Greetings form Ireland

22 March 2008

Good day to you all,


Hope that you will experience the wonder of the Cross over this Easter period and tomorrow the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Weather Report:

Wake up early to experience some clear skies and bright sunshine ...if you linger too long that idyllic period will soon be in the past to be replaced by clouds rolling in with either the NW wind or a Western wind ..mostly freezing to the touch and unpleasant to the face in order to bring the ever familiar showers of rain ..and some times snow...

We checked the temperatures as I recorded it last year this time...' sat in the sun nearly every day during the latter part of March and beginning April.'...but so far I took my cardigan off only for one hour on Tuesday while we worked in the sun on the good side of the house wind wise , otherwise we are covered up as if we live in Siberia! the fire burns every day and although we are snug and warm inside it does get somewhat depressing after a while!!! but...there are so many blessing that overshadow the rain and wind that it does not make any difference to me...I thrive in all circumstances!!!

Garden report:
Note the green please... grass is growing at a speed you can actually see it happens ...because of the constant wetness we did not venture into any grass cutting trials these last 2 weeks.
The rhubarb pushed out their brand new leaves all wrinkly and crisp! waiting for the blooms on the apples and pear trees to make their appearance! we have daffodils all round us and the tulips are beautiful...unfortunately there is a bug eating the inside of the daffodils even before the trumpet opens ...so I have been cutting most of them and enjoy the bright yellow flowers in our new lounge! I will pick the tulips before the snow comes as promised this evening. We also bought 4 Syringa shrubs white pink and dark rose...but it has been too cold to work in the garden you cant feel your hands after a while and find that you are bleeding from scratches and injuries unknown to you !
Hope that there will be a break soon!
Holiday:
Barry is permanently on leave but I took some time off work and have really enjoyed quality time with Barry...we went to Carrick on Shanon on Monday a lovely little town on the Shanon river with lots of boats etc ..we use to go there quite often but in the last 18 months we did not move far a way from home base and so the changes they made were spectacular and we enjoyed walking along the river bank watching the river boat doing its rounds....
Tuesday Barry did the last part of the gutters and I helped enjoying some rare sunshine in the morning and also watched the clouds broomed in over us until the first drops fell. I also cleaned the windows ...now that is a major task as it has not been done since the building has been completed...starting on the outside it took some energy ...and then inside!!!!
Wednesday we went to Athlone ...we love this town and are very familiar with it as it was the first place Finbarr worked and we used to pick him up for the weekends many moons ago ...a major development took place in the centre of town with a new hotel and shopping complex..all very lovely but clinical and not shopper friendly...too many fashion shops and not a place I will frequent often ....the older part of town is much more attractive ...with every -one shopping rather where it is warm and friendly....this town is also on the Shanon river and very Old ......interesting history...too much to get into now! We also visited an enormous store B& Q built over 1000sq meters and walked 4x from side to side I wanted to faint at one stage...fortunately Barry had some minties in his pocket other wise I would still be there!...Every time we got outside there must have been a shower ..we seemed to miss them all ...only had sun shine while we were outside...what a lovely day ! back home exhausted fell asleep on the settee ....Barry snoring so loud that the cat sat up and looked on in disgust!! I wanted to laugh but realised I will wake Barry but this cat was so funny!
Thursday was shopping day ...got it over and done with quickly as we know were everything in the shop is and they do not move the things around all the time like in Dunnes and you forever looking for everything..so all the shops, all over the country, looks exactly the same, does not matter where you shop and it does help !!!
The House was cleaned ...nearly sterile...floors ledges. edges and every glass surface and surround!!! every possible article went into the washing machine!!! and then followed the ironing! ! !
Good Friday...in this country it is not a Religious holiday like in SA ...everything goes on just the same ..some churches have services others could not care...the onus is on you and yr family to make it a special day...We were very privileged as Finbarr spend the day with us!

Scripture readings (as we are used to) but just from the Gospel Mark:14 and the continuation of our daily readings with appropriate devotion By Andrew Murray.

Today have mainly been taken up by playing Scrabble .....with the house perfectly clean there was little to do...and with the icy wind and showery conditions we opted for comfort and excitement in scoring the highest scores possible!

Tomorrow is the best day of the week not only because it is Sunday but as it is Easter Sunday ...I have been practising the hymns and hope there is more than 10 people at church ..... so that we can lift the roof with Hosanna's.

Monday we plan God willing to go to Castlecomer.. about an hour away from us ....to view an Antique Auction that is taking place on Tue and Wed ...but I am working and therefore we will not be able to attend but who knows I am still looking for my Persian Carpet ... might leave a bid !

Hope that those of you who have been travelling arrived safely at your destinations...those who attended conferences in foreign countries are now enriched regarding knowledge...those who had birthdays enjoyed the days and all other who stayed at home and enjoyed the time with family... that is was a blessed time!
Those making plans for the summer holidays Gerlof! I believe it is a wonderful experience Norway especially if you go far north!!!
We love to receive news and photos!! and thank those who so diligently send a letter or some news!

Take care
Lots of kind regards
Barry and Christina