How many times can you be kicked silly before you've had enough ?

Look around see what you do, Everybody smiles at you

Hey you with the pretty face Welcome to the human race
A celebration Mr. Blue Sky's Up there waitin'
and today Is the day we've waited for

 

We visited the Airfield Estate today.  This wonderful farm/house/garden is worth a visit if you happen to find yourself in Dublin.

 

Within minutes you forget that you're in the suburbs and if you're lucky, as we were, you'll encounter a young fox or a cheeky goose.

 

For me the most rewarding part of the visit was getting to touch the Giant Redwood. Soft and warm is the only way I know to describe this tree.

 

In the midst of the fruit garden there was a small pond where I found the lily in this photo. It reminded me of the photo George Harrison used for one of his last singles.

 

While eating lunch we were joined by a robin who wasn't backward about coming forward to sample some food. The sheep were joined by a young fox who seemed more interested in chasing the butterflies. "Cuddle that and you'll never play the piano again"

 

 

 

 

Unlike the Holy Stone of Clonrichert (... it's a Ted reference...) the ancient ruins at Glendalough (literally "glen of the two lakes") have some real history.

 

We spent yesterday picnicing and walking around the area. Pushed for a comment I think the kids' favourite part of the day was the flight-less butterfly. This was only marginally better than paddling in the lake.

 

A young tit has been visiting our garden and pigging out on the peanuts in one of the feeders. Young and probably not very street-wise the bird allowed me within a few feet so I could take some photos.

 

 

It's been a 48 hour party. Friday (my birthday) was divine - even though I went into the office. Before leaving for work I was presented with my very own Banjo. This means I can now join the Billy Connolly school of annoying-old-man. The kids gave me a few CDs including the Hits Of Abba - Played on the Pan Pipes.

 

What more could a man ask for ?

 

Friday evening we (Val & the kids & I) had dinner with in a local Italian restaurant. A proper Italian restaurant (you know... with actual Italians) with the owner sitting watching business being done and making sure that the families felt welcome. While in the bathroom the kids asked for a dessert with a birthday candle (of course). In exchange for the embarassment I received a flaming Sambuca served up by a very pretty Italian lady. Fair swap.
 
Saturday was spent buying ice, beer, wine and a few nibbles. Saturday afternoon, evening and night were spent in the company of some great people and having a blast. I do believe we managed to massacre the Beatles back-catalogue (and many others.... The Boxer took a particular drunken hammering). Switching between guitar and piano I jammed with my friends on various guitars, banjos etc that littered the living room.
 
It's now Sunday and I remain a content, happy individual.
 
Being the host with the most I only managed a couple of photos. Some are here...