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I turn to current events in today’s blog. I fully get this will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s a lot happening on this side of the pond right now. Perhaps most pressing is the Russian troop buildup on the border of Ukraine. It seems pretty clear that Europe is holding its collective breath at the moment. Presidents, prime ministers and high-ranking officials have been visiting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zalensky at a fair clip in recent weeks – Emmanuel Macron of France, Olaf Scholz of Germany, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and on and on. Even Irish … Continue Reading

This is a tale of the raven, the crow. For most of my life, if I may borrow liberally from Edgar Allan Poe, my feelings about these corvids and their cousins could be summed up in a single word: nevermore. Nevermore would I see anything redeeming in these bulky, black, opportunistic creatures who scatter their smaller avian brothers and sisters to grab the tastiest morsels for themselves. Oh, smart no doubt, that was obvious, but using that intelligence as a robber. And that screeching! That a group of crows is called a murder, I found not at all surprising. Nevermore! And so consider, if you … Continue Reading

As an American, I feel I may be presumptuous, dare I say even brazen, to be writing this blog about a seemingly sacred Irish institution that is integral to the holiday heart of this country. No, I’m not talking about advent, not the Solstice, not midnight Mass. Ah, no. I’m talking about outrageous Christmas jumpers (that’s sweaters to the uninitiated), a cacophony of red and green. I’m talking about glitzy show numbers, one-liners to put Henny Youngman to shame, cute children running the show and running amok. I’m talking pathos and humor and tears and laughter. This, my friends from near and far, is The … Continue Reading

I am a traveling neophyte, despite my rather advanced age. In this, I have no expectations or preconceived notions, but also not a lot of savvy. You can plan and plan in advance of a trip, visiting many websites, reading articles, looking for the best airfares and lodging to fit your budget, but in the end, unexpected surprises are bound to occur. And there was more than one for me, as I wended my way to the Algarve region of Portugal recently – my first foray to the European continent since moving to Ireland. The size and magnitude of Albufeira, where I stayed, was certainly … Continue Reading

Because I was born on Oct. 27, 1951, I have recently had a birthday that is seen by many as one of some import. I acknowledge this, while I also choose not to allow a word, seventy, to hold sway. These decade birthdays have become anxiety-producing mileposts imposed on us all by a society that devalues age.  ‘I’m 30! Egads! I have to be an adult!’ As if maturity could not be attained at 25 or 29, as if you will turn into a slug if you’re swimming in uncertainty at 31. ‘I’m 50 today and what have I done with my life?’ As if … Continue Reading

I actually welcomed my first visitor from the states in September, lo these 14 months since moving to the ould sod in the middle of a pandemic! My intrepid brother TJ braved two airports and mass transportation on either end to travel from Maine to my County Clare home. We spent 10 days together, didn’t revert to childhood form, were cordial and considerate adults as well as friends. I took him to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, holy wells, village walks, local places I’ve written about in past blogs. It was wonderful to bring my sibling to some of the sites and paths that … Continue Reading