Another Perspective on Home

Over Easter Glenn and I again headed Stateside to spend time with family and friends in Manomet. It was wonderful and we are so fortunate to be able to see everyone so regularly.

Glenn had to get back to work in Dublin, but I was able to continue on to Florida afterwards to visit Mom, Mimi, Brian, Kristy, Kaeden, Yosie, Noah and many other family members and friends. This particular visit has me again contemplating the meaning of 'home'. Florida isn't my home. In fact I routinely get lost whenever I venture out on my own down there. But my mother is there and so is my last surviving grandparent. As soon as I arrive - from that first hug - Florida feels as much like home as any other place in the world. Other 'visitors' who are often there at the same time I am - namely Aunts Connie and Debby - are part of this feeling of home as well. We are all in this different place because Mimi chose to leave Manomet and settle there so many years ago and the sense of home speaks to all of us. Home is where the Mom is.

Mimi's health is failing and she's probably not going to be with us for much longer. We celebrated her 98th birthday with her on April 11. She is as old as the Republic of China, New Mexico, and the Boy Scouts Association. On the day she was born, the Titanic arrived in Ireland to pick up her last passengers before sailing for New York. Fenway Park opened 9 days later. A few months after that the Red Sox beat the New York Giants to win the 1912 world series. Mimi has lived through the roaring 20s, the Great Depression, World Wars, the Civil Rights movement, and the age of Flower Power. She has followed the exploits of Amelia Earhart, Bonnie and Clyde, Hitler, Martin Luther King, Jr., and 18 US Presidents. To say Mimi's life is a full one would be an understatement. Up until very recently Mimi has been living with verve that I can only hope to achieve some day. Even when I was there in April and she was feeling rotten, her sense of humor dominated the room. As Mimi will tell you, she's outlived her body but that smile is still there. It meets you at the door and is the last thing you see when you leave her to rest. Her jokes are still there, too. I've visited her in four different houses over the years and this latest apartment in an assisted living facility still imparts a sense of home and of Mimi. The pictures and decorative plates, the furniture, and most of all the joyful greeting are a part of me as they have been since the day I was born.

These days are hard for Mom and her sisters. They are exhausting for Mimi. I wish I could be there with them but other homes call. I am so grateful for the time I spent with all of them in April and over the years. Who knows? Maybe I will have another chance to say goodbye to Mimi when I return in July. Maybe she won't be there anymore when I next visit Florida. I do know that it will still feel like home as soon as Mom's arm are around me and some day Mimi's ghost, just like Bupa's does, will keep us all smiling and feeling at home.

EVENTful Weekend

We had a sporti-licious weekend with so many highlights I just had to write about it. I want to share, but more importantly I want a record of everything that happened this weekend for months from now when the memories fade. It went something like this:
Rugby, rugby afters, rugby, rugby afters, rugby, rugby, rugby, rugby afters, rugby, football.

On Friday Glenn and I caught a bus north with some amazing ladies to see one of my rugby teammates play for the Irish Women's National Team against Italy in the first of the Six Nations Tournament. We were lucky enough to be around for Six Nations last year. The country gets worked up into a Super Bowl like frenzy for each of the five matches the Men's and Women's sides play against Italy, France, England, Scotland, and Wales. Last year the Irish Men's side got a grand slam (won every match and hence the entire tournament) for the first time in over 60 years. It was magical.

Nora was selected for the Irish squad this year after putting in a tremendous amount of training. She started and played incredibly for most of the match. She only went off at the end to give another rookie the chance at playing. A good number were there from our rugby club supporting Nora and the Irish women. Glenn is still star struck! Not able to believe that we can call one of the 22 best rugby players in the country our friend.

After the match we stayed at the club to celebrate Ireland's win and Nora's achievement. The atmosphere was so electrifying. Nora flies to France on Wednesday to prepare for her next international match against a tough French squad on Friday. Go Nora!

On Saturday a good friend gave us a pair of tickets for the Irish Men's match against Italy (Thanks, E). We went to Croke Park with 77, 846 other rugby fans and were rewarded with a great match and another Irish win. Go Ireland! I got to see all of my favorite players up close (from really high up in the stadium) and personal. Watching those tiny figures run around the pitch was truly inspirational. It was our first sporting event in Croke Park. We’ll be back again for the Ireland Wales match in March. Can’t wait
After THAT match we met up with friends who were also at Croker, for a few pints and to watch the England vs. Wales match. Nothing like a Saturday afternoon rugby double header!

We finally left the pub, grabbed a bite to eat and went to the movies. Can anyone guess what we watched? INVICTUS! It just came out over here and Glenn and I were both looking forward to seeing Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon speaking Afrikaans. Glenn was a little tuckered out from our long day and a late night before, so took advantage of the dark theater for some sleepy time. I was glued to the screen and really enjoyed Invictus. The rugby was class and the story was almost too good to believe. Before seeing the movie, a South African friend shared with me the feeling of community and single-mindedness that swept over her troubled country during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. I'll be interested to talk to her again after she sees the movie to get her impressions on Clint Eastwood's level of success in capturing that feeling.

On Sunday, I had my own rugby match to play. Glenn, ever the water carrier, tee holder, and most enthusiastic supporter, was there to cheer us on. We were playing another local club on their (very muddy) pitch. We've played St. Mary's RFC many times in the past. Last year they led our division and beat us solidly every chance they had. This year they are playing in a higher division and have beat us twice in friendlies (scrimmages). Yesterday, we held them to nil all! This was as good as beating them as far as we were concerned. Very exciting. After the match we cleaned up (not an easy task given the conditions of the field – did I mention the mud?) and shared some food and drink with the disappointed Mary's ladies. We then went to yet another pub to watch, you guessed it, yet another rugby match. This time it was France vs. Scotland.
It had already been a long day by the end of that match, but we Americans had hours to go before we slept! Not one, but TWO channels were showing the Super Bowl live last night. And in HD no less. Kick off was at 11:30 PM. American commercials were not shown. We saw the same, very uninspired Dominoes’ commercial at least 72 times. We met about 15 friends at a pub not far from our house and DID NOT eat any buffalo wings, nachos, dips of any kind, or burgers. Bless them, they were handing out sad looking hot dogs to hundreds of grateful NFL fans, but it just wasn't the same. The British sports announcers are really terrible. BUT - what a game! We screamed ourselves hoarse for those Saints along with 90% of the people in the bar. The Colts fans were few and far between. We didn't get home until after 3:30 this morning, but it was worth it to see Payton Manning denied a ring one more time.
Poor Glennie trying to make it through his work day now after one pint too many and too little sleep. His special treat when he gets home? A very healthy dinner of chicken wings, nachos, guacamole, spring rolls, and chips! I think we'll watch some Doritos commercials on You Tube, too.
Yours in Sports!
Jenny

Home?

In November, Glenn and I traveled Stateside for Thanksgiving and a nice, long visit with family. This time there was no big project or hectic schedule. We planned our trip around American Thanksgiving so were able to see almost all of our US friends and family members. What an amazing trip!

We arrived on a Friday and jumped right in with The Annual BBC Birthday Bash for Rob, Erin, and Glenn. This was the seventh year for our party and it was as amazing as each one before. Though we were both a bit jet lagged, we had a blast catching up with everyone who came. We continued the party at the Idlewild until the wee hours, though Glenn and I crashed at about 11. Oh well! Next year we'll try to be the last ones standing.

The next morning the under-12 Idlewild lodgers and I made pancakes of every color for the rest of the folks at the house. Making a big floury mess with the kids at the kitchen island never gets old. Thanks to the magical kitchen fairies who cleaned up after us. What a job!

The rest of the week leading up to Thanksgiving was spent visiting and cooking. J, Betsy, Birch, Jack, Chris, Melissa, Liam, and Quinn were all visiting for parts of the week. We were at the Idlewild, in Buzzard's Bay with Brendan, Rob and Alicia, and at Linda's house on the bluff. I spent hours at Dad's with nephews and sibs. Every time I turned around there was another reason to be thankful.

On Thanksgiving Day we celebrated in seprate houses - Glenn in Buzzards Bay with his family and me at Dad's with mine. A huge turkey dinner, beautiful walk to the sea side, and nice long rest in front of the wood stove made for the perfect day in Manomet. The best part was that we were all together again the next day. No rushing around or hasty exodus.

Eventually the Vermont crew went back to Vermont. Chris and his family went back to their new home in Reading, MA and Glenn flew back to Dublin. I said goodbye to the New Englanders and went to visit with Mom and Mimi in Florida. It was hard to be away from Glenn for 10 days, but so wonderful to see Mimi happily ensconced in her new assisted living facility only 20  minutes from Mom and her old apartment and to see Mom, busy as ever, enjoying her Florida life.

An extra super bonus was seeing Bri and his family for weekend. Brian, Kristy, Kaeden, Yosey, and Noah all travelled to Seminole to spend three days with us. I can't tell you how grateful I was that they could make the trip. All three brothers and all nine nephews (and one amazingly brilliant and precocious Eva) in the span of two weeks was magical. Truly. I can't believe how quickly everyone is growing up. It seems like Noah and Quinn just arrived and here they are walking, talking, and raising hell. Oliver is ready to travel on his own any second now, though he was just a little sleeping lump in a Baby Bjorn the last time we saw him. Eva was telling us about school! And Brendie is just too big for me to comprehend. The Vermont boys are little men and Liam is one step away from MENSA or breaking his father's sanity in two. Kaeden and Yosey are all grown up now. Kaeden is hitting those pre-teen years and Yosey, much like his father was at his age, is happily living half in reality and half in a dazzling imaginary world where the sky is the limit. I am so honored to know each of these amazing children and an so proud of their parents for the phenomenal job they are doing raising them.

Back to Florida....It was good to get to know Mom's new friend, Bill who treats her like a queen and ALMOST gets her quirky sense of Martin humor. I'm happy that they have both found some companionship and more laughter in their lives. Of course Mom has scheduled almost every last minute of her day with some group or activity. She is was constantly at meeting, rehearsals or at the church organizing their annual holiday fair - a huge success of course. Florida weather wasn't cooperating (cool, cloudy, rainy) so I was happy to tag along with Mom and see some of her many friends in the process. Connie came down too, so we had plenty of card games and nice meals out all together.

When I first arrived at Mimi's new pad, they were wheeling her out to a waiting ambulance after shed' fainted in the activity room. The first time I spoke to her was in the emergency room where she had already recovered her sense of humor and energy (when asked why she fainted, she replied that the party was getting boring and she felt she needed to do something to shake things up). After checking her out thoroughly, the doctors found nothing majorly wrong with the Mim-ster and sent her home. After that auspicious beginning (and a subsequent, and equally harmless tumble into a huge Toys for Tots box the next day), Mimi and I had a great time exploring her new digs, watching old home movies, and chatting. She really is happy in this new home and it makes me smile to think of her there. Though she's determined to "go North" before she gets to the age of 100, I have a feeling I'll be visiting her a few more times in her new place. At 97, she is still going strong.

The one feeling I couldn't shake from the time we landed to the minute I was back on the plane to Dublin was how much I missed my Irish family. This was the first trip to the states where I felt like a visitor. I felt right at home at the same time. This is the same mix of feelings I have when I am in Dublin, too. In fact, I started feeling more at home in Florida this trip, too. It made me wonder where home really was or what the word even means. Glenn and I are very fortunate to have more than one home on this planet and a family that stretches around the globe.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday season and cherish your homes and families in 2010. Peace. Jenny and Glenn

Girls Weekend

In November, a gaggle of Belvo ladies traveled north to Carlingford - a beautiful seaside town near the border of Northern Ireland. We rented a couple of houses for two nights and had so much fun gallivanting around the town. It was the perfect way for all of us of get to know some of the brave newer players who joined us. On the first night we took over one of the local pubs. The next morning after scavenging for food, we went to the Carlingford Outdoor Centre where split into two teams (Irish vs. non-Irish) and went head to head on various challenges. Of course the non-Irish kicked bootie on the ropes course, the Bishop’s Chair, the blind maze, and all puzzles. The Irish team may have another story. Regardless - we all had some fun stories to share later in the day. That night after watching a little footie on TV we headed to a country bar - that's right - country music, cowboy boots and hats, the whole bit. Strange in the northern part of Ireland, but a good hoedown none the less.

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend with some of my favorite ladies. Sadly, Glenn decided to stay home and battle a cold he had been suffering from for over two weeks at that point. He wanted to be sure he was healthy for our Thanksgiving trip to Plymouth. As of this post (11 January), Glenn is still fighting the same cold. He did go to the doctor last week. Perhaps one of the three antibiotics she prescribed will do the trick. Fingers crossed.

Halloween in Dublin

Can't wait 'till next year!

August and beyond...

The rest of our summer was amazing. In August Linda and Holly (Glenn's mom and aunt) came to stay with us in Dublin. We toured here, there and everywhere and tried lots of new restaurants. I loved having the company. The four of us also took a trip to Barcelona. What a fun city! The weather was hot and sunny for all 5 days of our vacation. We went to the beach, ogled the architecture, and ate and drank ourselves silly. I have to say, Spanish cuisine and the way they eat (small plates; long, leisurely meals) suites me. I love trying a bit of everything. Our favorite was this little tapas bar in and alley near our apartment. They gave us the house wine in these juice glasses and brought out plate after plate of snacks (pinxtos) all stuck with toothpicks. We stood at the bar with locals and tourists sampling away. When we were ready to go, they charged us by the number of toothpicks on our plates.

We did a lot of walking in Barcelona. It seemed there was something cool to see around every corner. We also took a ride on the cable car that goes from the very top of Montjuic Park to the edge of the ocean. Great views! If you go, stay in the Barrio Gotico. Luckily Linda knew this little tidbit and we were able to get a funky apartment that was central to everything we wanted to do.

Once Linda and Holly went back to the States, the apartment seemed very quiet and I was once again left to keep myself busy. Luckily rugby started up in mid-August so at least twice a week I now have the chance to run around outside with some great girls. The big news in rugby is that we have an actual coach this year. Last year one of the team members took on the role and did a great job but wanted to concentrate on playing this year instead. Alan, our coach, is great. We won our first three matches of the season and sadly, lost one just yesterday. Boo! We'll turn it around, I'm sure and end up on top of our division this year. I know it.

The highlight of September was a trip to Cork for a long weekend. Glenn's childhood friend got married at the Ballymaloe House on the southeast coast of County Cork. I've been waning to get to the Ballymaloe House for years and was so happy to be going for such a festive occasion, What an amazing place! It is an old country house that has become one of the premier guest houses in Ireland. It is also home to a cookery school that is quickly becoming world renowned. I hope I can get back down there some day for a course or two. Their gardens alone are enough to keep me busy for a week!

The wedding was lovely. The food was, of course, phenomenal. Glenn and I played croquet, met some great people, caught up with old friends, and danced the night away. We spent the rest of the weekend exploring some other parts of Cork including Kinsale, the Old Head, and Cork City. Kinsale is the cutest little harbor village with amazing seafood. We took a log walk along the coast one morning and got drenched and a sudden downpour - typical Ireland! We also poked in and out of the shops, watched whatever important football match was on in a great pub, and generally chilled out. The Old Head is a golf course in the most dramatic setting. Glenn dreams of playing here one day, but he'll have to save his pennies first!

We were in Cork City for one afternoon and, as it was raining, we holed up in this very cool old IRA pub to watch the All Ireland Hurling Final. Kilkenny won for the fourth year in a row.

We spent the rest of September close to home catching up with friends after our busy summer. It turns out that the weather in Ireland in September is fantastic! We had sunny day after warm sunny day. I must remember never to travel at this time of the year. Actually, it is the perfect time for visitors so start making you plans for next year! It's never too early.

The October weather has been gorgeous as well. We've been busy entertaining friends and taking in the festivals and cultural events in Dublin while the weather holds. Last week we saw noel Cowards Hay Fever in the funkiest little theater in the basement of a Georgian building on the North side of City Centre. Over the weekend we visited Kilmainham Goal - an old Dublin jail turned cultural center. We learned all about the famous prisoners who were involved in the Easter Rising and subsequent revolution and civil wars. So cool! We also went to Dublin's version of Oktoberfest where Glenn learned that German beer is much stronger than Irish or American beer. Oh Glennie! It was fun to see him sing and dance, though. At the end of the evening, I packed him into a taxi with two girlfriends heading to a house party. I was coming down with a cold so went home to curl up with my book instead. We both had really great nights and lots to talk about Sunday morning. One of us had a bit of an upset tummy though....

Where Did the Summer Go?

Oh boy! I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. This summer flew by. Glenn and I were busier than ever and had a wonderful Irish summer of friends, family, traveling, festivals and general shenanigans. Here is the quick and dirty version...

End of June:

I had lovely birthday here which included a picnic in the park with some of the Pocket King wives and my friend Diane's Mother-in-Law. The weather cooperated and we had a whole array of goodies. I just used the spa gift certificate that these amazing ladies gave me and treated myself to a facial. Ahhhh! On the night of my birthday Glenn organized a get together at the pub with the rugby girls. Lots of peeps came out for pints and laughs. What a great birthday! I am one lucky girl.

July - Part I

I just looked back at the July page of our calendar and it looks like several different color pens exploded in all of the boxes. Even the abbreviated version of this month is going to be long. Get a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable.

The day after my birthday we hopped on a trans-Atlantic flight to Boston. For a weekend. In the 32 years he's lived in Manomet, Glenn has not missed a July 3rd celebration at the beach and he was not going to start this year! We were planning a longer visit and were very disappointed when we heard from Glenn's office that he wasn't going to get the time off, but we made the best of it and had a fantastic weekend. We got to meet Baby Oliver (Mr. O) for the first time and he is pure perfection in a tiny body. I could have spent hours ogling and holding him. Another bonus was seeing Bri. Kristi surprised him with a ticket for his birthday and we had three days with all four sibs in Manomet. Yay! Everywhere I turned there were nephews, Eva, Moms, Dads, aunts, uncles, friends....so many of our favorite people in one place at the same time. I felt so blessed.

The day after we returned from Manomet I unpacked, shook the sand out of our bags, did the laundry and repacked for a 5 day trip to the Italian Riviera. For my birthday, Glenn gave me a trip to Italy to see my friend Diane, who was on tour with an Italian blues band for two weeks. It wasn't until after I landed in Nice and jumped on a train to San Remo, Italy that I realized I hadn't traveled alone before. It was a great adventure. I had no hotel reservations except for one in the town I was going to catch Diane's gig so I just went as far as I felt like going on the first day. I got a room in a small seaside village and spent the afternoon on the beach. I made my way back to the train the next morning and went as far as Rapallo. What a gorgeous town! I recommend it to anyone traveling to this area. I wandered a bit in Rapallo and then met up with Diane and the band. I went to their sound check and they graciously invited to join them for dinner. This was one of the highlights of the trip. There were about ten people at the table and the meal was what I picture a typical Italian meal to be. The owner basically picked out a menu for us and the courses arrived at a nice leisurely pace. There was a lot of yummy food, great house wine, funny jokes, and cheerful banter. Heaven!

Other highlights from my Italian adventure? Diane's show, in a word, phenomenal; eating lobster and reading Pride and Prejudice next to the sea; the view during a morning run to Santa Margarita; a side trip to Sestri Levante; a conversation with the hilarious vice-mayor of Rapallo; prosecco and chocolate gelato at midnight. Oh Italy, I will be back!

A few days after my return from sunny Italy, we were visited by cousins Charlie, Fitzie, Paul, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jimmy. I love having stateside visitors in Dublin (hint, hint) and these guys hadn't been to Dublin for years. Our time with them was short (two nights with Charlie and only one with the rest of the gang) but special. We got to introduce them to some of our favorite places and people. They also brokered an introduction to my Grandfather's Irish relatives who live just north of Dublin. Glenn and I went to lunch in Drogheda and met 23 relatives for the first time. What a great bunch. I look forward to getting back up there soon and getting to know them better (and eating more of Margaret's amazing cooking). Now if I can just get my father over here to meet them, too!

July Part II

In the middle of the month, Glenn's office had their annual family day. Turns out, Glenn's office doesn't fool around when it comes to a party. They rented out the grounds and first floor of the Ritz in the Wicklow mountains, just outside of Dublin. For the kids they had every type of bouncy castle ever invented, as well as 'extreme trampoline', and ice cream truck, an entire tent full of paints and canvases, a climbing wall, face painters, and all sorts of snacks. For the grown-ups there were open bars everywhere you looked, a yummy BBQ buffet, a well-known (though I hadn't heard of them so how well know could they be, really ;-) Irish rock band called Republic of Loose, a tent of Tarot card readers, a massage tent, a hair and make-up tent, larger harnesses for the kids games, belly-dancing lessons, a belly-dancing show, a chocolate fountain, late-night snacks, two rooms full of Wii and other video games, and probably some other stuff that I'm forgetting. The best part? The bed at the Ritz! Or maybe the breakfast at the Gordon Ramsay restaurant the next morning. Or maybe the fact that we could watch the British Open in the bathroom in the TV in the mirror if we wanted to. I want to go back now! Apparently, we forgot to take any photos of the day.

The end of July was also VERY special. Mikey came to visit!!!!!!!!!!!! Glenn loved having his bud here and we all had a blast checking out Dublin and spending time with our Ireland pals. Pub crawl to Glenn's top ten spots? Check. Trip to the seaside? Check. Oysters and Sauuvingnon Blanc inside a fish market? Check. Guinness brewery tour complete with fainting lady? Check. Two AM drunken antics at McDonalds? Check. U2 at Croke Park with 105,000 of our neighbors? Check. All in all, a typical weekend with Mikey. So much fun.

I spent the last day of July with my very good friend Claire hiking at Glendalough, a lovely area south of Dublin. It was pouring down rain and I discovered the hard way what nettles are, but it was one of the best days I've had in Ireland. Claire kept me giggling the whole time, even through the pain of the nettle sting and we saw some breathtaking Irish scenery. Glenn and I will have to get back there some day soon for a nice Autumn hike. Thanks for taking me there, Claire! Claire promptly moved to England and I miss my hiking buddy very much.

Well, I think I've gone on long enough for now. Our August adventures - which include crazy hats, Gaudi and chicken parm - will have to wait until the next post. Stay tuned!