but Spring is supposed to mean flowers, not mud.

All the flowering trees on my drive to work are starting to bloom! Pink and white and yellow and fuschia! Love it.

Not really looking forward to anything special in the next month. But a great spring day --

The last Thursday in April 2003. My co-worker K and his native-of-Ireland fiancee S were getting married on Saturday in her home church in County Kildare. I was a groomsman. The wedding rehearsal was at noon in the 100+YO church. This is where most of the Americans met most of the Irish contingent (well, T and I had met a few the night before, but that's another story).

Then, after a few wedding-related errands (such as final fitting on the tux), off to the rented house in Hollywood (County Wicklow) that was the groom's party's base of operations. Objective: Introduce the Irish contingent to that classic American tradition, the rehearsal dinner. More specifically, a cookout. With bathtubs filled with beer and other beerlike substances.

The weather had been cool and showery all day. But it cleared off in time for the festivities.

Which started with a cookout. Then moved to a couple of musicians setting up for music. Starting with Irish tradition, audience vocals. J sang "You're My Best Friend" to his wife M. S's mother sang a few of her favorites, including "One Day at a Time." Then the folk dancing started.

The first good thing about Irish folk dancing is that it isn't too difficult to pick up. The second good thing is that the proper spirit is more important than getting the steps right.

So the day ended at a house in the hills of County Wicklow (if you've seen Zardoz, you've seen the lake we had a great view of). Folk dancing. And since this is sheep country, with the accompaniment of sheep and lambs.

Oh, that's a lovely memory Fred.

Hello Fern!

Very memorable Fred. Nice.

Welcome Fern.

Hey all - another fly-by post. The vacation is almost over. We head out EARLY tomorrow morning for the drive back. Our current plan is to drive to LA, take a break for a couple of hours and then do the rest of the drive home. If any LAistas have any tips, Perkins and juliana have my cell number (hope you don't mine me offering you as intermediaries).

We have had a blast. We each have a touch of a sunburn, not enough to be OMG SUN, but enough to smile and remember that we have had fun in the sun.

The A's lost yesterday, but won today. Raq - how about Frank Thomas??? We did not get as many autographs as we have in the past. Two of the games were split squad games, and then today the guys were in a closed door meeting before the game and only a few signed when they came out.

The shoulders are loose, the brain has been quiet, the mind and body have been at peace.

Going home - C has packed up and moved out and I need to recreate our guest room. Mom has had a couple of tough days and work is piling up at the office. Whatever....

Hi Fern! Nice to have you delurk.

Welcome, Fern!

Whatever....

That's the attitude I'm talkin' about vacation girl!

My dog is being a wretched brat. Grrr.

I know the poor little thing is stir-crazy, but when I take you out, dear, don't run around like a lunatic and yank my arm out of the socket and nearly trip me when I'm wobbilyly crouching down to clean up after you. sighhhhh

Hey Fern! That sounds like a San Francisco punk rock spectacular.