Life, Love, Death

and the whole damn thing

No swim today as still a bit throaty raspy but non Covid thankfully.

My ex colleague came for morning coffee and waffles. Her dear Dad passed away in November last and burial in Co. Tipperary. She is grieving deeply and we sat at the fire and talked about him. It was poignant and good. She had good connection to her father.

Unlike the Irish post usually, my postman knocked on the door to tell me there had been some delay in deliveries and right enough, there were a few cards sent to me a week before Christmas and only received today. Among them a card from old friend of my husband’s who bets on horses with my name. So I’ll have to venture into the bookies soon and collect the winnings on jeaniemacaroney.

Sheeesh.

Yesterday was Nollag na mBan (Ladies’ Little Christmas) when the women of the household sit back and are waited on hand and foot. Traditionally also the decorations were taken down and stored on that day.

The following poem was posted on IG by swimmer honouring all women who died young often in difficult circumstances.

Nollaig na mBan

This Nollaig na mBan
Think of women now gone
Think of women taken
Before their time had come
Think of women taken
At the hands of loved ones
Think of women taken By bullets and bombs
Think of women taken
Away from daughters and sons
Think of women now gone
This Nollaig na mBan
Seán Watmore

I’m posting this blip just before 8pm and I will be watching Stories from The National Gallery on Sky Arts at 8. A few days ago on Sky Documentaries I saw The Man Who Stole The Scream; I cannot recommend it highly enough. You can catch it on Replay. Please watch it, if you love Art and Intrigue.

Weather very cold in Dublin. I am thankful for my cosy home and having enough bobs to buy a few bags of timber and briquettes. Yes, lucky indeed. Lots of people around Ireland have no power because of heavy snowfall.

Have a nice evening everyone.