Wednesday 30 December 2009

For You.

So, this year.
Almost gone.
And you know, tomorrow is just the next day really.
And I wonder why we put so much emphasis on a particular date?
Maybe we all need new beginnings.
Or do we all just need to draw a line under this year, and start again, fresh?
Is that what it is?

This last year has given me a lot.
It has also taken a lot from me.

It has given me YOU. (Yes, you lot in the sidebar, you know who you are!)
You have enriched my life so much, words defy me.
You have taught me, hugged me, laughed with me.
And cried with me.
But most of all, you have listened to me.
ME!?
And you have encouraged me, egged me on.
In good times and bad.
So I thank you all.
And I love you all.

This year has also taken from me too many people I love.
And although you have never met any of them, you were there for me.

Please remember with me my family and friends who have passed,

Helen, my beloved Big Sister.

Bridie, my Auntie.

'Timber', my Uncle, (what a nickname!)

Timmy, Friend.

Nicky, Friend.

T.K., Friend.

xxx

Saturday 26 December 2009

Friday 25 December 2009

Star Links



And so it ends, for another year.
We were woken up early (8ish) By the girls.
(Could have sworn I'd just GONE to sleep!)
As is our tradition, they come into our room to show the contents of their Christmas Stockings.
Then we all go downstairs to see what Santa has left under the tree!
And all were more than pleased with his generosity! Again!

My Favourite gift this year?
A pair of StarTrek cufflinks from the Youngest!
See? My two favourite things in one!
StarTrek AND Cufflinks!

And then, as is my new tradition, (started this year!), I went back to bed for a few hours.
And Herself decided that this was indeed a good tradition to follow.
And did follow!

And verily, after midday, the Map did arise and prepare a feast fit for a family of five. (NO turkey this year,instead we had leg of lamb, ham, and duck!)
And it was eaten.
And bellies were full and happy!

And Map did beach on the recliner for most of the rest of the day.
And he was satisfied.

As all were truly happy.

Tuesday 22 December 2009

T.K.


More than 30 years ago I was set up for a blind date.
For a 'Debs'! (Prom night!)
It was my one and only blind date.
Ever!
But with a lady.
I remember it just for that reason, and because it was with a most delightful, and shy girl, T.K.
I myself was a very shy guy, so how we got through the night I don't know.
(Two young kids, tongue tied, on a most formal night!)
But we did, and we had fun.
Great fun.
We never dated after that night, but we did become friends.
For 30 years we would 'pass paths' as we say here.
We lived quite close to each other, and quite often had a drink together in the various local pubs.
And often had a laugh about 'that night'!

T.K. passed away yesterday after her second battle with cancer.

And it was quite a thump in my chest.

She was 46, young, quiet, a lady.

Cancer is such a bitch!

(Big Sis is gone six months today.)

I will remember you as the tall, elegant, quiet lady you were T.K.

Saturday 19 December 2009

Winter


It's cold.
And I am not well.
Nothing serious, I'll get over it.
But I am almost never unwell, thankfully.
And this cold spell brings a memory.
I am very young, it is very cold, very late at night.
And there is just me and Ma.
I don't remember anybody else being in the house.
And Ma says I can sleep in her bed 'cos Da is working all night.
And it is wonderful.
She is running her fingers through my hair.
And gently touching my face.
And singing, or humming, and the tune is soft and comforting.
And familiar.
I think I must be very young.
And the cold in my head, and the cold weather have re-ignited a spark of memory.
And it is good.
And it makes me feel better.

Thursday 17 December 2009

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Ink.



I'm getting a new tattoo.
(On my back!)

My talented favourite nephew Robert is the artist.
(He's still learning, but I trust him, and he needs the practice.)

Have I told you this already?
(I have a cold, and my head is funny!)
Drink is GOOD for a cold, yeah?

Anyway, pics when it's done.

Sunday 13 December 2009

In Tens! If I?

Little Sis came to my gig tonight.
It's always more special, more fun, when family are in the crowd.
And it struck me, we have become closer.
We were always close, but since Big Sis left,
I was wondering?
If one leaves, does the love amongst those still here intensify accordingly?
As in, where there once was eight, and now are seven, is that extra bit of love to be shared by us siblings?
It seems so to me.
I seem to be hugging more.
And kissing more.

Friday 11 December 2009

Suits You. Sir?


Jimmy got me thinking.
About my Da.
Not that I need reminding, I think of Him a lot.
And I miss him dearly.

But I was thinking about an evening I had during the summer.
I had a meet-up with two other bloggers.
My first time meeting both of them.
Though Dev & Bock were old friends.

We had arranged to meet in a well known pub in the city.
And as I didn't know what either of them looked like, I stood at the bar waiting to be approached. (Pipe in mouth, newspaper under left arm, white carnation in button-hole, hat tilted at a jaunty angle, as agreed!)

Anyway, I got to talking with a very well known historian/pub landlord I had known from my youth.
And we got to talking about my parents.

"Your father was the best dressed and most handsome man in the 'Island Field'!" (Where I come from.)
"Women would swoon as he walked by!
He only wore the best bespoke suits, (I knew this) never anything off the rack!
(These suits, one new one every year, were paid for in installments. He got the suit when the last payment was payed! A little bit out of his wages each week, to which Ma agreed, 'cos she took pride in how well Her Man looked!)
And only the fanciest of ties would adorn his crisp white shirts!"

My Da looked like a greek millionaire when he 'stepped out', what with the dandy threads, and the dusky complexion!
(He might not have had much in his pockets, but by Jesus, those pockets were expensive!)

"And as for your Mother, She had blonde hair and fair skin to rival the most glamorous stars of Hollywood!" (She still has it!)

Thank you Mr. Joe Malone.
I thought I was the only one who put my parents on a pedestal!

By the time I met Dev & Bock, well, to say I was in good form would be an understatement!

Tuesday 8 December 2009

House?



I was watching 'House' on TV last night.

(The teenagers tied me to the recliner and kept my eyelids open with tape!)
Anyway, I heard someone say something along the lines of;

"I'd rather regret having done something,
than regret not having done something."

And I think, in most situations, I would have to agree.

(Yes, that's me, sometime in the 80's, after a fight!)

Sunday 6 December 2009

Liam Clancy

Liam Clancy, a legend, has died from pulmunary fibrosis, at the age of 74.
He was once described by Bob Dylan as "The best ballad singer I have ever heard"!



Oiche Mhaith Liam.

Thursday 3 December 2009

The Day.

Thank you for the day.

I remember this like it was yesterday.

My older brother Jimmy used to sing to me all the time.
He would hold me in his arms.
And sing.
He was (is) ten years older than me.
He would sit me on his lap,
And let me be the kid!
I would comb his hippy hair.
And wish for mine to be as long.
And he would sing his hippy songs.
To only me.
And sing along, I would.
And he was my hero.
Still is.

And he is still the better singer.