Christmas Eve

What a beautiful, beautiful day. We woke up to a magnificent fog that cleared by early afternoon allowing the sun to smile her shining smile all over Ireland. The snow is starting to melt and we can even see some green grass showing. Very exciting.

I went to the gym this morning since it would be my last time to go and Jean Marie had errands to run and mom was at Jean's house making tons of home made raviolis. Mom had decided when Ellen and Frank had invited us for Christmas dinner that she would make raviolis. Also, my sister had brought my grandmother's old pasta maker to Ireland years ago so I think it was nice for mom to make part of the Christmas dinner on something Nonnie used herself for many, many years.

The gym was very busy with people trying to get some exercise before they over eat for the next week. I've been so lucky to have had the pleasure of being a member her for the past two months. The staff is so helpful and gracious and the jacuzzi has been a life saver through all this cold weather.

I took a very long walk through town which was jam packed with shoppers making their last run at Christmas shopping. I can't believe how many people wait until the last moment to get things done but I think also there is that excitement that comes for some people when they are rushing around on Christmas Eve day running in and out of shops.

I took a few pictures of Eyre Square now that German Market closed and you can see the sculpture depicting sails on a boat.

I also found this tiny, tiny lane (Blake's Lane) where the homes were little cottages where the doors were only as high as my shoulders.

My long walk continued all the way back to the neighborhood right before Jean Marie's. It was so foggy but that made it an even more interesting walk. It was good for me to have this time just be quiet and think about the last year and all that has happened and about life in general as well as get some exercise and fresh air.

I walked past this very old cemetery where the fog had almost completely enveloped the grounds but through the misty clouds I could see the outlines of the large old Celtic Cross tombstones. There was something very peaceful about the place as well as feeling like old Ireland was somehow wishing everyone a happy Christmas. I'm just feeling nostalgic which I usually do this time of year no matter where I am.

I walked about another 20 minutes to the Mervue Holy Family church for Christmas Eve mass. Mom and Jean Marie met me there and the church was standing room only. This particular service was for the Children so their was an adorable all girls folk group who sang Christmas carols.

I found it very interesting that tonight just about everywhere I looked I saw someone I thought I recognized. I knew these people where not in Ireland like our dear friend Sue Cronin but I think at Christmas you just feel like your loved ones are around even when they're not. I also think that what makes mass important for people is that it brings people together to celebrate joy and love. I looked around at one point thinking if only we could all understand in this world that it's not about what language you speak, what nationality you are, what race you are, what sexual orientation you are or what religion you practice it's about just coming together as often as possible, in small or large groups to simply enjoy one another and celebrate all our differences. And if these gatherings can include singing, dancing, laughter, great food and drink and other wonderful things even better.

May peace be with everyone and may be always be grateful for all that we have.