawing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The two above were done in my sketchbook with a 2B pencil. I was sitting at a table. These next ones, which are supposed to be of Dennis, were done with charcoal standing at an easel.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodX9J0VcgOS4f5URFngZ-uZnAseHzL2eIpcM3OUZC-3HV6l7rzzqJ4Cj0divxBSjWYmebiCuC6pBFWESLJhH1DjOf14irGIQYvuaJUJPev9qONehlXL1Bhnd5HuB8-A-6hBtbzXT1a3oF/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodX9J0VcgOS4f5URFngZ-uZnAseHzL2eIpcM3OUZC-3HV6l7rzzqJ4Cj0divxBSjWYmebiCuC6pBFWESLJhH1DjOf14irGIQYvuaJUJPev9qONehlXL1Bhnd5HuB8-A-6hBtbzXT1a3oF/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This began as a blind contour and then I added to it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRA0PgyW1x2dWF8j9pXUPRJZ2_zbh1r-bllhBPbpwLg1wwLgD9ZvdFxXub83t5UN9CWYL1F-i_3MynYVH26fQ3uRce1UKYPddUqKsEDk-BvJGlAbFXxI93js4C-zJUrz_RFEgwhiKBP7c/s1600/IMG_0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRA0PgyW1x2dWF8j9pXUPRJZ2_zbh1r-bllhBPbpwLg1wwLgD9ZvdFxXub83t5UN9CWYL1F-i_3MynYVH26fQ3uRce1UKYPddUqKsEDk-BvJGlAbFXxI93js4C-zJUrz_RFEgwhiKBP7c/s320/IMG_0194.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is just a mess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigljtKT6oHsUZxcQBf_HYGwXmg677-EMLSDzKQXLhUik7rXIYoMqlgUmRIawWvR_XfMGsuHq7QsW5NwaP7Ea1uVwYjPMVcrfWS5vIotGpUwv_oZcI6j5B8zbFDEYj7uWta5kKMMCSLCXJs/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigljtKT6oHsUZxcQBf_HYGwXmg677-EMLSDzKQXLhUik7rXIYoMqlgUmRIawWvR_XfMGsuHq7QsW5NwaP7Ea1uVwYjPMVcrfWS5vIotGpUwv_oZcI6j5B8zbFDEYj7uWta5kKMMCSLCXJs/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one I am quite happy with. I was loose and pretty much concentrated on just the darks and lights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This afternoon I rewarded myself with a trip to the spa that is part of White's Hotel where my gym is. I spent time in the warm suite - sauna, steam room, and huge swimming pool sized jacuzzi; then dried off and put my unmentionables on and using a provided robe and slippers I relaxed in a special room and visited with a couple of very nice women; this was followed by a pedicure and then a manicure. It was fabulous and members of the gym get a 15% discount. I will definitely be getting a massage there some time in the near future. While I was there I had two cups of herb tea and a small bowl of fresh, chilled fruit. Yum!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the result of my mani/pedi. Because it is too cold to show off my toes, I didn't think they had to match. Love both colors and the young woman who did them was very friendly and very professional.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2YZvflqLIzd77gO26RZbDlGoXO3tc0TgiDgpeSwOOy1UeJLUouzI7TsdUyZ2hU5qG5FqBRHamQQ2xh7LNXmQBMf41WIU_e6jhMJt4BMakfETJKytRWcEokM00sW_cMnG2oD_h9628Vty/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2YZvflqLIzd77gO26RZbDlGoXO3tc0TgiDgpeSwOOy1UeJLUouzI7TsdUyZ2hU5qG5FqBRHamQQ2xh7LNXmQBMf41WIU_e6jhMJt4BMakfETJKytRWcEokM00sW_cMnG2oD_h9628Vty/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOn65TumJVf_ptk2vQ9fcVbbffWCeLImidVUK43Q47Hji_5PM7rfaq1PLKOJ6bjkNanXRmFxwzwKkkbD9F5nHqctt8cSx_kTkgrtmntB8zebgM3Qi1KaTHMfknQ8jCt4wuuIXlsDAVpwj/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOn65TumJVf_ptk2vQ9fcVbbffWCeLImidVUK43Q47Hji_5PM7rfaq1PLKOJ6bjkNanXRmFxwzwKkkbD9F5nHqctt8cSx_kTkgrtmntB8zebgM3Qi1KaTHMfknQ8jCt4wuuIXlsDAVpwj/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what have you been up to this weekend? Did it include some snow? Are the roads clear? Do keep me posted by either leaving a comment here or posting to Facebook. I love to see what you are up to.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-21373064510165525082015-11-20T13:49:00.000-05:002015-11-20T13:49:59.812-05:00Wexford Goings On<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a very busy time of year here. There is no Thanksgiving to get in the way of Christmas so the shops are full of decorations and the town is beginning to look like holiday time. The one thing I am heartily thankful for is they are not playing Christmas music yet. </div>
<br />
It was quite a cold day here today. I walked over to the Friary where the drawing class is held because Dimitry told me that he would be there at 10 and we would be drawing a still life. It was too cold to hang out for too long. I showed up around 10 minutes before 10 and waited outside until almost quarter past; couldn't wait any longer, so went walking. It is 3ºC right now. That is in the high 30s F. I've been out several times today wearing my Trespass jacket. It is perfect for the cold. I even wore a winter hat and gloves this evening. I took my last walk of the day just a bit ago. I was hoping to find the decorations lit up. I am almost certain that they were alight last evening when Sarah and I walked into town in the dark. I sat outside "The Yard" a restaurant and tapas bar for about 1/2 hour waiting for 6 pm to see if that was the magic time when the lights came on, but no luck. Here are a few of the pix I took.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRkWouzx0eWK9Mr-kWCkg8cjueOQ_ZCUjWRW9TAx_lzvMM6RaEiJ_nbN9M9pcate1qlUeYUvHYNoteCUfZCL05mkBQ9NLasnT5kf28rJwYQx48p9GpZICHL4AV7DPEkyKeuqHjmBzo9dQ/s1600/IMG_0652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpRkWouzx0eWK9Mr-kWCkg8cjueOQ_ZCUjWRW9TAx_lzvMM6RaEiJ_nbN9M9pcate1qlUeYUvHYNoteCUfZCL05mkBQ9NLasnT5kf28rJwYQx48p9GpZICHL4AV7DPEkyKeuqHjmBzo9dQ/s320/IMG_0652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite eating place. They have great tea and goodies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM8QhyPX_frUQo2qjINMBa5NRwx1vJytRKR6hlLR2kU0uXbX8AOmNrqZiiaAB2y9igihHKvgcMkDDZF14ebexSTfrqsK6mE1c-T0X4Ydnflv-1IODAODF70xvDunDfroVZWdG_m3ojQhk/s1600/IMG_0653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM8QhyPX_frUQo2qjINMBa5NRwx1vJytRKR6hlLR2kU0uXbX8AOmNrqZiiaAB2y9igihHKvgcMkDDZF14ebexSTfrqsK6mE1c-T0X4Ydnflv-1IODAODF70xvDunDfroVZWdG_m3ojQhk/s320/IMG_0653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my frequent places to buy necessities for kitchen and gym.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3M_fCTkkf15P40IjJtGhImaXxS-h6VpZlYjgpU8NHWwhWaEX_RSdYvq62t6OXA6CG5wFarj6_SC2adpi_BFjtW5rHJ2s-pOaWci8-BcB1L-pPrB8z34AUuLMyFJVcWw_UBLbR1LDC1yR/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3M_fCTkkf15P40IjJtGhImaXxS-h6VpZlYjgpU8NHWwhWaEX_RSdYvq62t6OXA6CG5wFarj6_SC2adpi_BFjtW5rHJ2s-pOaWci8-BcB1L-pPrB8z34AUuLMyFJVcWw_UBLbR1LDC1yR/s320/IMG_0655.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supposed to be quite a fine pub, but don't sell food, so I haven't been yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVoEWhcNiEWaKodg7-nlGBsmUtvBNt3EF4J79_SJQn_WK6ZpVRWFcqLXjWcELj0h1P3qBHE1llrdXDq_NyuwVpD8eJysKKm5Rbvv2RUtpMt3N3jN_y3acFdzQDhgVbLlWPk5G8hcnJJst/s1600/IMG_0654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVoEWhcNiEWaKodg7-nlGBsmUtvBNt3EF4J79_SJQn_WK6ZpVRWFcqLXjWcELj0h1P3qBHE1llrdXDq_NyuwVpD8eJysKKm5Rbvv2RUtpMt3N3jN_y3acFdzQDhgVbLlWPk5G8hcnJJst/s320/IMG_0654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely butcher shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw10TCxcosesPsPK_Z2u3Yq52f16xiOgpAJgA02oSvu4_eu_IcLXuFmRyPKZZQsgyXVY5KbCvQVFBeunygg9yCPA7KsDZ7Xm-XvKjWavPShxtyZd6ugKMtjukUUlMAAyIWqFXWartaP4W-/s1600/IMG_0656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw10TCxcosesPsPK_Z2u3Yq52f16xiOgpAJgA02oSvu4_eu_IcLXuFmRyPKZZQsgyXVY5KbCvQVFBeunygg9yCPA7KsDZ7Xm-XvKjWavPShxtyZd6ugKMtjukUUlMAAyIWqFXWartaP4W-/s320/IMG_0656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights in the side entrance to "The Yard"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOMDFKumryWTsjdwR34vC8wIvqA-wJln62-62i-LK88x7OfQvbxAk4XkVvRLfKq1vfuf5N4UXvIqZXqApVLTL1CVodQI3DfxbGFjLqnvc5V8_9USL5UXEJmaZ84F1ZgnFQz1vpRSmkDP_/s1600/IMG_0657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOMDFKumryWTsjdwR34vC8wIvqA-wJln62-62i-LK88x7OfQvbxAk4XkVvRLfKq1vfuf5N4UXvIqZXqApVLTL1CVodQI3DfxbGFjLqnvc5V8_9USL5UXEJmaZ84F1ZgnFQz1vpRSmkDP_/s320/IMG_0657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot of the icicles hanging over the street. Not lit up tonight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kejFXCpe7IapE09HjEKvkYJCqf-WndjJx2tcamelTB8kxvZLxrxw4jffZxV7KJMBYTPagKjE2rKWbda-3_jty3rn7Rk1eUzxIUt4tTJoAaOODlWjNud6RDw-kNqWDCZzPefnNtmnWsLq/s1600/IMG_0658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kejFXCpe7IapE09HjEKvkYJCqf-WndjJx2tcamelTB8kxvZLxrxw4jffZxV7KJMBYTPagKjE2rKWbda-3_jty3rn7Rk1eUzxIUt4tTJoAaOODlWjNud6RDw-kNqWDCZzPefnNtmnWsLq/s320/IMG_0658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another lovely decorative element. Can't wait to shoot it when it is lit up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been to the gym three days this week, but didn't walk across the bridge on Tuesday. It was raining when I went out around 10, so I stayed in until it cleared up. I did walk 4 miles that day on my own. Then walked 7.5 on Wednesday. Yesterday I didn't walk much, but met some new people and visited with Sarah. Katrina is a friend of Sarah's whose lives just up the street. She runs a b&b, sings in the choir and is quite the cook/baker from what I gather. She does catering and is planning to make batches of Christmas cakes. She also has hens. I love fowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnmSOOqcCUp8GYregFvN5OPjplTRWSMEu7pa9bfQ_QCRfIWoP8rT-R7PQbDMjtiYh-7JvxjE-x5ACVvV8uzuOYD4mM6TTRkicMwx5iGSejgLmOo830qPP702wL0RWboHNJlF27J3D3v81/s1600/Hens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnmSOOqcCUp8GYregFvN5OPjplTRWSMEu7pa9bfQ_QCRfIWoP8rT-R7PQbDMjtiYh-7JvxjE-x5ACVvV8uzuOYD4mM6TTRkicMwx5iGSejgLmOo830qPP702wL0RWboHNJlF27J3D3v81/s320/Hens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has these two Rhode Island Reds and just got a new black hen. The new one is in a cage in the house getting used to things.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here are a couple more pix from my walk earlier in the week:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9GS5rgZieqt8h6ZfzBDVoNtvmqg9YoEBte6935Kr1Rb5tyhYerzhFc3eDrTtyhaHJRm9CMsuqGbM94BgNSvu8_jGbY7xv_ybz_e8qckXFgBLNmewYh12sukrQuLTZGcQU7pDiT7dIGPR/s1600/Swans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9GS5rgZieqt8h6ZfzBDVoNtvmqg9YoEBte6935Kr1Rb5tyhYerzhFc3eDrTtyhaHJRm9CMsuqGbM94BgNSvu8_jGbY7xv_ybz_e8qckXFgBLNmewYh12sukrQuLTZGcQU7pDiT7dIGPR/s320/Swans.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swans in the river.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX0NgH2hhG3JqQrzJkKf-ArYkfuaJBsClC7-pQC09T4cgEI9PEakky9I265RN0DANIOmIEieHMXF_BqzvVHkm8LrlRmk-XYttvGZGRP-PMebc4F9og7_kYGThmA3Po0Rr52gtF91HFycM/s1600/Xmas+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEX0NgH2hhG3JqQrzJkKf-ArYkfuaJBsClC7-pQC09T4cgEI9PEakky9I265RN0DANIOmIEieHMXF_BqzvVHkm8LrlRmk-XYttvGZGRP-PMebc4F9og7_kYGThmA3Po0Rr52gtF91HFycM/s320/Xmas+Tree.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful tree in Redmond Square. I expect it will be decorated at some point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow in the morning I am meeting the other TidyTowns lads and going around the town putting winter plants into the planters. I noticed on my walk this evening that the planters around here have already had some advanced work on them. They are ready for planting. In the evening I am going to St Iberius' church on main street for a music concert. Katrina told me about it and it sounds like a good time. Then on Sunday I think there is a ramble scheduled in Rosslare. I'll have to call Marie and see if we are on for it. She picks me up for these things.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am going with about 20 people from the gym to White's for a Christmas dinner on December 4. Though I won't be celebrating Christmas in my usual way, I will enjoy what Wexford has to offer as holiday outings. Sarah and I may take a bus to Waterford next week to check out some of the goods that are going to be auctioned later in the month. We will spend the day there. It should be fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope all is well in Michigan and that you don't have to be out driving if the roads get bad this weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-91110225083850088382015-11-15T17:08:00.001-05:002015-11-16T14:07:21.558-05:00The WeekendSaturday morning I went to the gym around 9 and worked out for about 45 minutes; then I walked down to Oxfam, a charity shop on the main street to say "hi" to Lily the woman I walked with on Tuesday. I was planning to do a walk even though it was pouring rain, but changed my mind. I was soaked through just from the gym and my short stroll. It wasn't so bad not to get a walk in as I had walked more than 8 miles the day before. I don't think I shared the picture of the reward I purchased for myself at the end of that long trek.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kFmof7d2fLR7qhB_uQGE3wguv1T5DI0KdfeqKtGw0X90APxFXhNheRD7jUNGA8eyJrOFVHzbPee45d8D0W6GKrowPzjy76z_z2JQMcjHviL7QwkTzii9n5MvjCrdwTZTt45zqDvTeZY8/s1600/IMG_0628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1kFmof7d2fLR7qhB_uQGE3wguv1T5DI0KdfeqKtGw0X90APxFXhNheRD7jUNGA8eyJrOFVHzbPee45d8D0W6GKrowPzjy76z_z2JQMcjHviL7QwkTzii9n5MvjCrdwTZTt45zqDvTeZY8/s320/IMG_0628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought the cake at the Bull Ring market - it is lactose free and fabulous!! I think fondly of Holly Steffey every time I use my cow cup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the early afternoon Sarah and her husband John picked me up and John dropped us at Tesco where Tidy Towns was having a recycling drive. We had battery boxes, cigarette butt pouches, and gum keepers. We also had information on taking care of doggy poo. Sarah and I stayed until 2:30, then John picked us up and we went to the Wren's Nest for lunch. I had the fish and chips. Maybe the best I've had in Wexford yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This morning, Marie picked me up at 9:30 and we drove to the Raven Nature Reserve where we were meeting some of the Tuesday walking group. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the car park to find it jammed. Apparently there was a 10k going on. We decided to walk anyway. It was quite warm but very windy. We were pretty protected in the woods and the wind wasn't too bad on the beach either.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSmm-LRmhh86boUcz17wtUec8_MHTg9mP2uInGWf0U7Kuh1bXMF8x0GGLjygnZk4nInh_pnDkGj-xSW7mIZzCFN3hx6texe30-v0_DuZq7UggeKDvHgmS2UbcxxYUsjlu69IHjw2US8Qf/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSmm-LRmhh86boUcz17wtUec8_MHTg9mP2uInGWf0U7Kuh1bXMF8x0GGLjygnZk4nInh_pnDkGj-xSW7mIZzCFN3hx6texe30-v0_DuZq7UggeKDvHgmS2UbcxxYUsjlu69IHjw2US8Qf/s320/IMG_0629.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the runners going past us. We actually turned left just past that child.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkU4K1lNki2iSOab-rLZnbEAPaS9GAilBV90UMrbw_7-qxaGFFUBJOrQSNe-rsOMS2w0xoHW2p_L-is8iDpsq0Lt_vu4OZ17iYFw4SoexXTsnG7_9qIDNrSNOvRECqQ9NSYYVwff4P5-M/s1600/IMG_0630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkU4K1lNki2iSOab-rLZnbEAPaS9GAilBV90UMrbw_7-qxaGFFUBJOrQSNe-rsOMS2w0xoHW2p_L-is8iDpsq0Lt_vu4OZ17iYFw4SoexXTsnG7_9qIDNrSNOvRECqQ9NSYYVwff4P5-M/s320/IMG_0630.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great place to walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJtdgHmhyMgNvNuP-7nYtvJvxNYt2ObUOMDjoq36FQp5mBE1FVypESM_qLaQHF7jCS0cu9v1chc18yonL35qxR59lslXVfXUdWFiM2s944XZApT87d_9wLgyIWcWSsLIJQGgRkS2_zkKT/s1600/IMG_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJtdgHmhyMgNvNuP-7nYtvJvxNYt2ObUOMDjoq36FQp5mBE1FVypESM_qLaQHF7jCS0cu9v1chc18yonL35qxR59lslXVfXUdWFiM2s944XZApT87d_9wLgyIWcWSsLIJQGgRkS2_zkKT/s320/IMG_0631.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Irish Sea is gorgeous. I am sure even more so on a sunny day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal5ZIG07G9v_3Ko7uhUzddc1TAUGKcd1pbsVTDyXhyphenhyphenhuI1JqbhVRcCHdJ8Y_84C1Q8NCceAQkde17l_0eAw8EeIJ_o1fcEz_irlYyFpJbLj8nLhnoemSbat6pr2fFw06xEASwAaTs8sZk/s1600/IMG_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal5ZIG07G9v_3Ko7uhUzddc1TAUGKcd1pbsVTDyXhyphenhyphenhuI1JqbhVRcCHdJ8Y_84C1Q8NCceAQkde17l_0eAw8EeIJ_o1fcEz_irlYyFpJbLj8nLhnoemSbat6pr2fFw06xEASwAaTs8sZk/s320/IMG_0632.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will definitely need to walk this again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0a2sadYwX9-4B9s68iX_UEATMWOMfujgC2QMpsvnnhfn63Nq5FXU0gMmxjmbXRl0hyphenhyphentkgcOhg92ci2wGWtQcwzsk-d0MiGRr3huMpJ6LI8av8A73_S3qiYmnKc3Yf0azTFxlSY5nkQXq/s1600/IMG_0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0a2sadYwX9-4B9s68iX_UEATMWOMfujgC2QMpsvnnhfn63Nq5FXU0gMmxjmbXRl0hyphenhyphentkgcOhg92ci2wGWtQcwzsk-d0MiGRr3huMpJ6LI8av8A73_S3qiYmnKc3Yf0azTFxlSY5nkQXq/s320/IMG_0633.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I'd recorded the roar of the sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3jMQT-Tuxpupi00-nKphAIXBMTYQtgTHEn-J6NWw-MjxGQBAas-saq2S5Fmk_A7aWdZUnKrEbDLx7B6ufvUneOxY_y4EYBL49Ghi-P0tr4BoSoTjx1utUwYEn4Vh-NmF62Lj_IJihled/s1600/IMG_0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3jMQT-Tuxpupi00-nKphAIXBMTYQtgTHEn-J6NWw-MjxGQBAas-saq2S5Fmk_A7aWdZUnKrEbDLx7B6ufvUneOxY_y4EYBL49Ghi-P0tr4BoSoTjx1utUwYEn4Vh-NmF62Lj_IJihled/s320/IMG_0634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to come here in June when I have company.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q0Zb2QWuhzXAf-HHY4DRoV28h8Ld3pesjZM4dRRGy2a6LrT2ebb1IkwBPXArWlme5gstoOfDg_UxyGAhacgbzt26CQbqXtdjeeAt88eUPLLKbbK9b3Uvb_j_jdIJmrmbPUK33yhczFd8/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q0Zb2QWuhzXAf-HHY4DRoV28h8Ld3pesjZM4dRRGy2a6LrT2ebb1IkwBPXArWlme5gstoOfDg_UxyGAhacgbzt26CQbqXtdjeeAt88eUPLLKbbK9b3Uvb_j_jdIJmrmbPUK33yhczFd8/s320/IMG_0635.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Further down this beach is where I've been told the beach scene from Saving Private Ryan was filmed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My fitbit said we'd walked about 4.5 miles. We stopped in to the Curracloe Hotel for coffee/tea afterward and enjoyed a visit. I was home by about 2. I read for awhile then took a nap. It is very windy and the noise from the chimney sounds really wintry, but the temps are quite mild. I finished the book I was reading and am now getting ready to start the last of my stash. It is called A Dark and Distant Shore, is quite thick, 837 pages long. It is described as "a marvelous blend of Gone With The Wind and The Thorn Birds". I'll let you know.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-83584198523476479692015-11-12T17:58:00.002-05:002015-11-12T17:58:29.192-05:00Wind and RainIt's been really windy the past few days, sometimes with pounding rain. But the times in between, although very windy, have been really pleasant for walking. I've taken more pix and hope that if they are repeats, you won't mind too much.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj7MmpuFF7Q3PQoxXYPzbAT93SivlZTnRBh-O1NL20Hx5QmwY6hulFp1oDnpetKGDBmhAWoY1a2gGmwlwrW-MD2aoLJ-gJaUHgdEi4Ot5Ucl2cW_t5DbH_0HGNlt4Tcg-jdb_tQkmkxQn/s1600/IMG_0568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj7MmpuFF7Q3PQoxXYPzbAT93SivlZTnRBh-O1NL20Hx5QmwY6hulFp1oDnpetKGDBmhAWoY1a2gGmwlwrW-MD2aoLJ-gJaUHgdEi4Ot5Ucl2cW_t5DbH_0HGNlt4Tcg-jdb_tQkmkxQn/s320/IMG_0568.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never tire of the views of old buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwoG5IFB-qjgNiEsyHafvHuPOQEyuEhr9ZYvC8GxRKl5zIHDIVFzSLNn3N6aaS-If8LK22OSzTS1eSxnL71t9K0tr8afbcF_jKhL5Ij0v9c2U2Pnv315FfiRJB0EDfZK2kNsnVgg14b_F/s1600/IMG_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwoG5IFB-qjgNiEsyHafvHuPOQEyuEhr9ZYvC8GxRKl5zIHDIVFzSLNn3N6aaS-If8LK22OSzTS1eSxnL71t9K0tr8afbcF_jKhL5Ij0v9c2U2Pnv315FfiRJB0EDfZK2kNsnVgg14b_F/s320/IMG_0569.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Especially the old Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD5Q96EA_NAgeNori_FSBSyh14Aex-wRMw3r0iqYy5T5e-yKEomu265023sCgP70Ce_nRJIka51tlqehW79rTWb0EBHHfszL1pavCtkGhFcsLde2AIsWtsEkZMUyU_m0CFDzuD86x9SeA/s1600/IMG_0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqD5Q96EA_NAgeNori_FSBSyh14Aex-wRMw3r0iqYy5T5e-yKEomu265023sCgP70Ce_nRJIka51tlqehW79rTWb0EBHHfszL1pavCtkGhFcsLde2AIsWtsEkZMUyU_m0CFDzuD86x9SeA/s320/IMG_0570.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the directional signs in both English and Irish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rwbc_RJM-9_sTJo02-XiITS8N4-nfLoM4wt27LtxqsdQZ5kiWMBPtD6kieRgYmTfAdmtkwIb3vhVmmvZxYJ32eCRC1XKJO0ONrFSqFq6ebE4DJrOkEced-LkZF2xnZ2pCkCZvvLQN_Az/s1600/IMG_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rwbc_RJM-9_sTJo02-XiITS8N4-nfLoM4wt27LtxqsdQZ5kiWMBPtD6kieRgYmTfAdmtkwIb3vhVmmvZxYJ32eCRC1XKJO0ONrFSqFq6ebE4DJrOkEced-LkZF2xnZ2pCkCZvvLQN_Az/s320/IMG_0571.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of the Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuMkO-4xyEUA5fYgwpcO5laGuny2gPXyZKsK630OViDyBwkF8XZRzKgUDBsbE97iW2aMq-q-mEBkqejWPiQqKd2TGpN55vSvgascuZWgM-JeoGHuCuXRfiwy65V5k3VCU-SKQozSYX1T-/s1600/IMG_0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuMkO-4xyEUA5fYgwpcO5laGuny2gPXyZKsK630OViDyBwkF8XZRzKgUDBsbE97iW2aMq-q-mEBkqejWPiQqKd2TGpN55vSvgascuZWgM-JeoGHuCuXRfiwy65V5k3VCU-SKQozSYX1T-/s320/IMG_0572.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main shopping walkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWkv1VC3SZcDiqFzIDAQoUHROH8lWeIP-ntjW64QKqvQln73QWz2joAJFblu56OrOK2IvIEHqbj4jJsuyyyCkdUEPqMshsZqMScCOqy2IMpQi6v-GaSUtXPa7V1n5cvepioxs1HlHVDMK/s1600/IMG_0573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWkv1VC3SZcDiqFzIDAQoUHROH8lWeIP-ntjW64QKqvQln73QWz2joAJFblu56OrOK2IvIEHqbj4jJsuyyyCkdUEPqMshsZqMScCOqy2IMpQi6v-GaSUtXPa7V1n5cvepioxs1HlHVDMK/s320/IMG_0573.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my usual approach to the quay via the bus station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think I've mentioned one of my favorite meals - Lamb Tagine. Here is a pic</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH3IPye3naFcnIoG9kGva6w-adm2JrqlUF55wNUWQ8zwBIfMmkAVFhBJfXSa2jsunUn1YIYyHVg9fv2ULtISAWScd-sIbK14JxQ_6gCmT1B86b2HyNrxb6FbuezEXq4lYZKBe1XB5A98a/s1600/IMG_0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfH3IPye3naFcnIoG9kGva6w-adm2JrqlUF55wNUWQ8zwBIfMmkAVFhBJfXSa2jsunUn1YIYyHVg9fv2ULtISAWScd-sIbK14JxQ_6gCmT1B86b2HyNrxb6FbuezEXq4lYZKBe1XB5A98a/s320/IMG_0567.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been very active at the gym this week. On Monday I went over early and did my own workout in the gym. I spent about an hour there and then walked 6 1/2 miles. Tuesday I walked over the bridge and met the gang for our walk, then continued on my side of the bridge for a total of 6.12 miles. I met a new walker. Her name is Lily, she is 82. She usually plays golf on Tuesdays, but since it was so windy, she decided to walk with us instead. She walks as fast as I do and was never breathless and she is a font of information. Yesterday I went to the gym for the Fabulous @ 50 class then walked 7.44 miles. I am still sore from the workout, but not quite as much as I was before I went to the aqua aerobics class this morning. Afterwards, Sarah and I went to D'Lush for lunch. I should have taken a photo of the lovely root vegetable soup we had then afterward we split a blueberry and almond tart - fabulous. I'm not sure of my mileage today. I walked just over 3 miles before the workout in the pool, but then had to recharge my fitbit so didn't have it on the rest of the day. I'm pretty sure I didn't get in more than 5 miles total due to the weather. Sarah and I got caught in a downpour that we waited out in a bookstore. Just before the rain we went into Penneys. I was looking for a gym bag. They had exactly one with a price of €12, so I took it up to buy it. When the girl rang it up, she said it was only a fiver, so I got a very serviceable gym bag for only €5. Great deal!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few more pics</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_b-MYr_RrxuM7Vzo6NX4TA5SLipRSTic3vqLLkDklBntxbX3TuH45X2VrgMqg6hJjekbm-xDboMKLEr7MOzmckDyOzt-8IRlxOcxCfz5apBdEtAKNUbpobwICL045TLIXz5oFnTK10zb/s1600/IMG_0586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_b-MYr_RrxuM7Vzo6NX4TA5SLipRSTic3vqLLkDklBntxbX3TuH45X2VrgMqg6hJjekbm-xDboMKLEr7MOzmckDyOzt-8IRlxOcxCfz5apBdEtAKNUbpobwICL045TLIXz5oFnTK10zb/s320/IMG_0586.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love all the alleyways! I was out early enough that the trash wasn't removed yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW1tZro4PLTVnqeTRr-QkkdUzxcqvkoFi1omHthCbPbxab0XwC65PRifeMwBKyGh9lNKet0jEW14_nIr17jI6Vh8_i7sQ_uU01dTyTSgS6nCzHBhV05LwL074X5L_RnDd7i6P0BTiO6Pd/s1600/IMG_0587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW1tZro4PLTVnqeTRr-QkkdUzxcqvkoFi1omHthCbPbxab0XwC65PRifeMwBKyGh9lNKet0jEW14_nIr17jI6Vh8_i7sQ_uU01dTyTSgS6nCzHBhV05LwL074X5L_RnDd7i6P0BTiO6Pd/s320/IMG_0587.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite eating establishment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtLLsjCVFyUeaiYHvjSXfOMBy-aatxhJWBo7H8ALWIgE0dp8iWe7lIFYOxfKNYXkWBvuSaJYbe73vZpZRWpq5TpuwLGJLy1aJK45voCO9Gtcvd0xCGArNRqxdvqeZBnTyhplVaeisnUo8/s1600/IMG_0590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtLLsjCVFyUeaiYHvjSXfOMBy-aatxhJWBo7H8ALWIgE0dp8iWe7lIFYOxfKNYXkWBvuSaJYbe73vZpZRWpq5TpuwLGJLy1aJK45voCO9Gtcvd0xCGArNRqxdvqeZBnTyhplVaeisnUo8/s320/IMG_0590.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cute alleyway<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeYbbDMGegfr-q7liAyr1-PvsM9x-z_78ZIxx6G9HVlrQL8PN7cvutqNWG4PCKrryE83T8ESmVp4PMyBKNWx0N4UH5iI7905UVqJUdN9lgamosL8bLeAits9Urhrve3rKadkJBFnAqC6B/s1600/IMG_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeYbbDMGegfr-q7liAyr1-PvsM9x-z_78ZIxx6G9HVlrQL8PN7cvutqNWG4PCKrryE83T8ESmVp4PMyBKNWx0N4UH5iI7905UVqJUdN9lgamosL8bLeAits9Urhrve3rKadkJBFnAqC6B/s320/IMG_0591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All along I thought this said "abracadabra", but then realized it was different. Then I found out it is a kebab place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw3GMBuBwnr4KWnHQZMcozJGHGoD2KK2Eu2u2ee9DPSADvte5UgoxtLtG_GxkYQ1iJkDpz-crnQ6-KvqeUWPqVIWLo43w9dCz-xU9_CoJpj0XUSkGM_GgD5EP5yoxM0GoybsUnhiprwOz/s1600/IMG_0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw3GMBuBwnr4KWnHQZMcozJGHGoD2KK2Eu2u2ee9DPSADvte5UgoxtLtG_GxkYQ1iJkDpz-crnQ6-KvqeUWPqVIWLo43w9dCz-xU9_CoJpj0XUSkGM_GgD5EP5yoxM0GoybsUnhiprwOz/s320/IMG_0598.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushes are still flowering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYRWkGZcmWrzGD8LWfFzwprwCkEGqeN2Rf1BicnFO8lifmVyTHAlMK7rmLuhHZOEsXCiuo5WESeS6V6N9FGNhtJmhyphenhyphenc_g3dQ_wfi8_usYyCevvjs8FAb_pgiB_iLtSrfMg_q_0ri6Ckem/s1600/IMG_0600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYRWkGZcmWrzGD8LWfFzwprwCkEGqeN2Rf1BicnFO8lifmVyTHAlMK7rmLuhHZOEsXCiuo5WESeS6V6N9FGNhtJmhyphenhyphenc_g3dQ_wfi8_usYyCevvjs8FAb_pgiB_iLtSrfMg_q_0ri6Ckem/s320/IMG_0600.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a section in the paper I bought yesterday. What do you think? Can you read it? I can't either.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mBLEaStVLpYVU10bmJTCtDYTN_5MfBCKlyo4fRGnrQXw8OXAFFN2o8Q1ptp0QUm-7g4NdkTAe8L4KPR5Luf6AWgyQdMv8a2xEoiKnuOpsPrWCaRN1oXWDQThl6ZSvMsyMCNonqhtVJi/s1600/IMG_0599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1mBLEaStVLpYVU10bmJTCtDYTN_5MfBCKlyo4fRGnrQXw8OXAFFN2o8Q1ptp0QUm-7g4NdkTAe8L4KPR5Luf6AWgyQdMv8a2xEoiKnuOpsPrWCaRN1oXWDQThl6ZSvMsyMCNonqhtVJi/s320/IMG_0599.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually the view from the parking area of Abbey Court.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow I am planning to make an early trip to the gym followed by a walk. In the afternoon I am planning to go to the drawing session from 2 to 4. I was going to go with Philomena from 6 to 8, but her daughter is going to visit in the evening. On Saturday I am planning to pop into Oxfam after my walk. It is a charity shop where Lily works on Saturday mornings. Then in the afternoon Sarah and I are working for TidyTowns at Tesco doing recycling. Then hopefully on Sunday, weather permitting, I am going on a ramble over to Curracloe Beach, a place I've not been yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I feel like I've lived here for a very long time, but it has really only been 7 weeks. I am very much at home here and look forward to meeting more people and going on rambles to places that are near by car, but not close enough to walk. Marie, one of the women that walks on Tuesdays, is picking me up this weekend. Many of the people I've met who live in town don't have a car, but we are able to get a ride when there is a plan to meet out of town. I feel blessed to have met such warm and friendly people (I was going to say women, but there are a few husbands who participate too and they drive us).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've booked my flight to Michigan to visit. I will be arriving on May 26 and flying back on June 13, which means I will be back in Wexford on June 14. Sometime very shortly after that my sister Anne and a couple of friends are coming for a visit. Can't wait!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So when are you coming to visit?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-27274710535086609232015-11-09T19:17:00.000-05:002015-11-09T19:17:07.140-05:00A Very Blustery DayAlthough it was pretty warm - mid 50s - it was extremely windy and a bit wet. I began my day with a visit to the gym where I spent an hour. Love starting the day like that. Afterwards I went home and showered and got dressed to do a bit of shopping. I was planning to wear a long blue dress I bought at Chico's last summer, but it was too lightweight for this time of year. I went down to Dunnes and found a wool blend dress and bought a pair of matching tights. I took those home and then headed to find a pair of boots. I didn't know if I wanted knee high ones or ankle boots. I first tried on knee high ones, but they were too big in the leg. I bought a pair of ankle boots instead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkua87nVLTLblfCEqOwUpaW9CC75EXhjAMRvQQlhr7ifjQ9LgwrU26iKVwV_dU1nwt3sVRnJOzAsDM1AklzGpJjQf8_T_LnMkhNG_TkgYaggMNLtRjuS5hlDk6mWJm1XRALHEGtKx3fyFe/s1600/New+Outfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkua87nVLTLblfCEqOwUpaW9CC75EXhjAMRvQQlhr7ifjQ9LgwrU26iKVwV_dU1nwt3sVRnJOzAsDM1AklzGpJjQf8_T_LnMkhNG_TkgYaggMNLtRjuS5hlDk6mWJm1XRALHEGtKx3fyFe/s320/New+Outfit.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the way home from the shoe store, I stopped at the corner pharmacy to pick up my prescription. It was even better than I expected. Instead of the $355 that I paid for a month's supply in Jackson, I only paid €29. That difference paid for my outfit with a couple of hundred bucks left over. By the time I got home from that errand, I was starving and my cupboards were bare. I headed down to main street once more and stopped into Stores for lunch. I chose the fish and chips. The fish was plaice and was really fabulous. The cole slaw was really good too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-N9p4UCyb_b9n-ZFke9SQu7_n9NA5JUftU0PdXoKWTvSQzRkg0muPmorkDcDPOUiK35h9RdqVb8fKtBFFJnTkldHHO_TUkNgOP_q6Sj2uLLSGd4HjF5zLs9ag4N15z5Y6u13Q33Ywaj2/s1600/fish+and+chips+at+Stores.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-N9p4UCyb_b9n-ZFke9SQu7_n9NA5JUftU0PdXoKWTvSQzRkg0muPmorkDcDPOUiK35h9RdqVb8fKtBFFJnTkldHHO_TUkNgOP_q6Sj2uLLSGd4HjF5zLs9ag4N15z5Y6u13Q33Ywaj2/s320/fish+and+chips+at+Stores.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I left there and walked down to Pettit's SuperValu to buy a few groceries. They had the lamb tagine again and so I bought some. When I got home I finished my book, The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle, and gave it 4 stars. Then I took a nap before getting ready for the Tidy Town outing to the Ferrycarrig Hotel. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The award ceremony was a bit long, but very nice. I went with Dennis and Philomena. We had tea or coffee, hors d' oeuvres of chicken and sausage and small tea sandwiches, followed by a dessert of an apple tart. The Wexford Tidy Towns group won an award.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Afterward we stopped at White's Hotel for a drink. When we got there we found that there was a political program being filmed for a television news program so we went in and sat in the back for a bit. I had a hard time understanding everything they were talking about, but the abortion issue was raised with much fervor from both pro and con parties.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We went down to the lobby area as the show was winding down and sat in very comfy chairs to have a drink. Phil and I gave some money for our drinks to Dennis and he went into the bar to get them. I asked for a black russian and explained to him what it was in case they asked. When he came back he had a quiet dark drink and a fizzy dark drink. Phil had ordered diet Coke, so I expected the fizzy drink was hers. But no, it was the black russian. The bar was five deep all around with all the people from the political discussion having made their way down, so I changed my mind about taking my drink back. It wasn't all bad, but it definitely wasn't a black russian. Once the bar quieted down I went to ask the bartender what he had used to make my drink. He used coffee liqueur, vodka and coke. What??????!!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Home before midnight and settled in my pajamas "talking" to you. I am hoping to walk with the group across the bridge in the morning, but if it is raining I will do aqua aerobics at the gym instead. I have finished all my library books so will have to make a trip there tomorrow as well. Hoping for a bit of sun tomorrow. We've had gray and rain for a several days now and I am ready for a change.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How are you doing?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-54757242399252387742015-11-07T15:44:00.003-05:002015-11-07T15:44:45.199-05:00Rainy/Sunny DayI heard heavy rainfall some time in the early hours before sunrise and it was gray when I got up, so I had a couple of cups of coffee and some muesli for breakfast and then lazed for a bit. Next thing I knew the sun was shining. I headed to my room to get dressed and put on a bit of a jacket with a hood and headed out. By the time I got outside it was misting, but I decided to walk anyway. I only got a couple of miles in before I was drenched. I came back home and got out of my wet clothes and got into snugglies.<br />
<br />
I was expecting Richard to come over later to play cribbage and I needed to get to the library plus I had some lettuce and leftover trout from last night's dinner, but no tomatoes. I got dressed again and set out first to the library where I traded in the five books I took out on Monday and checked out five more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwnUpw9krgbuarVbU1PwZEOxi36k7B9QsBR0fCzL_G4e-4wul7ZXJV85eg1FSVGz3ILXKAWAIj303CRf6cO_AD_-Vs9bfh61sxqahlLsY4NxvRLOLlTPhQg-gt4WG1tbA1ndRJ8GL875f/s1600/IMG_0563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwnUpw9krgbuarVbU1PwZEOxi36k7B9QsBR0fCzL_G4e-4wul7ZXJV85eg1FSVGz3ILXKAWAIj303CRf6cO_AD_-Vs9bfh61sxqahlLsY4NxvRLOLlTPhQg-gt4WG1tbA1ndRJ8GL875f/s320/IMG_0563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Leaving the library I headed to the market at the bullring where I wanted to buy some tomatoes, but the vendor was out of them, and there was a small shop advertising lactose free goodies. I bought a piece of walnut coffee cake and a piece of chocolate cake, then headed down to Dunnes for tomatoes. I also bought a cucumber. I came home and made my lunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yxuMkT7uN3GZX5s3ZGOOFBvd6st6DplVHVfG8IuL3UQqx1rdYoK2V-0vGlmdVAhq1AXkw9WZ0d0uJ54lXwfWNOFP70HvOYL64VlLGmT7qVweGhwRnXTuU_fCyUEMwi7DtGQ6eX65m2re/s1600/IMG_0561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yxuMkT7uN3GZX5s3ZGOOFBvd6st6DplVHVfG8IuL3UQqx1rdYoK2V-0vGlmdVAhq1AXkw9WZ0d0uJ54lXwfWNOFP70HvOYL64VlLGmT7qVweGhwRnXTuU_fCyUEMwi7DtGQ6eX65m2re/s320/IMG_0561.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cucumber is a bit different than ours, the baby lettuce is very tender and tasteful, and the piccolo tomatoes are like candy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqVDSZYty6Q5aeP4rbtZROOj-TBoTuDN0R_kLCzzrsnGWy71bSGzC7fraTEz__uA6j2WNPFkJc2Zjf4NPWIuTYMmrYDrt_hW6cjaFuMFv8uSbwCUduLa-rI3neDp_RcJDI2WT3cCM9OvE/s1600/IMG_0562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqVDSZYty6Q5aeP4rbtZROOj-TBoTuDN0R_kLCzzrsnGWy71bSGzC7fraTEz__uA6j2WNPFkJc2Zjf4NPWIuTYMmrYDrt_hW6cjaFuMFv8uSbwCUduLa-rI3neDp_RcJDI2WT3cCM9OvE/s320/IMG_0562.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood salad with baby lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, leftover oven baked trout and a bit of balsamic vinaigrette.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
I met Richard on one of the festival tours. He is from California and has lived in Wexford for about 20 years. He came over around 2. He bought Upwords, but forgot the cribbage board so we walked over to his place to get it. We came back here to play. We played 3 games of cribbage and then a game of Upwords. Big fun. We had coffee and goodies while playing. I hope we can get together again some time. I miss playing games face to face instead of just across the internet. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was almost dark by the time we finished playing (it was just after 5, but this time of year that doesn't seem to matter) and I wanted to get another walk in, so I ambled down to the main street and went to Penneys to get a single duvet to put under the bedspread on the twin bed in the guest room.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have started reading Behind Closed Doors and am getting into it pretty well. After a bit I warmed up the leftover beef stew from last night and toasted a piece of spelt bread. Yummy! Hard to believe but I got almost 6 miles in today. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAY15GDdwDG07UL4LppViSFWlqIHyqPvtzSgizjR6uI-adAm3jL4CjqPN5xCa9fLSbLE3Rj0Zdnmk8IU6V3-TABc9-YRuRocku4z3X5quJh285vWalIG1r7IxRTS99TZ7YNIiGm0hOF5J/s1600/IMG_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAY15GDdwDG07UL4LppViSFWlqIHyqPvtzSgizjR6uI-adAm3jL4CjqPN5xCa9fLSbLE3Rj0Zdnmk8IU6V3-TABc9-YRuRocku4z3X5quJh285vWalIG1r7IxRTS99TZ7YNIiGm0hOF5J/s320/IMG_0564.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you had a great day today, too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tata....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-11736880536742584682015-11-06T15:39:00.000-05:002015-11-06T15:39:34.044-05:00Friday, 6 NovemberHard to believe it is November; the temps are so mild, and even warmer in Michigan! The day began cloudy and very windy. My fitbit was in need of charging so I walked without it today. I didn't go far, it was actually more of a ramble. I looked around in the second hand stores, but didn't find anything I thought I needed. Then I decided to look in some stores for Christmas gift ideas for my grand girls.<br />
<br />
While I was in Penneys I found a nice flannel shirt for myself. It is soft and quite long - fitting enough to wear with yoga pants.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmYwbPxPcY86ymNk5UqW-qO65rSODOJ5XEeSDpKyXMvElaCwrUxbTypFAKBC26JmnFF8ERxIvVKYHoSely0opc5PKg7GhiOGozE9ufxq3S-fLgAmOGigdq4Wj4msqqBFaD1pRvCNUF5_/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOmYwbPxPcY86ymNk5UqW-qO65rSODOJ5XEeSDpKyXMvElaCwrUxbTypFAKBC26JmnFF8ERxIvVKYHoSely0opc5PKg7GhiOGozE9ufxq3S-fLgAmOGigdq4Wj4msqqBFaD1pRvCNUF5_/s320/IMG_0559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On yesterday's walk I stopped in the butcher shop and bought stew beef and some fresh liver. The only way I could find liver in Michigan was in the freezer section. This was so fresh and absolutely yummy! Here are the onions and mushrooms getting ready to be put over while the liver cooks.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tXTp193r4f33yN8rzTi6n5PMJMKa6eK5_GHqbkvKvpUhv5yPcuBpunHRLQKoCFF8uG4E4xpMs0NuhyGZWuhkbjO_SDCB89f48-Egd2klYGONhFrDjttqTOOlaC1fFBTiJ-0Smu-817Q8/s1600/IMG_0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tXTp193r4f33yN8rzTi6n5PMJMKa6eK5_GHqbkvKvpUhv5yPcuBpunHRLQKoCFF8uG4E4xpMs0NuhyGZWuhkbjO_SDCB89f48-Egd2klYGONhFrDjttqTOOlaC1fFBTiJ-0Smu-817Q8/s320/IMG_0551.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today while rambling, I stopped in Meyler's fish shop and got some 'just caught this morning' sea trout. I took it home and cooked it in foil with garlic and tomatoes with a touch of rapeseed oil. What a fabulous dinner. I have about 1/2 of it left over for a meal tomorrow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G08vtXkHc-Ud0yePsEhEP3B8q1798_wzj3iaotNuxILQPvdK6Ke58uM6_GcdGRv3ZjCpu-lMgnpMMXZ_8iAJ3RVlIpcQO_A0VE6V_3byIZTz4-nQjyoFTlbRkGPrD0RqbakkQJYaoMy4/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G08vtXkHc-Ud0yePsEhEP3B8q1798_wzj3iaotNuxILQPvdK6Ke58uM6_GcdGRv3ZjCpu-lMgnpMMXZ_8iAJ3RVlIpcQO_A0VE6V_3byIZTz4-nQjyoFTlbRkGPrD0RqbakkQJYaoMy4/s320/IMG_0557.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This post is certainly not in chronological order because I am thinking about yesterday's outing again. I went to Shaw's and bought bedding for the guest room and a new table cloth for the dining table. I showed the guest room to Morgan this morning while FaceTiming and she likes it much better than my plain bedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ07dkK9Xp7fa630thO9Undh0NakbBnFK1KTl31fIo8YQIPEGN8E1KWaVUxQW1p_2yyeBgB7GNYgaGhXBrfrmx276cXMvNcbYiVv5M_SZhsAjuYVbIW7_2jpgjDlRy0TBkkycNghn-bZ9H/s1600/IMG_0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ07dkK9Xp7fa630thO9Undh0NakbBnFK1KTl31fIo8YQIPEGN8E1KWaVUxQW1p_2yyeBgB7GNYgaGhXBrfrmx276cXMvNcbYiVv5M_SZhsAjuYVbIW7_2jpgjDlRy0TBkkycNghn-bZ9H/s320/IMG_0552.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost bought the one with chickens and roosters on it, but decided to go with this patterned one instead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCXXr1M-0M9JOrA7iBA1L1nHYe5RVGZBJwgBa30JNvNYy8Bk9M6J1rU7MMlONrBwlabsTDlaDMRfUduqxQgwFts7p-FsKarXnxGZ8IuBhel_02MuzOGGnVVwjefvxKm8lwwHy-mVFTefF/s1600/IMG_0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCXXr1M-0M9JOrA7iBA1L1nHYe5RVGZBJwgBa30JNvNYy8Bk9M6J1rU7MMlONrBwlabsTDlaDMRfUduqxQgwFts7p-FsKarXnxGZ8IuBhel_02MuzOGGnVVwjefvxKm8lwwHy-mVFTefF/s320/IMG_0555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found some small baskets to organize the stuff on my bookshelf in the living room and except for the smell of sea grass coming off them when I am close, I am quite pleased with them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_awPy6tYBjMWqNqhyphenhyphenf74rUBxGhoe-O1gyoMMDe9f3AJEqbQC1X0pn1ThO0rQn1omfnN_ItB3kqYVgW8jEwxCLcKrC-RRlMcUObGDYBfeQPbr-yny9bLRtq-1pcAAz7FuchB4WQPfw_yCi/s1600/IMG_0553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_awPy6tYBjMWqNqhyphenhyphenf74rUBxGhoe-O1gyoMMDe9f3AJEqbQC1X0pn1ThO0rQn1omfnN_ItB3kqYVgW8jEwxCLcKrC-RRlMcUObGDYBfeQPbr-yny9bLRtq-1pcAAz7FuchB4WQPfw_yCi/s320/IMG_0553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An acquaintance I met on one of the festival tours is coming over early tomorrow afternoon to play cribbage. He lives just around the corner across the street from the Garda station so will walk over. When I met him he had a young man with him that I thought might be his son, but we were listening to the presenter and didn't spend any time talking, just exchanged phone numbers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A new small cafe/bakery opened just around the corner and Sarah and I went there for lunch yesterday after aqua aerobics (which was fabulous by the way- great workout). She had a lovely, huge seafood salad and I had broccoli, pea soup with a hint of mint. Glorious! Sarah treated, so I am looking forward to our next lunch out so I can take a turn to treat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've had a pretty lazy day, except for cooking and reading. I tried to get into a book called The Way Inn. I actually read almost half of it, but just couldn't get into it, so I put it aside. I have started The View on The Way Down and think I will like it. This is the last of the books I took out on Monday, so I will go to the library in the morning to take these back and pick out more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are you reading? Do you recommend it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-56417381693509111192015-11-04T13:48:00.002-05:002015-11-04T13:48:30.995-05:00Wednesday, 4 NovemberIn Michigan there is a saying, "Don't like the weather? Just wait a bit". You could easily substitute Wexford for Michigan. I headed out this morning around 8. It was chilly, but sunny and blue skies as you can see in these pix. These two buildings are right around the corner from me. I actually think that ruin is a former Abbey that my apartment building is named for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQmJLHwoX-BISgxuH_hgnTOjSlKrEYBFxRZBsR-VVMdi5cXYhjXubgAkRdvGcmJLV9-gnXVgv-JOIYMy88H7nOIc9wDYyVX7zs0FyWI4toJzWt8ppyoc5EaShbdCXBs_Kbuo9KL-eDhN/s1600/IMG_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQmJLHwoX-BISgxuH_hgnTOjSlKrEYBFxRZBsR-VVMdi5cXYhjXubgAkRdvGcmJLV9-gnXVgv-JOIYMy88H7nOIc9wDYyVX7zs0FyWI4toJzWt8ppyoc5EaShbdCXBs_Kbuo9KL-eDhN/s320/IMG_0524.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wasn't anything special, but the red doors against the tan building catches my eye every time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNJOA-7ZOwoOJW8oT4SJwHsy7XQKQ_T31brUCbK2DK83tGy1d04HKs20OTLXbPYgO6XPdDv9NtfIWSElh0_kyEaKJQ4O1bhOXiLT1ONPw6o3BMCfxeAdpCPFu3JAPeiEVrLjqMRc1MPWa/s1600/IMG_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNJOA-7ZOwoOJW8oT4SJwHsy7XQKQ_T31brUCbK2DK83tGy1d04HKs20OTLXbPYgO6XPdDv9NtfIWSElh0_kyEaKJQ4O1bhOXiLT1ONPw6o3BMCfxeAdpCPFu3JAPeiEVrLjqMRc1MPWa/s320/IMG_0527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked across the bridge, but got too cold in my light jacket so headed back home to put on something warmer. On the way home it became very grey and misty so I took a break. I headed over to the gym for a class at 11 only to find that it was blue and sunny again. Excellent class - step, running in place, jumping jacks, bit of weights and some ab work. I decided to resume my walk before taking a shower.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I planned to do the bridge again, but Sarah called to see if I wanted to meet her in town so I took a walk along the quay until we met up and we decided to have lunch instead of just a beverage. We went to Simon Lambert's. She had Colcannon Soup and I had the Guinness and Beef Stew with rice. Really good and I took half of it home for supper.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here are a few more pix I took from the quay.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vJr3sxumvt5s5mCoHIAzfcddN47WMh_YUkgnsG8hzD3RjHHyQ3M9o8jwE03C-10oCjuahlbr_txDdJ0hrEaQT7HzMRewO8pkh4YWYq345D7Yuo0wQImha5aDzXeTL2Gul3kZM7TQEPtU/s1600/IMG_0540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vJr3sxumvt5s5mCoHIAzfcddN47WMh_YUkgnsG8hzD3RjHHyQ3M9o8jwE03C-10oCjuahlbr_txDdJ0hrEaQT7HzMRewO8pkh4YWYq345D7Yuo0wQImha5aDzXeTL2Gul3kZM7TQEPtU/s320/IMG_0540.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the reflection here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOFTcSYQryb9coWw1hTdzcu_436fshhUhNhkYsQPI1DjPJetgo-D9JyAb8NHYumiIS2A7acnqRa5IudNBzlG07otnEOrwPNKn5vwL1yUh7cJnMXAJcEWFH5lJGFHlTHNG6sa1eB1u11rx/s1600/IMG_0542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOFTcSYQryb9coWw1hTdzcu_436fshhUhNhkYsQPI1DjPJetgo-D9JyAb8NHYumiIS2A7acnqRa5IudNBzlG07otnEOrwPNKn5vwL1yUh7cJnMXAJcEWFH5lJGFHlTHNG6sa1eB1u11rx/s320/IMG_0542.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know I love the bridge. I didn't mean to get my shadow in the photo. Does this count as a selfie?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf53OrYV8ePhveCqOcqRudTCsqxHD1dKvLumchtq_epH3Lvv1_WV3VY_-0h1NZkZeD1Q9fD1N8NdRqUuUZ-WigFFuafdT0f9CepgfuMn0Jtf5wU2cCyGn4EAhIiL_7wHQPylvu2OTLi0l/s1600/IMG_0544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJf53OrYV8ePhveCqOcqRudTCsqxHD1dKvLumchtq_epH3Lvv1_WV3VY_-0h1NZkZeD1Q9fD1N8NdRqUuUZ-WigFFuafdT0f9CepgfuMn0Jtf5wU2cCyGn4EAhIiL_7wHQPylvu2OTLi0l/s320/IMG_0544.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This nice gentleman gave me permission to take a photo of him practicing his violin. He sounded pretty good to me.<br />Looks like another selfie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORi5Z6KRkLXUhO-_AMfrZ5uiuvZq68KajEgSsHhfbrQWJVs-mNG6dDDVbT6e3S-686MPt0Y62lmdnib1jZbEL_thVPosKKd6quIuYrGx7EiJYQDB4csgZoqRlsLPb4bSfpKXnYpJexSC3/s1600/IMG_0549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORi5Z6KRkLXUhO-_AMfrZ5uiuvZq68KajEgSsHhfbrQWJVs-mNG6dDDVbT6e3S-686MPt0Y62lmdnib1jZbEL_thVPosKKd6quIuYrGx7EiJYQDB4csgZoqRlsLPb4bSfpKXnYpJexSC3/s320/IMG_0549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely, lovely day. Nothing quite like spending time on the waterfront!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At 2 I headed back to the gym for an orientation and health appraisal. Everything checked out good except for my body fat percent. I am going to work on that with weight training and striving for more elbow control (you know, the motion where you put edibles in your mouth). I did a circuit at the gym and am planning to do aqua aerobics in the morning. I think Sarah may be meeting me there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I had a pleasant surprise when I got home. I checked my bank account to see how it was doing and imagine my surprise when it showed that both my cashiers check and my November social security check were now in my account. I think it may be time to get online and find a good fare for a visit to Michigan in late May.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am now at home; I've had a warm shower and am in my jammies looking forward to a quiet evening with a good book. How was your day? I think it is only early afternoon in Michigan so you still have quite a bit of time until you get in your nightclothes. Hope your day turns out to be as pleasant as mine has been.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-27672450116476241282015-11-02T12:17:00.000-05:002015-11-02T12:17:27.247-05:00Manic MondayGot up a bit after 6 this morning and decided it looked like a good day to go to the gym. Got there around 7 which is a good thing because they don't open on weekdays until 6:45. Did just one circuit in the gym which included a lat pulldown, chest press, shoulder press, leg press and a 2 leg curl machines - one for quads and one for hammies. I then spent a few minutes on the rowing machine. I have been away from the gym for much too long. But this one is less than a block from me, so no excuses. I hope to get my strength back in no time.<br />
<br />
After I left the gym I headed out for a walk. I went around by Dunnes and across to the train station and then headed across the bridge. It was a bit foggy/hazy and a bit chilly, but I was already warmed up. Instead of turning around at the other side and coming back to this side as I usually do, I decided to walk the path the group walks on Tuesdays and then cross back over the bridge, down the quay and back through town to home. I had walked almost 5 miles by the time I got back. I made breakfast of fried courgettes (zucchini) with onion and tomatoes and with scrambled eggs over. I had one piece of multi-seed bread toasted. Yummy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rjk6rej9alm3NKwHUamwu8Dt8M1JpPbtt0ZJ1yj0fNbsOSJaZZm27xseGH1wWxgjvrekED6RWUytm_1VeF5_DcmuHOCjDcW-njkQl_gKROxxU1sR-SxTwLeVQPxvcJE5iorkzUZxggzC/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rjk6rej9alm3NKwHUamwu8Dt8M1JpPbtt0ZJ1yj0fNbsOSJaZZm27xseGH1wWxgjvrekED6RWUytm_1VeF5_DcmuHOCjDcW-njkQl_gKROxxU1sR-SxTwLeVQPxvcJE5iorkzUZxggzC/s320/breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I really need some laundry done, so I packed up my dirty outer clothes including the hoodie that I planted daffodils in on Saturday. I headed over to the laundry carrying my library books with me. From there I went to the library, returned the ones I read last week and checked out five more. But reading must wait. I did a load of undies and towels here and hung them on the line.<br />
<br />
I then noticed that the floors needed sweeping so I did that while the dishes were waiting in a sink of overly hot water. Once I was done sweeping the water was okay to put hands in, so I did the dishes and took out the garbage. I started reading one of the books, but was dozy so I put some quiet music on the iPod and snoozed for a bit.<br />
<br />
Sarah called around 2 to see if I wanted to swim this afternoon. We agreed to meet at the gym/pool at 3. We spent a good 45 minutes swimming down and back and visiting in a very nice pool. I think it is what you call a lap pool - it is the same depth throughout. We split up then and I went to collect my laundry and went to the ATM to get some cash from my credit union in Jackson and put it into my Irish account. I am now back home and in my pajamas and think I will call it a day. I was planning to go to Heaton's to get a few kitchen things, but there is always tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I took some pix on my walk to Tesco yesterday afternoon and thought I'd share them with you.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbEwqDrEav8OsqEWgCri7C7hyphenhyphenvSLNoA_c7kY376-D_O2fvVdzWckECQr_XEWIIW7AeehMztggVLL_7NV2Cm19-uy7JEEvDCJjO6fjRyHpOaQ0kNsOGAEHcCLPT9pVoLljzujWGxj7iINs/s1600/IMG_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbEwqDrEav8OsqEWgCri7C7hyphenhyphenvSLNoA_c7kY376-D_O2fvVdzWckECQr_XEWIIW7AeehMztggVLL_7NV2Cm19-uy7JEEvDCJjO6fjRyHpOaQ0kNsOGAEHcCLPT9pVoLljzujWGxj7iINs/s320/IMG_0494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at these - it is November 1!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_dFA6XFHXSzEYdJtSlpYGGihkdDKlIeahH5_k1VSDj9ruMLmfgY4eFee9BCuJMiMs0AhhfJ6V14DBJtgii7GoLgxMr_ELD4LZ3iRWFIk11aWZU-ifS63vxC2_GsXz13Zyp_YvrUz_VMD/s1600/IMG_0495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_dFA6XFHXSzEYdJtSlpYGGihkdDKlIeahH5_k1VSDj9ruMLmfgY4eFee9BCuJMiMs0AhhfJ6V14DBJtgii7GoLgxMr_ELD4LZ3iRWFIk11aWZU-ifS63vxC2_GsXz13Zyp_YvrUz_VMD/s320/IMG_0495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell it is Autumn, but still flowers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
I took some photos this morning on my walk, too. You will notice it is quite gray and foggy, but some of them are worth sharing.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgzFP6ooTzH4bpt2SsuMNLEv9bAHiHFLkZ1ew6KqT89udCWgn86m6PfBIn6ice6936DRBMhJKfZtKfOpXtJzlMe4L-A2QL0EWWP4KUn-yl2T5eETq6IgUOj2KS-XNu1QCsl3MmLIVTNG4/s1600/IMG_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixgzFP6ooTzH4bpt2SsuMNLEv9bAHiHFLkZ1ew6KqT89udCWgn86m6PfBIn6ice6936DRBMhJKfZtKfOpXtJzlMe4L-A2QL0EWWP4KUn-yl2T5eETq6IgUOj2KS-XNu1QCsl3MmLIVTNG4/s320/IMG_0500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another lovely garden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1CBT84Bt4A5abPHInAIZjSqMTb9sPgXgyouZddr52v5DBeThVkOKFl71y2Isj5zJ7m2NvsfQpcGcYtuhTNJ28MPsbzLL2vBq062rqdGJBPBMlidy7RB1hNfXgdfWfpF4Mko85nEm9u9x/s1600/IMG_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1CBT84Bt4A5abPHInAIZjSqMTb9sPgXgyouZddr52v5DBeThVkOKFl71y2Isj5zJ7m2NvsfQpcGcYtuhTNJ28MPsbzLL2vBq062rqdGJBPBMlidy7RB1hNfXgdfWfpF4Mko85nEm9u9x/s320/IMG_0510.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wexford on the other side of the Slaney River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9ansDBTVYOSJ1tXW4Y_qJ_cZMIVRezfPUjzm2NaySUac69QbSqx7x-TJfC3sYdhs05WD8z-WIGg4OM89aAzOVUe_4mhE-HVsSR5EGgIoDBz1qSuqMw8XUF3NRZEXQ4ub4Esqz69K-XZI/s1600/IMG_0514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9ansDBTVYOSJ1tXW4Y_qJ_cZMIVRezfPUjzm2NaySUac69QbSqx7x-TJfC3sYdhs05WD8z-WIGg4OM89aAzOVUe_4mhE-HVsSR5EGgIoDBz1qSuqMw8XUF3NRZEXQ4ub4Esqz69K-XZI/s320/IMG_0514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge is really quite lovely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhoquVzLBAdA3IJF9tCj7Tqd4In7D2LxK0CU-730gUO8M3BWldybBjyba8GugzqJYsilW7DiIO-5yC3ntJch4EWgFx9YRnsqIv5P98-GR2iWFd_vBSJsGc_9IxqAAfF6_KrmDnqfd3GuJ/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhoquVzLBAdA3IJF9tCj7Tqd4In7D2LxK0CU-730gUO8M3BWldybBjyba8GugzqJYsilW7DiIO-5yC3ntJch4EWgFx9YRnsqIv5P98-GR2iWFd_vBSJsGc_9IxqAAfF6_KrmDnqfd3GuJ/s320/IMG_0521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the light coming out of the sky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tomorrow I am planning to walk with the ladies across the bridge and then take my list to Heatons. No gym tomorrow, but on Wednesday I am going for a fitness class, it's called Fabulous @ 50; and then I have an assessment in the afternoon and will get a suggested gym program. I actually was able to balance on my knees on the balance ball for several seconds this morning and will keep practicing that until I can do minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope all is well with my friends and family in the States.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-45990486164489910182015-10-29T15:36:00.003-04:002015-10-29T15:36:55.714-04:00Monksgrange House Festival Tour and Myles Fenlon Today's tour was to the Eastern slope of the Backstairs Mountains to hear the history of Monksgrange House and do a bit of a tour. The hosts, Jeremy and Rosie Hill are the current owners and residents of the house. Jeremy was charming and told the history with insight and humor. And during his recital, he mentioned that the house was saved from a burning during the uprising by none other than Myles Fenlon. I looked up the House on Google when I got home and found this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfWjx-FHnu5ykMkvSIrgwDUPkP0lKhC4fT6A7LkAw6wmjf0ucQkIE7NzQ7OHtIZ_uMMPowdejWtkL-ja95d00DzPVykX3mccs75bWa49BUgqF85-69nIWv9xJEQEnrRhTYa-5_aDsC58R/s1600/Monksgrange+House+%2528Fenlon%2529.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfWjx-FHnu5ykMkvSIrgwDUPkP0lKhC4fT6A7LkAw6wmjf0ucQkIE7NzQ7OHtIZ_uMMPowdejWtkL-ja95d00DzPVykX3mccs75bWa49BUgqF85-69nIWv9xJEQEnrRhTYa-5_aDsC58R/s400/Monksgrange+House+%2528Fenlon%2529.tiff" width="350" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took some photos of the house and the gardens, but was not allowed to take pictures inside. We had a lovely day again for our explorations and I was pleased to again ride with John and Sarah.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu0nCf1vQJKbRLHrYb-krjZmLhqwrEYZfixhGMe7cjnylmkVkfIh_06tGinHEbXzLCKKWrq3IL4jeXQ4EtoFjkL8MY3c2O1Swwu4CbfsdL20nt62CT_dIoQDfDvM1QkZ8PEvm11y5mz-b/s1600/IMG_0474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu0nCf1vQJKbRLHrYb-krjZmLhqwrEYZfixhGMe7cjnylmkVkfIh_06tGinHEbXzLCKKWrq3IL4jeXQ4EtoFjkL8MY3c2O1Swwu4CbfsdL20nt62CT_dIoQDfDvM1QkZ8PEvm11y5mz-b/s320/IMG_0474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsapuK4N56CWdUx8xU3ioNihUlhanncVOc8AkV1zC8LK-aYCKBKXugOz4dx7SUhyTS3ettVVXcWFDRCAwrCueJJnp8rYh0rkru67IbMLFGVnG0xwrsILRem25n8eOjkeZu4r8jXijubKGV/s1600/IMG_0476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsapuK4N56CWdUx8xU3ioNihUlhanncVOc8AkV1zC8LK-aYCKBKXugOz4dx7SUhyTS3ettVVXcWFDRCAwrCueJJnp8rYh0rkru67IbMLFGVnG0xwrsILRem25n8eOjkeZu4r8jXijubKGV/s320/IMG_0476.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcCGFyn7L1AwvGCzsqaUp_amtpu1PQmJvZ6U5fJ3Oxuo8rQlP5BjMveLHqcV6eE0iKnZah0RlFgZYpnwZTohyphenhypheni0OqhsEH6MPq20a3DEhqdnHoiBxfAV-ZS2_ZKrSqCtjCc9GQU8iZL1kr/s1600/IMG_0478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcCGFyn7L1AwvGCzsqaUp_amtpu1PQmJvZ6U5fJ3Oxuo8rQlP5BjMveLHqcV6eE0iKnZah0RlFgZYpnwZTohyphenhypheni0OqhsEH6MPq20a3DEhqdnHoiBxfAV-ZS2_ZKrSqCtjCc9GQU8iZL1kr/s320/IMG_0478.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE2cTNPht9T1JWi5GJ7dPXjwlb5a41XKiSHwclT8Jt0zpou_cu6Btbo8E3U730nyHblOiGzuO8jEfQ5b-Bpj1Ar-JlDnmTA4TbOESNCTy4sVcvZ5NaX_KSwGUf_nX1Xy_Lw1iYD8uB-tQ/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaE2cTNPht9T1JWi5GJ7dPXjwlb5a41XKiSHwclT8Jt0zpou_cu6Btbo8E3U730nyHblOiGzuO8jEfQ5b-Bpj1Ar-JlDnmTA4TbOESNCTy4sVcvZ5NaX_KSwGUf_nX1Xy_Lw1iYD8uB-tQ/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiy0juZaUwQSu1dNZLUQBmbcf54cDsqQasR53G0y3wl0SFF4J9TqliLkdZbHYFqmFn9Qb4vnaWi7vhuRPz3JV9RfHoa02vzp-eTEiLtuzzuQ8ZKZHOcruK6T-E634AXao10rOw6Sd6EZ2/s1600/IMG_0485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiy0juZaUwQSu1dNZLUQBmbcf54cDsqQasR53G0y3wl0SFF4J9TqliLkdZbHYFqmFn9Qb4vnaWi7vhuRPz3JV9RfHoa02vzp-eTEiLtuzzuQ8ZKZHOcruK6T-E634AXao10rOw6Sd6EZ2/s320/IMG_0485.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we left the estate John drove us to Enniscorthy for lunch. We were planning to go to a restaurant they had frequented in the past that featured Portuguese food, but it was no longer in business. So sad. Instead we went to the Riverside Hotel and had lunch in the Promenade Bar. We ordered from the sandwich menu - I had an egg salad on toasted brown bread with homemade tortilla chips and a small salad. Yummy! John and Sarah treated me. Such nice people and they live quite close to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we got back to town I asked them to drop me down on the quay as I needed a walk. I went into the Driver License office to make inquiries, but there were too many people there already and the wait time was predicted to be in excess of an hour. I headed for the bridge when it began to rain. I walked home, got my library books together and took them and my umbrella to the library. I brought home four more books and have almost finished the first one. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm having a quiet evening reading and listening to music. I am so pleased that for both of the tours I went on (thanks to John and Sarah) the sun was shining and the temps were lovely until we got back home and then the rain came. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Looks like it is getting colder in Michigan these days. Time to get out the woolies and hot cocoa!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-83870286606001964952015-10-28T15:34:00.003-04:002015-10-28T15:34:42.100-04:00The Garda, A Festival Tour, New Friends and MoreAnother busy day. I woke up to sunshine so decided to go to the Garda on my way to the Talbot Hotel car park where the meet up for the festival tour to Kilmore Quay was assembling at 10:30. I had a very pleasant young immigration officer who looked over my documents, took my fingerprints, gave me the direct debit form for €300 to take to the bank at which time she would order my residency card which would be good for a year. The last thing I had to do was do fingerprints on a computer and then sign. Everything went fine until trying to sign on the pad. Neither of us could get any mark to show up on the computer. I will have to go back in and try again. She will call me.<br />
<br />
From there I walked down to the car park and met up with a dozen people or so and the leader of the group, naturalist Jim Hurley. I rode with John and Sara Gillespie and a man from Northern Ireland who was now living in Rosslare. The day was perfect, the little village charming and the naturalist was both knowledgeable and charming. I took a ton of pix, but having very little experience with phone pix (yes, I forgot my camera) I had parts of fingers in many of them. Here are a few that turned out.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaW6j42CqwOrShLaqLV_zk3_ZeB4rHw5a4aX247QRxMGJ0xUw9ZGintQdosm4IoQpCVS3cZxage9fNLLB2afxYVtnDHqZdb66MneyL5GAsT07QGorTIymGSMSzzPydJ6u17HdsOsCgYgj/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuaW6j42CqwOrShLaqLV_zk3_ZeB4rHw5a4aX247QRxMGJ0xUw9ZGintQdosm4IoQpCVS3cZxage9fNLLB2afxYVtnDHqZdb66MneyL5GAsT07QGorTIymGSMSzzPydJ6u17HdsOsCgYgj/s320/IMG_0073.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are the Saltee Islands in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPCHhOr6Vb2qvy429p1PNQYexp4BlwDX7WOEVsBV3jWCiyHDPeLOr6-f6vQAW-Rcn5ZHFv9c12uKggqb4N2WAY5HRsOiVPc0SXFoNd6297_S0AECdAUfyuplELrLXfH5_MCMKlvAhsRhI/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPCHhOr6Vb2qvy429p1PNQYexp4BlwDX7WOEVsBV3jWCiyHDPeLOr6-f6vQAW-Rcn5ZHFv9c12uKggqb4N2WAY5HRsOiVPc0SXFoNd6297_S0AECdAUfyuplELrLXfH5_MCMKlvAhsRhI/s320/IMG_0088.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUIgRkAyhdeW4n4pJDZHXHYbn-VF0KoYdzH0l1JKlYIEXBOt6TtAApH5Nvsi8FW9X-kbZ17DsL6U1pLykSxAMfWegZwwCf4fXrxKU3v6KO027F4r7VMh724ZsUnT4HFLphovQbNnZuqU/s1600/IMG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgToUIgRkAyhdeW4n4pJDZHXHYbn-VF0KoYdzH0l1JKlYIEXBOt6TtAApH5Nvsi8FW9X-kbZ17DsL6U1pLykSxAMfWegZwwCf4fXrxKU3v6KO027F4r7VMh724ZsUnT4HFLphovQbNnZuqU/s320/IMG_0090.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love the sky and those rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfTKQDDlMQru4SxDVIfsbuEWet3tmhvjpacgLuhwHqFmbRZ0oXqP8KURowKCSGhtToY7569KQiOjU8hQrjxDj8p8U0ZTyNvahtXpqWjYTXJyarK1Kpe1Dp_vLvExlFYissipgPMl45sC0/s1600/IMG_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfTKQDDlMQru4SxDVIfsbuEWet3tmhvjpacgLuhwHqFmbRZ0oXqP8KURowKCSGhtToY7569KQiOjU8hQrjxDj8p8U0ZTyNvahtXpqWjYTXJyarK1Kpe1Dp_vLvExlFYissipgPMl45sC0/s320/IMG_0093.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even more sky and rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCGaB0hzOrwl_igujSmm7hKSH75TgBdebepKFmWp2IKFqQjB39E6XpCLMmIbwtin6Q-pbZbQ_wimzQbAwgns2kI-xfs2nZD6q48QNuBDEihnpTfGPBrTobM6Gad6aZEJlT32DnJ0os1aP/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCGaB0hzOrwl_igujSmm7hKSH75TgBdebepKFmWp2IKFqQjB39E6XpCLMmIbwtin6Q-pbZbQ_wimzQbAwgns2kI-xfs2nZD6q48QNuBDEihnpTfGPBrTobM6Gad6aZEJlT32DnJ0os1aP/s320/IMG_0099.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of seaweed on the beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIfphdAlYBW8x_YmtG-YCYoxFRxp0xPzzk8RliPdG6hWB_1m7uR_JaOCdnWSxF4v7nTiYjI5El1T9TOqWJS1sA_GOC0d68b-BJ9bDkaFiv11nv9f2vNBTyNP-owZk4mrs0CX-qirzQriw/s1600/IMG_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIfphdAlYBW8x_YmtG-YCYoxFRxp0xPzzk8RliPdG6hWB_1m7uR_JaOCdnWSxF4v7nTiYjI5El1T9TOqWJS1sA_GOC0d68b-BJ9bDkaFiv11nv9f2vNBTyNP-owZk4mrs0CX-qirzQriw/s320/IMG_0103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely if precarious house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
After we returned to Wexford, I walked to the bank to take care of the residency fee then walked back home and got the mail. There was a check from my previous address in the states with a safety deposit refund. Yay!! I walked back down town and deposited it in my account. I then stopped into Eir to see if anything had been figured out on my bill and international minutes. Martina was there today. She was the person I originally worked out my contract with. She texted me later to say they were aware they had charged me too much and were making a credit to the bill and that even though the international minutes weren't showing up, I could be sure I had 50 minutes to use this month.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wandered around for a bit and then realized it had been almost six hours since I had a bowl of Muesli this morning. I just happened to be outside Simon's again so I went in and John and Sara were there and invited me to share their table. They were almost done eating, and John had errands, but Sarah stayed with me and then we walked around a bit and did some shopping around for a bathing suit. Totally wrong time of year. She is a member of White's Hotel Leisure Club. She only uses the pool, but I want both the pool and the gym. I didn't bring a bathing suit with me, but figured I'd find one somewhere. She had part of her bill to pay so we stopped there on our way back home and I joined and they sell bathing suits there, €25. And you must wear a swimming cap there! So I got one of those too.<br /><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a good thing I do have international minutes because the insurance company in the states took a direct debit for the month of October for a little over $200. I had to call them and was on hold for about 20 minutes. It was finally discovered that even though I had called and cancelled, I didn't cancel both the dental and general insurance. For crying out loud. I will get a partial refund for canceling today.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I thought I could get back to the Garda to drop off the bank receipt showing I'd paid the €300, but the immigration officer was gone for the day. She will call me tomorrow and I will stop. I also didn't bring work out clothes with me, so I went to SportsWorld and bought two pairs of capri length workout pants and two tees for a total of €27 - a virtual steal! My salesgirl was quite friendly and her name was Niamh (pronounced Neev).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sarah is interested in joining the TidyTown volunteers so I gave her number to Phil to see if she wants to join us to plant daffodils near the graveyard on Rosslare Road on Saturday. I do like planting so much more than sweeping and picking up cigarette butts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My back is almost completely better today. I think I will put some of the Voltarol on again at bedtime just to make sure. My weather app says it will be in the mid-50s tomorrow, but cloudy. I am hoping for another fabulous outing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had the Lamb Tagine for dinner again - lip smacking good!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope all is well where you are,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tata....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-3820742376799973762015-10-27T16:51:00.001-04:002015-10-27T16:51:09.664-04:00Mom's Birthday and Other October DoingsMy Mom celebrated her 91st birthday on Saturday, October 24, in the commons room at her apartment building. I spent a few minutes FaceTiming with her and some of the sisters and nieces who were present early on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYaLjG_1PFXJCAfugujddJ23NXcAL98yhzR75r9F-OJHEzcmf1ad_NpBE-PtYFOMegrEanOJPcMuT0HiBnyognYv6Gcg4ShKGN6xOETU2SDh1TaZD_UtXN6QVjHKd7LXxQVkJUH4zRyZC/s1600/Mom+in+Tiger+Shirt+91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYaLjG_1PFXJCAfugujddJ23NXcAL98yhzR75r9F-OJHEzcmf1ad_NpBE-PtYFOMegrEanOJPcMuT0HiBnyognYv6Gcg4ShKGN6xOETU2SDh1TaZD_UtXN6QVjHKd7LXxQVkJUH4zRyZC/s400/Mom+in+Tiger+Shirt+91.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't she look great!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was sorry not to be there to see some of the family I haven't seen in awhile, but I was certainly there in spirit. I sent my Mom a nice letter once I had an address and am waiting for her to reciprocate so I can respond to hers.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I walked yesterday morning by heading out to the hospital the opposite way from last time I went. That way I would end up on the quay and could continue over the bridge and back before heading home. At least that is what I had planned, but I took a wrong turn somewhere past the hospital and ended up on streets I'd never seen before. Still a good walk, but at one point I ended up at the light on the corner where the hospital is. I had apparently traveled in a circle. My feet burn after about 5 miles so I just headed back home instead of continuing down to the bridge. I decided I need to spring for a good pair of walking shoes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I headed out around 10 yesterday morning to go to a sports shop and buy some walking shoes only to find that all the stores were closed. A woman on the street told me that bank holidays are actually national holidays so stores don't usually open. Who knew? I was aware that Monday was a bank holiday, but thought it would only mean no banks open and no mail delivery.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My back was still quite sore so when Phil called to ask if I wanted to go to Tesco with her, I took her up on the offer. I talked to a woman in the pharmacy and explained about my pulled muscle and icing and heating and she recommended a product called Voltarol. It was expensive - €20 for a 100 g tube, but I think it is doing the trick. I also picked up a few groceries, but when we got up to the checkout it was to discover they couldn't take my Visa card without a chip. I do have a debit card from AIB so I tried to use that, but apparently I don't have the correct PIN memorized yet. Phil wound up paying for my groceries. How embarrassing! One of the things I bought was an 8-pack of Orchard Thieves Cider. I am having one right now. It's pretty good. It is a beer, but cider flavored.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Woke up at 6:30 this morning to a bit of rain. Made coffee and got around and read for awhile before heading out to buy some walking shoes. I took an umbrella with me and found a good pair of walking shoes for €77. They are quite colorful and very comfortable. I put them on in the store and decided to wear them. This is the day I walk with a group across the bridge. The first time I was going to go it was raining a bit so I didn't only to find out later that they walked anyway. Took my brolly and my handbag back home and headed out. It wasn't raining very hard, but I was quite wet by the time I got to the meeting place and nobody else was there, but I was a bit early so I waited. Three others plus the leader showed up. I was planning to sit by the fire in the hotel on the corner to read the paper and dry out until they returned, but a girl behind the front desk said she had an extra rain coat in her car and she loaned it to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the time we got about halfway into the walk the rain picked up a lot and I was soaked by the time we got back. I got wet even through the rain gear and it was a short jacket and my jeans were soaked from above the knees down. The leader gave me a ride home and I took a hot shower - bliss!! The most important thing I have learned since moving here is that the cupboard in which the hot press (hot water heater) is located is a great place to dry things. I put my shoes and jeans and shirt in there when I got home and they are almost dry.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Later this afternoon I went out to stop at Eir and chat about my bill that came in today's mail and didn't seem to be quite right and about the fact that my international minutes have not been added for this month. The young man who was helping me was on hold first for 20 minutes and then he disconnected and tried again and was into 12 minutes before he assured me that I could go on about my business and just stop back to find out the status. I walked over to Simon Lamberts and was planning to have fish, but they said they don't offer fish the day after a bank holiday because it is not so fresh - good thought! I had lamb meatballs with marinara sauce, roasted root vegetables and chips with a glass of cider from Cork. Yummy. Stopped back by the phone/internet store to find that they are working on it and I can call him tomorrow and he will update me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
From there I was going to head over to SuperValu to get some Lamb Tagine for dinner, but saw Peter Mark hair salon on the way. Phil had gotten her hair cut there and was quite pleased with it, so I thought I might as well try it, too. I thought I would have to make an appointment and come back, but the receptionist told me that if I could wander for about 1/2 hour, Lainey would cut it for me. I wandered over to Shaw's to look at rain gear. I have a winter coat that is waterproof, but nothing to wear when it is warm and raining. I wanted something a bit longer than the one I borrowed today, so ended up in the men's department where I found a lovely one with a zip out liner. Perfect!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I got back to the hairdresser just about the right time and Lainey came over and introduced herself. I told her I liked a pixie look and that I was ready for something a little different. I was really nervous since I've had the same hairdresser for years and was very happy with her, but I was put right at ease. I had a cup of tea and talked while she went to work. I like the cut and really liked her. She will see me again when I need a trim. I stopped by SuperValu and picked up some tea biscuits and some Lamb Tagine on the way home.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe_Y7IHhMy8jmLXuMtjO5yl1WrySbMm_EBN7ucjEXvsxSzgZtsCEtW1Hmi1rQ_lPQechj-pqSH01nsqVWH0Y2A_L6rKz1GzuZJS4xwVzNTNwj38EuwXVAhuXQiayMC2FTP61LPyYZiFsI/s1600/My+Wexford+haircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUe_Y7IHhMy8jmLXuMtjO5yl1WrySbMm_EBN7ucjEXvsxSzgZtsCEtW1Hmi1rQ_lPQechj-pqSH01nsqVWH0Y2A_L6rKz1GzuZJS4xwVzNTNwj38EuwXVAhuXQiayMC2FTP61LPyYZiFsI/s320/My+Wexford+haircut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It's been a great day. I've walked 6 and a quarter miles today and feel great! I am in my jammies lazing around the house. Payton FaceTimed me earlier and I was surprised that she called an hour before I thought she was due home. Seems like we changed our clocks back last weekend and in the US they will not do so until next weekend. Who knew?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, I think I've talked your ear off today; hope you aren't tired of my carrying on. Hope to have another report later in the week. One of these days I have to go to the Garda, but am afraid they might want €300 for a residency permit and they don't take credit cards, so for now I am holding off. I'll check it out next day without rain and let you know how it goes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-52113666674038798602015-10-23T07:09:00.001-04:002015-10-23T07:09:01.710-04:00Festival DoingsMy back is still quite sore, but I am being more aware of it and trying to relax more and not carry heavy things. I stopped at the corner pharmacy and bought another gel pack. That way I have one to heat and one in the freezer. The heat has felt good, but so far no noticeable improvement over the long haul.<br />
<br />
I am enjoying some of the ironies of life. Remember I was going to make stew the other day, but didn't have a can opener and the recipe called for tomato puree? Well I made a trip to Argos and purchased a basic can opener and then later in the day when I was ready to make the stew I got everything assembled only to find that the tomato puree had a pull tab on the top. Haha, joke on me.<br />
<br />
I wasted several hours yesterday going back and forth to the library trying to scan a page I had to sign and then sending it back as a pdf. For some reason it would not send it to my email; finally as a last resort (at that point I was planning to take a snapshot of it with my iPad and send it as a jpg) the librarian scanned it and sent it to herself and then forwarded it to me. At any rate, job completed.<br />
<br />
I was hoping to go to more art exhibits yesterday, but spent the afternoon in bed with a hot gel pack on my back. I got up in time to get ready for the Jack L concert and even had time to FaceTime Payton. She makes my day!<br />
<br />
I got to the concert early but soon met up with Anne. She and I went in to the bar to wait for the earlier show to get over and wait for the rest of the TidyTown folks. They didn't have Clonmel beer, which is my Irish beer of choice, so I followed Anne's lead and had a hot whiskey. It was a shot of whiskey in hot water with a lemon slice with cloves in it. It was okay, but I don't think I would order it again. I am not particularly fond of the taste of whiskey.<br />
<br />
The Jack L concert was fabulous; I had listened to some of his songs on youtube and expected a crooner, but in addition to his own songs, he performed Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Rolling Stones - amazing. Quite the stage performer, he spent a good amount of time getting the audience involved and walking through the crowd while singing. Here is "Open Up Your Borders" a very timely song.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gbn3IvQzvjI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gbn3IvQzvjI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got home after 1 am and was not quite ready to shut down, so I FaceTimed Adam's little girls in the bath. Boy how I miss my girls - all 5 of them - Payton, Katie, Morgan, Zoë, and Harper. The girls were in rare form last evening; Harper is changing the most as she transitions from a baby to a kid. She says "Hi" now and I am hoping to hear a "Nana" pretty soon. She interacts with the picture of me in a fun way, jibberjabbering all the while. And Zoë always keeps me entertained. Then just as I was getting into bed around 3, Cathy messaged me to ask about family offspring and birth order so she can share it with Joe's Sara when she arrives today to help celebrate Mom's 91st birthday. I am sorry to miss it, but I am planning to FaceTime while the party is in full swing. It will be great to wish Mom a happy birthday face to face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I received my insurance card in the mail yesterday, so now I have all the pieces I need to go to the Garda to get permission to stay here, but I think it will wait until next week to report. I actually have until November 23, and am thinking I may have to pay €300 for a residency permit. The local Garda station doesn't take credit cards, so I will need to have cash. I am still waiting for my cashiers check to show up in my account and will take care of this business once it appears.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also yesterday, my bathroom light bulb burnt out. It hangs from the ceiling and I have no means to climb up to it, nor do I want to do any climbing. I sent a text to the landlord and was immediately answered by Eileen telling me that Stan was on the way with a ladder. He came by and changed the light bulb and was carrying a package (reading lamp) with him. He gave it to me and then said he had more of the things I had asked about earlier in the week in the car. He brought me small plates, a floor lamp, a folding outdoor chair, a small frying pan, and tongs for the companion set by the fireplace. Best. Landlords. Ever.!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is warm again today and quite breezy, expecting rain this afternoon. I don't know if I will get out before it begins or not. I am still in my pajamas. It is 13º C, which translates to about 55º F. Very pleasant! Looks like it is quite cold in Michigan. Stay warm my dears!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-11483115840124547802015-10-21T16:52:00.000-04:002015-10-21T16:52:53.250-04:00Opening Day of the FestivalI began my day with a load of pain in my upper back. I think carrying the firewood and starter logs wasn't a very smart thing to do. When the chemist opened I went over and got some BioFreeze to put on it. I also bought bandaids because yesterday while moving furniture I got a toe under a chair leg and it was sore and bleeding. I had to buy a battery for the clock as well.<br />
<br />
I had no clean clothes, so I went downtown to the Jean Depot and bought a new pair of jeans and two jumpers, then headed home once more. When I got home I decided to make the stew before putting on the BioFreeze, but found out early in the process that I didn't have a can opener. That will be on tomorrow's agenda. I walked to the laundry instead and got 4 pairs of pants and 4 shirts washed, dried and folded for €12. I thought that was a pretty good deal.<br />
<br />
When I got back home I put a generous amount of the medicine on my back and went to bed. I slept for 2 hours and then stayed in bed dozing for about 30 minutes. Then I got up, took a shower and got dressed as I was meeting the TidyTown volunteers downtown for the opening night of the festival. I walked over to the Talbot Hotel where I met Philomena and walked around at an art exhibition. Really nice watercolors and the artist was very nice too.<br />
<br />
We then went outside where the whole quay area was crammed with people. The highway along the quay was closed and the Garda was out in force. We walked around and met up with Fiona and then after waiting to see if any others were joining us we headed over to the quay. What a celebration! The kids were in heaven with all kinds of lighted paraphernalia from mohawk shaped lights on heads to princesses and butterflies on wands, and there were light sabers. Before the fireworks began, there were speeches by assorted dignitaries, including the mayor.<br />
<br />
Then finally the much awaited fireworks. Payton had FaceTimed me while we were waiting in the crowd. I couldn't hear her much, but it seems she forgot her house key. I tried calling her back once the fireworks began so I could share them with her, but she didn't answer.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmTPL99nDN3C4vgSQ0YO4sHWfgYTOCiI1LH_BMcYXMNybwpeoKThwTNeLF3yI9mO4jcX4KnhQMPlVJqTmCMP6zl6b2tUTiXr1HMfed5Klgr4pOHUTO9qfwpX9gML6OoJ0oXftSWgXvBdh/s1600/Fireworks.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmTPL99nDN3C4vgSQ0YO4sHWfgYTOCiI1LH_BMcYXMNybwpeoKThwTNeLF3yI9mO4jcX4KnhQMPlVJqTmCMP6zl6b2tUTiXr1HMfed5Klgr4pOHUTO9qfwpX9gML6OoJ0oXftSWgXvBdh/s1600/Fireworks.MOV" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just a selection of the fireworks. I wish I was a better cinematographer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After the fireworks, Fiona headed home and Phil and Dennis and I went in search of something to eat. We stopped at the bullring and had a burger and fries - just €5, a deal indeed. The chips (fries) were actually crispy and wonderful. After we ate we headed to White's Hotel, which just happens to be on my way home to look at more art exhibits. What fun. This is the first time I've been out after dark. I felt just like a grown up!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I took a couple of stills on the quay.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYVnoJKuBJYVotoCl-TacFp6yEzyRLlLmMMeYHrUBMZtT9rXbfnHtxg3Z5a5ZnTharwba1MYQoHbWp6yqsdu-hUsGPAJn0HIq0fHD0SCTicTB0MR-AClB_kH0SZJG7_IwTT0oBxmt5CT6/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYVnoJKuBJYVotoCl-TacFp6yEzyRLlLmMMeYHrUBMZtT9rXbfnHtxg3Z5a5ZnTharwba1MYQoHbWp6yqsdu-hUsGPAJn0HIq0fHD0SCTicTB0MR-AClB_kH0SZJG7_IwTT0oBxmt5CT6/s320/IMG_0454.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge was lit up nicely, but hard to get a good pic with all the people in the way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-89VQJgP5PDe-Qkk3yvd4oou1Uo1II1AZGeIcIzmV4f6uQofKjMJdO4x3w6bCwTDk5XsY0N2ZSKTHptDnAlwh-B-uZ3zZgZ_X4f9xUPg49IdiXN892xI-c1bgKxEjwRYk2iuA8thsNcGg/s1600/IMG_0471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-89VQJgP5PDe-Qkk3yvd4oou1Uo1II1AZGeIcIzmV4f6uQofKjMJdO4x3w6bCwTDk5XsY0N2ZSKTHptDnAlwh-B-uZ3zZgZ_X4f9xUPg49IdiXN892xI-c1bgKxEjwRYk2iuA8thsNcGg/s320/IMG_0471.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see tinker bell there near the bottom on the right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am home now and pretty worn out and sore. Believe it or not I actually got my 10,000 steps in today. Just think what I could have done if I hadn't slept for 3 hours. Time to slather some BioFreeze on my back and hit the hay. Tomorrow is another day with art exhibits during the day and free tickets to the Jack L concert in the evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-65053359823572073352015-10-20T15:13:00.002-04:002015-10-20T15:13:58.677-04:00Busiest Day EverI got up just after six and decided since sunup was predicted for 7:59 I would have my coffee and then head down to the quay. It was quite cold, but I stayed pretty warm walking and wearing my gloves when I wasn't taking pictures. I'd like to share a few of them with you. Hope you don't get tired of looking. I couldn't decide which one I liked the best<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uwll1Wis0Pwpo4pVpeZnHtmAdeou0Sar9M4qz2d_MMF4GDEhinmhZUNs5r2tb25ARUtY3yIT5XeRBT3m_Ayj4QfhUBn8krQ5kOpswHzxHu8SK2qIcdkw3eWFcCY_EqxEcT45gyfKacpK/s1600/IMG_0411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Uwll1Wis0Pwpo4pVpeZnHtmAdeou0Sar9M4qz2d_MMF4GDEhinmhZUNs5r2tb25ARUtY3yIT5XeRBT3m_Ayj4QfhUBn8krQ5kOpswHzxHu8SK2qIcdkw3eWFcCY_EqxEcT45gyfKacpK/s320/IMG_0411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ioop3RRqm1KWc7LSuMJw8xqiB5bT2zSOEJ-xTnB30jeaKeItspjVuOHtG_GIJVKON2ANYoNpFQPnPPAcEiQkAqdyDo3rBOA_Fkvahyphenhyphenbb41gEe7PmBIwUlLpde7xjX_1ZqAMKgX-uwNlG/s1600/IMG_0413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ioop3RRqm1KWc7LSuMJw8xqiB5bT2zSOEJ-xTnB30jeaKeItspjVuOHtG_GIJVKON2ANYoNpFQPnPPAcEiQkAqdyDo3rBOA_Fkvahyphenhyphenbb41gEe7PmBIwUlLpde7xjX_1ZqAMKgX-uwNlG/s320/IMG_0413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYB5fsn-9ApAnj-nskWO9mZQMtAN8AvFS8HMG-HjMMvwlEgP19gTLQNUg5vW88-VrrcfvmS8_bRsSEIgpXTFi-Us9sTNJ49qB0ybCHDCi8EeVvvSswGufefd-g1tB1f3Ssb35YWueJsEp/s1600/IMG_0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYB5fsn-9ApAnj-nskWO9mZQMtAN8AvFS8HMG-HjMMvwlEgP19gTLQNUg5vW88-VrrcfvmS8_bRsSEIgpXTFi-Us9sTNJ49qB0ybCHDCi8EeVvvSswGufefd-g1tB1f3Ssb35YWueJsEp/s320/IMG_0416.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfnEBbDGB_lQ2Mo-WgoYOw6tYUtKkBkx6Zx2rB4bR-hhGi-mFrK3ink4g807zGGpEDFm8pl2pbb3vLIfOMzHiPlU4gTbg4rIw84SSsp7nGrWy7u1nTPfLPokk873YuZDziX1F66C5KIrc/s1600/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfnEBbDGB_lQ2Mo-WgoYOw6tYUtKkBkx6Zx2rB4bR-hhGi-mFrK3ink4g807zGGpEDFm8pl2pbb3vLIfOMzHiPlU4gTbg4rIw84SSsp7nGrWy7u1nTPfLPokk873YuZDziX1F66C5KIrc/s320/IMG_0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwisA7xdpQ_nRnII2f5RGkJnsoUauHqrTrlXCRCwOWOMVF3KcVS4adWXmABTccI1BZCNgoZB2xXtX2ySBFh9Z3QMwHH2WUayhNRrNuR-Ay283CqXcxBPGCxN3TUB44NkmtgtjYeSUp5j/s1600/IMG_0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwisA7xdpQ_nRnII2f5RGkJnsoUauHqrTrlXCRCwOWOMVF3KcVS4adWXmABTccI1BZCNgoZB2xXtX2ySBFh9Z3QMwHH2WUayhNRrNuR-Ay283CqXcxBPGCxN3TUB44NkmtgtjYeSUp5j/s320/IMG_0428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHbNqNm3BH3PbYN_lQAmO48Zyipk8rS-SCYlCoXYg6D0pndHVtMzYacydHzR_pw2538qapBNXGEn4uVoVlDdm0tLjxNEPD3Ib8rfc8Z6hBU2dIy3Vn50XBRc-ow06E5WId_rlutVOeDvx/s1600/IMG_0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHbNqNm3BH3PbYN_lQAmO48Zyipk8rS-SCYlCoXYg6D0pndHVtMzYacydHzR_pw2538qapBNXGEn4uVoVlDdm0tLjxNEPD3Ib8rfc8Z6hBU2dIy3Vn50XBRc-ow06E5WId_rlutVOeDvx/s320/IMG_0430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXsya7xOsyTFJJi5eHJ2iz7v_6lof-Gq5b4eXE096eRGKleymA5tEdahpjt0SL4Bn0KeuAyRFpZbGMB8isvM7u0Qlqq3QykhMx2OUylKya4_s7mvBK4Sbjep2nNzESnlpTKMZSBc-NnWe/s1600/IMG_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXsya7xOsyTFJJi5eHJ2iz7v_6lof-Gq5b4eXE096eRGKleymA5tEdahpjt0SL4Bn0KeuAyRFpZbGMB8isvM7u0Qlqq3QykhMx2OUylKya4_s7mvBK4Sbjep2nNzESnlpTKMZSBc-NnWe/s320/IMG_0433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After that first walk of the day, I went home and had a toasted bagel for breakfast. My cupboards and refrigerator are bare, so I will have to do a bit of grocery shopping later too. I was just about finished with the last of my five library books, so I finished that before heading out again to walk across the bridge to meet the group for a walk on that side. It was a good walk except I left my gloves at home and I really could have used them. We stopped at the Riverbank House Hotel for tea again, then Marie and I walked back across the bridge, traded phone numbers, and headed our separate ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By this time I was starving so I went back home to get my library books and took them back to the library. I then headed for the ATM so I could buy lunch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I decided to try Cistin Eile (pronounced Kishteen Ella in Irish). I had the fish dish of the day which was pan fried Plaise on a bed of salad with roasted potatoes and cabbage. There was some citrus aioli on top - it was a bit much for me, but the dish was fabulous. The fish was very mild and quite moist. The salad was delightful. I wasn't able to finish all of if, but I did a good job of it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa1GfocxQ9Vtmn6zGGMDeIQcys8ZnjCVuU57ZOolnpgBPHtJGSJtbHh65-y1Qj71MWFJj_hY13IGfnAMTkKhfAtln0DZ330fmpqU45rNvCfSoHLxeGQcq7vLzdRXXoFodH7h-B7DVlm_a/s1600/IMG_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqa1GfocxQ9Vtmn6zGGMDeIQcys8ZnjCVuU57ZOolnpgBPHtJGSJtbHh65-y1Qj71MWFJj_hY13IGfnAMTkKhfAtln0DZ330fmpqU45rNvCfSoHLxeGQcq7vLzdRXXoFodH7h-B7DVlm_a/s320/IMG_0036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On the way home from lunch, I stopped at The Book Centre and bought The Pocket Guide to the Common Birds of Ireland. I am hoping to be able to put names to all the birds I've been seeing and hearing. Then I headed for the grocery store where I purchased the makings for Roisin's Mom's beef stew recipe, plus some bread, crumpets, spices....You can see my haul below.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPy_vlSCrJx90WRhA0GiYAdmW4WbEE5EIgekttKx5cdzgQYZEequ78WXsPNh8562bBh53eQDtjGIIjvxD3Tj4ZwrJnh8wFmVZNbSeC646ajWo1_RTuA79UbJTxq4CknsK2hf2Tdhs5QEC/s1600/IMG_0435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPy_vlSCrJx90WRhA0GiYAdmW4WbEE5EIgekttKx5cdzgQYZEequ78WXsPNh8562bBh53eQDtjGIIjvxD3Tj4ZwrJnh8wFmVZNbSeC646ajWo1_RTuA79UbJTxq4CknsK2hf2Tdhs5QEC/s320/IMG_0435.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cost €25.11, which I thought was pretty good considering I bought meat, face scrub and spices, plus all the rest you see here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I got the groceries put away, then went back to the library to get books for this week. I picked out 5 again, but this is going to be a very busy week what with the festival and all the associated activities, but I am not obligated to finish them in a week anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I brought my books home and then headed out to the fuel yard where I purchased a bag of wood and three fire starter logs. I had to set them down half a dozen times on the way home - heavy!! I had one more trip in me - I went down to the Selskar Bookshop and bought an acrylic clipboard for doing crosswords.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I tore out a crossword puzzle and put it on the clipboard, then looked at the clock. It read 2:10 and I thought holy smokes I got all this running around done and it is only 2 in the afternoon, then realized the batteries in the clock must have died, as it was actually 6:30.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I put some ice on my back/neck and worked a crossword puzzle and then decided I'd better post to my blog before I fell asleep. I don't think I am going to last very long this evening. I really put the miles on today.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSj6dDtqdmsiUN05Haxq-aGrs4MgWKuTN8J2mVGnJnML1EHGaqGKErKszwx64TiUJqKGxkjur1JJ8bC1suwktydEwxUmg7_qNrVXp5vCiQLayTxx6eEj-AMbMxr4ryrdPAldNTlFFzR6LL/s1600/fitbit+20%253A10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSj6dDtqdmsiUN05Haxq-aGrs4MgWKuTN8J2mVGnJnML1EHGaqGKErKszwx64TiUJqKGxkjur1JJ8bC1suwktydEwxUmg7_qNrVXp5vCiQLayTxx6eEj-AMbMxr4ryrdPAldNTlFFzR6LL/s320/fitbit+20%253A10.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope you continue to enjoy my escapades here in Wexford, Ireland, and that you will keep in touch with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-88496422326422638602015-10-19T15:00:00.001-04:002015-10-19T15:00:43.652-04:00Rough Couple of DaysI woke up yesterday morning with a bit of headache that I thought I might chase away by walking in the fresh air. I walked my usual walk along the quay and over the bridge, then stopped at Dunnes for a few things. I was pretty sure I had some Aleve at home, so I didn't look at medicine while I was there.<br />
<br />
By the time I got home I had a full on migraine and no Aleve. If the chemist across the corner had been open I think I could have managed to get that far, but I certainly didn't have it in me to go two blocks with this stabbing pain. I got into bed and put pillows over my head and tried to relax, but I was really hurting. I got up after a couple of hours feeling a bit better so I headed down to Dunnes and bought something called Paradol. I took two and it finished off my headache. By this time I also had a pulled muscle in my upper back - was it from a sneeze or from my frenzy trying to get comfortable during my headache? I don't know, but it is even worse today.<br />
<br />
I haven't done much today - just a bit of house cleaning and a load of wash. The landlords came by today to pick up the TV and made a list of things I wished I had here at the apartment and will bring them another time. After they left I went to the chemist and bought a gel pack for the freezer. I've used it twice on my neck today, but I am still in a great deal of discomfort.<br />
<br />
After the first icing of my upper back/neck I went on a walk to Penneys (not the J.C. that we have in the states) to return a jumper (pull over sweater) that I'd bought that was too small and then walked around town a bit looking for firewood. I found a place that sells it, but they were out and expecting more tomorrow. I will stop there to check again after I walk with the group across the bridge tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I am reading another book by Tim Weaver. It is called Fall From Grace. It has the same missing persons investigator as the other one I read earlier called You Will Never Find Me. It's quite good and complicated. I will probably finish it this evening before I head to bed. I am looking forward to taking these books back to the library tomorrow and finding more.<br />
<br />
I still haven't gotten my insurance card in the mail, but expect it soon, at which time I will check in with the Garda so I can get permission to stay beyond the two months I was given by immigration at the airport when I arrived.<br />
<br />
Now that I have my real coat, I am hoping to get out one morning early and catch a sunrise. I will look ahead at the weather to see which day looks like it might be clear. We have had a number of gray days lately.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09Y9KAR5SNBbotYORu67DTnvLEbWqbjZUsFAejxAFFvYheIdnH3oJ-6OunBYpeHA-FB72LTgstzhx2nIykOh7EhyKRxMWSPocGE1jUxr4qOCLW0gqSZPvvND3LUVgt3dcNs_05e-XSJb/s1600/colorful+leaf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09Y9KAR5SNBbotYORu67DTnvLEbWqbjZUsFAejxAFFvYheIdnH3oJ-6OunBYpeHA-FB72LTgstzhx2nIykOh7EhyKRxMWSPocGE1jUxr4qOCLW0gqSZPvvND3LUVgt3dcNs_05e-XSJb/s320/colorful+leaf.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't have nearly the color you have in Michigan, but we do have color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hope to have more for you tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-514699531408935998.post-37840326295162069692015-10-17T14:56:00.001-04:002015-10-17T14:56:09.994-04:00Need to Find Some FirewoodI had a wonderful visit with Roisin and Malcolm in Bennettsbridge overnight last night. The bus ride over was pretty quick and I changed buses at Clonmel, which just happens to be the town where they brew the beer I like here.<br />
<br />
Had lunch at The Playwright and wanted to try the fish and chips. The fish was quite good, the chips were underdone (this seems to be a recurring theme), and the mushy peas were not very good at all. A C- overall. I then went to Trespass to pick up my jacket and purchase a backpack. I had carried my overnight clothes, jammies, and bathroom kit in a shopping bag from Shaw's. Made the switch over to the backpack and walked a bit. Kilkenny is every bit as lovely a town as I remembered from my last two visits.<br />
<br />
I decided to do a bit of shopping - I went to Penneys and found a pair of boots for €25. I put them on in their dressing room after I paid for them because they were too big to fit in my backpack.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOeRkyyQR-RchXXvRgZWp3taiKmWrrr0ykUxtY5NlJUVNhHNTBwVI7syHyzyL84i7NKMAeJeUwZYLKGSZC0PhJWIcFqxTK85WDoUWmZ31RpeSnua1d3ybYb5rDkuoiovoPplGRg-3ImO2/s1600/IMG_0407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOeRkyyQR-RchXXvRgZWp3taiKmWrrr0ykUxtY5NlJUVNhHNTBwVI7syHyzyL84i7NKMAeJeUwZYLKGSZC0PhJWIcFqxTK85WDoUWmZ31RpeSnua1d3ybYb5rDkuoiovoPplGRg-3ImO2/s320/IMG_0407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the jacket I bought at Trespass in August and had them hold for me because I knew I'd be back and it wouldn't fit in my carryon. It is waterproof, windproof, breathable, and has taped seams. It was originally €139, but I got it on sale for €39; couldn't pass it up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNMiUYykE7RlI9PTluL3uYX_-EOivJCSDi21KDMLev8-9jfnXBQi84raL9ESyKpSYMRAubr2U6VBVh6r8WUlkyRA7COx74zzTEfoDxb9LyxHPY1adrziFsJIGyn7L8EGgBczYaFwO0iRi/s1600/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNMiUYykE7RlI9PTluL3uYX_-EOivJCSDi21KDMLev8-9jfnXBQi84raL9ESyKpSYMRAubr2U6VBVh6r8WUlkyRA7COx74zzTEfoDxb9LyxHPY1adrziFsJIGyn7L8EGgBczYaFwO0iRi/s320/IMG_0408.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I learned lots of things from Malcolm and Roisin including how to build a fire using a fire starter with coal and wood. I have some coal that was left by the previous renter, but he only left scraps of wood. I need to get some firewood to build a better fire. I must say I got quite a bit of heat out of it, though.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocub0sxSVzZ0EJLOfo-Dn1Bvoe_Z8BvDV_7a2194D4lhGBsxSRFoMYsP38vQprx4CLo7dftSCcxfyiyTNImnfGwl8QOZzNPISu2eQTEG5DqPmEreRc2tLGd1ed3zC4uRvtLMoeoRjTcH6/s1600/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocub0sxSVzZ0EJLOfo-Dn1Bvoe_Z8BvDV_7a2194D4lhGBsxSRFoMYsP38vQprx4CLo7dftSCcxfyiyTNImnfGwl8QOZzNPISu2eQTEG5DqPmEreRc2tLGd1ed3zC4uRvtLMoeoRjTcH6/s320/IMG_0406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just got off FaceTime with Payton and then Morgan. Morgan and I did her homework together. She is happy to put "Vicki (Nana)" on her paper as her homework helper and this time she added "in Ireland". What fun! Adam FaceTimed me this morning as I was riding the bus, but FaceTime is a bit noisy so I just talked for a few minutes and got a big smile from Harper as she was busily sharing her breakfast with Tank. Too cute. Zoë was still sleeping. Adam had mandatory overtime this afternoon, but has tomorrow off. I will FaceTime him once I know they should all be up.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I think I need to decide what is for dinner; it is 8 pm; maybe I'll have sardines and crackers, a favorite of mine. What are you planning for dinner? Did you get snow today? I see my sister, Anne, in Marquette woke up to some. I'm not expecting any here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Tata....</div>
Vicki Holdwickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05080822190815460018noreply@blogger.com3