Happy Birthday To Me!

Today was my second birthday here in Ireland. Last year, Col's parents came over to celebrate us at her apartment in the city centre (my home for the last fourteen months or so). This year, we are staying with Col's parents in their home as the apartment is being sold in anticipation of the big move (back) to Canada. Over the last few weeks of staying here, I haven't given Col more then a few moments of peace on her own :) so she was up late last night making a lovely and hilarious card, and generally making the place sufficiently birthday-ish.

This morning I found a banner strung across the stairwell, balloons of various shapes and sizes in the living room (including representation of the Canadian and Irish flags), and a couple of different cards. Since I have a bit of a cold at the minute, Col and I got right back into bed and watched a couple hours of Little Britain on dvd. What? It was medicinal. You know, laughter... the best medicine... Anywho, I eventually teetered back downstairs and made myself some risotto for lunch (sounds impressive, but it was from a fool-proof kit. It makes me feel so gourmet though). Col's mom formed the various balloons lying around (the kind usually used for bringing to life balloon animals) into different colourful hats. Their only drawback was the squeal of their rubber as they were wedged into a nice tight fit on one's head. Very creative though!

We decided to go for a little drive, and traveled about forty minutes North to Portrane, the area where Col and her family lived until she was about eleven. Though the weather was a little miserable (not too much rain but it was hurled at you at amazing speeds by the whipping wind), the area was very beautiful. It is on the coast of the Irish Sea, and has a beautiful shoreline, it's own Martello Tower, and a view of Ireland's Eye.

We had a lovely meal at the local restaurant (located close to 3 golf courses who must be gearing up for September's Ryder Cup right here in Ireland). Through the large window we could see the odd soul brave the wind and rain. We decided to view the foamy white waves from indoors. Wind and rain on the coast... uncomfortable to stand in but a fantastic visual treat.

Earlier this month, Col and I went to go see a one-night-only performance of comedian Eddie Izzard in Vicar Street. And tomorrow we are going to go see Riverdance at Gaiety Theatre on the last day of it's run. So that is more then enough for one birthday! Photos to follow later. G'night!