Leap Year

The radio has announced that as it is a leap year we should all take the day off as we are not technically being paid (rubbish but a good thought), that we should do something special to mark the day as we have another four years to wait for it again or tie up loose ends by doing something we never find time to finish and of course loads of women are proposing to their other halfs, more fool them.

As for me, the men (Jim and Daz) are Jacksitting - and if the naughty behaviour continues at school it might actually be sitting on Jack - while Mart and I are off out for a night on the town meaning the town of Manly (down by the marina) as we can't be bothered with the city lights, it much easier to catch up and gossip if we have an easy way to get home.

And its Friday - what more could you want......actually I have a list - do you want to see? :-)

Happy extra day to you all

A little bit of history

If anyone remembers our wedding and fancies buying a bit if history......ONE of Meath`s longest established and best-known hotels, the Conyngham Arms in Slane, will be auctioned next month.The landmark hotel has been patronised for many years as a popular weddings and functions venue and services one of the most prosperous agricultural hinterlands in the country. It will be auctioned by John P Younge at the IAVI Headquarters in Merrion Square, Dublin, on Thursday 6th March, with an AMV in the region of E3.5 million.The distinctive period-style fully licensed hotel takes its name from the Conyngham family, Earls of Mountcharles, of the nearby Slane Castle. While the present peer is best known for his hosting of rock concerts at the family pile, past owners of the local castle have also been well-known in their day.One of these was William Burton Conyngham, who died in 1796 and when the contents of his library were being auctioned in 1810, was described as: “A profound scholar and antiquary and intimately connected with all the `Learned Men of his day.”His CV included being member of parliament, and of his Majesty`s Privy Council, Teller of the Exchequer in Ireland, one of the first commissioners of the Board of the Treasury, trustee of the linen board, and governor of the Foundling Hospital and of the Workhouse of the city of Dublin. He was also a patron of the arts, an active member of the Antiquites Section of the Royal Dublin Society, founder member and treasurer of the Royal Irish Academy, and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London.William was born in 1733 as William Burton, son of Francis Burton of Buncraggy, Co Clare, and of Mary, sister of the first Earl Conyngham, who died without issue in 1781.When he died, the Conyngham Estates were divided between Mary`s two sons, Francis Pierpoint and William, who inherited the Donegal and Slane estates. The brothers took the surname Conyngham by royal licence. William Burton was a contemporary of the leading lights of the day, such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and James Gandon, the architect. He was a member of the Wide Streets Commission for 20 years, which decided the routing of many of Dublin`s streets, as they remain to this day.When he died, the Mountcharles estates were reunited under one owner, his nephew, who became Viscount Conyngham, Earl of Mountcharles, and Marquis Conyngham, ancestor of the present Lord Henry of rock concert fame.The hotel which carries the family name comprises a residents` lounge, restaurant, lounge bar and servery, traditional-style public bar and function room.The entrance vestibule and reception leads to the residents` lounge, split-level restaurant, an inner lobby and toilets. The lounge bar and servery consists of a carvery counter, fitted lounge bar counter, part-panelled walls and is part-fitted with carpet. An inner section contains an L-shaped mahogany bar counter, carved bar fixture, picture window and a Victorian fireplace.Other facilities includes a back lobby, plant room, kitchen, wash-up areas, staff hall, wc facilities and changing rooms. The function room is divided into two sections, one of which has a fully fitted bar. There is an outer lobby off this with a beer store.The first and second floor accommodation is made up of a manager`s office, eight double guest bedrooms, two family bedrooms, three twin rooms and one three-bed bedroom, all of which are en-suite.Outside, there is an landscaped rear garden, as well as parking for 50 to 60 cars. Viewing is by appointment with the selling agent, John P Younge, 35 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin 2, who can be contacted on (01) 661 8428

Why did we come to Australia?

Aud here....It’s nearly the end of February 2008 and we have had nothing but rain, rain and more rain. It’s amazing how much Brisbane looks like every other city when it’s dark and grey. The rain was needed but it is time to Stop now but the rain isn’t listening. And at least we haven’t been flooded like only an hour ++ up the road.

So whether it is related to the weather or just a phase Jack has started Grade 1 and is making an impression unfortunately it is the wrong impression – yes, he is clever and he is reading and writing and his numbers are great but as soon as he gets out of the class all rules leave his head and he follows whatever the naughtiest boy is doing and gets caught doing it – and then to top it all off – lies to us about it. It’s driving us mad – how can he go from being a normal mischievous 5 year old to some devil child as soon as he goes into school.

I am sure it will improve, he just needs to get used to having rules again, last year in prep they were pretty much let away with everything – all the kids are adjusting, its not just Jack but sitting down to dinner and having the phone ring and finding out what he was really up to that day from his teacher…not good for digestion.

But on another note we have some visitors arriving tomorrow – Mart and Daz. They have had three weeks holiday in Bali to prepare for us because we are sure to not stop talking for the whole two weeks they are here. And then like buses when they leave two days later we have Gosia here for a weekend – she is doing some drug deals in Melbourne and so changed her schedule to come say hello – so we are delighted. The more visitors the better – we feel less out of it and yes we made the decision to come here but its not our fault we have such good friends and family that we are missing!

I am five weeks into a fitness class, twice a week and a high protein diet (more meat ahhh!!!!) but although I haven’t actually lost weight my body shape is starting to change and that is the main aim. I should have done this years ago, but excuses after excuses later, I am at last putting the effort in and should be able to be more active once it is part of my routine. Jack is starting in Joeys (pre cubs and scouts) soon and that should hopefully burn off lots of energy, help him understand this concept of rules and hopefully make some more friends.

But as it nears our first year of being in Australia I do wonder whether the upheaval and the move has been worth it - it has lots of great things here mostly to do with the environment and space but they will never make up for a lifetime of connections with people but things change all the time so while we plan for the future – I am going to enjoy what’s happening right now!!!!

We're being a bit rubbish at the moment

Hi, We're being a bit rubbish at the moment and we have a bunch of half constructed posts not quite ready to post. Not really getting very far with the Video camera either in terms of the internet. Hmm....I was hoping to use the video camera and blog it to the site but, without success. Seem to find everyone elses bits on the web instead - and we all know how dodgy that can be at times.....so while doing some art work at work - I needed reference material and stupidly typed - Prickly Bush into google - put it this way, 'sharnt do that again in a hurry. LOL

But - despite struggling with the crap video camera, its made for dwarfish female japanese tech heads, its a nightmare in size and the instructions are Japlish; I have managed to log some video on the MySpace website. Click on the link at the left hand side.

We'll post bits of tripe there from time to time.

Ps. Sorry its Freezing back home - its 33 degrees here and we're wet all the time.... yuck.