February 1st-on the town in Maynooth

The girls took Alex into Dublin for a showing of Mother Goose-a play, I think. Nan and I walked into town to take a walking tour of the old college, St. Patricks, which dates way back and got its start as a school for Irish priests. Saw a statute given by the city of LA for all the Irish priests who helped them out.

We have observed that a lot of old buildings are under refurbishing-another indication of how much money is here in Ireland. Parts of an old castle are adjacent to the grounds and was once owned by the Earl of Kildare who also lived in the castle on the grounds of where we are staying. The town has put together a walking tour book, which we used to try and identify buildings on the grounds of the college, which is now part of the University of Ireland and has a new campus that includes typical programs in addition to theology.

We took a rest in the mall in the middle of town and did a bit of people watching which is always fun. Then we walked to a pub. We have found you can never be in a hurry in a pub or restaurant in Ireland. And you can never leave unless you ask for your check. I believe we spent close to 2 hours. I had another "heart attack" special they call Mixed Grill.

I forgot to mention that while in Portrush, I had Haggis, Neers and Tasties for dinner. Haggis you can look up, but it tasted and looked like a big meat loaf (it wasn't), the Neers was squash and Tasties, mashed potatoes.

Also, we constantly hear 80's music playing in all the public places, whether malls or stores.

We're off on our first solo venture tomorrow heading south of Dublin along the east coast to places like Wickford, Wexford and Waterford. Will probably be driving a Ford. :)

Sure hope the TC house makes it through the cold weather planned for this weekend.

We're hoping to attend a Super Bowl party to be held by one of Carrie's associates who is here from Oregon and lives few doors away. They are starting at 8pm, but the game doesn't start until 11pm here. Hope they know they can get it, because I tried to find it here and couldn't. They may be planning on using simulcast through a TV.

Anyway, here's hoping the Bears do it like before.

For all you Mah Jongg Mavens, Nan finally one a game after going through quite a desperate dry period.

Later!

Joe