Smoking is for Idiots

Back jogging. I have once again stopped smoking, hopefully this time for good. I was beginning to find the cycling really hard especially on the hills, so it was time to give them up! I jogged my usual bypass route last week but it took me 47 minutes, about 10 minutes slower than earlier in the year. However, this week I managed it in a time of 43, and I felt good going around. Also, this term I am cycling home from school usually three days a week as Marion drops me down in the mornings. It's lovely to cycle home after a day's work!

Friday evening now, beautiful warm fire and a good film...good way to finish a good week.

Managing fine without the cigarettes, and on the one-lap run of the Friary last Tuesday i was able to push hard. felt good to begin to get my breathing back a bit better.

Summer holidays

Holidays on Tuesday. Marion home today.

Not summery yet though.

Half Marathon

Golly, it's been so long since I added stuff here. Why? Spring and summer have taken me outside and away from the laptop.
I entered the recent Great Limerick Run with Kieran and on a beautiful sunny Sunday I managed to complete the distance in 2:21. Very happy with that... I could see the pressure of others over the final few miles as they obviously chased a specific finishing time, whereas I was more than happy just to finish. And I finished without stopping!
Training for past few weeks twice a week doing about 5 mile runs. Nice and easy until about 3 miles and a faster finish. The uphill home from the church is HARD, but I am getting stronger each week.

Don't Be Afraid

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
David Lloyd George

Which One Are You?

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.

Willie Arthur Ward

Spring in Dungarvan

Top of the Vee (Photo: Declan Earley)

What a wonderful weekend! On Saturday I cycled TWICE. We had arranged our usual midday spin, but as I was up and eager to go, I cycled with the faster group to Affane and back with a wonderful tailwind. So, time then for a second breakfast, before leaving again with Kieran. However, as we got two heavy sleety showers, we cycled only to Lismore and home. All in all I had just 55 miles, and was content to rest up for the afternoon.

Sunday morning was beautiful again, and our group of 13 went slowly to Lismore. seven of us decided to climb the Vee, and although sheltered for the first half of the seven-mile climb, we paid for it further up as we pushed into a nasty headwind. Very nasty! Down then to Clogheen, and rolled home via Newcastle, Fourmilewater and Ballymac with a tailwind. 61 miles at 15.4mph average. Topped it all off with roast beef and garden centre visit in the afternoon. Magic!

Looking For A Husband?

A brand new department store has just opened in London. It sells husbands. When women go to choose a husband, they have to follow the following instructions:-

You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are 6 floors and the value of the products increase as you go up. You may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go to the next floor, but you CANNOT go back down except to exit the building.

One day a woman goes into the store and rather nervously starts climbing the stairs.

When she gets to the 1st floor a sign on the door reads:

Floor 1: These men have jobs.

She thinks, "I can do better than that" and keeps going up.

The 2nd floor sign reads:

Floor 2: These men have jobs and love kids.

But she goes up another floor.

The 3rd floor sign reads:

Floor 3: These men have jobs, love kids and are extremely good looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the 4th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 4: These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking and help with the housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the 5th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 5: These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking, help with the housework and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the 6th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6: You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor.

There are no men on this floor.

This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opens a Wives store just across the street.

The 1st first floor has wives that love sex.

The 2nd floor has wives that love sex and have money.

The 3rd,4th, 5th and 6th floors have never been visited.

From: http://www.fun-with-english.co.uk/ (copyright)

We Underestimate

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. 

Leo Buscaglia

Tender, Compassionate, Sympathetic

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. 

George Washington Carver

An Artistic Prodigy

Downloaded and Uploaded. Copyright of Owner

Yes, food for thought there!

The Curious Incident Of The Leg Of Lamb

These things happen, even to good people. We had taken a leg of lamb from the freezer last night and left it on the kitchen countertop to defrost. However, as she left for horseriding early today, Meabh very kindly fed the cat inadvertently. Garage door open. Cat, being a clever creature, could not resist. Plastic packaging proved to be only a minor obstacle. Here's a transcript of some text conversations between Meabh & myself about an hour later:

Dad: We had a lovely leg of lamb ready for dinner. But now we don't. You need to eat humble pie when you see mam.

Meabh: Whooooops.. missed breakfast though so I night need the lamb too.

Dad: Mmm...

Meabh: I'm starved.

Kitten Says Thanks For Leg Of Irish Lamb

As I mentioned, these things do happen. Strange thing was that as I came upon the cat nibbling through good Irish lamb, both dogs were sitting looking up at it. Probably wondering why they've never been allowed up on the countertop to indulge. Story ends with dogs and cat delighted to be given the joint between them. Now the dogs will likely collude and encourage cat to repeat episode.

Computer Helpline Drama

There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired.

Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!): 

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?' 

Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.' 

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??' 

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.' 

Operator: 'Went away?' 

Caller: 'They disappeared.' 

Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?' 

Caller: 'Nothing.' 

Operator: 'Nothing??' 

Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.' 

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??' 

Caller: 'How do I tell?' 

Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??' 

Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?' 

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?' 

Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.' 

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??' 

Caller: 'What's a monitor?' 

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??' 

Caller: 'I don't know.' 

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??' 

Caller: 'Yes, I think so.' 

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall. 

Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??' 

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.' 

Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.' 

Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??' 

Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark??'

Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window. 

Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'

Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not??'

Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.' 

Operator: 'A power...A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.

Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??' 

Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.' 

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'

Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?' 

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'

Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'

Operator: 'Tell them you're too f --- ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'

Shared Computing By HCS Business Solutions

December 2010 brought another leap forward for us in Stradbally when we had much-needed new technology delivered. In place of our four standalone computers in the Senior classes, HCS Business Solutions Waterford advised us and implemented newer technology to meet our needs. A 64-bit Windows 7 server installed has brought us to the next level, and in addition to the four class laptops, we are now in a position to deliver to a greater extent on our policy of integrating ICT into the class curriculum.

Next Generation Technology From HCS Business Solutions

We had considered the purchase of additional laptops to add to our current stock. However, although the mobility of laptops is a key factor, the advantages of this solution became apparent immediately.  This machine allows eight users to work simultaneously on various applications, while also being wirelessly connected to our remaining laptops, netbooks, wireless printer and iPad.

We would like to acknowledge the assistance before, during and post-installation from Seán and Steve. Pupils have seen their PC-time increase dramatically on a daily basis, and we are in a position now to link our delivery of the Primary Curriculum to resources that enhance pupils' learning experience.

A good range of school software is of course essential, and in this regard we are quite fortunate in that we have, over many years, built up a bank of quality titles. In addition, our Parents Association have committed to fund the further costs of new software in 2011.

...Taken from my School Blog. School Blog is published by pupils under supervision. This article, however, is my own.

Beautiful Ballyduff On A Bike

Today was very mild, the calm after yesterday's storm. We had a good group of fifteen to Lismore, and as the rest returned directly, Kieran and I headed on to Ballyduff, Tallow and home via Camphire Bridge. lovely spin, almost spoiled by two big dogs that came behind us unseen at Cappagh, and nearly knocked us off.  52 miles in three and a quarter hours. Good going, especially as we hadn't been out for eight days!

Photo Courtesy of Lismore Cycling Holidays

Finally, I spotted this during the week and want to spread the word... Lismore Cycling Holidays. Have a look at the wonderful photos.

Will Ted Williams Find A Stable Wife?

Well, if anyone had spotted us driving towards Galway recently, in the knots laughing! we were listening to a lovely radio piece about an American reporter having put a video of a homeless man, Ted Williams, on youTube. The case was sensational. This poor man's claim to thirty seconds of fame was his wonderful "radio voice". the video had over 10 million hits! Within a few days he was being interviewed on national TV stations, and I believe subsequently got work. Marvelous, isn't it?

So, why were we crying with laughter? I'll tel you why. As the radio piece was nearing an end, the host happened to mention that it was unlikely that this man will have a "stable life" ahead, but we both misheard the phrase as "stable wife". Now, there's a thought...

Think With Deep Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. - Albert Schweitzer

I came upon this today. I think that we really do come upon stuff we need only when we need it! I am grateful for several sparks! So, now is my time to reflect with deep gratitude.

Wind Chill Factor Minus Ten In Cornamona

Wrapped in everything I could find helped a little amid driving arctic wind along the northern shore of Lough Corrib at Cornamona, County Galway.

A Former Home No Longer Providing Shelter

Earlier, the sun shone warmer on the eastern edge to help melt semi-frozen icewater. Llapping waves flowing over frozen water made quite an eerie sound as ice-sheets submerged and crackled.

View Towards Partry Mountains From Lough Corrib, County Galway

Morning in Glencorrib

It's morning again but this time it's in Glencorrib in County Galway. We have returned to Glencorrib once again. Hard to imagine that our last visit here was in 2003. We are with our friends Margaret and Billy, on a spur-of-the-moment visit to catch up on years lost...no, not lost, merely apart.

Grasses Reach For The Morning Light

Last time I was here it looked more like light was trying to creep in. Yes, Ireland really has undergone such an enormous transformation. Even light seems to have changed properties! Photo below: Seven Year Itch Taken At Ashford Castle 2003.

Light Trying To Creep In: Ashfoord Castle 2003

Dungarvan Cycling Club

Our PRO Sean does a wonderful job on Club Notes for local newspapers, club website and Facebook page. This week, you would be forgiven for thinking that I had given him a brown envelope or two. Read on to decide for yourself.

Happy New Year one and all. “No more champagne and the fireworks are through” they sang. It doesn't sound like Abba brought a lot of cheer to the Stockholm CC New Year's spin but it's a good time to reflect on a fantastic 2010 for the club and look forward to a great 2011. Last year saw numbers up on club spins, more members taking up racing, big club representation at sportives all over the country and plenty of success on the roads. Pádraig's group went from strength to strength and served as a great introduction to new cyclists, many of whom set themselves targets that they subsequently went on to achieve during the year. I'm sure a lot of people would like to thank Pádraig for taking the initiative on this. Dungarvan CC jerseys were prominent on many leisure tours and indeed the club received positive comments for their workrate and solidarity. Club competitions increased in popularity. Many thanks to all those who gave their time to marshal the events and to all of our sponsors. The club open race was extremely well attended on a beautiful day in August. Again, thanks to all who ensured the success of the event. The racing team had a notable year with plenty of victories and places in road races and time trials recorded in 2010 and Brian Hallissey capped off a terrific season with selection for the Irish team. 

Plenty to look forward to in 2011 then. Lots of goals are being set and there'll be no shortage of support to help you achieve them.

Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Dartmoor Summer 2009

JOIN THE STEADY GANG

Dungarvan Cycling Club provides several options for members and intending Members. For anyone beginning the sport just come along to the Square on Sunday mornings for a 9.35am start. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for advice and tips. Bring a helmet and water. You will be advised on a suitable distance to begin with and later a personalised fitness programme will be available to you. Our group (cycling at a steady 25kmph / 15 mph) generally goes to Cappoquin and Lismore. You may be ready for this journey, or perhaps just half way...we provide options for approx. 15k, 30k and 50k. Other more regular members go on beyond Lismore, completing up to 80k before lunch.

Quote from member who started in February 2010: "I was advised that if I stuck to the plan, I would be able to cycle the Ring of Kerry in July. I did, and I did! It was for me a huge achievement, as I managed only 10 miles the first day." Helmet compulsory, water advisable.

WALES 2011

A cycling weekend in west Wales is being organised for the June Bank Holiday 2011. Travelling by Ferry to Fishguard on Friday June 3rd we will be staying in the Fishguard Bay Hotel, returning on Monday afternoon June 6th. The hotel rate is £45 (pounds) per person sharing for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, returning on Monday afternoon (after a final spin, of course!). Once we determine that there is sufficient interest in this, we can work on a schedule for the weekend. Already, discussions on the road have brought forward the idea of having two separate groups wandering around west Wales, similar to our club setup here. Possibilities also of something like a two-hour spin, followed by a long lunch and cycle back to hotel. Anyone who knows good (hard) routes let us know. If you are interested (or your partner!) contact Pádraig de Búrca as soon as possible. A deposit of €50.00 will secure your place. Contact Padraig in person or by email at *******@hotmail.com before January 30th 2011. We intend booking places for 14, and anyone coming on board after that will be able to contact the hotel directly for availability. Incidentally, this trip is on the weekend before the Wicklow 200, so anyone doing both will be well advised to go to Wales just for minimal cycling and maximum fun. We will ensure also that this weekend will be suitable for anyone who started in to the Steady Eddie group during 2010. Do not be be put off. The weekend will be a fun one, but for more experienced cyclists, extra hard routes including steep gradients will be found.

Cats Sleep Anywhere

I remember this from primary school. I am reminded of it as our Kit settles in to home in Park Lane. Favourite spots so far include: basket on my electric bike, saucepan in garage with old hat in it, the laundry basket and of course right in the middle of the dog's kitchen mat, having evicted them!

Cats sleep anywhere

Any table, any chair

Top of piano, window ledge

In the middle, on the edge

Open drawer, empty shoe

Anybody's lap will do

Fitted in a cardboard box

In the cupboard with your frocks

They don't care

Cats sleep anywhere!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Well, today turned out to be another good bike-day. Actually it's not many bike-days that turn out to be not so good! PS & DE headed off down to Kilmac and up the back road to Carrick. Tough long pull all the way up saved by the sensible suggestion to turn left to Clonea. I'd NEVER been on this road before (well I suppose coz we don't normally choose the soft option!). Home via Mahon Bridge and the Pike.

On more serious matters, it seems more obvious as the weeks go by that our kitten really is mad.