January 21

Of course my wife said to me today, "you aren't entering anything every day are you?", and of course I said no. That is true as Carrie hasn't brought home her computer every day.

We got a slow start today. All got up late, plus Grandpa's pancakes started out as a disaster and took a long time to work themselves out. Always happens to me with different skillets, etc. We did finally have some.

We travelled to Trim today to visit the Trim Castle, most well know currently in the world as the place they filmed Braveheart. It was quite interesting to see how they lived way back when the Normans invaded both Britain and Ireland. Of course it was quite cold still and the wind blew especially hard 3 stories up in a tower without windows. We next took a bit of a road tour, while Alex napped in the car.

For dinner we went to a pub in Maynooth, where we found it full of people watching a soccer game. Must have been an Irish supported team playing on British TV. As soon as it was over, the place emptied. Had great pub food and of course couple of pints of the black stuff. Nan had fish and chips (how creative) and I had mixed grill. For those not acquainted, it included steak, ham, egg, sausage, blood pudding and potatoes. Cholesterol aside, it was delicious.

Next we went to a pub next door, where they have live Irish music going every Sunday night from 6:30 to 8:30. Was a blast. These guys were great and even played couple of stateside tunes, which Nan of course thought were for our benefit. Alex stood on the back of a booth, playing piano and speaking into a "microphone" much of the time. Towards the end, a couple of people even did some Irish dancing. Needless to say couple of pints of the black stuff was had by yours truly. Nan had hot Irish whiskey in lemonade, with lemon and cloves. Watch out TC.

Still fighting with Charter, so don't expect any fast responses to e-mails, but please keep them coming. We love hearing about all that is going on at home. Happy new Grandchild to the Birkholds.

Back to the routine tomorrow.

Good Day!

Joe