tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22778314537285497822024-03-14T01:30:08.879-04:00On The Road AgainComments on life, travel, our upcoming RV trip and anything else that crosses my mind.Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-1007693873233455042013-01-30T06:03:00.003-05:002013-01-30T06:03:47.409-05:00Happy Half Birthday to me!Hello again,<br />
<br />
I just realized that today is my half birthday. Six months from today I will be turning 50. I can't believe it, but it's true. How did that happen? Where did the time go? I am so glad that I am celebrating life and honoring my Mom by doing what she loved as well. Traveling, enjoying good food, and most importantly - always trying to make the best of things. <br />
<br />
The weather has been against us most of this trip but today is sunny and bright. It is warm and comfortable - probably in the 50's. I am off to spend the rest of the morning shopping and walking around town. This afternoon we are headed for Blarney!<br />
<br />
I am about week behind (still) in my posts but I will persevere!<br />
<br />
I hope wherever you are, you are having a wonderful day.<br />
<br />
Now that I have had my half birthday in Ireland, I am open to ideas to celebrate my 50th birthday in style back in the States with my friends. Comment away!<br />
<br />
<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-29247785729659557482013-01-30T05:33:00.000-05:002013-01-30T05:33:48.441-05:00Post Van the Man and the next day....<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We got back to <a href="http://www.ennislarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ennislare House</a> after the Van Morrison show without incident. I even managed not to fall in the slush or get my feet soaked in the puddles.<br /><br />We got up on Monday, had breakfast and planned our day with Ann's help. She offered to drive us up the hill and suggested we take the train into Belfast from there. She recommended that we take the bus tour of the city. So that is exactly what we did. Like New York, the tour bus was a double decker. Unlike New York, the train was clean, beautiful, on a schedule, and on time. It was a other cold and wet day so the bus had plastic up where the 'open' part would normally be. It was impossible to take photos but I took some anyway through the too thick plastic and the rain drops.<br /><br />The tour guide on the bus excursion presented a balanced view of the issues that plagued Belfast. He did not 'lean' in either direction. Mostly he described all the steps that are being taken to create a lasting peace. One of the solutions to getting everyone on the same team was to a tally create a team - a hockey team. The plan was to have players from all over forge ahead as a united front with fans routing them on. It was a good idea in theory but it seems that 80% of the team is Canadian and 10% is American. Hopefully that last 10% are creating the bond that was the original intent.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />At the end of the bus tour we went into <a href="http://www.crownbar.com/" target="_blank">The Crown Bar</a> and shared a 'Stew and Stout' before getting on the train back to <a href="http://www.ennislarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ennislare House.</a> We spent some time enjoying the house and eventually went back up the hill and back to <a href="http://www.theava.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ava</a> for dinner. We really are creatures of habit. Actually, the food was really good and we just wanted more! We went back up the hill, hung out in the common room for awhile and called it a night.<br /><br />Northern Ireland is beautiful. The signpost when we crossed into Northern Ireland had the Northern part crossed out in black magic marker, which I found interesting. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Irish do have a way with words. All the hostilities and fighting and bombings and killings are referred to as 'The Troubles'. World War II is referred to as 'The Emergency'. You have to love their gift for turning a phrase.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We didn't spend as much time as I would have liked in the North, but I do hope to come back again. I would also like to learn a bit more of the history so I am better informed when I return.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">P.S. Please excuse any typos or grammatical errors and/or auto-correct. I usually preview my posts and read through them but I am having Internet issues so it is posting as is.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I hope you are having a great day! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-31676159681927607782013-01-29T16:48:00.001-05:002013-01-29T16:48:17.566-05:00Van Morrison Set ListHello again!<br />
<br />
Trying to play catch up and failing miserably.<br />
<br />
Here is the set list from the Van Morrison show. It was a wonderful evening and I am so glad we decided to be crazy and go to this show. I am happy to know that it was a benefit and that the exorbitant price we paid for tickets were for a good cause. LOL<br />
<br />
Enjoy the music.....I know we did!<br />
<br />
Celtic Swing<br />
Only a Dream<br />
Beauty of Days Gone By<br />
Going Down to Monte Carlo<br />
End of the Rainbow<br />
Have I Told You Lately<br />
Can't Stop Loving You<br />
Unchained Melody<br />
Philosopher's Stone<br />
Pagan Heart<br />
Dead or Alive<br />
Drumshambo Hustle<br />
Moondance<br />
Jackie Wilson Said<br />
Bright Side of the Road<br />
Brown Eyed Girl<br />
Help Me<br />
<br />
Encore<br />
Gloria<br />
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Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-14996313544158410342013-01-29T06:10:00.001-05:002013-01-29T06:10:11.849-05:00Dinner at Van MorrisonHere is the four course dinner menu from the evening at <a href="http://www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa/" target="_blank">Culloden Estate and Spa.</a><br />
<br />
A Trio of Irish Seafood<br />
Organic Glenarm Salmon<br />
Spiced Crab<br />
Beech-smoked Mackerel Pâté<br />
with Marie Rose Dressing<br />
<br />
Cream of Leek and Potato Soup<br />
<br />
Daube of Northern Irish Dexter Beef<br />
from Jason Hamilton of Carnbrooke,<br />
Dorm area, County Down<br />
<br />
Slow cooked in a Red Wine and Thyme Jus,<br />
Scallion Mash, Roast Honey Carrots<br />
and Cauliflower Mornay<br />
<br />
Steamed Chocolate Pudding<br />
with Chocolate Sauce and<br />
Glastry Farm Chocolate Heaven Cream<br />
<br />
Bewley's Resort Blend Coffee and<br />
Thompsons's Family Finest Teas<br />
<br />
Petits Fours<br />
<br />
I hope you all enjoyed dinner!<br />
<br />
My next post will be the set list.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!!<br />
<br />
<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-54980377221589176622013-01-25T21:38:00.002-05:002013-01-25T21:38:04.039-05:00Is there anybody out there?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am curious if anyone is reading these posts?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just checking...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks!</div>
Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-55086201415323432692013-01-25T18:16:00.000-05:002013-01-25T18:17:50.830-05:00 Van Morrison<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
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What can I say?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What a magical day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We left Sligo in the morning and made our way to Northern
Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was cruddy –
slush on the roads, rain, sleet and hail again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was grey and overcast when it wasn’t wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The further north we went the better
the weather got but from we heard everywhere the cities and towns were shut
down by the two inches of snow that everyone got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got to Bangor in the early afternoon but then we couldn’t
find our way to the B&B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
drove around awhile trying to go where Google told us the building should be
and then we saw someone to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was raining and cold and so I followed him upstairs and his girlfriend (wife?)
came out in the hall with her device of choice (Kindle? Nook?) and looked up <a href="http://www.ennislarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ennislare House</a> and found the same misrepresented map as I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told us where to look for it and we headed on down the road again. We still couldn’t find
it – but they were very nice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally went to a gas station and Ken called and got
directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it was
Sunday and we hadn’t planned ahead and gotten local currency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the Republic of Ireland uses
euros, Northern Ireland does not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They use British pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
didn’t have any change in euros either so he had no choice but to use the
credit card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The call cost 8 dollars
and 10 cents plus the 3% our credit card will charge us for the international
fee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was one expensive phone
call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the upside – we did
finally find the B&B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a large van parked right in front and it was blocking the sign from the
street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our room was absolutely gorgeous and it had a fabulous view
of Bangor Bay from a big bay window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We met Ann who was incredibly helpful and friendly and fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She offered to loan us money until we
could get to a bank the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We said no thank you but I loved the fact that she offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out we should have said yes
– but that story is for later in the narrative.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We knew we needed to get a bite to eat because the first
thing that was going to happen at 6PM was the champagne hour at the Van
Morrison ‘event’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ann told us
about a lovely restaurant that was open on Sundays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost every town we drove through was shut down completely
because it was Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
concerned we wouldn’t find anywhere to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ann offered to drive us up to the top of the hill where the
restaurant was on her way to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We accepted gratefully, and went to <a href="http://www.theava.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Ava Restaurant</a>. We tried to eat
light but the food was too good. It was tapas style and we ordered one dish too many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had the most delicious assortment of breads!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We walked back down to <a href="http://www.ennislarehouse.com/" target="_blank">Ennislare House</a> and I took a shower and
got ready for the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken took a
shower and soon we were on our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was all dressed up in my sparkly jacket over my black tank top and
black pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken was wearing what
he calls his ‘puke’ shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
loves this shirt but jokes that it looks like someone threw up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so excited about this event that
I even put on some makeup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed down the road to <a href="http://www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-estate-and-spa" target="_blank">Culloden Estate and Spa</a>. The parking lot was slush and I was
wearing dress clothes – not a good combination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked the car and found our way inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were looking for the Stuart Suite
and we followed signs through the whole building to find the Suite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty obvious, pretty
quickly just how swanky this place was. It was equally obvious that the people who were there for the show were in a whole different league.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I joked to Ken that they
weren’t going to let riff raff like us stay for the show.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We checked out coats and got some champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a HUGE champagne fountain
just for show in the center of the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one was taking pictures of it because I guess to them it was no big
deal but I was blown away by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
decided to ‘behave’ and not be a ‘gauche American’ – so I didn’t take any
pictures of it…on the way in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did finally break down and take pictures on the way out but it wasn’t as
impressive then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had started
taking stuff out of the room by then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were escorted to our table and sat down opposite a couple
who were from the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually, two young (everyone seems young to me these days) women from
North Carolina sat to Ken’s right, and to my left was a guy from Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he was from the Vancouver area
but I could be wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between Ken
and the two ‘girls’ (they really were women) were two guys from Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our table for 10 had nine people at
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of those nine, seven had come
from overseas to see the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
those seven, five had come just for the weekend specifically to be there for
the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All 5 of those folks
stayed at the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were the
‘poor’ people at the table and boy did we feel it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was networking going on all over the place and we were
just sitting there minding our own business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found out that the event was a fundraiser and there was a
silent auction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bid
what you will pay silent auction, not an outbid the last person’s bid kind of
silent auction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the lowest opening bid amount was 250 BPS (British Pounds Sterling) which is equivalent
to almost 500 dollars US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
couple across from me asked if I had pen so they could fill out the paperwork to
bid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The won a great John Cleese
piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine what they
must have bid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then we found
out they got it to give to their son for his 13<sup>th</sup> birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even imagine cash flow like
that! But I digress.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
[Is this post long enough yet?]</div>
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<br /></div>
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Dinner started at 7 PM and went until 9 PM when the show
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will fill you in on
dinner and the show in my next post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t mean to make this one as long as it is and if you are still
reading – thank you for putting up with this diatribe!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-72382907346690776062013-01-25T17:47:00.002-05:002013-01-25T17:47:52.623-05:00So much for the front door...I don't know why the photo of the front door isn't showing up in my last post. It didn't show up on Facebook either :(Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-33477369833323203332013-01-24T14:03:00.000-05:002013-01-24T14:03:01.303-05:00Clifden, County GalwayI am falling so far behind in this blog that I may never catch up. Here is the photo of the front door I tried to post a few nights ago. I don't remember if I tried to post it here or on Facebook - but here it is.<br />
<br />
We are off to dinner. I will try to post again later.<br />
<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://EC2826B2-EA82-4A19-8CDE-5D5051824304/imagejpeg" />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-58558308789655316452013-01-24T06:21:00.000-05:002013-01-24T06:21:08.529-05:00BallinaHello from Pittsfield's Sister City - Ballina (pronounced BA-lee-nah)<br />
<br />
I know I have not been keeping up out here but internet is hard to come by in some places.<br />
<br />
Now, I have internet but no time to write.<br />
<br />
I just wanted to check in and let you all know that we are having a wonderful time and I will catch up out here as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
I hope you are having a great day wherever you are.<br />
<br />
<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-51233625782466094222013-01-21T18:38:00.001-05:002013-01-21T18:38:11.356-05:00I think we are up to Saturday. Let's see if I can remember where we have been...<br />
<br />
We left Ashbourne at noon on Saturday and headed to Galway. We spent the afternoon shopping and wandering around. We had a quick bite at <a href="http://www.thecellar.ie/" target="_blank">The Cellar</a> which was very good and then were on our way again. We decided to spend the night closer to Belfast so we didn't have as far to go before the <a href="http://www.vanmorrison.com/" target="_blank">Van Morrison</a> show on Sunday night.<br />
<br />
We found The St Anne's B&B in Sligo. It was interesting in that it was more of a boarding house than a Bed and Breakfast. The first thing we were told is that we could have the first B but not the second B. We were told that it was difficult to find anyone to come in early in the morning so there was no breakfast. Since I am not a huge fan of breakfast and we had to get on the road early, that worked for us. The room was incredibly PURPLE! There was purple everywhere you looked. The bedspreads, the curtains, even the toilet seat! Out back was a beautiful pool but it was a bit nippy for a dip this time of year.<br />
<br />
The room had three beds - a double and two singles. It was a large room but not particularly 'inviting'. There was a communal room with a TV and a balcony for smoking. The above mentioned purple striped toilet seat was cracked and held together with tape. I just saw a review from October commenting on the taped toilet seat.<br />
<br />
There were two other people that we met while we were there and neither of them was 'on holiday' and staying at the B&B which is why I think it is more of a boarding house at this point in time. It was almost as if the lady of the house ran it and passed away and now her family is trying to carry on. I have no idea what the real story is but that is as good a guess as any.<br />
<br />
I will say that the room was clean and the bed was comfortable enough to get a decent night's sleep. In the end, that is what mattered to us most that night so no complaints here. Well - one....the internet didn't work upstairs and I had to sit outside in the cold or downstairs on the steps between the first and second floor to have a signal that would last about three minutes before I had to shut down and then reconnect to get it reestablished. So much for St. Annes...<br />
<br />
I think that about sums up Saturday. More next time...<br />
<br />
Good night!<br />
<br />
<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-21753655705587225922013-01-21T15:01:00.001-05:002013-01-21T15:01:47.879-05:00The set list - as promised!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo Guthrie</a> at The Venue Theatre in Ratoath, Co. Meath, Ireland - January 18, 2013<br />
<br /><a href="http://www.jessklein.com/" target="_blank">Jess Klein</a> was the opening act - I do not have that set list.<br />
<br />
It was one long set with one encore...<br />
<br />
Oklahoma Hills<br />
Pretty Boy Floyd<br />
St. James Infirmary<br />
Haleiwa Farewell<br />
When a Soldier Makes it Home<br />
Deportees<br />
1913 Massacre<br />
I Hear You Sing Again<br />
Do Re Mi<br />
Alabama Bound<br />
City of New Orleans<br />
In Times Like These<br />
This Land Is Your Land<br />
<br />
Encore: My Peace<br />
<br />
Did I mention that it was a wonderful show?!Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-2128486182677018812013-01-20T21:12:00.003-05:002013-01-20T21:12:47.761-05:00Day 3 - Friday aka January 18th, 2013<br />
<br />
I am being specific with the day/date because I am rapidly losing track!<br />
<br />
We started the day in Dublin and ended the day in Ratoath, County Meath. Well, actually we ended the day in Ashbourne because there are no hotels in Ratoath.<br />
<br />
We left Dublin in the morning and headed north to Ratoath. The weather was awful. Rain, sleet, hail and snow. Fun enough driving weather when you are in your own car, on familiar roads on the right side of the street. Now try it in a rent-a-put, in a foreign country and on the wrong side of the road. It was less than ideal but we didn't let it stop us. <br />
<br />
We had a bit of a time trying to find a place to stay. We discovered that there are no hotels in Ratoath and the 2 B&Bs are not operational in the winter. One looked really lovely - at a farm out in the middle of nowhere. The other looked kind of like the house from The Brady Bunch but with the weather I was hoping they would just give us a place to crash. No such luck.<br />
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We drove into the next town and found a very Neuvo-European-Chic looking hotel - <a href="http://www.theresidentshotel.com/home.htm" target="_blank">The Residents Hotel</a>. The lobby was all white and glass with marble tiles floors (very slippery in bad weather) and funky looking furniture. We got a decent room rate but we were 'warned' about the 'club' attached to the hotel and the noise that we might experience because of the patrons. Apparently they got a lot of bad reviews online due to the noise and we had to sign a waiver that we were told and would not get a refund etc. I guess the bad weather helped because we didn't have any issues - thank goodness. The room was huge with a king size bed so that was very nice.<br />
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We stayed in the room for the afternoon because the weather was so ugly we didn't want to go out until we had to. There was no way to go sightseeing and we definitely weren't going walking around. At about 5 PM we headed out to dinner and had a wonderful meal at <a href="http://www.labucca.ie/" target="_blank">La Bucca</a>. It is another restaurant with an open kitchen and so we got to watch them prepare our food. It was pretty quiet when we got there but got busier and pretty crowded before we left. It was fun to watch them making food while we ate. We had a really nice waiter too, and that always adds to the enjoyment of a good meal.<br />
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After dinner we headed to <a href="http://www.venuetheatre.ie/" target="_blank">The Venue Theatre</a> at the Ratoath Community Centre for the first of the two <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo</a> shows on our schedule. We saw <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo</a> briefly before the show - said hello, caught up etc. The theatre is very intimate so although our seats were in the way back - they were still good seats. We had a nice chat with the sound guy - who was wearing a Ramones t-shirt.<br />
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I'll post a set list tomorrow - I'm too lazy to go up and get it and if I bring the laptop upstairs, I am likely to lose my signal. The show was very nice. <a href="http://www.jessklein.com/" target="_blank">Jess Klein</a> opened and <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo</a> did one long set before heading off the stage. He came out and did one encore. I think <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo</a> has some new fans in County Meath.<br />
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We headed back to the <a href="http://www.theresidentshotel.com/" target="_blank">Residents Hotel</a> and called it a night but not before becoming a statistic in Ireland - we lost a hub cap on the car. Sadly, we didn't notice in time to go back and look for it. I wonder how this will work out with our insurance....that should be worth at least a post or two when the time comes! <br />
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Ok - that's it....end of day three.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-17441742660605483792013-01-18T21:50:00.000-05:002013-01-18T21:50:01.477-05:00Day 2 or Talking in My SleepA new day dawns...or does it? <br />
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Yesterday started with Ken having a conversation with me that I have NO recollection of whatsoever. It seems that he was up and watching me sleep for about an hour. <br />
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Ken: Are you getting up today?<br />
Me: I don't think so.<br />
Ken: I'm going for a walk.<br />
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An hour later Ken returned to the room. I was still out cold. I had no idea that he left and no idea that he woke me earlier. I don't have any sense of having spoken with him at all. Anyone who knows me 'in the morning' will know that the language I speak at that time of day often does not resemble English. The fact that my response to him was intelligible speaks volumes (pun intended). Apparently, I was in another universe entirely. Needless to say - I did get up and we had a lovely day.<br />
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We walked around Dublin taking photos and heading in the direction of the <a href="http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx" target="_blank">Guinness Storehouse</a>. The beer itself hasn't been fermented there since 1988 but it is a nicely designed attraction that gives you the history of Guinness and it's importance and place in the history of Dublin and Ireland. They have, of course, a gift shop with everything Guinness you can possibly think of.<br />
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We had a pint at the <a href="http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/WeatherCam.aspx" target="_blank">Gravity Bar</a>. This is the top floor of the building (7 stories if memory serves) and 360 degree views from the glass windows. It reminded me of Windows on the World. I also learned how to pour the perfect pint. I have my certificate to prove it! </div>
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What I don't have is any other photos as I have discovered that my very old laptop is not compatible with my very new (large) memory cards. I guess most of the photos will have to wait until I return home and can upload then to my new laptop. Originally, we weren't going to bring a laptop at all so I bought lots of memory. It's good I didn't return said memory when we decided to bring the old laptop. I will try to take some photos on my old, small memory cards so I can post a few. <br />
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Anyway - back to yesterday...<br />
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At one point in our walk over to St. James' Gate Ken stopped me from taking a picture of a church. Apparently there were three guys who, as Ken put it, were either diabetic or shooting heroin. I was oblivious. All I was interested in was taking a picture of the building! Sometimes oblivious is a good thing.<br />
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We did get hit up 3 times in 5 blocks for money our first night in town. Luckily, I put my 'New York' on and just (sing it with me) walked on by...<br />
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Ken tried to post our photo taken at the Storehouse on Facebook but it posted a photo of the people before us. I tried to send it to myself as an e mail so I would have it and it doesn't appear to have made it into my in box. I guess there isn't supposed to be any damaging evidence of our visit to Guinness. <br />
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When we left St. James' Gate, it was drizzling and misty and cold and damp. All the things Ireland is famous for. It was dark and we were hungry. We had a 15 - 20 minute walk back to our hotel and to the restaurant where we planned to eat dinner. Enter the magic of tourism. Lined up outside the Guinness Storehouse was a row of horse and carriages. We took a lovely, albeit, blustery ride back to the Temple Bar area where we were staying and got out of the carriage a block from our hotel. We regrouped and headed on out to dinner at <a href="http://www.edenrestaurant.ie/" target="_blank">Eden Restaurant</a>.<br />
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The service was lovely, the food excellent, and we had the added fun of being able to watch the kitchen from our table. From there, we headed back to <a href="http://www.oneillsbar.com/" target="_blank">O'Neill's</a> for another evening of Irish music. We only wish they'd play longer and later. The music doesn't start until 9 PM and ends at 11:30. We wound up talking with a couple who had been to see <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo (Guthrie</a>) that night in Dublin. We knew about the show but decided to pass on it. It was nice to hear that it was a good show and just to hear folks talking about <a href="http://www.woodyguthrie.org/" target="_blank">Woody</a> and <a href="http://www.arlo.net/" target="_blank">Arlo</a>. <br />
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We walked back to our hotel and that is the end of Day Two. Dublin was quieter on Thursday night than it had been on Wednesday. That is a good thing as I wasn't nearly as tired!<br />
<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-69668306008367917902013-01-18T09:09:00.000-05:002013-01-18T09:09:15.716-05:00Day One in Dublin (aka 3 days later but I finally have internet)Welcome to Ireland!<br />
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We have been here a few days but this is the first time I have had reliable and usable internet. <br />
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I'll give you the short version - we left Massachusetts on time, we got to the airport on time, our flight left about half an hour late and still got in early. I don't remember airplane seats being quite so uncomfortable but I did get to watch my choice of a movie. I chose Bernie with Jack Black and Shirley MacClaine because someone (I can't remember who) just told me I should see it. Oh by they way - airplane food is as bad as I remember. <br />
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We got through customs quite quickly and our luggage was on the belt, undamaged and with nothing missing. Always a plus!<br />
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We upgraded our rental car (I could have packed more stuff!). It is diesel so it will get much better mileage and is less expensive to fill up. The car has a bigger trunk so all of our stuff in concealed, and I feel a little less vulnerable riding in it overall. It is silver so I am happy - I am not a fan of red cars. <br />
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I would post a photo but my card reader does not appear to be working. I don't know if it is the computer, the card reader or the card but I am trying not to panic. I assume all will be well when I get the card into my new laptop back home. This machine is pretty old and the card may just be too big for it to handle. I know I had that problem with my old camera.<br />
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Onwards and upwards...<br />
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We got in our rent-a-put and drove into Dublin proper. Actually, we sat in the car in the rental lot for half an hour looking at maps that made no sense. We finally decided to just drive and see where we wound up. Luckily, we wound up in Dublin! We parked on the street, found a place to stay and left our luggage at the hotel until our room was ready. Ken re-parked the car in a lot for the 2 days we'd be there and we walked everywhere we went. Dublin sort of reminded me of New York. It has pockets of neighborhoods, no parking and accommodations run the gamut from cheap to expensive. We chose a place that doesn't make it into the guild books but suited our needs perfectly. <br />
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After the car was parked, we went in search of our first pint of Guinness. We found ourselves at <a href="http://www.oneillsbar.com/" target="_blank">O'Neill's Bar and Restaurant</a>. The food was okay, the pint was good and we had a nice walk around the area.<br />
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We went back to our hotel - the <a href="http://www.riverhousehotel.com/" target="_blank">River House Hotel</a> in the Temple Bar district. We decided a nap was in order. We set the alarm for 5PM local time. We'd been up for about 24 hours at this point and thought 5 hours of sleep was a good plan. We both got up when the alarm went off though I don't think either of us was very happy about it at the time. We took showers - and were human again! <br />
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We went out wandering and had dinner at <a href="http://www.lesfreresjacques.com/" target="_blank">Les Freres Jacques</a> - a lovely French restaurant near our hotel. After dinner, we strolled around looking for (listening for?) live music and found ourselves back at <a href="http://www.oneillsbar.com/" target="_blank">O'Neill's</a>. They had wonderful live music and a rowdy crowd on a pub crawl. I was sitting next to two young guys - one from Australia and the other from 'back home'. He was from near Saratoga in Glens Falls. Small world. On the way out we discovered the name of the band (just two guys on guitar and banjo) were called All Folked Up! Gotta love it!<br />
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The music ended around 11:30 and we headed back to our room. It was a noisy night out on the streets of Dublin but we didn't hear a thing. We were out cold and enjoying dreamland. End of Day 1.Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-43800119546559533172013-01-13T22:20:00.000-05:002013-01-13T22:20:22.126-05:00Hi!<br />
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I know I said I'd 'fill you in' but that will have to wait. I just wanted to pop on to let you know that I am officially freaking out and overwhelmed with the 'stuff that's left to do before I leave' piece of going on vacation. <br />
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My check book is 50 dollars off...<br />
I have checks to deposit and I need to withdraw cash for the trip...and I have bills to pay before we leave town.<br />
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I have a book that has to go back to the library but I still need to get some information out of it for the trip.<br />
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I can't decide if I want to bring an umbrella or just get wet. (Feel free to weigh in on this one!)<br />
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I have paperwork I must drop off in town before we leave.<br />
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I can't decide what knitting project(s) to bring with me.<br />
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And the list goes on.....<br />
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On the up side -<br />
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All my camera batteries are charged and all my memory cards are empty. (Must find my card reader if I am bringing the laptop).<br />
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I finished weaving in the ends to my new shawl - I will post photos eventually.<br />
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The whites are in the dryer and the rest of the clothes are in the wash.<br />
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I bought a pair of pjs and matching slippers on sale for 10 bucks and they will be the first things I put in the suitcase. Oh yah - it's a new suitcase, too!<br />
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Norton (the 5 pound Yorkie) got a bath and he looks beautiful brushed. He smells good, too!<br />
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Ok - sitting here typing at you guys isn't going to make my 'to do' list any shorter. I feel better just having shared my panic with you. Thanks, as always, for being there for me :)<br />
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Until next time.....<br />
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<br />Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-44276667180813311382013-01-11T00:54:00.000-05:002013-01-11T00:54:07.062-05:00Long time no blog<br />
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And so it goes...time marches on and blogs fall by the wayside. I started this blog when I took my trip and stopped blogging when I got home. Well - it's time to take a trip again and someone asked if I'd be blogging. I guess this post answers that question.</div>
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My husband and I are leaving on Tuesday for Ireland and Scotland. Three weeks out of the country and so much to see and do while we are there!</div>
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I have been planning this trip for about 2 months and it is..as they say...crunch time.</div>
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I will fill you in a bit more when I have a little more time...but for now.....let's just say....</div>
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I'm baa-aaak!</div>
Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-18964013388588465232010-03-07T13:33:00.002-05:002010-03-07T13:52:36.400-05:00Deja Vu all over againWhen I was a little kid I was supposed to go to Disney World in Florida. I don't think any kid can get more excited than knowing they are going to Disney. The day before the trip - my grandfather wound up in the hospital and we couldn't go. Can you say disappointed?<br /><br />There were a few other vacation plans where the same scenario played itself out. I got all excited and then at the last minute the trip got canceled. I stopped looking forward to trips and only enjoyed then after the fact, for a very long time.<br /><br />So here I am - many years later. I am excited because I'm going to Disney World. I have been dancing around the house for weeks because, " I'm going to Disney!" I have been bugging my friend to go with me for 18 months and we finally had a plan. He was leaving yesterday to drive to Orlando and my flight was arriving today. The plan was he'd pick me up tonight, and tomorrow we'd be at Disney. Yesterday morning my phone rang. As soon as he said 'Hello' I knew something was horribly wrong. And unfortunately, I was dreadfully right.<br /><br />His 18 year old daughter's closest friend, (who was a mere 21 years old), was killed riding his bicycle - on the way to see her. I can't even tell you the devastation in her voice. He was struck from behind by a woman driving a mini van. A parent's worst nightmare.<br /><br />And then there is the trip to Disney - to go or not to go. And if we go - can we really have a good time. I'll let you know - I'm on my way to Disney.Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-82679857058374723822010-03-03T23:56:00.003-05:002010-03-04T00:32:46.009-05:00Is it really March already?Where is the time going? I know I am wasting most of mine - but at least I am having fun!<div><br /></div><div>I am leaving for Florida on Sunday. Disney World and a Mets/Braves game. Woo Hoo. That's the good news. </div><div><br /></div><div>The not such good news is that my friend's uncle passed away. He was a wonderful, kind, smiling man who always had something nice to say. It is a blessing that he is no longer suffering but he will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, Uncle Harold. </div><div><br /></div><div>My asthma seems to be getting the better of me these last few days. I am actually using the rescue inhaler to get some relief. I just want all this to be over with before I get on the plane. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to pack - which means I have to do laundry. I guess tomorrow is a good day for that. Friday night we have dinner plans with our friends who watched the house for us while we were gone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of being gone - one of the things I never posted about was visiting our old house in Lake Charles. We visited our former next door neighbor, Miss Deen, and then headed over to our house. Miss Deen informed us that the couple who bought it were no longer a couple and that the guy living in the house with the woman who actually bought it, was gay. The things you find out and don't need to know when you live next door to Miss Deen! She knows everything about everyone in that neighborhood. I wonder what she used to tell people about us! She told us again how much she missed us and how safe she felt when we lived next door. It was very nice to see her, and her schnauzer, Heidi. They were great neighbors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our house looks fantastic! The inside has been done over completely. The kitchen no longer has that horrible duck wallpaper. The archway is gone and the water heater was moved so the room is no longer divided by the kitchen cabinets that were hiding it. She put a wall where the door was between the two bedrooms which was something I would have done if I had been 'staying' in that house. The house now has central air and heat, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>The paneled walls in the living room were gone and replaced with sheetrock. She had the living room set up the same way I did. The room was so wide that we both put a long, narrow table against the wall and then a few feet in front of that put the couch (facing away) making a pathway between the back of the couch and the table as the entry way into the house. Hard to describe and I probably don't have photos.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway - she was so happy to show us around. Her cat was very friendly and I'm happy to know that my house is loved. She is so happy we came over and got to see what she did with the house. If only I could remember her name! </div><div><br /></div><div>More good news - we bought tickets to a Met game at CitiField for April. We got the same seats we had last year when we brought Mom with us. We sure are spoiled. They are on the 3rd base side between home and 3rd. They are the first row from the field, closer to home plate than the visitor's dugout. Wooo Hooo. I can't wait! (And yes, we are bringing my Mom).</div><div><br /></div><div>I went to my book club meeting tonight at the Dalton Library and we had a wonderful discussion about the book, <a href="http://www.jamieford.com">Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet</a>. I also checked out <a href="http://www.jamieford.com">Jaime Ford's</a> website and blog. He said that he would respond to any questions posted so I asked him a question. Sure enough - he answered it. He is doing a talk and a book signing in Schenectady that I'm hoping to go to. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and I may have found myself a job. I was looking at the hours the library is open and most days they open at noon. I said to Dorrie (the librarian) that those were hours I could handle and she asked if I was looking for a job. I told her that I was and she said they may have an opening in a few weeks for a Page. I would be restocking the shelves and stuff like that. It requires some Saturdays but I can live with that. We'll see what happens. </div><div><br /></div><div>I guess that enough news for one post. I don't want to overload you with boring tidbits and information. I still want to get some photos from the trip posted. I wouldn't count on that happening before the trip south.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for being a slouch and not posting lately. Happy March!</div><div>~ Kassidee</div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-13223374567982903232010-02-27T20:40:00.002-05:002010-02-27T20:59:36.018-05:00Feeling UninspiredHello out there. I feel there is so much less to say now that I am home. I woke up with a sore throat this morning and it's making me feel kind of 'blah'. I found cough medicine in the cabinet. I looked at the expiration date: 2002. (I took some anyway).<div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was my <a href="http://www.remicade.com">Remicade</a> treatment. That went smoothly. I am grateful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Monday night I had a 24 hour 'bug' that lasted 36 hours. I will save you from the details - let's just say it wasn't pretty.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did read a book I really enjoyed called Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by <a href="http://www.jamieford.com/">Jamie Ford</a>. It is wonderfully written as well as thought provoking (without hitting you over the head).</div><div><br /></div><div>Closing Ceremonies for the Olympics are tomorrow night. I never seem to watch as much of the games as I think I will. I'm not sure why that is. I feel very disconnected from the games this winter. I used to know the names of the skaters and the skiers and lots of other athletes. This year the only names I know are Bode Miller and Apollo Anton Ono. I don't think I know any other competitors. It's strange.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night was a welcome home dinner for Ken and me. It got usurped by Jim's 60th birthday instead. It was a lovely evening with friends. We had good food, good fun and a good time!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to cut this short and go in search of some cough medicine that hasn't reached it's expiration date yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry I have been neglecting my responsibilities out here -</div><div>Hope all is well in your world,</div><div>~ Kass</div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-52752866537455891192010-02-22T09:48:00.003-05:002010-02-22T09:51:09.507-05:00I've been slacking, lately...(Title sung to the tune of Peace Train by Cat Stevens)<br /><br />Good morning. Now that I am home and have internet access on a daily basis, I seem to be writing less and less. Go figure.<br /><br />We are actually not at home right now. We are in Westfield, N.J. I will try to fill you in on the comings and goings but for the moment I just wanted to pop on long enough to apologize for disappearing.<br /><br />I hope to be blogging away again soon!<br />~ KassKassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-84618163890509698012010-02-15T09:30:00.003-05:002010-02-15T10:23:00.762-05:00The Morning after the Night BeforeHappy day after Valentine's Day! I hope you had a day filled with love and laughter. <div><br /></div><div>I am sitting at my desk, watching the snow gently fall on a chilly Berkshire morning. Our friend Jim is asleep upstairs in the spare bedroom and Ken is still sleeping in ours. My mom is watching TV in her room and she is probably asleep as well. The house is quiet and even the cats and dogs seem to be in 'mellow mode'. It's lovely.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was a wonderful day from beginning to end. Jim arrived around 11:15 and the 3 of us drove to Lee. We had lunch at <a href="http://www.fineindiandining.com/bombaylee.htm">Bombay</a> with our friends, as we do on the second Sunday of every month. It's wonderful to have a standing plan with good friends. We all schedule our calendars around '2nd Sunday'. We have a core group of 5 and usually have 8 - 10 people on any given Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>We realized yesterday, that we are going on three years. We have celebrated births, and mourned losses. We have been through surgeries and hospital stays. We have shared stories of our vacations and travels and triumphs. We have gained and lost weight. We have watched the lake freeze and thaw, and freeze again. Mostly, we have enjoyed and appreciated the cycle of life, love and friendship. It's a wonderful day to look forward to each month and I hope we continue to do this for years to come. </div><div><br /></div><div>The evening brought a very special event. <a href="http://www.sarahleeandjohnny.com/">Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion</a> put together a Concert for Loved Ones in Haiti. There was music in the lobby of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thecolonialtheatre.org">Colonial Theatre</a> before the show featuring our dear friend <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chrismerenda">Chris Merenda</a> who was the M.C. as well as part of the entertainment. The show itself featured wonderful artists and a great time was had by all. The <a href="http://www.alchemyinitiative.org/">Alchemy Initiative</a> put together a silent auction in the lobby before the show. My understanding is the event raised over 20,000 dollars that will be donated to the <a href="http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?alias=ochaonline.un.org/cerf">United Nation's Central Emergency Response Fund</a>. It is never too late to make a <a href="https://secure.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/Donation2?idb=1649881960&df_id=1240&1240.donation=form1">donation</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I could give you the play by play of all the wonderful artists and music but if you really want that information it's easy enough to find. I will just tell you that it was wonderful night of music and love and caring and support. It continues to remind us of the quote by Margaret Mead who said, "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has." </div><div><br /></div><div>I will leave you with that thought. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope all is good in your world and that you find love in all the little places.</div><div>~ Kass</div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-43042226407996623042010-02-13T00:51:00.005-05:002010-02-13T01:20:09.437-05:00Frigid FridayWe just got in and it's a whopping 17 degrees out. Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hoo</span> - we're having a heat wave. <div><br /></div><div>Tonight was the <a href="http://www.revtor.com/">Rev Tor</a> 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> Anniversary show and we saw lots of friends, and heard lots of good music. Along with the great tunes, we also watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I have to say that with it happening every two years instead of every four years, it seems a little less special. On the up side, I haven't been watching that much television so I haven't gotten sick of the hype and the advertisements for it this year. It's the little things.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a week full of doctor appointments. Mom had her annual mammogram and I had my yearly physical. I accidentally didn't move (or write down) her appointment with her oncologist so that will be next month. The good news is - I'm doing great. The not so good news is that the radiologist saw something he didn't like, and scheduled my Mom for a follow up mammogram in 6 months. It is the same breast they found cancer in 6 years ago. It is a thickening that may be indicative of heart disease, breast cancer, or, "It could be nothing." As Harry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chapin</span> said, "Only time will tell."</div><div><br /></div><div>I also started back up with my allergy shots and made an appointment to see the asthma doctor next month. They informed me that I was late making my appointment and should have seen him last month. I told them that would have been hard to do since I've been out of town for two months. Mom has a dental appointment Monday and my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Remicade</span> appointment is next Friday. I think that covers everything coming up in the medical department, but I could be wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I went to my knitting group again. I suggested we needed a name and I was told that one person already refers to us as 'The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Knitwits</span>'. I think it's absolutely perfect! It reminds me of my bowling team - 'Lost in Space'. You have to love names that really describe who you are.</div><div><br /></div><div>The big news of the day is that I may be going to Disney World the first week of March. While in Florida, I also may get to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pre</span>-season Met game. Oh boy!</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll try to post a bit more over the weekend and maybe put up a few more photos from the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this post finds you happy and warm - wherever you are. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Weekend!</div><div>~ <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kassidee</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-37389955045142212762010-02-09T12:01:00.002-05:002010-02-09T12:42:19.222-05:00Sunny Tuesday in the BerkshiresGood day! How are you doing? We are sort of back to our idea of normal around here. We are continuing to find birdseed in interesting places. We apparently have some very industrious mice. I went to get a long sleeve shirt off the top shelf of my closet and I got rained on. Not only did the mice (you'll pardon the expression) squirrel away more birdseed up there, but they also ate a hole in the very shirt I wanted to wear! The good news is that we had two. I had one and Ken had one and they both shrank so much in the dryer that he gave me his. Luckily, the mice ate the smaller of the two so I still have the one that fits. <div><br /></div><div>This discovery came on Sunday as we were getting ready to leave the house. I wanted the shirt to go under my <a href="http://www.tipitinas.com">Tipitina's</a> t-shirt that I was wearing to the Superbowl party! Geaux Saints! What a game. We had a great time at Scott and Bonnie's - they really know how to throw a party!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday we both sort of reconnected with the house. We are about done unloading the RV and most stuff is back where it came from. I balanced all the checkbooks and went through all the mail that arrived while we were gone. Ken ran a few loads of dishes and silverware and we cleaned out the drawers and stuff in the kitchen. We are banishing the mice from our premises! Or at least, that is our hope! Am I ever glad we have lots of cats. Now they better earn their keep!</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, we have to bring my mom for her annual mammogram. This spring will be her sixth year cancer free after she was diagnosed with breast cancer from a routine mammogram. GET TESTED. Her cancer was so miniscule when they found it, that the needle biopsy they did to determine if it was cancerous had gotten it all. She had surgery just to make sure, and had radiation for 6 weeks - but that was the end of it. She took Arimidex for five years and now she is cancer and medication free. We are so grateful. </div><div><br /></div><div>She said the worst part of the whole ordeal for her was getting on and off the radiation table. Because of her <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx">M.S.</a>, it was very difficult for her to get on the table and scary to get off. She did great though, and so did the team working with her. OK - so they lost her one day and never made sure she got back in the cabulance and home again - but you can't have everything! </div><div><br /></div><div>To make the day brighter, we are going out to lunch afterward. I don't know where we are going but I'll let you know how it was. It's a celebration of sorts. We try to remember to enjoy little things every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have my annual physical this Friday. Jim is coming over Saturday and spending the night. Sunday is Second Sunday - our standing lunch plans with friends at an Indian restaurant where another friend works. Sunday is also Valentine's Day. We also have tickets to a benefit concert for Haiti that night. More about that next post. </div><div><br /></div><div>Life is getting busy now that we are home. It didn't take long! We weren't home 12 hours and we had plans every weekend this month. And now I think I am busy the first weekend in March as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nine days to pitchers and catchers! Let's go Mets!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div><div>~ Kass</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-3348379844542765262010-02-07T10:25:00.005-05:002010-02-07T11:04:47.308-05:00Settling inHello from sunny Massachusetts. It's good to be back. It's nice to be home. It's great to have friends. I feel like we had a giant welcome home party already, even though most of the 'reunioning' was done by phone. I did go to my knitting circle on Thursday and that was wonderful. I didn't get much knitting done, but I had a great time.<br /><br />When we were driving through Pittsfield, prior to getting home, we were minding our own business and heading the last 20 minutes home. My cell phone rang and it was my friend Daltrey who said, "Did I just see you?" <div><br /></div><div> I said, "Maybe". </div><div><br /></div><div> She asked, "Are you on Elm Street?" </div><div><br /></div><div> I said, "Yes." </div><div><br /></div><div> And then we both laughed. As she said - we weren't in town 10 minutes and we'd already been spotted. It was a great way to 'come home'.<br /><br />Friday was another wonderful 'reunion' at <a href="http://www.theclipshop.com/">The Clip Shop</a>. Barbara couldn't fit me in on short notice (I called the day before we got home), but I got my poor nails done, finally. They had a rough eight weeks. I caught up on all the goings on at the shop, and had fun (as always). <a href="http://www.theclipshop.com/">The Clip Shop</a> is the place to be if you need any salon services. I love being part of the family there. My nails look great. Thank you Rose! They are happy, happy nails. Next week I go back to my regularly scheduled weekly manicure with Barbara.<br /><br />I did discover a reason to stay home in winter: mice. With the cats out of the house, the mice had free range. Ken opened the cabinet under the sink in the upstairs bathroom, only to discover a pile of birdseed that came pouring out at his feet. It seems the mice got into the birdseed bag that is on the attic steps (behind a closed door), and brought the food into the bathroom cabinet so they'd have a stash. Those are some pretty industrious mice. I won't tell you all the places we are finding mouse droppings. I am NOT happy. The mice, apparently, are!<br /><br />I baked a sweet potato pie yesterday for today's Superbowl Party at Scott and Bonnie's. Today I am baking a pecan pie and making some fresh whipped cream to go with it. Go Saints! Or should I say, Geaux Saints! I am rooting for the Saints all the way but I'm not overly optimistic they can win. We'll see how it goes.<br /><br />And on another bright note: Only eleven days to pitchers and catchers!!! I am psyched! I already put a call in to the <a href="http://www.mets.mlb.com/">Mets</a> to get tickets in the handicap section so we can bring my Mom to a game again. I hope we can get the same seats we had last year when we brought her. More about that in another post.<div><br /></div><div>Speaking of posts, I better post this and get baking. I am in search of the perfect pie crust. Anyone have any old family recipes for a great crust? Or a new, wonderful recipe - I'm not picky about where it comes from. I just want a recipe for a light, flaky, tasty, crust. Let me know if you have one!</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all folks,</div><div>~ Kassidee</div></div>Kassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277831453728549782.post-62179949255822404512010-02-05T10:29:00.002-05:002010-02-05T10:39:48.076-05:00The morning after the great returnHowdy from the desktop computer with no internet issues. It's good to be home, but I already miss the open road. The house is noisier than I remember. The pipes, the heat, the way the sound travels when you are trying to sleep and people downstairs are awake, the dogs running up and down the stairs, etc. <br /><br />It was nice to get home on a Thursday evening. I was able to run out to my knitting circle (I think we need a name) last night and catch up with everyone there. Our group has about doubled in size since I left. Very cool!<br /><br />I have a nail appointment this afternoon at 3:30. Ken has already gone grocery shopping, made an appointment to bring the mini van in to get inspected, (it expired at the end of the January), and is now back with the mail. I guess that means it's time for me to go to work.<br /><br />I'll continue to fill you in as best I can. This afternoon the RV goes to get winterized and to get the steps fixed. Next time we take a trip, at least the steps will close when we want them too instead of being stuck in the extended position. It could have been worse - they could have been stuck 'in' before we left. They would only retract once Ken put the RV in gear, but they did retract so it's all good!<br /><br />Have a great day and welcome to another weekend!<br />~ KassKassideehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17803709853595203461noreply@blogger.com1