Grannymar

I had a great few days away from home and feel like I was on holiday for a month.

You heard about the lists, the tasks and the curtains so now you want the interesting bits.

Saturday meant an early start; we left home at 8am in order to reach Hotel Kilkenny and registration for PodCamp Ireland before 10 am. We drove through thick fog most of the way, so the journey was slow. Seeing friendly faces as we arrived soon brought the sunshine to our hearts. I was not the oldest and the generations were like steps of stairs to the youngest little lady that I saw at lunchtime, a mere one year old!

Ken McGuire Bernie Goldbach & Krishna De all did a trojan job in the past few months organising the event. It may have been an ‘unconference’ event but without the background work it would not have happened.

So what did I do?

I hugged, or should I say Keith tried to crush my ribs!

I listened with Marian while Darragh talked.

I learned, Ellie May shows me how to use an iPod.

I talked about blogging and Podcasting for the older generation.

AND

I was brought home to meet ‘The Parents’

We arrived back with Elly & George in time for a sumptuous dinner on Sunday night and again enjoyed friendship, fun and laughter for several hours.

On Monday a workman was due so I stayed around to let him in. I had three more fine young Toyboys on Tuesday and one of them came three times! The work was completed on Tuesday and everyone is satisfied.

Fearing I would be charged rent if I stayed any longer, the bags were pack and ready for the return journey on Wednesday. I didn’t go straight home. I went to meet and dallied awhile with another fine handsome Toyboy.

Then I was presented with this:

How’s your Latin?

Some of the 110 attendees that I actually had conversations with at PodCamp Ireland were:

Evert Bopp (Tipperary)

Mike Buckley (St Louis, MO, USA)

Cian Mac Mahon (Dun Laoighaire, Dublin) wants to do a Podcast with me.

Darragh Doyle (Dublin)

Keith Shirley (Carlow)

John Keyes (Kilkenny)

Rosemary Khelifa (Dublin) (whose talk I missed as it clashed with mine) gave me a lovely neck massage.

Elly Parker (Adamstown)

Martha Rotter (Dublin)

Gabriela Avram (Limerick)

Nicola Brown (Carlow)

Simon McGarr (Dublin)

Deborah Hadley (Tullamore) found her way to our hearts with delicious Brownies.

Jan Buckley (St. Louis, USA)

Marian Roche (Limerick) who made the PodCamp Logo buttons

Dean Whitbread (UK) presented and chatted despite an ear infection. Thanks Dean.

Sabrina Dent (Cork)

John Handelaar (Cork)

Keith Bohanna (Kilkenny)

Niamh Smith (Dublin)

Gav Reilly (Dublin)

Ian Healy (Kilkenny)

Jason Roe (Dublin)

Conor Lynch (Meath)

Marie Boran (Carlow)

Sabrina Marczak (Canada)

Katherina Fay (Dublin)

George Pratt (Dublin)

Sinead Murnane (Dublin)

Cathy Fowley (Dublin)

Sharon Tobin (Kilkenny)

If we chatted and I missed your name put it down to a senior moment.

More photos at Pix.ie

Day two of the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) on 14th September took me back to Carrickfergus to check out a couple of places I only viewed from the outside in the past.

Carrickfergus Museum was my first port of call. Since the place was modern, all exhibits were behind glass and the lighting not conducive to taking photographs, I managed only one image that I was pleased with.

The item had little to do with the history of the town.

It is a Valentine Card. The sections of paper like fine tissue all fold into each other until only one heart shape remains. Because of the poor light it was impossible to read either the text on the card or the notes almost at floor level inside the glass case with the back story to the card. Now if only I had a valentine to make a card like this for…..

The street signs outside on the walls were a little unusual!

Or this one beside a gate:

Alas the wall here looked as if it was recently rebuilt and the gate was modern looking through to a courtyard or garden beside modern Council offices.

I will return to the subject of EHOD later in the week with a more interesting find from last Sunday.

On Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September Northern Ireland threw open many doors as part of European Heritage Open Day. During this weekend, we were given the opportunity to explore venues and grounds across the Provence not normally open to the public. There were 121 places in Belfast, Antrim and Armagh to choose from. Prior to this weekend, I am ashamed to say, I had only visited 22 of those on the list. I was determined to change that situation.

I decided to stay in Co Antrim and on Saturday I chose St John’s Church, Donegore

St John’s Church, Donegore, nestles against the side of Donegore Hill.

The parish was fortunate to receive the gift of this pipe organ from St Brigid’s Church of Ireland, Parish of Mallusk, Co. Antrim. It had started life in a Roman Catholic Church in the South of Ireland and spent some time in a Presbyterian church before the move to Mallusk. Many hands were needed to assist in the task of moving the seven hundred and eighty pieces from St Brigid’s Church to the horse lorry, and again from there into Donegore Church.

Pedals polished by regular footwork.

A view from the pulpit.

In the south-west corner of the churchyard is the watch-house, or corpse house, built in 1832 to foil the attempts of the “resurrectionists” at body-snatching. You can see it at the beginning of this little video clip.

Donegore Church is a Grade A Listed Building by the Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch of the Depratment of the Enviroment (N.I.) and the corpse house is also a listed building. As such, restoration and repair must be carried out to the highest standards and in sympathy with the architecture and history of the building.

Tell me a story,

Tell me a story,

Tell me a story & I’ll get out of bed.

I promised you, I said I would

I’ll tell you the story if you are good.

I’ll tell you the story before I go back to bed.

About a month ago I went to Dublin and was almost drowned in the flood.

I told you all about it here.

I even had a photo:

You heard all about the lunch…

A group of bloggers, dishing the dirt gossiping stuffing our faces sharing some tasty food and a bottle of wine or three while chatting about the blog world. No sin there you would think.

Now there was something I didn’t tell you….

We sweet ladies were gathered together to take part in an Irish Times Photoshoot for Lady Bloggers. The text of the article is available online but there are no photos available in the online version.

This photo by Brenda Fitzsimons appeared over two pages and I did my best to piece it together. So apologies to Brenda and to you all, but it will give you an idea of what the day was all about.

Thankfully we were all looking very respectable and ladylike. I wonder what they did with the other shots? Do you think they might be used to blackmail me?

Darling Toyboy Darragh, has a written very nicely about it here with pixtures!

I can’t go!

I wish I could.

Alexia is plotting and planning.

Our very own Rick will DJ set next Thursday night at the SoundCheck indie club night in Spy on South William Street. It is not somewhere I frequent but as the saying goes there is always a first time!

As there’ll probably be a gaggle of bloggers going to the club to throw their knickers at him….

Do ladies do that sort of thing these days

how about we all meet beforehand to formulate plans

Well I can’t be there and since Global warming is with us for sure,

I thought I would let you have these…..

If I am not in, I can’t win!

You can’t have an election with only one candidate so I am throwing my cap in the ring.

Word has reached me that Krishna De is putting herself forward for the race to The White House. Now I think she needs some healthy competition. Off with the gloves and down to business. The time has come to see what my Toyboys are made off.

Steph, as my Manager you need to organise the campaign. If only we had Paddy Bloggit to sort out the policies it would be a doddle.

Darragh is proving to be fickle and with Mr Sneezy he seems to have jumped the gate. Darren has gone in search of Oxegen 08.

Rally round now, remember there are still some badges to be earned. Rick where are you when I need you.

Every week is interesting. The fact that I wake up each day is worth celebrating. Elly may not want to celebrate, but I do. So what was different about this week?

9^th May

Ruth from Ruth’s Kitchen Experiments and from Ruth E blog emailed me

I got an email from a man who works for a marketing company who was involved in the Enjoy the Taste of Scotland event I was recently at in Glasgow. He is wanting to meet with some food bloggers in the general area of Ulster or beyond this Thursday evening (somewhere in Belfast I assume). I know you aren’t stricly a food blogger but I thought you may be interested. Are you free to come and meet up? Or just interested in hearing more? Get in touch and let me know. Free drinks included!

Hi Ruth,
Thanks for thinking of me. That meet up sounds interesting and I would love to tag along. All my trips to Belfast are planned nowadays and depend on my energy levels so all invitation acceptances have an ‘if’ factor!
Can you tell me where the gathering will be, ease of parking is a must as some days pain levels prevent me walking any distance. You really can’t judge a book by its cover! Inside my head I am 30, only wish the body would agree!

I look forward to more details.

Grannymar

Hi thanks for getting back to me so quickly!

I’ve still to confirm the details with the guy (Craig) but as soon as I do I’ll be in touch. However he’ll probably ask for suggestions of places to meet - is there somewhere in particular you would prefer for parking etc?

Ruth

I replied suggesting 4 possible venues all with plenty of space and free parking, then sat back to await developments!

13^th May

Hi Ruth,
Any update on the meet-up this Thursday?
Grannymar

Hi Grannymar, Proposed location and time:

Kitchen Bar, Belfast at 7pm on Thursday

That suit ok? There’s parking nearby in Victoria Square.

Ruth

Ruth you are rather light on details for the Foodie gathering…

• Are there many going
• Are there bloggers that I know
• What format will the evening take
• How will we find each other
• Will we be having a meal

At this stage I only know to look for a lady called Ruth and a Man called Craig. They are both common names in these parts. That might be fine for 20 somethings but I like to know what I’m doing and where I’m going.
Most of the Bloggie meet-ups that I have attended down south, have had a spacific area pre-selected or marker e.g. Helium Balloons to make the link up easier.
I am not familiar with the new Victoria Square or how to reach the car parking, but will try to find out before Thursday. Any further details would be appreciated.

Sorry Grannymar.

People who are going are yourself, myself, Craig McGill (the marketing guy) and Niall Harbison from iFoods. It’s just a meet up for drinks, no meal unfortunately. Not sure what “format” will be other than a few drinks and a chat about whatever Craig is wanting to talk about, sorry.

As for a sign of where we are (good idea by the way) I’m not sure what to do… if I was to say I’ll be wearing a green/blue t shirt with a white cardigan would that help? Or if there was a paper bouquet of flowers on the table would that be better?

My mobile number is 07XXXXXXXXX if you’re lost or can’t find us.

Also I meant to say if you’re wanting to bring Elly (or anyone else for that matter) along by all means do!

14^th May

Hi Ruth,
Thanks for getting back to me last night. I have taken note of your number. The idea of a paper bouquet on the table is a good idea or a Helium Balloon or two - visible from across the room. Is the bar on ground floor only or is there more than one floor, if so which will we be on?
Are there no other Foodie Bloggers in NI, or are they just not available? It will be disappointing for Craig if so few turn up.
Elly would certainly love to come But she is living and working in Dublin. You know the routine long hours at work, newly married and preparing for a move to her new home in the next few weeks. Her spare time right now is spent packing boxes, boxes and even more boxes! I only hope she doesn’t fall into one.
At this point I look forward to meeting you tomorrow night.

4.19pm

To Craig, Grannymar, Niall Harbison

Hi excuse this brief email (I’m sending this from my phone) but I’ll
email with more details later tonight.
I’ve had to change the location of tomorrows meeting to Brownes on
Boucher Road. Same time -7.30pm.
I’ll email again tonight with more details but please reply to let me
know you got this email.
Ruth

4.21pm

Hi Grannymar…. just wanted to reply to some of the things you said here too.

The bar is on the ground floor, with lots of parking just outside the door. And as I said in the other email I sent a few minutes ago that I’ll have a red helium balloon to mark the table.

I had emailed about 8 or 9 people, a few food journalists based in Dublin too, most of whom either had something on, have kids that they couldn’t get a babysitter for, or just live too far from Belfast to travel on a weeknight. All of them were very interested to hear what it is about so I will be following up and emailing them on Friday. Craig isn’t too worried though, he’s just pleased to meet with some people about it and get the ball rolling.

I didn’t realise Elly was Dublin based. I take it she’s moving within Dublin?

I also am looking forward to the meet up tomorrow night and meeting some fellow bloggers

Craig McGill to Ruth, Grannymar, Niall Harbison

Cool. See you then on Thursday night. I’m on mobile 07XXX-XXX-XXX as well.

Grannymar to Ruth

So we have a change of time as well as venue.

To Craig, Grannymar, Niall Harbison

its just been pointed out that the time is different from the original
time. Sorry had a ‘blonde’ moment and thought original time was 7.30.
So the time has changed too then
Meeting at 7.30 at Brownes on Boucher Road.
I’ll still email tonight with more details. Ruth

14^th May 11:46 PM,

OK to fill you in on the details now…. sorry it’s so late, got home from work an hour ago and just finished dinner.

Well to explain the change in location - I had discovered our original location was having a bit of a gig and thought that may not be the best location for having a conversation etc. So I ended up being in Brownes today and thought it may be good as a new location, close to the motorway, quite central to Belfast and has parking outside.

I’ve also been able to book a table there (under my own name - Ruth Elkin) for 7.30pm. Seeing as most of us have never met I will have a red helium balloon with me to mark our table and help you all work out where we will be.

I’m hoping to be there from about 7/7.15pm in case anyone wants to be early etc.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone! It’s great to be able to meet some fellow bloggers.

Sorry for all the changes and last minute information.

If you need anymore information or have any other questions please send me an email and I’ll do my best to answer them.

Ruth

Thanks Ruth,
That is all very clear now. I look forward to seeing you this evening. I have a note of your and Craig’s mobiles in my phone in case I have any problems, hopefully I won’t need to use them.

Craig McGill to Ruth, Grannymar, Niall Harbison

Ruth I think you’ve done a fantastic job in pulling this off – and good thinking on the venue change! See you then!

11.16am

HI Guys

Very sorry but have just been asked to record interview with RTE this evening so will have to cancel! Feel bad about that!

Make sure to let me know when the next one of these is and perhaps we could even make it a monthly thing where all bloggers meet up for food/drinks?

Apologies again for the short notice.

Regards

Niall

Craig McGill to Niall, Ruth, Grannymar

Niall, not a worry. If I had *cough* something to send you regarding an event in Northern Ireland coming soon, I take it would go to the address below yes?

Ruth to Craig, Grannymar, Niall

Sounds very exciting niall! Oh the celebrity life! Lol
We’ll make sure you’re clued into whats going on.
Also may have another blogger joining us tonight: coursework depending.

Well I made it to Brownes and met Craig and Ruth, Just the three of us.

We chatted easily with plenty of references to ‘A Taste of Scotland’ in Glasgow, that Craig’s company organised and Ruth attended a few weeks ago. The reason for the meeting was to talk about holding a similar event promoting ‘A Taste of Ulster’ here in Belfast. Balmoral Showgrounds, Tescos, Bloggers, Journalists and Ulster Tatler were all mentioned. Craig treated us to drinks (non-alcoholic since we were driving) and finger food.

Craig gave Ruth and I a DVD of ‘The Taste of Scotland’ so we would have an idea of what it was all about….

My DVD was blank.

I did manage with the help of a magnifying glass to work out the website address:

http://www.denvirgroup.com/home.aspx

Have a look and tell me what you think, I’m not sure if Tesco is a client of Denvir, or Denvir is a client of Tescos.

I am not sure why I was invited; I am not really a Food Blogger or a native of Ulster. I did ask Ruth who she had contacted and apart from Alan in Belfast the names were not known to me. I did ask Ruth if she contacted Deborah, she said yes but had no reply. Deborah please take a look at your junk mail and let me know.

I was also surprised that Ruth had not Twittered or blogged on either of her blogs about the meeting tonight! I never found out what the *cough* was all about in Craig’s email to Niall “If I had *cough* something to send you regarding an event in Northern Ireland coming soon, I take it would go to the address below yes?” Hardly a blank DVD!

Strange!

It is Tuesday morning in a cold but sunny Dublin suburb and I have a few minutes to play on my blog. So much has happened since this time last week. I at that point was still on the long, short list for The Irish Blog Awards!

So exactly what happened in the week?

1. Finally after 30 years in Northern Ireland I became an Orange woman!

2. I was given a red carpet welcome to Dublin.

3. I was dipped, stripped and went a step further than Cleopatra!

4. I had a Toyboy for dinner.

5. I shared a stage with Grandad.

6. I had Toyboys falling to their knees and shared a couch with Twenty Major!

7. I WON AN ARRANGEMENT OF BEAUTIFUL fLOWERS

Now if it is details you want you will have to wait for my return to home territory. And I plead with all of you not to mention VODKA!!!!!!!

I was listening talking to Elly the other day making arrangements for my next visit. We do this on a regular basis, talk that is. ‘Visit’ arrangements are something else altogether. You see, in my head I want to go here and do this that and the other, while my body says NO WAY!

All my social arrangements both at home and away are prefixed with ‘IF’. I continually have to remind my head that the body is not thirty years of age anymore. Alas, the body rules. There are mornings when the thoughts of how I will feel after a shower, are what gets me out of the bed! There are some days when that is not enough either. Some days I start off well and suddenly I am drained of energy. The best way to describe it is a feeling that someone has pulled the stopper and the energy drains away like water in a sink. My colour goes with it and I need to SIT DOWN right there and then. Elly & George are used to this happening and quietly deal with me. I knew there would be a bonus of having a strong, solid and good looking Son-in-Law to lean on!

I have to keep going, so I make plans with an ‘if’. “I would love to come…if.” “Certainly I will go…if.” You get the picture.

Now I want to travel down for the Irish Blog Awards to rub flesh with my virtual friends and meet more new ones. It is an easy one for me to attend because it is held in a nice room with comfortable seating and space to move around. The seats are not pre-booked so if I need to cancel it is not a problem. If I don’t turn up somebody else will use the seat.

I have not put my name on any list to attend the meet-ups before or after the big night, because I hate to say I will go somewhere that requires having space booked for me, and cause expense only to discover at the last moment that my health won’t let me attend.

So Sabrina, Red Mum and Deborah please excuse me and I hope all the events are a wonderful success.

At the eleventh second of the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…..

At 5am the armistice treaty between the Allies and Germany was agreed and signed in a railway carriage in Compiegne Forest in France on November 11 1918. It was to come into effect at 11am and marked the end of the First World War on the Western Front.

In the UK the main observance is on the second Sunday of November although two minutes’ silence is observed on 11 November itself. This year the days coincide.

Ceremonies are held at War Memorials throughout the land, usually organised by local branches of the Royal British leigon – an association for ex-servicemen. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organisations including the Royal British leigon, ex-servicemen organisations, cadet forces, the Scouts, Guides, Boys’ Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Salvation Army. “The Last Post” is played by a trumpeter or bugler, and two minutes’ silence is observed and then broken by a trumpeter playing “Reveille”.

A minute’s or two minutes’ silence is also frequently incorporated into church services, and even everyday locations such as supermarkets and banks may invite their customers and staff to fall silent at 11am

In all wars it is the young folk who are sacrificed as ‘Cannon Fodder’ while the Generals and World Leaders pontificate from comfortable warm bunkers well away from danger.

Today as you hear a bell toll, take a look around you and focus on a young man of eighteen or nineteen years of age. Ok, so he might be a ‘hoodie’ but he is alive, imagine the life being snuffed out of him never to be seen or heard from again. In WW1 a whole generation of young men were lost (war was a man thing back then); many of them were not yet out of their teens.

While you are thinking of the young men, remember all the young women waiting back home working the farms, the factories, the shops and dealing with all the everyday matters of living. For some no young man returned and for others the men who survived were unrecognisable because of injury, shell shock or were shattered in spirit by horrendous recurring nightmares. For some fortunate to have a husband return healthy in mind and body, it might mean giving up a new found independence and a return to being the ‘little woman’ in the kitchen.