Sno Cone of Luv

Spring has finally arrived in Dublin. We are consistently in the 50’s and the rain is settling down. We both walk quite a bit and sometimes we actually remember to take the camera with us. Every time I don’t take the camera I see something odd that I wish I could share. I think from now on I’ll always carry the camera.

With that said, there are more pictures posted today of just some randomness. Included in the album is our trip to Malahide, which is just a short train ride north of Dublin. They have a very nice, super old castle there that is actually in one piece. (that’s odd for Ireland). Also, we took a short train ride south to Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Done Leary). The special information about this town is that Dun Laoghaire is where Brandon and I stayed the first night of our honeymoon 6 years ago. The other pictures are just on various walks through Dublin. Enjoy.

Posted by Jenniffer at 11:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s amazing home quickly time passes. Yesterday afternoon Brandon and I came to the realization that we have been together now for 11 years. Last year was the marking of this being officially one-third of our lives. It really doesn’t feel that long today, but when I think about how much life has changed during that time, then it seems more substantial. Anyway, that’s all I really wanted to say about it because I don’t want to bore anyone with lovey-dovey thoughts. Hey in 7 years we’ll have been together for half our lives. That’s frightening.

I know this is Brandon's thing but As I type: Listening to Primus “Pork Soda”

Posted by Jenniffer at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If the key to happiness in life is merely keeping yourself occupied, then today Jenniffer and I were the happiest we have ever been in Dublin. Here’s a complete run-down of the days activities. . .

We woke up this morning, and I proceeded to get the rub on the pork roast we would be having for dinner later in the evening (just a mix of vinegar, Tabasco, onion salt, garlic granules, ground cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, thyme, and black pepper for those of you scoring at home.) From there we caught the early showing of “American Dreamz.” It really wasn’t bad. At the very least, there were multiple laugh out loud moments.

When we returned home from the movie, we packed up a bag and made our way to St. Stephen’s Green for a semi-impromptu picnic. We had lunchmeat sandwiches, bananas, sesame crackers, and some pineapple chutney we picked up at an open-air market on our way home from the movie (mmmm, sweet AND spicy!) We even had the i-pod loaded up with plenty of lounge music to make the day complete. It’s amazing what you can do in this town when the weather is decent. I even busted out my sandals for the occasion, though my feet were starting to get rather cold by the time we decided to head back home.

Shortly after returning from the picnic, I started working on our dinner of roasted pork, green beans, garlic/thyme potatoes, and a loaf of sourdough (also from the previously mentioned market.) After eating under candlelight and Jimmy Smith, we headed down the hill toward the River Liffey to O’Shea’s Merchant for an evening of traditional Irish music. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the big rugby game in town tomorrow, but the place was absolutely packed. Regardless, it was enjoyable.

Right now, it is past time to go to bed. Goodnight.

As I type: Listening to Face To Face “How to Ruin Everything”

Posted by Brandon at 01:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Finally the St. Patrick's photos are up and some great photos of boys drinking. Enjoy.

Posted by Jenniffer at 11:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One thing I can say about Ireland is that they certainly do like their holidays. What with a predominantly Catholic population and this being Easter weekend, it’s time for the entire country to shut down for the next several days. Today is Holy Thursday, followed by Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and We-Want-Another-Day-Off Monday (it’s a Bank Holiday.) On top of the religious importance of the weekend, it also marks the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, one of the more significant Irish rebellions against British rule. Sure, the better-armed Brits quickly squashed them, but it’s the thought that counts, right?

Coincidentally, today we found ourselves at the General Post Office, site of the Easter Rising. We weren’t even being tourists or anything, we were just paying a utility bill (c’mon, doesn’t everyone pay their utility bills at the post office?) That isn’t to say that today we didn’t find ourselves playing the role of tourist.

This morning we hopped a train and went not quite ten miles north of Dublin to see Malahide Castle. Originally built in the 14th century, it has been remarkable well preserved. There will, however, be no pictures posted of the interior, as they did not allow any photography. So it goes. . .

Almost more enjoyable than the castle was the fact that the weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was about 55 Fahrenheit and mostly sunny. We were able to tool around the castle’s 250 acres for a bit, and I was able to enjoy a rare peek at expanses of green. Honestly, I wanted to lie down and roll around in the grass for a bit, but I let better judgment prevail. We’ll have more pictures of the day posted soon.

As I type: listening to Sideshow “Lip Read Confusion”

Posted by Brandon at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Wendy DeCora is my most favoritest person right now. She took time out of her weekend to install and set-up Gallery for me (because I'm an idiot). So we have uploaded a few albums of pictures, but still have a few more to come including St. Patrick's and the boys visit. I just thought I would give the computer a break and really there is plenty there to look through.



**I jacked the picture from Wendy's site.

Posted by Jenniffer at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Though it is not an issue this year, I just wanted to comment on the fact that historically the first Monday in April is one of my all-time favorite days of the year. Though not a national holiday (anywhere, so far as I know) it certainly should be. Not only do we have opening day for baseball, but the NCAA championship as well. Woo-Hoo!

I can remember days past where I would veg out through the afternoon watching baseball games that I had no vested interest in, only to make my way to the Vine (the old one) later that evening to watch the NCAA final, which I also would be likely to have no vested interest in. Watching sports for the sake of watching sports. . . good times. . . good times.

Granted, all of this is moot this year. The NCAA finals don’t even start until 2:45am Tuesday morning over here. I just don’t think the Woolshed will be open that late (early?). Also, I have to work in the morning. Oh well, I can put little details like that out of my mind for this year. Regardless, today will still hold a special place in my heart, even if I have to wait at least a year before hearing "One Shining Moment."

As I type: Watching “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”

Posted by Brandon at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)