For many families the wooden spoon was an implement of discipline. While our own occasionally served that purpose too, it was more fondly seen as a means to delicious treats. Mixing together ground almonds and raspberry jam to make Bakewell Tarts, gave off a divine aroma that told you a gastronomic hug awaited you in …
It's November and I always want to talk to my mother at this time of year. I'm in the car in the direction of the graveyard where she and Dad are buried. Suddenly I get a flash of memory of me standing at the grave on previous occasions and I know that I can't put …
It is said in Ireland, that everyone has a Bono story. You'll be glad to hear that I don't, but I do have a Gay Byrne story and if you'll indulge me, I'd like to tell it. It is impossible to have grown up in Ireland during the 70s and 80s and not get a …
Monty's name really suits him, or Montgomery to give him his full title, which I only ever do when we're taking Earl Grey together. Though sometimes I think we should have called him Dumbo. Not casting aspersions on his intelligence, nor because of his over-sized ears. Simply because he poops as much as an elephant. …
The man child here in the house is looking at college courses for next year. I've taken to pouring over these prospectuses myself in fascination, you can do anything nowadays. There are degree programmes in Outdoor Education, Food Innovation, Photography, Theatre Studies. It's far from the Manpower list we were given in 6th year to …
May I start with a short poem called Survivor Everyday, I think about dying. About disease, starvation, violence, terrorism, war, the end of the world. It helps keep my mind off things. Written by: Roger McGough Somehow when you face up to the transience of life and its unavoidable end, it is very liberating, even …
Say what you like about RTE's programming, but they've come up with a brilliant show in 'Raised by the Village' on Sunday evenings. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favour and find it on the player. It's a little gem of a show. It introduces us to young people who are in trouble. …
I often think that marriage is a lot like Government. There is much work to be done, and for efficiency it's best if the jobs are divided up giving each person a portfolio of ministries. Ideally, these ministries should be rotated every few years to avoid burnout, but at this stage we're fairly entrenched in …
Who doesn't love going for coffee with their pal? A catch up over a cuppa is hard to beat. I have a favourite coffee shop, far enough away that it serves as a carrot at the end of a long walk, or even a carrot cake sometimes! It's a lovely spot with couches, newspapers, friendly …
As Christy Moore sings in his song Lisdoonvarna: 'everybody needs a break, climb a mountain or jump in a lake'. Now that summer is upon us, I hope to do both and a lot more besides. A little hiatus from posting weekly blogs, some time for new adventures that hopefully will lead to more stories …
Ordinary Plenty 