Workday

Aerial view of the grounds.

Summer at Drewstown.

Drewstown House from across the lake.

Stained glass window in main house.

Picture of the courtyard from roof of main house.  

Rainbow over the courtyard.

It is difficult to believe that our time in Ireland is drawing to a close.  We have spent the past few days relaxing and visiting with friends.  Yesterday also included a quick trip to Kells to see where Matt went to school.  Today we had a blast doing some outside projects at Drewstown House.  The kids have adapted very well to Ireland.  They have enjoyed learning new terminology and trying new food.  Biscuits have been a hit, of course, but we have also enjoyed Polish bread, cheeses from Ireland and Germany (red cheese and edom are the favorites), Belgium chocolates, German salami, corned beef and the ever popular fish and chips with red sauce.  Visiting with people has also been fun.  In Ireland, there is no such thing as a "quick question".  Every conversation is at least 20-30 minutes.  Matt went to drop in on a local farmer and I'm sure he won't be back for at least an hour or more.  The kids enjoy the fact that every visit always includes tea and a biscuit!  It has been refreshing not to see everyone talking on a cell phone.  Conversation is much more spontaneous. Tomorrow will be spent worshiping with the fellowship in Navan, having dinner with John and Robin and taking one last walk.  Monday we will be off to London.  Culture shock!!  We're not sure about internet access there, but imagine there should be access at our Bed and Breakfast.  We'll post when we can.

Edging in the courtyard.

 

Newgrange

Today the family went to Newgrange.  To be quite honest nobody knows what Newgrange is.  They don't know who built it because there is absolutely no writing anywhere to explain anything.  There are just swirly patterns on rocks and triangles above the door.  Newgrange is 500 years older than the pyramids of Giza.  That makes it about 5,000 years old.  Every winter solstice the sun comes in through an opening above the door and lights up the inner chamber for 17 minutes.  To get to the inner chamber you walk bent over in a low tunnel.  If you're claustrophobic don't go inside, just enjoy the view.
By: Karina
No pictures were allowed inside the chamber.

The upper opening is where light shone in to the
back of the monument for 17 mins. each year.

Carvings that date back to 3200 BC

Entrance to Newgrange.

The kids at Newgrange.  No, we don't know what
Clint was up to! 

River Boyne at Newgrange.

The River Boyne at the village of Slane.

Eva with Biscuit the dog and
Johanna with Sparky.

National Ploughing Championships

Sheep getting ready to be sheared.

Making new friends.

One of MANY huge tents.

Children's pony riding competition.

Sheep dogs are trained from puppyhood to herd sheep.  Their
masters have different calls to make the dog herd the sheep
in different directions.  The dogs start off by running around
the perimeter of the field and sneaking up behind them.  Then they
ran around the sheep or lay down.   The dog had to herd them
through three different gates and then a pen.  It was very
interesting to watch the dogs.  By: Tessa 

I like the Irish dancing.  And I like the
dresses.  They kicked their legs up
when they danced.  The music
was quick.  There were small, medium
and big kids.  By: Molly

Today was a wet day visiting the Irish National Ploughing Championships.  The enormity of it was a bit overwhelming at times.  Rows and rows of huge tents containing around 1,800 vendors/exhibitors placed in what were a farmer's fields a few short weeks ago.  On the outskirts are acres and acres of fields that farmers from all over the country will demonstrate their plowing skills in hopes of becoming the Irish champion.  The winner then moves on to European competitions.  The weather was wet and chilly, but that didn't stop the estimated 60,000 people from attending.  Among our favorite activities were the sheep dog trials, sheep shearing, the wellie throwing competition, Irish dancing and the animal exhibits.  All the heavy machinery was a hit as well.  Tomorrow we head on back up to Drewstown House for our last 5 days in Ireland.  Can't believe the time is going so quickly!

My favorite thing about the Ploughing was all the
cool, heavy machinery.  This is a New Holland farm
tractor.  All the different tractors were lined up ready
to plough the different fields.  It was really wet today.
By: Clint

 

Waterford Crystal Factory

Memorial to 9/11 rescue workers.

Waterford Crest

Today we were on the go again after a relaxing Sunday worshiping with the fellowship here and then having the educational experience of watching a Gaelic Football match on the tele.  We drove the 45 mins. over to Waterford to tour the crystal factory there.  It was a fascinating experience to watch the various stages of the process.  We were able to visit with the craftsmen while they worked. They undergo years of apprenticeship and then do extra training to become masters.  Pictures can't do justice to the intricacy of these beautiful works of art.  After the tour, we walked around the city center.  It is a no car area and has cobblestone streets with trees in the middle.  Definitely an old world feel.  As it turns out we are in Wexford at the time of the national ploughing competition.  It covers 80 acres and farmers from all over the country come to compete.  There are also many cultural events including the sheep dog trials, dancing, music, food, crafts, agriculture and a host of other activities.  There are supposed to be around 1,800 booths and displays.  It is estimated that 60,000 people will visit each day it is on.  We'll let you know tomorrow how we fare!

Cutting of the glass.

Blowing of the glass to even out the edges. 

Shaping of the molten glass.

Kiln used to fire the crystal.  

Wooden mold used to make specialty
items.

Football at Waterford Crystal

Irish Sea

Wild Fowl Reserve

Biscuit the dog.

Today was a relaxing day spent at the Irish Sea with friend Johanna and Biscuit, the dog.  The kids have been enjoying having a dog to play with as they are missing Jake.  If some of the pictures look familiar, it might be because this beach was used to film the landing scenes in Saving Private Ryan.  The weather was clear, though a bit chilly.  We all enjoyed finding "treasures" on the beach and watching the seals.  Afterwards, it was off to the village for the much anticipated 99.  A 99 is a creamy soft serve ice cream cone with a flake bar stuck in it.  No comparison in the States.  We then went off to explore the wild fowl reserve.  This evening it has been school work and a movie with Johanna and Eva.  They have completely spoiled us with wonderful meals and hospitality.  Tomorrow morning it is off to worship with the local fellowship and possibly the Irish Heritage Park.  Cheerio!

Coast of the Irish Sea.