Polly-filla, Renovations, Tidying And Spending Money!

The room I mentioned in yesterday's post is the room that we, as a family renovated, dry lined two years ago. Two whole years ago. And then I decorated it around a year or so ago. Things tend to get done in the winter when DG is on short weeks due to seasonal necessity so you have to be patient around this neck of the woods...

Right now the ceiling seams need another layer of filler, sanding down and then we're good to go with the lining paper & white paint. Other than this the room should be ready for LB to move into. Unfortunately the camping & scouting gear, food for the food bank, ironing, craft & sewing stash/equipment's found its way in there as have other numerous items of junk.

I'm just going to have to take the bull by the horns, get on and finish it. It's driving me nuts. I'm so fed up. The carpet for this room has been blocking the hallway for goodness knows how long. Walked upon by all in sundry so it's kind of flat and broad, though it came semi-flattened so I just hope that it makes a good recovery once it's down. I treated myself to a knee-kicker, new hooked blades for my Stanley knife & some carpet tape for this job. All I need now is a little motivation & some energy.


DG's car died in late November with the result that a new one had to be sourced. Unfortunately this involves car finance, fortunately the application was accepted. So, we now have a nearly-new car in the family which will hold its market value and should hopefully unlike the Peugeot be reliable. So, I've been budgetting. I've found so much on-line to help me with this and have every intention of following this up and making it work. It has to as otherwise the car finance is not within our reach financially.

*this post was largely written at the beginning of January but was neglected & forgotten about until today when I edited.

NB This post contains affiliate links for items which I have personally used or have purchased with the express intention of doing so in the near future! I may review the knee kicker at a later date. The Marvel Comics wall paper was a breeze to put up once I got used to the fact that it's not as thick as lining paper and tears easily once pasted if you're not gentle with it. This said we are now the proud owners of one feature wall with a window casement and it looks great!

Polly's Four Stone Up & One Stone Down...

I recently received a comment from Mike over on The Wine Buff. Simply put, Mike was wondering if I was ever going to pull my finger out and actually post on this blog at any time in the future...? Oooops!

The simple answer to that question is errrr, yes, that is my intention! It has always been my intention, but sadly it's something I haven't been doing for a while. Thinking about this, it occurred to me that my waffley bad blogging schedule started sometime last May, around the time I returned to work! The truth is I've been doing too many things (or maybe not in this case) and to be honest I've been advised by more than one source to slow things down a little but surely that doesn't mean grind to a halt, does it?

There have honestly been times when that's pretty much what I've done. In the past year I've spent much of my time when not working resting either in bed, having off days or sitting in zombie like fashion infront of this very pc (actually, it's more likely that it was the one I killed or the borrowed laptop that went back when I resigned as secretary of the dyslexia group!!!) Alternately, I may have been working like a beaver to fill orders for greeting cards - as time is at a premium these days I have to slip this in in between scouting, etc...

Cooking hasn't exactly been high on my list of priorities either. I've cajoled 'the boys', any or all three of them to whip up culinary delights on my behalf, persuaded DG to bring home disasterous takeaways or worse still resorted to the occasional emergency bottle of readymade sauce! Yuck - at least that's what my conscience tries to tell me on these (bottled) occasions.

The boys really are quite accomplished cooks, the youngest concocts a presentable panna cotta from memory. Only the eldest one, ie the 40 year old is truly accountable for his actions though, he actually clears up afterwards. I shame when he arrives home after a long days work only to make dinner for four because the lady is out in the shed making greeting cards! I sometimes wonder if it's worth it, and I'm quite sure he does so regularly...

This said, there is perhaps method in such madness. The whole house has suffered in this past year, more than any other, to the extent that teenage boys have discovered the delights of bargaining and persuasion alongside those of vaccuming and lawnmowing. My partner in life has realised that maybe we do need a new cooker. The gas pressure steadily drops off while he's in the midst of something requiring crucial timing - ie it's got to be cooked by bedtime!

How many times have we slapped medium rare best Irish beef steaks (from our beloved Aldi) onto our plates only to have to whip them back off again, wash the plates and recook them under the ailing grill, while the veg stews? We no longer eat roast meats, roast potatoes or yorkshire puddings anymore, unless my Mum rushes to the rescue which is typically on a Monday evenings due to my involvement with scouts...

Okay, I did purchase a brand new microwave rice & pasta cooker recently. Actually, it was a freebie due to the fact that the blessed thing went missing in the post and then promptly arrived on my door step the day after the company had reimbursed my credit card. They insisted that I kept it by way of compensation for the extraordinary nine weeks in transit, which was mighty decent of them, especially as their promotion had promised free shipping, the cost of which was promptly added to the price after we'd reached checkout!

Ah yes, life in the Pierce household has been 'interesting' over the past year or so. My inactivity and penchant for fine red wines has led to me gaining an extra-ordinary four stone over the past five years. The last one has yoyoed horrifically. Each time I've congratulated myself on losing it I've celebrated this by adding to the fortunes of my local vintners (including Wines Direct) and master chocalatiers...

Yesterday I treated myself to a brand new copy of this months "Weight Watcher's Magazine" and a double decker! And yes, my intentions are once more GOOD...

Polly's First St Patrick's Day Blog Hop With A Mouse That Waltzes...

Just in case you're wondering about the title, tomorrow is St Patrick's Day! Yippee, it's a national holiday here in the Emerald Isle - the children have the day off school and we celebrate by turning out for parades all over the country. Tullamore is celebrating in a very special way this year, with the Tullamore & Ballykillmurray Scout Troops joining forces to march in the parade...

Hopefully we should have a good turn out for tomorrow, I just hope & pray that the weather holds out and blesses us with a little more sunshine and a lot less wind than we had today. Boy, it's been cold here which has come as a little bit of a surprise after the temperate Spring weather of the past few days...

This year the town is filled with Scouting memorabilia, with exhibitions in the Bridge Centre and shop fronts all over the town. It promises to be quite spectacular, combined with the huge effort going into the parade. Teams of scouts have been beavering away (excuse the pun!) for months preparing for this week and so far it's looking pretty good. I can't wait to see the end result tomorrow - must remember to bring my camera.

So what's the big deal and why are we pushing the boat out? Well, this weekend Tullamore will be descended upon by delegates from all over Ireland attending Scouting Ireland's National Council which opens on Saturday. A second parade comprised of Scouts from all over the Slieve Bloom Scout County and the South Eastern Province will welcome our Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick following his arrival on a narrow boat at the Tullamore Heritage Centre on Friday evening. For us scouters this is the big parade, with St Patrick's Day conveniently offering us the chance to practice our marching skills - shhh, don't tell anyone!

For those of you who are not in the know, the Slieve Bloom Scout County comprises counties Offaly, parts of Laois and North Tipperary. It is so called because the geographical area covered by these Scout troops is dominated by the Slieve Bloom Mountains...

Regarding the rest of the title, tomorrow is also a big day in the card maker's world, especially those who have fallen prey to the extraordinary talents of one Ms Claire Brennan, who just happens to reside on these Emerald shores in the county of Antrim. Being that Claire is both patriotic and creative she decided that tomorrow would be the perfect excuse to bring crafty folk from all over the world together and celebrate together.

Why not drop in again tomorrow and find out what this is all about. If you're lucky I might even have some photo's of the parade for you and of course a nice St Patrick's Day card for you too...

Have a good evening, Slán!

Polly Pierce

Hand Made Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationery From County Offaly

Polly Van to Camp

As many of my regular visitors to this blog will already be aware I am hopelessly disorganised. This sad state of affairs extends to many, if not most areas of my life not least blogging! Unlike my cyber friend Amanda from Feelgood Organic Hampers I do not follow through on my good intentions regarding gardening and producing my own food or scheduling blog posts for when I am on holiday!

Holidays you say? No it's not going to be anything exotic, in our house it seldom is. The most exotic holiday I've ever taken was the visit to the troglodyte cave hotel in Guadix, Spain. That of course is another story...

751 metres of Mt Errigal

No, it's camping yet again for us. Although I have managed to commandeer the plans and use them to my advantage much to everyone's disgust. Yesterday I booked us into Sleepy Hollows Campsite, which is a new one for us. It's still in Co Donegal, but it is also a few miles from the beach and only yards from the foot of Mount Errigal which I have determined to surmount during our well deserved rest from routine!(I wonder if this will count towards the mountaineering badge for the boys?)

After three days in the heart of the Donegal gaelteacht, (irish speaking area) where my children will have ample opportunity to practice their native language and gain confidence in using it for everyday things like shopping, we will move a little closer to the Atlantic Ocean. So much so that you can hear the waves lapping onto the shore from your berth nestling behind the sand dunes.

Downings, Co Donegal on a bad day - still no rain though!

My Mum describes Downings as being one of the last places that God created (presumably by then he'd learnt from his previous mistakes) and it's easy to see why. The sea is almost as blue as that of the mediteranean, the sands silver and the sun never ceases to shine - at least we've been lucky on that score. Last year as the rest of Ireland was doused in freezing cold rain the sun was splitting the stones on the north west coast of Donegal!

My only regret is that I still haven't saved enough invest in hiring a campervan. Compared with an average cost of between €20 & €30 per night and an overall investment of perhaps €300 in tents, airbeds, sleeping bags, etc the lap of luxury doesn't come cheap. Let's face it folks, Polly likes her bargain priced holidays!

I'm not exactly sure how I'd adjust to the confines of an RV after so many years of camping under canvas anyway. I dare say the children would be delighted, especially as it would have all mod cons and a telly! They'd be able to charge up their hand held computer gaming consoles and thinking about it, I'd be able to indulge my internet addiction and post while on holidays, listen to music and stand up while cooking or washing up.

There's generally a bathroom/shower area, which of course would do away with the midnight trips to the loo and a built in refridgerator too (strange combination of thoughts there?!) I'd also be able to indulge in my creative whims and use the electricity supply to heat emboss while making cards to send home, read by a good light and in the eventuality of the weather breaking keep warm and dry.

Me thinks I dost protest too much! Some very good friends of ours are heading in the opposite direction in one such vehicle at the same time as us and I really do have to admit that I am just a little bit jealous. I mean, who wouldn't be? Imagine getting up in the morning and piddling in your own loo at a time that suits you, rather than having to make yourself decent and then pluck up the energy to walk to the shower block. Yes, there are many advantages to hiring/owning a camper van and yes, I'd love one! Scratch that: I want one!!!!

Anyway, with all this beauty and my (too many) plans for excursions and mountaineering, it's quite unlikely that you'll be hearing much from me in the next couple of weeks. Then again, if I can get into the community centre beside the camp site I might even spend a couple of bob on logging in and posting some photos...

Camper Van, or no camper van, I still have to locate, prepare and pack for our excursion. So, if you will excuse me, it's time to get moving before we have to head off into town for the last Scouting activity of the summer. We're going bowling, having a sleep over, eating pizza and kayaking with Van Gillesan and the Tullamore Canoe Club at their open day tomorrow... (action packed weekend!)

Polly Drinks Liquid Malt-easer

Okay, so I know it's been a while since I last posted here. That's not to say that I haven't been busy elsewhere...

Croagh Patrick

Recently, we seem to have been doing a lot of activities with the Scouts. Namely since we returned after last years Summer Hols, we've been off camping at least four or five times. The most notable would probably have been those in the 'off-season' which is of course the Winter.

Our first camp was in October, when our Leader and I awoke to frost on the back of our tent thankful for the fact that we'd both brought our long-john's and the drop of Drambuie Mr B had put in our hot chocolate. Next was the February camp, when we woke to find frost on the tops of our boots inside the awning of our tent, and most recently the March camp when we were visited by glorious sunny weather during the day and freezing fog at night time. Oh the joys...

Ascent Of The Holy Mountain

Only last weekend, on Holy Saturday we'd ventured to the top of the Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo. Boys, oh boys! Did we ever, that was indeed a pilgrimage and a half; for the younger members of our troup it was little more than a spring jaunt up a big hill, while the older and less fit members will remember it for ever more. Yours truly took at least an additional 45minutes to mount the summit and was greeted with cheers and Mr B's special energy drink - Liquid Malteser's!

Ariel View Of The Reek

I don't know why I was cynical about this magical mixture, I shouldn't have been. After all, I am a great exponant of do-it-yourself medicines for all occasions. Not only was the drink warm, refreshing, welcome and tasty, without a doubt it did have magical properties that enabled me to descend the afore mentioned mountain. Admittedly I could hardly walk by the time I had reached the bottom of the 760-something metres and collapsed into the back of Gary's Atlantic Adventure Centre jeep in a very un-lady-like fashion, but hey, who's looking?

The secret of the Liquid Maltezer's is closely guarded, but I do know that it relies heavily on the presence of refined glucose powder, horlicks and drinking chocolate, all of which are decanted in their dry form into a zip-lock bag and carted up the mountain in readiness for weary travellers. Add to a large sprinkle of this mixture a generous portion of hot water, carried on the back of a trusty pack horse and mix with whatever implement is closest. Drink and enjoy.


Following a light, but calorie packed lunch, prepare oneself for leaping down the mountainside with all the nimble energy of the proverbial mountain goat while waving at a light aircraft emblazoned with the Irish Airforce colours (and yes, he did wave back!), so there...

Happy Easter!

Polly Pierce

Polly Wonders Why We Do The Things We Do?

For various reasons I seem to have been on an unplanned abstention from the busy IBW forum. Possibly this is because I've been so busy in the real world, between making cards of all shapes and sizes and Scouting I haven't had time to bless myself. On the one hand it's great, and yet on the other hand I can't help but feel that I have been missing out on something...

Take Eileen Bennett (AKA Ask Mammy) for example, I don't know her personally but was dismayed to read that she has recently been quite unwell - get well soon! Apparently, a randy stallion who was cooped up in his stall tried to kiss her. This lady, whose tenacity is to be admired calmly peered through the red mist of blood and excruciating pain, picked up the lump of flesh off the ground and walked back to the house to cleanse and refrigerate.

Thankfully, while the damage was extensive Eileen is on the mend, albeit with a copious number of stitches and she has adopted the approach that it is she who was to blame and not the horse. This of course reminds me of the not so tender caress imposed on me by my own beloved Gypsophillus.

Having failed to read the warning signs I continued to 'play' with her, while she growled at her canine competition in warning. Unfortunately, the result led to some very rude words, a dash to the bathroom to cleanse and examine and then a heartfelt apology to my companions who had stared at me in disbelief as I insulted the very ground upon which they sat.

I now have a well healed scar of about two inches in length just above my left eyebrow. Thankfully it nestles well amongst the lines on my forehead. I was lucky, not only had it narrowly missed my eye, there was little in the way of infection and so the scarring isn't that noticeable.

If one of the children had done what either of two wise old women did, it'd be quite a different story altogether, wouldn't it? While the circumstances of these two cases differ, I can only thank God that each had sufficient awareness of their own hand in the events and the wisdom to act accordingly.

Gypsophillus remains my stalwart companion and I have learned that we grown-ups should heed our own advice, in all areas of life. And so, without further ado I will head off now to read up on the minutes of the Offaly Dyslexia Group in preparation for the committee meeting this evening, oh joy of joys!

Mind you; without all this running around I simply wouldn't know what to do with myself, would I?

Polly Pierce
Vinca Cards - Hand Made Irish Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationery

Polly's Traditional Medicinal Hot Chocolate

Hot off the back of a weekend out in the wilds of Charleville Castle, this week has been sheer relief in the food stakes. No more Dunne's Stores Beef Curry boiled in a bag for me, or so I thought...

Our evening meal on Saturday had consisted of what I can only refer to pre-digested excreta containing lumps of beef, served with a tiny portion of boiled white rice. Each was given a choice of boil in the bag Beef Curry, Chicken Curry or Spaghetti Bolognaise for those of a weaker disposition.

The emphasis of the weekend being placed firmly on Camp Craft and NOT on cooking resulted in three lines of hungry scouts queuing up for sustenance as the light quickly faded. Considering the offending bags were still frozen solid and each billy can is only able to accommodate one meal at a time this proved to be somewhat of a challenge, but we survived!

Later in the evening, following a star lit hike through Charleville Forest one and all were cold and thirsty, needing something warm and sweet to ward off the imagined companions that'd accompanied us on our hike. Toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate for twenty proved to be just the thing to settle our troup down before bed...

Some five days later, having gladly left the meagre rations behind in the forest I am happy to report that I'm also dying with Coryza! (That's posh for a head cold...) After hours of sneezing fits, streaming eyes and half a box of tissues later I remembered the camp-fire hot chocolate and realised that this was just the cure required.

Admittedly it was just for me which of course simplified its preparation, as did the use of my trusty microwave oven. In just three minutes I was able to make the perfect medicinal hot chocolate. How? I used two teaspoons of Nutella in warmed milk and stirred it frantically for a few moments!

It may not be rocket science, but I can assure you that this rather odd way of making one of life's little childhood luxuries is A1! The hazelnut & chocolate spread can take a while to dissolve, although probably no more than conventional hot chocolate/drinking chocolate or cocoa. It also adds a touch of creamy luxury missing from most other attempts at making your own after ski chocolate drink at home.

There was only one thing missing from this afternoons mug and that was the shot of spiced Drambuie! As I still have to venture out to the school run, I am quite content to forego that particular pleasure, but it does add to what is already divine!

All credit goes to BB, my eldest son for the new method of spoiling oneself. Due to his absolute laziness/imagination there is a new family tradition to pass on to my grandchildren, assuming this horrid cold doesn't finish me off first...

Bon Viveur!

Polly
Vinca Cards

Polly Money

Okay! So the truth is out...

Not so long ago I rashly offered to make myself available to any mysterious benefactor who might just like to contribute to my Trip To Austria With The Scouts In August Fund. Of course I was only half joking about a very serious subject; the result? BJK announced that she hadn't realised that I'd intended to head off to the Alps with the Lads.

Anyway, one thing lead to another and frankly I got very fed up and decided not to go. I also decided not to sent BB. However, it's very hard to refuse a Scout Leader as nice as ours; especially when she's on her knees begging you to reconsider and you really, really want to go. So yes, I am heading off to Salzburg some time in August and I can't wait! Neither can BB.

The problem is that truthfully I really can't afford to go. Common sense should have prevailed; and for a very short time it did. I find myself somewhat lack-lustre and a little down in the dumps each time I think about the trip; but then again I was the same with regard to the Bruce Springsteen concert and look at what happened there - I loved it.

Basically; the bottom line is that failing the mysterious donation that I am dreaming of I am going to have to make some serious money. I have already told BB that unless he meets half the cost he will not be going; despite the fact that I have booked our flights; something to do with cutting your losses while you're still ahead...

It does sound mean telling a young lad of thirteen years, ten months, two weeks and five days old that he's not going unless he pays his way; doesn't it? Well; NO! It jolly well doesn't. BB's reached the stage where he can learn the value of money the old fashioned way; by earning it. It accordance with the sentiment of my last post; I don't agree with rewarding children for doing nothing as frankly it leads to problems in future years that I'd rather not have them or me contend with.

At least this way He will have achieved something momentous; ie The Scout Tour To Austria, during his three months holidays and have the satisfaction of knowing that He did it himself.
As for me, I can well see that I am going to have to desert my post at the computer chair and get out into that studio to make hundreds of cards to sell to unsuspecting members of the public, et al.

Yeah, right! How many times have we heard this then? (Separate e-mail on its way to Angers for Jean with very contrite contents...) But hang on in there; this time I actually mean it!

"The Hills Are Alive..."

LOL!







Polly Peirce
Purveyor to All of Mankind of Good Will & Terrific Greeting Cards & Wedding Stationary Made By Hand In Ireland!

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!

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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…

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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

Fun Monday!

Evenin’ y’all!

Now then, this post really is going to be just a quickie, especially considering that I have to make a quick Spaghetti ala Bolognaise, serve and eat it all before 7.10pm, which gives me little more than an hour to do both! As much as I love food and cooking there are times when it really is a nuisance and this is one of them.

Anyhow, the reason for this little post script is because Deborah at The Humble Housewife is hosting Fun Monday this month, which for anyone who isn’t aware is an event hosted by a different blogger each month. This month’s theme is family holiday traditions unique to your family, which means it could be any of the public holidays throughout the year and even as embarrassing as the inevitable Aunt Polly falling drunkenly over the Christmas tree.

In our family we have two quite different traditions, one is 'new'; the other 'old'. Both are of equal importance; representing bonds with tradition which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Our Newest holiday tradition is to attend the first matinee performance of the year at three o'clock on New Years Day. Either with; or without the optional hangover, the whole of our family make the annual pilgrimage sixty or so miles to inner city Dublin. Next we invade the seats nearest to the stage and boo-hiss at the cast of the annual Pantomine at the Liberty Hall Theatre.

Since LB was a babe in arms, suckling, oblivious to the hilarious antics of Sammy Sausages et al, this has been our way of ringing in the New Year. It is always great fun, although last year, while feeling a little bit blue; due to ill health; the cast shot me concerned looks of astonishment. For once I hadn't actually succeeded in putting them off their lines.

At one stage I laughed until I cried, and how did I cry; Buffy announced to the whole audience "...ahh, look; Mammy's crying!" With old friends like that I can't imagine a better way to bring in the New Year, especially as it unites three generations in a good Old Fashioned Family Way.

Our next tradition is probably one which is celebrated in most households around the world on the Eve before Christmas. I am sure that my family isn’t unique in our attitude regarding Santa Claus; although at times it certainly feels as though he may have taken a wrong turning. In Ireland, where we live, there is a tendency to large, exotic gifts being delivered under the Christmas tree.

I sometimes feel that our kids are disadvantaged; when the inevitable “What did you get…?” is asked of them. However, I have it on very good authority that Santa’s a cool dude cos he always gives my guys the best presents. This can range from a woollen hat and matching gloves, to action figures, magnetic stones called Oids, bulging eyeballs, caps, mandarin oranges, musical instruments, chocolate, snot in a bottle and so on; you get the picture.

It’s not that Santi, as he is known locally is mean; he just delivers what they really want; generally not the sort of things that stuffy old grown ups approve of. Oh yeah, he always manages to find a mankey old stocking or sometimes a pair of tights (panty hose) which is much more fun than a shop bought felt reproduction. The contents, due to the fact that the bulkier items are sheer hell to extract keeps the rug rats busy for hours on end.

Unfortunately, they do some times decide to blow bubbles onto me as I sleep; followed by all manner of chaotic mayhem on their new instruments, which will range from maraca’s and castanets to tin whistles and harmonica’s.

The absolutely worst of all gifts that the bearded man in the rotund red plush outfit has ever delivered; except for the sea monkeys, has to be the afore mentioned Oids. These magnetised haematite or iron ore ovoids make a horrible cacophonous rattling noise when thrown into the air. I still shudder at the mere thought of being woken up at 4.30am by that! It frightened me witless!

Like I said earlier; Santa is a cool dude, he is the MAN; loved by us all, young and old. Thirteen year old BB; standing behind me reading this as I write, recently told his granny all about him. I think he even claims to have heard sleigh bells last year, or was it the year before?

Anyway, duty is no longer calling me; it is impatient and screaming for attention, knawing incessantly at my right shoulder, so that’s it from me folk’s; dinner is calling!

For more Fun Monday and seasonal traditions go here.

Polly Px Polly Peirce

ps Having frantically & magically created what the English so fondly refer to as 'Spag Bol' in just under an hour, BB & I managed to eat it and arrive almost punctually at the Scouts Den for our weekly meeting. Unfortunately, BB really did eat on the run, with a tea cloth stuffed inside the collar of his uniform shirt in case of spillages and bumps in the road. May God forgive me, for I have sinned...

I can't imagine how MM, our Group Leader can possibly hold down a full time job, and do a degree course as well as all her Scouting Committments; I am worn out at just the very thought of it! Px

Successful Business Woman

Since my eldest child; Biggest Boy started his secondary education at Tullamore College in August things at home have been dramatically calmer.

Littlest Boy appears to have found his own wings; he's started to 'fly' in school and appears to be finally settling into his own space; rather than in the shadow of BB. With very few exceptions homework has been tackled early & without trouble, rather than later. The whole pace of life has been that little bit slower.

Yes, the two boys still quarrel, from time to time they fight in the true sense of the word; ie physically; but all in all life has been so much nicer since the schools' reopened.

BB has fallen onto his feet and, despite an incident early on in the last month, seems happier and more settled. Most of the boys from his old school have gone to the supposedly more 'respectable' Christian Brother's; leaving my lad to get on and make his own way without any pressure.

Communications between BB & LB, myself & BB, LB & DG, etc have all improved and there is less disquiet in the house all round. I get one evening off a week; other than the weekends; and it is lovely.

Scouts on Monday, plus assorted requirements at weekends, Cubs on Tuesday, Gymnastics in Tullamore on Wednesday + Night-Class for me starting this week, Thursday - Recover from other three nights and on Friday Gymnastics in Curragh Camp Gym; for four hours!

This last weekend wasn't too bad. Unfortunately LB was unwell on Friday and so spared me the four hours waiting period on the Curragh; also the expense of coffees and buns in the Whitewater Centre, Newbridge!

Saturday I packed the two boys off to BJK for the day. I had an opening ceremony to attend at the new Scout Hostel up the mountains; aka The Slieve Blooms. I had to borrow a shirt and lend my camera to fellow scouter to record the grand affair.


Sunday; DG was suddenly working. LB had to stay with BJK again, while BB & I went on an early morning 5 mile hike with the scouts; 'up the mountains', over boglands and heath. It was jolly hard work; but at least the weather held off and none were injured. Afterwards we celebrated our success with ice-creams & tayto's!

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I recently read the Scouting Ireland Code of Good Practice. It's all above board and incredibly sensible;the thing is, that once having opened the first page; to reveal the table of contents, it makes me realise just how serious the business of interacting with other people's children is.

Within the HSE similar codes of good practice have applied, and sadly like most of my colleagues; I have been forced by society to view our charges with a slightly jaundiced eye. No longer can the teacher sit poor Sally on her knee to comfort her after a fall in the playground; no longer can we take photographs of our gymnastic hopes for the future and so on, and so on.

The application form for child members of the Scouting Ireland is very clever. In requesting the parent(s)/guardian(s) to sign that they give permission for their charges to participate in all scouting activities and to be photographed whilst doing so, such pressure is relieved.

It is a tragic shame that we can no longer enjoy the company of our children; without care or worry. Each act of kindness, while spontaneous and reciprocal has also to be weighed up; lest it be misinterpreted.

Often I have been threatened with a telephone call to Childline; reporting me for some imagined slight, and this by BB; my own offspring. I am afraid that such threats fall upon stony ground with me; as I generally offer to fetch him the telephone number. That somewhat defuses the situation.

We were lucky as children, we lived in an age of innocence. As adults we ventured out into the world, only to discover our naivety. Today it seems it is quite a different story. A little knowledge will protect our children from some of the evil that lies in wait.

Years ago we were expected to show a degree of respect 'for our elders and betters' and yet in a society which is so advanced respect appears to be a thing of the past.

The Scouting Ireland has contributed much to society during its one hundred years; it is one of the few remaining bastions of sanity. The boys and girls who grow up in the scouts are given a set of values based on respect for others; irrespective of their race, creed, colour or gender.

After a life time of caring for sick patients I now find myself in the strange position whereby I am one of the patients and no longer the carer. This is an unsettling situation to find oneself in and has been very difficult to come to terms with.

It has however given me opportunities that I would not have been able to avail of whilst working. First is the time I can now spend with the two boys, DG & BJK. I am much more relaxed and it seems that people actually like me now!

Secondly I am now making greeting cards; by hand and am enjoying the fact that I am doing something for other people to enjoy whilst enjoying it myself. In the near future things will look up for me and I will be a successful business woman, with an amazing & unique product that people can't wait to get their hands on!

Thirdly, through my relatively new involvement with Scouting Ireland I have an opportunity to give something back to the community; without making myself unwell. If I can pace myself, I'll be okay.

It is a great satisfaction to feel that the youngsters we deal with will hopefully have better things to do with their time than hang around street corners.

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The incident I referred to at the beginning was one of bullying. It was an unfortunate one off incident; which was dealt with efficiently, at the time by the school, who have been incredibly supportive since.

Some of the older boys; venture scouts, are also looking out for BB & helping him settle into his new school; which is a reflection of what scouting is all about.

Polly P x

Top Prize Winner!

…I followed Darina's site(http://www.iamawham.com/) with interest; logging in on an almost daily basis. I even enrolled in a seven day e-course, regarding motivation, planning, etc.

One fine morning in March (?) I opened an e-mail from StarVA (internetprofitplanning.com); Darina’s virtual assistant, at that time; Angela. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I had WON a major prize of a two day course entitled 'Create the Life You Want' with the lady who had kindly donated the prize Erica McKinney(http:www/pathwaytothesoul.com/) To quote my thank-you e-mail to Darina; I was “thrilled”!

Unfortunately, having made arrangements to attend the course in beautiful Glendalough; psyched myself up for it and even booked myself the very last bed at the local youth hostel; it was cancelled. Not one to be done out of a weekend away I took myself, DG & Littlest Son off to County Clare for the weekend instead. Biggest Son had a date with the 1st Tullamore Scout Troup instead.

My consolation prize was the fantastic offer of four personal coaching sessions with Erica up in Dun Laoghaire. The original prize had offered three coaching sessions as an alternative to the course! But of course, being awkward I decided to hang on in there for the new schedule in August.

I learned recently that poor Erica had been involved in an accident during the summer. Because of this the Autumn/Winter Schedule has been pushed back a little; allowing for her recovery. Meanwhile I am waiting for her to publish her newsletter with details of what the future holds and I can’t wait to meet her and participating in what should be a very interesting and worthwhile course.

Meanwhile I have put a lot of time and effort into my fledgling cottage industry, being thoroughly motivated by Darina & all the WAHM’s stories; information & links on the site. BJK has been kind and generous in her support; moral and financial, as has my long suffering bank account. DG has been great, his ears are well & truly bent at this stage and the two boys have really helped me in practical terms, patience, ideas, imagination and just about everything else too! Thank you.

Really what I should be doing is to get out there; into my studio(http://www/freewebs.com/vincacards); start making some more stock -including a batch of thank you cards and a special get well card for Erica. I wonder how much I will get done before DG scoops me up and carry me off to ‘the ploughing’…!?