Spring Time in Ireland

The cold outside is still so noticeable.  I can't quite figure out why the flowers and trees are deciding to bud.  The last few days the kids and I have gone for walks in the neighborhood and noticed budding tree branches.  Today we saw some flowers emerging.  To our surprise there were some trees in the village with not just buds but full leaves.  Ireland is a strange beauty.  I guess the trees and flowers are so used to the cold that they don't mind it as much as people like us, who come from the desert. 

I recently discovered that tomorrow is Ireland's first day of spring since it will be February 1st. 

This date is also chosen to honor St. Brigid.  According to pagan legend February 1st is the first day of spring on the pagan calendar.

May 1st is the beginning of summer.

August 1st is the beginning of autumn.

November 1st is the beginning of winter.

 

Through much searching I have discovered that Ireland's (true) first day of spring is March 1st, NOT February 1st.  summer begins on June 1st, autumn begins September 1st and winter is on December 1st.

So, it currently looks like we have one more month before spring truly arrives although the flowers and trees might be saying other-wise.

Scottish Bagpipes Are No Surprise Around These Parts

We recently went to the local shopping center.  When we got there we went to one of my favorite coffee shops, Costa.  I rather enjoy it there since they always have some sort of gluten-free treat.  While sitting and enjoying some coffee and cocoa we could hear the sound of bagpipes getting louder and louder until we could actually visually see them strolling by.  In New Mexico it would be no surprise to suddenly see a Mariachi band.  Apparently here in Ireland, it is no surprise to see Scottish bagpipes playing.

Garda

While in Lucan I took a picture of this Garda (police) Station.  Everywhere I go the buildings are old and neat looking.  If I didn't see the Garda sign I would have never guessed this was where the police are at. 
Some interesting things we have learned while living here:
1-Most of the "regular" Garda officers do not carry firearms.  If they are in need of back up then armed Garda are available.
 2-The name Garda is short for Guardians.
 3- It is not likely to get a speeding ticket by a Garda officer.  There is, however, speed cameras.  If they catch you then you will be sent a ticket in the mail.  There is quite a few of them all over the country so you are better off just not speeding.

Doing Away With Organization and Preparations

The last couple of weeks have been full of me thinking about this blog.  I consistently think on it and wish that I had more time on my schedule to blog.  It is tremendously hard to find the time but I have decided that I will continue to blog even if it is for bits at a time.  Whoever reads this please know that as long as I have this blog I will blog.  My intent is not to ignore it but to spend time on it but reality is I am a sojourner, home-school mom and wife .  Most of our days are spent focusing in on our school and learning new discoveries of this far away land all while keeping house. 

I am very excited to announce that we are planning  a trip to       ,       and       
  (I have decided to wait to say where to keep the supense up.)
I won't say when.  I don't think that would be appropriate to announce on-line.  And of course, I will blog about our journeys as they come. 

I am beginning to think the main reason I struggle finding time to blog is because of my desire to be so organized, which takes up quite a bit of preparation. I have decided to throw out organization and post whatever comes to mind. I think I will be able to more easily find time if I do it that way. So, you may only see photos at times but I figure that is better then nothing.

Below are some pictures of a polish store in the village of Leixlip.