Showing posts with label Coke Float. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Coke Float. Show all posts

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Polly Floats Coke


I'm afraid this is a bit of a cheat. On Sunday we celebrated the fact that LB walked away from the Men's National Gymnastics Championship sporting a Bronze Medal awarded for the U12 Level 3 category of gymnastics.

Not only did he do himself proud; but he also contributed to a total of eight medal's awarded to young gymnast's associated with Leonard's School of Gymnastics. This is a tribute to Leonard's fine gymnastic coaching skills and to the club generally.

Throughout the excitement I had hoped that LB would at least gain some recognition for his efforts; but I hardly dared hope that he'd get Bronze! Tee-hee! I am thrilled for him; a nice confidence boost never did anyone any harm...

What did worry me was the fact that almost immediately afterwards DG and I had a prior engagement at the RDS. Considering the price of the tickets I had no alternative but to go; not being a great fan of The BOSS I wasn't keen on going in the first place, let alone just after LB's triumphant performance at the Nationals.

So; how does one celebrate success and then disappear? Panic set in, until I remembered that we had to eat. A quick jaunt down to the shops and a look around for a pub, restaurant or cafe; I didn't really want to settle for a boring ice-cream out of the Centra on the corner.

My luck was in! The lovely restaurant beside the supermarket was about to open and were perfectly happy to serve us with whatever we wanted. I am sure they were surprised to be asked for three cappuccino's, a slice of chocolate torte (delicious by the way) and two Coke floats!
Nevertheless the serving staff welcomed us with open arms and the service was both friendly and efficient.

We had certainly fallen on our feet there! I'd love to share the good news with everyone and tell you all where to go but unfortunately I've forgotten the name of the establishment. Suffice to say that it is almost next to the Centra supermarket in Churchtown, Co Dublin. Let us know the name of it if you find it...

Meanwhile, just what is a Coke Float? Well;

Coke Float
  • take one long hi-ball (or any tumbler) glass and fill it to within an inch or so of the rim with Coke, full-strength, full-cal variety and
  • top it off with at least one scoop of vanilla ice-cream!
The result? Scrumptious! Especially when served with a long spoon for collecting the foam produced around the edges...

It has been described as looking like iced-coffee, Guinness and many other things; but it sure is tasty. I've no idea where the idea originated; but over here it's a bit of a novelty as we usually have to give the complicated directions to whoever is kind enough to humour us.

This idea can be adapted to use Orangeade, Lemonade or Cherryade or indeed any other fizzy drink which takes your fancy. Whichever you choose stick to vanilla ice-cream though, anything else is just gakky!!

Like I said; this post is a bit of a cheat, but I just had to boast about LB's success and how we celebrated it. That said, Coke Float's are lovely...!

LOL

Polly's Championship


Sunday was a great big deal for our family. We had an early start; the boy's were up at 7.30am click-clopping around on the polished wooden floors of my friends’ home.


Their excitement was more to do with LB staying over at Jackamac's; he had lots of exploring to fit in before we set off for the competition. They had a great old time; meaning that Jackamacs’ and I parents were able to enjoy a full breakfast and chat over a large mug of tea.

It turns out that Pa is involved with the Scouts. This of course meant that we had loads to chat about which didn't involve gymnastics; essential for novice parents prior to a big competition. The conversation even spanned the deadly issues of money, politics and religion; although not necessarily in that order!

Now my friend Jean had posted a comment the other day about keeping me calm. At the time I thought it was mildly amusing. Having seen this type of over anxious mother on TV shows I knew that she couldn't possibly be referring to the REAL me…

All of a sudden; the relief of having found my way to the venue dissipated into a mass of writhing anxiety. Of course I hoped that he'd be lucky enough to attain some sort of recognition; preferably a bronze medal. Not once did I dare believe my wishes could actually come true.

My main concern for him was that he wouldn't be intimidated by the large audience and that his day would be worthwhile and enjoyable. As he's not renowned for his patience I was very concerned when I saw the schedule of the events which entailed a lot of waiting around. In LB's case this is not a good idea...

Of course my fears were soon forgotten as LB showed a steely determination to do his very best and ran off for a last minute pep talk. Meanwhile we found seats for the rest of the family.

Arriving later, they were greatly relieved to find denim jacket's, program's, books etc strewn around; gaily reserving their places – despite this we spent most of the day on our feet anyway!




LB’s determination paid off. Having completed all four routines, ie high bar, parallel bar, vault and floor he was awarded the Bronze Medal for his category which is Men’s Under 12/Level 3.

Afterwards we were at a loss; how best to celebrate such an occasion? Time was short; DG and I would soon have to desert my victorious son due to a prior engagement…





LB was wrecked from his exertions and just wanted to go home and rest; though he was angling for a trip to the cinema on the way. As he’d probably have fallen asleep within minutes of sitting down in a warm, darkened room this idea was promised for another day.

Instead it was off to find a restaurant, pub or cafe for a luscious coke float to celebrate with. For those of you unfamiliar with this particular delight you can pick up the recipe on Vinca's In Tha Kitchen! in a few minutes.

Reluctantly we said our goodbyes, goodnights and waved the boys off. By this time the guys had persuaded my Mom to abandon a celebratory trip to our favourite Chinese restaurant; in favour of the humble batter burger and a portion of chips each!

Yuketty Yuk, Yuk, Yuk!

Polly Peirce
Purveyor of Fine Irish Handmade Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary