Sail Tale

We traveled by boat and train to London yesterday. It turned out to be an arduous 13 hour journey, so I composed this on the way --


The Sea and Me


I got upon the ferry with my books and all my mags,
I swear I didn't notice those ubiquitous barf bags.
Into my mouth I popped a sweet and salty snack,
Got out my book and pillow and leaned my body back.

I thought it would be fun to cross the Irish Sea;
How was I to know what the sea had planned for me?
The captain told us plainly, "This will be a choppy trip"
I didn't realize he meant the sea would let her rip!

At first I thought a cannon had exploded up on deck.
What else could cause that shaking and sensation of a wreck?
We surfed the waves with a zig and a zag,
I would've surrendered if I'd had a white flag.

We cruised along for three long hours
My innards liked it not.
They thought they were in _Poseidon Adventure_,
And they didn't like the plot.

One daughter watched the waves;
While one slept the whole way through.
My husband?
He deemed it all an adventurous thing to do.


But me? I grabbed a barf bag
And held on for dear life.
The rocking and the rolling added to my strife.

At last, the journey ended,
Thanks be to the Lord.
You'll never hear my say again,
"I wish I weren't so bored."

Celebrity Stalking

FMM: 4 mi

Hi, Folks,

We're still at it - hanging out, sitting on the bed under blankets surreptitiously reading each other's e-mails, Facebooks, or Googles. (Disclaimer: Bob does not take part in this foolishness; he minds his own business and continues his plod through _Ulysses_). Later we pull out the air mattress, plop in front of the TV with yet more blankets and pillows, and continue to watch the BBC series _Doc Martin_. We will be lost when it is over...Of course, we do all this wallering only AFTER we have completed our Forced March for the day. Yesterday we went to Dalkey. Dalkey Castle was closed, but we found a few summit to climb, a foggy seashore to stroll, an island to photograph, and a few celebrity homes to stalk. Bono and Enya live there as does a very popular author. Molly is still laughing at my response to locating her home after interrupting an unsuspecting restaurant worker's cigarette smoke in a back alley. Molly claims she had never seen me so excited. This proves once and for all that I am a very shallow person. After raising my fist in victory, I "God blessed" the bloke who Molly had sheepish eye contact with as I (MOM-) ran from the alley to --okay I'll tell you -- Maeve Binchy's home. We took a few pictures in front of her house and deemed our stalking a great success. I know Marianne J is most excited at this moment and will demand a replay when she comes to visit.

We are going by boat and train to London tomorrow. We'll meet Tim and Megan. I am not sure of my computer or WiFi access; blogging is iffy. So, I will wish you all a Happy New Year today! May you enjoy a few hours of wallering yourself.

Walking, Stalking, and Gawking,
I remain,
Mom/Tizmom/Tizzie/Tiz/Liz/Elizabeth

Mom/Tizmom/Tizzie/Tiz/Liz/Elizabeth

Shopping and Straightening

Happy Monday, Mates & Mateys (still don't know if that's a word; do you?),

We are still cocooning here in Dublin. We have solved our most pressing problem: we have officially purchased a European hair straightener. The girls can now go outside without scandalizing Dublin and perhaps all of Europe with improperly coiffed hair. Me? I much prefer the puffy bob look which my velcro curlers provide quite well, thank you. Another beauty secret: I've always dried my hair mirrorless while reading a book. So, who says timeless style and beauty must be costly or complicated?..We went shopping and to the National Museum yesterday. Alas, the turquoise leather gloves I had eyed to match my new hat and scarf were gone so I can't complete my look. I do love to match. However, I have noticed that the average age of the women wearing my hat style is 10 - 20 year older than I. No mind, I will singlehandedly make it fashionable for the "younger set". We are almost keeping up with the laundry and definitely keeping up on the eating. Are you?
Today we're off to Dalkey Castle.

Mothering away,

I remain

Mom/Tizmom/Tizzie/Tiz/Liz/Elizabeth

The Morning After

FMM: 12/24 : 7 mi

FMM: 12/25 0 (Does waddling count??)
Happy birthday to the Christmas baby, Bob Bridwell!!!

Hi, Party On-ers,

You must be dying to know how our Christmas was, so here goes.. Christmas Eve we ate seafood (okay, Nancy had a cheeseburger)at The Bloody Stream (nice name for a restaurant, don't you think?)in Howth. It was bitterly cold and wet, but that didn't stop us from an invigorating walk up the hills to a cliffside view of the ocean. We didn't mind; after all, we are the mighty O'Connell Clan! Actually, Molly DID mind, so she and I had hot tea at The Summit Inn instead. Once she heard everyone describe the views, Molly decided that she DID want to see them, so she and I eventually climbed to the top. After 6 miles of forced marching, we came home, ate chili, got dressed and went to 11:00 PM Mass at St. Teresa's near Grafton St. It took Bob a while to figure out what all the bright lights, cameras, and free candles were all about, but eventually - with our help - he deduced that the Mass was being televised throughout Ireland. He wasn't too mad. Afterward there were no taxis available, so we finished our day with another invigorating walk. You'll understand why I did the unthinkable on Christmas morning: I slept until 9:00 AM! My family got to witness many of my Christmas morning antics that I usually keep hidden: things like spilling raw turkey juice all over the countertops and discovering I've gift wrapped 3 socks for Megan and just 1 for Nancy. You surely keep such secrets from your family, too, right? Somehow we had gifts to open, food to eat, and a few laughs along the way. We watched the movie _Michael Collins_ and the kids enjoyed seeing many Irish places they've visited...We are very sad to see Tim and Megan go to Scotland today.

Hope you are enjoying the holidays with your loved ones. Write and tell me all about it. I care! And I LOVE to waste time.

Wasting time, but not wasting away,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

The Day B4 Christmas

FMM: 2 mi

Good morning, Bloggies,

Now today I KNOW you should be doing something else today, but welcome to Tiztalk aka "The Blog from the Bog" (p. mandell credit)anyway. Slackers do love company. It is pitch black at 8:30 AM as I stand in my tiny kitchen typing this. So far no one has awakened and actually made me do anything. Last night we went to O'Brien's Pub where Nancy downed two beers in quick succession. Molly and I looked on in horror and disgust. Today we are headed to Howth to walk along the seashore and eat fresh seafood. Tonight we'll go to 11:00 Mass at a church near Grafton St., a very popular area. Everyone but Bob knows that the Mass is being televised throughout the country. Won't he be surprised? At least the music should be good...

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Living Better Electrically

FMM: 1.5 mi

Hi, Frost Bunnies,

The O'Connells of Ireland are alive and well, thank you. In fact, we are improving every day. Tim has set the Irish time on my phone, so now I know what time it is; I just need to figure out where I am. He has also retrieved all of my phone messages since last Sept. Thanks to anyone who called. He is threatening to set my computer to Irish time -- like I can figure out what time 14:27 is! Luckily, I have Mom's old watch and I know how to set it and read it quite well ..Molly and Nancy have informed me that my hairdryer is totally substandard (although my remarkably lush and thick hair has been dried quite satisfactorily for 4 mos) and when Megan leaves with hers we will have a major crisis on our hands. Molly is her mother's daughter as she managed to burn out the new $33 electrical converter for the hair straightener the very first day , so an even bigger catastrophe (no HAIR STRAIGHTENER!!!) is looming when Megan leaves on Saturday with her working converter. We have had a few electrical Adapter Wars, but so far our batteries and our patience are holding out, even in the direst of circumstances -- a 5 min delay in checking one's e-mail on one of the 4 laptops...We did take a tour of the Wicklow Mtns yesterday and managed to survive the bus trip without producing any evidence of our widespread carsickness. We braved the bitter cold to hike at Glendalough. Molly and Nancy think they've died and gone to heck (my kids read this you know) with all the forced marches in the bitter cold; however, we all know it's not cold down there, so I think they're wrong. Anyway, Bob is waiting for me to hike to the post office and pick up a Box of Love from Mary...Tim is threatening to teach me how to post pictures and use boldface on the Blog from the Bog, so watch out! The future is at hand!!

Walking and talking,
I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Shopping and Singing

December 21 blogpost

FMM: 2 mi

Hi, Lads (they seem to use that here like we do "guys", so I won't add "lassies"),

If you talk to my daughters they will probably insist we walked 50 miles instead of 2. It could have something to do with their failure to wear warm clothing and to cover their heads. They were freezing, but they looked great. Meanwhile I was bundled up like the Michelin man; I looked adorable AND felt great. The girls enjoyed the Irish fashions. Nancy was most willing to change her "look". However, Molly determined that the clothes made her look like Elton John, Ellen Degeneres (I LOVED the black blazer), or the worst of all: Me!... Tim and Megan were off on a 6 hr bus ride to the Rock of Cashel only to discover that it was closed due to frost. I think they managed a good nap on the bus. Bob was doing what all good dads do when given the choice: sitting on the couch and reading a book while we were all out... We went to the Arlington Hotel for an Irish Dinner and Music/Dance Show. Nancy volunteered to get on stage and dance a reel and Bob was singled out for his sing-a-long prowess. The performers were right: the entertainment got better as the Guinness flowed. Anyway, we all made it home and only Molly is still suffering from jetlag...We are off to the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough today.

Boozing and schmoozing,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

A Day Late and a Suitcase Short

FMM: 4 mi

Hi, Ladies and Gents,

Our progeny has arrived. The girls enjoyed a night at the Clarion in Atlanta and had to wash their hair with a bar of soap, an indignity I think they minded more than being stranded for 24 hours. Molly was astounded at the passenger responses to the airline delays and now understands _Lord of the Flies_. The girls were upgraded to First Class (How come that happens to everyone in my family but ME??). Nancy didn't know what she was supposed to do with a hot washcloth, but she figured it out...So far, we (well, not actually ME) have completed a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle, caught up on our calorie intake with the help of some nice sweet surprises sent over the ocean by Teresa F and Kim L, watched the riveting finale of _An Jig Gig_, the Irish dance contest, been to the Guinness Brewery, where Tim got a little tipsy finishing off everyone's free glasses of Guinness, and enjoyed a fine lasagna dinner. The girls claim Bob and I snore explosively (we deny it), so they moved their comfy air mattress to living room about 2:00 AM... Tim and Megan are off to the Rock of Cashel, girls and Bob are asleep, and I am planning to go claim the bathroom for my alotted time.

It is freezing cold here!

Funning, but not sunning,
I remain,
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Always Carry Clean Underwear

FMM: 2 mi

Good morning, Perennial Procrastinators,

Thought you'd check the blog before you got started on on those things you really need to do, huh? Maybe she blogged today anyway even though she said she wouldn't? Although my apartment is clean, the cookies are baked, the lasagna is thawing in the fridge, my children are NOT here. In fact, Molly and Nancy are currently in an unspecified motel in Atlanta as their plane was delayed in Memphis and they missed the flight to Dublin by 4 minutes. We don't know their new travel plans yet. Nancy was worried about no makeup, change of clothes (she is 18, after all), and underwear. At least she has the two most important items: an Ipod and a laptop. Another nice Christmas surprise we got was an extra $100 luggage charge for the girls, but that's another story. Tim and Megan WILL be arriving in a few hours, so we are heading to the airport. Frost and sleet are predicted, so I'm sticking a pair of granny panties in my bag just in case...


Always good for a laugh,

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Sample post with pictures!

This is a practice post to see if I can put some pictures in my blog. My kids are also trying to show me how to use bold and italics!

Here is a picture of me in my first month in Dublin:



Looks like it was a success. There may or may not be pictures in future posts. Stay tuned...

A Dublin Christmas

FMM: 0 mi - never left the apt

Hi, Harried Holidayers (I've always loved made up words, haven't you?),


In about 24 hours, I will no longer be an anonymous (purple) bag lady wandering the streets of Dublin. No, I will be that most cherished of creatures: dear old Mom. At the airport, my children's faces will shine with delight when they spot me. We'll hug and talk all at once and try to make up for the 3 months we've been apart. We'll sit by the peat fire with mugs of hot cider and the children will listen enthralled at my tales of Christmases past. We'll sing a few of our favorite Christmas carols. Bob will carve the goose while everyone smiles and looks expectantly down the table at him. Finally, with my family happy and well-fed, I will raise a toast, "God bless us everyone."

Or something like that...Do you think I've watched too many movies??

Before this idyllic scene takes place, I have a few tasks to complete today. I am dragging Tim & Megan's bedspread down 4 flights to shake it out. Then I'll drag it back up again. Hopefully, it won't be raining and I will remember to take the apt keys with me. After that, I will be dusting, adjusting, cleaning, leaning, scrubbing, rubbing, drying, (crying), folding, holding, sweeping, (weeping), spraying, praying, wiping, typing, making, baking, walking, not talking, shopping, flopping, wrapping, napping, wrapping, napping, wining, and dining!

I'll try to post a few pictures while Tim and Megan are here to show me how or better yet do it for me. In fact, I think they just posted one. I probably won't blog much for the next few weeks while the kids are here.

Have a wonderful holiday and I'll see ya next year! Thanks for reading.

Having Christmas delusions,
I remain
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Elizabeth/Liz

Tizmom's Kids Are Coming to Town

FMM: 3 mi

Hi, Elves,

Here I am doing what I do best: blogging when I should be cleaning dust bunnies from under the beds. I should be able to bake today, but I already miss my traditional background music: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD's. I'll have to sing or hum to myself I guess. I may just sing this little ditty while I work away around here:

Tizzie's Kids are Coming to Town

I'd better not cry,
I'd better not shout
I'd better watch out
I'm telling you why

'Cause my kids are coming to town.

I'm making a list
Checking it twice,
Should I be cheap or should I be nice?

'Cause my kids are coming to town.


I'll see them when they're sleeping
I'll them wide awake
I'll see them when they're up all hours
So I'd better go and bake

I'll try not cry
I'll give them no flack
I'll be a jolly mom
So they'll want to come back

Hooray! My kids are coming to town.


Singing and swinging,
I remain
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

The Dog Ate My Blog

FMM: 4 mi

Hi, Fans & Foes,

Yes, the dog ate my blog. That's why I'm writing it 12 hours later than usual. Of course, most of you know I don't have a dog, but you fell for it anyway... I have been busy completing reservations and running -- or should I say WALKING - a few errands. I got us tickets for the ferry and train from Dublin to London. It was an arduous process that saw the price fluctuate by hundreds of dollars. I finally got 4 tickets at a "reasonable" price, and now I feel rich. I know Dad would not approve of my reasoning, but nonetheless it always feels better to think you got a bargain even if you didn't..I have been supplying and resupplying Megan's dark chocolate for her Christmas stocking. I don't know why it keeps disappearing...Bob and I went to hear a mostly bluegrass band at Bewley's Cafe. It is interesting to hear Elvis and Woodie Guthrie sung with Irish accents. We have heard more country western music here than we ever did in good old Missouri...I also wrote out a few Christmas cards. This year only I'm only sending them to people who don't read the blog. So, if you don't read the blog, let me know and I'll send you one. Gotcha!...Off to cook and clean or at least intend to...

Meaning to clean or meanly cleaning,

I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Day Off

FMM: 3 mi

Hi, Everybody,

I'm taking the day off today. Catch you tomorrow!

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Am I Really This Old? (Answer Below)

FMM: 5mi

Happy Monday,

Yes, I had a nice birthday. Thanks for asking. I'm sure the rest of your cards will arrive today. My partner (no one says "husband" or "spouse" over here) was overjoyed to find soccer in a park only about a mile away. The teams were U14 & U16. The U14 team had a foul-mouthed coach who probably would have been banned for life from Cosmo Park. Soccer appears even more serious here than it is in Columbia, MO. We also got the schedule for a professional rugby team that plays nearby. So, my future is bright I guess... My partner proved that he is not in shape for the rigors of shopping as he complained of his back, legs, feet, AND knees -- not to mention his billfold -- after what I - and most of you reading this - would term a very mild shopping trip. I took the opportunity to point out what I have saved him from the past 34 years...We went out for buffalo chicken wings, French fries, beer and wine.

I'm off to inflict myself upon society for yet another year.

Answer: Yes

Aging and Raging,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Christmas Spirit

FMM: 4 mi

Hi, Weekend Wasters,

Shouldn't you be writing out Christmas cards or stringing up lights instead of seeing what blarney I come up with today?..Yesterday was gorgeous here and I walked around coatless downtown amid shoppers, decorations, music, and food booths. The only thing missing was a friend or two to share the fun and atmosphere. Nonetheless, I endured my own company for another day and I'm pretty sure I didn't talk aloud to myself. I bought a guidebook to London as we are going there after Christmas. Send me me your London travel tips. Bob and I enjoyed to a choral concert last night...Bob is threatening to get a haircut today and go to a boys'soccer game. I'm threatening to bake some lemon squares and Christmas goodies and try not to eat them. You all remember what TOMORROW is, don't you???


Elbow deep in batter and blather,
I remain,
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Talkin' Turkey

FMM: 2 mi

Good morning, snowbunnies,

Happy birthday, Sis! Keeping warm? It doesn't look like it online...I've discovered that frozen turkeys are a rare commodity here. I can get a fresh fresh turkey only if I pay in advance and sign up for the day I plan to pick it up! I can get a goose if I prefer. I have even received a coupon in the mail for a tub of goose fat. I didn't know I needed any, but maybe I do. There is no such thing as Crisco, canned chicken broth, or spray-on PAM or Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix here. My family will discover just how little I know about actual home cooking. I have kept my secrets sooo long. My family thinks Pepperidge Farm stuffing with Swanson chicken broth IS real stuffing. Verlin, are you sure you can't fly over Christmas eve and rescue me from myself??..I don't quite have all the travel arrangements made, but I have managed to further confuse and annoy more than one taxi service, tour operator, restauranteur, Bob's Irish cousins-he-has-never-met, and Timegan...Today is the day I will get organized once and for all for Christmas! How about you??

Confusing and annoying everyone I know,
I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

A Poet Prepares

FMM: 4 mi


Greetings, Eskimoes (Can I still use that word?)

It is currently -12.6 Celsius in Columbia. I'm not quite sure how that converts, but I know it's cold...I'm continuing to prepare for the state visit from my children. Yesterday I bought 5 umbrellas. The average life expectancy for an umbrella here is anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 days. I have composed a little ditty to illustrate the sad life of an umbrella here in Ireland. Are you ready? Are you sure the boss isn't peeking over your shoulder? Here goes...

The Death of A Dropstopper


My bumbershoot died today;
It passed in the usual way.
I walked out the door
Up toward the moor
And the wind did take it away.

I chased it down the walk
A few began to gawk.
I picked it up and held it tight
I tried my best to make it right.

It changed its shape,
I cannot lie;
It even tried its best to fly.

Alas, it did not reach new heights
At dumpster’s edge,
It got Last Rites.


I think my kids will be begging me for a phat hat/haghat/sonnet bonnet/Maude's Melon Bag/ Granny Poncho/ Blue-hair protector/Plasto-bonnet/ Hair condom/Little Clear Riding Hood before their visit is over.


I am not walking with the Seashore Ladies today. My goal is to complete my travel agent duties. As you can see, I'm not getting too far since I spent the last 45 minutes composing a poem about a bumbershoot. Nonetheless, I have that "creative urge" out of my system for the day and am ready to get down to business. Really! By tomorrow morning, I will have all the tickets purchased, phonecalls made, websites checked, and itineraries updated. You can count on me.


Planning, playing, and poeming,
I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Friends & Fun

Hi, Shoppers and Should-be Shoppers,

FMM: 2.5 mi

Did that greeting just stress you out? Never fear. There are still 16 days (actually 6 hours fewer from where I sit) until Christmas. However, I have considered adding a motor to my wheelie cart if time gets too short.. We did ensare an unsuspecting couple to visit us last night. We dined on Victoria sponge cake with strawberries and whipped cream, popcorn, wine, tea, and Hershey's Kisses (Sorry, Mary, I was weak and opened up the bag you sent us to have for Christmas..). Unfortunately, they are heading back to the states next week, so Bob and I will be back to talking to ourselves and each other once again. They gave us their air mattress, so Molly and Nancy now have a bed. Kids, I am currently taking reservations for the bathroom during your visit. Please contact me ASAP with your preferred dates/times...My friend has invited me downtown to a live nativity display today and we will also stop by the famous General Post Office (GPO) to view the nativity scene there...Otherwise, I'm just hanging around waiting for you to e-mail or call me.

Waiting or wandering,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

World Record Set?

FMM: 4 mi

Good day, mates and mateys,

Did you think I had forgotten you? I had to leave the house early this morning to get to Mass. I suspect that a new world speed record was set as Mass started at 8:04 and finished at 8:23. That's 19 minutes for those of you who aren't
awake yet. Yes, it takes considerably less time to go to church over here than it does in the U.S. Today they cut the readings down from two to one, and eliminated the Gloria, and the Sanctus. What will they think of next?... For those of you who didn't get the joke yesterday (you know who you are) -"tooth hurty"... Bob's still dragging himself through _Ulysses_ and won't let me turn on the TV at night. So, give me a call and wake me up from my evening couch sleeping... I have new snail mail! Jan H sent me a card of questionable taste, but I didn't mind. Donna Y sent me a nice card and even a new book to read: Patrick Taylor's _An Irish Christmas_. I can't wait to get started on it...Nancy will think today's blog is boring, so I'll write about her. Unfortunately, she has a bad cough that was just diagnosed as pneumonia and is studying for her first round of FINALS. She would appreciate any and all attention and encouragement...We are having company tonight, so I need to go count my clean cups and saucers.

Counting, cooking, cleaning, and complaining,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Castles, Coadys, and Crackers

FMM: 3.5 mi

Good morning, Strangers and Strange Folks,

I will start the week with 2 jokes. One I personally tried out on an unsuspecting dental receptionist, but I just couldn't help myself. She gave me a card with my appointment on it and, lo and behold, it allowed me to use a joke I've been harboring for years. The appointment time was the perfect time for a dental appointment: 2:30. I enunciated, "Oh, my appointment's at 2:30? The perfect time for a dentist appointment!" Then I attempted to stifle a chuckle. She looked at me blankly...On to my other joke. Bob asked a man on the bus if he had lived in Ireland all his life. His reply, "Not yet."...Yesterday we took the train to Malahide Castle. Like the Coadys, the Talbots of Malahide Castle were French Normans who arrived in Ireland around 1100. And like another Coady I know whose family has lived at 509 Marshall since 1896, they liked where they were and managed to keep the castle in the family for 800 years! Next we wandered into a church bazaar and bought a most exciting gift: a mirror for a euro. Bob thought it an unnecessary purchase, especially as he had to carry it for 2 miles, but Megan, Molly, and Nancy will be delighted to have it next week...We learned about a popular custom here: Christmas crackers. No, you don't eat them, they are like little firecrackers filled with gifts that you and another pull apart at each end and little to the "crackle". The word "Christmas crackers" seems to refer to just gifts, too, but we're not sure..

Making wisecracks wherever I go,
I remain,
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

A Friend and Some Fun

FMM: 4.5 mi


Top o'the Morning/Afternoon/Evening to you,

Shouldn't you be out scraping off your car windows or putting up your Christmas lights? Why are you sitting around reading this blog?...Oh, well, I'll help you waste your time... My newfound and soon-to-leave-the-country friend and I had great fun having tea and pastries at her house before wandering a giant art and craft show for hours. I got a lovely hand woven scarf and my friend showed me an innovative way to tie it around my neck. If I can remember how to do it, I will look great. If not, nobody's looking at me anyway. She also gave me her air mattress, so now my children can fight over who gets to sleep on it and who gets to eat the box of macaroni and cheese Mary sent. Don't you all want to come visit?...Bob and I went to the Irish music/dance hall. It reminded me of the American Legion Hall in Paris. It's a private Irish Culture Club in an old white mansion and has a bar with several rooms in the basement for Irish music and dancing. Bob finally got the Irish music he has been craving. It seems that anyone can come in, sit down, and join in the music. In fact, we didn't know any better and found ourselves sitting right in the middle of the gathering band. We didn't dance the jig, but we might next time. Luckily, we made the 11:30 bus home after standing in the -- you guessed it -- rain for 30 mins. I'm pleasantly exhausted from so much interaction, stimulation, and excitement in one day.

Further Suggestions Submitted for my plastic tie-under-the-chin rain hat:

The Sonnet Bonnet (would one of you like to write a sonnet to my bonnet? I promise to publish it right here on the Blog from the Bog; my standards are VERY low, as you can see.)

Hag Hat (incribed with "I am an old hag and I don't care what I look like" all over it)

Bloody Bonnet

Blog Bonnet

I must make a correction, too. Megan is NOT a slacker. She did, in fact, send in the correct response to what the 2nd or 3rd most spoken language in Ireland is. Do any of you remember what it is?? I thought not.

Time to make a list of things to do and then not do them anyway.



Saturday slacking,

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

A Big Day in the Bog

FMM: 1 mi


Good morning, Friends and Foes,

Today is a big day for me. I've even gotten out my "good jeans" and ironed them! I actually have a friend who has invited me to a lunch and a craft show. Really. I don't know if I can remember how to talk to anyone but myself, but I'll try. She is going back to the U.S. shortly, so if I blather all day it really doesn't matter....I had a dentist and a doctor appointment yesterday. I must say that both doctors were very talkative and friendly. I wouldn't have been surprised if they had offered me a cup of tea. This happened even after I opened the wrong door and interrupted the doctor in his office dictating his notes. He should have locked his door if he didn't want little old ladies peeking their heads in! Nothing serious is wrong with me, but feel free to send me flowers, cards, and candy anyway ...Tonight Bob and I are going to Monkstown to an Irish music dance with friends of his from work. Perhaps I will be doing the jig by the time you read this. I don't know if I can take all this excitement in one day, so I'll get off and rest...

Blabbing and bloggiing,

I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

All in a Day's Non-Work

FMM: 2 mi

Greetings, Gang,


Question (answer at the bottom): Can I see a palm tree growing outside my apartment?


Nancy's blog comment deemed yesterday's posting "the most boring one ever", I hope I don't top that today. Maybe she would like to be my guest blogger for a day...Yesterday I walked to nearby Grafton St. My walking friend recently asked if I'd been into Brown Thomas yet. I told her that since it has a doorman wearing a top hat that I usually don't feel qualified to walk in there in my daily garb. Somehow it doesn't seem like a granny jeans tennis shoe waterproof tote bag type of place. She insisted I should go on it. Well, I did wander into Brown Thomas and no alarms went off. However, in case you are alarmed, rest assured that I did not have my wheelie cart with me to cause suspicion. While no one stopped to give me a perfume sample or offer me a makeover, I did feel quite welcome. I've now decided to visit every store on Grafton St. For you non-Dubliners, Grafton is the highest rent retail district in Ireland and possibly in Europe. I'll take you there if you come.




Answer: Yes, there are palm trees here. They thrive in the rainy environment.

Boring everyone I meet,

I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Slackers and Snowflakes

FMM: 2 mi

Hi, Slackers,

Shame on you! Of all of the thousands of you reading Tiztalk (aka The Blog from the Bog) only ONE of you did your homework! Did you use the excuse Cara Magers Clapper used in preschool when her teacher would demonstrate circles, triangles, and squares and then ask the kids, "Okay, which one is a circle?" Cara would never answer, and the teacher finally asked why. Her reply, " You already know the answer so why are you asking?" Just because I know the answer to my questions doesn't mean that I don't want to con you into e-mailing or commenting below. In fact, that's just exactly what I'm trying to do. Only one of you gets a gold star today: Marianne Bilyew. She correctly noted that the 2nd or 3rd most spoken language in Ireland is Polish. That's right. During the Celtic Tiger, a 15-year period of unprecedented prosperity in Ireland, many Polish people immigrated here. Many of them are still here...Speaking of homework, I got mine done yesterday and I was the only one in my class who did. In fact, most of the class didn't even show up. Therefore, I had to read my "Favorite Childhood Memory" aloud. The teacher said that it had good rhythm as my sentences were mostly the same length. I didn't know I used this literary ploy, but I will pay attention from now on and count my words...I've put my legal case against my mailman on hold as as he DID deliver a heavy box to me today. It was a care package from Mary. She is convinced that I can't or won't feed my children when they come to visit, so I have received Jell-o, macaroni and cheese, Stove Top Stuffing, and Crystal Lite, etc. That sounds like Christmas dinner to me!..Have fun with holiday rush. Mary sent me some snowflake window clings, so I have an afternoon project now...

Clinging to snowflakes,
I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Social Life Update, Reader Challenge

FMM: 2 mi


Good morning/afternoon/evening, friends/relatives/peoplewithnothingelsetodo,

It must be December 1 because I have plugged in my new 2' (.609 meters/609.6 mm/60.96 cm/and .00038 mi) fiber optic (Timegan know what that means) Christmas tree. It is quite lovely. I also lit a red candle, so I am now officially decorated for Christmas. Whew! It's such a good feeling to have that completed; I think I'll sit down, put my feet up, and have a hot toddy. I wish you could join me... I did find ricotta cheese yesterday, but no shredded mozzarella. Oh, well, cheese is cheese, right? Our guests Michael and Ginny did show up, and my lasagna was a hit as were my Betty Crocker brownies. In fact (I am not making this up!), Ginny asked me where I got the mix. So, you see, I am making you proud over here and spreading the American way of life...We went to the National Concert Hall for a choral and symphony concert. One young violin maestro in the strings group looked just like my young Columbia next door neighbor; he smiled all the way through and thoroughly enjoyed himself. This made us smile, too, and put us in the Christmas spirit. We also heard the Mass beautifully sung in Latin. Bob was able to sing a long. They also sang songs in Irish (Gaelic), German, and the # 3 (or # 2 depending on your source) language that is spoken in Ireland? Don't know what that is? The first person to e-mail me the correct answer will receive adulation in tomorrow's blog. What is the most spoken language in Ireland after English and Gaelic? Get googling! I think you'll be surprised; I was. The concert hall has a unique system of drink ordering. I haven't been to enough concert halls to really compare this to others, but I know that Jesse Hall in Columbia, MO does NOT have a system like this. You order your drinks for intermission (it's called "interval" here) before the show starts. At interval, you go out and check the cubby with your number on it and there are your drinks! It saves a lot of time and lets lots more people drink without waiting in line. Our friends insist no one ever comes along an steals your drinks from the cubby..Well, despite 2 weeks' notice I have not yet completed my HOMEWORK for tonight's creative writing class. And I thought my kids were bad. It's supposed to be rainy, windy, and cold all day, so I hope to get inspired. I can always start with "It was a dark and windy day.."

Sitting here waiting for you to e-mail me so I can put off my HOMEWORK a little longer,
I remain

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Waterford

FMM: 1 mi

Happy Monday, Everyone,

I hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving. We traveled by train to Waterford for a Thanksgiving dinner with fellow Fulbrighters. I guess they hadn't read the book on what and how much Americans eat for Thanksgiving, but the food was interesting and tasty. However, today I find myself longing for mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin and pecan pie with ice cream AND whipped cream upon it. Never mind, those thoughts probably make you sick by now.. The Waterford Crystal plant officially closed in October. Waterford was bought by a U.S. venture capital company that has moved the production to Czechoslovakia. That has been a huge blow to Waterford, but it is still a lovely historic town which dates back to 900 AD. They have something in the museum that exists no where else in the world: a piece of clothing from Henry VIII. It is a perfectly well-preserved "hat of maintenance" which Henry wore under his crown. We hoped to hear traditional Irish music on Saturday, but we got treated to another night of country western in our hotel. Think of an Irish singer singing "Okie from Muskogee". We were joined by a couple in their 80s. The man had never been out of the Republic of Ireland, not even to northern Ireland. He was a singer, so he got up and sang a few Irish tunes which delighted the crowd... We are having company for dinner -- yes, two people have actually agreed to come here tonight and eat with us before a concert. I got out one of my most precious commodities: a box of Betty Crocker brownie mix for which I paid $4.00. Then I discovered that the directions are in metrics! How dare they do that to me?? Make me pay top dollar (top euro?) and then put the directions in metrics? Since I have no mixing bowls, I used a large pan that I use for cooking vegetables. However, I'm a bit concerned that a slight green bean flavor may seep into my brownies. I then put the brownies into the same pan that I have to use for the lasagna, so I'm also concerned that at brownie flavor may seep into my lasagna....Anyway, I am off to make a third try at locating ricotta cheese lest I revert to Bob Bridwell's old recipe of using dried cottage cheese...Wish me luck. Remember, what people think of me is what they think of YOU as an American! So, I will try to behave myself.

Out doing something cheesy (I hope),

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

The Morning After

FMM: 8 mi

Hi, Turkey-lovers (haters?),

In case you haven't gotten off the couch yet, it is now Friday...We went to the Hilton "American Thanksgiving" celebration. We fell for the marketing ploy and enjoyed sitting amid little American flags in the bar listening to a country western singer/guitarist while watching a real, live NFL game...Today we are taking the train to Waterford for The Fulbright Commission's Thanksgiving dinner. Packing is a breeze since I only have about 4 outfits...Currently, all my kids are at our house in Columbia, Mo and I'm not. I am sad about that. Nonetheless, I am soldiering on to new places today...NO BLOG TOMORROW OR SUNDAY..

Don't shop too much and eat a plate of leftovers in my honor,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Happy Thanksgiving!

FMM: 3 mi

Hi, Turkeys,

Shouldn't you be stuffing your turkey or a least yourself right now? Not us. Bob is off to work, and I am off to walk at the seashore. The forecast is cold (40s) and windy, but no rain. I won't need my plasto-bonnet or my phat hat today--what, you didn't read yesterday's comment section? You're slipping... Tim and Megan will be in Jefferson City with Megan's relatives. Molly will be in Jefferson City with Cody's relatives, and Nancy will be in Marshall, MO with Marie Schulte's family.

We will take the train to Waterford Friday for a Thanksgiving dinner for the Fulbright people.

I am nostalgic for the Thanksgivings of my childhood with Dad in his element happily carving the turkey surrounded by all of us. May you have a memorable day with family and friends today.


Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Secret Revealed

FMM: 2.5 mi



Hi, Curious and Curiouser,

I have figured out why the Irish are so literate. No mystery to me why there is an overabundance of readers and writers here: nobody wants to go outside. I wish I could play a soundclip of the wind for you. I did the next best thing; I went to Weather Underground and compared the wind in Columbia, MO to that in Dublin. Here's how it breaks down:

DUBLIN: Wind 37mph, Wind Gusts 55.3 mph
COLUMBIA: Wind 11.1 mph, Wind Gusts 21.7 mph




Nonetheless, I am determined to take a break from darning at the peat fire today... There was a nationwide strike by public employees here yesterday. It shut down many venues, including Bob's school. So, we had the day off to explore, but nothing was open. We did what you would do: nothing. We read, watched TV, and had my kids' favorite dinner: popcorn...No one has sent in a jingle or tagline for my my plastic rain hat campaign. Get busy, you slackers! Do you think you can read my blog for free? Here are a few I have come up with:

"My hat's phat." ( I must appeal to the 14-39 demographic).."How Dry I am." ( the rights to this song must be available)..Surely you can do better than this! So reply below or send me an e-mail. As you can tell, I'll read any drivel you send.


Winding through the wind like an old windbag,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Problems Solved!

FMM: 1 mi


Good day, blokes and folks,

I know you've all been wondering about my fashion idea. What fashion idea could T/T/T-M/M/L/E come up with that would sweep across the U.S. making her rich and famous once and for all? More later on that.

As Mrs. Magers often told her students, if you have a problem you can either own it or solve it. While I choose to own most of mine and whine about them incessantly, sometimes I figure out ways to solve them. Here are some solutions I've come up with lately:

No corkscrew?

A well-placed carving fork does the trick. A little elbow grease and some loud exhortations (can't repeat as my kids read this, you know) help the process. I will advise that paperclips, toothpicks, and regular forks don't work. Using this method actually improves the wine's flavor - or at least your ultimate enjoyment of it.


No basting brush?

Pour oil on your hands and rub the chicken. It works just fine and can be rather therapeutic.


Too cheap to buy nail polish remover?

Just let your toenails grow out and the polish eventually wears off. Then you can take a pointed nail file and scrape the rest of it off. This whole process only takes about 3 months, and no one wears sandals here anyway.


Umbrellas all bent and broken?

***Here is my fashion idea***Remember those plastic rain bonnets that tie under your chin? That's right, the kind Mom still puts on after she gets her hair done? Why carry an umbrella around when you can pull a handy rain hat out of your pocket and put it on? I really do think a plastic rain cap would complete my look -- purple wheelie cart, outdated light green jacket, worn out running shoes, and granny jeans...Molly, please ask Cody if he will get on this right away. I think this idea could take the world by storm (no pun intended). I need a marketing campaign... I will take your suggestions for slogans. Please send them to me and I will publish them right here on the Blog from the Bog. You can even be anonymous. Don't you want to be part of the Next Big Thing?


Always thinking (not always clearly),
I remain...

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

All Wet

FMM: 2 mi

Happy Monday, America,

We had a bit of rain and wind here and now our two brand new umbrellas are in Dublin dumpsters. I thought perhaps we were the only ones dumb enough to use umbrellas, but we saw umbrella handles in several dumpsters yesterday. They couldn't all have belonged to Americans. I have been wanting to start a new fashion trend anyway. It occurred to me when Mom was here, and she wore this handy rain item...I'll tell you my plan tomorrow. If you want to guess, comment below. I think it would be a perfect complement to my purple wheelie cart persona...The Bridwell family had Thanksgiving in Paris without us yesterday. On-the-spot reports indicated that the babies didn't cry, the children behaved (even my own), and Mom made fudge (now that would be worth flying home for..)...Since _Doc Martin_ went off the air, our new Sunday night show to watch is an Irish dancing contest call _An Jig Gig_. No, I'm not kidding, and it's in Gaelic but there are subtitles...

Clogging and blogging,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Saturday Stuff

FMM: 7 mi

Hi, Weekend Wasters,

Shouldn't you be cleaning your garage? Well, since you want to waste your time, I guess it's my duty to help you...It was beautiful here yesterday and I got caught up on my walking quota for the week. I met Bob downtown and we enjoyed the Christmas lights. I persuaded Bob (shamed him into?) to carry home the 2 new folding chairs 2 miles. I wanted him to see how I suffer each day, but he walked briskly, raised and lowered the chairs, and claimed to be invigorated by the workout. Grrrrr......Kind of like when he had his first colonoscopy after my lurid descriptions, but I won't go into that...I got a nice surprise from Tim and Megan: a box of my favorite molasses chips from Flesor's Candy Shop in Tuscola! I sat right down and enjoyed several pieces for my mid-morning snack. Now that they have sent me snail mail, I have removed them from the "Wall of Shame" and added them to the "Snail Mail Honor Roll". Don't you want to be listed on that??? You know what to do. I will be publishing it shortly. E-mail me if you need my bricks and mortar address. Believe it or not, I do exist in the real as well as the virtual world..

Perched upon my new padded folding chair,

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

They're Coming to Take Me Away

FMM: 0 (BAD Weather)


Hi, Everybody,

Molly Malone here pushing my purple patent pushcart through the streets of Dublin singing, "Alive Alive 0, Alive Alive 0, I wonder if I am Alive Alive O"... Do you think I've been alone too much? Several of you have called me this week, so you must be worried about me. Remember in college when people walked into the room and encountered me and Pam they often ended up BACKING out of the room, usually in horror and confusion? Well, I think a few of you who spoke to me this week would have BACKED out the room had you been talking to me in person. And maybe called a shrink to make a housecall or a judge to issue a gag order. Anyway, I have calmed down. I haven't called the Postmaster General of Ireland and demanded that my lazy postman/woman be fired for not delivering packages to me. I haven't called the IMA (or whatever they call it) to have any physicians' licenses revoked. Nor have I assaulted anyone behind me at the grocery store for trying to rush me while I searched for the cheapest bottle of wine in Dublin. (It's called "Blossom Hill"; Bob was dismayed and afraid it might be similar to Strawberry Hill, but actually it tastes just fine.) I vowed and did take my own sweet time bagging my own groceries in my own bag while those folks in line with a salad and a chicken breast just had to wait their turn. I let the checker sigh all she wanted to. If they want me out of there in a hurry they need to provide a bag boy and a bag! If I had had a car I might have run into someone just for the heck of it a la Kathy Bates in _Fried Green Tomatoes_, but I only have my purple wheelie, so the streets of Dublin are safe for now...I did get started on my creative writing HOMEWORK (Aside: Mary insists that when we were kids, all of us had homework, but that I always had HOMEWORK and that I insisted on whining and complaining and bringing the whole family into my situation. Now I don't remember doing this, but I will say that Nancy has always had HOMEWORK while Tim and Molly only had ordinary homework..) My plans for today are to get out of this apartment come h*** (my kids read this) or high water!

Staying sane (almost),

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Mother Load

FMM: 3.5 mi

Hi, Blogites,

Back for more, huh?..It is dark, raining, and windy here. We currently have about one hour less daylight than you. It's too rainy and windy to walk with the seashore ladies, so I'll be home with me, myself, and I today... Yesterday I shifted into "mother mode" or should I say "mother load". I hiked to the store not once, but twice with my purple wheelie cart. ( A short aside on the purple wheelie cart. Some concern has been expressed about my lack of decorum in pushing around such a vehicle. I must only revert to one of my mother's more memorable mantras: "Nobody's looking at me." It's true. However, I have thought of searching for a matching purple patent leather raincoat just to see if I can at least get the gypsy woman who sits in front of the grocery store to open one eye or one of the young sophisticates dressed in black having a cappuccino to point and snicker with her friends.)..Okay, I'm back. Now if I can only keep the interesting cereals and cookies - well,it depends on if you consider McVitie's Digestives "interesting" - hidden from Bob and myself until Dec. 19 when all the kids are arriving, I'm off to a good start. Nancy, I did locate lasagna noodles, but they are short and seem to go in a square, not rectangular pan, so be prepared...I have also purchased towels in different colors to assign everyone so that we won't be grabbing the wrong ones off the floor..er, I mean towel racks. Tim and Megan, yours are hot pink..

Holed up on a rainy day in my 4th floor apt with stores of food that can't be touched,

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Spiders and Snakes

FMM: 6 mi

Hi, Rodent Lovers,

I mentioned animals that don't live in Ireland to exactly the wrong person: Dawn Peters, my outdoor & animal-loving next-door neighbor in Columbia. She has peppered me with questions such as "Are there frogs in Ireland? Opossums? Ants? Waterbugs? Etc, Etc.??" I was only trying to be cute and clever, how the heck do I know whether there are frogs here? According to Google, there are. There are also vicious grey squirrels which have killed off the nice, tame brown ones. Are you wondering how all this animal talk got started? Bob and I got a ride home with two young Irish brothers ages 19 and 25. One of them asked if I had ever seen a snake and wondered if there really were poisonous spiders in U.S. By the time, Bob got finished telling him an elaborate flesh-eating tale about what would happen if a brown recluse bit you, the poor kid was mortified. I think he expects to step off a plane in the U.S. and be immediately assaulted by snakes and spiders and sprayed by a skunk. I guess it could happen...So far, the only person I could impress with Bob's JEDWARD sighting was a young foreign-speaking girl who cut my hair yesterday...I bought a new deluxe wheeling shopping cart yesterday; my choices were purple or pink patent leather. Nancy was duly appalled when I showed it to her on Skype, she insists SHE won't be pushing it around. We'll see about that; it depends on how hungry she gets when she's here for a month...My creative writing class had a substitute last night and he gave us HOMEWORK! He must not know that we are all taking the class for fun. I will have to get off this blog and do some real writing...maybe a tale about a skunk that accidentally arrives in Ireland? A tale of two identical twins with vertical hair who win a big singing contest? A horror story about two innocent Irish lads who are greeted at the U.S. airport by spiders, snakes, and skunks?


Snaking my way through the Dublin streets with my purple wheelie cart,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

A Little (Very Little) Knowledge & Celebrity Sighting!!

FMM: 0 (That's right; I just stayed home!)

Greetings, Gang,

Bob has just called telling of a celebrity sighting on his way to work. I will tell you who it is later...Santa has arrived in Dublin; the lights get lit on Grafton St. tonight. So, I guess the holiday season has begun. As usual, Bob and I are a step ahead. We attempted to buy 2 padded folding chairs for our upcoming guests; alas, the last 2 had been sold. However, we were told to check the other store locations about a mile or so away. What else do we have to do? Furthermore, Bob's been complaining that he needs to do some "upper body work". What better than carrying two chairs 2 miles through crowded city streets? Why, he'll even get to practice that football training move where you weave and dip...Nancy called with a loaded question, "Mom, are you going to cook when we're there?" What is the correct answer to that? Does she want to eat out or could there be someone on the face of the earth who actually longs for MY cooking? I guessed the former, but, of course, she meant the latter. So, I will attempt at least a pan of lasagna when the deprived college freshman arrives.

Just to make this blog reading worth your while today, I'll share some interesting tidbits I've learned. Here are animals that I'm told do NOT reside here:

skunks
raccoons
snakes (Thank you, St. Pat!)
big cockroaches (they do have little ones..)
poisonous spiders (no brown recluses, black widows, just nice, friendly harmless Irish spiders)
coyotes (thus, the fat and happy sheep population)
camel crickets (they don't even know what they are; I don't know their official name. I only know these prehistoric creatures reside in my basement in MO.)

Mom had a happy 99th birthday. She's threatening to come back to Ireland!

Okay, Bob saw Jedward - yes, Jedward - on his way to work. If you don't know who that is then you must be living on another continent --oops, all of you are! I told him to take a picture with his cellphone, but, well, that didn't happen.

Skunkless on an island,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Tiz Dishes on Art, the Sea, and Living to be 99

FMM: 5 mi


Cheers (They really DO say that over here)!

Mary left a _Redbook_ here, so I took a tip from one of the titles...Bob and I took the train to Dun Laoghaire (pronounced: Dun Lear'y; believe me, we learn all the pronunciations the hard way) Saturday. Although it was quite chilly and windy, we spied a man "of a certain age" taking what I suppose was an invigorating swim. The beach is famous for year round swimming. Because of the weather and the topography, most shorelines here are more for beauty than for swimming. We've seen no evidence of a Florida/California beach culture here.. We spent 3 hours at the National Gallery of Art learning mostly about Irish artist Jack Yeats. He started out drawing things you could recognize and ended up drawing things that needed lengthy explanation. This was attributed not to advancing age, but to his genius. May we all be so charitably treated....Mom turns 99 today. She has enjoyed getting cards from many of you. She had a nice dinner at Andrew's in Paris with Mary, Willie, Kit, Andy, Luke, Bob, Carla, Tom, Marty, Tim, and Megan. Father Zimmerman led the parish in "Happy Birthday" yesterday at Mass. So, I think she's had a nice birthday so far and it's just begun. If you want advice on how to live to be nearly 100, I can share what I've learned. If you are about to bite into something tasty like a Krispy Kreme donut or a Panera cinnamon crunch bagel with hazelnut cream cheese, DON'T DO IT! Throw it out immediately. Go fix yourself a bowl of oatmeal or ONE piece of dry toast. If you are about to drink a hot cup of coffee, POUR IT OUT! Go fix yourself a cup of Lipton's tea, then fix yourself another while you enjoy 1/2 (one half) grapefruit with a teaspoon of sugar. Want chocolate? You may have 1 (one) Pinwheel cookie per day, preferably in the afternoon. Have a yen for fruitcake? Eat all you want! If you're not crying by now, you just may live to 99 yourself...


Yours (unless someone else claims me),

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Date Night

FMM: 5 mi

Hi, Saturday Slackers,

Shouldn't you be raking your leaves or something?..Hopefully, your spouse, friend, roommate, partner, significant other, amiable consort, family member or whoever won't catch you reading this drivel again...I met Bob last night in downtown Dublin, and for the second time this week I can say I was drenched to the bone...Our "date night" involved buying file folders, an umbrella (this may become a Friday night ritual), and eating at McDonald's (I seem to remember a restaurant chain by this name in the U.S...it's all kind of hazy), and walking home in yet more rain while getting splashed by double decker buses as they whipped around corners...If that sounds fun and romantic, you are certifiably nuts...If you are seeking more commentary or even whining from me, give me a call. Bob suggested I darn my sock last night, so you know I have run out of things to do, but I'll NEVER run out of things to say!!

Happy Saturday.

Darning my sock by the peat fire,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Tea (I mean Coffee) and Sympathy

FMM: 3 mi

Begorra, everyone,

I'm not exactly sure what "begorra" means, but chances are you don't either...Did get to Howth to walk with the seashore ladies yesterday. The only problem was it was raining and blowing torrentially (I take that back about them having only wimpy un-Midwestern caliber rainstorms here) and no one showed up. My friend Maire finally called as I was taking cover under St. Fintan's overhang and offered to pick me up. She took pity on me and we had coffee and chatted for a couple hours. I must say that the Irish people are very generous with their time, and I was grateful to have a friend on a rainy day. It was grand, as they say here...Bob and I went to our "local" last night. I think 2 of the bartenders know us, but we aren't exactly part of any gang. I'm tempted to stage a fall or get into a big row with Bob some night just to bring attention to us. Then they could say, "That's that old broad who lives across the street who fell on her a** (my kids read this, after all) the other night after rowing with her husband, that nice gent in the tweed cap." I'll keep you posted on the success of my attempts at popularity or at least notoriety...The big news is that I was able to contact one of Bob's first cousins who lives here. Bob has at least nine first cousins he has never met as their parents stayed here in Ireland. She is Bob's age and seemed very happy to be contacted. She said she would set something up with her siblings so that we could all meet. Bob and I are excited about this. If any O'Connell cousins are reading this, please e-mail us with any info you have on the cousins here. We don't know a thing.

Happy Friday to all of you.

Off to hunt and gather,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Running (Actually Walking) Out of Time

FMM: 3 mi

Hi, Blogmates,

Believe it or not, I don't have time to write today. I know what you're all thinking. She just sits around over there doing absolutely nothing, so how can this be? Well, I need to rush out to meet my seashore ladies for a walk. If I don't, I will miss my only human contact (excluding Bob, of course) for the week. So, I'm off- rain or shine- and it is (surprise) raining today- to walk along the coast at Howth...When you come visit, I can show you this breathtaking (in more ways than one) walking path...I met Bob for lunch yesterday at a top floor faculty lounge with a great view of Dublin. I met a few of his co-workers who were very friendly. Gotta catch the train. Maybe more later, but I didn't want to let you down in case my blog is the highlight of your day or night, you poor soul.

Preparing for another slog through the bog,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Book Reviews

FMM: 4.5 mi

Mom's 99th birthday is Monday, Nov. 16 if you want to send her a card...Kind of a slow day, so I'll rate a few books. If you want corroborating evidence for my ratings or if you just want to talk, give me a call. Remember, no international rates apply. E-mail me for the number. So far, no one has taken me up on my "Menopausal Night Sweats Hotline". If you find yourself wide awake - for whatever reason - in the middle of the night, call me. It is 6 hours later here. I promise to talk to you and put you right back to sleep. You all know I can do it!!! I will even listen if you ask me to...Okay, so here are my long-awaited book reviews. Pretend that my asterisks are shamrocks as "Notepad", the word processing program I must use to write this, doesn't allow boldface, let alone smiley faces or shamrocks! I'm thankful for an exclamation point! Sorry, I know it's bad writing to overuse exclamation points. And I do agree with the person who said each individual should be alotted 3 lifetime exclamation points. Okay, here goes:

* = lowest
***** = hightest

****_Story of Lucy Gault_ by William Trevor - gives a human perspective to the Irish "troubles"; takes place 1920s Ireland

***_On Love_ by Sue Miller - a quick read; annoying characters

*****_Memoir_ by John McGahern - I'm a sucker for dreadful Irish childhood tales; very well-written

**_Whitethorn Woods_ by Maeve Binchy - the usual Maeve stuff, an easy read; not Maeve at her best

****_Dublin 4_ by Maeve Binchy -- enjoyed it since I now live in Dublin 4

***_Dracula_ by Bram Stoker - loved the first half; last half was too long; fun to read the original descriptions of Dracula

*****_Noah's Compass_ by Ann Tyler - 60 + year old male protagonist that you don't know whether to love or hate; quite funny

****_Brooklyn_ by Colm Toibin - bestseller here and in the U.S. - quick, easy, fun to read; Irish girl goes to the US in the 1950s

**_Away_ by Amy Bloom - quick read; predictable, far-fetched plot of an immigrant woman's experiences in US in early 20th century


I'm off to meet Bob for lunch. It is cold, dreary, and dark here.

Yours eternal,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic

FMM: 3.5 mi

Hi,

Back for more, huh? Well, I have almost finished reading the NY Times; I didn't realize it was the Sunday edition....I am back to my old habits and have ripped out articles that I think Brad Stegemann, Kim Dude, and Teresa Foster need to read. Now whether I can get them sent is another story...Bob and I walked to the bank to pay our back rent..Suffice it to say, it was the computer's fault, NOT ours! As I've mentioned before, we don't get statements, have no checks, and haven't yet figured out how to see our account online (maybe today..), so we are in the dark about our account and have no idea whether our rent has/was/or will be transferred to the landlord. Anyway, we did get a printout yesterday, so now we know. Bob Bridwell commented that Dad is now surely rolling over in his grave, so I will try to do better---once I get that NY Times finished I plan to get right on it. Bob returned books to the library with me and I was forced to pay $1.50 euros ($2.25) in fines for slightly overdue books! I was tempted to say, "Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia, MO doesn't fine me OR charge me 50 cents to reserve a book!" (If they did, they would be opening the "Tizzie O'Connell Wing" by now!) However, I managed to keep my mouth shut, hung my head, and handed over the money. My next batch is due Nov. 30 - could you all please send me a reminder that day? Thanks...

Tim will be proud to know that I DID successfully DV-R _Doc Martin_ for Bob. Who could've guessed that all I had to do was press "record"? Thanks for the tip! Not only that, but we found it AND watched it last night!


Happy Tuesday.

Snail Mail Honor Roll (Let me know if I need to add your name)

Donna Lipski Yormark **
Cara Magers Clapper (included pictures of her twin boys)**
Marianne Juergensmeyer *
Molly O’Connell*
Nancy O’Connell*

* = more than one letter received

(To get on the Snail Mail Honor Roll, just send me a real letter through the mail. It costs $.98 from the U.S. Let me know if you need our address)

Until next time,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Still Learning My Way Around

FMM: 4mi
MRMs: 4 blocks

Hi, Folks,

Well, I just checked online and it says it's Monday, so I guess it is.. You may be wondering what MRMs are...well, I'll explain them later. Molly and Nancy may find it too painful to read this blog all the way through as they know what MRMs are...I had my second weekend all alone in a strange city, and I did better than last time. No cookies for dinner for me! Indeed, I had frozen spaghetti dinners each night. They were yummy...I went by bus and tram to the Museum of History and Natural History. I was proud of myself for getting there so easily. The natural history part is called the "Dead Zoo", a rather strange name I thought. There was a quotation there by well-known Irish author Roddy Doyle claiming that it is both "fascinating and perverse". I have to agree, but I did enjoy viewing all the dead animals in their glass cases. No unpleasant smells like you have in a real zoo and also the animals are quite close to each other, so there isn't much walking either. And the temperature was just right. All in all, quite preferable to a "Live Zoo". Megan, this may be your favorite zoo yet...Anyway, it gets dark over here shortly after lunch - okay, I'm exaggerating, but daylight is a precious commodity around here - so I decided that I must get myself home from the zoo before dark. The tram took me back to my bus stop, and I must confess to a moment of weakness. I noticed a branch of my favorite store: The 2 Euro Store. I couldn't resist a quick trip in to buy 3 precious commodities: paper napkins (sorry, Verlin, I'm weak), a small plastic bin, and a brownie pan (hallelujah!). This proved to be a fatal mistake... I then got on the bus since the usual tram wasn't running. I sat back and enjoyed new views of the city. After about awhile, I determined that the views were, in fact, REALLY new ones. I got out the map and discovered I was 30 mins the wrong direction from where I needed to be. It was now pitch black, the bus was at the end of its run, and I was the only person on the bus...The kind bus driver had to cut short his cigarette break to figure out what do to with me...When I got back to where I had started an hour before I determined to take a taxi home...Alas, I had spent all my money at the 2 Euro store. So, I tried to find Bus # 3 as the driver had directed (I already had a ticket). Well, it must have changed its route because I couldn't find it. So, I determined to walk home from downtown Dublin - about 1 1/2 miles. I was fine while the streets were crowded, but once I got near St. Stephen's Green, the crowds thinned out. That's when the MRMs kicked in. I began to run short distances in what Molly and Nancy have called "Mom runs"(id. est MRM = Mom Run Miles). They have both forbidden me from ever performing them again. Mary witnessed me doing one across a busy Dublin street and inquired, "What was THAT?" She also told me to never do one again. I will also add that not only was I doing "Mom runs" in order to flee possible assailants (the scariest one looked like Luke Magers with a skateboard), I was doing them in "Mom jeans". The jeans are so stretchy, roomy, and comfy that they might even qualify as "Grandma jeans" . Keep in mind that I did not have on running shoes and I was carrying a plastic bin and a cake pan under my arm....Anyway, I did get home safe and sound and no one "got" me. Bob has threatened to hire someone to throw a net over me, and deliver me to the front door one day, just to prove that I can be "gotten"..Anyway, aren't you glad you wasted your time reading this? I hope your boss wasn't looking over your shoulder..

Bob just arrived from Florida and he has brought a most prized commodity with him: a real live New York Times. So, I plan to go sit beside him and enjoy myself for a hour or two.

Until next time...

Yours until somebody gets me,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Landscape, Lifts, Laurels, and Love

FMM: 3.5 mi

Hi, Friends and Foes,

I am looking out my 4th floor apt to an overcast, windy, cold day. I will venture forth eventually. If you would all write me an e-mail or two, I could contentedly stay inside longer....Perhaps you've wondered about the lift (aka "elevator") situation here. In fact, it was NOT working Mom's first three days here. However, Mom was a trouper, and we counted the 57 steps each time. She was always sure to thank Almighty God at the end of each trip for not being "too busy":> However, HE must have gotten distracted on one of our train rides as the train started moving while we were walking from one car to another. Luckily, two nice Irish blokes caught her mid-fall before any damage was done. Mary and I nearly had heart attacks, but Mom was oblivious.. While Mom was here, Bob Bridwell had a new ceiling and lights put in the den, the windows painted, and the carpets and chairs cleaned at 509 Marshall; we all applaud his efforts as none of that could have happened if the boss were home...In their own words, Mary's family was "barely functioning" while she was here. Hopefully, they are back to as normal as they get by now...Her little granddaughter Claire (2) did dash to greet her "MeMe" at the Indianapolis airport, creating what I can only imagine as a Hallmark moment... Nancy got initiated into Pi Beta Phi with Molly in attendance..Megan won the women's division of her first 6K race..
I'm off to entertain myself in the city. I will probably go lurk about another museum or two...Congratulations to CRAIG MANDELL and EMILY MILLER who are getting married today in Chicago!!!!! I imagine Pam is already up putting on her makeup as I am writing this. I'm sure she is the foxiest mother-of-the groom that Chicago has ever seen.

Coming soon: Book Reviews

Lurkingly yours,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

The Blog from the Bog Returns!

FMM: 2 mi

Hi, Lads and Lassies,

My much-anticipated 10 days with Mary and Mom are over. You’ll be happy to know that Mary colored my hair and left about half of her wardrobe here for me, so I am much improved…Now I only need a haircut… She and Mom also brought me Pepperidge Farm cinnamon bread (3 pieces left), English muffins (1 left), Welch’s grape jelly, Killion’s honey (those of you from Paris know that not just anyone can get a bottle of that!), handfuls of rubber bands and paperclips, a few pads of scrap paper, and a needle and thread. I had visions of them not being allowed to cross the border with the contraband and an alert official forcing them to swallow whole loaves of PF bread and Mom’s ubiquitous Archway ginger snaps on the spot. However, the smuggling plan was a success…
...I had planned a full range of activities, but I needed to add a few more as Mom, who turns 99 on Nov. 16, had more energy than Mary or I who were perfectly happy to lie around for long periods. If you're not interested in our travelogue, you may want to skip the next few lines...Here is some of what we did: lunched at Eason's Bookstore in downtown Dublin while overlooking O'Connell Street, toured the Pro-Cathedral, lunched at Kavanagh's Pub, the oldest family-run pub in Dublin (the proprietor's daughter had a lovely 94-year old man for Mom to meet, but alas, he only comes in for his pint on Saturdays..), toured Glasnevin Cemetery and gave Mary the first of her many Irish history lessons--she thinks she is an expert now, dined at The Brazen Head, the oldest pub in Dublin, while listening to a storyteller who told us that there is no such thing as leprauchans (bummer!) but he warned us that fairies DO exist and under no circumstances should disturb a "fairy fort", took a bus tour to the Wicklow Mountains -a very foggy day ruined our view, but Mary got to walk 3 miles up a mountain in the rain and wind to view a lake while I sat with Mom in the cozy lodge. The highlight of their trip was our trip to Kenmare, County Kerry, where our grandmother McCarthy was born in 1874. It is a gorgeous seaside town which is a very popular vacation spot. We had just missed the tourist season, so it was quaint and quiet. We went to the Holy Cross Church where we think our grandmother was baptised. The priest was very nice and friendly and he gave us the information that the parish could provide about McCarthy baptisms. We're not sure it's the right McCarthys as some of the dates don't match, but, nonetheless, he assured us with a smile that "all of the McCarthys and Moriartys in Kenmare were "fine, upstanding citizens." We were glad for that. Hopefully, the Kenmare relatives won't come to the U.S. to trace what's become of all of US.....anyway, we took a private 9 hour tour of the Ring of Kerry with Declan Finnegan. Mom, Bob, and I had been on a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry before, but Mary hadn't. Our tour guide owns the tour company and normally does the bus tours, but he took the 4 of us in his car. It was perfect (that would be pronounced "pear'fect" here in R land). He stopped wherever we wanted and even took us an extra hour to realize one of Bob's dreams: seeing the home of "the great liberator", Daniel O'Connell. We were the only visitors there, so we got to wander to our hearts' content and view the unbelievable ornate chariot that greeted Daniel (aka "uncrowned king of Ireland" from the early 1800s) when he was released from prison (accused of "seditious speech" by those pesky British). He rode it through the streets of Dublin amid a crowd of 200,000 cheering supporters...Kenmare is known for its lace dating from the potato famine when a nun showed the women how to make it as a way of supporting their families. Mary, Mom, and I enjoyed looking in the shops and buying a bit of lace. The items are gorgeous. I assume they're still made in Kenmare, although they could be made in China for all I know...Bob put up with all of us females and even entertained Mom a few nights so Mary and I could go tip a few pints and try to solve the problems of the world - if only everyone would do exactly what we say what a wonderful world this would be!!!

Now I am back to my lonesome without a friend in the world except for those of you reading my blog. I am a pathetic creature. Today I will make the 3 hour trip to return Mom's wheelchair.



I must duly recognize the SNAIL MAIL HONOR ROLL:

Teresa Foster
Molly O'Connell
Nancy O'Connell
Donna Yormark Lipski*
Marianne Juergensmeyer

*= more than one item received

If you want YOUR name to appear above, simply send me a letter via snail mail. I know some of you bunco ladies have the proper postage as I gave it you myself, so get busy! If you need my address, send me an e-mail.

Bob is in Florida unti Monday morning. Bob, Eddie Mitchell, and Bob's niece Kristen O'Connell had been to Clearwater Beach last night and had eaten at the Palm Pavillion. Tim arrived there last evening.


As ever,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Edward J. O'Connell (1951 - 2009)

Bob flew to Florida on Tuesday. His brother Ed’s funeral is tomorrow at 10:30 AM at St. Cecelia's in Clearwater, FL. Bob's cousin, Father Dennis Harten of Naples, FL, will perform the service. Ed was 58 and grew up in Saddle Brook, NJ. He graduated from Paramus Catholic HS in Paramus, NJ, and from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. He also had a master’s degree in economics from New York University. He worked for many years for United Jersey Bank, rising to the level of vice president of strategic management. He moved to Florida several years ago. He had a daughter, Kristen Marie O’Connell, who is 29. She graduated from NYU with a degree in communications. She recently received a law degree from NYU. Ed was very proud of her. He married Claire Corrigan in 2002, and she survives. Ed was an avid reader and had an extensive book collection. He loved to do the NY Times crossword puzzle. He was very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. He had a very dry sense of humor. He was Bob’s only sibling. R.I.P.

I put Mom and Mary on the plane today. I will write more tomorrow.

Yours,
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Sad News

Hi, everyone,

I'm sad to report that Bob has learned that his brother Ed has died. We don't know the arrangements yet. His brother lived in Clearwater, Fl. He had been in poor health, but his death was unexpected.

Tizzie

Wheelchairs and Elevators

FMM: 6 mi

Wheelchairs and Elevators

Hi, Guys and Gals,

Happy Saturday! The wheelchair for Mom has been secured. However, the elevator in our building is out of order. Since we are on the fourth floor, this creates quite a problem with getting Mom to and from our apartment..I have placed a couple calls to the "emergency" number which is not in our complex, but so far no reply..Mom and Mary arrive Monday at 8:00 AM...Some Irish friends are picking us up for a tour of the Wicklow Mountains and dinner at their house tonight. We are even going in an au-to-mo-bile ! I'm excited!

*Note: I will update the blog sporadically while Mom and Mary are here; I will resume regular posts Nov. 6.

Hope you all have a fun weekend. Go, Tigers!

LOL

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Does She or Doesn't She?

FMM: 7 mi

Good morning, blah-gies,

I don't have much to say, but that that's never stopped me before. I have stirred up quite a controversy over my hair color debate. I had no idea you all cared about me so much...I had intended to let my hair go au natural and grow to its own length while here. What better chance does one have to glimpse the future? I must admit that I was rather curious to see myself in the natural state. Perhaps my original beauty would show through and I would save myself a lot of time and money. Well, I've had a preview of the future and --well, let's just say I wish I hadn't bought that other mirror and hauled it home..Nonetheless, I have not given up my resolve yet. You know that my ultimate goal is to buy one of those cute houses across the street from the library in Columbia and walk back and forth with a large tote bag (or now I could even use my wheeled cart) and my grizzled long gray hair flying over my oversized glasses as I wander the library selecting and returning books while muttering to myself and becoming yet another colorful character on teh Columbia landscape....Well, keep sending me your thoughts as I weigh my decsion. Mary is threatening to bring a bottle of hair color. There are at least two things I have never done before: color my own hair or paint a wall...I will keep you posted.. Another question: Why do bangs in the eyes look so fashionable on Jennifer Anniston or Cameron Diaz yet quite different on me? Just wondering..Today I am off on a 6-7 mile journey to pick up a wheelchair for Mom. Bob has given me a map and marked my way, so I can't go wrong, right?.. Nancy says that I've been writing to many WORDS (what am I thinking??) so she doesn't read the blog all the way through. When she comes, she can show me how to Twitter. I know how to write a haiku; does that help??..Speaking of Nancy..her Homecoming skit which she spent about 100 hours rehearsing was voted "worst one of all" on the Greek Chatline. It was also voted that way by the judges. Hopefully, her psyche will recover from this dissing... Molly has invited 8 former sorority sisters to our house in Columbia for Homecoming. There are moments when I'm glad I'm 4,000 miles away..I may not be able to keep up the blog after next Monday when Mom and Mary arrive. I will do it when I can and resume on or about Nov. 6...

Rooting (pun intended)not rotting away in the Emerald Isle,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Travel Planning

FMM (Forced Mile March, for you newbies): 1 mi


Hi, Blokes and Babes,

No one wrote to say that my blog is very late today...I hope some of you are still reading it..If you must know, I slept in then went to walk at the seashore with my friends. I almost have all of their names straight : Dympha, Marie (pronounced "Mary"), Aggie, Carmel, and Susan. They have given me lots of travel tips to help plan Mary & Mom's forthcoming visit...I spent 8 hours at my netbook making final arrangements yesterday. I blame Megan for making me a netaholic (or should I say a netbookaholic?) since she persuaded me to get my own laptop in August. I don't know what I did with my time before. Well, let's not go there...I've always had a hard time explaining myself... Anyway, I turned off the computer at 4:00. Bob didn't think I could go all night w/o checking my e-mail or playing Free Cell, but I did! I used real playing cards and did a crossword with a pencil while Bob watched soccer. So there!..Mom, Mary, Bob, and I have plans to go to Kenmare, County Kerry next weekend. Mom's mother was born there in 1874. We hope to go to the church where she was baptized...Bob is taking his first education class after 30 years in the classroom. It's about time, don't you think?.. He has had to write a 750 word "philosophy of education" and to teach a mini-lesson yesterday (all of us education majors know what that is, don't we?). He will get an educational certificate at the end of the year...Last night we went across the street to our local pub, O'Brien's. So far, I wouldn't say anyone knows us by name, but a bartender or two recognize us. They had what we thought was a "happy hour" advertised on the wall. We mistakenly thought that drinks were cheaper from 5-6. Turns out the the ad is only for OAPs. We learned that that means "Old Age Pensioners" over 66. So, now I know of at least two benefits to being old here: free public transportation AND cheap liquor.....To my kids and Columbia friends -- my resolve to let my hair grow out long and free to its natural color is waning...What should I do?

Sincerely (mostly) yours,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

P.S. Teresa, they have wonderful malt balls here!

Water, Water, Everywhere

FMM: 4 mi

Banks, Bathrooms, Burger King, and Water Fountains

Hi,Dudes and Dames,

Welcome back for more Tiztalk...Bob and I met at the bank yesterday to get a general idea of how many euros are in our account after six weeks of blind ATM withdrawals. They don't send statements, and we couldn't get set up online -- well, not without Tim, Megan, Molly, or Nancy to help us anyway... Now we're all set.. except for the part where we got to see how much money was in our account...Hmm...They will provide checks at a cost of $.75 each. We declined. All bills are paid online and that's that. I'm sure that's where we're headed in the U.S.,too, but we aren't there yet. In fact, they won't even print a receipt from an ATM unless you demand it...We then went to Burger King. Most of the fast food restaurants have their eating areas on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floors. Luckily, Bob was along to carry the tray as getting myself alone up 3 flights of stairs without incident is an accomplishment...One thing I have noticed at restaurants here is that -- unlike in the U.S. -- they don't tell you if they give you a Pepsi when you've ordered a Coke. I ordered a Diet Coke the other day and my receipt read "Pepsi Max" whatever that is. I guess they figure we Americans won't notice the difference...On to water. Forget it! Who needs it? Evidently, not anyone eating in a restaurant or walking around a mall...It's an interesting attitude as water is "free" here; no one pays a water bill. And it certainly rains enough to provide plenty of water to all. As most of you know, ice is forbidden in Europe, or at least it seems to be. Sometimes you can beg one miniscule cube from a kind waitress, but don't count on it. I did break down and buy a plastic ice cube tray and it only cost me 6 dollars..Water fountains? Forget them, too. Drink before you leave home. I have yet to see or find an operating water fountain, even in a shopping mall...Bathrooms? Again, go before you leave home; many stores simply don't have them...So, here's my advice if you are thinking of coming: Before you leave the U.S., drink lots of water, go to the bathroom, and bring lots of euros with you. You will be fine! I am.

Water- blogged, but not water-logged,
I remain...

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Miscellaneous

FMM: 3 mi



Hi, internet addicts,

Don't you have something better to do? I guess not if you're willing to read a blog entitled "Miscellaneous". Well, if you REALLY don't have anything better to do, check out this 4 minute clip of the 100 best You Tube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudhFVnN2o0 . You may recognize many, but there are a few new ones to enjoy...Now that I have 7 (already finished _Noah's Compass_ -- very good) new books to read, the library has called and the book I reserved 6 weeks ago has arrived, so now I have to read it before I can get back to my hand-picked stash...Woe is me!..In other news, Bob now has a cellphone. Now that doesn't mean he knows how to answer it or use it, but if you want the number, e-mail me...It is cold, dark, rainy and dreary here. They don't have exciting Midwestern-style rainstorms here with tree limbs blowing down and lightning and hail -- just dull, dark, droning, quiet ones. At least the cable - such as it is - rarely goes out; I don't have to miss my EuroNews in Portugese...I got a real letter from TERESA FOSTER yesterday. I was so excited. I promise to mention your name in the blog in CAPS if you send me a real letter; it doesn't even have to be hand written. E-mail me if you need my real live bricks and mortar address..You may be wondering how I am doing listening to _Dracula_. Well, for the first time in my life, I put on headphones and headed down the street. Outside of looking what I knew my mother would deem as totally ridiculous, I rather enjoyed the experience. However, I nearly stepped into the street while listening to an exceptionally exciting passage about a three vampire women about to attack the unsuspecting Mr. Harker...I've decided that I should limit my walking and listening to quiet park-like settings, not busy urban streets...I am off to meet Bob for lunch.

Slogging through the bog,
Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Weekend Wanderings

FMM: 7.5 mi


Hi,

Wake up, it's Monday. See, I can't even thing of a name to call you...Many of you have been wondering if Bob got a jacket. The answer is yes. The North Face outlet was too far away, so he ended up with a fleece-lined navy jacket from a sporting goods store... However, now that Bob didn't get a North Face coat, maybe I'll go check one out for myself...The store wasn't really THAT far away...Just kidding; I would NEVER do such a thing...We went to the Pearse Museum yesterday. Padriac Pearse was a schoolmaster who instigated the 1916 Easter Uprising. The school is on 50 beautiful acres and has a lookout tower from which you can see the Dublin mountains and surrounding areas...We came home and read our books. Yes, we are boring old folks. Bob is on page 65 (or at least the bookmark is there) of _Ulysses_...I am off to the library. Now that I have my book fix, they won't be seeing me for awhile.

Readingly yours,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Leaves, TGIF

FMM: 4 mi


Hi, weekenders,

Hope you enjoy raking your leaves today. I'll be thinking of you..I did get my book order and now I have 8 brand-new books awaiting me..It is like having a giant chocolate cake on the counter. However, I am finishing_Away_ by Amy Bloom before I dig into my book stash...Bob and I went to this great new restaurant last night. It's called TGI Friday's; ever hear of it?? :).. Anyway, we enjoyed the advertised "American" fare. Bob even had a Miller beer, not a Guinness. However, he did have a little mishap while trying to swat a gnat. He knocked over his full glass of beer...and you thought only I did such things...Today we plan to look for a coat for Bob. He liked his co-worker's coat and made note of the brand: North Face. (Aargh! Where is a sale at Kohl's when you need it??) Anyway, there is rumored to be a North Face outlet here (don't tell Molly, Nancy, or Megan), so we will go on a forced march to find it today... Some of you have asked if I have found myself a coat. Sadly, no. At this point, I am in a 6-year-old light green hooded coat of undetermined origin; Bob is in a blue Gap windbreaker that I got him for $6.99 years ago. (Tim used to have one identical to it, but I suspect Megan has gently encouraged him to throw it out by now)..Enjoy some R & R. Go, Mizzou!

I remain,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

TV Licence

FMM: 8 mi

Hi, Friends O'Mine,

I survived another hike along the coastline...I even stayed quiet walking up the hill this time. See, I'm learning! At coffee, one lady asked me what I missed the most about the U.S. I thought for awhile and proceeded to tell her how much I missed English muffins (I'd even take an Irish muffin at this point if there were such a thing) and Pepperidge Farm cinnamon bread. She looked at me rather strangely, then said, "Don't you miss your family?"...Oops, why do I always give the wrong answer? Of course, I miss my family more than I miss English muffins! I would like to have BOTH right now!..It seems that these ladies are lacking in their knowledge of sensational crimes. Probably because not that many occur over here. I was able to share a few crime tales that probably kept them up last night. And you all know I have more where those came from...Today I am off to walk 3 miles (who's counting?) to the post office to pick up my Amazon book order (thanks again, bunco friends!) AND to pay our television licence (that's how they spell it here) fee of $240. That's right. One must pay a fee of $240/year per television or risk a fine of $1,000 or even jail time. They actually come and knock on your door to see if you have a television! Even though we don't own the TV in our apartment, we must pay the fee. We were kind of ignoring the whole thing thinking that perhaps we could escape the fee for nine more months, but alas, we received a rather threatening letter yesterday which has prompted me to run to the P.O. this morning and pay the fee. All this for the privilege of watching EuroNews in Russian! It did occur to me that my blog would be considerably more interesting if I were imprisoned for not paying my TV tax. Do you think the U.S. embassy would come to my aid? .. Would you contribute to my defence (that's how they spell it here) fund? Just wondering... I went to a doctor's office yesterday and I thought I had stepped back in time a generation or two...Seriously, it was like walking into Mom's house and having her give me a flu shot in her bedroom while talking on the phone. Well, I must say that they don't waste a lot of time on paperwork (like who I am, my medical background, what side effects the shot might cause..) or fancy offices here. I pulled my shirt off in front of an open window that looked over the backyard garden, she gave me a shot, she had never heard of the medicines I'm currently taken for my cough, prescribed a few more, and sent me on my way...I guess I'm okay...

Well, it's time for my morning march.

Alive and (I think) well,

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Things I Like About Ireland

Hi, Blogaholics,


FMM: 2.5 mi


There are lots of reasons Ireland is such a popular tourist attraction. It's not just that there are more people of Irish descent in the U.S. than there are in Ireland! Here are a few things I've discovered...There are beautiful, colorful flowers everywhere. I am reminded of New Orleans and some of the extravagant beauty associated with ordinary porches, windowsills, and even lampposts...Everything truly is green. The leaves haven't really started to turn yet..The classic buildings are consistently in exceptional condition. There aren’t blocks where some buildings are torn down and some remain. I have almost become inured to them after only a short time here. They are the essence of picturesque with their classic mostly Georgian style and brightly- painted doors......There’s a store called Argis in the mall at St. Stephen’s Green. Not only has it relieved my mind of where I to find items like a cordless LANDLINE (GASP) phone. You just look through the catalog, write down the number, and they get it for you from the back room. It’s very quick and efficient like the old Service Merchandise. With no Best Buy, Target, or Wal-Mart or any facsimiles of them in sight, this is HUGE!....There is no tax added to purchases. The price you see is what you pay. It’s nice to not have to figure out “about” what your meal cost....The bus service is very efficient. The buses are clean and there are plenty of them. Of course, I have no real bus service to compare them to since I’ve never even been on a bus in Columbia....The people read a lot. There a several thriving (or so they seem to me) daily newspapers. The bookstores are busy. There is an big emphasis on books and book reviews in the newspapers. There are a lot of author-celebrities here which I think is less common in U.S. Sorry I missed the chance to see Ozzy Osbourne signing his autobiography at Eason's on Sunday, but I hope to encounter a few authors before I depart the Emerald Isle. I do know where Maeve Binchy lives so I guess I could stalk her...I wish I had had my camera yesterday as I saw an older man (those are getting harder and harder to find, by the way, can somebody explain that to me??) stopped in the middle of the sidewalk intently reading the evening newspaper. I don't recall ever seeing a similar scene in the U.S. Of course, there are lots of sensational headlines even in the "mainstream" newspapers over here. The TV news shows also show you the front pages of each newspaper every day and read them to you; I find this a bit unusual...Well, that's my travelogue for today. I'm sure Molly and Nancy stopped reading this several sentences ago, but those of you who made it to the end, I thank you for sticking with me...I am off to hike the oceanside cliffs in Howth with a group of ladies who haven't tired of me (or changed their days, times, and location for walking) yet. I will try to keep my mouth shut!

Hikingly yours,

Tizze/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth

Irish Television

Hi, Bloggies,

FMM: 3.5 mi

I guess you don't have anything better to do today than I do...I am enjoying my creative writing class. Last night I was paired with a young Polish man. He devised a much more exciting plot (about a policeman letting a criminal go free) than I would have cooked up for our story. He has lived here for four years. In fact, due to the Celtic Tiger, a reference to Ireland's formerly booming economy, there are many eastern European immigrants here. For several years, Ireland was the only country in the European Union (includes 26 of the 40 countries of Europe) that would allow eastern Europeans to immigrate. Guess what? Lots did, and many are still here. Many of the service jobs are held by immigrants....I know my kids are impressed that I know how many countries constitute Europe and even where Europe is...Now onto more important topics like Irish television...Our basic cable package seems to include mostly channels that are "off the air" or in another language. We pay to get EuroNews in French, Italian, Russian, PRT (which I think is Spanish) as well as an Irish language channel... People seem to actually go to bed over here, so many channels shut down, too...So, if you are planning to come visit and have some "happy tube time", as we call it in our family, be prepared! Again, no wonder the Europeans aren't fat. No fattening food, no endless choices of trash TV, and did I mention small portions at restaurants?? Nonetheless, I am becoming an expert on all these things and will help you through...I am becoming smarter, thinner, and I'm sleeping more.. Today I am carting myself off (I WISH someone would put me in my cart and push ME) to the SuperQuin for groceries and searching for a place to get a flu shot. Wish me luck!

Getting smarter by the minute, I remain..

Tizzie/Tiz/Tizmom/Mom/Liz/Elizabeth