Clann Uí Dhubhchóin - Oileán Thoraí

Fáilte don Leanbh :-)

2009-03-28T12:10:00.002Z

Bhí leanbh úr ag cara dom roimhe na Nollaig agus thug sí Thomas air agus ansin 4 lá indiaidh sin bhí leanbh ag mo cholceathar agus thug sise Thomas air so bhí orm le cardaí a dhéanamh don 2 Thomas :-)

Comhghairdeachas le Mary and Thomas agus le Dearbhail agus Enda :-)

Flying High

2009-03-19T19:30:00.004Z

Getting ready to fly home to Tory today :)

Ríonnach and Cobhlaith before boarding.

Taking Off

All strapped in and headphones on

Up up and away

The Cockpit and John (the Pilot)

Heading out over the sea

Machaire Rabhartaigh on Aer

Ríonnach enjoying the inflight movie :)

Tory Island

Nearly Home (that's our house bottom right hand corner)

St Patricks Day

2009-03-19T19:04:00.003Z

I managed to get Cobhlaith's tunic finished just in time for St Patrick's Day.

Crafteire 2009 Master Class

2009-03-03T14:14:00.003Z

Let me begin by saying I'm not really a fan of mini books at all but surprisingly I did enjoy making this one. The class by Karen Burniston was taught by the fabulous Jane Dean :-)

I changed the title slightly to Family and Friends (to suit my photos!)

I also used a mix of different papers. Below is the front cover

So this is a picture record of the Adelaide, Howley and Doohan Families trips to Giants Causeway and to Ionad Cois Locha last summer.

Pages 1 and 2

Pages 3 and 4

Pages 5 and 6

Pages 7 and 8

Pages 9 and 10

Pages 11 and 12 (I still have a bit of journalling to add to page 12 and a few bits to add to the outside cover (card) here.

This is my popup snow globe featuring Rionnach

and a closer view.

Thank you for this great class Jane :-)

LO's from Crafteire 2009

2009-03-03T13:38:00.003Z

The friday night challenge at Crafteire 2009 was to create something crafty from the scrummy saffrass lass papers provided with the theme friends. I made the LO below, funnily enough the colours in the papers (orange and green) matched the colours of Rionnach and Sophies clothes. Guess which one is my daughter and which one is Tiggers ha ha!!

The photo was taken at Ionad Cois Locha in Dunlewey last summer.

The first class I took on Saturday morning was 'Family' by Eva. It was perfect for the family photos that I happened to bring along :-)
I just love Eva's classes - thank you for another fabby one Eva.

The pre-Crafteire challenge - A Pet Project - was so difficult to do, I hadn't crafted since Crafteire '08 and just couldn't find my mojo at all but I wanted to have a go. Tigger emailed me this lovely photo of Cobhlaith and Jack taken in Tory last summer, but it lost it's photo quality in the emailing or maybe in the printing on my not so good printer. I'm still waiting for the original one Tigger!!!!!!!

I just loved this class (below) by Elisa (and to think I nearly didn't book it!!) The glitter letters on the original LO by Elisa (in her sneak peek) were what swayed me to book this class but alas I made a complete mess of mine so sneakily I added these gorgeous flock velvety red ones instead, but I loved the glitter letter class and will definately be using it again - watch this spot!!

Inside the About You cover. I love this photograph of Caoilte and was delighted to complete LO's including all three of my children at the Crafteire weekend this year. I still have to add the journalling to this LO, have to have a good think about it first though :-) Thank you for a lovely class Elisa.

Annamarie's Mini Book Class and Jackie's Make and Takes from Crafteire

2009-03-03T11:52:00.005Z

At last I've managed to get into blogger - Phew!! Below are photos of some of the projects I managed to complete at Crafteire 2009 - which was a blast by the way!! Huge thanks to Kate and Mireille for organising a super event once again :-)

So Annamaire's Class was a scalloped mini book using the Urban Prairie Range from Basic Grey, which is to die for.

Below is the cover

Pages 1 and 2

Pages 3 and 4 (oops just noticed that I've forgotton to doodle around one of the pages :-D)

Pages 5 and 6 (I just happened to bring photos from Easter 2007 with me to Crafteire this year hoping to use them for some project and I just hit the nail on the head with this gorgeous mini book - thank you Annamarie)

Pages 7 and 8

Back Cover

This was the first year at Crafteire that I managed to get the Make and Takes done and what a treat they were - thank you Jackie :-)

Below are my lollipop flowers - I just loved this technique and I have ordered my first cuttlebug embossing folders already!!

Below is my card from Jackie's second make and take. Such a clever idea, this card was spot on for my friends birthday and is already on it's way.

Scairfeanna

2009-02-18T18:21:00.002Z

Well I eventually managed to finish and photograph Ríonnach's scarf (to match her crocheted hat) Here she is modeling it today..............

...... and here's a pic of the flowers as they are drooping the the above photo!
This scarf and R's hat were both crocheted using Tivoli Cruise Aran and a 5.00mm crochet hook.

...................... and here is R modeling my knitted cowboy scarf - made from the colorado cotton wool from Lidl's special offers last week.

Cowboy

2009-02-11T20:53:00.000Z

Tory Snow

2009-02-09T18:22:00.003Z

Bhuel bhí sneachta in Toraigh lá amháin (19ú Éanair) - mhair sé ar feadh uair nó mar sin agus d'éirigh linn cúpla griangraf a tharraingt.

Mo Hata Úr

2009-02-05T20:34:00.002Z

I discovered yesterday that all of Ríonnach's hats were too small for her, so I made her this one today - crocheted I should say. Here she is modeling it.

7 Already!!

2009-01-29T12:40:00.003Z

This 'little' boy was 7 last saturday! Here he is with his Man U cake - oh yes and his sisters too - lol Happy Birthday Caoilte :)

Here they are singing Happy Birthday.

All the cousins together.

Caoilte and his Godmother.

Griangrafanna

2009-01-20T15:57:00.001Z

Thank you Angela

2009-01-20T10:35:00.002Z

This is the beautiful thank you card that I received from my Craft Supplies Secret Santa Swappee angelaf. Go raibh maith agat Angela :)

Contrast!

2009-01-18T17:29:00.002Z

Glacadh and pictiúir seo Dé hAoine, same boat and same stretch of water as previous pic!!

First Post of 2009

2009-01-17T23:18:00.003Z

Chaith muid an Nollaig agus an bhliain úr ar tír mór. Seo muid ar an bhealach ar ais na bhaile ar an 4ú Eanair ar an Tór Mór.

Paint Watercolor Doodle by Donna Downey

2008-11-08T22:02:00.004Z

I am really going to have to take better photos of these pages tomorrow, but here is my Donna Downey Chipboard/Acrylic mini album from the Halloween Mega Scrap Class. I just finished it this evening, but I may still add some more journalling to some of the pages, just waiting for inspiration :-)

Above is Page one, I had to redo it when I came home as I had written my title (lightly I thought) with pencil the wrong way round at first and it was visible through the paint :-(

Pages 2 and 3

Pages 4 and 5

Pages 6 and 7

Pages 8 and 9

Pages 10 and 11

Pages 12 and 13

Pages 14 and 15

Page 16

Lazy Day LO

2008-11-07T19:59:00.002Z

This is my adaptation of Anita Mundt's Wash Day LO from the Halloween Megascrap. I decided not to use a photo of my washing, so had to change the title. I loved the LO tho, esp using the doilys and the chipboard and even the crochet!

Attempting some Anita techniques!

2008-11-07T19:52:00.003Z

I was up on a chair and Cobhlaith was on the floor and she thought it was absolutely hailerious that I was up there!!

Halloween Mega Scrap

2008-11-07T19:16:00.002Z

Sorry folks but I was so engrossed in the classes at the megascrap that I didn't manage to take any photographs except for this one during Donna's Paint Watercolor Doodle Class! It's my biggest crafty purchase for ages (since I got my bind it all at Crafteire) but I'm so glad I splashed out on this box of Caran d'Ache wax pastels and that I learned how to use them. I had a great weekend. I arrived at the hotel on the friday evening and gate crashed a birthday party at the hotel, didn't manage to photograph the kilt clad men for Tigger but Caroline got one on her phone!! Caroline arrived later in the evening and we spend the night catching up on each others news in front of a very welcome (gas) fire :) How we missed Mireille and Brian I just cant figure out but we met them at breakfast on the Saturday morning, we were also joined by Ann (Kelly) for brekkie, which set us up nicely for the intensive crafting day.

It was so nice to meet up with everyone again, Lainey, Annamarie, Julie M, Eva, Ber, Kiki, Isobel, Val, Coco, Tigger, Tracey, Pamela, Jackie C, Julie B, Carrie, Auds, and to meet new friends Karen, Olive, Lorna and others whose names escape me! I loved the first class by Donna Downey - Paint, Watercolor, Doodle and can't wait to finish my mini-album. I'm trying to choose photos for it at the moment. I also loved Anita's Wash Day LO Class, the crochet didn't bother me as I've been crocheting since I could walk but I wasn't too taken with putting a photo of my washing on a LO so I used a photo of my daughters instead. I'll post up a photo of the LO soon.

Even tho I'm so not a mini book fan I must say that I enjoyed Donna's second class too, I surprised myself!! Again, it's nearly complete, just photos to be added now. Antia's photography class was interesting and I've tried out a few of the techniques, but I am such a bad photographer. Still I'll post up some of my efforts in a while.

I was lucky to win a raffle prize too, a basket of herma goodies which will come in very useful as I'm always running out of glue :)

I was disappointed that everyone had to leave after the classes as I was staying at the hotel and had been looking forward to dinner with everyone a al Crafteire!! But I must say that Coco and Tigger were terriffic company and we had a lovely leisurely meal and a great laugh, I couldn't believe that we were still in the restaurant at midnight!!

I had a nearly 2 hour delay at the airport on the way home but didn't mind as I had a book to read and I met up with some Tory folk who were returning from An Oireachtas in Cork.

Hairdo

2008-11-07T18:51:00.002Z

This little lady proceeded to give herself a haircut a few days ago!! I suppose it's something that nearly all little ladies do at some stage in those early years!! But this happened at the kitchen table when herself, Rionnach, Caoilte and I were sitting at it too!! How we didn't see what she was up to, or hear the snip, snip I just don't know. Thankfully she didn't do too much damage and when her hair is tied up you wouldn't notice it at all, it fact when her hair is down it looks like she has a longish fringe now, I haven't managed to get an 'after' photo yet as she has been sick for the past week too, in fact all three of the children have had bad coughs for over the past two weeks or so, Caoilte and Rionnach are over theirs now, but Cobhlaith has just started on an antibiotic today, I was hoping that she would recover without one but it's just been lingering for too long now.

Green Umbrella

2008-11-07T18:39:00.003Z

Just a bit of fun. I found this on Julie's (leapblog) and had to have a go :)

What Your Green Umbrella Says About You

When faced with adversity, you try to calm down first and act second.

You can approach things from a fresh perspective, but you have to relax first.

You are a very insightful and perceptive person. You offer up interesting critiques.

You have amazing levels of concentration. You can focus completely on any problem until it is solved.

On a rainy day: you take time to nap, day dream, and relax

The Umbrella Test

Remember Me!!

2008-10-11T23:08:00.002+01:00

Hello folks, I can't believe how long it's been since I've blogged, I've since lost my computer, gained a new (secondhand) laptop which is tempermental, a little bit sunnier than my pc tho thank goodness and lost most of my photos which were on the pc :(

But here I go again and I'm hoping to blog everyday if I can.

Seo pictiúir a tharraing mé do Cobhlaith coicis o shin nuair a bhí picnic againn tráthnóna amháin

It's been a while

2008-05-26T23:21:00.004+01:00

since my last post!! Where does the time go?

Well the biggest news in the Doohan household in May was Ríonnach's First Holy Communion Day which was 10 May in Gortahork. She had a great day and was so excited. She was very involved in the ceremony, being the only pupil from her school making their Communion this year. She was part of the Procession at the beginning of Mass and had to carry a lit candle representing all the childrens Communion Candles, and place it on the altar. Then she sang the Psalm - Mo Ghrá Thú a Thiarna - and sang it very well, although she told us later that her knees were shaking! She also took part in the Offertory Procession. Vincey con-celebrated the Mass along with Fr Sean and a priest from Glasgow, whose niece was also making her Communion (Róisín Duggan - I can't remember the priest's name right now), and Fr Sean let Vincey give Ríonnach her First Communion, and also Katie and Emily. 25 children from 5 schools made their Communions with Ríonnach, or should I say including Ríonnach. She knew most of them before hand as many of them were at the Naíonra with her in Gortahork in 2004, and three of them were her cousins, Emily, Katie and AineS. Shane lived next door to mum for a few years so she used to play at home as well as at the Naíonra. She met Joanne at the St Patricks Day parade!! and Hannah has been her companion at An Cosan Glas for the past few summers. After Mass we went to An Sean Scoil for tea and cakes and minerals and sweets for the children. There was a gorgeous Communion Cake there and Ríonnach, Emily, Katie, Eilish, AineG, RóisínD and Fr Sean cut it. I must look for a few photos :) Later on our family (23 of us - well she is the first grandchild on both sides :) ) had lunch in Ostan Loch Altan. Ríonnach's treat for the day was to go to Arena 7 where we were joined by Maryanne, Gráinne, Conor, Patrick and Caroline. We were there until 8pm and exhausted but then we went to the cinema to see Nim's Island - I couldn't believe that all three children, Ríonnach, Caoilte and Cobhlaith stayed awake until the end!! Eddie and I were nearly asleep, but the film was very enjoyable. So all in all a great day. Ríonnach wore her dress again to Mass on Sunday morning and Fr Sean had all the First Communion children who were there up on the altar for the Our Father and kept them there until after Communion which was nice for them, he really made them feel special on both days. Well after that essay I better post a few photos, I'm afraid the quality isn't great but here goes -

Cobhlaith was fed up after just one photograph!!

Fr. Sean, Ríonnach, Anna Boyle (R's teacher), Vincey

2008-05-06T01:32:00.000+01:00

What Noelle Means

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Beautiful Donegal :)

2008-04-20T22:48:00.004+01:00

Some nice photos of various parts of Donegal here on our geocaching trips, the first three are in Tory - the rest of the photos aren't in chronological order, sure that would be boring!! I'm afraid the photos don't do justice to the beautiful scenery in Donegal, but I hope it whets the appetities of a few of my crafty friends who are coming this way soon from the big smokes :)

Hurrah, stage 2 of the Tory Cache found!!

Final Stage of Tory Cache - treasure found!!

Caoilte, Eddie, Cobhlaith and Ríonnach with an Tór Mór behind them

Cache Number 4 (I think) at Horn Head

Caoilte at the View Point at Glenveagh National Park on a wet April Sunday. That's the castle behind him.

Goody!! Bitten by the Glenveagh Bug found!!

A view of Downings from Ards Forest Park

On our way to our second cache at Ards Forest Park

Taking a break from geocaching - at the Trá na Rossan Beach - Downings

A windy day in Downings

Another day another cache, this was the best one we found so far and the one we (well I!!) most wanted to find - at Bunaninbhir.

Nearby the Doohery cache site

Isn't it Funny

2008-04-20T22:25:00.002+01:00

.................... how things get in the way of blogging!!! Things like living, crafting and oh yes our new hobby Geocaching - have I mentioned geocaching before??? It is the greatest thing, the whole family can take part, lots of fresh air, exercise and treasure too - woohoo. Huge thanks to Kate George and Jane Dean for making me aware of this and especially to Kate for the encouragement to take part. I'm currently uploading photos to my slower than slow pc and will be posting them as soon as I can - watch this space :)

Aha!

2008-03-10T23:20:00.008Z

So if I take my time and load each photo individually it works!! I'm afraid the quality of the photos isn't great but I wanted to post these up before I head out to the mainland for a week tomorrow.

This is my LO from Eva's Cold Crisp Day Class

Next up is my version of Amber-janes Fancy Pants Class

Annamaries fab acetate class - I must really take some better photos of these LO's, but I was rushing here lol

Eva's yumme class using the most gorgeous papers I've used for a long time, can't wait for the Crafteire shop to restock these :)

Finally my version of Janes Master Class. Again the photo is dreadful and it really looks so much better IRL, I loved making the tiles I found it very thereputic and bought more clay to make some with the children, must get round to that next!! The book isn't completed yet, another project for another day :)

Crafteire

2008-03-10T23:00:00.003Z

I'm still recovering from Crafteire!! It was a fantastic weekend, it was great to see some of my crafting buddies again after so long. Well done to Mireille and Kate for organising. I've been trying to upload photos of my LO's but blogger isn't playing along tonight :(

Scrapwest #69 What I Love About You

2008-02-14T18:02:00.002Z

It's my turn tomorrow. I'm not sure what time the class is going up at, but it's a Love Theme for the week that's in it!!. It's a 12 x 12 layout, using lots of photos of someone/something that you love. It's a very busy LO, and not my usual style so I'm a bit aprehensive about it. I hope someone loves it!! Okay, here's a sneak peek then

Scrapwest #68 Jackie's Criss Cross Card

2008-02-14T17:57:00.002Z

I've loved making my versions of this card. Thank you Jackie

Scrapwest #66 Laineys Canvas Class

2008-01-28T18:12:00.000Z

Thank you for a great tutorial Lainey. Here's my latest Canvas Offering. I'll take a better photo tomorrow in daylight!!

Quad Úr

2008-01-28T12:36:00.000Z

You Make My Day Award

2008-01-26T15:16:00.000Z

I was delighted to be tagged by Jackie recently. Thank you Jackie :) I'm finally getting to this -

“You Make My Day Award” The rules are…..Give the award to up to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel so happy about blogland! Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so that they can pass it on. Beware! You may get the award several times!So, to narrow it down to ten….

I know these people have probably been tagged already but what's a girl to do!! I'm tagging Tigger, Aine, Lainey, Evonne, Eva, Marlou, Kate, Caroline, Ringo, Annamarie

Lainey's Canvas Class

2008-01-21T20:02:00.000Z

One of these days I'm going to actually make it to one of Lainey's crops, in fact I think it's one of my very few Resolutions for this year!! But until then I'll have to look on from afar ............. here's my version of last Saturdays class.

Scrapwest #65

2008-01-21T19:56:00.000Z

It's been a while since I managed to complete a Scrapwest project. We've got a new format of weekly classes over on Scrapwest for 2008. Eva went first with a fantastic Resolutions LO (which I have yet to have a go at) and this week it was Kate's turn with a great mini book. I'm posting up my version in it's raw state, I've only managed to cover the pages so far but I'm looking forward to completing it soon, especially as I've used the same papers as Kate did, from the fabulous October Kit from The Scrapbook Store.

Crafty Notebooks

2008-01-18T23:31:00.000Z

It's been ages since I posted anything crafty here so here are three of the notebooks I altered for the girls in the Camera Club.

Quad

2008-01-17T13:54:00.000Z

Seo Caoilte an lá a fuair sé an quad úr - bronntanas atá ann fa choinne breithlá saige ar an 24ú ach cén áit a dtiocfaidh linn quad a chuir i bhfolach!!

Lá Nollaig

2007-12-31T19:21:00.000Z

Alas I didn't get any photographs of Christmas morning this year. I think Nan got a few of the children opening their presents, and all three of them got cameras of their own this year!!

Nan, dad and Vincie were here for Christmas and we had a lovely day. After the present opening and breakfast we all went to Church where Vincie said Mass and Ríonnach sang in the Choir.

Here's a photo of Cobhlaith later on in the day playing with her Lucky Ducks Game.

Ríonnach, Nan agus Vincie ag ithe dinnéar

Cobhlaith agus Ríonnach le Polly Race to Mall.

Caoilte leis an Racetrack a fuair sé ó Santa.

Nollaig

2007-12-31T18:48:00.000Z

Here we are queueing to see Santa at the Foyleside Shopping Centre in Derry on Dec 14th - Cobhlaith's second Santa visit this Christmas but she was still a little bit shy, I must post up the official photo later on :)

I didn't get a nice photo of our tree this year, so here is a photo of Conor's instead :)

On the ferry home on Dec 18th, a beautiful day but absolutely freezing!!

Third Santa Visit!! I think the shyness was gone at this stage!! Seo Santa sa Chlub in Toraigh 23ú Nollaig 2007.

Seo na bronntanais a fuair Ríonnach agus Caoilte ó Santa sa Chlub. Fuair Cobhlaith madadh fósta ach bhí sé ró-fhaiteach le dhul sa phictiúir !! lol

Breithlá Vincie. Bhí Vincie 84 ar an 24ú Nollaig. Seo é réidh leis an choinneal a shéideadh amach le Caoilte agus Ríonnach.

Dublin Trip

2007-12-31T17:45:00.000Z

Oh my gosh, an lá deirneach don bhliain!! Where does the time go?? I'd better get one more blog in here before 2008!!

Ag tús mí na Nollaig chaith muid cúpla lá i mBaile Átha Cliath. Casadh Mary Anne agus Eoin orainn sa St. Stephens Green Centre. Seo pic do na páistí ag amharc ar na soilse Nollaig ann.

Thug muid cuairt ar Mullach Íde fosta, bhí dúil mhór ag Caoilte sa Mhaighdean Mhara seo go háirithe nuair a d'aithne se go raibh sí déanta as iasc!!

Chaith na páistí tamalt fáda ag amharc ar na báid uilig ag an Marina, d'aithin siad cúpla ceann a chonaic siad i dToraigh i mbliana fósta!!

Seo iad ag fanacht le dhul ar an 'Dart'. Cha raibh Caoilte nó Cobhlaith ar traen riamh roimhe agus bhí Ríonnach ina leanbh nuair a bhí seise orthu so bhí seo ina eachtra mhór daofa.

Seo an 'Santa Train' ag tarraingt isteach go staisiúin an Phiarsaigh, an áit a chuaigh muid ar bord.

Santa agus Caoilte

Ríonnach, Cobhlaith agus Santa. Bhí Cobhlaith 'rud beag faitheach' a little bit shy mar a dúirt sí féin!! (fan am a thug sí an 3ú cuairt ar Santa an Nollaig seo bhí sin imithe!!)

Ríonnach agus Eddie ar an Santa Train

Cobhlaith, Ríonnach agus Caoilte san Ostan sular fhág muid le cuairt a thabhairt ar Vincie in Dalgan.

Chaith muid 2-3 uair in Dalgan le Vincie. Seo pic do Cobhlaith, Noelle agus Vincie ina sheomra ansin. Fuair muid dinnéar galanta ann sular imigh muid linn na bhaile arís.

Stop muid in teach Conor in Leitir Ceanainn ar an bhealach na bhaile agus cha raibh Cobhlaith ag iarraidh fágail ar chóir ar bith ag am baile cé go raibh sí mar tuirseach mar a tchí tú sa pic seo.

Hair and more :)

2007-11-10T13:55:00.001Z

Well it's been a while!! I'm struggling trying to keep up with life never mind blogging!! There is just so much going on these days. We spent the Halloween break at my mum and dad's - well most of us did - Eddie was off work for a week so he stayed at home building a shed and painting part of the house and building walls, etc, etc. Caoilte went in on the Tuesday to help him!! And to spend time with his cousin Conor who went to Tory for the week.

The children had their Halloween party at school on the Friday and I managed to get a few photos of them before they went, just as well as I've hardly taken any photos since!! We went to the Halloween Fancy Dress Party and Disco in Magheraroarty on the Sunday evening and they had an absolute ball there - it was great, well done to the organisers Club Oige Críost Rí. On Wednesday evening Ríonnach and I went to the Halloween Party and Fireworks at Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey. We made sure to be nearly first in line for the face painting - after our dissapointment last year - then on to the Magic Show. Ríonnach got to assist the magician on stage for one of his tricks. The fireworks were spectacular as usual - even better this year as it was a clear night and no rain!! Caoilte and Conor went trick or treating in Tory and came home with 45 euro each!!!!! Ríonnach was too tired after Dunlewey to go trick or treating.

A sad event on Oct 29th - Caoilte and I went to the funeral of a family friend who died from Lung Cancer - he was only 54. I'd known him all my life although I hadn't seen him much since I moved to Tory, but his nieces and nephews were like sisters and brothers to me when we were growing up.

What else, oh yes, Ríonnach, Cobhlaith, Nan and I went to the Nutcracker by Ballet Ireland on 3 Nov at the Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny. It was fantastic and the girls have been piroutte-ing around the house ever since - Cobhlaith has changed her name to Clara!

I got my hair chopped off two weeks ago too, here's a photo of myself and Caoilte after my cut and before Caoilte got his cut a few days later.

Autumn Glory

2007-10-20T16:46:00.001+01:00

The theme for this week's scrapwest was set by Caroline and was Autumn Glory. As I didn't have very many 'autumny' supplies or photos I decided to use Annamarie's Sept kit again, after all September is Autumn!! And the photos were taken on 30 September at Ionad Cois Locha, where all the vegetation is still a lush green!! So here is my Evergreen Autumn. The robin appears in both photos!!

Scrapwest Cyber Crop Tomorrow!!

2007-10-20T16:28:00.000+01:00

I hope you are all ready for the Cyber Crop tomorrow. Here is the Class list and times.

8am - 9am Best Friends Forever by Kate
9am - 10am Beautiful Bride by Noelle
10am - 11 am Lucky Me by Annamarie
11am - 12 noon You are my Sunshine by Lainey
12pm - 1pm Permission by Crafteire
1pm - 2pm If Friends were Flowers by Ruth
2pm - 3pm Play by Eva
3pm - 4pm Circle of Friends by Carrie
4pm - 5pm Jackie's Cards
5pm - 6pm Flag Book by Caroline
6pm - 7pm Fancy Framing by Audrey

Click on the Scrapwest Logo on the right for more info

Scrapwest Cyber Crop

2007-10-14T16:33:00.001+01:00

Just a quick reminder that the Scrapwest Cyber Crop is happening next Sunday - 21 October. Save the date!!

Catching Up with Scrapwest!!

2007-10-08T00:43:00.000+01:00

It's been an absolute age since I've got any scrapping to talk of completed, so I was delighted to have my LO ready to submit to this weeks Scrapwest. The Theme was Sisters and this is my LO of Ríonnach and Cobhlaith using the gorgeous September Kit from Annamarie at www.thescrapbookstore.ie

The previous week the scrapwest theme (set by myself as it was the anniversary of the setting up of the first M&S store) was Shopping, and the week before that was Going Dotty (set by Jackie), so I think I managed to roll both into one LO!! I couldn't not take a photo (or 2, or 3, or 4 haha) of the wall of Crocs at Dublin Airport, they looked so colourful and so inviting - here they are -

If you go down to the woods today ..........

2007-10-08T00:23:00.000+01:00

............ make sure it's to Bear Essentials in Cavan!! Annamaries August retreat there was the bizz.

It was on August 25 and I have just eventually completed the class LO using those yummy crate papers. Thank you Annamarie - I loved this class, here's my LO. The photos of Caoilte were taken in Ionad Cois Locha last sunday.

I'd love to get to the Halloween Retreat that Annamarie has organised for 20 October, but the drive is just too long as is the preceding ferry trip for this time of year, but I'm looking forward to returning to this location in Cavan soon.

These grapes were growing in the glass house just outside the crop room, as were the most delicious plums which we were invited to take with us and of course I forgot to pick before I left :(

Thank you for a great opportunity Annamarie and a great day out!!

Rothar Úr

2007-09-09T22:56:00.000+01:00

Cheannaigh muid rothar úr do Ríonnach do breithlá s'aici.

8 Already!! - Well Almost :)

2007-09-07T20:58:00.000+01:00

Beidh Ríonnach 8 Dé Domhnaigh, ach bhí an partaí aici inniú, siocar go mbeidh an Teach Pobail i dToraigh 150 bliain d'aois Dé Domhnaigh agus tá ceiliriú mór ar siúil i rith an lae Dé Domhnaigh do sin.

I can't believe that Ríonnach is 8 (well she will be on Sunday) already!!

Bainis Marie agus Danny

2007-09-07T20:49:00.000+01:00

Pósadh mo chara Marie agus Danny i nDún Luiche ar an 3ú Lúnasa.

My friend Marie married her sweetheart Danny in the beautiful Church in Dunlewey on 3 August 2007. Here is a photo of the bridal party - don't they look great. Marie's dress and the bridesmaids dresses were made by the very talented Molly Harkin

The reception was in An Chuirt Hotel, Gweedore - another gorgeous setting.

The beautiful Bride :)

New Playground

2007-09-06T18:14:00.000+01:00

What Colour Green Are You?

2007-08-31T16:06:00.000+01:00

Okay, so I like the colour Green - no big surprise there!! But I always thought I'd be lime green - not so. Have a look here

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you.
Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible.
While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks.
Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

Just last week I was thinking that I'd paint the sitting room teal green this winter :)

2007-08-18T08:49:00.000+01:00

Ards Forest Park

2007-08-18T08:29:00.000+01:00

I eventually made it to Ards Forest Park on July 25. It must be nearly 20 years since I was here before, but I'll be back soon!! There is a great playarea now for the children and the beach is still as lovely as ever. It was a bit overcast today and there were a few light rain showers but we still had a great day.

July 24 - Guess Where!!

2007-08-17T00:10:00.000+01:00

Yes!! Tráigh Mhachaire Rabhartaigh Arís!!

We met Nan for a bite to eat in the Cafe at Magheroarty later on. The chowder was delicious and Caoilte and Cobhlaith gave the soup a big thumbs up too :)

Nan agus Noelle indiaidh an béile in Caife Mara Machaire Rabhartaigh

Beach Photos - July 22

2007-08-17T00:02:00.000+01:00

Another beautiful day but I wasn't feeling the best so we headed for the beach again. Isn't the beach at Magheroraty just beautiful!! We met Marie and Danny here today - looking forward to their wedding on 3 August. It was also Odhrán's 3rd birthday - Happy Birthday Odhrán :)

An Cosán Glas - Loinnir 2007

2007-08-16T23:18:00.000+01:00

Another Part of the Errigal Arts Festival - For two weeks from July 2 - 13 An Cosán Glas held environmental art and craft workshops for children which included lantern making, painted banners and buntings, wind socks, plaster casting sculpture using recycled materials. Working with professional artists they created large-scale sculptures using willow, bamboo and paper and recycled materials. Themed around the 'Flight of the Earls' the pieces created formed part of the outdoor sculpture trail Loinnir. Ríonnach took part in the workshop and was very excited by the time 10pm came round on the night of July 21st. Sorry the photos aren't the best - I'm not sure how to photograph at night!

An Cosán Glas collaborating this year with guest visual arts company Walk the Plank (UK) created an outdoor night time exhibition that included large scale illuminated sculpture, projected images and music. The spectacular surrounding landscape of mountains together with miles of beaches, sand dunes and sea made for an inspiring and dramatic open air gallery. In their work, nine professional artists explored the elements of water, wind, fire and light combined with video, colour, and live music to create a night time adventure.

The trail was located anong the path from the car park at Machaire Rabhartaigh Beach. It was illuminated from 10pm til 12 midnight on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July.

This photograph was taken earlier on on the Saturday evening as Caoilte and I went for a walk after visiting the Whale (see post below). This is the entrance to the trail, and Ríonnach told us later that she helped to make the yellow and purple windsock on the right and the Red Shield that we passed on the right as well. I didn't get a good photograph of this scene at night but it looked beautiful - the four stone pillars all had fires on top of them and the towers were illuminated from behind too, the children who attended the workshops made all of this sculpture with some help from the artists, Annjo, Deirdre, Mickey, Cathal and Billy (and Seamus and Danielle too!!)

Another daytime photo here, Caoilte and I thought that these (there were 4 of them) looked like Dragons. They were sculpted by the Walk the Plank artists. At night they were filled with wood and fireworks and set alight - awesome sight!! I might have a pic further down.

These were Cathals Sailing Boats (and Ewan's Blue Sculpture), the little lights to the left were tins strung on posts and lit from within - not sure how, but very effective.

I loved this sculpture by Mickey Mc Fadden. It was called Storm in a Paper Cup and if you went up to the cup you could hear the storm inside - fantastic!!

This was one of my favourites. I could have stayed at the sculpture all night. It had such a tranquil feel about it. I'm still not sure what exactly it was - but it was by Deirdre Brennan. I must ask her about it next time I see her.

Cathals Sails again.

One of the dragons on fire!!

Falcarragh Festival

2007-08-14T18:28:00.000+01:00

Just a few photos from the Falcarragh Fesitval

Some of Ríonnach's friends and cousins amongst the dancers - Róisín, Sinéad, Katie, Siobhán

Whale

2007-08-14T18:13:00.000+01:00

Look at what washed up on Magheraroarty Beach on Saturday July 21!!

Funnily enough from the pier it did look like a real whale at first and I'm sure quite a few people were fooled!!

But it was The Whale by Circo Rum Ba - as part of the Errigal Arts Festival

Caoilte and I managed - by the skin of our teeth - (and thanks to the Fish Wife) to make it to the final show. Here's the blurb!!

Part work of art, part theatre, The Whale is an extraordinary 50ft tur to life (inflatable) sperm whale, guarded by a nosy Fish Wife, who leads the brave land lubbers into it's belly revealing the stunning seascape of it's lavishly decorated interior. Once inside they encounter a shipwrecked Pirate and a treasure-hoarding Mermaid and hear their extraordinary fishy tales.

July 20th

2007-08-14T18:02:00.000+01:00

Chaith Ríonnach an lá inniu ag teach Emily, Beth agus Alice. Bhí 2 ghirseach as Belarus ag stoppadh leo ar feadh cupla seachtain- Era agus Nasta - and ba seo an lá deirneach s'acu. Bhí lá galanta ann agus bhí siad uilig ag dul thart in swimsuits i rith an lae.

Chuaigh mise, Caoilte agus Cobhlaith go Ionad Cois Locha. Seo cupla pictiuir a tharraing mé ann.

Cobhlaith at her favourite spot at Ionad Cois Locha (I must have a hundred photos of her at this wheel - takes after her daddy!!)

Caoilte petting the donkeys at Ionad Cois Locha

A Fairy's Tale

2007-08-14T17:42:00.000+01:00

Another Errigal Arts Festival Event - by Fidget Feet
A unique outdoor show for all ages on the banks of Lake Gartan, Fidget Feet bring an enchanted, spritely narrative to life amongst the trees and gardens of the Glebe House in a walkabout performance that combines delightful aerial theatrics, captivating comedy and magical music.

We (Nan, Ríonnach, Caoilte, Cobhlaith and I) managed to get to the 3pm performance on Thursday 19 July. (Thank you Peter!!)

The Princess hoping Prince Charming is going to appear!! (after she kisses the frog)

Buglight after being 'caught' by Fairy Godmother

Princess, Fairy Godmother and Wolfie

Familiar faces in the crowd!

Hurrah! Fairy Godmother has got her magic back

July 18th Another Day Another Beach

2007-08-14T17:23:00.001+01:00

This is the Tory Island Ferry (Tór Mór) arriving at Machaire Rabhartaigh Pier.

Caoilte, Rionnach agus Cobhlaith ag tráigh Mhachaire Rabhartaigh.

Nach bhfuil na tráigheanna anseo galánta!!!

Sean Nós Nua - Singing with Liam O Maonlaí

2007-08-14T17:08:00.001+01:00

The Sean Nós Nua Festival which was part of the Errigal Arts Festival took place from July 13 - 15 here on Tory. On the friday night there was a public screening of a short documentary film by the Nerve Centre (Derry) and the Students of the Colaiste Phobail(Secondary School) onTory. The film was excellent and even tho DD1 and I appeared in it I am not being biased here!!!

On the saturday there was a Scots Gaelic and Sean Nós singing workshop by Kenneth Nicholson from the Isle of Lewis and Lillis O Laoire from Gortachoirce. Rionnach attended it and had a great day. On the saturday evening there was an 'Arts Trail'. It began at the community centre where the art works of the secondary school children were on display, we then went on to the Gallery to view the works of the Tory Island Primitive Painters and Derek Hill, and then on to the Hotel to view the Photographic Exhibition by the secondary school students.

The students had been working for the past year with Una Campbell and Mary Cassidy of An Gailearaí, Falcarrach, with input from the Nerve Centre Derry and Siamsa Tíre, Trá Lí. This weekend was a celebration of their work.

On the sunday night there was a concert in the Club with the Tory Island Sean Nós singers, followed by Liam O Maonlaí (of Hothouse Flowers fame) in concert. The evening began with the Primary School Children singing (including Ríonnach). These photos show the 5 girls (Ríonnach, Lauren, Niamh, Ciara and Fiona) singing Bríd Og Ní Mhaille with Lillis O Laoire and Liam O Maonlaí!!!

July 15th

2007-08-14T16:49:00.000+01:00

OMG nearly a month ago - I'm really behind with this blog!! July 15th was a gorgeous day here. Caoilte and Eddie went fishing so Rionnach, Cobhlaith, cousin Aoife and new cousin Caoimhin and I went to the shop and to the beach. Here are a few photos. This blog seems to be all photos and no chat!!

Cara Úr / A New Friend

2007-08-11T00:20:00.000+01:00

The children made a new friend this summer. He is actually their 4th cousin. Caoimhin is from Derry and he came to Tory for a few days with this granny and grandad. They used to come to Tory quite often but hadn't been for 18 years!! I'm sure they saw a lot of changes. This photo is of Amiee, Caoimhin, Cobhlaith and Caoilte on the pier looking out for the dolphin :)

More Luminarium Pics

2007-08-09T16:50:00.001+01:00

Didn't realise that I can only post 5 photos at a time. Here are a few more of the Luminarium

Levity II Luminarium

2007-08-09T16:38:00.000+01:00

As part of the Errigal Arts Festival, the Levity II Luminarium was at the Town Park in Letterkenny from 12 - 15 July. We visited on the Thursday evening. We weren't prepared for the queueing though! Here are a few photos, the first one was taken on the Wednesday evening as they were setting up.

New Leisure Centre at Letterkenny

2007-08-08T00:13:00.000+01:00

The new Leisure Centre at Letterkenny is finally open for business, so Caoilte Cobhlaith and I went to see what was there on July 11. The swimming pool looks great and we can't wait to go there, there were lots of families there today. The play area outside is on the small side and there were so many children there today that Caoilte and Cobhlaith had to wait ages to get on the toys that they wanted to have a go on, but we waited and they got on them!! Hurrah - a new place to visit :)

Joe and Anne Kane's Pottery and Tea Room

2007-08-07T23:59:00.000+01:00

This is a fabulous place to go and look at the fantastic ceramic wall hangings that Joe now makes and the jewellery that Anne makes. The Kanes live in the most beautiful old rectory house at Moyra, near Falcarragh. Their studio, shop and tea room are in the downstairs section of the house. It is so relaxing to sit in the tea room and sip tea, coffee and eat the most delicious cakes and pies. On a cold day there is a log fire blazing which adds to the atmosphere. I love this place. These photos were taken on July 10th. Caoilte, Cobhlaith, Nan and I spent about an hour or so there, when Caoilte and Cobhlaith finished their chocolate cake they sat at the fireside reading books, whilst Nan and I drooled over the beautiful jewellery and wall hangings. We were also enquiring about Joe's new book of poetry which we found out was being launched the following week, so I'll blog about that later on. Here are a few pics of the day.

Tagged Again

2007-08-07T03:33:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I've been tagged by Audrey a second time!! Thank you Audrey : )

So I have to list 7 things about me and then tag 7 people to do the same about themselves:

mmmmm - here goes

1. I live on an island
2. I was born in New York
3. I was a member of the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team
4. Irish lace crochet was my first craft
5 I lived in Provincetown, MA for a year
6. I have been suffering from cfs this summer
7. I am a hoarder!

I am tagging:

Neasa
Corina
CarolineO
Gertie
Ellsese
Lainey
Eva

Tagged - Rockin Girl Blogger

2007-08-07T03:14:00.000+01:00

Thank you Audrey!! And sorry that this has taken so long. I'm not sure who to tag at this stage as every blogger I know has been tagged on this one already :( Can I tag you back???

Tagged

I was really chuffed that Audrey nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger ;-)

The Rockin' Girl Blogger idea originated from Roberta Ferguson. It works like this ... you have to give her credit, put up the badge and finally, add 5 other rockin' girl bloggers to the list.
My chosen bloggers are:

Karen

Amber jane

Neasa

Marlou

Corina

Mórsheisear

2007-07-09T02:07:00.001+01:00

Seo Cobhlaith ag an Mhóirsheisear inné - an 7ú lá don 7ú mí 2007.

Is é seo (Mhóirsheisear) fothraigh de aireagal ón luath Chríostaíochta. Tá sé suite chóir teach s'againne ar an Bhaile Thiar. Is é an chiall atá ag an fhocail mórsheisear ná seachtar!! Tá scéal béaloidis ag baint leis agus seo é: Chuaigh bád beag béal faoi taobh amuigh de Scoilt an Mhóirsheisear ar chósta iarthuaiscirt an oileáin san am. Báthadh seisear fear agus bean amháin agus cuireadh iad san áit seo. Aireagal beag dronuilleogach atá ann ina raibh altóir ag an bhinn thoir. Le linn searmanas bhfágtaí trí chloch a bhí éadrom go leor le hiompar thart o áit go háit. Meastar gur sheas na clocha do chailís agus dhá choinnleoir. Níl na clocha ann anois, ach tá bollán ina bhfuil lag gearrtha isteach ann taobh leis an bealach isteach.

De réir an seanchais tá cumhacht ar leith ag an chréafóg atá os cionn uaigh na mná atá curtha anseo chun lochógaí móra a choinneal ar shiúil. Is féidir an créafóg seo a fháil ón duine is síne de Chlann Uí Dhubhgháin chun luchógaí móra a choinneal ar shiúil ó do theach. Níl luchógaí móra ar bith i dToraigh buíochas le Dia.

Féilte

2007-07-09T01:53:00.000+01:00

It's been so long since I've blogged and so much has been happening. The Film Festival is on here at the moment and it is excellent. A fantastic range of films are being shown every day and I only wish I could attend them all. I have managed to see 2 on friday last, 4 on saturday and 3 today (sunday), finger crossed that I get to see a few more tomorrow. The opening on Thursday evening was great with a fanatatic seafood buffet - lots of yummy lobster on offer.

Rionnach and I went to the concert by Lasairfhíona Ní Chonaola on Friday night. She is a beautiful singer and we both enjoyed it but I think it should have taken place in a different venue as it was quite noisey and difficult to hear her at times - that said it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to bring Rionnach to hear her sing.

Tory film festival info available at www.toryfilmfestival.com - check it out and book your accommodation for next year as soon as possible. Tory was booked out this weekend.

Rionnach has just spent a week at the Cosan Glas summer camp in Machaire Rabhartaigh. It is a great experience for her. It is run every year as part of the Errigal Arts Festival (www.eaf.ie). She came home on the ferry on Friday evening and is heading back for the second week tomorrow (monday).

Next weekend, also as part of the Errigal Arts Festival, a mini festival called Sean Nós Nua is being held here in Tory from Friday 13 until Sunday 15. There is so much happening these days here and on the mainland I just hope the seas keep calm so that we can get out and in easily. Liam O Maonlaí will be singing in An Club here on the sunday night as well as Lillis O Laoire and the Tory Islanders , including Rionnach and her school friends.

Letterkenny Town Park

2007-07-09T01:46:00.000+01:00

We visited the Town Park in Letterkenny last week for the first time ever!! I still can't believe that it's taken us so long to get there (well Rionnach and Caoilte have been before but it was the first time for Cobhlaith and I). We didn't have long to spend so we only got as far as the under 7's playarea and The Vestry Restaurant/Cafe. The children really enjoyed the playarea and The Vestry is a great spot for a bite to eat or just a cup of tea/coffee. Here's a photo of Cobhlaith on the slide.

We're returning to the Town Park this weekend to visit the Levity II Luminarium which is part of the Errigal Arts Festival. Check out this website www.eaf.ie. I'm really looking forward to it, it sounds blissfull.

Béile Blasta

2007-07-09T01:39:00.000+01:00

If you're in North West Donegal and would like a recommendation for a great restaurant then you should head for Ostan Gaoth Dobhair. www.ostangweedore.com. The Ocean Restaurant there is superb, the food is fantastic - they specialise in locally caught sea food - and the view is breathtaking. Eddie and I had a mouth watering meal there last weekend - scallops, crab, monkfish, prawns, lobster - mmmmmmmmmmmm I want to go back and I will go back soon. Check it out.

Me By Cobhlaith

2007-07-09T01:33:00.000+01:00

Cobhlaith wants to be a photographer, or should I say Cobhlaith is a photographer. She takes my camera at every opportunity and I have 100's of photos of various parts of my body that she has taken of me, but this is one of her most recent shots and I thought that I should share it with you. She took this one at Bunbeg Harbour on 1 July 2007 - what do you think?

Ionad Cois Locha - arís!

2007-07-09T01:11:00.000+01:00

Rionnach on the Climbing Wall and Cobhlaith at the helm of the boat at Ionad Cois Locha. They love the place, so much to keep them entertained. Check out the website www.dunleweycentre.com and make sure to drop in if you're in the area, especially with children - A+ (and I'm not biased at all!!!!!)

Backtrack - Oiche Fheile Eoin and more

2007-07-09T00:39:00.000+01:00

Bhí tine beag againn do na páistí Oiche Fhéile Eoin taobh thíos don teach. Bhí droch oíche ann, agus chomh luath is a lás Eddie and tine thosaigh an fearthainn ach mar sin féin bhain na páistí sult as an tine ar feadh tamalt agus mhair sé go maidin!! Seo cúpla pictiúr.

We had a small bonefire for the children in our back yard on Bonefire night - 23 June. We lit the fire at about 9pm and 5 minutes later it beagan to pour with rain, but they enjoyed seeing the fire, and funnily enough despite the rain the fire was still smoking next morning. Here are a few photos of the event.

This photo was taken on 10 June. The boat in the background was burned on the Big bonefire on 23 June. Every year the young lads on the island collect all kinds of stuff to form this bonefire. This year Darragh was the main collector and he managed to get all kinds of stuff from bits of wood to old sofas and beds, but this was the main piece. Sad to see a boat being burned but the wood was rotten.

2007-06-18T10:43:00.001+01:00

I can't believe that we're half way through June already.................... and I haven't blogged! The weather has been beautiful here and every spare minute is being spent outdoors - so I really have to get myself a laptop with wireless internet ... ha ha

This photo of Cobhlaith was taken last Sunday (10 June). The day that I was struck down with a very very very bad kidney infection - I have never had such a bad pain, I thought I was dying and it happened so suddenly. TG for antibiotics and water!! I'm nearly back to normal again now, so look out for more blogging ............. soon.

Inspired by Jackie

2007-05-30T14:31:00.000+01:00

Some of my Scrappin friends are taking an online photography class at the moment and although I'm just a 'point and shoot' photographer, some of Jackies (Mooney) photographs have really inspired me. Her texture shots are great, so I decided to have a go this morning, not such a great result though :-(

And a few more Jackie inspired photos by me :-)

Machaire Rabhartaigh

2007-05-30T14:14:00.000+01:00

Tá Cobhlaith 3!

2007-05-30T14:00:00.000+01:00

Tá mo bhabaí trí! Bhí breithlá Cobhlaith ann Dé Domhnaigh. Bhí partaí beag againn in teach Nan agus Grandad.

Me by Kirsty

2007-05-22T12:15:00.000+01:00

Here are two of the photos that Kirsty took of me at Crafteire - What do you think?? I hardly ever wear make-up so I didn't put any on for this photoshoot either. Usually the first thing I see in photos of me are my bright red cheeks but even tho I'm sure Kirsty worked her magic here the redness isnt as obvious as usual. So tell me really - How do I look???

Scrapwest # 30

2007-05-20T13:00:00.000+01:00

Can you believe it - 30 Scrapwests already!

Here is my Swirls LO. This photo of Cobhlaith and Eddie was taken in January (I think!)

Check out Scrapwest @ http://scrapwest.typepad.com

Stoirm

2007-05-18T22:22:00.000+01:00

Neadacha

2007-05-18T16:08:00.000+01:00

Ag Cuartadh

Dé Máirt 15ú Bealtaine

Chuaigh muid siar ag curtadh neadacha don chéad uair i mbliana. Fuair muid go leor, ach bhí sé mall tráthnóna agus cha raibh muid i bhfad ann. Bhí na páistí chomh tóghta achan am a chonaic siad nead eile. Bhí trí ubh iontu uilig ach amháin ceann amháin. Bhí muid le dul siar arís achan tráthnóna ó shin ach bhí sé ag baisteadh i rith na h-ama!

Uisce!

2007-05-16T12:36:00.000+01:00

Tá cuid mhór caint fa uisce na Gaillimhe le tamalt anois, ACH tá fógra galla(boiling notice) ar an uisce i dToraigh ó tháinig mise anseo dhá bhliain deag ó shin!! Caidé fa uisce Thoraigh??? Níl muidne ag fáil BOGOF's ar bith. Sin ráite b'fhéidir go bhfuil an t-ádh orainn siocar go bhfuil cúpla tobar againn anseo, agus seans go bhfuil an t-uisce san tobair níos fearr na na buideail ach bheadh sé deas da dtiocfadh linn an t-uisce sna sconnaí a ól. Seo Cobhlaith ag 'pumpal' uisce ag an tobar inné.

-

What Year do You Belong To?

2007-05-16T11:32:00.000+01:00

OMG I'm a hippy!

You Belong in 1968

You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too.

What Year Do You Belong In?

Scrapwest #29

2007-05-16T00:04:00.000+01:00

Last Fridays Theme was Bling and was set by Audrey

Alas I don't have a lot of Bling :( but here is my LO.

Snail

2007-05-15T09:49:00.000+01:00

Look what we found slithering outside our house yesterday - a two tone shelled snail! I've never seen one of these before. My theory is that the original shell must have gotton broken and this is the new piece growing - what do you think?

Tory is full of snails, thousands of them, and rabbits and pheasants!

Ceol agus rudaí eile!

2007-05-13T17:38:00.000+01:00

Seo picitúir domh féin agus Ríonnach a tharraing Caoilte dúinn inné. Nach maith é!

Caidé mar atá sibh uilig inniu? Bhí lá deas anseo i lár na farraige, rud beag fuar agus gaotha ach bhí muid amuigh ag siúl mar sin féin. Tá na cuairteoirí ag tosacht ag teacht isteach na laethe seo agus cuid mhór 'birdwatchers' ina measc. Tá mé féin agus an choiste gnoitheach ag déanamh réidh fa choinne an Fheis a bheas ar siúl an tseachtain seo chugainn. Ta na páistí (agus na daoine fásta de réir mar a chloinim!) ag cleachteadh leo. Bhí clár deas ag Ronan ar R na G Déardaoin seo a chuaigh thart fa Toraigh agus fan feis anuraidh. Bhí sé deas na hamhrainithe a chloistin arís, go háirithe Ríonnach. Cheol sí Beití Sailí Dan - bhuel 4 ceathru de cibé - cha raibh sí ach 6 mbliana anuraidh, is doiligh creidmhail an méid a d'athraidh glór s'aici ó shin!! Bhí sé deas leithid Colm Joe agus Pádraig agus John Ghráinne a chloistin ar an raidió fósta.

LO from Crafteire

2007-05-11T18:32:00.000+01:00

I began this LO at Crafteire and just managed to finish it today. As usual the lighting here is awful for LO photos. Someone out there remind me to photograph my LO's in the morning!! Please!!

The photos here of Rionnach, Caoilte and Cobhlaith were taken last June at the ruins of an Early Christian Oratory called Móirsheisear, which is near our house. There are three little steps up to it from the road and they want to go up and down the steps everytime we pass by!

I called this LO Samhradh as it reminds me of the Summer - I wonder why ................

Scrapwest last week

2007-05-11T18:12:00.000+01:00

I didnt get my LO finished in time for last weeks Scrapwest. The theme set by Lainey was Happy Day Memories. Here is my completed LO, a photo of my mum and dad on their Honeymoon in Atlantic City, NJ many moons ago. I used the Daisy D papers from Annamarie's shop. These were the papers that Lainey used for the Ancestry Class at Crafteire and I intend to add this LO to the Album I began at that fantastic class.

Eva's Piggy Tales Doodles Class - Crafteire

2007-05-11T13:32:00.000+01:00

This is my DLO from Eva's fantastic Doodling Class at Crafteire. The photos are of my youngest daughter Cobhlaith and her (sometimes) friend Amiee. Although they both live on this little island they don't see each other all that often but Cobhlaith is always talking about Amiee. They both have very strong personalities and have had their clashes but they are both very sociable little girls and enjoy each other's company most of the time!!

I will get round to photographing more of my Crafteire work asap - I promise!

My Weekly Indulgence

2007-05-11T13:25:00.000+01:00

No, not chocolate! That is a daily indulgence!! No, my weekly indulgence is - wait for it ...............
.......................................................... Woman Magazine!!!

Well it is actually a good read and keeps me up to date with that side of world events. But I was so excited when I got to the Book of The Week page in this weeks issue, because the Book of the Week this week is Secret Diary of a Demented Housewife by Niamh Greene. And Niamh Greene just happens to be a good friend of my good friend Lainey - Woo Hoo!!!

This is Niamh's first book and it has been getting rave reviews - so stop reading this blog now and go buy this book instead! Happy Reading.

Bumbleberry CJ

2007-05-10T21:49:00.000+01:00

At last I have something crafty to post about! I got my beautiful first ever CJ back at Crafteire and I have been looking through it almost everynight since. Thank you all for taking part. I didn't get round to taking photos of it when the weather was good!! So I'm afraid some of these pics are a bit dark, but in reality all the LO's are stunning.

Cover

Welcome and Sign In Pages

My DLO

Maura

Eva

Caroline

Tigger

Izzy

Lobster agus Dolphin

2007-05-09T17:41:00.000+01:00

Is maith le Caoilte ag iascaireacht, go háirithe fa choinne Gliomaí. Agus is maith leis ag tógáil na Gliomaí go háirithe nuair atá eagla ar Conor sin a dhéanamh!! Seo é agus cúpla gliomach sula deachaigh siad amach na tíre tráthnóna inné.

Tháinig an Deilf isteach chuid an Chéidh tráthnóna inné nuair a bhí an bád farantóireachta istigh. Bhí sé ag súgradh thart san uisce ag an chéidh ar feadh tamalt - ach mar is gnáth bhí sé doiligh pictiúr maith a fháil dó ach tá iarracht amháin anseo.

Surprises!

2007-05-09T17:30:00.000+01:00

Fuair na páistí 'surprise' tráthnóna Dé hAoine nuair a tháinig Grandad isteach ar an bád farantóireachta ag a sé a'chlog. Cha raibh a fhios acu go raibh sé ag teacht. Agus fuair Grandad 'surprise' nuair a chonaic sé Ríonnach agus Jack le chéile! Tá eagla ar Ríonnach roimhe madaidh ó bhí sí beag, ach anois le cuidiú ó bhean galánta darbh ainm Joanne, agus le cuidiú ó madadh Melissa - Jack - tá sí ag teacht thart. Mí ó shin cha rachadh sí chóir Jack gan é a bheith ar an tead, ach le cúpla lá tá sí féin abalta é a chuir ar an tead agus é a thabhairt ar shiúlóidí.

Traonach - Corncrake

2007-05-04T10:48:00.000+01:00

Hurrah! Tá Traonach s'againn ar ais! (Our Corncrake is back!) Chuala mé é aréir (I heard him last night). I gceann míosa nó níos luaithe beidh mé ar mire leis mar go mbeidh sé ag scairtigh i rith na hoíche! (In month's time or even before I'll be cursing him as he'll be calling all night and I won't be able to sleep!) Ach tá mé sásta gur fhill sé - tá sé níos moille i mbliana, tá a chuid comraidí anseo le níos mó na seachtain. (But I'm happy that he has returned, the first corncrakes of the season are here for over a week) Bhí mé ag caint le Sandy cupla lá ó shin agus tá siad níos moille achan áit i mbliana. (I was talking to Sandy - the Corncrake Field worker for Donegal - a few days ago and she was telling me that they {the corncrakes} are later than usual arriving this year).

Cuckoo

2007-05-03T11:09:00.000+01:00

I heard a sound this morning that I have never heard in Tory before - The Cuckoo!! Now I have to go and find out if it's been here before and I just hadn't heard it or what! I've only been here for 12 years but Eddie (who's been here for 33 years :-D ) hadn't heard it in Tory before either.

Second Day of Summer

2007-05-02T17:44:00.000+01:00

Today was a beautiful day - the resident Tory dolphin had a field day frolicing at the pier and in the bay, but as usual I didn't manage to capture him on camera :-( one of these days! But I did take this shot of the pier today and the perfect blue sky.