Dundalk, 21st - 23rd June

Went to IIUG Conference at Dundalk Institute of Technology last week. Really the best type of exhibition work - just network (chatting, drinking, eating) with Irish librarians. The institute is big into enviroment studies, and the wind turbine apparently produces 85% of the electricty used by the college, which is pretty impressive if it's true. My taxi driver told me - mind you, he was a fountain of knowledge about Dundalk.
The only downside about the trip (and it's a really minor one, as I was there for WORK!) is that my grandfather's family oringinated from about 10 miles up the road, from a small townland called Drumnagrella, in the parish of Inishkeen,which seems to move bewteen Co Monaghan and Co Louth depending on which website you are looking at - anyway, I didn't get a chance to do any travelling. Guess the upside is that I'll have to go back. 

Inger-lund, Inger-lund....

Laura is not really impressed with the World Cup, because it means she can't watch CBeebies. And her dad's comment that it is only on every four years is going right over her head. However she loves the flags on cars, and insisting on having one on hers!
Uncle Richard tried to teach her to head a ball against the wall. She keeps practising, bless her! 

Party Fears Two

The following day was actually mum's birthday. Richard wasn't able to come to the party, butI was able to persuade him to come up on the Sunday. We decided not to tell mum....as you can see from the look on her face when she opened the door to him. Mum and Dad both very pleased to see him.....fatted calf anyone?






Richard is far more skilled at taking photos than I am, although all his were of Laura!















I made the effort to include one or two other people in mine!



 

My angel

Taken by Uncle Richard at the second of the 70th b'day parties (more of which to follow). 

Partied out!

Aimee and Laura found it all too much, and retired, with thumbs in, to watch Cbeebies. 

11th June 1936

Last saturday saw a party to celebrate mum's 70th birthday. The weather was gorgeous and a good time was had by all. Luckily, in the picture of the cake, you can't tell that the (7) candles aren't actually lit.....we tried and tried but the breeze kept blowing them out.

Despite that fact that the party kicked off at exactly the same time as another important event, only Peter and Eamon absented themselves for the full 90 minutes! It was lovely to see so many (whoops...nearly said old) friends and rellies, and even a brand new family member - Paul Chapman, mum's step cousin....long story....which will have to wait till I get round to posting about my family history stuff. 

Books [2]

And We need to talk about Kevin.