On this very island, sleeping in this very house. And we're thankful to have her. There is a GEM Ireland tradition of welcoming arriving teammates with a party immediately after they land. So here's a pic of us, (thanks Phil) yesterday morning hanging with Holly. The lone male in the picture, surrounded by a bevy of beauties, is Brandon Wellcome. He and his lovely wife Kristy, (on the right of the back couch) arrived this past summer, and as we were in the States we missed their party. But we got the privilege of helping them move into their new home just a week or so ago. It's so exciting to watch GEM Ireland grow with such GREAT people. Oh and the little baby in the picture is the newest GEMK in our midst. That's sweet Moia, Matt & Hailey's girl.
On the poof (yes, that's what they call it here) is left to right... Stacey and Holly
It was a great tournament. We enjoyed every minute! Well, mostly every minute, as there was divided loyalty in our house. And as the Europeans beat the Americans quite soundly, well... let's just say there were some painful noises heard periodically in the direction of the man and/or boy of the family. But since this blog is my baby, and I happen to be writing, I get to say yippee!! They did it!!! The phenomenal European team won an unprecedented third successive title and they did it on Irish soil. And it was brilliant to watch. So much fun...
The victors...
And no worries, the Ryder Cup is now over... so no more golf posts for awhile. 'Cept my boy and husband are enjoying golf together, so I might have to say a few things here and there. But remember, nobody is forcing you to read me... and I'll never know...
...is Ireland. As they play host this week to one of the top world class sporting events, The Ryder Cup. As quoted by Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, "The Ryder Cup attracts worldwide attention and will be one of the greatest sporting events that we here in Ireland have ever hosted. The Ryder Cup goes beyond golf; it is a classic contest, the Old World (Europe) against the New (America). It appeals to people at every level, golfer and non-golfer alike, and is followed with the heart as well as the head." This year the event is being hosted by the prestigious K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare, approx. 15 minutes from our home. And the whole of the country is filling with tourists from all over the world, who have come to experience and take part in this historic tournament.
Today after church, our family took a drive into Straffan to see how the years of preparation are coming together. It was quite a picture... The flags and banners lining the roads, the Irish Flag, the American Flag, the European Flag and the Ryder Cup Flag. The new roads that have been finished in preparation for the mass amounts of vehicles. And even in the midst of extremely tight security, the air of expectation is tangible. The guards were even wearing smiles (but that's Ireland...). Actually no taxis or private vehicles will be allowed near Straffan (which is a beautiful, but very tiny village), except for the hotel residents and other's with specific passes. The rest of the attendees will drive or taxi to bus points, where we, welcomed by Irish greeters and Irish music, will be put upon bus after bus and then taken to the K Club. Every hotel and castle is full all over the country. And the majority of those wealthy enough to secure lodging and tickets are being flown into the Club by helicopter.
While we aren't wealthy in monetary terms, we do have lodging and by miraculous means were giving tickets!! No small thing that... So Rod, myself and the Covell's will be attending on this Wednesday, one of the three practice days. We are quite excited to put it mildly. We'll not only get to see Tiger Woods and many other European golfers that we are familiar with (three Irish on the European team!), but will get to experience the electric atmosphere on the day. It's meant to be brilliant. Plus, on practice days you are able to bring cameras in. So I might even post a few pictures...
Epic...
Oh... and the All Ireland (Gaelic) Football Final is happening at this very minute. Actually it's half time and my heart is still pounding. Kerry was dominating, but just in the last few minutes Mayo scored two goals!! Quite amazing goals at that. They're back in the match... So today the whole of the Irish world is either at Croke Park (83,000 plus) or in a pub watching the match or glued to the telly. And so now I must go back and watch to see who takes the day! (post-script: well, Kerry took the day and now I've got four girls on our trampoline screaming, Kerry won, Kerry won...)
So to end... our country is on the world stage this week, and if you happen to watch a bit of The Cup, you'll be seeing a slice of our world.
So, all peer pressure aside, here we are. Joining the blogging world. I've actually been doing the blog thing for awhile as a personal way to connect with friends, both here in Ireland and in the States. And, lo and behold, discovered that I've quite enjoyed it. So, we thought, why not come up with something for the entire family? Why not...
Anyway, here we are (i am), giving it a go. Problem is, I have to come up with something to say. Which I know, most of you are thinking, isn't usually a problem for me. So I'll give it a whirl, and we'll see how it progresses. And if anyone decides to read what I write, it'll just be bonus!!
So, the big news today, is that Lauren received quite a prestigious award at school. She and Ryan attend Scoil Eoin Phoil where one of the courses they study is Irish (the language). At an assembly held today, two awards were given for excellence in Irish. Apparently these are just given a few times a year. The first award was given to a boy in 6th class (7th grade). And the second award was given to a girl in 2nd class (3rd grade). That being our very own Lauren! She was quite surprised and ecstatic to say the least... it's not everyday an American gets kudos for their Irish speaking skills. Good on ya, Lauren!
And just in case you wondered, this is Dawn writing. And so it has begun...
