January 14-Dublin again

First I must say "GO BEARS" as I just heard from Matt that they won. Will check out the details when I'm done here.

Nan and I went back to Dublin today to try and finish what we wanted to do. Got an hour later start then expected because we didn't know there were two platforms at Maynooth train station. Sat and watched our train leave. Most of the trains from Dublin stop at Maynooth and return to Dublin. Visited the old jail where those involved in the uprising in 1916 were executed. Dates back to the 1700's. British rule sent many to prison for stealing bread. If they were children, they were sentenced to time, flogging and reform school for years. During the famines, citizens would do something to get in as they got food.

Visited O'Connell street as well and had dinner by accident at an Italian restaurant which didn't serve any Irish beer, only Heinkens, Peroni and Budweiser. Can't believe how many Budweiser, not Bud, signs there are around the country. Also saw Coors Light in the grocery tonight.

Grocery has been quite the experience for all of us. Finally found some non-flavored, no fat yogurt and maple syrup today. Wanted to do pancakes this morning, but hadn't been able to find any syrup and no one wanted to do them dry. Even went online to find a homemade receipe, but even that required maple extract.

Carrie and family went to an India restaurant tonight in Maynooth and were quite pleased. So far the food out has been much better then in Scotland and England. Far from bland for sure.

Have discovered that the houses in this complex have concrete floors on all levels and outside walls are sections prefabbed and hung in place in some manner. In any case, even with lots of windows, they are very quiet. Definitely can't hear things from one floor to the other.

Lots of golfers today on the course. Day was sunny all day, but cold. Was supposed to have been up to 50 in Dublin, but the wind was so strong, felt much colder. Was around 36 when we got back from Dublin around 7pm.

Tried to video conference with Sean and family today. Sean's first effort. Once he got signed on, we did connect, but the connection was like a news show from the far east and then he crashed. We hope to give it another shot. Was good to see them in any case. Carrie also discovered that her DSL connection here doesn't appear up to snuff and needs to be checked out.

Nan has yet to view any of the e-mails or even my postings yet, but she intends to soon. I've told her no critiques of these for sure.

Expect we are to start our "Nannying" for sure tomorrow. Since Flor didn't have Internet service most of last week and we were adjusting to time, not much was done to routine. We also hope to get on to our 3 day travelling next weekend, so we'll be planning for that.

Guess that's all for now. Glad to hear from some of you. Still can't seem to get out to everyone about the blog address as I can't send e-mails to some. I'll keep working on it though.

Hope all is well.

Joe