Katie-mandu

My sister called to me yesterday.  She is just back from Nepal where she was doing volunteer work in a nursing home for old people.  It sounded so sad.  The home was run by 3 nuns along with help from volunteers.  

It was tough hearing how it was like a home for the elderly unlike anything you would see in Ireland.  The old people sit on the ground all day and only get bathed once a week.  What a terrible existence. Nobody deserves to live like this.  Hopefully volunteers will always continue to go and help these people because  without these people from the West they would have no one. My brother in law also helped out in this home and then in the afternoon they taught computers to ladies in the village.

Katie seemed very inspired by this trip.  I thought she was so upbeat and positive.  I think the trip was good for her!

Her photos were great - she uploaded over 300 of them to Facebook.  

Katie also told me how she went to the cinema while in Katmandu to see the Bollywood movie that was filmed in Dublin (mainly in Trinity College).  The film is called "Ek Tha Tiger".  She thought it was great, a must see!

Here is a clip of the movie - Enjoy!

In the Navy! Notre Dame v. Navy

Big excitement is building for the Notre Dame v. Navy Game which is going to to be played in Dublin on Sept 1st.

Even more exciting is that the Navy Squash team will also be playing in Dublin.  Two teams are lined up to play against them over the weekend.  Ciaran has been asked to play for both teams!    It will be a big event and it is great that Ciaran is involved.

I can't wait - there should be a lot of great squash!

There is a lot of nautical events on in the coming weeks in Dublin, the tall ships are even in town this weekend.  We'll probably go in and check this out.

Sun sun sun!

What a glorious day today!  

We sat out in the garden just about the whole day - it was beautiful and sunny. (I should also mention that I read a book on my kindle - awesome!)

Later on we cycled in to the city went for a bite to eat in Captain America's and then had a cocktail in TGI's followed by a lovely stroll home.

What a perfect day!

When the sun shines Dublin really is the best city in the world to live in...........Life is good!!

By the way - did you know that August 16th was "Dublin says Hello" day! Here's some more info about the concept.  Pretty cool, I think!

Kindle gift - librarian goes to the dark side

I am a little unsettled about something and I don't know quite what I feel about a matter. 

What could I be concerned about, you wonder?

Here goes.....

I got a Kindle.

I didn't choose to get it. Ciaran bought it for me.  

As a librarian, I feel a little subversive - like I have gone to the dark side.  

But as a reader, I love it!!!  

I may never read a physical book again........but having an ereader has made me seriously consider the future of libraries and bookshops considering the ease and convenience of the kindle.  One thing is for sure, my library job will be very much changed in the next few years and in a decade it will probably be unrecognisable in relation to what I do now.

Tomorrow.....

A few things are happening tomorrow.  Ciaran is heading out to the upholsterer to choose fabric for the conversation pit cushions.  We had chosen one together when the upholstery guy came to take measurements but he had a think about it for a week or two and then decided he should choose a different sample.  Go figure!

The Gathering! It's all about Ireland in 2013....

Have you heard of "The Gathering"?

The Gathering is taking place in 2013 and it is a year long celebration of Ireland and all things Irish.  

If you live in Ireland, you can get involved by inviting everyone that you know from all over the world to come to Ireland and take part in events that are being organised all over the country throughout year.

There is some more information here and there is also a Facebook page that you can follow.

If you live abroad, why not stick Ireland on your bucket list and come visit us in 2013 for The Gathering!

Don't you just love a glass cantilevered stairs?!

Glass stairs

Floating stairs!

Decorative plaster feature at the bottom of the arch leading up to the staircase.

These are the light switches - I'm still learning how to turn the lights on!!!

If you have been following my blog you will know that this was a complete refurbishment of a derelict Victorian property.  It was a long process to design and rebuild but the results are amazing.
If you are contemplating a remodel of your house or are building a house from scratch you can contact ODKM Architects on 01-4991510.  They also do commercial as well as residential work so no matter what size your project is they will be able to meet with you to discuss your plans!