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Replies:

• Inside for the Cliffs of Moher slideshow>>> -- Lil, 23:32:17 11/12/09 Thu
• And please forgive all the typos and spelling errors! I'm posting rather late. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 23:34:39 11/12/09 Thu
• And while they were being regaled with stories told by a man of intelligence and humour, I was sat behind a farting horse! (NT) -- Sheila, 02:21:19 11/13/09 Fri
• OT again (sorry): Happy birthday, to my favorite guy (not including my DH)>>>>>>> -- LindaT, 05:41:29 11/13/09 Fri
  • Today is DH's b-day too. But I have to admit they look nothing alike *g* (NT) -- CindyS, 07:35:06 11/13/09 Fri
  • HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY GERRY!!!!! I'm getting "Rock n Rolla" from the library this weekend. Oh, and according to IMDB, the Burns project is back on with a projected release date in 2010. That one I'm looking forward to. (NT) -- PeggyB, 08:15:05 11/13/09 Fri
  • Looks like he's in need of a b-day massage... lemme go get the lotion, brb.... (NT) -- Renfro, 09:23:02 11/13/09 Fri
• We were all so excited to see those dolphins swimming alongside us, what a stroke of luck! You can imagine how thrilled my daughter was. (NT) -- E, 05:49:42 11/13/09 Fri
• Hands down, this was my favourite day of the second week. The island was so beautiful, the weather incredible and despite not having the incredible Cyril during our trap ride, I rather liked old Padriag our driver :) Oddly enough, there's a review for a movie set in the Burren and on Inis More in the paper here today. It's called "Love & Savegery"; it didn't get a great review, though. (NT) -- Carla, 05:49:45 11/13/09 Fri
  • Definitely the best day of week 2 (except for my Cork day with Finn). The weather was great, the people so nice and I loved peddaling my little bike around getting more of a snails view of the Island and its inhabitants. Although it looked like they were all at work in the village *g* (NT) -- CindyS, 07:42:19 11/13/09 Fri
    • C'mon Cindy hurry up :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 07:53:00 11/13/09 Fri
      • Geez no smile - must be the fart'n horse I smell (NT) -- CindyS, 13:21:11 11/13/09 Fri
• On the subject of all things Irish, I can't get this song out of my head... sing it all day long! (NT) -- Renfro, 06:47:18 11/13/09 Fri
  • I love this song!! Barleyjuice sings it, too. (NT) -- TanyaB, 06:52:25 11/13/09 Fri
    • My dad just made me aware of Barleyjuice, never heard of them before. (NT) -- Ren, 07:15:43 11/13/09 Fri
      • They are so much fun. They have been at GFM the last few years. (NT) -- TanyaB, 08:53:03 11/13/09 Fri
  • The Rankin Family does a great version too. (NT) -- Carla, 06:53:52 11/13/09 Fri
  • I love this one too - I prefer 'she's the belle of Belfast City' though :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 08:24:20 11/13/09 Fri
• I'm reallly enjoying the pictures, though I have to admit, since I'm not much of a history buff, I like the ones with Shammies in them!! Also, just wanted to say thatnks for all the love, hugs, fairydust you guys sent my way this week. I'm going to my first AL-Anon meeting tonight. Both boys are gone away for the weekend, and hopefully the H will be moving in with a friend. (NT) -- TanyaB, 06:55:08 11/13/09 Fri
  • Glad to hear it! Vibes are still coming.... (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 07:35:35 11/13/09 Fri
  • ((((((vibes & hugs))))) Be strong. This is good step for you and the boys. (NT) -- CindyS, 07:38:07 11/13/09 Fri
  • Tanya, sounds like an excellent idea, on both counts. Just sent you an email. (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:59:31 11/13/09 Fri
  • ((((Tanya)))) Excellent! I think you'll be glad you made this step. Continued strength to you. (NT) -- Mahri, 08:19:44 11/13/09 Fri
• They're Nuckin' Futs!!! >>>>>> -- Mahri, 08:23:04 11/13/09 Fri
  • Aw no, there's lots of edge left! (I'd have done it, too.) (NT) -- E, 11:04:28 11/13/09 Fri
  • Oh, Hell To The NO!! (infamous words of Whitney Houston) There is no way I'd ever get that close to the edge. (NT) -- Noelle, 11:36:33 11/13/09 Fri
  • Crikey, that looks like scary stuff!! At least the pictures were worth the butterflies in the stomach! (NT) -- Denise, 11:51:44 11/13/09 Fri
  • Um, I was not as close as Bobbie and Sheila! I was scared to death watching them and the pic inside here is decpetive...no way, no how I was hanging over the side! LOL! (NT) -- Lil, 12:22:23 11/13/09 Fri
• This was my second trip to Inishmore- but Cyril's storytelling really brought it to life in a different way. I also feel close to Casey and Pamela out there, as it's the site of their reunion in 'Mermaid'. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:54:45 11/13/09 Fri
  • Is that why you were making kissy faces behind his back? ;-) >>>>>>> -- Mahri, 11:12:02 11/13/09 Fri
    • Okay, that's mean, I'm not sure what the hell I was doing there. (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:14:36 11/13/09 Fri
      • LOL, I think it's cute :-) Maybe you were saying na na na na we got Cyril hahaha It's a cute picture girl..trust me :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 11:17:19 11/13/09 Fri
        • I admit we were feeling pretty smug about Cyril. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:20:35 11/13/09 Fri
          • As well you should girl, as well you should....looks and smarts and an O'Flaherty to boot :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 11:36:03 11/13/09 Fri
          • It was like destiny - he's an artist like Cindy, A history buff with an archeological twist that intrigued me and a horse named Bob - that although has nothing to do with Bobbie (she's too dang cute and nice to be compared to a horse!) it gave us all a little giggle. And an O'Flaherty....couldn't have asked for much more...except for maybe Casey himself! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 12:26:16 11/13/09 Fri
    • May I just say, that for a woman that hates getting her picture taken... everyone of the pictures I've seen of Miss Cindy during this trip has been fantastic!! Even that kissy face... :) Your hair is gorgeous, Cindy- whatever you're doing is definitely working!! (NT) -- Lanette, 13:33:03 11/13/09 Fri
      • Aw, thanks Lanette- it's all down to the Mixed Chicks, if that stuff ever goes off the market I am in big trouble and will likely have to shave my head. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:55:07 11/13/09 Fri
        • You mean Dixie Chicks right (d&r) (NT) -- CindyS, 20:28:06 11/13/09 Fri
    • You should have heard them holler when someone suggested that we switch carts on the way back from the fort!! No way they were giving him up! (NT) -- FranS, 15:23:20 11/13/09 Fri
      • That was my suggestion, and the horse hadn't even farted by that time! (NT) -- Sheila, 16:07:24 11/13/09 Fri
• I wish I could have stayed for the second week, but that leaves something to look forward to on another trip, yes? (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:32:16 11/13/09 Fri
  • Yup, looks like we missed out on something really special so perhaps a 'next time' is in order. (NT) -- Denise, 11:55:18 11/13/09 Fri
• Okay here I go again hahaha A vew more Shammie pics >>>> -- Mahri, 11:15:27 11/13/09 Fri
  • Is that your German accent coming through' 'just a vew more peectures, dahlink.' (that's to get you back for that photo. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:16:42 11/13/09 Fri
    • hahaha oopsie - babe...you would hardly LET anyone take your picture, I had to get some in as proof that you were actually with us. AND...they are cute candids *G* (NT) -- Mahri, 11:19:44 11/13/09 Fri
  • Looks like a gorgeous day for the Aran Islands. Did anyone feel magic in the air there? I felt magic in the air in County Donegal - it was like an electric zaaaaap up there. Just wondering if the Islands are filled with magic, too. (NT) -- Noelle, 11:41:03 11/13/09 Fri
    • Oh yes definitely Torch - the whole island is magical but certain areas give off more of a vibe, I think and I can't wait to visit Donegal. (NT) -- Mahri, 11:52:18 11/13/09 Fri
    • Noelle, it was late last night so I had a hard time articulating the magic I felt there. I've got to get back to work, but I'll try to post more concisely what caused this to be my favorite spot of the whole week. (NT) -- Lil, 12:31:12 11/13/09 Fri
    • I feel certain that Donegal is where Siobhan and Bridget had their magical tattie patch. :) (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:57:49 11/13/09 Fri
      • No doubt about it. The minute I went up to Donegal and saw it - I knew - I had been there before and it was home. It was so familiar but like a thin veil of haze hiding the memory. I know if I spent more time there I would remember. (NT) -- Noelle, 17:37:10 11/13/09 Fri
  • Two more because basically after this, I don't have many Shammie shots left >>>>>>> -- Mahri, 11:55:56 11/13/09 Fri
    • silly wind always blowing my hair around...it just got bigger and bigger as the day went on! *g* (NT) -- Lil, 12:29:31 11/13/09 Fri
• Fantastic pictures everyone! I'm really regretting not having spent the second week with you, especially after the cruise sort of tanked. Luggage update: No luggage to update, I'm sure it's lost for good though our insurance company, and maybe Mastercard, will compensate us for the cost of the articles. That won't help with the lost gifts chosen in Barcelona! (NT) -- Denise, 11:58:45 11/13/09 Fri
  • I would be furious if I was you, Denise- I cannot believe how cavalier they are being about your luggage- I'm really sorry that happened. I've lost luggage several times, but it's always turned up eventually. Which begs the question to me of just what did happen to your suitcase? When it only had to be moved such a short distance, it simply doesn't make sense to me that they can't find it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:44:52 11/13/09 Fri
    • BTW, Denise- thanks for sending the photos along, I'm sorry I haven't replied to your e-mail, but with my hand like it is right now, anything more than a few lines and it's starts to ache badly. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 12:56:56 11/13/09 Fri
    • I have a few theories about how the bag went missing. The imcompetent idiiots just shoved it somewhere, possibly in the ocean, someone purposely stole it, ot one or the old geezers on the cruise mistook if for their own, left with it and later realized it wasn't theirs, but were not honorable enough to find the rightful owners. I'll be amazed if I see it again! On the bright side, the replacement clothes and shoes are gonna be real nice! (NT) -- Denise, 15:48:32 11/13/09 Fri
  • Denise, that just makes my blood boil. It's bad enough, losing one's clothing, but to lose souvenirs purchased in Barcelona ... I do hope you receive a satisfactory settlement, and soon. (NT) -- E, 14:09:05 11/13/09 Fri
• Man oh man, it was soooooo hard not to jump off the bus and run back to you guys that day! I love your pics and am so glad you are sharing them as I really missed not being with you the second week. I have a few candids of our last day before the airport and the Clarence Hotel and I went in to look around but the bar wasn't open and I asked if Bono was in town and the concerige just smiled and said no but I was welcome to come back for a drink anyway. I toured around a bit and then left through the back door and out into the Temple Bar area. There is also a pic of the infamous Poke and Run>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Tracy, 14:22:51 11/13/09 Fri
  • Aww that's a cute one of you and Sheila! When did you take that? (NT) -- Mahri, 15:07:43 11/13/09 Fri
    • That is outside Dunboyne, must have been when I lost my earring. I had more pictures taken in this two weeks than in my entire married life! I am getting the same vibe from DH as you did from the Saint about drinking whiskey with us Mahri. (NT) -- Sheila, 16:16:33 11/13/09 Fri
  • I'm so sorry that CindyS and I missed being in this shot! We were settling up our room charges, which took a bit because someone charged a bottle of wine or something to our room in error. (NT) -- FranS, 15:33:51 11/13/09 Fri
  • So, are you guys editing out millions of pictures, or did you all manage to actually stay made-up and picture-worthy the whole time?!? (NT) -- TanyaB, 19:16:59 11/13/09 Fri
    • There are a couple here I wish had been edited....*g* my ass and another one! (NT) -- Sheila, 19:25:00 11/13/09 Fri
      • same here - but it shows the spontaneity of the moment so it's all good right ? (NT) -- CindyS, 20:35:54 11/13/09 Fri
• OT: Update on DS1. The doctor thinks he had a migraine brought on by school stress (his teacher this year is an asshat). If he has another one, she will refer us to a migraine clinic at the local children's hospital for education and medication; you have to have more than one migraine to be officially classed as a migraine-sufferer as they are, by definition, chronic rather than one-offs. On the fainting, she did an ECG and his heart is fine, she also drew blood to test his iron and sugar levels and will let us know if anything shows up as abnormal. He's been fine since, so I'm hoping it was a freak incident. (NT) -- Carla, 17:35:33 11/13/09 Fri
  • Well, migraines can have really awful effects; I wouldn't be surprised if his fainting was a result of it (the temporary changes in blood vessels). Poor baby, I sure do hope it was just a freak occurrence, too, and that he never gets another migraine. Is there any chance he might be moved to a different teacher? O (NT) -- E, 19:26:37 11/13/09 Fri
    • (Hands on wrong keys, and not logged in.) Was just going to say that I'm sure your stress level must be through the roof, so do take care of yourself, too. (NT) -- E, 19:27:41 11/13/09 Fri
  • I hope he doesn't get another one. Poor kid being so stressed by a teacher, I'd go have a talk with that meanie-head. He's too young to be so stressed out. I'm sending calming vibes and healthy vibes for all. ((((Carla and DS1)))) (NT) -- Noelle, 19:43:28 11/13/09 Fri
  • ((((Murphy Family))) This has to be stressful for all of you. Fingers crossed blood will be normal. Yes some teachers just shouldn't be teaching. I've a good friend who moved schools b/c the teacher wouldn't let her DD go to the bathroom although she has some liver/kidney disorder and orders from the doc. (NT) -- CindyS, 20:47:11 11/13/09 Fri
  • A part of the treatment plan needs to be addressing the school related stress ! Some changes need to be made at the school when this is the result. (NT) -- FranS, 21:01:24 11/13/09 Fri
  • Nothing is more upsetting than seeing your child upset and unwell. Hugs for you Carla! (NT) -- Sheila, 03:40:11 11/14/09 Sat
  • He's much too young to feel stressed at school. Something isn't right for sure. (((Murphy family))) (NT) -- Denise, 06:38:01 11/14/09 Sat
  • This teacher agrees about the school issues! Would it be a huge deal (and it might at that level) to make a class change? Some personalities do NOT work and teacher with students is sometimes a forced issue that shouldn't be. Hope he feels better! (NT) -- BetsyG, 07:13:06 11/14/09 Sat
  • Thats really sad that stress from school is causing this. I hope you can make a class change for his sake. It would be nice for him to like school so he would want to continue. Hope he feels better soon, and hugs to you Carla. (NT) -- M&M, 09:24:58 11/14/09 Sat
• Ryan's Daughter. These pictures put me in mind of that moody, evocative film. A LOT. (NT) -- Gayle, 20:44:18 11/13/09 Fri

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• Pictures inside>>> -- celtgirl, 19:19:55 11/11/09 Wed
  • LOL - Whitebread 'bout busted a cap in Mickey's ass didn't she? I was impressed :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 15:09:20 11/12/09 Thu
    • I would have loved to have seen this!! I love when WB get's all gangsta. It comes so natural to her. (NT) -- Noelle, 15:41:16 11/12/09 Thu
      • Denise and I missed the gangsta, we had an earlier bedtime than those party animals. Or perhaps it was our extreme gansta-ness that kept Mickey away until after our departure??? (NT) -- PeggyB, 16:42:12 11/12/09 Thu
      • She told him to "back the f*ck up" literally. I was very impressed and slightly scared. (NT) -- Carla, 20:32:04 11/12/09 Thu
• One more thing, Derry was where Elaine presented me with my beautiful quilt- I don't actually have a picture of me with it, so if someone could post that I'd really appreciate it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 19:24:01 11/11/09 Wed
• Oh I meant to add this one of Mary and Sheila in too- Mary is doing her little seductive bar dance here>>>> -- celtgirl, 19:37:27 11/11/09 Wed
• Here is the Quilt - well it's draped over Cindy & Elaine so you can't see it clearly, but it's beautiful..trust me *g* The picture was actually taken in Doolin. (NT) -- Mahri, 19:52:12 11/11/09 Wed
  • Here's a picture that includes Mahri, and thankfully not me! >>> -- E, 09:14:51 11/12/09 Thu
    • I think the drive along that coast is honestly one of the most beautiful drives I've ever been on- I did it many years ago, and it was just as stunning the second time. I tell everyone that goes to Ireland that they simply must see N. Ireland, but many people still think it's too scary there, when really the peace has been holding for a long time, other than a few blips in Belfast. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:30:44 11/12/09 Thu
      • I was enthralled with the Antrim coast....but then I'm a coastal gal. I think the farthest inland I've ever lived was when I was in college in Ashland, Oregon, and even then the coast was only a couple hours drive away. (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:03:23 11/12/09 Thu
    • Oh that's a much better shot of the quilt Elaine - can you email me picture in original size? (NT) -- Mahri, 14:59:45 11/12/09 Thu
    • I love the pictures and I love that quilt. I'm a huge fan of quilts. They remind me of my grandmother. (NT) -- Noelle, 15:45:27 11/12/09 Thu
• Bobbie and I got separated from the pack after the morning tour. We ended up having a delicious lunch at the top of the oldest shopping centre and its restaurant overlooked the city. We walked around Derry and sometimes used the map but most of the time just walked on with nothing but some great conversation! I had an absolutely wonderful time with Bobbie that afternoon! I remember getting ready for the 6 o'clock toasting time for Arthur. Sheila and I just couldn't get down a straight Guinness so we had the bartender mix it with blackberry juice - is that the right juice, I can't remember. Once that happened Guinness was allll good. I got the bartender to put a little Shamrock on top of all of our beers too! (NT) -- Tracy, 20:12:11 11/11/09 Wed
  • It's black current liqueur, Tracy! You're just too cute :) (NT) -- Carla, 20:31:45 11/11/09 Wed
    • That's it! Actually, when I looked at my pics, I remembered we had half pints at that! I've got the sweetest pics of you and Ron. With Cindy's blessing I'm posting my pics in a slideshow cuz there were too many to post inside. You and Ron look gorgeous together in the pics! (NT) -- Tracy, 20:52:51 11/11/09 Wed
      • Hahaha....blackberry juice!! So gangsta!! (NT) -- Noelle, 15:47:11 11/12/09 Thu
• Twilight Alert! Nightline is does a segment on Forks tonight! It's on now in the CST zone. All the places we went for those of us who went to Seattle a couple of years ago. They've gotten on the bandwagon now! (NT) -- FranS, 20:54:50 11/11/09 Wed
  • Too funny, that woman moving her family out from, where was it? Ohio?, to start her Twilight business. I can't imagine uprooting the family on a whim like that, and moving to such a remotish spot as Forks. Heck, the Hoh tribe was hiring a fish bio when I was looking for a job last year, and I didn't apply 'cause I'd pretty much have to live out there during the week...no way I'd get away with moving the teenage DS's out there! (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:21:26 11/12/09 Thu
• Some of my Derry pics. In one of the pics you will see the red/white/blue painted curbs - that's a shot of the small Protestant neighbourhood - the only one in Derry if I remember correctly.
  
  (NT) -- Tracy (), 20:54:53 11/11/09 Wed
  • I was having camera problems in Derry, so I don't have photos that would add to what's been posted. I will say that the Bloody Sunday museum in the Bogside was an intense experience. And listening to our city guide Martin describe the city he grew up in and his optimism for the future was touching as well. One story he shared was of a schoolmate of his, Richard Moore, who was blinded by a "rubber" bullet. Richard has gone on to found a charity "Children in Crossfire" that has received awards for its work on behalf of children in poverty CLICK HERE (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:26:51 11/11/09 Wed
• This was the part of the trip that I'd really been looking forward to, although I also knew it would be painful (in more ways than one!). A few pictures inside. >>> -- E, 06:08:53 11/12/09 Thu
  • Great pictures, Elaine! I used that Free Derry one in my talk because it really carries an impact. I had forgotten the detail of the one with the butterfly so am glad to have that info too. I'm glad to see a good picture of George too! (NT) -- FranS, 06:55:35 11/12/09 Thu
  • Owie, Elaine, I didn't realize you sustained an injury in that tumble. Tailbone's take forever to heal (((Elaine))). (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:20:14 11/12/09 Thu
  • Oh what we do for our art! Sorry to hear that it took so long to recover from the embarrassing injury. Your bad ankle, my bad knees - we'd make quite the pair! Great picture though. Also the others too, of course. (NT) -- Denise, 11:51:33 11/12/09 Thu
    • Yeah, no pain, no gain, eh? (NT) -- E, 14:36:08 11/12/09 Thu
• Renfro! I am going to make your Chicken Tortilla soup tonight. We dont have Rotel here but are they canned tomatoes? Also, do you put the avocado on top of the soup or mix it in? (NT) -- Tracy, 07:59:25 11/12/09 Thu
  • Not Ren, but Ro*tel tomatoes have diced chilies in them, you can probably substitute another brand, here's their website CLICK HERE (NT) -- PeggyB, 08:06:57 11/12/09 Thu
    • Ok, I'll look for spicey diced tomatoes then, For some reason when I saw the recipe title I thought of that orangey coloured cheesy Mexican soup which DBF likes so I couldn't picture that soup with tomatoes in it. (NT) -- Tracy, 08:16:42 11/12/09 Thu
      • If you can't find diced tomatoes with diced green chilies in them, you could probably use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies....I didn't see Ren's recipe, but no, Tortilla soup in my experience is not cheesy. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:17:32 11/12/09 Thu
  • just make sure you don't use Italian diced or anything thick. Rotel is very thin in liquid consistency. Even if all you can find is plain, you can usually find Ortega diced green chilis in those small cans and throw those in there. (NT) -- Renfro, 09:45:00 11/12/09 Thu
• OT...is it just my computer? Our Secret Santa board is REALLY secret :-) Thank you shamrock Shindiggers. I'm thoroughly enjoying your trip. It's an up close and personal travel documentary. (NT) -- GinnyJ, 09:49:30 11/12/09 Thu
  • The Secret Santa board is back in dazzling color. My computer must have had a couple of hiccups as I could just see, the head icons, one small fairy pic and Besty Loo Hoo. Everything else was yellow on yellow. (NT) -- GinnyJ, 09:55:45 11/12/09 Thu
    • Those Christmas elves must be related to the leprechauns! Glad it's all better for you now. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:22:40 11/12/09 Thu
• Derry was the most difficult of our stops. I walked out of the Free Derry museum feeling like I'd been through a Waring Blender (and not in the good sense like Linda Rondstadt). To imagine that the fellow in the museum relives the day his brother died everytime he comes to the museum is incredible. What strength of character and committment to his beliefs! The 'troubles' were even more 'in your face' in Derry and a gut wrencher at times. (NT) -- Denise, 11:57:58 11/12/09 Thu
  • I think I was somewhat in shock after visiting that museum (maybe that's why I was the last one out). I can't imagine being there every day, all day, listening to the soundtrack and surrounded by those memories. Takes stronger nerves than I have. (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:52:05 11/12/09 Thu
  • Felt the same way. It was the part of the trip I'd anticipated the most, and it did not disappoint. Lots of emotion. (NT) -- E, 14:33:00 11/12/09 Thu
• Derry was the place I felt we got to know the best in Northern Ireland, it's such a wee city you can really walk around easily and get a feel for the place. The guide in the Bloody Sunday museum had me in tears, just the thought that he spoke of his brother's death so many times each day; what a truly generous act to share his pain with strangers in the hopes of a factual report on what happened that day and to educate people about what happened. The part that appalled me the most was the realization that behind the wall with it's militant Protestant slogans was a daycare, picture inside >>> -- Carla, 12:00:57 11/12/09 Thu
  •   (Regarding Carla's inside comments) Martin, our guide, also mentioned that the head of that large boarded-up church (Derry First Presbyterian) had called him and they were going to renovate and reopen it. (photo from Panoramio.com). (NT) -- PeggyB, 13:13:58 11/12/09 Thu
    • Martin's mother apparently witnessed the shootings from a window in an apartment building on Bloody Sunday, but didn't learn until later that her son was one of the victims. Incredibly heartbreaking, to hear those kinds of personal stories. (NT) -- E, 14:35:23 11/12/09 Thu
• Well I'm late :-\ Glenn came home early today...sick!! Slight fever, sore throat, achy - I hope it's not the flu..ugh! Anyway, Derry held a vibe for me, I wasn't expecting it. This was the day my virus/cold/bug started, woke up with a slight fever and felt like crap most of the day...despite that, I really felt something for city. Early this year I found out one side of my immigrant family was from Derry - whether that had anything to with it or not or it was as Carla said, because we got out, walked the streets, got closer to the neighborhoods, I don't know but even though all I really wanted was to go back to my room, take a hot bath and lay down, wee Derry touched me. It was an emotional day for sure! I don't have many pics different from what's already been shared but here's a few of mine >>>>>>. -- Mahri, 14:57:32 11/12/09 Thu
  • ((Glenn)) Hope you feel better soon --- and you can be selfish with those germs! (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:28:07 11/12/09 Thu
• I must say it's another fine day of photos and stories Shammies. Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I'll get to Ireland someday. (NT) -- Morgan, 20:15:35 11/12/09 Thu
• Posting exceptionally late, but just had to share. Derry was one of the most moving places I experienced on our trip. To walk the same streets and see the buildings and places where so many were killed, injured. I've never felt anything like that...chilling right to the bone. I have great respect for Mr.Duddy who tries each day to enlighten people about the events of BS and hope that the truths of that day will one day be recognized by NI's Gov't. Ok I'm getting emotional again. Happy thoughts...Guiness, Friends, Music, Laughter, Smiles, Hugs, Memories forever. (NT) -- CindyS, 22:36:17 11/12/09 Thu

"Good craic is always social."
(http://www.ireland-fun-facts.com/craic.html)

Next week we return to our regular Craic. BUT....we're out of craic hosts! Any volunteers can send me an email.

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Replies:

• I'm in for next week - consider this my email! (NT) -- Ren, 09:42:31 11/12/09 Thu
  • or whenever, just saw you've got yourself marked for the 15th (NT) -- Ren, 09:43:17 11/12/09 Thu
    • If you want next week, not a problem, I can fill in whenever. Let me know if you want next week or a different week. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:17:33 11/12/09 Thu
      • k, I'll take next week. (NT) -- Ren, 11:10:33 11/12/09 Thu
• It occured to me today that I don't think I ever explained to the "pub at large" what the format for this week was. Better late than never, we are moving, more or less chronologically through the Shindig with different shindiggers hosting each day. Here is the schedule as it was planned:

  Sunday -- Dublin
  Monday -- Newgrange, Ballygally, & Mt. Stewart
  Tuesday -- Belfast
  Wednesday -- Giants' Causeway, Bushmills, & Ulster Folk Park
  Thursday -- Derry
  Friday -- Inishmore & Cliffs of Mohr
  Saturday -- Doolin, Ennis, Adare, Galway, etc. (NT) -- PeggyB, 22:10:42 11/12/09 Thu

[Edit]

Replies:

• Outstanding! (NT) -- E, 15:13:55 11/11/09 Wed
• WOO HOO! Congratulations sweetie! You could slip down and plant one on Bono from there! (NT) -- Sheila, 15:23:02 11/11/09 Wed
• Congrats, Mahri!!!! I feel so outta the loop on music. I think I will try for tickets to the Seattle show, I've heard they are awesome live. I don't know what the ticket costs will be though, yikes. (NT) -- PeggyB, 16:31:30 11/11/09 Wed
  • The pre-sale ticket prices today were $35, 55, 95 & 250. I can buy two more tickets (at any venue) with my subscriber code - I've offered the code to Nalana for Anaheim but if she doesn't want or can't use it, I'll be glad to give it to someone else. Seattle's (and Anaheim's) pre-sale ends tomorrow at 5pm though...so there is a deadline. (NT) -- Mahri, 17:29:06 11/11/09 Wed
    • D'oh!!! I thought the email I got said the presale started NEXT Tuesday, it was actually THIS Tuesday. Jeeez, gotta make a decision here. Dang! (NT) -- PeggyB, 17:41:20 11/11/09 Wed
      • Seattle goes on sale to the public next Tuesday - haha yea make a decision already ;-) (NT) -- Mahri, 17:44:47 11/11/09 Wed
        • I just checked, there are tickets available....ugh I hate crowds. Guess I'll go talk to Morgan about it. (NT) -- PeggyB, 18:08:40 11/11/09 Wed
          • GOT 'EM! Could have gotten some excellent (I think) seats but couldn't pull the trigger to spend over $500 for two tickets!!! June 20th, Qwest Field, Seattle. Thanks for waking me up on this Mahri. (NT) -- PeggyB (), 20:04:15 11/11/09 Wed
            • Oooh, that's great, Peggy! Have fun! (NT) -- Leigh, 20:33:45 11/11/09 Wed
            • Oohhh glad you got 'em Peggy - so where are your seats? (NT) -- Mahri, 15:49:37 11/12/09 Thu
              •   Upper deck, section 306 (on the upside, we may be under cover, good if it rains). I could have had tickets in section 236....but they were too rich for us. (NT) -- PeggyB, 21:39:46 11/12/09 Thu
• Whatever you paid for the tickets, you will not regret it Marilyn. I have seen them in incredible seats and from the nosebleeds and they are always, always one of the best bands I have EVER seen perform. How great your seats are will really depend on where and how the stage is set up in the stadium, but even if you're staring at the back of their heads all night the energy in the place and the show they put on will be more than worth it. (NT) -- Carla, 17:02:10 11/11/09 Wed
  • Oh you're absolutely right Carla - being anywhere in the stadium, hearing the music...I will be thankful :-) The stage looks really open though so if I'm able to actually see the boyos, I'll be in heaven :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 17:38:24 11/11/09 Wed
  • I agree with Carla - doesn't matter what your seats are like - you'll have a blast, girl! I've had tickets ranging from general admission, standing fairly close to the stage, seats 7 rows back from the stage and nosebleed - and I've loved every minute of every one of those concerts I've been to! I'm absolutely ecstatic for you that you're finally seeing the boyos live! (NT) -- Leigh, 20:33:07 11/11/09 Wed
• Oh how exciting, this is like if I scored George Michael tickets- so I know how excited you are- WOOHOO!!! (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:06:53 11/11/09 Wed
  • YES, exactly - it's been a long time coming (ha and a long time to wait yet). I almost feel eerie here - Ireland twice in a year, now U2 - hope I'm not working on a bucket list here and don't know it ;-\ (NT) -- Mahri, 17:43:15 11/11/09 Wed
    • If you get access to CBF THEN you'll know your time is almost up :) Might be worth it though, going out with a bang, so to speak. (NT) -- Carla, 20:33:46 11/11/09 Wed
      • I predict a long and healthy and all-access life for the Gatekeeper! (NT) -- Tracy, 21:12:16 11/11/09 Wed
• Congrats! I hope they turn out to be as good as they look to be. (NT) -- FranS, 17:15:06 11/11/09 Wed
• YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE MAHRI !!! Maybe you will be close enough to throw your panties or your bra!!!! (NT) -- Tracy, 17:30:14 11/11/09 Wed
  • LOL - Glenn will be with me....hmmm on second thought he might actually be ok with that given I'd be without said articles for the rest of the night ;-) (NT) -- Mahri, 17:48:23 11/11/09 Wed
    • Okay that made me laugh out loud!! hahhahha!! I'll call ya in the morning girl. I got in around 5:20, but by the time I got dinner on and was settled it was after 9 and I didn't want to bug ya! :-) (NT) -- Lil, 20:50:20 11/11/09 Wed
• Oh Lucky, I still regret I haven't gone with Brittany this past Oct, she was too far for $70 but she loved it! (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup, 18:26:34 11/11/09 Wed
• Lucky you! Enjoy yourself no matter where the seats are! (NT) -- Denise, 18:48:15 11/11/09 Wed
• Congratulations, Mahri!! I know you must be super excited. I'd say the lower section of 138 looks pretty darn good. (NT) -- Noelle, 15:39:31 11/12/09 Thu

[Edit]

Replies:

• Happy birthdays, Shammies!! (NT) -- Renfro, 05:57:56 11/11/09 Wed
• Hope you both have fun on your special day, L & L! Happy birthdays! (NT) -- E, 06:03:26 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Happy Birthday Lee & LucyAnn, hope you both have a wonderful day! Tis my Mama's birthday today too :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 06:50:53 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Shammies. Hope you have a fantastic day. (NT) -- Fiona, 07:07:10 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy birthday, gorgeous ladies!!! (NT) -- LindaT, 07:09:30 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Ladies, have a ShammieTastic day! (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup, 07:19:10 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy birthday Lee and Lucy!!! I hope you enjoy your day and that it's full of pressies, cake and kisses! (NT) -- Tracy, 07:31:10 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday to the both of you!! I hope your day is well spent with spoiling yourself (or others spoiling you) !!! *g* (NT) -- Lil, 07:54:47 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Lee! Happy Birthday Lucy! I hope you both have a wonderful day! (NT) -- Leigh, 08:20:23 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Lee and Lucy, I hope you both have a fabulous day! (NT) -- celtgirl, 08:48:56 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday, Lee and Lucy! I hope you ladies have an 'L' of a good time today! :-) (NT) -- Sallie, 08:56:51 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday, Ladies (hey, it's Wednesday after all *g*) (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:14:43 11/11/09 Wed
  • Holy carp (as Tanya would say)! I'll have a piece of that! (NT) -- Leigh, 00:28:47 11/12/09 Thu
• Happy birthday lovely ladies!!! (NT) -- Denise, 09:17:24 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy birthday wishes to both of you bonnie lasses. Hope your days are fun and memorable. (NT) -- Morgan, 09:18:58 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday x 2, Lee and Lucy. Hope you both have a day filled with smiles. (NT) -- GinnyJ, 09:39:42 11/11/09 Wed
• Thanks All and Happy Birthday Lee! The best thing about having to work today is that there was NO TRAFFIC this morning! Yea!!! (NT) -- LucyAnn, 10:23:16 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Lee!! Happy Birthday Lucy!! Hope you both have a lovely day. :) (NT) -- Lanette, 11:18:39 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday to you both, Lee & Lucy!! Hope you have a fabulous day!! (NT) -- Noelle, 12:17:06 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday, Lucy!! I hope you are having a lovely day. Thanks Shammies for the b-day wishes. I am having a day of complete relaxation, something that's been rare lately. :-D (NT) -- Lee, still in PJs and it's past noon, 12:21:22 11/11/09 Wed
• Who's cutting the cake?*g* Happy birthday guys! (NT) -- Sheila, 14:42:28 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday!!! (NT) -- Angel, 16:54:53 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday, Ladies! I hope you're both being suitably spoiled and pampered by your families. (NT) -- Carla, 17:02:43 11/11/09 Wed
• I hope you two each had lovely days. (NT) -- FranS, 17:09:59 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday Lee and Lucy! (NT) -- M&M, 18:05:55 11/11/09 Wed
• Happy Birthday you two!!! (NT) -- Whiskey Eyes, 18:54:47 11/11/09 Wed

[Edit]

Replies:

• Sorry, no glittery letters! I've placed a few pictures inside >>>> -- Denise, 21:19:44 11/10/09 Tue
  • OH MY! Those are gorgeous Shammies in those photos!! I'm definitely downloading these for my personal files! I didn't get a chance to spend time with you, Denise or Peggy or Tracy, but these pics make me feel like I was a part of it. :-) (NT) -- Lil, 21:50:25 11/10/09 Tue
    • Thanks, Nalana! It's funny, the first time I watched the slideshow it kept repeating several pictures, adding more new ones on each repeat - weird! The pictures aren't in the same order that I arranged them in either. Oh well, what do you expect from me! Please be patient if you also encounter these problems! (NT) -- Denise, 03:58:55 11/11/09 Wed
    • You were missed, Nalana. So glad we got to see you at the airport. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:31:36 11/11/09 Wed
      • Yeah, at least I had the chance to give you a quick hug before I headed into the airport for my flight home. (NT) -- Denise, 11:37:52 11/11/09 Wed
• I've been playing around with this all night and have been having numerous problems! I set up a slideshow on the photobucket site called 'Giant's Causeway' but don't know how to post it over here. Maybe someone can move it over for me - please? (NT) -- Denise, 21:21:40 11/10/09 Tue
  • 
    (NT) -- For Denise, from Lil, 22:07:16 11/10/09 Tue
    • Oh jeez, guess I should've put pic descriptions in the title vs the description yea :-\ (NT) -- Mahri, 06:53:11 11/11/09 Wed
      • I tried to pick the best pics, and yours were often 'it'. For the pictures I placed inside the first post, I couldn't get my own pictures to work for some reason, either nothing showed up, or I got a red X, Did I ever blow a lot of time trying to figure this out, and I still didn't get the results I wanted. Oh dear! (NT) -- Denise, 07:17:37 11/11/09 Wed
        • Aww you did great Denise - it just takes practice (which obviously I've had alot of since I keep posting loads of pics everyday eh ;-) (NT) -- Mahri, 07:33:31 11/11/09 Wed
          • Thanks, Mahri, at least I tried! (NT) -- Denise, 13:01:33 11/11/09 Wed
• NO time for pictures at present,(dinner time) just a sharing...Giant's Causeway was amazing, but I don't have the group photo so if anyone has a good one, please email it to me! It also stands out in my memory, as there I was on the phone to Australia, it was reasonably cool (cool enough that Mary found me some gloves to buy in the gift shop) when I see the CIE bus starting to toodle off down the driveway. Now, not only could the bus driver obviously not count to 14 but none of my newly found friends even noticed I wasn't on the bus. Did my self-esteem no end of harm I can tell you! (NT) -- Sheila, 02:18:32 11/11/09 Wed
  • Maybe all that fresh air made us too drowsy to count properly! (NT) -- E, 06:19:52 11/11/09 Wed
    • No you can't use that excuse. Drowsy happened after we all had free tastings at Bushmills, all of sudden the bus went quiet and Shammies were napping everywhere! (NT) -- Sheila, 15:01:57 11/11/09 Wed
      • Nope, I really *can* use that excuse. I was beat from walking back up the hill (torn Achilles tendon) and all that lovely fresh air. George didn't drive more than a few yards before he stopped, though. That's what you get for being such an independent spirit! (NT) -- E, 15:18:09 11/11/09 Wed
  • LOL, the tribe has/had spoken ;-) I thought you were right behind me girl - in fact I had just put my bag in the back and starting to make my way to my seat when George started rolling. I would've noticed you weren't there if I'd been situated *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 06:55:32 11/11/09 Wed
  • I would have noticed eventually :) ! (NT) -- Tracy, 07:32:06 11/11/09 Wed
  • Figured you got tired of waiting for us and had hoofed it over to Bushmills to start the tasting! (NT) -- PeggyB (**d&r**), 09:53:02 11/11/09 Wed
  • Oh, NO, She!! How could they drive off without you!!? How far did the bus get before it stopped? (NT) -- Noelle, 12:15:58 11/11/09 Wed
    • Not far, we all started yelling to wait! He had made a count but we were all moving around too much to be accurate! (NT) -- FranS, 13:42:19 11/11/09 Wed
• OT: Happy Veterans Day to all of those who have served (or are serving)! (NT) -- LindaT, 07:10:25 11/11/09 Wed
  • To the Marines: Oo-RAH! To the Army: Hooah! To the Navy: Hoo-YAH! And to the 101st Airborne: Geronimo!! (NT) -- Renfro, 07:42:41 11/11/09 Wed
    • And to the Air Force: Good morning! (this is a joke in our office with the one civilian who is former Air Force). *g* (NT) -- Lil, 07:57:29 11/11/09 Wed
• Is it Veterans day or Remembrance day here ? In Europe, today is the Armistice, the treaty of Peace signed that stopped World war I in 1918, so it is a big deal for all of us European. It is a remembrance to all who died or fought during all the wars, so my thoughts go to all of them and my great-grand father who was in that war. Denise, another great resume of all the good things that I've missed not being with you all, again, I'm jealous but so happy to see your pictures 'g'. (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup, 07:26:02 11/11/09 Wed
  • In the USA it used to be called "Armistice Day" (from WWI), after WWII it was changed to "Veterans Day" and honors all military regardless of when they served. (NT) -- PeggyB, 08:35:50 11/11/09 Wed
    • It's Remembrance Day for us here in Canada, Isabelle. We have services across the country at 11AM and a moment of silence. We lay wreaths of poppies here too, and also wear poppies on our coat lapels for the last couple of weeks, we take them off at 11 AM this morning. (NT) -- celtgirl, 08:41:34 11/11/09 Wed
      • I was in Vancouver last year around this date and wondered why everyone was wearing them, I had to ask Lee about it. We don't do the poppy thing here. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:21:32 11/11/09 Wed
      • I was confused because in France for instance, 'Veterans Day' is May 8th. I remember the poppy flowers from England, that's what they do too but I guess it's no big surprise for you. I had never seen the poppy done before I lived there. (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup, 09:46:36 11/11/09 Wed
        • You're not the only one who's confused....add me to the list. We have Memorial Day at the end of May. I think it began as a remembrance day for Veteran's died in combat, but it's meaning has evolved beyond that. At our church, our memorial day service is a time to remember anyone we love who has passed on. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:27:08 11/11/09 Wed
        • Years ago, when I was a child, I remember having those poppies also. Guess we just don't do that anymore. (NT) -- E, 13:29:32 11/11/09 Wed
      • I always think of the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae a Canadian doctor who served in WW1 when I see the poppies on lapels. Come inside for the poem and its background. -- Carla, 17:12:15 11/11/09 Wed
        • It's a very touching poem. memorized it myself as a child and helped many classrooms to recite it for assemblies, but it never loses its impact. (NT) -- Denise, 18:44:35 11/11/09 Wed
• The Antrim coast and the Causeway were beautiful. I think this is where I picked up the cold bug though, it was quite windy and chilly. I didn't get a good group shot either, this is the best one I have. I have a couple more Shammie pics picked out to post later (NT) -- Mahri, 07:47:18 11/11/09 Wed
  • I tried to find this picture but couldn't locate it! Thanks for posting it, Mahri, it really shows the unusal geological features of the rock -and of course the gale force winds! (NT) -- Denise, 09:23:55 11/11/09 Wed
• I was very late posting photos yesterday, but if anyone's interested they are at the bottom of yesterday's Craic (including a touching shot, imho, of celtgirl signing the Peace Wall). (NT) -- PeggyB, 08:37:09 11/11/09 Wed
  • While I'm here....I absolutely loved the Antrim Coast. Gorgeous country. One thing I don't think we've mentioned was the weather. We couldn't have had better weather for N. Ireland, I don't think we ever got wet. The one place I did see rain was at Giants' Causeway-- but it fell while we were snug inside eating lunch and passed before we headed out again! Inside for a few Giants' Causeway photos >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB, 09:02:45 11/11/09 Wed
    • I hadn't seen those pics Peggy! Those are too funny. I'll have to get copies. Thanks Cindy - you are a lifesaver! We did have fantastic weather for the whole trip, I think. A few raindrops but nothing big. Maybe Sheila felt a wee bit cold a few times :) (NT) -- Tracy, 09:29:15 11/11/09 Wed
      • I think the Causeway was the first time she bundled up...but then so did I :-) >>>> -- Mahri, 09:42:15 11/11/09 Wed
      • I'm old school, Trac. I shot film, so I have to scan, crop, edit, then upload. Phew! My computer has been giving me some issues, so I'm just putting these in my flickr account. I'll try to get them copied over to PB at some point. (NT) -- PeggyB, 09:51:33 11/11/09 Wed
      • Yep, that day was cold! The only other day that comes to mind was the delightful Saturday we left, after my Cujo attack, and the wind blowing all night..... (NT) -- Sheila, 15:09:04 11/11/09 Wed
    • That's so true, the overall weather was really pretty good, wasn't it? It seemed like the sun was playing hide and seek when we were at Giant's Causeway. Some of my shots have a grey sky, and others have great lighting. But we could hardly have asked for better weather that week. (NT) -- E, 12:29:47 11/11/09 Wed
    • George, the busdriver, explained that Ireland gets the Gulf Stream and so the climate is moderate all year with very little snow or ice and temperatures vary from the 40s to the 70s. It was somewhat overcast most of the time and misty in the mornings, but not really that cold at all. (NT) -- FranS, 13:53:00 11/11/09 Wed
• Here's a few goofy pics >>>> -- Mahri, 09:54:26 11/11/09 Wed
  • Looks like you guys were hitting the Tracy's Bailey's while Fran, Denise, and I were off planting the letterbox! (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:15:04 11/11/09 Wed
  • Who let them off their leash while in Ireland? (NT) -- Renfro, 11:10:43 11/11/09 Wed
  • OMG!!! LMAO - look at She's legs! (NT) -- Tracy, 11:56:05 11/11/09 Wed
    • I tried to get a shot where all of your feet were off the ground, but I think this one is the best I could do- Sheila's right up in the air though. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:01:17 11/11/09 Wed
      • Well She didn't have as much weight to try and lift off the ground as I did hahaha - if nothing else this will serve as a reminder to me not to attempt this in the future :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 13:33:04 11/11/09 Wed
    • Well I was trying to balance the picture ....obviously! (NT) -- Sheila, 15:02:45 11/11/09 Wed
      • You two are funny!! That was one of my favourite pics and skipping with Cindy was a fav too! (NT) -- Tracy, 17:33:13 11/11/09 Wed
  • Omg.....those pictures are so CUTE!! WooHoo!! (NT) -- Noelle, 12:20:06 11/11/09 Wed
  • Here are some more candids and MAHRI you will laugh at the first one! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Tracy (), 12:41:03 11/11/09 Wed
    • And a few more from that folk park. One picture I made us all lean sideways because I had to place my camera on the rocky wall and it was leaning. The funny things was - we leaned the wrong way!!! LOL!!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Tracy (), 12:57:37 11/11/09 Wed
      • There I am, 'Potato Farmer's Wife' circa 1844.....however when an Irishwoman wants to drape a wool shawl on your head, you don't say no. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:15:45 11/11/09 Wed
        • That's a great picture! (NT) -- FranS, 13:59:15 11/11/09 Wed
      • See we are spatially challenged. I seem to remember Cindy has a super one of you in this doorway Trac! (NT) -- Sheila, 15:07:59 11/11/09 Wed
        • I do have a great one, I think I sent Tracy a copy- didn't I, Trac? (NT) -- celtgirl, 17:07:53 11/11/09 Wed
          • The potato famer's daughter weather girl? Is this the one?>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Tracy, 17:40:23 11/11/09 Wed
            • It's like Tracy is singing like Snow White and waiting for a wee blue bird to land in her hand. (NT) -- Noelle, 21:52:17 11/11/09 Wed
      • What number were you at, when you took those pictures Tracy? (NT) -- Carla, 17:15:28 11/11/09 Wed
        • Bawhahaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! I still CANNOT BELIEVE I asked you and Ron that. I still lmao off at myself. Hmmm...is that a good thing? (NT) -- Tracy, 17:34:29 11/11/09 Wed
        • Hahahaha (NT) -- Mahri, 17:50:24 11/11/09 Wed
    • Hahaha ACCESS!!! I'll never use this word w/o thinking of it's alternate meaning again *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 13:35:09 11/11/09 Wed
  • These are great! (NT) -- FranS, 13:55:28 11/11/09 Wed
• We are not having a good week around the 'B' household. >>> -- TanyaB, 10:21:25 11/11/09 Wed
  • OMG, Tanya, this has got to turn around soon. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:30:59 11/11/09 Wed
  • Girl, you need a spa day (NT) -- Ren, 11:11:51 11/11/09 Wed
  • I just can't believe it! Don't we say it comes in 3 ? It should slow down now doesn't it ? I'm really sorry that all is happening at the same time, poor DS, but that shouldn't come as a surprise to your DH, he just took you for granted, but good for you, enough is enough! (NT) -- IsabelleKiltup, 12:02:50 11/11/09 Wed
  • ((( TanyaB and boys ))) wish I was close enough to hug you in person.... hang in there honey! Was the parade fun today? (NT) -- MaryC in KY, 12:02:59 11/11/09 Wed
    • Yea, the kids had fun. It rained right up to start time, so the marching bands had all given up and gone back, but we went by the school after so they could see Chase play his drum. They all think he's so cool!! (NT) -- TanyaB, 12:30:36 11/11/09 Wed
  • 'They' say bad things happen in threes, so maybe you're in the clear now! Here's hoping things look up real soon. (NT) -- Denise, 13:04:05 11/11/09 Wed
  • God, when it rains it pours. This has to end now! Don't give up hope, Tanya, despite all these sad developments. (NT) -- E, 13:31:34 11/11/09 Wed
  • Hang in there, kid! I'm glad you're going to get legal advice. Your boys are learning some tough life lessons, one of which is don't give up! (NT) -- FranS, 14:06:20 11/11/09 Wed
  • Go by a lottery ticket Tanya, the luck has to change somewhere soon. I am so sorry you keep having such a tough time. (NT) -- Sheila, 15:03:40 11/11/09 Wed
    • I was just telling DS1 that I should play the lottery. Maybe I could win enough to get everything settled!! (NT) -- TanyaB (), 16:15:30 11/11/09 Wed
  • {{{{{{Tanya}}}}}}} (NT) -- LindaT, 15:09:15 11/11/09 Wed
  • ((((Tanya)))) Hang in there girl!! (NT) -- Mahri, 15:14:22 11/11/09 Wed
  • Vibes for peace, strength and hope to you and your boys, ((((Tanya)))) (NT) -- Lanette, 15:35:19 11/11/09 Wed
  • (((Tanya))) (NT) -- Carla, 17:16:55 11/11/09 Wed
  • (((Tanya))) (NT) -- Tracy, 17:41:53 11/11/09 Wed

Last edited by author: Tue November 10, 2009 07:15:12   Edited 4 times.
[Edit]

Replies:

• You're right Trac, Kelly's Cellars does look much scarier in broad daylight. ;) (NT) -- celtgirl, 07:18:16 11/10/09 Tue
  • Hahahaaaaa..it does doesn't it? Can you just picture us slowly creeping up the dark alley with our Baileys bottle and wine wrapped in a brown paper bag feeling so scared but desperately wanting a dangerous adventure? Heheheeee. That was FUN! (NT) -- Tracy, 08:52:40 11/10/09 Tue
• The murals are amazing, some are touching, others scary. DS#2 asked why there are pictures of guns on the buildings....that's gonna be a long discussion. I was glad that George was willing to vary the schedule a bit at take us through west Belfast.....clearly we were off the tourist track. Visiting and signing the "peace wall" was a very touching event. If I have time when I get home tonight, I'll post a couple of photos of that. (NT) -- PeggyB, 07:59:15 11/10/09 Tue
  • It really would have been a shame to only see the Loyalist side of things, which was why we asked George to take us to the Republican side, and that was just a tiny slice of it too. I really feel even more fortunate that I had that day with Mick four years back now, because he really gave us such an indepth view of the Republican world and neighbourhoods. We were talking to a man from that area this time and he said that was extraordinary that Mick did that for us, because it simply is NOT done. (NT) -- celtgirl, 09:22:58 11/10/09 Tue
    • Your commentary and insight was great because I found myself thinking or saying "wow, this is where Casey walked that day", or "that's where Pat and Pamela marched". I thought I included my photo of the hill top where we thought Jamie's mansion would be. Does anyone have that one? (NT) -- Tracy, 09:53:51 11/10/09 Tue
      • I can add that when I get home tonight. Stuck in a meeting in Santa Cruz at the moment. Lovely day on the California coast, BTW (at least what I can see of it through the windows of the conference room). (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:02:24 11/10/09 Tue
        • If you can't locate it, Peggy, I have one that I took when I was in the Belfast Wheel. (NT) -- E, 11:13:00 11/10/09 Tue
          • That's probably a better shot! (NT) -- PeggyB, 11:54:05 11/10/09 Tue
            • I'd really like to see that one, E. if you don't mind. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:19:03 11/10/09 Tue
              • It's not really very exciting. The sky certainly didn't cooperate that day. >>> -- E, 15:11:57 11/10/09 Tue
                • I've posted mine w-a-y below. (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:35:54 11/10/09 Tue
• Tracy the pixs look wonderful. You did a great job. And I'll vouch for the Bailey's - yum yum. Seeing the contrast b/w the locked down catholic school and the beautiful open brightly colored protestant school broke me. Truly, I was so angry and hurt that I wanted to scream and cry. It still gets me teared up. I even dreamnt I went back to play escort for those girls so they could get to school safely *g*. (NT) -- CindyS (needs to find green sparkle letters), 09:04:57 11/10/09 Tue
  • Here is a photo of the Catholic school that was in the middle of a Protestant neighborhood. It looks like a mini-prison with its high fencing and all the windows covered. (Tracy, I didn't see this among your lovely photos - hope I didn't miss it.) >>> -- E, 11:21:17 11/10/09 Tue
    • It's in there - just a small size of someone else's. (NT) -- Tracy, 11:31:12 11/10/09 Tue
• Great pics, Tracy! Spending time in the Protestant and Catholic neighbourhoods, seeing the murals, the homes and the differences in the communities (and the similarities) was a real eye-opener. There's definitely a sense of energy and life to Belfast, though, it's not a grim place in general. Seeing Crumlin Road Gaol, where many Catholics were held before their sham trials, the Ardoyne, the Shankill, all of it brought Cindy's books to life. I would definitely like to go back and spend more time in Belfast just wandering around and getting to know the place. -- Carla, 09:32:38 11/10/09 Tue
• One of my favourite Belfast memories this time, was just a quiet silly one. Bobbie and I were in a cab with a friend and he knew the driver- Belfast is very small town that way- anyway it's very late- sorta wee hours actually and that song 'True' by Spandau Ballet comes on the radio and I start singing along and then the guys join in and then Bobbie too. After the song was over the driver said, 'well I think it's fair to say we all came of age in the '80s'. The discussion naturally went on to other '80s artists and when I told them about my George obsession they spent some time reassuring me about what a fine musician they thought he was. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:23:53 11/10/09 Tue
  • Spandau Ballet is apparently touring, I took a photo of a promo sign in Dublin and saw another in Belfast. (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:36:57 11/10/09 Tue
    • Are they really?! Wow! I saw them back in the early 80's and they were brill!! LOL (NT) -- Leigh, 18:29:55 11/10/09 Tue
      • Yep, they're touring Europe, here's their website CLICK HERE (NT) -- PeggyB, 20:46:19 11/10/09 Tue
• O/T I think I've mentioned before that Isabel Allende is one of my favourite authors- I found this talk of hers yesterday that is just funny and heartwrenching and so worth watching. She is a real character, which always comes through in her writing, and is part of why I love her work so much. Even if you haven't read her books, this talk is worth listening to.>>>> -- celtgirl (), 11:12:32 11/10/09 Tue
  • O/T did I tell you that I ordered Wolf Hall? (NT) -- Tracy, 11:32:08 11/10/09 Tue
    • I think you posted about it- I'm about two thirds of the way through it now, and still really enjoying it. (NT) -- celtgirl, 11:40:09 11/10/09 Tue
  • I was reading one of her books on the palne to and from Dublin. Was a tad spicier than I thought would be so I'll definitely check out more. (NT) -- CindyS, 13:29:38 11/10/09 Tue
    • My favourite is 'House of the Spirits', though her memoirs about her daughter's illness and death are really wonderful too. The first one chronicles Paula's illness, and the second one was essentially her telling Paula how their lives had been since she died. It was just wrenching, but funny and beautiful too. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:34:07 11/10/09 Tue
  • Cindy, I really enjoyed listening to her. I have seen her name so many times but don't think I have ever picked up one of her books. CIndyS, which one did you read? (NT) -- Sheila, 15:12:35 11/10/09 Tue
• Thank goodness my talk is over and everything went well. The slides (thank you Shammies!) looked great even when projected on a screen and I got my talk covered in 20 min., which means I talked fast and covered the Plantation and Battle of the Boyne in one paragraph ! I just covered the first week and left out the Ulster Folk Park at that. There were about 20 there and I was acquinted with about half of them so my voice cooperated and I'd gone over it so many times I didn't need my notes much. Only 2 of the members had been to Ireland, one of them 5 times. Now I'm going to go out on the patio and read because it's a beautiful day. (NT) -- FranS, 12:02:40 11/10/09 Tue
  • Yes, isn't today just amazing?!? That's why I rode to work today, couldn't pass up the weather. Glad your talk went smoothly! (NT) -- Ren, 12:21:17 11/10/09 Tue
    • Ren- You know that soup you mention that you make from time to time- is it tortilla soup? I would love your recipe if you wouldn't mind sharing- if it's a family secret passed down for generations then don't worry about it, but otherwise I'd love to try making it, if you don't mind passing along the recipe. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:30:04 11/10/09 Tue
      • DH owes you a recipe, too!! Now I just gotta remember to tell him!! (NT) -- Noelle, 14:03:51 11/10/09 Tue
      • I looked to see if I had my friend Kay's Tortilla Soup on my computer and I don't, but I do have this one for Rancher Beans that is quite good if you'd like to try it.>>>>>>>>>>>> -- FranS (), 14:37:20 11/10/09 Tue
        • Oh thanks, Fran- I love baked beans. My mom used to do them up with brown sugar and molasses and make johnny cake to go with it- those were some of my favourite winter dinners. I'll print this off. BTW, I think you would probably really like Isabel Allende's books- I highly recommend 'The House of the Spirits' I read it a few years ago, and it's still with me. (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:59:37 11/10/09 Tue
      • CG, it's by no means a generational thing, inside for the recipe>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Renfro, 15:10:55 11/10/09 Tue
        • oh yeah, skin the chicken after browning it. forgot that part. (NT) -- Ren, 15:12:55 11/10/09 Tue
        • Had to look up Rotel :) The recipe sounds really good, I think two out of three boys would eat it (and that ratio is as good as it ever gets). (NT) -- Carla, 15:38:06 11/10/09 Tue
        • I had the worst mouth burn with Rotel and Veleeta Cheese - EVER!! My father's wife made the dip and it came right outta the oven and I was ruined for days. I hate when the upper part of my mouth is burned. So I've got an issue with Rotel since. (NT) -- Noelle, 15:50:36 11/10/09 Tue
          • Velveeta out of the oven/microwave is the equivilant of burning magma. (NT) -- Renfro, 15:54:07 11/10/09 Tue
            • That shizzates is worse then burning sugar. It wrecked me for days. (NT) -- Noelle, 15:59:14 11/10/09 Tue
        • Thanks so much, Ren, this looks mouthwatering. (NT) -- celtgirl, 16:09:42 11/10/09 Tue
  • Congrats on the good job Fran! Wonder how many will have their flights booked by year end. (NT) -- CindyS, 13:31:14 11/10/09 Tue
  • Glad it went well Fran, Congrats!! :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 14:24:19 11/10/09 Tue
  • Wow, take a bow Fran!! I have just found out I have to give a 10 minute presentation in front of secondary Principals in a couple of weeks, and to put it bluntly, I am shitting bricks! I need some of your gumption I am afraid. (NT) -- Sheila, 15:14:06 11/10/09 Tue
  • Glad it went well, Fran and that the pictures worked on the big screen. (NT) -- Carla, 15:39:55 11/10/09 Tue
  • Bet you're relieved. You put a lot of work into it, and now you can relax! (NT) -- E, 15:51:02 11/10/09 Tue
• One of the fun parts of Belfast for me was our city tour guide Billy/Liam. I tired to put all my thoughts here (out front) but I went too long..come inside >>>> -- Mahri, 12:32:24 11/10/09 Tue
  • A few more pics >>>> -- Mahri, 12:36:39 11/10/09 Tue
    • I love the harp and Trinity symbols in the iron fence. One thing we learned is that Ireland is the only country to have a musical instument, harp, as it's national symbol. It's also on one side of their Euros and was on their Irish coins. On Guiness too, of course! (NT) -- FranS (), 12:47:46 11/10/09 Tue
  • I remembered that he was funny, but thanks for the refresher on what he actually said. I look like such a dork in this picture. I'll have to remember to stand on the back row in future. (NT) -- FranS, 12:44:20 11/10/09 Tue
    • You most certainly do *not* look like a dork! You look lovely as always. (NT) -- E, 15:09:10 11/10/09 Tue
  • What are you talking about, Fran? You always look so nicely put together- you do not look like a dork at all. Glad your talk went well. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:22:58 11/10/09 Tue
  • Mahri!! I had forgotten that about the Titanic and saying it to Sheila! I am lmao now!!! (NT) -- Tracy, 18:28:11 11/10/09 Tue
• Thanks for the good vibes ladies, Zoe is now home and resting comfortably on T3s. They only took the wisdoms today, the doctor cut back the gums around the molars and hopes that will be sufficient and they won't have to remove them. I was just as glad because eight teeth all at once was making me nervous. (NT) -- celtgirl, 13:24:17 11/10/09 Tue
  • Oh good she's home and comfortable :-) Hopefully her swelling won't be too awful bad and the pain stays managable. (NT) -- Mahri, 14:26:10 11/10/09 Tue
  • Sending healing vibes for poor Zoe. I'm glad she didn't get the 8 out at once cause that would have been waaay painful. After a good nights sleep she'll be feeling better. Maybe you should pop one of those T3's for yourself with a vodka chaser. (NT) -- Noelle, 14:27:33 11/10/09 Tue
  • The wisdom teeth can be enough to cope with! When Mike had his out, we bought him some peanut brittle that he loved *g* His face puffed up so badly and he was yellow and blue for a week or more! Sending hugs for you and Zoe. (NT) -- Sheila, 14:50:03 11/10/09 Tue
  • Great news, glad it's over. I hope she won't need any further procedures for those molars. (Would you believe I still have 2 of my wisdom teeth?) (NT) -- E, 15:22:25 11/10/09 Tue
  • Glad to hear it went well and Zoe is recovering under the influence of some lovely pain meds. I have all of my wisdom teeth (not that you'd know it by the way I act some times) so hopefully your girl will get to keep hers as well. (NT) -- Carla, 15:43:36 11/10/09 Tue
  • Yikes, wisdome teeth are bad enough on their own, nevermind 8 altogether. I hope the T3 helps. (((Zoe))) (NT) -- Tracy, 19:37:15 11/10/09 Tue
  • Take care Zoe!! (((quick healing vibes))) (NT) -- Lil, 20:39:35 11/10/09 Tue
• Let me just start off by saying there is nothing more that I love then sparkling green lettering!! Tracy, did you have a straw in that bottle of Bailley's? I love what George said about the Titanic "it was fine when it left here!" - Priceless. What was so scary about Kelly's Cellar? I would marched right in there and ordered me a Guinness!! Busted a few caps while I was at it. (NT) -- Noelle, 14:09:03 11/10/09 Tue
  • Kelly's is really rough, it's in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, which was an extremely violent area in the 70s and 80s. I actually went there at night and it's very much a hardcore Republican bar- mostly there was a really scary guy at the bar that stared at me without blinking for so long, that finally we left. Also moved on because I wanted to find some good music that night and no one was playing at Kelly's. (NT) -- celtgirl (), 14:11:56 11/10/09 Tue
  • You know Tracy girl - Cindy told us she left Kelly's cuz it was even too rough for her so when Tracy spotted it at the back of the alley it went something like this: "ooohh should we go in *giggle*, I think we should go in *giggle*'. Can you imagine the looks we would've gotten had we gone in...with Tracy all clinging to one of us and saying stuff like 'ooohh danger' *giggle*, 'is that an IRA man over there' *giggle* Hahaha too cute! (NT) -- Mahri, 14:20:41 11/10/09 Tue
    • Sounds like those men were even more gangsta then The Notorius White Bread!! though I think she would have won them over with the giggle. I can definitely see how that one played out. (NT) -- Noelle, 14:32:57 11/10/09 Tue
  • The Titanic thing was so funny! I had said I really wanted to see it ( Imeant the dock) but Tracy leans over and touches my arm gently, just like one would do to someone a bit tapped in the head,and says, with eyes sparkling but expression very serious 'It's not there you know"! And when she got busted by that worker, hahahaha. Mind you MIke saw my pics and said, what was behind you so I showed him the dry dock..he started channelling you Mahri! (NT) -- Sheila, 14:36:29 11/10/09 Tue
    • I think if I'd been there, I would have yelled at you guys too- yeesh, if you'd fallen...... (NT) -- celtgirl, 14:53:41 11/10/09 Tue
      • I have to say I agreed with the guy who yelled at Tracy :) She and Sheila were giving me the shivers and not in a good way! (NT) -- Carla, 15:46:35 11/10/09 Tue
    • I'm glad I didn't see it in person - I still get the heebie jeebie feeling just thinking about you leaning over the cliff at Dun Aengus *shiver* (NT) -- Mahri, 15:14:13 11/10/09 Tue
  • "It was fine when it left here." Was apparently available on T-shirts for a while, but I couldn't find any while we were there :( (NT) -- Carla, 15:45:47 11/10/09 Tue
    • I would have so loved that t-shirt!! Reminds me of when I was little and the ice tray. The ice tray was never filled but no one ever claimed to ever use the ice. My favorite saying "I don't even like ice". Which is true I hate cold drinks but pass the buck..... (NT) -- Noelle, 15:55:45 11/10/09 Tue
• U2 in Seattle in June....just got a presale email for Tuesday. Who wants to come to Seattle?? (NT) -- Peggy via ipod, 14:41:24 11/10/09 Tue
  • Lucky sod! (NT) -- Sheila, 15:14:48 11/10/09 Tue
  • ME! I've wanted to go to Seattle for a long time, let alone with or without U2. *G* Hope you can get some tix, Peggy! Good luck! (NT) -- Leigh, 16:08:15 11/10/09 Tue
  • I'm trying to get presale tics tomorrow at 3pm for Philly....gawd I hope there's some left :-) (NT) -- Mahri, 18:19:38 11/10/09 Tue
    • Got everything crossed for ya, Mahri! (NT) -- Leigh, 18:24:45 11/10/09 Tue
      • Thanks girl...I'm hoping real bad - hubby says since we aren't doing any major trips (read expense) next year, I don't have to go for cheap seats either :-) Man, I hope something good is still out there...but I'll take whateva *g* (NT) -- Mahri, 18:34:52 11/10/09 Tue
• OT: A worried mom could use some vibes, come inside for the details >>> -- Carla, 19:05:42 11/10/09 Tue
  • ((((Carla and DS1)))) It's probably not a serious problem but you are SO right in getting it checked out. (NT) -- Denise, 19:08:41 11/10/09 Tue
  • It would be a holiday tomorrow- good vibes that he's feeling alright tomorrow. (NT) -- celtgirl, 19:23:32 11/10/09 Tue
    • Oh it's not a holiday in Ontario (terrible, I know). This appointment was made last week after the two day headache and was the first one we could get. (NT) -- Carla, 19:25:30 11/10/09 Tue
      • What? Remembrance Day isn't a stat there? I thought the whole country was off tomorrow. (NT) -- celtgirl, 19:34:47 11/10/09 Tue
  • Sending vibes that it's something small and easily taken care of as well as soothing vibes for a worried mom ((((Carla and DS1)))) (NT) -- Renfro, 19:28:11 11/10/09 Tue
  • (((((Carla and family))))) vibes streaming to you!!!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 19:29:22 11/10/09 Tue
  • Ohhh Carla! I hope Liam will be ok and doesn't have anything more than a bump on his head. Give him hugs for me and vibes to you are on their way!! (((Carla and Liam))) If you need anything, let me know. (NT) -- Tracy, 19:35:36 11/10/09 Tue
  • Oh ((((Carla & DS)))) sounds scary but I hope it's nothing serious girl. Calming vibes to you! Be sure to let us know what the doctors say on Thursday. (NT) -- Mahri, 19:36:20 11/10/09 Tue
  • That first episode sounds like a migraine headache. I'm so glad you already have an appointment. Best wishes and keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well. (NT) -- FranS, 19:43:52 11/10/09 Tue
  • Carla, I hope the doctor can give you answers and that it is nothing serious. Sending along positive thoughts and calming vibes. (((Carla and DS)))) (NT) -- Sallie, 19:48:45 11/10/09 Tue
  • Oh my! I hope all is well. ((((Carla & DS)))) (NT) -- Lil, 20:37:12 11/10/09 Tue
  • Poor baby, I hope nothing further develops. Do keep us posted. Passing along those vibes. (NT) -- E, 21:30:31 11/10/09 Tue
  • Sending vibes that it's nothing serious, Carla. Poor guy must have been scared. Let us know how the appointment goes. ((((Carla & DS1)))) (NT) -- Noelle, 21:47:58 11/10/09 Tue
  • Definitely a great idea to get DS seen to by your doctor! Hope it's nothing serious. (NT) -- Leigh, 01:20:00 11/11/09 Wed
•   Come inside for Spandau Ballet, Napoleon's Nose, celtgirl doing graffiti, select gable-end art, and fish in public places >>>>>>>>> -- PeggyB (), 20:31:29 11/10/09 Tue
  • These pictures are great, Peggy- I would love to get copies from you, but read up above that you're doing this 'old school'. :) Here you are saying this is a touching photo, and I'm looking at it thinking, 'wow, I was having a good hair day!'. (NT) -- celtgirl, 10:11:07 11/11/09 Wed
    • I can email the ones you want to you, let me know. As far as I'm concerned....you had a great hair week!!!!! (NT) -- PeggyB, 10:24:19 11/11/09 Wed
    • I have a couple of lovely 'hair' pics for you, bugger the wall*g* (NT) -- Sheila, 15:07:04 11/11/09 Wed