As a person who likes her music, I have my favorite tunes that I associate with memories and specific times in my life when they were new or popular. I don't tend to latch on to new popular artists quickly, rather I hold onto my old faves, many of whom were popular well before I was ever born. So, armed with my iPod, I set out for a walk today on one of the first decent days we've had in nearly a month. The sun is out, the air is dry and there is a light breeze - it's a beautiful spring day.
My walk goes behind our house on the 'back road' (seriously, that's what it's referred to for lack of street names and signage) toward the area of Rossmanagher. First, I dodge the orange cones of progress and development that are commonplace in Sixmilebridge these days, but not much further do I have to walk to be surrounded by fields dotted with cows and horses. To my right, it's grassy fields as far as you can see and the cows eye me suspiciously. On the left, the fields lie at the bottom of the great rolling landscape, which is so green it's almost cliche. More horses on this side, including some new ponies!
The soundtrack:
1. I'm Just a Girl, No Doubt
2. The Promise, Tracy Chapman
3. Everybody's Changing, Keane
4. Father and Daughter, Paul Simon
5. Small Town, John Mellencamp
6. Laura, Scissor Sisters
7. Landslide, Dixie Chicks
8. Pig, Dave Matthews Band
9. Clocks, Coldplay (for about 20 seconds)
10. If I Had a Million Dollars, Barenaked Ladies
By the time 'Father and Daughter' kicks in, I've passed through this lovely shady grove the stretches about a tenth of a mile and am right under the sun. (You have to pick up the pace under those trees because the evidence of tons of birds living in the branches above is all over the road!) This is a great song with the perfect beat for walking at a happy pace. The lyrics are sweet and the melody upbeat.
'Small Town' is one of those songs that will always remind me of home. I didn't think that I could ever associate it with anything other than Indiana, from Mellencamp's Seymour and Bloomington, IN roots to its significance to my former boss, the late Governor O'Bannon (he had it as his very fitting campaign theme song). Even though I wasn't actually born in a small town, rather a mid-size metropolitan area (slightly less poetic of course), I've always felt like this song means home. And today walking through my new home, it seemed very appropriate, too. It seems just right for reminding you not to take for granted the simple amenities that are right under your nose. And being able to make it part of my 'soundtrack' here in Ireland, kept me from choking up about missing Indiana.
Moving, on I made it up to the top of this road, where my father in law's family home is and where Tristan's uncle lives today. Another uncle of his lives next door and my brother in law lives in a new house across the street. I decided to turn around here, when the Scissor Sisters' song 'Laura' comes on. Nice and quirky with just the right tempo to keep me going and continue the necessary variety for me to forget I'm actually doing a physical activity.
After that, it's the Dixie Chicks' revision of Fleetwood Mac's 'Landslide'. I know what you're thinking, opera girl here likes the Dixie Chicks??? Not especially, but this song has a great earthy feel that I really like and as country goes, it's definitely not too twangy. At this point I'm back by the cows and horses again - what could be more appropriate?
After the Dixie Chicks, some Dave Matthews and then I decide to skip over Coldplay so that my happy walk isn't ruined by a fit of depression and I finish out with the Barenaked Ladies classic 'If I had a Million Dollars.' This band and this song in particular put a smile on my face no matter how many times I hear it. It reminds me especially of my senior year in college, which was so light-hearted and fun, which is exactly how the band is. Silly and full of life. That's the mood my walk put me in....and if these walks can help burn off some of the Kerry Gold, too, I'll be even happier!!!
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Random tidbits
Just a collection of thoughts and observations...
Ah, the glory of Kerry Gold!
Kerry Gold is a brand of pure Irish butter. It is important to distinguish that it is Irish butter, because after you've had proper Irish butter, there's no way you'll go back to Land O' Lakes. Seriously. The character Amy in 'Little Women' said at their Christmas feast 'Isn't butter divinity?' I can only add an editorial comment that Irish butter is divinity. And Irish butter is pure sin, too. It is creamy, flavorful and makes toast one of the best meals you can possibly imagine. Before I moved here, one of the things I sincerely looked forward to about visiting was toast with butter. Sad? Not if you've had Irish butter. You can get Kerry Gold in the States. In Indy, O'Malia's carries it. If you're looking to really increase your fat intake in a satisfying way, you can't beat Kerry Gold.
I want a lamb
I technically live in rural Ireland. If I were in America, it would be considered the suburbs, but over here, it's a village in its own right and thus part of the rural Irish countryside. One cool thing about that is that there are still farms in the area, people can have animals without zoning restrictions and kids ride their horses on the village roads nearly every day. So, as this spring has unfolded and I've been essentially able to watch the grass in the back yard grow under my eyes, I've been inspired for an environmentally friendly alternative to the lawn mower: a sheep. Sheep populate the Irish landscape like dandelions. Granted this investment would be for when we have our own house, but I'm actually liking the idea of it more and more. At first it was a joke because I've found myself fawning over the cute lambs that have made an appearance over the past couple months. But the prospect is actually a realistic one. So, who knows, in a few years' time when you come visit us, you may have to 'beware of the sheep!'
Country store
As I live in the aforementioned Irish countryside, I hear more about locally grown products and organic farming, etc. Europe in general is increasingly concerned with healthier and more sustainable methods than our globalized, mass-produced ways have influenced over recent decades, so greater attention is being paid to local area growers and farmers. Lucky for me because I recently learned of a country store and cafe that pays particular attention to the quality and origin of the products it sells. It looked really cute and lovely on TV, so I grabbed a few friends and we drove to the Tipperary town of Nenagh (pronounced 'Nina') for lunch. This place is special. Not because of the decor or the service or any other reason other than what it offers: a variety of beautiful cheeses, chutneys and jams and preserves, sweets, bread, wine and a lovely cafe to sit down for lunch. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch and bought bread and cheese to take home with us. From our 'ooh'ing' and 'ah'ing', you'd think we were in a museum. I suppose we were, in a way. But I think this will become more of the norm and less of a rarity. Let's hope so! http://www.countrychoice.ie (There are even some recipes on the site if you feel so inspired!)
Ah, the glory of Kerry Gold!
Kerry Gold is a brand of pure Irish butter. It is important to distinguish that it is Irish butter, because after you've had proper Irish butter, there's no way you'll go back to Land O' Lakes. Seriously. The character Amy in 'Little Women' said at their Christmas feast 'Isn't butter divinity?' I can only add an editorial comment that Irish butter is divinity. And Irish butter is pure sin, too. It is creamy, flavorful and makes toast one of the best meals you can possibly imagine. Before I moved here, one of the things I sincerely looked forward to about visiting was toast with butter. Sad? Not if you've had Irish butter. You can get Kerry Gold in the States. In Indy, O'Malia's carries it. If you're looking to really increase your fat intake in a satisfying way, you can't beat Kerry Gold.
I want a lamb
I technically live in rural Ireland. If I were in America, it would be considered the suburbs, but over here, it's a village in its own right and thus part of the rural Irish countryside. One cool thing about that is that there are still farms in the area, people can have animals without zoning restrictions and kids ride their horses on the village roads nearly every day. So, as this spring has unfolded and I've been essentially able to watch the grass in the back yard grow under my eyes, I've been inspired for an environmentally friendly alternative to the lawn mower: a sheep. Sheep populate the Irish landscape like dandelions. Granted this investment would be for when we have our own house, but I'm actually liking the idea of it more and more. At first it was a joke because I've found myself fawning over the cute lambs that have made an appearance over the past couple months. But the prospect is actually a realistic one. So, who knows, in a few years' time when you come visit us, you may have to 'beware of the sheep!'
Country store
As I live in the aforementioned Irish countryside, I hear more about locally grown products and organic farming, etc. Europe in general is increasingly concerned with healthier and more sustainable methods than our globalized, mass-produced ways have influenced over recent decades, so greater attention is being paid to local area growers and farmers. Lucky for me because I recently learned of a country store and cafe that pays particular attention to the quality and origin of the products it sells. It looked really cute and lovely on TV, so I grabbed a few friends and we drove to the Tipperary town of Nenagh (pronounced 'Nina') for lunch. This place is special. Not because of the decor or the service or any other reason other than what it offers: a variety of beautiful cheeses, chutneys and jams and preserves, sweets, bread, wine and a lovely cafe to sit down for lunch. We all enjoyed a wonderful lunch and bought bread and cheese to take home with us. From our 'ooh'ing' and 'ah'ing', you'd think we were in a museum. I suppose we were, in a way. But I think this will become more of the norm and less of a rarity. Let's hope so! http://www.countrychoice.ie (There are even some recipes on the site if you feel so inspired!)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sports, Euro-style
Greetings sports fans from the seat of soccer addiction, rugby fanatics and Gaelic sports groupies (more on Gaelic sports later).
One of the first things I noticed about my move last summer was that cricket was on all the time. No really, I mean all the time. It resembles baseball, except there isn't as much running and the players wear pith helmet-like hats and cable-knit sweater vests and white pants. I can already see you thinking the same thing I was - no way is this a sport if its players are wearing white sweaters!! But much like baseball, its supporters are devout and the games last forever and clog the airwaves all summer long.
So I was thrilled in late August for cricket to wind down...until the soccer strong-hold took over. Soccer is like religion to the men of Ireland, Europe and of course its reach extends further still. Tristan is a fervent Liverpool supporter and has been since he was a little kid. He would pretend to tell you that he isn't obsessed with soccer, but truly, he is. He'll watch any game that's on at any time and justify its importance. He can rattle off some long-retired player's stats and recount their goals and the exact time they occurred, dating back to the 80's.
In order to see my husband, I have been known to watch a soccer match now and then, too. Being a basketball fan first and foremost, I found it excruciating that several games can go scoreless. I mean, we're talking 90 minutes of kicking a ball back and forth to no avail. What's exciting about that?? I have to say that I admire the athleticism of soccer players. They are smart, quick and in excellent shape. But even with an entire season of soccer watching now under my belt, I still wish more happened (and by more, I mean scoring). The final regular season soccer matches are winding down this week and making way for a month long bonanza of soccer during the World Cup in June. Disappointingly, Ireland did not qualify, so that's a little less soccer watching I'll have to do. I think I'll throw myself whole-heartedly behind the American team. Heck, when you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?
Rugby is one game I've learned to enjoy and wish there was more of it. Rugby is fast paced - so much so that it makes American football looke like a chess match. It's similar, but instead of a play stopping once someone is tackled, it keeps going, with the players hovering around to extract the ball from the grounded player and continue this blood battle until they score. There's also the whole thing about how they dont' wear any padding, either. Right now, the Munster team (the Irish province where we live) is headed to the European final next week to face Biarritz (France) in Cardiff. I'm actually rather disappointed that I have to work that evening, so I'll only be able to watch part of it before I go in. It'll be a very exciting game, guaranteed.
Finally, Gaelic games, which is made up of Gaelic Football and Hurling, the two Irish sports. Hurling resembles a combination of field hockey and rugby (they have sticks called hurleys that they use to pass a baseball like ball and of course beat the tar out of each other with, too). It's very fast-paced and very physical. It's exciting to watch as the teams that play are those representing their home counties and are not paid. Its traditions are rooted in county-level play all the way down to individual village teams. It's not hard to get into hurling very quickly. Gaelic football is similar, but they play without the hurley and use a ball that's closer to a soccer ball.
So wish me luck as we begin to embark on the World Cup madness. I am going to take advantage of the next few weeks to try and commandeer the remote control whenever possible since I know I won't ever see it during the month of June. Thank goodness it's only every 4 years!!
One of the first things I noticed about my move last summer was that cricket was on all the time. No really, I mean all the time. It resembles baseball, except there isn't as much running and the players wear pith helmet-like hats and cable-knit sweater vests and white pants. I can already see you thinking the same thing I was - no way is this a sport if its players are wearing white sweaters!! But much like baseball, its supporters are devout and the games last forever and clog the airwaves all summer long.
So I was thrilled in late August for cricket to wind down...until the soccer strong-hold took over. Soccer is like religion to the men of Ireland, Europe and of course its reach extends further still. Tristan is a fervent Liverpool supporter and has been since he was a little kid. He would pretend to tell you that he isn't obsessed with soccer, but truly, he is. He'll watch any game that's on at any time and justify its importance. He can rattle off some long-retired player's stats and recount their goals and the exact time they occurred, dating back to the 80's.
In order to see my husband, I have been known to watch a soccer match now and then, too. Being a basketball fan first and foremost, I found it excruciating that several games can go scoreless. I mean, we're talking 90 minutes of kicking a ball back and forth to no avail. What's exciting about that?? I have to say that I admire the athleticism of soccer players. They are smart, quick and in excellent shape. But even with an entire season of soccer watching now under my belt, I still wish more happened (and by more, I mean scoring). The final regular season soccer matches are winding down this week and making way for a month long bonanza of soccer during the World Cup in June. Disappointingly, Ireland did not qualify, so that's a little less soccer watching I'll have to do. I think I'll throw myself whole-heartedly behind the American team. Heck, when you can't beat 'em, join 'em, right?
Rugby is one game I've learned to enjoy and wish there was more of it. Rugby is fast paced - so much so that it makes American football looke like a chess match. It's similar, but instead of a play stopping once someone is tackled, it keeps going, with the players hovering around to extract the ball from the grounded player and continue this blood battle until they score. There's also the whole thing about how they dont' wear any padding, either. Right now, the Munster team (the Irish province where we live) is headed to the European final next week to face Biarritz (France) in Cardiff. I'm actually rather disappointed that I have to work that evening, so I'll only be able to watch part of it before I go in. It'll be a very exciting game, guaranteed.
Finally, Gaelic games, which is made up of Gaelic Football and Hurling, the two Irish sports. Hurling resembles a combination of field hockey and rugby (they have sticks called hurleys that they use to pass a baseball like ball and of course beat the tar out of each other with, too). It's very fast-paced and very physical. It's exciting to watch as the teams that play are those representing their home counties and are not paid. Its traditions are rooted in county-level play all the way down to individual village teams. It's not hard to get into hurling very quickly. Gaelic football is similar, but they play without the hurley and use a ball that's closer to a soccer ball.
So wish me luck as we begin to embark on the World Cup madness. I am going to take advantage of the next few weeks to try and commandeer the remote control whenever possible since I know I won't ever see it during the month of June. Thank goodness it's only every 4 years!!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Cyril, ex-patriate cat
Some of you may recognize this guy - but not outdoors! Yes, Cyril has taken his curiosity outdoors in his new home - supervised of course, since he has no claws.
Cyril made the journey over to Ireland with me at Christmas. I'll spare everyone the details of this long, drawn-out process, but I will let you know that it is much easier to move a person than a cat to another country. Fortunately, Ireland has relaxed the former quarantine laws that used to exist for animals coming in from outside the country (they used to be subject to 6 months in quarantine). Now, you can go through a long arduous process with vets and paper work at home before moving the cat. So, the process began in March of 2005 and Cyril officially joined me in Ireland in December.
First, he endured a number of vet visits, blood draws and vaccinations before riding in the car up to Chicago O'Hare Airport to depart for Ireland. At O'Hare, he sat patiently while I argued with the cargo department about his booking (another long story that I'll spare everyone, but essentially I had to sweet talk them into letting Cyril on board, which involved several Chicago-Dublin phone calls). He then boarded a plane for Dublin, endured a 7 hour flight, a trip to a vet in Dublin and a 2.5 hour car ride back to Sixmilebridge to his new home. He meowed lots, but survived like a champ and crawled up with me for a nice long jet lag nap when we got home.
I know anyone who doesn't know me very well who's reading this is probably thinking I'm nuts for going to such lengths to reunite with my cat. But Tristan probably said it best when he was trying to figure it out himself and told me that he figured it was because Cyril is a part of home that I could have here with me. And that's the truth. My cat is as loyal as the most loyal of dogs - he runs to the door to greet me when I get home and curls up on my lap whether I want him there or not!
Now he's settling in an enjoying his new home. He's always been an indoor cat, but loves watching the outdoors from the windows and back door, and sometimes has even braved a lap or two around the back yard, as pictured above. Spring has definitely sprung here, which has brought him much to look after and observe. He's very busy watching birds and the cows in the field next door and relaxes with a nice sunbath in the afternoons....
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