Grannymar

Some years ago, while working away in the office, one of my colleagues asked aloud of nobody in particular

“How do you fancy a Chinese?”

Quick as a flash without lifting my head, I replied

“I would prefer an Englishman myself!”

The office erupted with laughter.  You see it was in the hour before lunch and my colleague was wondering if any of us felt like going to the local Chinese Restaurant.  It was a place we frequented for birthdays or after a particularly busy week.  The food was good, the set menu reasonably priced and the service was fast.

Chinese Meal

On 1st April Ramana was fooling around with his LBC Post on Risk.

He finished it up with how he saw me in a traditional Indian outfit!

Grannymar in a sari.

Some people liked it.  Some laughed at it, while others positively disliked it.  To me it was all in good fun.  That of course does not prevent me from playing along with this game.

First off I tried this.

Then, in for a penny in for a pound!

Finally East meets West!

I am not talking about Travels with My Aunt the1989 comedy adapted by Giles Havergal from the Graham Greene novel of the same title. No, I mean a few days travelling through Ireland with my aunt who is almost like a second mother to me.  I have already mentioned the hotel and location in Limerick here.

Today I want to talk about the people.

We had a very special evening and dinner at the famous Collison table, often on view in the blog posts of our wonderful hosts for the evening, Lily and her son Tommy.  The chat was so easy that we all forgot about recording the event with a photo. Photo or not, I will treasure every moment for many a long year.

Gabriela - Dr Gabriela Avram - to use her correct title, found time one morning from a very busy schedule, to give a guided tour of Limerick University and take us back to her own office to see some videos of recent projects.  It was a whole other world to that which my aunt and I grew up in.

This photo of my aunt Mo and I was twitpic’d round cyberspace as we chatted to Gabriela.

During our tour we crossed the living bridge twice. The link is from an animated film that was produced by Gabriela’s department as a fundraiser for the project.

A view from the living bridge.

The Mosaic on the internal walls of one of the buildings.

The Flip Side

We were entertained by music from the Trio Birgit Burhenne, Joe O’Callaghan and Peter Hanaghan, members/teachers of the Limerick Jazz Workshop, while we had lunch.

Meanwhile outside:

Horse outside by Rubberbandits was the inspiration for one students campaign in the race for president of the students union at Limerick University.

On our journey back to Dublin a road sign jumped at me and We decided to follow the arrow.  It led to a sleepy village that will not be sleepy for long.  It had two churches - not remarkable for Ireland - and at lest one pub!  The pub had a plethora of flags at the front of the building and my aunt asked if perhaps there was going to be a wedding.  I think the event will have a little higher profile than that…

We were in Moneygall.

Now we will be able to say we were there before President Obama.  Suddenly my aunt was all interest so I sprung another surprise on her.  I drove to the Rectory to meet Canon Stephen Neill.  Stephen I know from his blog Paddy Anglican.

We were given a great welcome and heard all about the church records that prove Barack Obama’s connection with Ireland. His late mother Ann Dunham was a descendant of Fulmouth Kearney who left Moneygall, Co Offaly, for the US in 1850.  The excitement is mounting in the village as they prepare for the forthcoming visitors from The White House in May this year.

Yours truly with Paddy Anglican

I think my aunt is beginning to see my ‘blogging’ in a new light.  Thank you my friends for being so wonderful and making the short holiday a memorable one for her.

Been there, done that, but got no tee shirt!

No. Don’t feel sorry for me.  My day was full of surprises and I came home on Sunday, laden down with goodies, I thought George was going to charge me for excess baggage with all the booty he packed into the car. He had to carry all the bags because my arms ached from all the hugs!  Even the lovely Karen @stwidgie and Mr Karen brought me birthday gifts from Chicago.  It was wonderful to meet then and only sorry that we did not have more time.

So, as the song says, Where do I begin?

How about a link to the winners of the 2011 Irish Blog Awards.  The months of preparation and organising by Damien Mulley and his army of helpers means that this part of the proceedings is always casual and great fun with lively participation from the audience.  It seems to pass in a flash and then it is time for the party, the pints and the stories to begin.  A hot buffet provides sustenance for the hungry hoards.  This year we had the added bonus of delicious cupcakes.

In the past few years the Irish Blog Awards has become more like a weekend of events. This year they began at noon on the Saturday and continued until Sunday afternoon.

I was unable to attend the Bestest Photowalk in the world – The IBA Belfast Photowalk organised by Davy McDonald began at noon.   The man is a real trooper also organising a two hour Bus tour of Belfast with lunch all courtesy of the Belfast Tourist Board.

There was another pre-event meal called Blog Awards Bites at Cayenne in Belfast.  This was organised by Walter Higgens.

The Ladies Tea Party organised by Sabrina Dent and sponsored this year by BAGglitz.com included food, wine, dessert and swanky swag bags was a smaller affair this year, but it gave us the opportunity to really get to know those who attended.  As a result of that event we have at least one new blogger on the map.  I felt like a child at Christmas when I opened my Swag bag.  We had treasured that included

• BAGglitz handbag hangers
• Beauty products from Edward James Hair and Beauty Salon from Ballymena.
• Chocolates with compliments from Saorla O Corrdin of DovVinia
• Cards & Stationery from Nicola Carthy, The Letterbox Press & Placed
• An assortment of gifts from Craft makers who sell their wares through etsy

I am surprised that the services of Fire Brigade were not needed at the Ladies Tea party for all the candles on my cupcakes

Do you really want to know what I was up to at the Awards?   I shared my musical talents and dancing skills!

I told you already that I wanted to meet Ike, and I did.  I am sure that you would like to meet him too.

Ike out of harness came to say Hello.

Ike keeping my feet warm.

As I was leaving the hotel on Sunday look what happened

Toyboys trying to escape!   Not really, it was a 130ft abseil down Belfast’s Europa hotel in aid of charity.  All the photos are courtesy of Digital Darragh and Ike

I am safely home and in one piece.  It was a wonderful day meeting old and new friends.

There will be more details in the days to come, and my usual Sunday Post will be a little late this week

PS I did meet Ike and he was adorable.

I know I am supposed to be doing something today…… now let me think

• Shopping?  No.
• Walk to the park and feed the ducks?  Maybe.
• Go to town?  Now that rings a bell….
• I know I have a date. The dress is on a hanger across the room, the shoes are so shiny I can see my face in them.

I remember!  I am off to the Irish Blog Awards, the Ladies Tea Party and to meet a new Toyboy.

Every year I write about new friends that I am looking forward to meeting.  This year I will mention only one.

I am so excited to be meeting Ike.  This will be his first visit to the Blog Awards.  I know you would like to meet him too..

Photo blatantly lifted from Digital Darragh’s Blog

Ike is Darragh’s seeing dog.

I did meet Freddie, his predecessor at several events and very well behaved he was too.  Freddie has retired and a blog post titled Thanks Freddie has been finalized in the best blog post category.  I have my fingers crossed that it will be the winner.

I know Ike will be working so if you meet him please remember these Do’s & Don’ts:

Dos

• Do allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of its handler.
• Do understand that, for safety reasons, some blind or visually impaired people may not reveal their guide dog’s name.
• Do allow the handler to give the dog commands.
• Do assist the handler, upon his or her request, but always ask before you attempt to help.

Don’ts

• Don’t touch, pet, or feed a guide dog while it is wearing its working harness.
• Don’t call the dog by its name.
• Don’t try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or its handler.
• Don’t give the dog commands.
• Don’t walk on the dog’s left side, as it may become distracted or confused.
• Don’t attempt to grab or steer the handler while the dog is guiding him or her, and don’t attempt to hold the dog’s harness.

Friday again, and Gaelikaa has chosen our topic for today.

Schedules

I had a funny old week. My schedule went totally out the window. There were a couple of mini disasters, but I soon got them sorted. I spent several days in secret negotiations, the results will be revealed quite soon. Very soon indeed. The plotting and planning was fun, and I am sure you will be pleased with the final outcome.

So here we are in the latter half of March and in this neck of the woods the weather is improving. Fresh winds of change are about us. We have signs of new growth and catkins and daffodils give a lift to the heart.

We have new growth in our weekly schedule from the Loose Blogging Consortium too. Ramana has found a new member to join our throng - Delirious, from the Bay area of California, blogs at Life on a limb and we are all looking forward to her contributions. So pop on over and give Delirious a warm welcome.

Now back to my covert activities. I was having a chat with a lady of good pedigree who expressed interest in joining our group.  She has been a teacher in earlier life, authored and co-authored some books, is well read and multi-lingual.  “What the heck is she doing talking to GM?” I hear you think.

During our conversation she expressed an interest in joining our group, so I offered to run the idea past the Great King Conrad. Without hesitation, he agreed that this fine lady would be a great asset to us and urged me to clinch the deal as it were.

Right now I wish I was a fly on the wall in a certain household. I will explain why.  Our second new recruit today, is already familiar with four of our membership. You can find her at Padmum’s Pen. Have you sussed it yet?  She lives in Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is Ramana’s sister and a really lovely lady. Welcome Padmum! Come in, draw up a chair and join the craic.

So, not alone has my schedule changed, but you will need to extend your LBC viewing window, to enjoy our two new friends.

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Active and semi-active members at present are:

Gaelikaa’s Diary
Grannymar
I truly am dumber than Einstein
Leveraged Intelligence
Life on a limb
Padmum’s Pen
Ramana’s Musings
The Silver Fox Whispers

This age thing is not to be recommended at times!

I was up with the lark and ready when the first toyboy of the day arrived.  Very efficient he was too.  Only time left now to sort myself out for the next one later in the afternoon.

In the mean time, my dining table is like an assembly station in a goody factory… I better get back to work, or I will never make the party.

My tickets for #IBA11 have arrived so I will Whistle while I work!

Back when the work is done.

For over a decade I have not wanted to know about my Birthday.  It had nothing to do with the advancing years.  No.  It was more to do with situations that happened on the date rather than the day.

On my fiftieth birthday I took Jack for a hospital appointment with his Consultant.  On arrival we were informed that the Consultant had been called away for an emergency situation and that we were to be seen by a member of the team.  Since the appointment was routine, we agreed.

It was the wrong decision.  The young Registrar that was assigned to us, was still wet behind the ears and had plenty to learn about dealing with patients.  With two sentences he took away all hope for the most positive person that I have ever met.

TWO SENTENCES!

They were offered in a throwaway fashion equivalent to: Two slices of toast for breakfast would be a waste, you won’t have time to finish the first one!  It was the only time I ever put in a complaint about a member of any medical team.  Thankfully it was taken seriously.

One year later on that day, I followed the ambulance as Jack was transported for admission to the Hospice for his final seven weeks on this earth.

In the intervening years I have tried to ignore my birthday.  Yes there were cards, phone calls, texts and gifts, but I accepted them through a vacant haze.

Elly managed the situation well.  Mother’s Day in Ireland often fell in the week of my birthday, so the card covered both and came on the latter.  Our gifts to each other seldom arrive on the particular day.  A birthday gift might arrive in February or in August; on occasion a large gift will cover birthday, and Christmas and that is how I like it.  An hour together or a chat means more to me than any gift.

This year for the first time I actually felt able to look forward and face the day.  I might even sing the Beatles number this evening as I sip a glass of wine.

My day was spent opening cards and gifts, talking with loved ones and friends and I have postponed the partying until next week to share with Elly and George.

Two items worth sharing:

A book from a friend with a sense of humour!

AND

My name on a list! I am humbled and honoured to be included.  If you nominated me or judged me fit to be there, I offer my humble thanks.

Being 64 is not that bad after all!

Roll on next week.  The cake is planned and the candles are counted…..

This cake arrived by email before breakfast.  Thanks Steph!

Do you think I need to book the Fire Brigade?

Santa has his elves, but they are nothing when it comes to Mulley’s Army.

Unlike the Lapland crew Tapping and banging away while wearing colourful outfits, whistling and singing “Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho…!”  Mulley’s Army work tirelessly in the back ground, unseen, and unheard.  Without their input and output there would be no party.  No Irish Blog Awards!

You think I’m kidding, right?  No way!

Over many months Mulley’s Army beaver away organizing a Venue, Sponsors, the Music, the team to live stream, live blog and Twitter the event, a Photographer, the Props, the Awards, Name tags, the food and the liquids and goodness knows what else for the evening. A band of Pretty Maids & Guys check out the talent welcome everyone and answer questions. Runners play an important role - every successful event has people to run and fetch this that or the other in the hours before Lift-off!  Glass hammers and long stands are always useful!

Two people that deserve special mention are John Blackbourn – responsible for building the nomination and judging system. Rick O’Shea is the ever professional and reassuring MC for the evening.

I am not finished by a long shot.  The very long shot are the band of 100 judges who voluntarily give of their every waking moment, once the list of Nominations has been published, to read, mark, and inwardly digest all the blogs listed.  This is necessary to make sure the blogs are actually ‘live with regular posting’ and fit in the category in which they have been nominated.  Once the Short Lists appear, the blogs that make the grade are re-shuffled and the Judges begin all over again to find the few with that something special to become Finalists. That is where the Judgely huddles are at the moment.  Oh, the excitement!

Other supporting acts that take place earlier in the day and over the years have proved popular are:

The Blog Awards Photowalk, organised this year by Davy and Phil I hear whispers that they have a very exciting programme planned.  NO. NO. NO.  Kill that idea right now! I will not be posing in my Birthday suit beside Queen Vic in the grounds of the City Hall!  Goose bumps do not a pretty picture make!

Now the Hi-light of the afternoon for me is the sedate Ladies Tea Party!  Splutter!!!!  Did I say sedate? Who was that woman in the bath last year?

This year yet again the wonderful Lady Sabrina has hit gold with another exciting venue and Sponsor for the event.  Goody bags are being packed as we speak!

My click clacks are all polished and ready. Now what do you think I should wear with them?

I was not expecting a visit from good old St Val in this neck of the woods, yesterday.  But, it was still a good day.

In the middle of the night… well, it was the middle of my night, (so I suppose it counts as today) that I discovered I was on a list…  If you had a hand in adding my name, I am humbled and delighted.  It adds an extra de-mention to the whole event.

Later a card came winging my way

Then came the flowers:

Now ain’t I a lucky girl?