Back to school.

 I think I have done one course a year over the past 37 years. They include Literacy, Numeracy, Drama, Literacy through Drama, PE, Art, Science, Chess and a Post-Grad among other things. Each and every one of them was to do with my career.

This year I am in the enviable position to be able to do a course just for ME So I was able to choose something just because its interesting and fun.

So that how I came to be heading to Athlone last night to start my Fashion Masterclass. It was the first time I've felt excited about something in ages.

I put Athlone Training Center into the Sat Nav and set off in plenty of time. 

Just as well.

I arrived at Eddie Stoppard's haulage yard and my Sat Nav announced

"You have reached your destination."

HELL NO I HAVEN'T!

The next 10 mins were spent driving up and down the road trying to discover where on earth the training centre was hiding. I rang the centre, no answer. Eventually, after searching Facebook I got another eircode for the place. I went driving in the opposite direction and......found it, only 3 minutes too late.

It was a great first class run by Maria Carton. There was a thought provoking piece on Fast Fashion and it put us all off buying any impulse buys. Just as well we will be learning about a capsule wardrobe very soon.

Watch this space!

Doin' a Legger.

 Today was another glorious September day so i headed off to Multyfarnham to take part in LARCC's 5k walk/run.

For those of you not in the know, LARCC are a Cancer Support group that provide amazing services for both cancer patients and their families. And unfortunately most of us have had either family or friends or both who have suffered from this dreadful disease.

Anyway I arrived at the registration office and was asked the dreaded question

"Do you want to be timed?"

"GOD NO!!! I'll be happy to finish it."

After a warm-up (not really needed on a day like today) we set off.

I happily stood into the side to allow the runners pass me by.

I kept up a good steady pace but soon realised that they were disappearing into the distance.

But I looked behind and I wasn't last, so I didn't panic!

I fell into step with Mary and we had a great chat and I didn't feel the time pass.

Boy was I glad of the sausage rolls, cupcakes and tea that we got when we finished. Well I wouldn't like to lose too much weight too quickly!!!

I headed home with my medal, very proud of myself.

Any day that you earn a medal is a good day!

Damn Irish weather

 I woke up this morning and decided to head to the Royal Meath Show. I've never been to an "agricultural show" before but hey, life is about new experiences.

Of course the burning question is "What do I wear?" Our summer was a wash out and now its September. I took a look outside.

Cloudy, a few grey clouds, so better dress for autumn. I put on a sweatshirt and also brought my lightish coat. I decided against wearing a tee-shirt underneath as I figured that could get too warm. Off I headed on my merry way.

I parked in the carpark aka big field which was a bit of a distance from the show. As I opened the car door to get out I felt a few drops of rain. So I decided on leaving my coat in the car and bringing my umbrella.

This is me entering the grounds.

Sky looking a bit gloomy.

For those of you wondering, yes that is the castle that was used in Braveheart.

I headed around the stalls and exhibits. Within 30 minutes I was sweltering!

This was now the sky....

People were milling around in their shorts and tee shirts, eating ice-cream. I was the feckin' eejit who was stumbling along in a sweatshirt and umbrella! I couldn't even take off the sweatshirt as I had nothing on underneath!

I went to all the stalls to see if there were any tee-shirts on sale. But of course not! They had jackets, body-warmers , hats and scarves.

And if I had worn my summer stuff it would have bucketed rain.

I give up!