Signs of the Times

A super music session today. All the hard work I put into my 30-minute programme paid off, and went down a treat with the others. A new recruit came along today for the first time and seemed to enjoy things. Hopefully he'll fit in permanently.

Today's hosting was in Ballsbridge/Merrion, so we adjourned to the Merrion Inn afterwards for a bit of a chat. This is one of Dublin longest-established pubs, and traditionally attracts a dedicated rugby crowd. No match on today, so the TVs (far too many of them) had the volume blissfully turned down so that we could actually carry on a conversation in reasonable comfort.

At the same time, because there was no big match on, the place wasn't as busy as it often is. The place is covered with notices of price cuts and special offers. It's good to be asked to pay less, but it's a sure sign of tough times when a pub such as this has to resort to this sort of thing.