New Year's Eve Musings

I have been a little quiet lately, a little under the weather though the weather itself has much improved. I hope that everyone has had a wonderful holiday period and that the New Year brings all good things: health, wisdom, peace, and abundance.

I want to tell you about Christmas Day. As you know from my previous posting, I was planning on cooking dinner for anyone left in the student village that was interested. I had three very nice people join me, one lovely young woman from China, a terrific young man from India, both doing post gradaute degrees and a woman from Jamacia, who is doing her undergrad degree but had been in Ireland long enough to become a citizen.We had a lovely evening, lots of food and good conversation. I had planned a tradition dinner, but I couldn't find a turkey so I made a roast chicken with stuffing, sweet potatoes and roasted root vegetables, and a waldorf salad. My Jamaican guest brought a wonderful homemade spice cake that she saturated with brandy and rum. When I say saturated, I mean a half portion was enough to give you a hot flash. It was delicious, but I just can't resist telling you that the baker ate three pieces,got tipsy on her own cake and left early to go home and take a nap. She was so cute and very funny.

The rest of my week has been very quiet. I realized that the only place I wanted to be was here at least for the short term. I looked in guidebooks and on the internet for places to travel to, but nothing resonated, so here is where I stayed. As it turns out it was probably a good move, since with the thaw came lots of burst pipes and water problems throughout Ireland. I was fortunate to escape many of the water problems that happened right here in the student village resulting in fire alarms going off and damaged ceilings and wet carpets. The village crew and University staff have been so responsive an fortunately alarms in my building have gone off at reasonable daylight hours.

On Monday I am heading to nearby Glenstal Abbey for a week long retreat. I am looking forward to the change of scenery and the opportunity to listen daily to the monks singing Gregorian chant. The grounds of the Abbey are gorgeous. I am planning on taking long walks,spending time in the library, finding spots for quiet contemplation,and to talking with the monks and other guests at meals. I am also working on a writing project and this will be the perfect place for inspiration! I feel like I need a little daily routine in my life right now and a week at Glenstal should inspire that as well.

I look forward to sharing that experience with you next. In the meantime I am sending New Year's greetings and love from Glocca Morra.