January 19

Today's our Matt's birthday and Alex sent him two special videos last night.

Don't remember if I've said much about the actual house beyond rooms. The residential area is part of the grounds of a castle built in the 1700's and eventually occupied by the Earl of Kildare. It has just been refurbished and turned into a 4 star hotel. The residential area will house 80 residences of single and double occupancy. They are all constructed on half slab and half basement. Walls are prefabbed sections that are installed using cranes and scaffolding. The can put them up pretty fast. Then they block the outside and put on some sort of stucco. Kind of weird for Ireland. The finish work at this house at least leaves something to be desired. We are the first occupants and I don't think it got much of a shakedown, but it is nice. Hot water heat that works so good we don't use it in the bedroom. In the bathroom they use hot water heated towel dryers instead of registers. Works great. Bedrooms are carpeted while the halls, baths and kitchen are tile. What's amazing is that they run $1 to 1.3 million (yep dollars). May be worth $500 in the states.

Though I'm sure it's getting old, we walked about half way to town today to feed the ducks and swan in the canal. They aren't very friendly and aren't interested in the bread crusts that Alex doesn't eat from his PB&J sandwiches, but at least we are getting out. If anyone has been watching the European weather, you'll know that the wind storm that went through here past few days has done lots of damage, but mostly on the mainland. They are losing a lot of trees in this residential area, but it is probably because of the short root systems, wet and loose ground. So far haven't seen any hit any of the houses or any other property, but the tree guys are making it big time.

We escorted Alex to a Play Zone with the girls tonight. He really had a ball, but it's only open to 6 as is most other retail except for a 24 hour market and restaurants and pubs.

Nan has begun reading a book about Ireland today and it has some amazing facts. They have practically 0 unemployment and tradesmen, especially in the construction area, are making more then professionals including Drs. The demand is so great.

We are off to some tombs north of Dublin tomorrow that date to 1200 BC. Hope to journey a bit of countryside too. Don't know if we're out for one or two days.

We gave the girls a night out tonight.

Glad to see the snow gang getting it in TC. That we miss big time, though we are getting plenty of cold.

Hope to have some pictures out soon. May still try tonight.

Good Day!

Joe