Birthdays, exams, parties, school-endings, school tours, and family arrival!

Much ado in May…

~ A trip to Arklow for Dean’s 21st Birthday Celebration…

Zoe and Dean!

Siblings: Lisa, Dean, the birthday boy & Robert

~Emmie’s piano teacher encouraged and helped prepare her for the Royal Irish Music Academy piano exam; so proud of her. Afterwards, she feasted at Jo’ Burger, restaurant of choice !

We waited outside and silently rooted her on!!

Right after Em’s exam

Grace endured 2 weeks of exams followed by several parties.  She’s made some very good friends this year!

Grace’s class 1S

One of several treats at Grace’s party ! (Homemade by friends)

Grace and Laura S. (Maryfield frineds)

Close friends and neighbors, Grace & Laura K’s last walk to school

~Emmie’s class along with the other 4th class, ventured to a County Meath farm to learn all about bogs on their spring school tour. (Field-trip). It was not a natural bog, but a man made one.

Emmie isn’t’ as enthusiastic about Mom taking the photo as some of her friends are about having the photo taken.
School tour also means no uniforms.

Emmie and her classmates make their way to the bus.

Traveling in style

Emmie and her friend Sianna take the plunge into the homemade bog. My friend, Denise one of the chaperone’s on the trip sent me this shot.

Family arrival:  Pat, Griff, Marti, Greg, Spencer, and Tristyn arrive for two weeks visit!

Pat with the grandkids in Stephen’s Green. Emmie cleaned up well after the bog visit.

Time for one more castle and cake

Getting to know people takes time… but it is certainly worth it.  Grateful for Meghan and Tanner’s commitment and work ethic to save money to visit us in Ireland.

Wedding pictures in progress!

We took advantage of  having the rental car from the weekend and visited Trim Castle with Meghan and Tanner. Grace and Emmie had school and in fairness they had been to the castle in the fall.  We also found a cute place in Trim for lunch. The following day Meghan & Tanner ventured to the Cliffs of Moher and two more castles on a local day tour.

Inside Trim Castle

At the top of the castle- listening to guide.

Cousins- time for some early birthday cake!

One last shot in the airport- Bon Voyage!

Appreciating bank holidays: Wicklow & Wexford

Our recent trip to Wicklow and Wexford

We took advantage of the Monday bank holiday in early May and headed to beautiful Wicklow and Wexford county. After Emmie’s soccer training session, we headed to Arklow to visit with the McCormack clan. As usual a fun visit with everyone.

The following day we drove to beautiful Hook Head Lighthouse.

Incredible!

Coast around Hook Head

Scott and Emmie checking out the sea life…

Hook Head – moss carpet

So many edges to explore

Em liked the spongy ground

On to New Ross, Wexford  County to tour the Dunbrody, Emigrant Ship.  The reconstructed tall ship from 1845 used to transport emigrants to the U.S. & Canada during the time of Great Famine was quite an interesting tour.

Listening to the tour & the bell from the original ship!

One of our tickets was a McDonald- we found the name on the bunk.

Some Lawlors crossing as well.

Learning about the need for the potato

In the cafe at the visitor center % of population with Irish heritage.

Kilkenny Bound– we poked around the town, the castle grounds where we watched a dog agility demonstration, and naturally thought of our beloved Phoebe.

Kilkenny Castle

This dog is happy to run

On lookers

After a realization that adding Kilkenny to the tour, it would be silly to drive south again for our B & B. We scrambled a bit but found a lovely spot in Kildare, Castle View Farm.

Kilkenny has a very strong hurling tradition and an excellent team-  just as we were departing we were confronted with our unlucky timing. Yes, the hurling match was over. (Kilkenny was victorious!)

Castle View Farm: Cows in the back. We got to watch, Ned milk  several of them and bring in the fresh eggs from the hens.

Our lovely host, Liz encouraged us to explore the church ruins just down the road.

Lackagh Church

 We walked a bit more…

Grace taking in the view (A bit grainy of a photo, still love it-)

Something was stirring- we had to take a look

Good morning!

Another highlight was visiting Garvan de Bruir’s studio.  We had seen his work at the Merrion Square Pop- up Christmas market where his mom was showcasing some of his work. I accidentally picked up her purse to admire it, one of his designs. He is an incredible artist and genuinely nice guy. Grace and Emmie loved playing with his family dog and having go on the swing. Wish I remembered its name.

De Bruir Studio

Enjoying the tummy rub!

Such talent and passion for his work!

Some of our latest…. Spring

As the calendar days seem to be slipping through our hands;  passing much too quickly…

Some of our latest

~Emmie won a chocolate Eater bunny from Butlers’ chocolate for her lovely coloring. Here she is picking it up; we were lucky to be allowed a few photos.

Em @ Butler’s w/ prize chocolate bunny- I think the man inside behind her is waiting in line for a coffee. 🙂

One more photo allowed.   Stats: chocolate bunny’s name is Charles and it still around.

*Grace turned 13!!!

The weekend before the four of us went out to a nice dinner. She had a b-day party the following night and a little more celebrating on her actual b-day which happened to fall on a week night.

Grace’s special b-day dinner out on the town.

Some of the girls the morning after! Hope to include a few more photos.

Homemade pizza for the Birthday Girl. Amazing Grace!

~The girls and I spent a weekend in Arklow with the McCormack’s; I attended the Arklow Rugby dinner dance with Sharon, Vincent, Rob, Lisa, Dean and Zoe.  Good craic! Wish I took more pictures. Scott could not make it since he was in Puerto Rico for a conference.

The McCormack’s award for the year’s “Best Supporters”

Lisa and Zoe: strong, beautiful and incredibly genuine and caring.

~I (Christine) ran the Samsung 10k with 3 amazing women.

Walking to the start!

Very lucky to have found some women to run with!  (Jean, Rita and Ruth)

~Emmie is  playing soccer again!  Home Farm Football Club started a Girls Academy!  She’s having a ball!

Home Farm Football Club

A little playing…Lauren, Emmie & Molly

~Emmie has been enjoying her Monday class of Irish dance and participated in her first Irish Feis (Irish for Festival)!  Scott and I attended to support her and survived almost four hours of dance. 🙂

Feet ready for a jig or maybe a reel!

Results

Happy with the experience!

Emmie’s Irish Dance Performance timed perfectly with Grandma’s visit

I was thrilled when Emmie’s Irish Dance teacher, Kelly, announced the day of the next performance, Emmie’s first, was March 18 because it was the same day Mom…Grandma would arrive from Arizona.  AndI knew she’d enjoy seeing Emmie dance- her embrace of Irish culture.

I met mom at the airport early in the morning and brought her back to our house; Grace and Emmie were off from school since it was the Monday after St. Patrick’s Day, so they were home, still sleeping.   Anticipation- we had been looking forward to Mom’s visit for months, and now she had arrived- joy!  With a few hours to get settled and catch-up, we were then off to the nursing home where Emmie’s class and another, made up of various ages and dancing experience would perform.  After a short visit with our friends the McKennas,we rode with them to the nursing home; we really are so fortunate to have made such good friends.

Quite evident from the talk among parents before the event and the observed awareness of children, parents, employees and residents the girls dance at this nursing a few times a year. A few residents even slept on the couches and chairs right next to the area where the girls were waiting, socializing and receiving instructions from Kelly. One side of me wanted to hush the girls, so as not to disturb the older women sleeping, but realized by everyone else’s behavior that this was ok- the norm. Nothing appeared to disturb them; and if they did awake, perhaps, they would be delighted to see the liveliness of these girls. (Another side of me wanted to almost …chuckle at the sort of absurdity or strangeness of the obvious differences in age and quality of life.) There is, however, something quite lovely about young people giving back to elders and this sharing of dance was certainly a treat and a gift.

The Walls of Limerick

Some of Emmie’s classmates dancing.

These two young woman are beautiful dancers!  (This gentleman might have been taking a quick nap.)

After the performance, all five of us enjoyed a nice dinner at one of our local favorites, Anderson’s Food Hall. (I only say the name, so we can remember.)

Over next few days my mom and I toured around parts of Dublin while the girls and Scott went about the usual, school and work-as we were also anticipating the Easter Holiday break and our trip to Italy.  Unfortunately, the weather was a bit chilly and rainy at times… not the best for touring around, but we made the most of it.  Mom also got to see where Grace takes flute and meet Emmie’s piano teacher, some of our every day routines.

Mom and I in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Home comes to Ireland

Friends

Home…what is it that we miss about home…without hesitation our friends. We have certainly made wonderful friends in Ireland; life long friends, we think and hope.  Last week, though, home came to Dublin.  An idea for a visit evolved into a reality… and our dear friends, Erica, Brian, Maddie and Aidan decided to spend their spring break in Ireland. What a wonderful treat! To be around friends who you know well plus the added bonus of staying together gives you opportunity to get to know each other even more, more time to laugh, tell stories, go places, learn things together, share food…

Emmie was beside herself, counting the days until Maddie’s arrival.  Her friends would ask at me in the morning at school about Maddie. At first simple questions, “Is Emmie’s friend, Maddie really coming to visit or will we get to meet Maddie?” Other days they probed more, “Will Maddie come to school?  Do you have a picture of Maddie…?” Needless to say, Emmie had been telling her her friends about Maddie and sharing her excitement. Sending Emmie to school on the day of their arrival was her challenge; in fact a bit tortuous from her point of view since they would get to the house hours before the end of her school day.  I’ll never forget the precious sight of their reunion when Maddie, Erica, Aidan and I went to meet Emmie at the end of the day.  Very sweet. Perhaps even more adorable and lovely was their reunion on the following Friday when the Kings returned to Dublin from traveling in other parts of Ireland. Deep sigh, ahm friendship…

Each one of us can recall special moments during the King’s visit which gives me pause to remind myself how truly special they are and how lucky we are to have them as friends.

We did not plan much that first day, so they could settle in after much traveling and get accustomed to the new time zone;  it was grand to simply catch up with each other. Once home from school, several of the neighborhood kids played out on the lawn; Maddie and Aidan joined in the fun of running around with Carl, Henry and little David and of course Emma and Emmie.

The following day while the girls were at school and Scott worked, the King clan and I ventured to City Center.  We walked around Trinity College, Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green. Once it was the end of the school day and time to meet Emmie and Grace, they continued to look around the City Centre, Brian taught a class at Trinity and we planned to rendez-vous later for dinner.

Brian, Aidan and Maddie near the Trinity Arch.

Strolling around St. Stephen’s Green

Look who I got to sit next to over lunch!

Before heading to our favorite gastropub L. Mulligan’s, however,  we connected at Grogan’s pub across from Dublin Castle.  Quite amusing to watch Brian get a few tips from the barman about pouring a proper Guinness! Indeed, good craic!

Guinness proud

We spent several hours gabbing, laughing, & eating at Mulligan’s; we had two tables right next to each other, so the kids and adults could enjoy time with their contemporaries.

Discussing the finer points of the menu – beer and whiskey…

The next day each family rented a car, and we took a drive to Glendalough, county Wicklow!  I had heard wonderful recommendations from several local friends and people- Emmie’s school secretary mentioned on a good day it is breathtaking…. and with a little, shall we say, Irish luck we had a gorgeous day. We drove the scenic route there, many twisting and curving roads with amazing vistas. There were many cyclists along the road, working hard with the steep  climbs; we stopped once to get an extra glimpse back at the valley.

En route to Glendalough- cyclists riding hard

What a view!

Stopping for a gander

Glendalough was buzzing with visitors; locals and tourists alike! A glorious day, really!  We strolled around the trails seeing both lakes and other parts of this early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin.  We read in our brochure that young (St.)  Kevin traveled to Glendalough and lived in the “hollow of a tree” and returned at some later time to find a monastery where he became well known as a holy man bringing much attention to the area.   It was wonderful to watch all four of the kids enjoy the time outside, rambling around, climbing trees, getting a lesson from Brian on skipping stones, as well as observing the frog spawn along one area of the boardwalk. Emmie’s class is reporting signs of spring across Europe, so the frog spawn sighting was very exciting!

Brian and Erica enjoying the sunny weather!

All 4 in a tree

Celtic Gravestone at Glendalough

The round tower

Looking for sheep

Smiling girls

Frog spawn- Do you see the frog?

Though we brought snacks with us, after all our walking, we were hungry and ready for a proper meal. My friend Anne-Marie recommended a lovely spot that her sister had recently brought their mom. We were glad to have called for a reservation. Wicklow Heather was lovely. After a long day, hanging out at the house watching some Gaelic Football and simply relaxing was grand and much needed.

On Sunday we ventured just shy of a half hour to Malahide Castle.  We were fortunate with  another nice day weather wise. Following our tour of the castle which, was in the Talbot family for 800 years, we were greeted by blue skies and sunshine perfect for roaming the lovely gardens.  Flowers and plants are just starting to bloom- in another month or two it’ll truly be a sight.

Maladhide Castle

One of the oldest trees in Dublin

Beauty !

Sometime in the afternoon we went our separate ways. Erica, Brian and the kids headed west to explore more of the country and we headed home as Grace had homework and Scott needed to prepare for his trip to Stockholm.

It was certainly a treat to have the Kings return to Dublin the following Friday and hear about their days of adventure seeing the Cliffs or Moor, The Ring of Kerry, Bunratty Castle and more. We are excited to visit many of these places ourselves. Saying good bye and see them depart the next morning was sad.  Many memories to treasure; we are ever grateful for their visit and all our friends in Ireland and back home.

January Updates

January Updates: January flew by…. some of the latest and prior…

Music Lessons

Grace has been taking flute lessons at the Walton School of Music for a few months now. Her teacher, Hanna (pronounced: Hah na) is from Finland and has been living in Dublin for several years. No photo to post yet. She is very sweet and Grace is enjoying the lessons.  I meet her at the bus-stop closest to her school on Tuesdays, and we take the bus to City Centre (Dame Street area). I think it’s fair to say, we enjoy this time together: talking, browsing shops while waiting for the bus on the return, sharing, just being together.

We are quite lucky to be renting a house that also has a piano; thus Emmie can keep up with her practice. A friend recommended 2 or 3 piano teachers in the area. Glenda fortunately took Emmie on as a student since we are only here for a year. (She is starting to cut back on students). She is wonderful- teaching Emmie both theory and technique. Together, Emmie and I ride to Glenda’s home after school on Wednesday.  Emmie will take a test with the Royal Irish Academy of Music in May.  The emphasis on testing is common in music and dance.

Emmie at her lesson!

Seeing plenty of advertising for Pantomimes (referred to as Pantos) during the holiday season as well as hearing about them from friends, we still we weren’t quite  sure what to expect…  We attended our first Pantomime, Beauty and the Beast with local friends, Paul, Lorraine, Maria, and Amy. Pantomime is a musical comedy theatrical production performed during the Christmas and New Year season dating back to the Middle Ages. These seasonal type plays usually involve cross dressing, local humor and audience participation as well as mixing in popular music.  In fact, there were several Irish and Dublin references that went over our head. Most local venues run a productions which vary in talent and casting. An interesting show…. (?) yet, fun time with friends.

Turner- “A Light in the Darkness”  

Every January The National Gallery of Ireland opens its annual exhibit of JMW Turner’s work,  “A Light in the Darkness”.  The National Gallery accepted Henry Vaughan’s collection of 31 watercolors and drawings by Turner in 1900, dividing his entire collection between National Galleries in London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Emmie’s teacher encouraged her students to attend since it is only accessible during the month of January. Why, one might wonder… as part of of Vaughan’s bequest the collections can only be shown during the month of January- plenty of cloud cover in this part of the world- the least amount of sun is in January. We appreciated his landscapes and other works; his use of light and colors; his brilliance!

Turner

Cocktail Class- It felt like a secret rendevouz… Scott and I were given a location and a phone number.  A speak easy- The  Blind Pig’s cocktail class was the second occasion we used a babysitter. (Thank you, Ashley!) Our host met us at the end of the alley, which is most likely more mysterious at night; however our class was at 2:00.  What a great time- we along with two other couples and one group of four learned to make and sampled 4 different cocktails.  (This definitely would be a fun event to experience with friends. Our knowledgeable and entertaining bartender extraordinaire, Paul Lambert shared the origin and other history & bits behind the drinks. One of Scott’s favorites was the Old-Fashioned and mine, the Bacardi Cocktail.

“I want to see the Blind Pig.”

Guests taking their turn at cocktail making.

One of our finished products!

Dance- Emmie also started Irish Dance lessons! My friend Ann Marie, mentioned the  the class her daughter takes walking to school one day.  Emmie and Adele are friends at school.  Emmie sampled a class before the holidays and wanted to continue. Several of her friends are in the class as well as two older dancers who are quite talented! Actually a few of the girls have been dancing for a while and are quite strong. It’s an easy going class. Her teacher was in the Riverdance company at some point; she makes it fun.

Emmie and a few of the girls learning steps.

Look what we won- A woolen throw from Donegal Woollen Mill.  Scott and I chose colors of yarn for a wool throw contest while in the Kilkenny store shopping for Christmas gifts.  In January, William McNutt presented me, the runner-up with the throw.

Our Donegal Woollen Mill throw. A promo photo for Kilkenny Store. Thanks, William.

Enjoyed some World Famous Grilled Stickies thanks to our thoughtful friends, the Haushalters. Thanks, Liz and Keally for a bit of State College.

Grilled Stickies- before consumption.

Trad Music & Dance Fest  Before heading to  dinner to celebrate Scott’s birthday, we walked through the Temple Bar area of Dublin to take in some of the Trad Music & Dance Fest.

One of the Trad bands we herd briefly…

Scott’s Birthday. The third of our four birthdays here in Dublin!

Scott with his cake!

Christmas & preparations

Tis the season… Christmas really is one of our favorite holidays: the anticipation and experience of joy and wonder, preparing of gifts, trees twinkling with lights inside and out- certain ones adorned with festive and sentimental decorations , the singing of Christmas carols and sharing of stories and movies new and old, delectable food- both sweet and savory.  Christmas certainly takes planning and work, but the rewards are joyous. The expression and smiles on the faces of our children and others are nothing short of magical. We added to our treasured Christmas memories as we celebrated Christmas in Ireland.

Decision about a tree:  We knew we wanted a small Christmas tree and even had a few ornaments Pat & Griff brought us in October from their trip to Vienna, Prague, and Bratislava. Traditionally we buy a real tree; in fact the last several years, we have selected a tree at one of the local farms and chopped it down ourselves often making it an outing with friends.  Browsing around town, considering price and the fact that we’d be away two days after Christmas, we decided on a small artificial tree.  Scott and I purchased our little tree at the local Argos took it home on the bus.  Quite easily, Scott and the girls assembled it including stringing the lights.

String one, eat three, string one, eat two…
Ratios improved as the night progressed.

Emmie had made a few ornaments at the Botanic Garden workshop with friends as well as a star which sat nicely on top.   We enjoyed stringing popcorn and it gave our tree a quaint sort of old-fashioned feel. We chuckled when a few of the girls’ friends asked if it was American tradition.

Grace and Emmie’s drawings and art work also added to the festive atmosphere. We created snowlakes for the new Sandy Hook Elementary School and extras for our window and tree.  We also found an evergreen wreath for our front door, a cute Santa who rested on the mantle, and a handful of Christmas crackers.

A myriad of snowflakes hung on our walls, tree and window.

Our front door

Grace’s ornament choice this year,a Connemara marble tree.

Star-Christmas Tree Topper made by Emmie at the Botanic Garden.

Grace and Emmie after a visit to the salon.

LOVE this photo of Grace and Emmie after their first local haircut.

We attended Christmas Eve Mass with the Kellys leaving a good 45 minutes early to ensure finding seats, and certainly glad we did. The girls sat with the Kellys, and Scott and I had to fit in another pew a few rows back. Emmie and Emma were able to move upfront with many of the the other kids to attempt a better view of the “nativity play.”  Families packed the beautiful church. We were struck by the lively, even noisy at times atmosphere.  The priest’s homily reminded us of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol- Christmas can inspire goodness, and love and kindness can help create good “tidings” for others; hopefully throughout the year. Perhaps, it was fresh in our mind since we had just begun reading it.

We shared a few hours after church with our friends. Many laughs!  Bedtime -much later than we originally anticipated; however, after the girls fell asleep, a few final preparations, we were happy to find sleep as well.

Christmas Morning

Certain traditions we try to carry on… Scott and I love to be downstairs ahead of the girls to capture their expressions in our memories and on film. Our morning was spent giggling, opening presents and enjoying each other’s company, and of course a delicious breakfast.

Emmie received mini pencils in her cracker.

“Golf anyone?” Grace received a set of gold tees in her Christmas Cracker.

Gifts from the Arklow gang -Arklow Rugby Jumpers

We tried to have all our packing for our holiday trip (London & Paris) and overnight with the McCormacks in Arklow ready in advance, but always seem to fill the time until the last moment. Robert so kinddly collected us to bring us to his house. Wish we had a photo of him as he arrived in his Christmas-themed onsie.

A Merry Christmas indeed! Our local family- The McCormacks

Lisa and Emmie

A very special Christmas

Here’s the whole crew for Christmas Dinner

What classic children’s book does this remind you of?
Caps for Sale. Crackers, crackers, and more crackers.

Some December Highlights

New Student-Parent Reception 

On December 5, Maryfield College held a reception with music for parents of new students.   Grace played the flute with the school orchestra that plays for special events, and she also sang with her music class and choir group.

    In fact the choir recorded a CD of holiday songs for the first time.

   We attended a few art shows and Christmas festivals.

Emmie, Scott and I spent a few hours at the Merrion Square pop-up Christmas market in the beautiful Architectural Archive building. Along with the Irish made art, jewelry and finery were a few food vendors.

Sampled divine chocolates and kombucha tea.

Accomplished a bit of our holiday shopping which yes, included some of those chocolates.

We enjoyed poking around this market sipping mulled wine.

And later while Emmie created Christmas decorations at the Botanic Gardens with her friends, Roisin and Sophie, Scott stopped in to the Graphic Studio Dublin for the Sketch Book sale. Artists who donated pages of their sketchbooks to raise money for charity. Two sketches caught Scott’s eye; as Scott reached for the sketches’ identifying number, a gallery employee told Scott they were by Mary Lohan a well regarded Irish painter.  Hmm, where will they reside back home- at first. ( I say, at first, because of the interesting conversation we had with the owner of another gallery here Dublin regarding the idea of moving art around to different spots in your home…)

On another weekend we found ourselves at the National Crafts & Deign Fair. Wow…it is said to be Ireland’s biggest Fair for the crafts & design industry, and it is obvious why.  More browsing, oohing and awwing at artists’ creativity and ability, finding special items for Christmas, a new hat for myself, oh, yes and more delicious food. Grace and I attended one day,  and then Scott, Emmie and I returned the following day.

Grace did not have school, so she and I had a fun day out at the National Crafts & Design Fair.

I loved this artist’s  knitting.

Monday, December 10 Dance Performance at the Helix 

Grace & Emmie danced at the Helix, the large auditorium at DCU. Grace was in a few parts of Cinderella as was Emmie, and Grace also danced in the Diablo Rojo (the Spanish dance). She’s been taking dance with her two good friends, Laura and  Ashling and enjoying it.

Sharon, Lisa, Beckey and Katie drove up from Arklow which was incredibly kind and supportive.  It was a wonderful performance including a variety of dancers ranging in age and ability. The adult company, though, was superb- the large dance numbers, we’re talking 50+ dancers on the stage at the same time, were well choreographed and precise. The Bollywood and One from a Chorus Line numbers were particularly fantastic. Sara and Emma, directors of the Irish Ballet School, choreographed the show to include every class and multiple dances; this is the reason for the incredible length. 3 hours. So proud of our dancers!

friends & sisters; Emma, Emmie, Laura & Grace

Corpus Christi students told the story of the Nativity and sang Christmas carols at the Corpus Christi church. Emmie’s class as well as the 5th and 6th class sang several songs including Joy to the World, Christmas isn’t Christmas, So this is Christmas, Jingle Bells, An Chead Nollaig (The First Christmas). What a lovely annual event!

Emmie with her teacher, Ms. Bourke, after the Christmas Carol Service.

Grace and her class told the story of the Grinch for the winter talent show.  She played a citizen of Whoville. All the stores seemed to be out of Christmas jumpers- due to last minute nature of the request. Hmm… Thanks Robert McCormack for the loan of yours. A touch of garland in the hair was the finishing touch; their prefects are quite organized and creative. Each class created and shared a short skit or song: the Nativity, Snow White, Disney Remix….

Home after a fun day—Grace as a citizen of Whoville in Maryfield’s annual talent show.

The Hobbit and L. Mulligan Grocer

“Where there’s life there’s hope.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Gandalf” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

We read The Hobbit as a family a few summers ago; thus, we were truly looking forward to our first trip to the movie theater to see the film. Entertaining! Grace is a big fan of the handsome dwarves Thorin and Keli, Emmie loved it all- the wise Galadriel and Gandalf, the funny dwarf Bombur and especially the scene with the mountain trolls trying to eat the dwarves; though, she is disappointed she has to wait quite while for the next installment to be released!

Dinner at L. Mulligan Grocer, an gastropub.  Amazing black pudding, fun take on fish n chips- Jenga chips, brownie…. oh, the most amazing brownie EVER. And of course, delicious beer and cider!

Enjoying our drinks and anticipating a great meal.

The wise ones

Giving Thanks

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Friday rather than the traditional Thursday since it’s not a holiday here in Ireland, and the girls and Scott both had school on Thursday and Friday.  Decklan, our wonderful local butcher, ordered us a turkey. Together with our friends and neighbors, the Kelleys, we shared turkey, stuffing made with a variety of bread – even Irish brown crunchy bread, mashed potatoes, carrots, green beans with shallots and pancetta, cranberries and two lovely bottles of wine. During the week we were asked about the meaning of Thanksgiving and other questions from new friends., such as whether we exchanged gifts as part of this holiday or whether it was more important than Christmas.   Yes, our bounty of food was delightful and yes, we had left-overs for many days to follow (we still have turkey in our freezer) matter of fact, however, it was the reminder of its meaning that gave us the opportunity to look at what we are truly grateful for during our year in Ireland; we’ve been reminded to focus on the  simplicity of life.

Despite the business of the holiday season or the recent sad events that may have distracted me from writing, I recognize the importance of giving thanks, feeling grateful…

• we  love our conversations, our talk, our chatter with Grace.   She’s sharing and it’s fantastic!

• we treasure our walks to school with Emmie, some days, however she just wants to walk on her own she’s enjoying her independence

• friends – news friends, old friends, good friends, childhood friends, friends that happen to be family, Arklow friends….

• hearing seagulls, it’s a nice reminder that we are quite close to the ocean here in Dublin

• doing more things as a family – going places, tea time, sharing our thoughts and goings on of the day

• loving, caring, smart teachers, Mrs. Bourke, Miss Moss, & Miss Farley

• what joy to hear, “They have teddies and the teddies are in!” For several days on my way home after walking Emmie to school; I would hear a little girl or two or three remark as they passed the nearby SPAR market on their way to school.  I had to peek in the store to see what their excitement was all about. Simple plush toys… In fact I even shared my gratitude with the clerk wor king and asked if I could take a photo.

• sweets and election boxes. Scott’s students told him it’s tradition for the teacher to bring sweets on the last day of class- even for college students.  Selection boxes of all sorts line the market isles and holiday street vendor stalls.

• communication and news from family and friends in the States

• respect for older people – so nice to see people showing respect for older people by allowing them to go ahead of them on the bus or giving up their seat

• stringing popcorn on our tree; I’m not sure if we’ve ever done that before – simple and sweet

• time and opportunity for seeing culture, art, myriad of restaurant choices and good food

• overhearing Emmie and her close friend, Emma play various make-believe games; sometimes they run a store while other times a restaurant or library; they can be famous or just regular folk… I love that she has such an imagination and has found a friend who does too!

• children smiling at older people-I just know it makes their day Emmie believes

• Emmie likes our hugs – because they make her feel safe

• One Direction – need Grace say more

• “I’ve made friends, wonderful friends… some friends I hope will be forever.”