SETTLING IN

Zach has decided to take up hiking around Ireland, which is a good plan as there are lots of great hiking routes and hostels and  backpackers and there is so much history here that he will find lots of things to expand his mind!   With the hiking plan in  mind, the kids took a day in Connor's  last week to hike the canal walk which goes right through County Longford.  The full trail  is a 3 day hike ending in Dublin.  They just did a part of it, I dropped them off at a trail head and they hiked for about 3 hours.  I  picked them up at a pub in Cloondara and everyone seemed to enjoy the walk.

Steve and Connor  flew out of  Dublin on  the 17th of August.  Steve  drove us to the airport, and I had to drive back  home.  Haley was the best co-pilot ever  and we  got home safely.  That night we went to a soccer match which was Longford v. Galway Salthill Devon.  Longford won 4 to 0!  The game was great - though the players use colorful language and they are loud!  One player  was doing a throw-in, his teammate called for the pass and he responds "F-no!  You're not on!"  It was just  such a surprise to us!   They have the chanting fan section and people yell things like "C'mon  lads!"  and "C'mon ref you're fond of those yellow cards!"  I had such a good time and I showed Haley the big bar they have at the City Calling Stadium - which is the clubhouse and apparently every team that has a field has a  club house.   They do not serve beer during the games.

On Sunday,  August 18, Haley turned 17! As I noted in  an earlier post, I managed to bake the traditional Hogan/Schlueter birthday cake and Haley had a scrimmage in Castlebar.  I think she had a good birthday but I still have to pony up with a gift!  When have I  had time to shop?!

During the week we went to Durkins in Longford to buy Haley's uniform. (I can't see that sign without humming,  "Good-bye Mrs. Durkin, I'm sick  and tired of workin, no more I'll  dig your praties, no longer I'll be poor.." Irish Rovers yeah!)  Anyway, the uniform must be purchased there.  She had to buy grey pants, light blue shirts,  and  a navy jumper.  At  first she was like, "I am NOT wearing a jumper!"  Then we learned that a  jumper is a sweater!  Oh...  So she is wearing the jumper  - and apparently they are required to have them on at all times at school.  It has a logo for the school on it - very Gryffindor! - and though she disagrees,  Haley looks great in it!

Then, while Steve was in Chicago and Iowa City getting Connor settled for school, our sea shipment arrived.  We have way too much CRAP!  And we had already sold beds, couches,  table and chairs, games, books,  toys, appliances, etc.   We will  have to pare it down even more, obviously... 

When they arrived,  I went outside to  move the car, and the dogs insisted on  getting in with me, so I let them in the car.   After I parked it, I opened the door and they wouldn't budge.  I left the door open and the dogs just slept in the car the whole time the movers  were there!

The poor moving guys - thought the furniture looked nice but found it pretty darn heavy!  We finally had our own beds, though and that was great.  We are still unpacking and  finding places for things and getting the house in order.  It may be a while!  

The moving guys did laugh at all our outdoor furniture and asked if we were expecting good weather?! But the day of the shipment WAS sunny and in the upper 60's  so when we could take a break, we sat out on the patio and I had a Cider!  

I  drove to the airport on Sunday morning (August 25th) by myself (successfully!)  as Haley needed to sleep for her game that day.  His flight came in at 4:45 in the morning - aarrrggghhh!!!  but we  got home, had a couple hours of sleep, then drove  to Castlebar for Haley's first conference game.  Upon arrival, learned that she can't play until  FAI gets international  clearance - what?!  Still,  it was a great game, fun to watch and Haley's team beat Cork 2 to 1.  After the game, they served sandwiches and juice in the clubhouse - for everyone - both teams and all the fans!   It was pretty cool  and a nice way to  keep the games civil - right?  You socialize with the opponents!  It was really neat - one of the many things I love about Ireland!   

Now I'm not sure if they always do this or if it was just because the GAA football semi-final game between Tyrone and Mayo was going on that day in Dublin.  It was being televised and they had it playing at the clubhouse and they were,  in fact,  serving  beer!  We  were pretty tired so we  drove  home and  watched  the end  of the game at home.  Mayo won!  (Castlebar is in County Mayo and Tyrone is in Northern Ireland).  

It was a long week, and I found myself missing Connor CONSTANTLY, but keeping busy helps...