Feb. 12

Just saw where the weather is getting nasty again in the midwest.  Blizzards in Ohio.  Hang in there everyone.  Spring will soon be on its way!

Feb 12

We invited the 5 students that remained within the country to dinner. I even baked a cake!!! Quite a feat in trying to calculate the liquid quantities as well as the cooking temperatures and pan size. Somehow it got done in half the time – I’ll have to try those calculations one more time!! I think it was the pan size.

Baked a couple of chickens and loads of vegetables. The most frequent comment was “this is just how my mom makes it.” So guess it was a hit. Since our kids are coming this weekend, I’ll be the real mom and make it for them as well.

We then just sat around for several hours and talked about their adventures in Galway as well as the program. They have loads of ideas and want to figure out how to document it for future years. Such as where to eat and stay in Galway. We have already started a list called “Pay It Forward” that students continue to write practical suggestions on how to live in Tullycross, Ireland. A great example is that Christy suggested doing an extra spin on your washed clothes so they dry more quickly. We’ve all quickly adopted that advice.

They say that they have heard the comment from a number of people that this group is “lame.” We assured them that they are not, and to consider the source of the comments and motivation.

Yesterday, Anne Jack and Patrick Sammons were reviewing all the cottages for upcoming repairs. I guess a number of roofs need to be rethatched. They noticed the plastic we have on our windows that Ron sent us. Anne was very impressed. She doesn’t think there is anything like that around here. Ron, can you send me information on how much it costs. She may “contract” with you to buy some and send it over. At least, we should make sure that the students next year bring some along for each cottage. I’m not sure with everyone leaving for break that it is worth doing any more this year. Maybe we can get Ron a gig as an energy consultant and have him come over again next year – of course, with his “assistant” Miriam.

Doug and Michael fly out tomorrow for Dublin!!! Rachel & Dan on Thursday!!! Yea!!!!!