You know when you're away from home and you haven't enough clean clothes with you and you can't do laundry and you have to rush out and buy cheap underwears and jeans to tide you over and nothing fits properly and you feel URRRGH?
That's how it is.
GRRRRR.......
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Sunday, 3 April 2011
And so to...
...Mothers' Day...
I hope all you Mothers have been having a lovely day?
Here in Dublin it is a sunny day, but cold. Middlest and Youngest texted me their good wishes this morning and mid-afternoon Eldest suddenly remembered, which was quite funny considering I'd been with her all day!
Actually I have spent the day working with Eldest in the Theater, or painting and gluing things together in the Design room. I'd forgotten how much fun it is rigging for a Show. When Eldest was born I was in the middle of making all the Chorus costumes for a large production of 'Camelot' in Nairobi. The nurses nearly went spare with the number of people and clothes who passed through the Maternity Ward that week!
When Eldest was a week old she was bundled into a basket and stowed under the counter of a Dressing Room backstage, as I had so much work to do. If she cried, whoever wasn't on stage picked her up and rocked her...and then passed her to someone else when they had to go on! The Hub was playing 'Mordred', and I seem to remember there were a couple of close calls with crew grabbing the baby from him as he was walking on stage!!
In retrospect it wasn't terribly responsible of us, but we were young and we hadn't the first notion of how much a baby would change everything! We took her camping, on up-country safaris, to game parks, and reckoned that as long as she was regularly fed and changed she'd be fine!
Today, as I've hauled furniture, wielded spray cans, climbed up and down endless flights of stairs, groped through the dark Black Box and laughed at Eldest acting the eejit, I'm just so thankful that I am a Mother. Not everyone gets that opportunity, or has the choice.
Soooo...a Happy Mothers' Day to you!
And.... make that a Thankful For My Children Day too!
I hope all you Mothers have been having a lovely day?
Here in Dublin it is a sunny day, but cold. Middlest and Youngest texted me their good wishes this morning and mid-afternoon Eldest suddenly remembered, which was quite funny considering I'd been with her all day!
Actually I have spent the day working with Eldest in the Theater, or painting and gluing things together in the Design room. I'd forgotten how much fun it is rigging for a Show. When Eldest was born I was in the middle of making all the Chorus costumes for a large production of 'Camelot' in Nairobi. The nurses nearly went spare with the number of people and clothes who passed through the Maternity Ward that week!
When Eldest was a week old she was bundled into a basket and stowed under the counter of a Dressing Room backstage, as I had so much work to do. If she cried, whoever wasn't on stage picked her up and rocked her...and then passed her to someone else when they had to go on! The Hub was playing 'Mordred', and I seem to remember there were a couple of close calls with crew grabbing the baby from him as he was walking on stage!!
In retrospect it wasn't terribly responsible of us, but we were young and we hadn't the first notion of how much a baby would change everything! We took her camping, on up-country safaris, to game parks, and reckoned that as long as she was regularly fed and changed she'd be fine!
Today, as I've hauled furniture, wielded spray cans, climbed up and down endless flights of stairs, groped through the dark Black Box and laughed at Eldest acting the eejit, I'm just so thankful that I am a Mother. Not everyone gets that opportunity, or has the choice.
Soooo...a Happy Mothers' Day to you!
And.... make that a Thankful For My Children Day too!
Friday, 1 April 2011
Of Crockery and Tridents?
I'm getting old, no really, I am.
Last week I just had to take myself back home for several days and let Middlest go to Dublin with Eldest...for why?
I missed my kitchen!
How sad is that?
Not the size, or the crockery, or the pans, but being able to have it clean! Living with a bunch of students is no problem, they are lovely and very chatty...but the dirty kitchen pushed me beyond my limits!
I'm back in Dublin now though, and this morning wrote her notes for her Set Design presentation, before heading out into town to do her stage prop shopping for the next play!
I ask you!
Do I look like a personal shopper?
And if you did but know my haphazard shopping methods, its certainly not me you'd be sending out to do the job!
3 blue cushion covers
2 blue and white dinner plates
2 matching mugs
12 assorted picture frames
...couldn't find a cheap blue floor rug...
...and a small toy tiger for Youngest.
There was a great trident in one of the 'pound shops', but Eldest insisted I left it there...sure couldn't the script be changed just a teeney bit to include a trident? I would've!
Her Presentation went alright, she thinks, she's passed the Module anyhow. Now, after the play that she's setting up this weekend, there's the Dissertation for the 8th, and Play Writing piece for the 19th. Then Viva Voces and exams, various.
She's out to a quick lunch now, before setting in to write for the afternoon, and I got a text to say there was potato salad she'd left for me...raided from my kitchen earlier in the week, I'll have you know!! I opened the box...not just potato salad, but lovely furry potato salad...thanks, kiddo!!
Your generosity knows no bounds, I see!
So gradually getting there...and I so want to thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts yous are sending to us! Despite the kitchen moan, I do feel very much that we are being 'bourne up' through this time- so:
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agaibh!!
A Thousand Thanks to Yez!
Last week I just had to take myself back home for several days and let Middlest go to Dublin with Eldest...for why?
I missed my kitchen!
How sad is that?
Not the size, or the crockery, or the pans, but being able to have it clean! Living with a bunch of students is no problem, they are lovely and very chatty...but the dirty kitchen pushed me beyond my limits!
I'm back in Dublin now though, and this morning wrote her notes for her Set Design presentation, before heading out into town to do her stage prop shopping for the next play!
I ask you!
Do I look like a personal shopper?
And if you did but know my haphazard shopping methods, its certainly not me you'd be sending out to do the job!
3 blue cushion covers
2 blue and white dinner plates
2 matching mugs
12 assorted picture frames
...couldn't find a cheap blue floor rug...
...and a small toy tiger for Youngest.
There was a great trident in one of the 'pound shops', but Eldest insisted I left it there...sure couldn't the script be changed just a teeney bit to include a trident? I would've!
Her Presentation went alright, she thinks, she's passed the Module anyhow. Now, after the play that she's setting up this weekend, there's the Dissertation for the 8th, and Play Writing piece for the 19th. Then Viva Voces and exams, various.
She's out to a quick lunch now, before setting in to write for the afternoon, and I got a text to say there was potato salad she'd left for me...raided from my kitchen earlier in the week, I'll have you know!! I opened the box...not just potato salad, but lovely furry potato salad...thanks, kiddo!!
Your generosity knows no bounds, I see!
So gradually getting there...and I so want to thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts yous are sending to us! Despite the kitchen moan, I do feel very much that we are being 'bourne up' through this time- so:
Go Raibh Míle Maith Agaibh!!
A Thousand Thanks to Yez!
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Stephen's Green photos, Dublin
So here are some not very good photos from last week! This is part of the band I came across outside the Thrater...and below is the pond in Stephen's Green.
James Joyce, a bit o' culture fer ye...
and another Bandstand! Hey! I like Bandstands- they are so old-fashioned!
...and ditto...
I'll take some more this week and h-edu-macate yez further!!
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Nit Picky? Pick Nitty?
I'm feeling nit picky so I'm going to just say what I've been thinking (for ages)...
When women are writing about their families why do they have to say that they are married to the most fantastic Man that ever walked the earth, and have the most adorable children anyone ever gave birth to?
If they have to make me jealous for them to feel good, tough, not sure I want to know...
If they are married to a right #*#~~*%"^&%%## are they likely to admit their judgement was a little 'off' on their wedding day?
If they wish they'd run screaming years ago, are they likely to admit it in their blog? (and I'm not belittling those who wish they could, believe me, its no joke)
And as regards their children, I should hope that at least once a week most mothers think their children are the best thing since sliced bread! (when they are asleep)
Can't we just take all that as read and move on to more interesting stuff- like how many scarves they have? or their favourite cheese? or whether they hoover under the sofa except when their mother is visiting?
Because, lets be honest, all husbands have faults and there's no such thing as the perfect man- I mean, even Superman wears his clothes inside out....and children? even when you want to tie 'em to the Park railings and run, you'd be bawling your eyes out the minute anything happened to them.
So can we just leave off about the husbands and children, and write about the important stuff here?
Please?
Talking of which, after a brief trip home at the weekend to do laundry (NINE LOADS begorrah!), cook, play the organ, visit the parents and update them on life the universe and everything, etc...I'm back in Dublin arguing with Eldest and pointing her nose at the grindstone.
Middlest arrives this evening to work on the Set all of tomorrow.
And someone has spilled something sticky on this laptop and its truly revolting-eeugh...
Business as normal so!
When women are writing about their families why do they have to say that they are married to the most fantastic Man that ever walked the earth, and have the most adorable children anyone ever gave birth to?
If they have to make me jealous for them to feel good, tough, not sure I want to know...
If they are married to a right #*#~~*%"^&%%## are they likely to admit their judgement was a little 'off' on their wedding day?
If they wish they'd run screaming years ago, are they likely to admit it in their blog? (and I'm not belittling those who wish they could, believe me, its no joke)
And as regards their children, I should hope that at least once a week most mothers think their children are the best thing since sliced bread! (when they are asleep)
Can't we just take all that as read and move on to more interesting stuff- like how many scarves they have? or their favourite cheese? or whether they hoover under the sofa except when their mother is visiting?
Because, lets be honest, all husbands have faults and there's no such thing as the perfect man- I mean, even Superman wears his clothes inside out....and children? even when you want to tie 'em to the Park railings and run, you'd be bawling your eyes out the minute anything happened to them.
So can we just leave off about the husbands and children, and write about the important stuff here?
Please?
Talking of which, after a brief trip home at the weekend to do laundry (NINE LOADS begorrah!), cook, play the organ, visit the parents and update them on life the universe and everything, etc...I'm back in Dublin arguing with Eldest and pointing her nose at the grindstone.
Middlest arrives this evening to work on the Set all of tomorrow.
And someone has spilled something sticky on this laptop and its truly revolting-eeugh...
Business as normal so!
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
In Dublin's Fair City
Well here I am in Dublin since early this morning, a country bumpkin gobsmackerettoed by the city buzzzzzzzz! I always forget how fast everyone moves here, and also how many people there are!!!
Since Eldest has rooms in College, within five minutes of walking out the door one is in the center of town, literally...dodging double decker buses and flying bicycles! ET has nothing on Dublin cyclists! And of course, with St Patrick's Day being tomorrow the place is awash with vile green furry hats and fake leprechauns...
This evening Eldest had a Class, so I walked up to Stephen's Green, where Granny used to take us to feed the ducks when we were small and she had a surfeit of stale bread. The tulips are beginning to flower and the place looks very groomed...at home we have no similar sort of grand park space. The Bandstand is looking its age but that's not surprising after this past winter.
Along the Green the main road was closed and a stage had been set up, with a Ceiligh Band and a Leader giving impromptu dancing lessons to everyone in the crowd who wanted to participate. I heard him teaching them to dance 'Shoo the Donkey' as I went past, with poor results, judging by the groans and laughing!
I returned via the Gaiety Theater, still has that exciting 'theater smell' when you open the door, and the shaded lights and red plush decor! On the pavement opposite there was a Sax and Drum band playing Swing and Jazz, so I stood and listened for a while. They were amazing- bopping and jiving as they played and having a whale of a time! They'd gathered quite a crowd.
Around a few side streets, back onto College Green and then in the Nassau Street College Entrance, to sit on a bench for a little while and admire the evening: cold but still sunny, hardly a breeze, and not a drop of rain in sight!
Oh My! I could be in another country entirely!!
Eldest is getting out a few books before the Library closes, and this evening she can work on her Dissertation. This morning after I arrived she discussed, then dictated an entire essay, which was edited and then handed in. So despite much pain in her hands, today she has achieved!
I can feel your well-wishes and prayers winging our way!
Thank you!
Unfortunately I forgot my camera flex, so, although I am taking photos for you, I can't upload then until I get home again Friday night. I'll post them for you at the weekend!
Since Eldest has rooms in College, within five minutes of walking out the door one is in the center of town, literally...dodging double decker buses and flying bicycles! ET has nothing on Dublin cyclists! And of course, with St Patrick's Day being tomorrow the place is awash with vile green furry hats and fake leprechauns...
This evening Eldest had a Class, so I walked up to Stephen's Green, where Granny used to take us to feed the ducks when we were small and she had a surfeit of stale bread. The tulips are beginning to flower and the place looks very groomed...at home we have no similar sort of grand park space. The Bandstand is looking its age but that's not surprising after this past winter.
Along the Green the main road was closed and a stage had been set up, with a Ceiligh Band and a Leader giving impromptu dancing lessons to everyone in the crowd who wanted to participate. I heard him teaching them to dance 'Shoo the Donkey' as I went past, with poor results, judging by the groans and laughing!
I returned via the Gaiety Theater, still has that exciting 'theater smell' when you open the door, and the shaded lights and red plush decor! On the pavement opposite there was a Sax and Drum band playing Swing and Jazz, so I stood and listened for a while. They were amazing- bopping and jiving as they played and having a whale of a time! They'd gathered quite a crowd.
Around a few side streets, back onto College Green and then in the Nassau Street College Entrance, to sit on a bench for a little while and admire the evening: cold but still sunny, hardly a breeze, and not a drop of rain in sight!
Oh My! I could be in another country entirely!!
Eldest is getting out a few books before the Library closes, and this evening she can work on her Dissertation. This morning after I arrived she discussed, then dictated an entire essay, which was edited and then handed in. So despite much pain in her hands, today she has achieved!
I can feel your well-wishes and prayers winging our way!
Thank you!
Unfortunately I forgot my camera flex, so, although I am taking photos for you, I can't upload then until I get home again Friday night. I'll post them for you at the weekend!
Monday, 14 March 2011
Pickles and Patience
I know I've asked this before, but do any families sail serenely through their combined lives, or do all families lurch from pickle to disaster, with 'a series of unfortunate events' en route?
Seriously, I would really like to know.
The latest in this establishment, in case you are at all interested, is Eldest grinding to a halt...just two months before her Degree Finals. Her Dissertation isn't written, also a 90 minute play, and two short essays, and there's a small matter of two 'set' designs (theater mock-ups, basically) to make.
All to be done and dusted by 10th April, followed by viva voce exams and some other final 'stuff'.
Her arthritis and joint pain is very bad, she can't do steps, or sitting or standing for any length of time, or type for very long, or keep food, and a host of other ailments, or even walk properly with a stick...in fact she's in far worse physical case than my own father, who is no sprung chuck.
HOO BOY!
So she came home at the weekend (by persuasion since I had eight 16 yr olds staying- another story!) and she, Middlest and I sorted out a schedule for the next month so that Eldest has company/minder at all times.
I tell you, God does work in mysterious ways, because Middlest is only semi employed at present and is able to help out. Between her and I someone can always be available for Youngest in the evenings, and still get to Dublin for Eldest. If Middlest's plans had gone as planned (brilliant English language, I know!!) she would not be available to help and I would be beside myself.
(The Hub's work hours are difficult at the best of times, and he begins his Course at the Church of Ireland College in Dublin this weekend- different place to Eldest...of course!-and another story!!)
So tomorrow evening I am heading to Dublin on the BladeRunner (as in slow-country-stop-at-every-blade-of-grass-between-here-and-Dublin bus!!) It takes 4 1/2 hours, would you believe? (2 1/2 to drive oneself!) since due to cutbacks they have abolished the Express Bus...you don't realise what an enormous country Ireland really is until you try to cross it using public transport!!
But I was just thinking this morning, as I added to my list of things to do by tomorrow, that, considering I do nothing, its pretty complicated putting life on 'hold' for a month. Obviously, to do nothing as well as I do takes a lot of organisation!
This is Heckety Beck coming to you from County Leitrim for the latest Blogger News update!
Seriously, I would really like to know.
The latest in this establishment, in case you are at all interested, is Eldest grinding to a halt...just two months before her Degree Finals. Her Dissertation isn't written, also a 90 minute play, and two short essays, and there's a small matter of two 'set' designs (theater mock-ups, basically) to make.
All to be done and dusted by 10th April, followed by viva voce exams and some other final 'stuff'.
Her arthritis and joint pain is very bad, she can't do steps, or sitting or standing for any length of time, or type for very long, or keep food, and a host of other ailments, or even walk properly with a stick...in fact she's in far worse physical case than my own father, who is no sprung chuck.
HOO BOY!
So she came home at the weekend (by persuasion since I had eight 16 yr olds staying- another story!) and she, Middlest and I sorted out a schedule for the next month so that Eldest has company/minder at all times.
I tell you, God does work in mysterious ways, because Middlest is only semi employed at present and is able to help out. Between her and I someone can always be available for Youngest in the evenings, and still get to Dublin for Eldest. If Middlest's plans had gone as planned (brilliant English language, I know!!) she would not be available to help and I would be beside myself.
(The Hub's work hours are difficult at the best of times, and he begins his Course at the Church of Ireland College in Dublin this weekend- different place to Eldest...of course!-and another story!!)
So tomorrow evening I am heading to Dublin on the BladeRunner (as in slow-country-stop-at-every-blade-of-grass-between-here-and-Dublin bus!!) It takes 4 1/2 hours, would you believe? (2 1/2 to drive oneself!) since due to cutbacks they have abolished the Express Bus...you don't realise what an enormous country Ireland really is until you try to cross it using public transport!!
But I was just thinking this morning, as I added to my list of things to do by tomorrow, that, considering I do nothing, its pretty complicated putting life on 'hold' for a month. Obviously, to do nothing as well as I do takes a lot of organisation!
This is Heckety Beck coming to you from County Leitrim for the latest Blogger News update!
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