Guest Blogger

Greetings from Ireland,

Grandma Sue and I arrived a week ago although Continental Airlines did its best to waylay our journey. The blasted airline said our flight was late and re-routed us to Northwest/Delta. That’s 0-2 for Continental, so they are off my list. The two Sues, Paul, and I went out for an "Irish" breakfast after we recovered from flight: rashers (back bacon from an Irish pig, bangers (pork sausages-no spices), white pudding (pork, barley, oatmeal, and unknowns), black pudding (pigs’ blood), grilled tomato, brown bread, beans, etc.)

Every Thursday night Paul practices with a group that plays "traditional" Irish music in Galway. He’s quickly learning the songs. At about 9: 30 the group gathers at Murty Rabbitts to play an 'open session', and can they play! I counted two accordion players, five guitars, two tin whistles, two banjo players; several fiddle players, two low whistles (flutes), two mandolins, and a partridge in a pear tree. For much of the night, Grandma Sue was sitting with her Irish beer between Johnnie from Glasgow and Paul. I had a glass of Guinness at Paul’s urging and had a coughing jag during the night due to an allergic reaction. No more Guinness for me!

Touring has been great although I am still not used to the left lane. I have declined every opportunity to drive. We rented a second car this weekend to tour the Clonmacnoise Abbey on Sunday. Paul and Sue drove. We also visited Ross Abbey on Friday and Connemara on Saturday. Fantastic! Google the Twelve Bens.

If you like cool, windy, cloudy weather, this is the place for you. Despite the weather Sam is working on his pitching and catching fly balls. The Twins have nothing on them. The Irish lads in the neighborhood were out with Paul and Sam playing hurling. (Check Google). I took one swing at the ball and pulled my biceps muscle. I gave notice that I am done with the game.

On our trip to Connemara Sue and I stopped at the Quiet Man Bridge. Dat’s herself and me huggin’ there. We had just watched the movie, so it was a big deal. Eat your heart out Kathleen Brown(e). We’ll not be goin’ to Cong until ye and James get here.

I’ll be leavin’ ye now lads and lassies. St. Patty’s Day is comin’ tomorrow, and Paul will be celebrating his 46th. Here's one of my favorite songs to celebrate our arrival - Whiskey in The Jar by the Dublin City Ramblers.