A new discovery

I have discovered a tasty treat here in Ireland that I'm ever so grateful is not available in Mass. I went to the shop today to buy something for dinner. At the cash register were all the Cadbury things, some of which were familiar, some of which were not. The Cadbury Buttons (made with CREAMY WHITE chocolate) just sang out to me. That was 3 hours ago. Are there any left in the package you might ask. And the answer would be - nope. Goodness were they good. Maybe I'll bring some back for everyone to try.
Lynn

My first session with Getting Started

Yesterday, I presented myself at Age Action Ireland to begin my volunteer work. They had me start by doing some typing; transcribing notes of a meeting that had been tape recorded. It was hard, but everyone was so glad that they did not have to do it, I've been invited out for many pints. I met Margaret who is in charge of the Getting Started program. She was very nice and welcoming and this morning, I met her somewhere in the North side of Dublin to see what the training sessions were all about. I ended up working exclusively with one lovely woman named Jenny. She had missed a class and was a bit behind so it was good for her to have one on one attention. She is the nicest lady. We had a tea break during which she told me that her two sons were arguing about which was the better of two Internet providers. She said she wished they'd just stop arguing and get her something! She made me promise to return next Thursday. Not a problem, said I.

Then after it was done, Margaret gave me directions to Parnell Square which was very near where we were. All around that area are examples of the Georgian architecture that Dublin is famous for. So, off I went. Beautiful buildings, those Dublin doors and lots of history including the Garden of Remembrance. I visited the James Joyce Center which is in the neighborhood. Got to see James Joyce's death mask - now how many of you can say you've done that, I ask you. I'll put in a photo. They also have the door to 7 Eccles St., which was Leopold Bloom's address in Ulysses. The building was demolished but someone saved the door. While I was walking around, the skies opened and the rains, snows, and sleets all came thundering down. I don't think I'll dry out til April. Two days ago, it was mild and sunny. For the last two days, winter has settled in. I thought I was going to be able to ignore the freezing temps this year. My friend Dennis even got to use the ice scraper I brought over for him! yuck

Tonight - the Dropkick Murphys somewhere in City Centre. That'll be a blast. I'm dreadiang the walk to the train and from the train to the venue. Frigid, freezing, narsty cold, just like home, sigh

New project

Hi

Today, I'm going into Dublin to Age Action Ireland where my friend Linda works. Their agency is moving down the road. The library has to be packed and moved so I'm going to help out with that. Also, Linda is administering a grant called Getting Started which teaches elderly people how to use computers. She needs a volunteer teacher who is available in the daytime. She asked me; I said I don't know enough about computers to teach anyone. She said, this is moving the mouse, finding the enter key - reminds me a bit of STCC (!!!) So, I'm going to do it. I'll go to someplace called Bally Munn one day a week for a 2 hour session. Linda said she sat in on a training session in which one man was able to see photos of his grandchildren and his son's house in Seattle for the first time. He was so moved, he cried. So, I get to be a part of that! I need the structure so I won't spend my whole time here wandering around.

I'm going to try to load a photo. Not having much luck today but I'll try. It was last Thursday in St. Stephen's Green in Dublin. Notice the lawn, palm ferns and flowers - how much snow is back in Mass.?

bye for now - gotta go catch the DART

Lynn

back to the real world

well, vacation is over and i must get to work. I've found that I can get into the Eircom.net network on my own computer within 500 yards of a wap. It's a bit pricey, but necessary. The Howth Public Library is in that circumference as is a very cool pub up the street. So, I could have a glass while I'm learning new things. Tomorrow, I will concentrate on getting my camera organized so I can send some photos and maybe do a flickr thing to hold all of them. I have an opportunity to volunteer in a library that supports Age Action Ireland so I think I'll do that to get some structure. Very easy to sleep in.... and I don't want to waste time.

I miss everyone. No big plans except for a Dropkick Murphys concert on Thursday night. Have to go to Dublin to hear a Boston band - cool.
Love to all
Lynn