Hello readers, this missive is emanating from the Bunclody Library. Internet service at the cottage is meagre, infrequent and unpredictable. That being said, not a lot has happened that is worth noting.
I have had a cold and it has blown up into a roaring sinus infection. This does not incline me to be socially active in any way. I declined a lunch invitation today to celebrate Kathy Doyle's 80th birthday. She was my bread making teacher - well still is, because we'll have to have another round one day. I was to join her sister and sisters-in-law for an outing but I'm not up to it, nor do I wish to share this with anyone, so I had to decline.
The weather has not been very nice and as a result there have been no walks in town or the nearby hills, or anywhere else. It has been cold and wet and although it seems to be warming up, there are no long dry spells coming. Ah the Irish winter.
Yesterday I had to go to Rathnew, Co Wicklow (look it up) for an allergy shot, so I met for lunch with John O'Neill who has done considerable research for me in the past. Of late he has sent along emails of information from past research, some of which is guiding me in my current searches. He did find evidence that our Byrnes may have been in the Coolross area for at least 100 years before we find Art renting a few acres at Coolross. That avenue will be explored next week in Sheffield when I interrupt my Irish stay for an English one. I've emailed the Sheffield Archives about which documents I'm anxious to look at and hopefully they will be awaiting my arrival.
I did not photograph my lunch of chicken and mushroom pie (large enough for two), along with the mashed potatoes (for four), turnips and greens (for two). This was a single order. I don't have a wide-angled lens to have taken it all in. It was tasty - as much as I could manage to eat - and was followed by a very good cup of coffee. I was well fortified for many hours afterwards.
Over lunch, John also suggested some sources for info on other family lines, and not to give up on the idea that perhaps some of them were either converted from Protestantism or possibly waffled back and forth depending on the current political circumstances. The lines in question are mainly in-laws so not a priority.
He also mentioned a nice little hotel near St Stephen's Green where I might book a room for a few nights to do some research. They seem to have specials if you stay 3 nights. The car rental situation is such that I can only rent for 28 days at a time. I surrender the current vehicle tomorrow evening before settling in at the Maldron Dublin Airport hotel before my very early flight to Leeds/Bradford. I will pick up the next one on the 9th, the morning following my return. Perhaps I'll schedule a few days in Dublin starting March 9 and then pick up what should be the third and final rental vehicle for the rest of my stay.
After lunch with John at the Burnaby Pub in Greystones, I went to Rathnew for the allergy shot. The plan had been to drop in to Ashford to say hello to Mary and Oliver en route home. However, by that time I was feeling so rotten I headed back to Bunclody after a quick apologetic phone call. By the time I got to the town, my first stop was a pharmacy for some nasal spray. As it turns out, that was just something to spray up my nose before deciding it really was time to start the antibiotics that I'd brought along, just in case. Nasal decongestants for those who have high blood pressure are probably made of distilled water. This morning I cracked open that little bottle of pink pills and hope the miracle starts soon.
The internet cable that connects to the Gilsenans house, and ultimately to Moss Cottage, is in need of replacement. It should be done within 5 business days of last Saturday. They are not in a rush. I had a signal on Sunday and briefly yesterday morning, and for about 30 minutes off and on this morning. This is getting tedious. Today I finally hit the library - and this is a day they don't close for lunch. I found a spot under the heating duct so don't need the coat and gloves like last time.
There is a beautiful display of origami swans made by students of an adult school here. It is to signify multi-culturalism. I could suggest where it should be sent but the White House is no longer embracing beauty and pure motives, so I shall just post the photo to facebook.
Despite having a strong signal here, my own stamina is dropping rapidly so I shall sign off now. Maybe I can get in a bit more internet searching before fading completely. I've despatched a few emails for updates on previous queries but even those are not going out properly from gmail. The electronic fates are not in my favour of late.
A discovery that I've made is that plain white vinegar is not available in Ireland. In the stores where I've asked for it, I've been met with "well here's clear malt vinegar, that should be the same". NO! I miss my gallon jug which I use for virtually all cleaning, as I'm not currently indulging in chips. If chips were on the menu the malt vinegar would be great.
I shall write again from the hotel on Thursday night. Surely they will have dependable wifi. Not sure how much time I'll have to write the blog while in jolly old England. I have friends to visit and archives to explore and notes to update. But - I expect that if the B&B has a reliable signal I should be able to write at least one post.
Slan
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