Destination: Donegal

Well I have been avoiding putting another post up since I haven't gotten the pictures off my camera yet (ah the tribulations of those that do not own a computer) but since its getting a bit long since my last post I figured I'd bite the bullet.
The weekend of October 6th brought with it a journey that had been planned long before the solstice. A group of girls I work with decided to head up to see the native county of one of our colleagues. Now I can honestly say that anyone I have met from Donegal has been a bit ... special. I figure it must be something in the air up there. And sure enough the entire county is a bit mad. Once you get past the accents (you know how a group of babies sitting around gurgle and murkle and totally understand what eachother is saying? That's like listening to a group of Donegal folk) and the history to the houses (I was tricked into believing that there was no shower, the toilet was outside and that there wasn't any electricity) it really is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. My favorite county (Cork) has got some serious competition! I hopped in the car with Ann-Marie and we headed up to Bundorran on Friday afternoon. We were pretty tired after getting up early and then driving the long journey (3 hrs) so instead of going out on the lash with the other girls that night we stayed in a played pictionary with one of Sonia's friends, Sean. Even though we claimed we were staying in because we were too tired for a mad night, we nicked into bed just before Sonia, Pauline and Aisling got home. On Saturday we went for a walk along the coast (pictures to follow) then headed out to Rossnowlagh and had a gorgeous dinner with Sonia's folks (Sonia is renowned for her cooking. Her mam is a wonderful chef too) before heading back to Sonia's for a few jars with her mates. We went out in Bundorran to a night club called Whiskey Jacks and danced the night away (I go a little mad when Summer of 69 comes on but what can you do??). After a lovely breakfast of rashers and scrambled eggs we wandered around the town to the amusements where Aisling cleaned up on the slots (picture to follow) and we could clear our heads in the crisp air. All in all it was a wonderful weekend and a place I definately want to see more of!!!

A Special Birthday Wish

Well folks, today celebrates the 73rd anniversary of the year that one of the most wonderful, loving, wise and genuine men I have ever met was born. Its a beautiful Irish day too - which is perfect for a true Irishman, through and through. Its funny how I am picking up little Irish-isms and am asked infrequently where I am from anymore, yet he had a thick Irish brogue after living in Canada for over 20 years. Many a time were our arms burned from a teaspoon that was just after stirring a cup of tea or giggled over how the boys were silly enough to pee on the electric fence at the farm. With him I got to see a calf being borne, skin rabbits and play with goose gizzards and feel deep comfort in the sound of his voice and the smell of his cap. Just wanted to say a special Happy Birthday to my Grandad. I love you.