tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23920788036629257192024-03-13T00:57:08.931-07:00Operation Solihull - Ron & Deanne HancockThe Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-8202002686044466902011-08-28T11:56:00.000-07:002011-10-22T04:26:16.873-07:00CASTLES OF IRELAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">BLARNEY CASTLE</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Set in the woodlands in rural Ireland northwest of Cork is on of Ireland's most popular attractions, Blarney Castle. You you come more nothing else than the shear beauty of the grounds and fields it would be well worth the visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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While Blarney Castle is extremely touristy, it is still one of the most impressive castles in Ireland. The once hugh and the massive 82 foot (25 metre) high tower is all that remains of it. <br />
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</div>Each year thousands of tourist from all over the world flock to this most exquisite site.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is well worth the visit as Deanne will attest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Not only was the castle impregnable but the Duke of Blarney caused that a series of secret tunnels be dug leading out into the surrounding area by which he could send out soldiers to attack attackers of the castle from behind.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beauty of the castle and demesne was exquisitely beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzngPqLMaj1qlVNKBca94dsVZTFUTUZVVzwaCiztUMbMkRbaX0grwIFoI8UwzlxBTc6N0-OWm6NgHk4Vg1Ly-d1n_WhcOo3p3VLivFzkcjnTZxfoV2RDduNPnhtmBi7GAiUItCmuvzUbH/s1600/P1010184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzngPqLMaj1qlVNKBca94dsVZTFUTUZVVzwaCiztUMbMkRbaX0grwIFoI8UwzlxBTc6N0-OWm6NgHk4Vg1Ly-d1n_WhcOo3p3VLivFzkcjnTZxfoV2RDduNPnhtmBi7GAiUItCmuvzUbH/s320/P1010184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today the interior is empty. The wood floors have long roted and deteriorated. but we have a clear vison of what it would have been like. Trim Castle, next below, also suffers from this deterioration.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The /blarney Stone itself is wedged far enough underneath the battlements to make it uncomfortable to reach. This does not stop thousands of tourists including Ron, to bend over backwards, hang upside down in a parapet and kiss the stone in hopes of increased loquaciousness. With this you will gain the gift of gab. The Blarney association with the gift of gab goes back to Queen Elizabeth 1 who created it in the 16th century. In a fit of exasperation at the ability of the then Lord Blarney to prattle on at great length without actually ever agreeing to what she wanted. She called his talk a bunch of blarney and the name stuck. The custom of kissing the /blarney Stone is less than a century old. Nobody knows why it started. In fact most of the tales around why it started are purely a bunch of blarney.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2LOVpxzrsBbrhWT0s0gD9jq6mSRXjInAasTIAJn2r1Kro9OHhQWl0SpJ7aCpX5ToGoWp0jjkrsvEaeLMsiWP58boHXHcXxYYjzd67SrRySl7MmQaWgn4FFaiMRqelEjZ10HFgjjLlv1j/s1600/P1010188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2LOVpxzrsBbrhWT0s0gD9jq6mSRXjInAasTIAJn2r1Kro9OHhQWl0SpJ7aCpX5ToGoWp0jjkrsvEaeLMsiWP58boHXHcXxYYjzd67SrRySl7MmQaWgn4FFaiMRqelEjZ10HFgjjLlv1j/s320/P1010188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Duke of Blarney no longer lives in the castle. He now lives in a fairytale castle on the grounds of the old castle but he is a very hospital man. When we met him he gave us an good overview of the castle and the life of what he called the Trustee of the family castle. At the time we met him we did not know that he was the Duke. He just seemed like just another local gentry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_E6CdIJC4PXNxQWpx3fJxxGTsWMqJMaJJXL2upyFvkn5k-YFLR1sW4BC9zWNLygvV_15TS1mllUWHcJdfmzrDI-ts2XBFLJGZYh3ag5EX9ftviugkFVh7RWcrKSGBie727PLJgIgfztx/s1600/P1010189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_E6CdIJC4PXNxQWpx3fJxxGTsWMqJMaJJXL2upyFvkn5k-YFLR1sW4BC9zWNLygvV_15TS1mllUWHcJdfmzrDI-ts2XBFLJGZYh3ag5EX9ftviugkFVh7RWcrKSGBie727PLJgIgfztx/s320/P1010189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
The castle grounds are very exquisite and must have been a thing of beauty in their time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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Ron and Deanne at the castle entrance as it is today.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This hugh tree was very intriguing to us visitors. It is many hundreds of years old.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the front drive up entrance of the present Duke of Blarney's fairy tale castle where he now lives. Because it is a private residence you can only see it when open for guided tours. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and it was very interesting to see how the rich nobility live.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEDcbyP0kijgfNAke1gMd9qq3Rrclqd-W42cdrX4EpjC1E0BQyJrIFqPm2DrtSOdCO4CeYPN22mZ4WmwchH38VYAEOLG6921iVPj5m9OBdx4MEdhAzWLH-XBODlb36rJkppSNUQuaVTC9/s1600/P1010210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEDcbyP0kijgfNAke1gMd9qq3Rrclqd-W42cdrX4EpjC1E0BQyJrIFqPm2DrtSOdCO4CeYPN22mZ4WmwchH38VYAEOLG6921iVPj5m9OBdx4MEdhAzWLH-XBODlb36rJkppSNUQuaVTC9/s320/P1010210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Throughout the grounds are pathways leading to the various gardens and sites of interest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>This plaque marks fairyland glen in the gardens where it is said that fairies visit to play on a regular basis.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Trim Castle</span></u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Noman tower castle in Ireland which from 1172 to the mid 17th century was all but impregnable. it was subsequently abandoned in the latter half of the 17th century and portions of it have since collapsed. It has since been restored by the Irish Heritage Services as a preserved ruin. After it was first built it was never under went any significant alterations. Few paid any attention to it until Mel Gibson chose to use it as a setting for the movie "BRAVEHEART". It has since become a popular tourist attraction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9dwBXqrJSZ8m50y_-K3IjzldfU_DkKuUcizOzuCNWjKv59jL16tlHR6FjIOz51lWDxg2FgWZGdHfTH485ozoQ1-OPmqr6tELX3cISBCubszmt-aJXf05zeaTOW6KwHNH1I54ogx659q5/s1600/P1010346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9dwBXqrJSZ8m50y_-K3IjzldfU_DkKuUcizOzuCNWjKv59jL16tlHR6FjIOz51lWDxg2FgWZGdHfTH485ozoQ1-OPmqr6tELX3cISBCubszmt-aJXf05zeaTOW6KwHNH1I54ogx659q5/s320/P1010346.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Deanne standing at the main entrance to the upper portions of the tower. This entrance was filmed a number of times in the movie BRAVEHEART, but Hollywood alterations changed somewhat its charm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tTF51cDFLL_GM_2b1DS5fkIZ4u60kAdF2knfTUIWgKywq98Xwwjh2UskMAsMBj24PB30_Wn1LaUD40pvMzzKGKWwUSrfDDT6EM0CwCYdLHWadtG9XPZBg_4-d_K6MG3_0754SCARpJK8/s1600/P1010347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tTF51cDFLL_GM_2b1DS5fkIZ4u60kAdF2knfTUIWgKywq98Xwwjh2UskMAsMBj24PB30_Wn1LaUD40pvMzzKGKWwUSrfDDT6EM0CwCYdLHWadtG9XPZBg_4-d_K6MG3_0754SCARpJK8/s320/P1010347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the courtyard setting where Mel Gibson was executed in the movie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another view of the courtyard.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a replica of how the original castle looked. Its builders were so sure of its strength and impregnability that it was whitewashed to make it clearly visible on the horizon. It must have been a hugh impressive sight to any wanna-be attackers and surfs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YDqZVRyIazaA_x0Rc4oKpZFQ-Aqs8yo_03B_qSYoEg1XKQL-SBX9-aHQbTq-35TewsvdPRyDDchaqDla4DOzNFjjRsqNceoC5eVgMwMhfAjiUHIEZJyylTCrZEkMeZ4zEylGZaA_63EZ/s1600/P1010362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YDqZVRyIazaA_x0Rc4oKpZFQ-Aqs8yo_03B_qSYoEg1XKQL-SBX9-aHQbTq-35TewsvdPRyDDchaqDla4DOzNFjjRsqNceoC5eVgMwMhfAjiUHIEZJyylTCrZEkMeZ4zEylGZaA_63EZ/s320/P1010362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the torture rack from the movie set Mel Gibson was tortured on in the movie. Didn't look anything this in the movie. Really Mel you over reacted. Not impressed!!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFb22FFpHEaZ2onT7Qmh36mq25wwzzLeH_qqfQSUFjdqmYdu9PhrLfn-jCfH_NPGTE-qWufq7vZy8Rk-55ahCVEYBUyyJSfBdHsRkvKqDWynHMTMnDnl37qjDwkKlijpmFbzL6YIHUcAc/s1600/P1010363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFb22FFpHEaZ2onT7Qmh36mq25wwzzLeH_qqfQSUFjdqmYdu9PhrLfn-jCfH_NPGTE-qWufq7vZy8Rk-55ahCVEYBUyyJSfBdHsRkvKqDWynHMTMnDnl37qjDwkKlijpmFbzL6YIHUcAc/s320/P1010363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">An exterior view of the castle's outside shell. There is very little left inside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">LISTOWEL CASTLE</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB23GkA8-Gt-FqFHNA1GSrE0lLrR4sPAdbgqMDnIEsmbjHFak3WdAtAkrhWgrRyvGe821ZIznFwuy0RQ9QWfb1X_2tmTPJhScU8x5rFTIIzJDXNVPVD0HcW0VSMhDX8tCdrsYTzxwc3YO/s1600/P1020428.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642998550645984610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZB23GkA8-Gt-FqFHNA1GSrE0lLrR4sPAdbgqMDnIEsmbjHFak3WdAtAkrhWgrRyvGe821ZIznFwuy0RQ9QWfb1X_2tmTPJhScU8x5rFTIIzJDXNVPVD0HcW0VSMhDX8tCdrsYTzxwc3YO/s320/P1020428.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The construction date of the earliest castle at Listowel dates to the 13th century, but the present castle was probably built in the 15th century by the FitzMaurices. The castle stands on an elevation on a steep bank, overlooking the river Feale, above the location of a strategic ford. A substantial part of the front of the castle survives consisting of two large, square towers of four storeys, standing almost to the original height of 15.3 metres, connected by a wall of the same height and linked together by an arch on one side. A major program of conservation works has been undertaken at the castle including the provision of an external staircase to allow public access to the upper levels.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><u><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">BIRR CASTLE AND DEMENSE</span></u></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642997119434588674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtoZU7WAA244F7L9nvoebFCamR7u9FcCKdVuUxXCeWu8jlivvP35Jk7RDeoL44U8WCP0t3-2Ujxvpptkrwqh5t4MEGozb-0bMMo2ZzuOpCjHNqiy-FR8ayDUBemkgXl868pX7ccpkH3Iz/s320/P1020490.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPXAgTK8zqouOb_vPPCU3qn7TfNSN5bkrngE5wVPdxZSyVXc8hEVVWT4dQlKTaI2H2dX-6t_HBHmXnGQSqEuGjPqOqGb5-jLAGy-TyeOKgD1ECOVJem3vW6tXbbpXck8cM41lnOhyUSBc/s1600/P1020428.JPG"></a> </div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Birr is located in the west central part of Ireland above Roscrea. There has been a castle on this site since 1170. The castle was built by the O'Carroll family. In 1620 when Sir Charles O'Carroll died with no living descendants the castle came under the Parsons Family. The Parsons revamped and added on to the castle over the years to create the 100 room castle it is today. Deanne feels sorry for the cleaning maid. There is no way the lady of the house could look after a home of this size by herself. The Parsons family leader was knighted and became the Earl of Rosse, The castle is currently occupied by the family of the 7th Earl of Rosse. Because it was a private residence we were unable to enter the castle.</span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibde2rUfFlu5j3dUoKjB-g6LeMXi4aN3YhTJMw1MEpAmdZhK_UDy7FDZiyVZ_FfSoOEJiywNaKtanzbVK2PFAWFBW0pY-JIKea1IE3Jtm3psOukgPF_yVg25keOS9juVfqP9oZJftupA3s/s1600/P1020493.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642580445916549714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibde2rUfFlu5j3dUoKjB-g6LeMXi4aN3YhTJMw1MEpAmdZhK_UDy7FDZiyVZ_FfSoOEJiywNaKtanzbVK2PFAWFBW0pY-JIKea1IE3Jtm3psOukgPF_yVg25keOS9juVfqP9oZJftupA3s/s320/P1020493.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I was really interested in this castle because of the ancient telescope that is located here. William Parsons the 3rd Earl of Rosse had a love of scientific research and was instrumental in the construction of the world's largest telescope in 1845 on the castle grounds. For the next 78 years it remained the largest and most powerful telescope in the world. Scientists from all over the world came to Birr to study the heavens. The telescope is still usable today. That is amazing considering the low number of cloud free days in Ireland. Had it been built in different area of the world it could have retained its mark in history much longer.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Other exhibits in the visitors centre celebrate the scientific achievements of various members of the Parsons family. Among them are the Lunar Heat Machine invented by the 4th Earl of Rosse and the first steam turbine invented by William Parsons. Their mother the Countess of Rosse displayed considerable talent as one of the earliest women photographers and one of the most prominent photographers of her time.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6qDHIieaOmm-ENz2qK-cGvkZ7FL-3MAmxlUtk6iR-SjmnkiAVw7o76nfQv57-lA_H_Qej9gqtzFDQw2ISgULJVPcs8-iDBvWL80jMHZ0oj6YuucF4DRh6Bw61EQMvSz600LL4Q0aTK4w/s1600/P1020498.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642580447272533922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6qDHIieaOmm-ENz2qK-cGvkZ7FL-3MAmxlUtk6iR-SjmnkiAVw7o76nfQv57-lA_H_Qej9gqtzFDQw2ISgULJVPcs8-iDBvWL80jMHZ0oj6YuucF4DRh6Bw61EQMvSz600LL4Q0aTK4w/s320/P1020498.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">While the castle is unique, the vast 100 acre grounds show signs of neglect and need of work on the gardens and etc. On the grounds is found a huge 800 year old oak tree. There a delightful walks around a large ornamental lake and alongside the rivers that transverse the property.</div><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qdz3maLTrZK_d9XiiOmCcCP3cR7dMmT-GawdmR3OMwjm4qN_95bWbl3n3RUoB8ijB2BlvBjDOKJtJ-Nkxx-lqz_83jOCRmAYcY_BIhJFUapXmdBW126I-MowE1WLPlcO9d_5G8EQrggS/s1600/P1020503.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642580445245978498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qdz3maLTrZK_d9XiiOmCcCP3cR7dMmT-GawdmR3OMwjm4qN_95bWbl3n3RUoB8ijB2BlvBjDOKJtJ-Nkxx-lqz_83jOCRmAYcY_BIhJFUapXmdBW126I-MowE1WLPlcO9d_5G8EQrggS/s320/P1020503.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The rear of the castle as it appears from the road. This is where the original tower castle is located.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>CHARLEVILLE FOREST CASTLE</u></strong></span><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo-D3YuG-dvkkFKvu2LrvjOlLNscFzO8xSeM82lhv-BG5uDD33pfUUsJ8-q2mzx4ZWTJs8nr40-hgzjbweHOfDTvRaxAqUMphCjfR5s-nHOJZ1-NI6FTPeRcyKuWXB8lKpLfDTV8dRO4q/s1600/P1020507.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642580439958480274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNo-D3YuG-dvkkFKvu2LrvjOlLNscFzO8xSeM82lhv-BG5uDD33pfUUsJ8-q2mzx4ZWTJs8nr40-hgzjbweHOfDTvRaxAqUMphCjfR5s-nHOJZ1-NI6FTPeRcyKuWXB8lKpLfDTV8dRO4q/s320/P1020507.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">This castle located near the town of Tullamore in the County of Offally and located in Ireland's most ancient primordial oak woods, one the sacred haunting grounds of the druids. The forest is full of 800 - 1000 year old oaks, birches and copper beech trees whose shadows dance before you mysteriously and with awe and wonder..</span></div><div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Charleville Castle is perhaps Ireland's most enigmatic and impressive Gothic Revival style castles in a protective embrace. Built between 1798 and 1812 by Charles William Bury, the first Earl of Charleville who made his fortune from the miseries of others as a slave trader. The castle is a proud testimony to the builder and his sheer extravagance, unhindered by their purse strings with which successive generations of the Charleville family enthusiastically embraced life. Ever so often the pressure of living would necessitate the temporary closure of the castle, although subsequent reopening would often be marked by, in a suitably flamboyant gesture. But the families inability to curb their excesses sounded the castle's death knell, and periods of occupancy became more intermittent until, by the early 1960's it had been all but abandoned. It is now owned by Bridget Vance, a charismatic American, who is slowly rousing the castle from its slumber, restoring its echoing rooms to their past grandeur. But the spirits of bygone residents have begun to stir and an abundance of ghosts now wander the what has been recently dubbed "<span style="background-color: magenta; color: orange; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Irelands spookiest castle</strong></span>". </span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTqJovAyKmh08uagBoNnovSaKMLsNK2Wrm7mW8uI8TTdMRLCP7jT4ghfcATQTE2OApwSR239FSB2tIDfcvzWi4QzTKy8kpIhF6CzPFew-Ojy898QV7xgH_Yqu4dXYRiDHG9QyX8vEROeb/s1600/P1020508.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642579191153760290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTqJovAyKmh08uagBoNnovSaKMLsNK2Wrm7mW8uI8TTdMRLCP7jT4ghfcATQTE2OApwSR239FSB2tIDfcvzWi4QzTKy8kpIhF6CzPFew-Ojy898QV7xgH_Yqu4dXYRiDHG9QyX8vEROeb/s320/P1020508.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The castle had its own chapel attach to the side and beyond which is the stables said to be one of the hauntest places on earth. The Gothic chapel also contained the kitchen and storage area.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqQv0r4q11sttxmZ6Y1Rdbgz7Gemfeu0_fSWg0VA1PuMgt774Tzu2vx8Vp-SwMl7cIUNuq3A-FVNrafsxC3xS1BCzfPoPi_o1ueOsTvPMw-Vy_GwIGrYrDmonu-567C_qhDNcjHJRGENo/s1600/P1020510.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642579184567223346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqQv0r4q11sttxmZ6Y1Rdbgz7Gemfeu0_fSWg0VA1PuMgt774Tzu2vx8Vp-SwMl7cIUNuq3A-FVNrafsxC3xS1BCzfPoPi_o1ueOsTvPMw-Vy_GwIGrYrDmonu-567C_qhDNcjHJRGENo/s320/P1020510.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The grand entrance is one of the most spectacular we have yet seen in a castle. The ceiling was unique and a fantastic work of art. It shows the builders great pride in his creation.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA6-AUzo2zDb2JQzIC8wNfKu1xfBBAuH_vAsl5uwSiF0Ixy3aeC7vkSd8kJVmI-ad6llYOi8ezkSzjSw71kxtmhaPsg7KtiL9cLGKDFBP0_Frl3k-sW2hFaOpdGn1g15aypBKsdbb2nGl/s1600/P1020513.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642579181992677746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqA6-AUzo2zDb2JQzIC8wNfKu1xfBBAuH_vAsl5uwSiF0Ixy3aeC7vkSd8kJVmI-ad6llYOi8ezkSzjSw71kxtmhaPsg7KtiL9cLGKDFBP0_Frl3k-sW2hFaOpdGn1g15aypBKsdbb2nGl/s320/P1020513.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The chandeliers in the dinning room are stunning and most unusual as was the ceiling. It shows the builders great pride in their work. It reminds me of cupids suspended in the air ready to shoot their romantic arrows at unsuspecting guests below.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SyhDr-24fWi0KRMOcLzvBDe3-MkbZMJoj6xKalyUodWYhShMekQ6zjaCXxlbifDeOYHJzdOMqQVZlOfIcTctlmCES4tO08BfHdaxOpxAv-bNKo7JihUISg-MGp6QIpRCaRCsdWHAaK9G/s1600/P1020515.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642579176859634178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SyhDr-24fWi0KRMOcLzvBDe3-MkbZMJoj6xKalyUodWYhShMekQ6zjaCXxlbifDeOYHJzdOMqQVZlOfIcTctlmCES4tO08BfHdaxOpxAv-bNKo7JihUISg-MGp6QIpRCaRCsdWHAaK9G/s320/P1020515.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Much of the exquisite ball room ceiling work, amazingly, still survives. Twice a week this room is filled with people being entertained by a band and tails of ghosts and leprechauns. A perfect setting. The castle has been host to multiple events, including "fright nights", an auction and a play by the English Chamber Theater called Dearest Nancy and Darling Evelyn. More recently it has played host to the Mor Festival and Castlepalooza. While we were there a large stage was under construction in the field in front of the castle for this years edition of Castlepalooza. Most of Ireland's biggest names in rock are on this years entertainment list.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOY6gsPuBSp633-VVf8eJY0FbhJ2xqRWPsXkGYEN6jZwuiBWogg5GADGdOkZLDlEspSEsyIpMTvyEt28KvIRcc36ZxA1nbMWy3Cr3f0dVTYXZpvMDDkogaYuBgjJBPE0hkcvlannMywCx/s1600/P1020517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642579174697977186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOY6gsPuBSp633-VVf8eJY0FbhJ2xqRWPsXkGYEN6jZwuiBWogg5GADGdOkZLDlEspSEsyIpMTvyEt28KvIRcc36ZxA1nbMWy3Cr3f0dVTYXZpvMDDkogaYuBgjJBPE0hkcvlannMywCx/s320/P1020517.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The castle has been used as the backdrop for numerous films and TV specials. In 2007 it was used as a filming location for the movie about the life of Jane Austin "Becoming Jane" and "Northanger Abbey". It has been on ABC Family's "Scariest Places on Earth" and also appeared on Ghost Hunters International, Living TV's "Most Haunted and Fox's "Scariest Places On Earth"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2BrTpGMSkVLTXUEuZ_18PHduwZ2WQUL8PhBDnE_aAq86mwtKTDg1d6LdxqnlVBktgsdLaBphpT_Y7860sqX5bz4iJQZo8_M3IL1Z0dJiSbj8SxEUrDdExAVVsf_sJmRy7RcuFJsJf2w2/s1600/P1020518.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578310863692098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2BrTpGMSkVLTXUEuZ_18PHduwZ2WQUL8PhBDnE_aAq86mwtKTDg1d6LdxqnlVBktgsdLaBphpT_Y7860sqX5bz4iJQZo8_M3IL1Z0dJiSbj8SxEUrDdExAVVsf_sJmRy7RcuFJsJf2w2/s320/P1020518.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The castle owes its Tin Soldier Fortress look to the celebration of victory over the third French revolutionary expedition to Ireland - the first decisive victory by Britain over the revolutionary republican movement which was sweeping across the monarchies and their colonies at that time. It was designed to reflect the union jack flag of Britain. The castle grounds are now the object of a massive restoration project that when finished will clear the area of overgrowth, discern the original plantings from the old English flower garden, design and build a new garden and relaxation area for visitors.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VYDmOQI46P40fOPtC7Gq8-iScnh5azgBmASfs8MhAalRpIHl6HILD2qSIjAlz-41at3xvJ571WiQTTUp5WvC54zS7LFx6xffs53LCf9p4lSlsOIWL2gNDR-1sGphwTzln0bx8I3-0dHb/s1600/P1020519.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578304817019426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VYDmOQI46P40fOPtC7Gq8-iScnh5azgBmASfs8MhAalRpIHl6HILD2qSIjAlz-41at3xvJ571WiQTTUp5WvC54zS7LFx6xffs53LCf9p4lSlsOIWL2gNDR-1sGphwTzln0bx8I3-0dHb/s320/P1020519.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
This is the ceiling of the main parlor and men's smoking room. Each panel represents one of the families family crests.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAzhqJzMtVDUGQonLFW1RFq3D9aBKrTL3xmXGjsScZbI4eqVsM5GtPWTA3Rrg_yJ-r1EuHrJ8n7RuRjmnnkk_EEwc9VIdfgUkFO8rdbtw8Fn0lcV_4sdITENDCwE4XYQCAk56Nn16ByE9/s1600/P1020522.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578304437993234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAzhqJzMtVDUGQonLFW1RFq3D9aBKrTL3xmXGjsScZbI4eqVsM5GtPWTA3Rrg_yJ-r1EuHrJ8n7RuRjmnnkk_EEwc9VIdfgUkFO8rdbtw8Fn0lcV_4sdITENDCwE4XYQCAk56Nn16ByE9/s320/P1020522.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The original owner Charles Bury, Earl of Charleville was a member of the Masonic Order. The building contained a number of features which reflected the influence of this society. The right (library) and left (den) turrets on the front were built over magnetic fields. If you hung a magnet from the centre of the ceiling in the den it would quickly begin to swing around in a clockwise direction. The same magnet hung in the library would swing around in a counter clock direction. Behind the bookcase, behind Deanne, is a hidden passageway which leads to the chapel. This one of a number of hidden passageways in the castle.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFT7GeOLDeFM5w-ZDXjFif2Onpu9Pwl7nTSJxKWG8bWd3HGsp_XsNJYuIWxDfceiRQxcbf8yaQSM0ExuI5O3cAoSG_U657VLc5Z3TxR24Pvz_Ce6qK5cY06jt3WiqrcT5OmzIKUCFLzVZ/s1600/P1020523.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578300602771090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFT7GeOLDeFM5w-ZDXjFif2Onpu9Pwl7nTSJxKWG8bWd3HGsp_XsNJYuIWxDfceiRQxcbf8yaQSM0ExuI5O3cAoSG_U657VLc5Z3TxR24Pvz_Ce6qK5cY06jt3WiqrcT5OmzIKUCFLzVZ/s320/P1020523.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">This hugh staircase is reportedly visited often by the ghost of a young girl named Harriet who was killed accidentally while sliding down the balustrade. Visitors have felt the chill of her presence while climbing the stairs and have seen her ghostly figure skipping past. Sometimes she is seen in the company of a small boy. When Bridget's son of three years age became lost the family looked for him frantically, fearful of the steep stairs and precarious drops around the property. They eventually found him at the bottom of the stairs where he told how the little boy and girl had looked after him as he came down the stairs. Bonnie Vance tells of one occasion she awoke in the night to find Charles Bury and others along with a group of monks or druids who were encircling her bed and appeared to bestow a blessing on her. Many of the visitors that arrive are paranormal experts, investigating the reports of various haunting. Numerous groups of druids or monks are often seen on the castle grounds. The silence of the early morning is sometimes shattered by the playful whoops of children, enjoying a phantom game in what was once the nursery. The tales of ghosts and phantoms seen at the castle are too numerous to record.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxllJNKh5DAFnhbim8U1A-rx96jL3ZtAwaZdwCVRr14e5rwkHOrajMmrGMGDnhAfWlPtnt2-lEQM2qRhwDA6CqDk6xS65XUK98lMRhQQ2zcnlwDsD52dGRaKW044zybYsTbMR650mBAWr_/s1600/P1020526.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642578295509657586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxllJNKh5DAFnhbim8U1A-rx96jL3ZtAwaZdwCVRr14e5rwkHOrajMmrGMGDnhAfWlPtnt2-lEQM2qRhwDA6CqDk6xS65XUK98lMRhQQ2zcnlwDsD52dGRaKW044zybYsTbMR650mBAWr_/s320/P1020526.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Charleville Forest Castle is a special place and despite the abundance of ghosts that roam its corridors, we left with a sense of sheer wonder. It is a welcoming place whose spectral residents are on the whole friendly. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">CAHIR CASTLE</span></strong><br />
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<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwWAtkAu-124A682CDFxykzX29yCJwNnBEiO9k3P33KzpA51yPcLC1pUu2mRMfUv9i6ZdHhGBmFpEhq89VIuk2gvZoZ7X0c8DXSdsQqdz0VxMn5NMVhgMLt3YOqPbICHjpQ53ZXO-9-j-/s1600/P1020568.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181958167776690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwWAtkAu-124A682CDFxykzX29yCJwNnBEiO9k3P33KzpA51yPcLC1pUu2mRMfUv9i6ZdHhGBmFpEhq89VIuk2gvZoZ7X0c8DXSdsQqdz0VxMn5NMVhgMLt3YOqPbICHjpQ53ZXO-9-j-/s320/P1020568.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Cahir Castle is located in the town of Cahir, north of Cork. It is a fine example of a late medieval castle that has been enlarged and greatly remodeled in the 15th and 17th centuries. When the main line of the Butler family died out in the late 1700's the castle fell into ruin. It was partly restored in the 1840's by the Cahir Butlers and more heavily restored after it became a National Monument in 1964. Among the restorations was the faithfully reproduced portcullis, one of a number of defenses the castle possessed. The site includes an inner ward which contains the majority of the buildings and towers, great hall, gatehouse and etc. and is where the earliest building was carried out on the site of the original dun and cathair. It is also where the majority of the restoration was carried out. The middle ward and the outer ward were later additions.We were allowed to wander throughout the castle on our own. The word cathair means rocky island, from which Cahir gets it's name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVo0etlTE_AdYtfYojtCBaIExnWDxFZM9YsJxuzu9QydA1uUvZ7LJsKaVXQylNlYtxhtCfEqg5Hcs6YsV7-TSah7ffv8yEMcXTbuIVpgTdgAAjr9Xbs2fk5K-63Kd-KJtpRCra1p7SMYG/s1600/P1020567.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181952907540994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVo0etlTE_AdYtfYojtCBaIExnWDxFZM9YsJxuzu9QydA1uUvZ7LJsKaVXQylNlYtxhtCfEqg5Hcs6YsV7-TSah7ffv8yEMcXTbuIVpgTdgAAjr9Xbs2fk5K-63Kd-KJtpRCra1p7SMYG/s320/P1020567.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">In the 12th century Conor O'Brien, King of Thomond is said to have build a stone fort on the Island in the middle of the River Cahir where the castle now sits. In 1375 the castle was granted to James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond and head of the Anglo-Normoa family of the Butlers. In 1543, King Henry 8th made Thomas Butler, Lord Baron of Cahir. The castle provided little space for attackers on the island itself so it was difficult to storm the castle with large forces in the early days. The castle was built to be impregnable with layers of defences and this was very effective until the arrival of heavy cannons on the battlefields. In 1599 the castle was attacked by the Earl of Essex which did considerable damage to the castle, but did not gain entry. In 1647 the Butlers surrendered to Cromwell's army but were allowed to retain ownership of the castle.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LfBTTHtur5haP1brMenZ8gpdz-rZ3KVY461LSOnXwmdH-XTq41nDgsYk5U3lc_0QHHd0k_wj0U-xxDc73XRb3SYkimXDtYAN50cQrdoHzft-OwURfp21u6S7o9Uen6AY7khsJYG8EFhw/s1600/P1020564.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181946398468290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5LfBTTHtur5haP1brMenZ8gpdz-rZ3KVY461LSOnXwmdH-XTq41nDgsYk5U3lc_0QHHd0k_wj0U-xxDc73XRb3SYkimXDtYAN50cQrdoHzft-OwURfp21u6S7o9Uen6AY7khsJYG8EFhw/s320/P1020564.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The castle is one of the few that had its great hall on the ground floor, testifying how confident the Butlers were in its defences. The great hall also served as a chapel.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zpmZV9chxXKDLG6bPlHhKlqEfNGVs7NatFP7OzAAMWzSjmAC944_lioRijm0AoCFKL7X3tJoj1tYxU_-ApXjv0aNLTg2I8kAUcjGmUFt5GYGcbnw5tsYuab8Bb1XnNow0Tg00rcJHlZl/s1600/P1020563.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181862093409794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zpmZV9chxXKDLG6bPlHhKlqEfNGVs7NatFP7OzAAMWzSjmAC944_lioRijm0AoCFKL7X3tJoj1tYxU_-ApXjv0aNLTg2I8kAUcjGmUFt5GYGcbnw5tsYuab8Bb1XnNow0Tg00rcJHlZl/s320/P1020563.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Ceiling of the great hall.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNnluQ6kuKUFkY3Jp44Zr5VqFTOEpHdE6bLSXnf3bSmiblgpaboTk76If5a5rnGZ3eaxl-kLt15LSVMS8D016bxvnOBDBI-wlHBw_A52n0A_PsAfv1l0mNN_Y4Wxqt0uVmTI8mE1Jrr6b/s1600/P1020560.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181305399766178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNnluQ6kuKUFkY3Jp44Zr5VqFTOEpHdE6bLSXnf3bSmiblgpaboTk76If5a5rnGZ3eaxl-kLt15LSVMS8D016bxvnOBDBI-wlHBw_A52n0A_PsAfv1l0mNN_Y4Wxqt0uVmTI8mE1Jrr6b/s320/P1020560.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
One of the cannon balls from the artillery of Earl of Essex can still be seen lodged in the outer wall of the tower about 3//4 of the way up. It was one of the few castles that has never been conquered. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CBUcUdqbBuIPfXWe50O2r3PUY1jECdO0VmvbJOnIW51tB_1oQl7K0pRuSdDJDCB-NleFFEpPssYGiMHMuJoy1sRAzNAsMC9y5eObVnOnRtktZrOvCoM5idf-SEMoJjiRRl6OO_9eVPs-/s1600/P1020558.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181303987547106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CBUcUdqbBuIPfXWe50O2r3PUY1jECdO0VmvbJOnIW51tB_1oQl7K0pRuSdDJDCB-NleFFEpPssYGiMHMuJoy1sRAzNAsMC9y5eObVnOnRtktZrOvCoM5idf-SEMoJjiRRl6OO_9eVPs-/s320/P1020558.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the inner gate or last line of defence. It consisted of two gates with a suicide corridor between. If you made it through the first gate, most attackers were slaughtered in this corridor, with little chance of defence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wldhzFXlQzEGzQlaHtF2oObI-1LlrgNqvUunBgQ_KGY8AbdB55ClSUr4kzlBPNIK0vhtikIUdaffUTej1_x9hN6aVworaBegWxPuz6mRjobTvZDqUnrI8N9jHiBOlzQRFG3y-wlObf7C/s1600/P1020557.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181298340778994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wldhzFXlQzEGzQlaHtF2oObI-1LlrgNqvUunBgQ_KGY8AbdB55ClSUr4kzlBPNIK0vhtikIUdaffUTej1_x9hN6aVworaBegWxPuz6mRjobTvZDqUnrI8N9jHiBOlzQRFG3y-wlObf7C/s320/P1020557.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is the second gate that had to be broken down. No attacker has ever made it this far.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO1Vdkyvrl47UKnok0EiWTRltJ34mt6bmx0kbHENWesUlseuqekgRnx55ty6YuAD7pMQ_hhyphenhyphensICM00m_1e5AA8RByDNs3bxXPve1eiNIaBds506pzxyKOBYTMk5i33n9oXmJMzL5Om-Nr/s1600/P1020554.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181298433613474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO1Vdkyvrl47UKnok0EiWTRltJ34mt6bmx0kbHENWesUlseuqekgRnx55ty6YuAD7pMQ_hhyphenhyphensICM00m_1e5AA8RByDNs3bxXPve1eiNIaBds506pzxyKOBYTMk5i33n9oXmJMzL5Om-Nr/s320/P1020554.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The middle ward as it appears today. Here was the home to the soldiers and early defenders. Between 1840 and 1846 the Butler family built the Cahir Cottage in the outer Ward, which was a more comfortable residence than the castle.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Oyf2ag7hFKuC-srD-_f1QwIaTOFG6iUIHlb8gc8TGLh8gPbJeYQ45JISr6Nl_owOUjmG3d6B7mjERwzzzM_CxqiLCilTLZSOgd4Yj6aqPM2hFTGfk19Dorof9M4zlFkko_sA7LxywMu/s1600/P1020553.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641181294056002082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Oyf2ag7hFKuC-srD-_f1QwIaTOFG6iUIHlb8gc8TGLh8gPbJeYQ45JISr6Nl_owOUjmG3d6B7mjERwzzzM_CxqiLCilTLZSOgd4Yj6aqPM2hFTGfk19Dorof9M4zlFkko_sA7LxywMu/s320/P1020553.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is the outer gate with the family crest overhead and topped by an eagle.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>ROCK OF CASHEL</u></strong></span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dZrElkmLGx_yAnmwQGRM2xgcceHhmFX_9wHp2HVDekMgQQQIcAGIvoBBQhaxdFH8l4WKe8iRRNxae3e-SaVV_1VaH9ml2T3ch-iYvmQKHQNazNlF0m1SJZ3f-XLaPy1XUDzAc9Q6NDUf/s1600/P1020552.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641179808848800658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dZrElkmLGx_yAnmwQGRM2xgcceHhmFX_9wHp2HVDekMgQQQIcAGIvoBBQhaxdFH8l4WKe8iRRNxae3e-SaVV_1VaH9ml2T3ch-iYvmQKHQNazNlF0m1SJZ3f-XLaPy1XUDzAc9Q6NDUf/s320/P1020552.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The Rock of Cashel is known as Cashel of Kings in the County Tipperary and is now the home to the ruins of a great Celtic cathedral. While it is not famous as a castle it is considered Ireland's most sacred historic site. Legend associates the Rock with St. Patrick, but the name comes from Caiseal, meaning "stone fort" and the hill was originally the residence of the kings of Munster. It was here that the King of Munster was converted to Christianity by St. Patrick. In 1101 Muircher O'Brian, King of Munster gave the Rock of Cashel to the church and Cashel became the seat of an Archbishop. The picturesque complex has a character of its own and is one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. </div><br />
According to local mythology, the Rock originated in the Devil's Bit, a mountain 30 kilometers North of Cashel when St Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the Rock's landing in Cashel.<br />
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<img alt="Add Image" border="0" class="gl_photo" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIX4ZQplrViC8bQl5khTosiU-Rhrsjk-912QaoAkn5dSl4ZmsdEQLgXzBQFOoKGjL6oIZo0TZgx9ES7-E2ZtujrJnrkVlt2Lod_FfUcwd_tjJt35Ctjxpk_D2UgGHSEWC1fcBIfVmX3EE/s1600/P1020548.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641179801820517746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIX4ZQplrViC8bQl5khTosiU-Rhrsjk-912QaoAkn5dSl4ZmsdEQLgXzBQFOoKGjL6oIZo0TZgx9ES7-E2ZtujrJnrkVlt2Lod_FfUcwd_tjJt35Ctjxpk_D2UgGHSEWC1fcBIfVmX3EE/s320/P1020548.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We had a extra surprise when Deanne and I visited the Rock, cousins Colleen and LaRon Torrie from the Taber area were also visiting the Rock the same day and we had our own Hancock Family Reunion on the same day other members of the family were getting together for a family reunion in Utah. It was exciting to see Colleen and LaRon in this far away location. One we will not forget soon.</div><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7IEMi7zt-JyITVIuONbH9QJPBnNFOJ-SfWjRjkksqRyc8Jtv4Nt7Rc2GfdUevb3xw96g0GzXOKbnBqz7indzVxBHsIxcHOjCNoT1yQfo_YEOPTkdeeF6mIyChkSeiKZnisNbzfv9oLIP/s1600/P1020545.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641179802511474210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7IEMi7zt-JyITVIuONbH9QJPBnNFOJ-SfWjRjkksqRyc8Jtv4Nt7Rc2GfdUevb3xw96g0GzXOKbnBqz7indzVxBHsIxcHOjCNoT1yQfo_YEOPTkdeeF6mIyChkSeiKZnisNbzfv9oLIP/s320/P1020545.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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</div>The cathedral, built between 1235 and 1270 is an aisleless building of cruciform with a central tower. The cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1495. The building was latter restored, however when C<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The chapel of King Cormac or Cormac's Chapel is the most important building, historically and architecturally. Begun in 1127 it is a sophisticated structure. It is currently under reconstruction and we were not able to take in the full beauty of this structure. The oldest and tallest of the buildings is the well preserved 90 foot round tower which dates from 1100.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Cromwell's army brutally overwhelmed Cashel one of the greatest atrocities in Irish history occurred. Hundreds of townspeople had sought refuge from the British soldiers within the cathedral walls and were burned to death when Cromwell's men set fire to the building. It is estimated as many as 3,000 inhabitants of Cashel, priests and monks were slaughtered on that day. For people of Ireland, Cashel Rock serves a reminder of foreign brutality, spiritual strength and Irish courage. When Queen Elisabeth visited Ireland in May 2011 she visited the Rock of Cashel, commenting it is a thing that should have never happened.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd4WcGyWgewQVB-MhysMFnBw5JwYKIu6SVT2SwmVUES0c7yn309VBw4ilK6rDdHxMfSwm223pkja8F4rfU4TAum6dkJcG_C-pR1HNRE8BehnlMHNhGNvp_LoOLccSUQwBnwsudv5jFROj/s1600/P1020544.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641179800456731154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGd4WcGyWgewQVB-MhysMFnBw5JwYKIu6SVT2SwmVUES0c7yn309VBw4ilK6rDdHxMfSwm223pkja8F4rfU4TAum6dkJcG_C-pR1HNRE8BehnlMHNhGNvp_LoOLccSUQwBnwsudv5jFROj/s320/P1020544.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
The grounds around the buildings are home to an extensive graveyard, which includes a number of beautiful high crosses. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqMzD-DQTTwoBj8tMD8UH3WlSmf6EX9z5AkVMdxnsJtyyF_mdgiUXOsn9L4AHYybV3VZDDZ9Y0A7H5awGbo7rLXuvLRBNt29KqwSXUnFu_mXBBtz9zCx00Hm0CziSRr-VFUNu_W4U8gwZ/s1600/P1020535.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641178940151395938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqMzD-DQTTwoBj8tMD8UH3WlSmf6EX9z5AkVMdxnsJtyyF_mdgiUXOsn9L4AHYybV3VZDDZ9Y0A7H5awGbo7rLXuvLRBNt29KqwSXUnFu_mXBBtz9zCx00Hm0CziSRr-VFUNu_W4U8gwZ/s320/P1020535.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Elder and Sister Hancock at the cathedral entrance. </div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92oNrLbhhSdcvpsG2LN5d-JemU5tZT47A3AzlAbNtxwvkFeXc-HnzZj1TSpgztgzSC0Ay9dSaW50WikMy2_zZYX0YCstKg3iOTJFuH11PQgw0UlejbJKN4kcqMXaUM-S3hJhJP1pC2EgS/s1600/P1020534.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641178939550709890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92oNrLbhhSdcvpsG2LN5d-JemU5tZT47A3AzlAbNtxwvkFeXc-HnzZj1TSpgztgzSC0Ay9dSaW50WikMy2_zZYX0YCstKg3iOTJFuH11PQgw0UlejbJKN4kcqMXaUM-S3hJhJP1pC2EgS/s320/P1020534.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fellow missionaries Elder and Sister Geilman at the entrance to the cathedral.</div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AlPPim7K7-PYR2TayUzUYILaUVfN5DgqAtdvRMumkTV8YlglDT5Gd-11-0iuFuvFbJXgr7zqoDnHE9O0Q3_7DkpP2zwjMGpxyUieWYyLPRHMRIEv8gbrAAYIgLUYGfzRpCBjTmZTz0Re/s1600/P1020533.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641178935340795218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AlPPim7K7-PYR2TayUzUYILaUVfN5DgqAtdvRMumkTV8YlglDT5Gd-11-0iuFuvFbJXgr7zqoDnHE9O0Q3_7DkpP2zwjMGpxyUieWYyLPRHMRIEv8gbrAAYIgLUYGfzRpCBjTmZTz0Re/s320/P1020533.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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In the 15th century a five story castle was added to the end of the nave as a residence for the archbishop. <br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpqaOhfCjnMLqOhVkIgfJjMtrUbSjzabho8KlC-sD5iRASG81Zzv0Myi7lRnbWq1msTzFtbCiExORP5ZNpXaijX5CDfVIC-z3oqZjQqKOQ04aM_hQGwrvhST6MVsxfUDLSd-Ijx5uJfCD/s1600/P1020532.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641178936522307778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpqaOhfCjnMLqOhVkIgfJjMtrUbSjzabho8KlC-sD5iRASG81Zzv0Myi7lRnbWq1msTzFtbCiExORP5ZNpXaijX5CDfVIC-z3oqZjQqKOQ04aM_hQGwrvhST6MVsxfUDLSd-Ijx5uJfCD/s320/P1020532.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEnEfJ7K_E3Vjmga9jqKYVjjTiheSnbBkbUbkeIeRcx1ULlGrSIe2u966Ek5gQAASZJHOWZvjyNddpzUihH_2MEDWehrsR5Epc03qXkZ747tiPXCG8FiMSeYS6yp87N4TYQf5NvZqsZ-W/s1600/P1020531.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641178931232421122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEnEfJ7K_E3Vjmga9jqKYVjjTiheSnbBkbUbkeIeRcx1ULlGrSIe2u966Ek5gQAASZJHOWZvjyNddpzUihH_2MEDWehrsR5Epc03qXkZ747tiPXCG8FiMSeYS6yp87N4TYQf5NvZqsZ-W/s320/P1020531.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong><u>Scroll down to view older posts of this blog spot:</u></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> How We Got Here</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Ron's Family wishes Bon Voyage</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> The MTC</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Birmingham - Solihull Experience</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Welcome to Ireland</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> Limerick Ireland</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Waterford Crystal</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> Christmas 2010</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> Albania Mission</strong></span><br />
<br />
<div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-59271706857386993402011-03-26T11:49:00.000-07:002011-05-05T15:06:35.239-07:00Albania Mission November 2010Our journey began November 4th, 2010 when we departed Dublin for Albania. Deanne and I had been asked to go to that small country to teach the church leaders in that nation the welfare principles we were teaching in Ireland with an objective of establishing an Employment Resource Service Centre in that land. The church leadership was concerned about the large exodus of members from that country seeking employment elsewhere in Europe and not returning to help build up the church in that land. Many of these members were return missionaries who had gone to other areas of the world when their mission was finished, because they were finding it difficult finding acceptable employment when they returned home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IoKf5nIq6Z8uEW74I6aU0-JLeOtCuKGz57P6mKSrNbkzsYO5NQuAEdXYNeuLZ4wHqDxDmgAOPOuY9VX74_9gqtXs0C5WN3mBpaeqYQaypSCM85YDy5dgF28bmFo1mnpfB4ahBXvD2aXu/s1600/P1010397.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588481129794718930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IoKf5nIq6Z8uEW74I6aU0-JLeOtCuKGz57P6mKSrNbkzsYO5NQuAEdXYNeuLZ4wHqDxDmgAOPOuY9VX74_9gqtXs0C5WN3mBpaeqYQaypSCM85YDy5dgF28bmFo1mnpfB4ahBXvD2aXu/s320/P1010397.JPG" /></a>Our first stop was Budapest, Hungry. Budapest does have one thing in common with Ireland. it was founded by the Celtics and named Aquincum. The Celtics came into Ireland, Scotland and Whales about 500 BC and quickly became the most influencial culture on Ireland. The Irish language is the only true Celtic Language being spoken today. Irish ledgends tell us that these Celtics were remnants of the tribes of Israel. French is a close kin to the Celtic langurage. The city became known as Budapest when taken over by the Romans. It became one the centres of Renaissance humanist culture in the 15th century and enjoyed an age of prosperity in 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a global city in 1873. In 1918 it fell under Soviet influence and remained a part of the Soviet Socialist Republic's spire of influence until the Revolution of 1956 when it again become a democratic state.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5HdX_DzA3du5tXzXK540i3faxQdJEIfnHFyQPJFfEx5wFBBXxx41SmOGjTwjXtXGsNzLKt_tl1txbquTfX-0DTIEtREcSsUFrQda_cGl67v89TMZBa5wPOKJFvRZivtt5BMfvuXAJAub/s1600/P1010399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588481124947462098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5HdX_DzA3du5tXzXK540i3faxQdJEIfnHFyQPJFfEx5wFBBXxx41SmOGjTwjXtXGsNzLKt_tl1txbquTfX-0DTIEtREcSsUFrQda_cGl67v89TMZBa5wPOKJFvRZivtt5BMfvuXAJAub/s320/P1010399.JPG" /></a>This picture dose not do justice to the beauty of the mountains surrounding Budapest. It is cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its extensive World Heritage Sites including the banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroe's Square and the Millennium Underground Railway (second oldest in the World). The city boasts 80 underground geothermal springs and the world's largest thermal cave system. The cities current population is over 1.7 million inhabitants.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDqQbf_QWQpBq3Tw657Kgcv2Vj1DoeUg5FmGxZPQBkO2abpT6H9M_-FJa00_hrd0ucwENH6y783S0QOj_QFsXF8ykdXzd_Dm3s6urJji-Oiv6xIhzIEHYyE8pZbtblJ-Ls2ZNImV3BXwM/s1600/P1010400.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588481120008662466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDqQbf_QWQpBq3Tw657Kgcv2Vj1DoeUg5FmGxZPQBkO2abpT6H9M_-FJa00_hrd0ucwENH6y783S0QOj_QFsXF8ykdXzd_Dm3s6urJji-Oiv6xIhzIEHYyE8pZbtblJ-Ls2ZNImV3BXwM/s320/P1010400.JPG" /></a> Perhaps the most spectacular sight in Budapest is the beautiful River Danube and its bridges. The most famous bridge is the Chain Bridge in the upper right of the picture. It is on all their postcards and pictorials of Budapest. The lower bridge is the Elizabeth Bridge which carries a huge volume of the traffic through the old city. Forbe's Magazine ranks Budapest as the most livable Central European city and as Europe' 7th most idyllic place to live.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjwpBMlZxQ55_tog1ABZT0TImXeVBR0c5TdkxrtZ5YO24nV9wJN1scOSZ2t4hwwoA8p3h3pXAwxjWOHCV01E58dS_uls9fUwEyEuRGmIwcQzsoHbx1EdxPWmOSep0F_ADhuiPNx0_lCdA/s1600/P1010402.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588481110567597938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjwpBMlZxQ55_tog1ABZT0TImXeVBR0c5TdkxrtZ5YO24nV9wJN1scOSZ2t4hwwoA8p3h3pXAwxjWOHCV01E58dS_uls9fUwEyEuRGmIwcQzsoHbx1EdxPWmOSep0F_ADhuiPNx0_lCdA/s320/P1010402.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Our next stop was Albania. The Republic of Albania is located in South Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Montenegro on the north west, Kosovo on the north east, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and south east. All centers of a great deal of upheaval in the past few years. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the south west. The Albanian Capital, Tirana is home to approximately 600,000 of the countries 3,639,453 people. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1NrsQv4byYXIvTpMS2zxDs2cv71jDENZx22rP_hQ1ZONQ1He_zdTIIQbzm7FK4esUYa0tnBI3z3AgTOHZ0lU7RgpxWkhi6xEbwa_tzzGMFniKJUwQbBlDcn19DE_GAGvMTGJrTABackM/s1600/P1010403.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588479547986197666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1NrsQv4byYXIvTpMS2zxDs2cv71jDENZx22rP_hQ1ZONQ1He_zdTIIQbzm7FK4esUYa0tnBI3z3AgTOHZ0lU7RgpxWkhi6xEbwa_tzzGMFniKJUwQbBlDcn19DE_GAGvMTGJrTABackM/s320/P1010403.JPG" /></a> Approach to Tirana, Albania by air. As I look down I was struck by the view of a myriad of small farms. The information I read in advance on Albania discussed these small farms which make up the bulk of Albania. They make up a major portion of the Albanian Economy, but most are too small to be economically viable. The agriculture sector accounts for over 60% of the employment but only 20% of countries gross domestic product and is limited to primarily small family operations and subsistence farming because of lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights and prevalence of small inefficient plots of land. Yet the quality of what is produced is above average. What does that tell us about some of our modern farming practices?<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQr4c_fYjKSiU8xJRemAjsLe9kaV2SUwybvr4KRkDvCNpFXaj1_SrTJwKMVHrq9Wwx37CZ17lQitbxBuhPKInlKtpRUMd4O3eSJT_4Z0smEmoXQOQQjdbnH5OIYOx0YUP7ghZ_whbeAfC/s1600/P1010405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588479543623108898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQr4c_fYjKSiU8xJRemAjsLe9kaV2SUwybvr4KRkDvCNpFXaj1_SrTJwKMVHrq9Wwx37CZ17lQitbxBuhPKInlKtpRUMd4O3eSJT_4Z0smEmoXQOQQjdbnH5OIYOx0YUP7ghZ_whbeAfC/s320/P1010405.JPG" /></a> View from the plane on landing. Albania was chosen as the top country in Lonely Planet's list of ten top countries for 2011. Albania is only one of two countries in Europe to achieve positive growth in the wake of the 2008 - 2009 global financial economic crises.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqwWJ_-0xnIZfxpkTrOodgT3uZ-ge8wWHyc5PzQYmVKInwemPXEmWFdI5NGcS6jnOV3i4jdkIUhan7D7ayne1HFbyX2g7qQoG2Bp-HmffbElbiYEZNF12nGMQn8nEiFtH42JP6YN_8rpK/s1600/P1010406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588479539963131618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqwWJ_-0xnIZfxpkTrOodgT3uZ-ge8wWHyc5PzQYmVKInwemPXEmWFdI5NGcS6jnOV3i4jdkIUhan7D7ayne1HFbyX2g7qQoG2Bp-HmffbElbiYEZNF12nGMQn8nEiFtH42JP6YN_8rpK/s320/P1010406.JPG" /></a> The landscape is a beautiful temperate Mediterranean scape similar to what you would expect in Greece or Italy.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFFt9eSw90cMg3CDJXeJvcwk0KCspeS8kz1vZwI-Gg5e5N8n6NpSu8_Fxsk0MTMnzR5AbS-1H8_K_2HsicSFlMPZ516dYlh-NF_5DpNfeL0_r9Y8zpx4Wn7sEtLC7cyTwPlbA-qowkXuK/s1600/P1010407.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588479534260694994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFFt9eSw90cMg3CDJXeJvcwk0KCspeS8kz1vZwI-Gg5e5N8n6NpSu8_Fxsk0MTMnzR5AbS-1H8_K_2HsicSFlMPZ516dYlh-NF_5DpNfeL0_r9Y8zpx4Wn7sEtLC7cyTwPlbA-qowkXuK/s320/P1010407.JPG" /></a> The palm trees at the front of the air terminal were beautiful sight to see.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOJQLlB0uc5O_OK5ygw-8jJ9MfgP65wCgFzHNPW0oid8Yat31x_i1FtmbfBHWIPIeQo78Q4ED0ELpBABCOhC7VhNEs-DFyQjpBLm0Y-SJaS0NLDexqISS3L1OzDwSuaISO4O137Qaorjp/s1600/P1010408.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588478592374532882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOJQLlB0uc5O_OK5ygw-8jJ9MfgP65wCgFzHNPW0oid8Yat31x_i1FtmbfBHWIPIeQo78Q4ED0ELpBABCOhC7VhNEs-DFyQjpBLm0Y-SJaS0NLDexqISS3L1OzDwSuaISO4O137Qaorjp/s320/P1010408.JPG" /></a> Tirana from our hotel window. Everywhere you looked were signs of construction. Once labeled as Europe's poorest country, Albania has enjoyed annual real economic growth rates of around 6% over the last 10 years enabling it to join the ranks of the world's upper middle income countries. Domestic private investment increased over the past 5 years from 19% to 21%.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv8BMmJMPRv1m0D9YYHB2-CAyv8vJMC9YydvqskxJy7sLgo-xiLOPjgb_gHHAUcFG53GADSXViL3ndw1GQ4afFpjLEECnwIsKRxLVdzYUO3xnN7XHFg6WTv28G30le0nK2EEAyLf0JMMN/s1600/P1010409.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588478584218290658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv8BMmJMPRv1m0D9YYHB2-CAyv8vJMC9YydvqskxJy7sLgo-xiLOPjgb_gHHAUcFG53GADSXViL3ndw1GQ4afFpjLEECnwIsKRxLVdzYUO3xnN7XHFg6WTv28G30le0nK2EEAyLf0JMMN/s320/P1010409.JPG" /></a> Tirana from our hotel room. Free market reforms have opened the country to foreign investment, especially in the development of energy and transportation infrastructure. But this prosperity is slow in reaching the average person on the street with a per capita income of $4200 U.S.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVXqIhHMVwU9gjW3tV6nvMAF_Clf0tEFS9VX-Fi3evnFtJHqxeRTJ7GgBXPrWSoKY-ZPeUht4-3GAfiGqAOYqWn34-8xQxm3ovtW6-0esrHAUPXSzLPHP1GV-aKQm-WpNg-Pk8lswcml/s1600/P1010410.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588478577103265026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqVXqIhHMVwU9gjW3tV6nvMAF_Clf0tEFS9VX-Fi3evnFtJHqxeRTJ7GgBXPrWSoKY-ZPeUht4-3GAfiGqAOYqWn34-8xQxm3ovtW6-0esrHAUPXSzLPHP1GV-aKQm-WpNg-Pk8lswcml/s320/P1010410.JPG" /></a> An apartment building near the hotel. Every balcony displayed the days washing hanging out to dry. 12.4% of the population live below the poverty line.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarPEheBQvsaq_AnyDkxeiKVmPW6Tvw_-M9e-UHGFzyN9qL4LrEGEPgjbd4xXSxbnCKul1iIYrSPHrL9QrbRxSo-n0m5y2NMWBEBrKNB6jqINSE7PW-F6KfU32neZJLjVaoKX8y0FT-LjV/s1600/P1010411.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588478573006099058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarPEheBQvsaq_AnyDkxeiKVmPW6Tvw_-M9e-UHGFzyN9qL4LrEGEPgjbd4xXSxbnCKul1iIYrSPHrL9QrbRxSo-n0m5y2NMWBEBrKNB6jqINSE7PW-F6KfU32neZJLjVaoKX8y0FT-LjV/s320/P1010411.JPG" /></a> During the communist rule the buildings were constructed drab and colorless. When the communists rule ended in 1992, people wanted to add color to the world by painting the apartment buildings in a mosaic of colors.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY6Txcj0QDmJa561C0vdI1Zh4nw__I1sQewReJ1rZvghA_VHEOIs7uuECxBBxM9cUzW4ekX8k5nbXQoEwYApRaIHQsJZLTe8iiy8xfWXQjkxdSaTk_lWgCd0leTeWIigyQwpKmcJFs3fg/s1600/P1010412.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588478570512535314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDY6Txcj0QDmJa561C0vdI1Zh4nw__I1sQewReJ1rZvghA_VHEOIs7uuECxBBxM9cUzW4ekX8k5nbXQoEwYApRaIHQsJZLTe8iiy8xfWXQjkxdSaTk_lWgCd0leTeWIigyQwpKmcJFs3fg/s320/P1010412.JPG" /></a> Behind the mission home we found a small grove of oranges and lemons. The variety of orange grown here is a type of mandarin. No orange tastes better than one fresh picked off the tree.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU62w8VvHQt04p7ukghGMQyf-7ecFIEbMMtPwwN6VEW2JVvfo154LC_cfqp22HqY4CveOVMLRH3eh1TRSuJG06vfsL7gYOkGvrJbVxe2QhkLE6hW3Cjp60NVcfTGpGbSYfbZNFzlMP_Rn/s1600/P1010413.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588477590955687090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU62w8VvHQt04p7ukghGMQyf-7ecFIEbMMtPwwN6VEW2JVvfo154LC_cfqp22HqY4CveOVMLRH3eh1TRSuJG06vfsL7gYOkGvrJbVxe2QhkLE6hW3Cjp60NVcfTGpGbSYfbZNFzlMP_Rn/s320/P1010413.JPG" /></a>These are lemons also grown behind the mission home.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP41ueGqEEz-ZtifofZZQ1077J_J1dPeQaHUICm5JoYFl9oCw1Jbg-2CraUnx8sQMMRiV5-g5o8PhIaU87jopgcdmoNiLe0CPFZLz-efl77Uqbm_biN1_1-eeWac1R9fvK6x7x-XOfZvy/s1600/P1010414.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588477580660442210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP41ueGqEEz-ZtifofZZQ1077J_J1dPeQaHUICm5JoYFl9oCw1Jbg-2CraUnx8sQMMRiV5-g5o8PhIaU87jopgcdmoNiLe0CPFZLz-efl77Uqbm_biN1_1-eeWac1R9fvK6x7x-XOfZvy/s320/P1010414.JPG" /></a> Sister Hancock picks her first orange. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhKprgPNJLy_wT4Xhjl3dUWSgFeot2GCP4O9zEXYYTcbNo6Zqj1sOg3Y9c-IwC7ERc6QIHn-071nxF5csqWCqViGZDslq4p_P2VALYcSC43rZhbH03gUFQdr5xDsa1qiIFY_9TIf0NfoN/s1600/P1010415.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588477576241080738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhKprgPNJLy_wT4Xhjl3dUWSgFeot2GCP4O9zEXYYTcbNo6Zqj1sOg3Y9c-IwC7ERc6QIHn-071nxF5csqWCqViGZDslq4p_P2VALYcSC43rZhbH03gUFQdr5xDsa1qiIFY_9TIf0NfoN/s320/P1010415.JPG" /></a>Albanians are very resourceful people. Anywhere where there is a vacant space on the street a enterprising entrepreneur will come and set up a small shop selling just about anything. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2yQH26BVhr1Us_02MSwI2RJjLbkP823CCiz7ibsoGjB9TU2gHTvfRYXF-M85UC_XZOSrqAiG2n9ejecAmLCfWhxsoYBUibHPY90Z2DcKhyphenhyphenbVygOSRO-BppUYNNiyHMViIrW7plRaVGae/s1600/P1010416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588477573281501026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2yQH26BVhr1Us_02MSwI2RJjLbkP823CCiz7ibsoGjB9TU2gHTvfRYXF-M85UC_XZOSrqAiG2n9ejecAmLCfWhxsoYBUibHPY90Z2DcKhyphenhyphenbVygOSRO-BppUYNNiyHMViIrW7plRaVGae/s320/P1010416.JPG" /></a> On any large public area a vendors market will quickly rise. What surprised us was the quality of the produce sold. Far superior to anything back home in our large super markets. Most are fresh from the farm to the market that day.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQiEmc1froKpGCRP1kgDxzm2vJ_IPRkoFlcKZiB4NWfzDwyLH4BfzXekUCrjN3QEfDMasLzsSXmznXza3_5Lf5FdA-ZyRysUaAIplDHyWZOASsc3nxn-aBdgSTGGQer8BV0lQwGtEa0DX/s1600/P1010417.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588477570138318962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQiEmc1froKpGCRP1kgDxzm2vJ_IPRkoFlcKZiB4NWfzDwyLH4BfzXekUCrjN3QEfDMasLzsSXmznXza3_5Lf5FdA-ZyRysUaAIplDHyWZOASsc3nxn-aBdgSTGGQer8BV0lQwGtEa0DX/s320/P1010417.JPG" /></a> Albania is a Islam nation. Twice a day, a call would go out for prayers. While they are Muslim in belief, you could not tell. The men and women would fit in any western county without standing out. Albania was amongst the earliest areas to accept Christianity and was visited by some of the early apostles. The area was conquered in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire and forced to convert to Muslim religion. It remained under Ottoman control until 1912. During World War 2, Albania was annexed by Fascist Italy and Christianity was recognised again. At the end of the war the communist party took power in Albania. When they were in power the communists persecuted and suppressed religious observance and institutions. All forms of religion were entirely banned soon and the country was declared as the worlds first atheist state. Currently the religious mix is 70% Muslim, 20% Eastern Orthodox and 10% Roman Catholic.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDdjiApkO6I8eRRLm5qFGwciYeHpsv2WEgkYzGsun5vPFF4gHogibcROzu788PqLwml7YrcnDGa4ievW-XD3vx0iTHGP11DRjjYzF99xCx4XsGLCvU4qlNbMWbvllgnavFW1kPpFvSJv9/s1600/P1010418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588476230303829346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDdjiApkO6I8eRRLm5qFGwciYeHpsv2WEgkYzGsun5vPFF4gHogibcROzu788PqLwml7YrcnDGa4ievW-XD3vx0iTHGP11DRjjYzF99xCx4XsGLCvU4qlNbMWbvllgnavFW1kPpFvSJv9/s320/P1010418.JPG" /></a>After the collapse of the Axis powers, Albania became a communist state. The communist regime collapsed in 1990 and the Republic of Albania was founded in 1991. The communist party was routed in the elections of march 1992 amid economic collapse and social unrest. The glass pyramid behind the trees was build by the communist government to be a parliamentary building but never used for that purpose. The quality of construction was very poor and the current government wants to tear it down and build a new building. This has led to a lot of public debate for and against.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj5v8M57Nguy82RqM1exaNHsalMg1T6hbV-_qnEFJnXd983BZ0TUM_5P2hBP9_jHjR3VVQ2StTuX3G2kWyWhdKNSKHnTZbh9ytH59-5YaUlmtzYEbPHlYDm7MqTwhU5KVe59I4VGYPvhG/s1600/P1010419.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588476229312590994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj5v8M57Nguy82RqM1exaNHsalMg1T6hbV-_qnEFJnXd983BZ0TUM_5P2hBP9_jHjR3VVQ2StTuX3G2kWyWhdKNSKHnTZbh9ytH59-5YaUlmtzYEbPHlYDm7MqTwhU5KVe59I4VGYPvhG/s320/P1010419.JPG" /></a>More street vendors. Economic reform is hampered by Albania's very large informal gray economy, which the International Monetary Fund estimates at 30 - 40% of the economy. This sector contributes nothing in the form of income to run the counties economy.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhv2Pk2_6tNNWNVJ1GsPeVkwoqHpFX_k_c8AjfWXctresZl4s3b_kbsSBETVuUAfSsMjetE-U2159xXjEkbm7SuH2w3sJap97SITQ6AUQDIFuj0YIzOAXzhGaw8QuK47unKOWnfG0xSg7/s1600/P1010420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588476224106086786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhv2Pk2_6tNNWNVJ1GsPeVkwoqHpFX_k_c8AjfWXctresZl4s3b_kbsSBETVuUAfSsMjetE-U2159xXjEkbm7SuH2w3sJap97SITQ6AUQDIFuj0YIzOAXzhGaw8QuK47unKOWnfG0xSg7/s320/P1010420.JPG" /></a> And more street vendors. For many this is their only option for an income. However there are changes coming. In 2010 Albania saw a sharp increase in new business registrations with new business start ups, up by 48% from previous year.</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOcwVvlmHwsge9uFQJGYB-31jXV1B7hmcon0k_e7QuAsdBQgoLkxSsKDGPBeUdM19OelhOGqPa6LAbJBUUUsN-rW8gaZuCjQnozlyFt8iY7HtNvHtp_86qwM-pEA0HgwrJhv-6UETlUmS/s1600/P1010422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588476218501290866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOcwVvlmHwsge9uFQJGYB-31jXV1B7hmcon0k_e7QuAsdBQgoLkxSsKDGPBeUdM19OelhOGqPa6LAbJBUUUsN-rW8gaZuCjQnozlyFt8iY7HtNvHtp_86qwM-pEA0HgwrJhv-6UETlUmS/s320/P1010422.JPG" /></a> A country side view. Without any planning controls new housing developments spring up anywhere, often using up some of the countries best agricultural land.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2FjRvh7u8bJYgne9kc7-2H69B2PDrs0h0v97vmcuy_WvWErEa-IyK2d5ZdDDvzIdi5Ck9zP24gonRLkAvfAZeEoAvQ2DFjgY9f4PqcE9V8G-WW0ofxjv8M-YOch7doKUjB100sdk0RWP/s1600/P1010423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588475181104453394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2FjRvh7u8bJYgne9kc7-2H69B2PDrs0h0v97vmcuy_WvWErEa-IyK2d5ZdDDvzIdi5Ck9zP24gonRLkAvfAZeEoAvQ2DFjgY9f4PqcE9V8G-WW0ofxjv8M-YOch7doKUjB100sdk0RWP/s320/P1010423.JPG" /></a>More country side views.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnkwaVwxxhsJfULzlVdvLu4Hij0bkqkRO_vGLYnDhin7TWmRUxtN8nIgwlZf7BPOzEzGfncVhSrSiOVmaVIov4Wtjl-VykaoNJI3nZI6wx7Ee3eI-t3T1nUzCvckis7oz8zQmNztzr0IJ/s1600/P1010424.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588475141460324162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnkwaVwxxhsJfULzlVdvLu4Hij0bkqkRO_vGLYnDhin7TWmRUxtN8nIgwlZf7BPOzEzGfncVhSrSiOVmaVIov4Wtjl-VykaoNJI3nZI6wx7Ee3eI-t3T1nUzCvckis7oz8zQmNztzr0IJ/s320/P1010424.JPG" /></a> In the background is a large American style Mall with a number of large American stores. We were told that there is even a WalMart. But few of the population could afford to shop here even with free bus service from the city centre. The man on the side of the road makes a living herding cows on the road side to make sure they stayed off the road. They have herders herding cows, horses, sheep, geese and turkeys due to lack of quality fences. But it does keep the road sides mowed.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uLffoz29nu-V2Fq-_af9LeFOhsihDEV9O1ClLzeC7N3tBJUq_v8610omKhlO4tg2Z8p5kYRtYYxaHe6A9Fm_mA25xIoP3dSyTAEj-ltoKxv8EzRRLGIxdTWPo10QfUMbW0kKFGNEXw8M/s1600/P1010427.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588475124300953330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uLffoz29nu-V2Fq-_af9LeFOhsihDEV9O1ClLzeC7N3tBJUq_v8610omKhlO4tg2Z8p5kYRtYYxaHe6A9Fm_mA25xIoP3dSyTAEj-ltoKxv8EzRRLGIxdTWPo10QfUMbW0kKFGNEXw8M/s320/P1010427.JPG" /></a> These are olive groves on the hill side.</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BmdeOO_tCSCBgh6ik6Lh8gObS4-bmkbQRyELBqmtEul17A0DpifFNh3wrVbQ5An4477NEdY5p_quJeWOJNpmf64l3Nt9hPfPhbLVRHSilcSI58nbzuCJz7uxTyXj483aqeDCe45po60p/s1600/P1010429.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588475080084100306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BmdeOO_tCSCBgh6ik6Lh8gObS4-bmkbQRyELBqmtEul17A0DpifFNh3wrVbQ5An4477NEdY5p_quJeWOJNpmf64l3Nt9hPfPhbLVRHSilcSI58nbzuCJz7uxTyXj483aqeDCe45po60p/s320/P1010429.JPG" /></a>Olive tree above the road.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qys0S9xq6b6duxGKsY_YWq1oHA-OJNUEXO5tbBY3Z6GHI4zM94y6SkOE0v0l5LmRCvZUVlhVFuuEE-TYmkcWwXrCgglEnlBtAfl4T2WspMPErEA5Ws8UpVpVaSZNQaXW4zTMRN0rxYy1/s1600/P1010430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588474062497606466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Qys0S9xq6b6duxGKsY_YWq1oHA-OJNUEXO5tbBY3Z6GHI4zM94y6SkOE0v0l5LmRCvZUVlhVFuuEE-TYmkcWwXrCgglEnlBtAfl4T2WspMPErEA5Ws8UpVpVaSZNQaXW4zTMRN0rxYy1/s320/P1010430.JPG" /></a> This is an ancient castle built on top of a huge rock formation. It is the only castle we saw in Albania. It would certainly be easy to defend. How they got the construction material up there is a mystery. Probably through a lot of slave labour and the lives of many surfs. It is now used a a very elite restaurant and hotel.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RUpg5_uBHVrgExqOHHKXogxLMBuTUXMilHep25PPkU5lhjxfx3tYiSKqWl8OpYNxqLh6_ZRCkPoV1LvkArYtGdzRDyNuwd1ZvzaWCdIrfaYUueOMZH-HfxONp1-Ds3P_geMNMvvrsal3/s1600/P1010431.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588474058499628306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RUpg5_uBHVrgExqOHHKXogxLMBuTUXMilHep25PPkU5lhjxfx3tYiSKqWl8OpYNxqLh6_ZRCkPoV1LvkArYtGdzRDyNuwd1ZvzaWCdIrfaYUueOMZH-HfxONp1-Ds3P_geMNMvvrsal3/s320/P1010431.JPG" /></a>Tirana from the castle. The majority of trees seen here are olive groves. Olive trees will grow in any spot and use very little water compared to other fruit trees.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jroyFP5vBXEmnqp0r5KHTIT8ECIoNB1SZlI-YDpCGljf55bwwtnwTrrvWgUvWF_YXYaiMSXf7_gQwFHDvKH_LfO13lNAa5fMZI4FCROCESdAjf-v-E7SYaDMUZqoil-RBItYny4xQs9_/s1600/P1010432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588474054846529138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jroyFP5vBXEmnqp0r5KHTIT8ECIoNB1SZlI-YDpCGljf55bwwtnwTrrvWgUvWF_YXYaiMSXf7_gQwFHDvKH_LfO13lNAa5fMZI4FCROCESdAjf-v-E7SYaDMUZqoil-RBItYny4xQs9_/s320/P1010432.JPG" /></a> A close up of an olive tree. Notice the barren rock formation it grows on.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2eiGk0M8QHjaHw7sgJBbIrJHQYe2LwtBVmKDPFbW6z6tWoD3Ts97C8oi8gdat1bkB99nmj1zdvRMpTF6tUtddkBWgXqTj_Bh6EZUUsnRDAJJeA73a6vPstYcrgd2Id3gTMlOa2CUEZXb/s1600/P1010433.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588474053222088322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2eiGk0M8QHjaHw7sgJBbIrJHQYe2LwtBVmKDPFbW6z6tWoD3Ts97C8oi8gdat1bkB99nmj1zdvRMpTF6tUtddkBWgXqTj_Bh6EZUUsnRDAJJeA73a6vPstYcrgd2Id3gTMlOa2CUEZXb/s320/P1010433.JPG" /></a> If you look close you can see the olives.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mSeiKCLxyCdloTcfl5vWNpccvrUZGgQ04tPsnGZx9IVHM89Q4Pub1iPSYFimr9wlM6wec49XBHahqAK1qLIQFUcDR_5a5GLRt8ynn3t9QBnUQESQWbVoPa1JdyHB1WWjizzVMuICv7JG/s1600/P1010434.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588474049169288434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mSeiKCLxyCdloTcfl5vWNpccvrUZGgQ04tPsnGZx9IVHM89Q4Pub1iPSYFimr9wlM6wec49XBHahqAK1qLIQFUcDR_5a5GLRt8ynn3t9QBnUQESQWbVoPa1JdyHB1WWjizzVMuICv7JG/s320/P1010434.JPG" /></a>Thats better! There they are. Not a bad flavor either. Especially for someone like me that dose not like olives.</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2IeLNJ0A_ggbFxS6l5m4xQzyfH9b3t6knTd_b7tyid9oWevHI3fFny_AEzest6LGWAiZJ7IBYtN22K4KLRfg2Y_MR4iXR-RnIueUbEHRQHjoH7OFrgZayyOpNsGMvokt2zEtbxm1jQmX/s1600/P1010438.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588473165926154258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2IeLNJ0A_ggbFxS6l5m4xQzyfH9b3t6knTd_b7tyid9oWevHI3fFny_AEzest6LGWAiZJ7IBYtN22K4KLRfg2Y_MR4iXR-RnIueUbEHRQHjoH7OFrgZayyOpNsGMvokt2zEtbxm1jQmX/s320/P1010438.JPG" /></a> This is one of Tirana's best restaurant and very popular with visitors. Our meal was 75000 leks each. A fortune for the average Albanian. But less than $10 Canadian.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VNKYFygGGIkuuJkpz-XiE3fLyCFpBrPunj_V-4_U0oVnxS8AycThSYJC5G4gNdm55TU2Skwa4hzaQHkryLSweBwBD5sCDmZ3eCPyyFWrHGD4VpDnT-QCDoy7VYa5dtOiy3voQZnxsbHT/s1600/P1010439.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588473164679271394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VNKYFygGGIkuuJkpz-XiE3fLyCFpBrPunj_V-4_U0oVnxS8AycThSYJC5G4gNdm55TU2Skwa4hzaQHkryLSweBwBD5sCDmZ3eCPyyFWrHGD4VpDnT-QCDoy7VYa5dtOiy3voQZnxsbHT/s320/P1010439.JPG" /></a> Another Orange tree outside of the Tirana District Centre (Stake Centre)</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-JrSLbZ3ysjnWbPvD5TYhoA9QF4Rys01_eLGbdvvU3U7MV3TkjrH2AyBpaz6XEuY39CDPvEP9v_xPh-VfHKNbAO2JO_cVwD3-pdTTq5Ytdg8oMBt0qJFLMZI-lR_i3HGYyQK69EHGK_Q/s1600/P1010440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588473155853439026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-JrSLbZ3ysjnWbPvD5TYhoA9QF4Rys01_eLGbdvvU3U7MV3TkjrH2AyBpaz6XEuY39CDPvEP9v_xPh-VfHKNbAO2JO_cVwD3-pdTTq5Ytdg8oMBt0qJFLMZI-lR_i3HGYyQK69EHGK_Q/s320/P1010440.JPG" /></a> Oranges</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktVNCEtcWElUT6ek7k6tMHcadhakzEUxFp2OxNj5vUm40eQJx8LfCBUWzgd4tSlbISkIDoggEKWG3vfvOeCrq0RMUuC3ohXSEoulxS9HTddhjT7EZsYujz1kkGgO5CYKISEUQwJkQdFX_/s1600/P1010441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588472118404778162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktVNCEtcWElUT6ek7k6tMHcadhakzEUxFp2OxNj5vUm40eQJx8LfCBUWzgd4tSlbISkIDoggEKWG3vfvOeCrq0RMUuC3ohXSEoulxS9HTddhjT7EZsYujz1kkGgO5CYKISEUQwJkQdFX_/s320/P1010441.JPG" /></a>More oranges</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifStnmE4SAw-xf_6RU7LDhVmvzZUYWDnTfrFQDE5qQ-3DcfVi7D9IMYsYX1CLJlx906bJJhx9yPZFM3VmdODpaP_CMUyzJAACOiVQwnbLg0Z0fyJRJ52-ObBDlkr2baHINDPMUI6Dy5TOh/s1600/P1010442.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588472114450800706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifStnmE4SAw-xf_6RU7LDhVmvzZUYWDnTfrFQDE5qQ-3DcfVi7D9IMYsYX1CLJlx906bJJhx9yPZFM3VmdODpaP_CMUyzJAACOiVQwnbLg0Z0fyJRJ52-ObBDlkr2baHINDPMUI6Dy5TOh/s320/P1010442.JPG" /></a> More colorfull apartment blocks</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmd1fT40rAjVs58mTaiLlyRojpRD42Clqtb77aXj4Q-AlfnSE793I2poRbBK34OEORmrwAbfHDkWY77OaBEd5nu3OZSV25YoxOjd9iTJGTqn7Cm3ggh0EpxcE_-8YqNuIHdb-s_ZdHSvl/s1600/P1010443.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588472110982853218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmd1fT40rAjVs58mTaiLlyRojpRD42Clqtb77aXj4Q-AlfnSE793I2poRbBK34OEORmrwAbfHDkWY77OaBEd5nu3OZSV25YoxOjd9iTJGTqn7Cm3ggh0EpxcE_-8YqNuIHdb-s_ZdHSvl/s320/P1010443.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh13Legu9_mmS8Pg14wDGs6pgRzmPhQYookdWb15aO7RwhjD_99YgjcxISq39aKMoT0tqlxM3sH7DzaGUKCAMfYSzDSeWa8gFVqF8JzvNkyZfzak0c522Ov5DpMevssZzIhP74qHBiO173/s1600/P1010444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588472107200260306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh13Legu9_mmS8Pg14wDGs6pgRzmPhQYookdWb15aO7RwhjD_99YgjcxISq39aKMoT0tqlxM3sH7DzaGUKCAMfYSzDSeWa8gFVqF8JzvNkyZfzak0c522Ov5DpMevssZzIhP74qHBiO173/s320/P1010444.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfnRhVcjBpoPerJaA13OxIrw3soUKyju0GxDpf6IJBEkVmr3GhIMroUcBfgZ8G_JPkcJlKsM5cccsDU_QrcC_7EGXGzAJA80K-ftF1-5eDlTJ3eD4rFfBskkNw9ooDLGnsWAY9rttVNYx/s1600/P1010445.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588472099824996626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfnRhVcjBpoPerJaA13OxIrw3soUKyju0GxDpf6IJBEkVmr3GhIMroUcBfgZ8G_JPkcJlKsM5cccsDU_QrcC_7EGXGzAJA80K-ftF1-5eDlTJ3eD4rFfBskkNw9ooDLGnsWAY9rttVNYx/s320/P1010445.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzxpqxCLM6lDIFbo6T843XjrDYwKb3GeuFjcFBWTWUwPXqeiyJ1TZxWj7IM30sjs3Gjd0o_9xybcbBTzmxWS17hH8j10e_ofiO9EnyQ1tHOkkI9_LJbcWqrylAMSuWXmVowHPfIeQsTja/s1600/P1010446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588471033072120242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzxpqxCLM6lDIFbo6T843XjrDYwKb3GeuFjcFBWTWUwPXqeiyJ1TZxWj7IM30sjs3Gjd0o_9xybcbBTzmxWS17hH8j10e_ofiO9EnyQ1tHOkkI9_LJbcWqrylAMSuWXmVowHPfIeQsTja/s320/P1010446.JPG" /></a> This is our hotel. The Tirana International Hotel. One of the flags flying in front was a Canadian Maple Leaf in honor of the Canadians staying a the hotel. In 2003 Albania applied to join the European Union. While we were there, a delegation from the European Union was staying in hotel. They had come to investigate the potential for Albania's membership. There were demonstrations everywhere in support of joining. Most Albanians we talked to, saw it as their countries only hope for breaking out of its narrow growth potential on its own. It received favorable reports, but the European delegation told them that the government had to do more to eliminate corruption in government bodies.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGuJ_Yg3H8ZCrXxmbACcO_Cjjgk71gHGWQPr_y2g6-W0wPZrejoiAdjP4MhnnfwoZf4wMqZhV73S_vfbUhtCO7JT-TD9y64xX-wEbDoR_vBlZNIm6pJhwFzCEOffpRQiTdYb6k9x23TN/s1600/P1010447.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588471029482494322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIGuJ_Yg3H8ZCrXxmbACcO_Cjjgk71gHGWQPr_y2g6-W0wPZrejoiAdjP4MhnnfwoZf4wMqZhV73S_vfbUhtCO7JT-TD9y64xX-wEbDoR_vBlZNIm6pJhwFzCEOffpRQiTdYb6k9x23TN/s320/P1010447.JPG" /></a> This was the large public square in front of the hotel. Normally if was well landscaped, but at the moment it is dug up to install an underground subway.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5dre6y51CFQN8xnb-BiK7r9-So8kFJxR8NGXG66zaVT7W2qQzC_G4YpA9j2FRvqK3frBMnhnjtxams6eqNaoetEpRwCJmWcJac4mcXQKRJFVbZEk4gLJ9SmBuM4lOIZQfeWvcy0U4WaJ/s1600/P1010448.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588471027489775298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5dre6y51CFQN8xnb-BiK7r9-So8kFJxR8NGXG66zaVT7W2qQzC_G4YpA9j2FRvqK3frBMnhnjtxams6eqNaoetEpRwCJmWcJac4mcXQKRJFVbZEk4gLJ9SmBuM4lOIZQfeWvcy0U4WaJ/s320/P1010448.JPG" /></a>This is the statue of Albania's National Hero; General Gjergi Kastrioti Skenderbog, who in 1443 let a successful rebelion against the Ottoman rule and united the country into its current borders of today. He was supported by Rome in this cause. After his death in 1468 the Ottoman's were once again able to conquer Albania and bring it back under their rule.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-cBwON6lMiSZnezVkrAdnVZ1d4QKz2otVF7zeH5G414N-9KbrR67eiQed_w5Y8aa8RCMHJypljB6pyOdTD1ktlTM33rRDz1n0THJtXwlbxXsIFLl1AI5e2Ad5A8BSVW7h1LmPMAHU1gX/s1600/P1010449.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588471024717486018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-cBwON6lMiSZnezVkrAdnVZ1d4QKz2otVF7zeH5G414N-9KbrR67eiQed_w5Y8aa8RCMHJypljB6pyOdTD1ktlTM33rRDz1n0THJtXwlbxXsIFLl1AI5e2Ad5A8BSVW7h1LmPMAHU1gX/s320/P1010449.JPG" /></a> Another ramshackled vendor in front of our hotel. This shop sold souvenirs and the music of a local artist. This is the shop we bought a uneque two string guitar, the Cifteli, which we purchased as a gift for Brody's birthday. The shop owner, Zanat, played the guitar for us and included a copy of his latest CD in the sale. We afterwards learned that he is one of the most popular folk artists in Albania with large CD sales throughout the world.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbWG0RE0BCdWBuRMV6mgcbYLEEGj1D-6-UZB1ulc1ktOzEpO7BAzfHvuldoicD4b-y1BPIsE7lGacgXK6Zgv_zmo_y3ewqx4g_g4OPr2nvOsUxSdBZWmKVRbDQJL87Y4_ENuRGedBM_F1/s1600/P1010450.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588471019188256274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbWG0RE0BCdWBuRMV6mgcbYLEEGj1D-6-UZB1ulc1ktOzEpO7BAzfHvuldoicD4b-y1BPIsE7lGacgXK6Zgv_zmo_y3ewqx4g_g4OPr2nvOsUxSdBZWmKVRbDQJL87Y4_ENuRGedBM_F1/s320/P1010450.JPG" /></a> A beautiful large palm tree in front of our hotel.</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY72MVr1v98Pahg5qSwV-uRD3MnydCCH4tO_5mzZQ9tWlCIm8bid5tOkUQHyGmte0hm7ltvChcO6XFjuZGyzp3yb_OUBAoM-Fh2leppphjX3JgI0iey0luZ1GwKy4yi1yf9klUYUD36Ex/s1600/P1010452.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588470034120367106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggY72MVr1v98Pahg5qSwV-uRD3MnydCCH4tO_5mzZQ9tWlCIm8bid5tOkUQHyGmte0hm7ltvChcO6XFjuZGyzp3yb_OUBAoM-Fh2leppphjX3JgI0iey0luZ1GwKy4yi1yf9klUYUD36Ex/s320/P1010452.JPG" /></a> One enterprising entrepreneur set up on the side walk just down the street from our hotel, a small midway for children. It became so popular that the city decided to let him stay permenently.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE10o2PHh1fPoZBkPvXAnmdXRveE3oftv5sMUekka0nx0oh4XzjrFVC_60OQoP-x8DoOcrLDMjfqpC45CKjCkEypX-nUmjQPCra3NDFDwAPhKjDOnJt07QBaKTt_dUttZ_UUPDWlWS-0H_/s1600/P1010453.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588470031711028754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE10o2PHh1fPoZBkPvXAnmdXRveE3oftv5sMUekka0nx0oh4XzjrFVC_60OQoP-x8DoOcrLDMjfqpC45CKjCkEypX-nUmjQPCra3NDFDwAPhKjDOnJt07QBaKTt_dUttZ_UUPDWlWS-0H_/s320/P1010453.JPG" /></a>Recognising a good thing, another entrepreneur set up a popcorn stand near by. What more could we ask for. Reminds me of the popcorn vendor who use to be set up in Galt Gardens in Lethbridge when I was in my youth. We as kids always looked forward to his popcorn everytime we went to the city. It was our parents way of bribing us to be good while they shopped. While they shopped we played in Galt Gardens and ate popcorn.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUekRVtmpAcWo7a4t5U-z00pmDBbqGjnEsd7IfYzrab1F20JtnOoGK-ouzDbft4RMU8Q0RO641gMGiUuU8Nk-QHpjJCNBYJlj-8r5sOWt6dKipriTdFFk3jK50KjfwWAyP2zenRf-GVlw6/s1600/P1010454.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588470027565884738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUekRVtmpAcWo7a4t5U-z00pmDBbqGjnEsd7IfYzrab1F20JtnOoGK-ouzDbft4RMU8Q0RO641gMGiUuU8Nk-QHpjJCNBYJlj-8r5sOWt6dKipriTdFFk3jK50KjfwWAyP2zenRf-GVlw6/s320/P1010454.JPG" /></a> Tirana from the moutain side. The homes just below were very beautiful but would be beyond the price range of the majority of Albanians. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo2WLM7hdCIvzM9cWnuGC6QWUllfsK9_pttLxuDZvhaR_ks6PyKBrB81vOUlmay_Ggt1_SCHGxWKXVztnCnxD7M5L70V2Qg925maS92ePGNDZOjSGPRIPUK2mvsey_xr4OBs5G5V4Kw7g/s1600/P1010455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588470023427525106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieo2WLM7hdCIvzM9cWnuGC6QWUllfsK9_pttLxuDZvhaR_ks6PyKBrB81vOUlmay_Ggt1_SCHGxWKXVztnCnxD7M5L70V2Qg925maS92ePGNDZOjSGPRIPUK2mvsey_xr4OBs5G5V4Kw7g/s320/P1010455.JPG" /></a> Albania's version of the Statue of Liberty and tribute Albania's war dead.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMPMW6_zLXNqwLXq61dgnq067osSXzEpO3LR0eMoBLPp6SRZHVsJ7fHdVz95IqhlV8DcOs2oDWjvUewev7k6ltPpWIAFl8YFvKVCCYEGQPurYFw2pAuJ3UrdapxDzkG6aoYnS-wVUcHNg/s1600/P1010456.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469105868304386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMPMW6_zLXNqwLXq61dgnq067osSXzEpO3LR0eMoBLPp6SRZHVsJ7fHdVz95IqhlV8DcOs2oDWjvUewev7k6ltPpWIAFl8YFvKVCCYEGQPurYFw2pAuJ3UrdapxDzkG6aoYnS-wVUcHNg/s320/P1010456.JPG" /></a>Tirana from the war memorial.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j7huq99jRtSM7pgI1fuQzvRgHMRHgce0w-yV2_6E3nDsgd0MQm9FvgE6VAn2yu3zQOV28qBAoVUpwP79sUCW9Mt0arH_RhGMYwCGVlicw3gbojGoS5k318nWIadCxZEQjkYOABiBzY6P/s1600/P1010457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469101043981090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_j7huq99jRtSM7pgI1fuQzvRgHMRHgce0w-yV2_6E3nDsgd0MQm9FvgE6VAn2yu3zQOV28qBAoVUpwP79sUCW9Mt0arH_RhGMYwCGVlicw3gbojGoS5k318nWIadCxZEQjkYOABiBzY6P/s320/P1010457.JPG" /></a> Many of Albania's war heros are buried here.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAxPlhdgJEcNBLSt31FM29YXVpizC38vN34rMz2BUxXq_s8JP620nFvFjBigOujfr4mVJLWLYdR_SWNgv-TRxXbihbVv3-qvGEvn01-_VzE7w-E5it84DB0RzZFtcuR-P4VzFecceSu-e/s1600/P1010458.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469095306585474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAxPlhdgJEcNBLSt31FM29YXVpizC38vN34rMz2BUxXq_s8JP620nFvFjBigOujfr4mVJLWLYdR_SWNgv-TRxXbihbVv3-qvGEvn01-_VzE7w-E5it84DB0RzZFtcuR-P4VzFecceSu-e/s320/P1010458.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VBkP8dYx6mPCS8srljed40XmeaLSq-g-cEJb77huHtXrYicdDUklgp_FY_SlNTnZ-g6l8199eQgLbKyUhxlUk2PNKB9TpyjEfu11IgY6vrLaPFMvDI6xYepKXGYkI0Cq3-tqAj5l2qq1/s1600/P1010459.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469086796613458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VBkP8dYx6mPCS8srljed40XmeaLSq-g-cEJb77huHtXrYicdDUklgp_FY_SlNTnZ-g6l8199eQgLbKyUhxlUk2PNKB9TpyjEfu11IgY6vrLaPFMvDI6xYepKXGYkI0Cq3-tqAj5l2qq1/s320/P1010459.JPG" /></a>Fellow Canadians, Elder and Sister Wilson hail from Chillowack, BC are our equivalent missionaries in Terana with a dual charge of Humanitarian Aid and Employment.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHieS7xGAwmdFxtvCMyYo8hQ2Y5M73b3btDS6A2MQJfmcXU3anD80r8bkgETelJpCjlOgmL-LInYi8ywiG2Y9vI-axiHn_FNReP7TvqJUNOhiK5KOhLY6Q_Nj3Tq1j6V2xAh7ZRhjzWpX/s1600/P1010460.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588469084237007954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHieS7xGAwmdFxtvCMyYo8hQ2Y5M73b3btDS6A2MQJfmcXU3anD80r8bkgETelJpCjlOgmL-LInYi8ywiG2Y9vI-axiHn_FNReP7TvqJUNOhiK5KOhLY6Q_Nj3Tq1j6V2xAh7ZRhjzWpX/s320/P1010460.JPG" /></a> A day at the beach. Was not a good day. This is the Adriatric Sea and Albania's summer meca at Durres. Tourism, textiles and shoe manufacturing are expected to be the primary growth areas in the near future.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwcZUvfdqMvteNUjkB5Hake37kkJ4_BZiOKMhRmxgunn4buQYKpKza_pm8Y_ksyIkCBY3Nc5xbA9zTY8BPm7FB_HyeifsUHqEvtXtGkXwX7d1ISxmpZ4nCGHud8Ct32BNc5dJPl_3mzW1/s1600/P1010461.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588468069662860722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwcZUvfdqMvteNUjkB5Hake37kkJ4_BZiOKMhRmxgunn4buQYKpKza_pm8Y_ksyIkCBY3Nc5xbA9zTY8BPm7FB_HyeifsUHqEvtXtGkXwX7d1ISxmpZ4nCGHud8Ct32BNc5dJPl_3mzW1/s320/P1010461.JPG" /></a> Albania is Europe's best value for tourism and identified as one of the countries biggest growth industry. The cost of staying in one of Europe's finest hotels is but a fraction of the cost in Italy or Budapest. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYR1QoBiroKeva9_DtcOQbAlBEhBaq6VLGq0sCF2h-5rsiPbycHN71ME6zIXDOhHs8nl4ks5dHlyEqtGqAJEAummZGm8E9cECCv42ntEu-G3CNRFYca-2PvJgF0absPaTxMJbg4HAkq8d/s1600/P1010462.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588468066368221378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYR1QoBiroKeva9_DtcOQbAlBEhBaq6VLGq0sCF2h-5rsiPbycHN71ME6zIXDOhHs8nl4ks5dHlyEqtGqAJEAummZGm8E9cECCv42ntEu-G3CNRFYca-2PvJgF0absPaTxMJbg4HAkq8d/s320/P1010462.JPG" /></a> </div>In the summer these beaches are flooded with tourists from Europe seeking a low cost holiday.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3CZMqKh8KavmDXmHZS3g2Sea2uEjug55Lepjw8tzoRpi1WWseIhJUhDIzX9wg_16qZLEPAIkw-6u6Y8D4U_ToJ_ZubCJqfWYsNGnuGCQ36_DTaCvAQNFzuhwtqfmybABSb9tDncySz6M/s1600/P1010463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588468061198696530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3CZMqKh8KavmDXmHZS3g2Sea2uEjug55Lepjw8tzoRpi1WWseIhJUhDIzX9wg_16qZLEPAIkw-6u6Y8D4U_ToJ_ZubCJqfWYsNGnuGCQ36_DTaCvAQNFzuhwtqfmybABSb9tDncySz6M/s320/P1010463.JPG" /></a>This is the street leading to the LDS Tirana 1st Branch chapel. If you didn't know where the church was you would never find it. There are no street signs or direction signs to follow. Parking is almost non-existant.</div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6xZbO0CgN40hXk3Xi1P_r4jS5xHTAaPfCJpgmSjyC5m2yxn_gfQaAL5g3vKp6aCpxpOKRrZvfqErvOhxeku3rX0HFK3o9A_DpkyA3e-ogl85s_FbhEFrhwKhS2R5VlDgCdoez_1wZW0w/s1600/P1010464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588468057253550738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6xZbO0CgN40hXk3Xi1P_r4jS5xHTAaPfCJpgmSjyC5m2yxn_gfQaAL5g3vKp6aCpxpOKRrZvfqErvOhxeku3rX0HFK3o9A_DpkyA3e-ogl85s_FbhEFrhwKhS2R5VlDgCdoez_1wZW0w/s320/P1010464.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>This is the Tirana 1st Branch Chapel with sister Hancock standing in the entrance. The chapel occupes all 3 floors of this building. There is room for 3 cars to park in front.</div></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfWqVFOpjnUrZEZWsWfzHw78Ye-vUvKlRxEExUXk7dftvzKnTEV2zaU0VrfP8eeh7zn8svkOhWFsnAaKvzkkDuYceORtfyp7NasEmeGyVP-H1UfB0RdLVMfHfbEJnK1yJkQu6XZ7XTVYi/s1600/P1010465.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588468051043884130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfWqVFOpjnUrZEZWsWfzHw78Ye-vUvKlRxEExUXk7dftvzKnTEV2zaU0VrfP8eeh7zn8svkOhWFsnAaKvzkkDuYceORtfyp7NasEmeGyVP-H1UfB0RdLVMfHfbEJnK1yJkQu6XZ7XTVYi/s320/P1010465.JPG" /></a>This is the view of the yard behind the chapel.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XRb9QZxulaXJsrxROtDXdSFDe-0gF5N0vyW9lOSz50MCaCARi-3etw5f-1Llh2hDhxAHTyndzJ-ZigokLqZpZoKWCNrO6RJ6RZzFb6dzktXVePcFHASfxj3pxjux5ukKh23h4WSoHHgU/s1600/P1010466.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588467093081144402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XRb9QZxulaXJsrxROtDXdSFDe-0gF5N0vyW9lOSz50MCaCARi-3etw5f-1Llh2hDhxAHTyndzJ-ZigokLqZpZoKWCNrO6RJ6RZzFb6dzktXVePcFHASfxj3pxjux5ukKh23h4WSoHHgU/s320/P1010466.JPG" /></a>Here is the reason we are here in Tirana. Sitting on the left is the District President. He is 27 years old. He served a mission in Scotland. At present he is still single but engaged to a member of the Branch. They are hoping to be married in the Temple but have been upable to obtain an exit visa to leave the country to be married in a temple. Although the communist era has ended, some of the communist's practices are still in place. The fear is that if they allow too many of one family to leave they will not return to their homeland. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21XgcxQwfzjglsmPQaBixG_CBp2du0yDFG-AedUhPsVb4CFjb1xpw7ib1Hem16NATh_khioGphm9Rp9eRIcw0KWO72yauO6-FmbkpkBQ8iQJEKhuC7S6fCDCY_rVtceWzVY21kszvtpH4/s1600/P1010467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588467088891078898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21XgcxQwfzjglsmPQaBixG_CBp2du0yDFG-AedUhPsVb4CFjb1xpw7ib1Hem16NATh_khioGphm9Rp9eRIcw0KWO72yauO6-FmbkpkBQ8iQJEKhuC7S6fCDCY_rVtceWzVY21kszvtpH4/s320/P1010467.JPG" /></a> Here is a beautiful hedge of many colars near the chapel.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoj2QXKTEZsI8sz9-BJHrjWir0tFRpV3zmAh2j_WPX2HMto9IZNXIUF0f19b0g76ufZt7cuI-JJPnrM7SYdn-aIbxFl4n4hMKR3Dc_lTXE30s558ryTj5FXTi9PcTyhR8G9xVA_LZ1150/s1600/P1010468.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588467087102707570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoj2QXKTEZsI8sz9-BJHrjWir0tFRpV3zmAh2j_WPX2HMto9IZNXIUF0f19b0g76ufZt7cuI-JJPnrM7SYdn-aIbxFl4n4hMKR3Dc_lTXE30s558ryTj5FXTi9PcTyhR8G9xVA_LZ1150/s320/P1010468.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>This is a tribute to The National Hero, General Skandergog in the National museum across the street from our hotel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkGhATKsiJ_t6OfXuYVH6iJZM36wlOMaTuOlr_wWbSGU6ObBZCPewOd_0zpYzx7EAM1XmJzwWl7mXMbecaup3FqbXjaOnuSEEhlyYmutGB5ki2Cqk68aDgBVhL47Ux2NRVLOFofvDkHpo/s1600/P1010469.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588467080682927394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkGhATKsiJ_t6OfXuYVH6iJZM36wlOMaTuOlr_wWbSGU6ObBZCPewOd_0zpYzx7EAM1XmJzwWl7mXMbecaup3FqbXjaOnuSEEhlyYmutGB5ki2Cqk68aDgBVhL47Ux2NRVLOFofvDkHpo/s320/P1010469.JPG" /></a> More of the tribute to General Skenderbog</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6ckqSF85gJsaYpulpACaPU3CIKNFGLl-qCXTu3i3XBl1Fin-UXNiM7q48lFyrGg-uIgH8NB2hT5Pu34C_SxaHrNUlrn4PCr3islFxCNrRR1HAL9XkpiRajGER8wJW0fdPTZ8uMwHodft/s1600/P1010470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588467067495167218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6ckqSF85gJsaYpulpACaPU3CIKNFGLl-qCXTu3i3XBl1Fin-UXNiM7q48lFyrGg-uIgH8NB2hT5Pu34C_SxaHrNUlrn4PCr3islFxCNrRR1HAL9XkpiRajGER8wJW0fdPTZ8uMwHodft/s320/P1010470.JPG" /></a>This is the Tirana 3rd branch chapel and Young Single Adult Centre. The church puts a lot of emphasis on th YSA programs in Europe. If the church is to grow in many of these countries it has to come from the YSA age group. They are the church's future leaders.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8o3mAxnoBS7B_3jDx59yyMjkMxedBfRir2hJ840tyU9_Vog78GBKsRiq76gUGHEoQOMXEAuh-HA3SfvHr9FZXfoU-inKJ3g_pcVZjvfZFQU1ht31u73sud8U8dBs5sNb5wgJ0YYmT3cW/s1600/P1010471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588466043116472898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8o3mAxnoBS7B_3jDx59yyMjkMxedBfRir2hJ840tyU9_Vog78GBKsRiq76gUGHEoQOMXEAuh-HA3SfvHr9FZXfoU-inKJ3g_pcVZjvfZFQU1ht31u73sud8U8dBs5sNb5wgJ0YYmT3cW/s320/P1010471.JPG" /></a>More of the Tirana 3rd Branch building with some of the young single adults outside the building.</div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBbO96ygFy7-8e01XvaPYYRYxERqw-0SPTcGwMQKgcNTNq3O3vatUk68v_cTfOUe-Cavno61bB0piLTLQRmESMgBnOEf8AYlKp9ZnEWt9rw-ZvFre4ddmG-zjcq7RkqzhoDl5q00fNchb/s1600/P1010472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588466039394315986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBbO96ygFy7-8e01XvaPYYRYxERqw-0SPTcGwMQKgcNTNq3O3vatUk68v_cTfOUe-Cavno61bB0piLTLQRmESMgBnOEf8AYlKp9ZnEWt9rw-ZvFre4ddmG-zjcq7RkqzhoDl5q00fNchb/s320/P1010472.JPG" /></a>The streets in this area were certainly not built for autos. Parking is just about non-existant.</div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEej7dbWWKr-cm5x4jbo1CJfINj2UYazTCREkU135LX20CHketX35QIm6lo2cJoSB1Xwm49Ykc-EAftw92BjaNyRUdp8C4Ey1MYeTlWAI8AZvbCUQwjTTiDMfmLVHLFM0CyUb3iJZ5Fqh/s1600/P1010473.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588466039326791858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEej7dbWWKr-cm5x4jbo1CJfINj2UYazTCREkU135LX20CHketX35QIm6lo2cJoSB1Xwm49Ykc-EAftw92BjaNyRUdp8C4Ey1MYeTlWAI8AZvbCUQwjTTiDMfmLVHLFM0CyUb3iJZ5Fqh/s320/P1010473.JPG" /></a>This is a huge Albanian apple we found in the local farmers market. It weight 5 lbs. must have fed it Popeye's spinach.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj9FoKjxMRWgg633l236QRQfg0pmMw_NxBEc1q_ZTYR_KElalanAE4vJhQ8n4SenomUVyeWDxpK8_dkvrUAZd2Fxe_ctPhL-ymmSK9mjRibhxjBjXC4QGb-tO7rPnxCcVVyEoB_zHLOvF/s1600/P1010475.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588466030790415618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNj9FoKjxMRWgg633l236QRQfg0pmMw_NxBEc1q_ZTYR_KElalanAE4vJhQ8n4SenomUVyeWDxpK8_dkvrUAZd2Fxe_ctPhL-ymmSK9mjRibhxjBjXC4QGb-tO7rPnxCcVVyEoB_zHLOvF/s320/P1010475.JPG" /></a>When the Communists were in power only the leaders were allowed to own cars. Private ownership of cars in Albania is only a recent event. Less than 15 years. There are rules of the road but nobody pays any attention to them. At entersections it is a case that only the brave cross over to the otherside. No one pays attention to street directional signs or traffic lights. If there is a space to enter you enter and slowly force your way through to the otherside. Yet strangly there are less auto accidents in countries like Albania than else where in the world. This is probabley because you are unable to get up enough speed to cause any damage.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4fzoGZ1FPGzuNivaaT2giqn_BiBv87cqkCZy4cE4NNXURklDNujZ1sOk-cP08QbiMw-9C4PU0c6qjNiq_tYG9764-cRbzY2Owh6EN_cO_6zh2ZNRf8Yo3Pjezq9hR5dj_DKz2Bl2Vb_0/s1600/P1010476.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588466023650784306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4fzoGZ1FPGzuNivaaT2giqn_BiBv87cqkCZy4cE4NNXURklDNujZ1sOk-cP08QbiMw-9C4PU0c6qjNiq_tYG9764-cRbzY2Owh6EN_cO_6zh2ZNRf8Yo3Pjezq9hR5dj_DKz2Bl2Vb_0/s320/P1010476.JPG" /></a>Down below a lone police officer was trying to direct traffic, but being totally ignored. Finally he gave up in discuss and stood and watched the mayham from the sidewalk. </div><br /><br /><div>On November 10th we returned to Dublin. On the return trip there was a lot of turbulence. As we crossed the Alps the plane began to shake and bounce violently in the air. This disturbed many of the passangers. One man across the isle from us got very agitated and he was sure this was the end. As I silently prayed for protection a voice came to me saying "use your priesthood to bless the plane". This I did and suddenly the turbulence ended and we proceeded on to Dublin without further incindents. The Lord was demonstrating to me his power, the power of the priesthood and his protection over us. A lesson I will not soon forget.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Albania was an interesting experience. One which we will never forget. The country and the people were beautiful. We hope to go back there some day, but the likelyhood is very remote. We wish the members of the church a sad but emotional farewell. Your strength and testimony were a strength to us. The Willson's are a dedicated couple and we know they are where the Lord wants them at this time. God bless!!!!!!</div></div><br /><br /><div>View our older blogs entries including the following entries:</div><br /><br /><div>Christmas 2010</div><br /><br /><div>Waterford</div><br /><br /><div>Limerick</div><br /><br /><div>Welcome to Ireland</div><br /><br /><div>Birminham England</div><br /><br /><div>The MTC Experience</div><br /><br /><div>Ron's Family</div><br /><br /><div>Salt Lake City Spring 2010</div><br /><br /><div>How we got here</div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-10849233972087719492011-02-10T08:38:00.000-08:002011-03-02T10:04:59.973-08:00Christmas 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFBtTEhy9FuaFGvTPNwLnDMZ4IYmXYaL_L5_0gKdn488rHhf2Fw797LWnpk07sJlStlGpVut5nbvVrnpOreEPGl00Cayb3QAwhvfqW_HGKstFi-H_DGqaeclBlEfbILI6kTlROXC9mUVO/s1600/P1010654.JPG"></a><br /><div align="center"><u><span style="font-size:180%;color:#0066cc;"><strong>Christmas 2010 </strong></span></u><br /><br /></div><div><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XJUY7roP8Df09FRCep-4xLVPvNZigDxuq-PHQPqdAhGPQPvy7SkoT522qWt8rDV0zKpmjozzr-DXOu5tpkoQ2hCXAe6NB9LnEzG5Zpw2XIT7Yl25j9wrLOC9AdV_LmRYJ7tiXlQEdBy/s1600/DSC00141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574025816115907426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6XJUY7roP8Df09FRCep-4xLVPvNZigDxuq-PHQPqdAhGPQPvy7SkoT522qWt8rDV0zKpmjozzr-DXOu5tpkoQ2hCXAe6NB9LnEzG5Zpw2XIT7Yl25j9wrLOC9AdV_LmRYJ7tiXlQEdBy/s320/DSC00141.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas 2010 was the first Christmas either of us had ever spent away from our family and friends. We were in a new and different land with new and different customs and f<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">riends</span>. But one thing was the same, the gospel. It didn't matter if we were in Canada or Ireland the gospel was the one consistent thing in our life and you could always count on Frosty the Snowman. It didn't matter that there was no snow. Poor Frosty. He was a familiar face we could relate to. It made us feel right at home, even without the snow.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GYHQ_7wJ6SDUKyO-PtCNX37TSJf5fdMAZ1k3ZOUpYa3HPK63ZLnbKIR6xM2Y7kLTP3iDs7yX1E-Qdkk-WDoK6BrFp0BIpE1AmXupDw74catl2GZj3FwiZOCIurnExy_EZWEfIbZth4Ec/s1600/DSC00142.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574025813446850258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3GYHQ_7wJ6SDUKyO-PtCNX37TSJf5fdMAZ1k3ZOUpYa3HPK63ZLnbKIR6xM2Y7kLTP3iDs7yX1E-Qdkk-WDoK6BrFp0BIpE1AmXupDw74catl2GZj3FwiZOCIurnExy_EZWEfIbZth4Ec/s320/DSC00142.JPG" border="0" /></a>At Christmas everyone loves music. Whether at the indoor mall or outside in the streets of Dublin. Music was everywhere. Big bands or one man bands, it didn't matter, the music was terrific. They were everywhere, on the streets of Dublin, in the malls and in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cemeteries</span>. Ireland has a radio station that comes on the air in mid November and goes off the air two days after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Christmas</span>, which plays nothing but <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Christmas</span> music 24 hours a day. It is run by volunteers and can be heard throughout the island.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxG5cMTeZOGIAu-nkgZP8KQlOGLoHl-oK9Vx3Lh5Eowpa_04_YJV27Nr9u4Xo7VTDrsYG6eWMfzfs1W8c0UYXJDaUMRvJFWPdkkMafExRnXByY-Hi0W0SFtrl7yRsHA-Dkf8oXol5F6-3/s1600/P1010574.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574021925487425922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxG5cMTeZOGIAu-nkgZP8KQlOGLoHl-oK9Vx3Lh5Eowpa_04_YJV27Nr9u4Xo7VTDrsYG6eWMfzfs1W8c0UYXJDaUMRvJFWPdkkMafExRnXByY-Hi0W0SFtrl7yRsHA-Dkf8oXol5F6-3/s320/P1010574.JPG" border="0" /></a> Most people believe that the shamrock is Ireland's national emblem. It is not, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">harp</span> is. This woman was our favorite. She was out everyday, sun, rain or snow, on the same corner in front of Trinity Collage playing beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Christmas</span> ballads on her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">harp</span>. You could tell how much she loved her music by the way she took special care or her instrument and played with such feeling.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVY_IpCWnvv_oIw7JKuCE_UHB4ji8xNgvkw-IpS4aQwueljIs_U2-_3jXohNGzI9NaDkJPNGpyyqNJceqQIf_qxJfsSfS59_TJSIJaaTMeNPGIqVjUtPDNFrbe6UbLjxrKsWGZgAOBDfk/s1600/DSC00005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574021058973745778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVY_IpCWnvv_oIw7JKuCE_UHB4ji8xNgvkw-IpS4aQwueljIs_U2-_3jXohNGzI9NaDkJPNGpyyqNJceqQIf_qxJfsSfS59_TJSIJaaTMeNPGIqVjUtPDNFrbe6UbLjxrKsWGZgAOBDfk/s320/DSC00005.JPG" border="0" /></a> This was Deanne's Christmas present. It is a one of a kind ceramic manger scene by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Belleek</span>, Ireland's finest china maker. They don't come cheap and are a collectors item.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OFJ8xLXP3bUHx28bjLVtgXoqPclHGYpnJ1ACUeudQSOeCSB3kEeR6__rEkXZAbaNchbicZQ7QyuMdfEG4xR7CdAk8jy8nPFEWUGhLYp4MN7G5Hczqp6HxgEgCB5MgP-p5iSa_Q0EfO4p/s1600/DSC00006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574021054076527810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OFJ8xLXP3bUHx28bjLVtgXoqPclHGYpnJ1ACUeudQSOeCSB3kEeR6__rEkXZAbaNchbicZQ7QyuMdfEG4xR7CdAk8jy8nPFEWUGhLYp4MN7G5Hczqp6HxgEgCB5MgP-p5iSa_Q0EfO4p/s320/DSC00006.JPG" border="0" /></a> Nobody likes a good sale better than Deanne. What would Christmas be like without Christmas shopping. Dublin is a perfect place for shopping. So much to see and so much to choose from. Life is great when you are in sales heaven.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLak8QOj29IV-gnhQKUPGX1vKnazEU6HuGICPpotD9yfmmhngIsRbxT__vs0fl2Ls5KQyPzis6s2RrxJVGDupT9Jt5SZJ3jr87FOIJ6zWAX7FsLQt9xrDIBGA5fl_qJ8EeenjEVLnBjWE/s1600/DSC00014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574021048822618386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLak8QOj29IV-gnhQKUPGX1vKnazEU6HuGICPpotD9yfmmhngIsRbxT__vs0fl2Ls5KQyPzis6s2RrxJVGDupT9Jt5SZJ3jr87FOIJ6zWAX7FsLQt9xrDIBGA5fl_qJ8EeenjEVLnBjWE/s320/DSC00014.JPG" border="0" /></a> The streets of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Dublin</span> are the most alive I have seen anywhere. Night and day the streets of the downtown are alive with thousands of people, shoppers, strollers, buskers, lovers, preachers, street <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">peddlers</span> and just plain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">gawkers</span>. When I talk to people from Ireland who have been to north America the one comment they have in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">common</span> is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">absence</span> of people on the street after 5:00 pm. The down town area of Dublin is a fun place to be and fairly safe. Dublin has some of the largest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">department</span> stores you will find anywhere and they are always packed with people. Much of the downtown is shut off to autos. If you want to see the down town it is best to take the public transit, one of the best in the world. We usually drove into the the Stake Centre and caught the bus which stops in front every 10 minutes night and day. For a treat take one of the open air tour bus around the city. They are cheap but fun and full of merry makers the year round.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkEOaY9vSmztWpwyLEYHjF0OLuPk_t3R_6pqvwxyzPw7b4MVEq7ULO3YRpVkOXcb7SkNtzCUN_7PKqGFLYCjqNZ-W2aDfouMfLoLifCMQtsclppg80BQMhO-cPI8VpFY68sclgJ3w00J/s1600/DSC00015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574019182001554162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCkEOaY9vSmztWpwyLEYHjF0OLuPk_t3R_6pqvwxyzPw7b4MVEq7ULO3YRpVkOXcb7SkNtzCUN_7PKqGFLYCjqNZ-W2aDfouMfLoLifCMQtsclppg80BQMhO-cPI8VpFY68sclgJ3w00J/s320/DSC00015.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Henry's Street, one of my favourites. It is fun just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">strolling</span> for three blocks down its cobblestone broad expanse, stopping at the open air street stands or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">rummaging</span> in the mega department stores. Our favorites were Penny's, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Dunnes</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Arnotts</span>, Mark and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Spencers</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Debenhams</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Curreys</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_ojxsCjReJ7Y6-nMkOn9R4G7lBnjOXuaByhqqwKcMgrBkyLSq76ETrRDwSy-8FjnzA2IOtJQ4d_XGgsXKX4g95ZDZhlXJpPYdHG5D12AHvJ1z_AOpcbtlAqkUcfgjXB7ffPn4sTeQub/s1600/DSC00017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574019177927011570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_ojxsCjReJ7Y6-nMkOn9R4G7lBnjOXuaByhqqwKcMgrBkyLSq76ETrRDwSy-8FjnzA2IOtJQ4d_XGgsXKX4g95ZDZhlXJpPYdHG5D12AHvJ1z_AOpcbtlAqkUcfgjXB7ffPn4sTeQub/s320/DSC00017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />What would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Christmas</span> be like without <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Santa's</span> castle. Deanne hopes he is home.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXWkHvrXCefo_-OS1uOc2vaihsiIAwtagVmmQg7gs4jYjc26KA1WjJtkfnujveHSl91lHoaY9Aic2pZZSpUyZwb66zdQLLScx7t_7YjWBBqeHufiHgmK8x4xAqYUva0K-cghALoUNTRrJ/s1600/DSC00164.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574019170260586050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXWkHvrXCefo_-OS1uOc2vaihsiIAwtagVmmQg7gs4jYjc26KA1WjJtkfnujveHSl91lHoaY9Aic2pZZSpUyZwb66zdQLLScx7t_7YjWBBqeHufiHgmK8x4xAqYUva0K-cghALoUNTRrJ/s320/DSC00164.JPG" border="0" /></a> Shoes!!!!!! Dublin has the funkiest and best shoe shops you will find anywhere. This pair shoes are just for Debra. Notice the hearts on the toes. We are now in shoe <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">heaven</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Personally</span> I don't like some of the men's styles, they are more fit for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Leprechauns</span>, but ladies shoes are some thing else. The big rage here is high boots. The higher the better. Some come up well above the knee to the bottom of the mini skirt. The mini skirts are something else.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTLvTRSL68FsoOQCC8Oy01UH6oK3xeh0ylGB2PRcd2lwY-70uUkYa4VNtsP4cDiElTJHcw9137HsniaFgAOV_3hF79W0EdO8mHuN3gapGVzN6yRt-87RGIg8UR7GdYADcjU28Lx3_XxS/s1600/P1010320.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574015487525280194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWTLvTRSL68FsoOQCC8Oy01UH6oK3xeh0ylGB2PRcd2lwY-70uUkYa4VNtsP4cDiElTJHcw9137HsniaFgAOV_3hF79W0EdO8mHuN3gapGVzN6yRt-87RGIg8UR7GdYADcjU28Lx3_XxS/s320/P1010320.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Grafton Street. While Henry's Street is a street of large mega Department Stores amd open air markets, Grafton Street is mostly smaller exclusive upscale shops. But the street scenes are different. It is also a centre for the arts. Many artists have set up small outdoar stands to sell their art along the street and it is also the first point of entry for new music acts to enter the market. We have seen as many as 6 performers per block along Grafton Street performing and selling their newest CD. If you look close you will see the Canadian flag. This flag flies <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">in front</span> of a very exclusive department store owned by the Weston Family of Canada which sell the best in fashions Canada offers at a considerably higher price than they would attempt to sell for back in Canada. The most popular shop in the downtown is Carroll's. You can not visit Ireland without going to Carroll's. It is Irelands most popular gift and souvenirs shop with 10 outlets in the downtown area. But if you want a truly unique Irish gift, Kilkenny's or House of Ireland is the best. Graftton Street starts in front of Trinity College and extends south to St Stephen's Green. St Stephen's Green is Dublin's version of Lethbridge's Galt Gardens or the Boston Common. It is huge, but famous for its art displays and acts.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELWzOvWT80Agl0e5iIQH6PWU3qNfPDFto-gtmz5mYUNmsBrWgLEMo2yzT8HtjrJr1SMRaS3QXHvG7p8ik7zTFHDWBONqK6hSLsDF_9zQucYIuIxpzA-7h7tjz0zIoi3eGxCckt_2Z7SjI/s1600/DSC00050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574013998355281298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhELWzOvWT80Agl0e5iIQH6PWU3qNfPDFto-gtmz5mYUNmsBrWgLEMo2yzT8HtjrJr1SMRaS3QXHvG7p8ik7zTFHDWBONqK6hSLsDF_9zQucYIuIxpzA-7h7tjz0zIoi3eGxCckt_2Z7SjI/s320/DSC00050.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the highlights of the Christmas season was when Deanne and I were asked to perform in the Savior of the World musical. Notice the priest in his robes on the left hand side. It was a fun experience. Wouldn't have missed this experience for the world.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirceEsZvf8b9M6nW5V4u59mfulOcMwL1j11kz0ehaDNd8nqm_hdZV3cYx9lA60Ohv121dFuxVbwzgoolRkfZz9ZWsZYkkftZqxSqTTT0ot3ZSECcegm-nUUDo6c5KwEch_VcfEhce2xvE9/s1600/DSC00074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574013993794832066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirceEsZvf8b9M6nW5V4u59mfulOcMwL1j11kz0ehaDNd8nqm_hdZV3cYx9lA60Ohv121dFuxVbwzgoolRkfZz9ZWsZYkkftZqxSqTTT0ot3ZSECcegm-nUUDo6c5KwEch_VcfEhce2xvE9/s320/DSC00074.JPG" border="0" /></a> I love this picture of a very special villager singing the greatness of God.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyqDwGqu8rtUZmHI2u6ASPHag8dpuIYOSEf5hLuibfXkCDmvePwuq7MCA6i0JmGND7np1qJhQEY6iZjgGAG4OTcIy5l7NDCR5hWL1n0e9gDUCmC4B9PD18HogtrsQyotVYyQu0qfdJxvc/s1600/DSC00111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574013986559782370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyqDwGqu8rtUZmHI2u6ASPHag8dpuIYOSEf5hLuibfXkCDmvePwuq7MCA6i0JmGND7np1qJhQEY6iZjgGAG4OTcIy5l7NDCR5hWL1n0e9gDUCmC4B9PD18HogtrsQyotVYyQu0qfdJxvc/s320/DSC00111.JPG" border="0" /></a> And the second from the right angel <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">truly</span> sang like an angel announcing the birth of the savior.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrRz49amQAIyq73fcMK7Wfhj9TQXk-WJ6zfIJCM3ED6kYrOZikLHsCYEvNnYOPZh4yyVO-9xVOExMXLsL9w_IZACmFf_QORpMinF7qZQvqL8FSK-VU9aglAdsVP4fnUdOSItB8sMH6VH6/s1600/DSC00134.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573618093639922546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrRz49amQAIyq73fcMK7Wfhj9TQXk-WJ6zfIJCM3ED6kYrOZikLHsCYEvNnYOPZh4yyVO-9xVOExMXLsL9w_IZACmFf_QORpMinF7qZQvqL8FSK-VU9aglAdsVP4fnUdOSItB8sMH6VH6/s320/DSC00134.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The entire cast comes forward to take a final bow and receive the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">accolades</span> of the crowd.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80j3g6QQjECEexFRS4yg8XKn_f29qS5LNVTWUQ-wYW62MWvJbvxJHSb3yfYwPXFBLvOiEh-cFqnePY-liLrOVaYo-rSmPVCstK6NsOP4BVC4SEL5IgoYFZtAfHN-q5TJWtb1owmZhDOT_/s1600/DSC00146.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573618091037162370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80j3g6QQjECEexFRS4yg8XKn_f29qS5LNVTWUQ-wYW62MWvJbvxJHSb3yfYwPXFBLvOiEh-cFqnePY-liLrOVaYo-rSmPVCstK6NsOP4BVC4SEL5IgoYFZtAfHN-q5TJWtb1owmZhDOT_/s320/DSC00146.JPG" border="0" /></a> Deanne and I in our costumes. Deanne performed as a villager and an angel. I performed the part of a priest and a shepherd.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOSDeEukqCDXNo-UK7Vg9ObpRLjRffL7tCKpvnvAbVtc_DnpjqH6nzmqdRUzpUUZ5wHWB7JGaEmu7fZ_tHuyT4onBj-0lMG5vhuzY6U3AlktxS8wdZj9B9TKAdOclS6AslR56OQP5apU-/s1600/DSC00143.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573618085589900866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNOSDeEukqCDXNo-UK7Vg9ObpRLjRffL7tCKpvnvAbVtc_DnpjqH6nzmqdRUzpUUZ5wHWB7JGaEmu7fZ_tHuyT4onBj-0lMG5vhuzY6U3AlktxS8wdZj9B9TKAdOclS6AslR56OQP5apU-/s320/DSC00143.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is our Bishop. Bishop Green. A very humble and dedicated man with a powerful testimony. A servant of the Lord and his fellow man.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX0P9diPrxCpgcgyd3kjHDGSKxkjzwq8xTh89H0ngjAVBlG-yaXKOGV_zQ4_bwFI45cIzWKanbOBEOxOknT3OVylihcyqReoYiPa-9JGhC-GCS9b41ApjpBblkjygvhVmBxdsm9iqC2GT/s1600/P1010477.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573302623050143010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX0P9diPrxCpgcgyd3kjHDGSKxkjzwq8xTh89H0ngjAVBlG-yaXKOGV_zQ4_bwFI45cIzWKanbOBEOxOknT3OVylihcyqReoYiPa-9JGhC-GCS9b41ApjpBblkjygvhVmBxdsm9iqC2GT/s320/P1010477.JPG" border="0" /></a> A new crop of missionaries has just arrived. Young and eager, ready to go and serve the Lord.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTrnCVsoIkE2fdCxBM-EB6u7bVk7juPZyNiIjQ9MTN3GEU7iEMyRc9PkHHfo2lO9bU5JLUo47dSeIDbYV6lRcRjwMgzn6w3nZqbiYvz-b3RJOqYQSjv6c5ywXsi3KQ34QQIrLoXu_Ow5Q/s1600/P1010478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573302619300372802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTrnCVsoIkE2fdCxBM-EB6u7bVk7juPZyNiIjQ9MTN3GEU7iEMyRc9PkHHfo2lO9bU5JLUo47dSeIDbYV6lRcRjwMgzn6w3nZqbiYvz-b3RJOqYQSjv6c5ywXsi3KQ34QQIrLoXu_Ow5Q/s320/P1010478.JPG" border="0" /></a> Santa Clause in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Europe</span> lives in Lapland, a small village in North Finland where a whole industry has grown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">around</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">legendary</span> character. Millions of tourists flock there each year for summer shopping in the small shops and winter skiing and fun.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM_khtHQNxUl0fejf5OpieUAwsSoE3Na7UWW-uSRgxV42asIAh95WTCGsE61FaAMsWl-Qq1WrELoFkpzCeMGYXi0v7CHJTPrS-1DQC10SmNH5AdyY9C5_bjEs628ESI3Qd-e6RIvVQzsR/s1600/P1010481.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573302616160854642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM_khtHQNxUl0fejf5OpieUAwsSoE3Na7UWW-uSRgxV42asIAh95WTCGsE61FaAMsWl-Qq1WrELoFkpzCeMGYXi0v7CHJTPrS-1DQC10SmNH5AdyY9C5_bjEs628ESI3Qd-e6RIvVQzsR/s320/P1010481.JPG" border="0" /></a> For <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Christmas</span> all the missionaries in Ireland come together for a special <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Christmas</span> banquet and fireside with the mission president. Here are some of the couples we labor with.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs-p6AqnfFzufa3fmWep9OMybrfrearBULlV5eRDM-CuJKjlhcj1XgxgxE5ugSvg8bOq7_gpQMCedjZF7lcJQxwaYQkWgePlWUfHPckHtd_Y7y8kwMtcz3Xdu4gDoYY5x-gGVnPqRfPsP/s1600/P1010483.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573301753080420754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs-p6AqnfFzufa3fmWep9OMybrfrearBULlV5eRDM-CuJKjlhcj1XgxgxE5ugSvg8bOq7_gpQMCedjZF7lcJQxwaYQkWgePlWUfHPckHtd_Y7y8kwMtcz3Xdu4gDoYY5x-gGVnPqRfPsP/s320/P1010483.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is our mission president's wife and daughter who came to spend <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Christmas</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">mom</span> and dad. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">young</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">lady</span> in front just returned from a mission in California.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccsREFn4qV_3O8-7pOMN4KWmYxiaqnxxLuNU6EcA1-lumMVtxlV1Ur79hKAbl9Rc9tNQTbaFregc0Ps18fIBxmzZjVCjoewpDhBB650Mp36sjqgzwVcceZezYkk-xsqd72xXV00vXSA-o/s1600/P1010484.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573301751145725778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccsREFn4qV_3O8-7pOMN4KWmYxiaqnxxLuNU6EcA1-lumMVtxlV1Ur79hKAbl9Rc9tNQTbaFregc0Ps18fIBxmzZjVCjoewpDhBB650Mp36sjqgzwVcceZezYkk-xsqd72xXV00vXSA-o/s320/P1010484.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is President Griffith giving one of his pep talks to the soldiers.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFgU6TEKz1cMbh5K4c0WBSqiiR0mb3w0I3vMGZBEKEavlsb98ui6CGEEjeD5cxBjps_G0HxTC6ijgXN9V3PtOOoSBTjEuWJbOGK15FN8pYwUIsanZrUTlBawTwpJ7lUTKc5Ywb6fQGK-u/s1600/P1010485.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573301746184689218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFgU6TEKz1cMbh5K4c0WBSqiiR0mb3w0I3vMGZBEKEavlsb98ui6CGEEjeD5cxBjps_G0HxTC6ijgXN9V3PtOOoSBTjEuWJbOGK15FN8pYwUIsanZrUTlBawTwpJ7lUTKc5Ywb6fQGK-u/s320/P1010485.JPG" border="0" /></a> More President Griffiths.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN2GSVcc2sONDL31jULD-AHV2wAnLnN1PLoowY69A4mbQvL0p_b0FXGoM5vXrhQqLn6hauVBnFX3qcMwucKaKOyOg-DKyNzPBp1WdKzl0rhASQd8H7eNhlZZNAWKO2EDliniegYmJATpL/s1600/P1010488.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573301740652192610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN2GSVcc2sONDL31jULD-AHV2wAnLnN1PLoowY69A4mbQvL0p_b0FXGoM5vXrhQqLn6hauVBnFX3qcMwucKaKOyOg-DKyNzPBp1WdKzl0rhASQd8H7eNhlZZNAWKO2EDliniegYmJATpL/s320/P1010488.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Now it is mom's turn. What a wonderful spirit and perfect couple in every way for this calling.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK9MtEy1zv-ApTmSMQlp9BneuQPkFTTMKKG6hLGOzOOJ48dvjpJF9ViWtSOu2GEslzePe5ds54SYn5wC7hrw0UHXAFUNkxPCtjWEGCfqm9OHjxFUgWML8mkC8MDqgS6j_gWUqjuPAiiQ1/s1600/P1010491.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300930050353426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK9MtEy1zv-ApTmSMQlp9BneuQPkFTTMKKG6hLGOzOOJ48dvjpJF9ViWtSOu2GEslzePe5ds54SYn5wC7hrw0UHXAFUNkxPCtjWEGCfqm9OHjxFUgWML8mkC8MDqgS6j_gWUqjuPAiiQ1/s320/P1010491.JPG" border="0" /></a> Old Humbug Griffiths, He is father and guardian to an army of over 200 missionaries.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqi4ZLuRoE5xrmpKadLaclN1UDowLj-9Zh0NbqouRqexdazHQ1k-s7B2XBqcFq9EDGYKuwyQEPwfa3ftv7NxhVcgAiJumrWYrDx4Z6SsFqel3q3a0dn1z6_5_StL7ns0UEwTLUR6hFppdZ/s1600/P1010496.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300924746836882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqi4ZLuRoE5xrmpKadLaclN1UDowLj-9Zh0NbqouRqexdazHQ1k-s7B2XBqcFq9EDGYKuwyQEPwfa3ftv7NxhVcgAiJumrWYrDx4Z6SsFqel3q3a0dn1z6_5_StL7ns0UEwTLUR6hFppdZ/s320/P1010496.JPG" border="0" /></a> What would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Christmas</span> be like without a visit from Crusty the Clown. Here Crusty visits with the children of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Finglas</span> Ward at the annual Christmas party.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNtO4gpMcUvpnYiSCI-OKIV3kRG1c0CmwrI5Sv-VDZtqbHfFH5hCeNoSjluenZmHpFNuw14vMZNzsNzyazQUDDCYSyUryLXkZ6FjWMlZdRz2GlJk3evQFtMgCOY2fT7abrgj8V3sTeI9/s1600/P1010497.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300921079123714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNtO4gpMcUvpnYiSCI-OKIV3kRG1c0CmwrI5Sv-VDZtqbHfFH5hCeNoSjluenZmHpFNuw14vMZNzsNzyazQUDDCYSyUryLXkZ6FjWMlZdRz2GlJk3evQFtMgCOY2fT7abrgj8V3sTeI9/s320/P1010497.JPG" border="0" /></a> Santa Clause puts in an appearance.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTUBk_9r5uaoT9DYbcZSGY7Yft6Gx98oLLHdNgiovxcoWZhVAT0XcC6-ifPLEbnS5Q4WCJMItuAEJXIIHnxyCAbdXjdSJEnYEU-WrwXvPzut9y9av-k6uOH9mY4ykPQsmabcWCHqxSxfi/s1600/P1010500.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300916368554882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTUBk_9r5uaoT9DYbcZSGY7Yft6Gx98oLLHdNgiovxcoWZhVAT0XcC6-ifPLEbnS5Q4WCJMItuAEJXIIHnxyCAbdXjdSJEnYEU-WrwXvPzut9y9av-k6uOH9mY4ykPQsmabcWCHqxSxfi/s320/P1010500.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Nicole and her mother, an investigator family we are working with to teach and fellowship.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfaTmmweC9xC1QZDVQaTLggRl27D0rjB-yxtYeO5N05P_wSEYtOq54aH7SFT_EAYhtzFNi8oI8xZWO2H9UctBkJONm6yya_Z3_Ic2RPj4S4kP5B1tro51vt6LiwmqTlq6k9v58OTKSOQi/s1600/P1010502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300054455374450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIfaTmmweC9xC1QZDVQaTLggRl27D0rjB-yxtYeO5N05P_wSEYtOq54aH7SFT_EAYhtzFNi8oI8xZWO2H9UctBkJONm6yya_Z3_Ic2RPj4S4kP5B1tro51vt6LiwmqTlq6k9v58OTKSOQi/s320/P1010502.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our family home evening group assembled on the Monday before Christmas at our home for a Canadian Christmas Supper.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B4qXWLuMFsGpLTtu_LHEYQhRdTBSx_3dbxjKtV_bg0RrF0X8kOo7XgdzUOntyZtI7StJhAo6fqvYGHEvzD1_82Qhaj-M5jcXPIUExt1r5hVYeAExB3pEfK7OuzHcqeoxG3EiA0MhYQ9g/s1600/P1010503.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300046119078578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B4qXWLuMFsGpLTtu_LHEYQhRdTBSx_3dbxjKtV_bg0RrF0X8kOo7XgdzUOntyZtI7StJhAo6fqvYGHEvzD1_82Qhaj-M5jcXPIUExt1r5hVYeAExB3pEfK7OuzHcqeoxG3EiA0MhYQ9g/s320/P1010503.JPG" border="0" /></a> The table is set and the food is ready. Let the party begin.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKDHog2uF2PztaKtZq63yI5-wag-WmwUinRdV86RIJejICn5pfSBOlc7I3Qiwep6UgMwc9uqdVhakWMLLk4LNQvXLtKrfpXpCf_Tejk2DqtN4hzRPU4SwjhC65FqIOwzhqCrkZNKXSl85/s1600/P1010506.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300041915521762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKDHog2uF2PztaKtZq63yI5-wag-WmwUinRdV86RIJejICn5pfSBOlc7I3Qiwep6UgMwc9uqdVhakWMLLk4LNQvXLtKrfpXpCf_Tejk2DqtN4hzRPU4SwjhC65FqIOwzhqCrkZNKXSl85/s320/P1010506.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And a delicious meal was enjoyed by all. Thanks sister Hancock.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0WGy45v_mEmfMlQ0Oal1eH4YC3dAAyTt1DJKL5FRtdc07nXHnc0HWG1TSRPHSBfFP9yqnRJsA7K-c0HaeJUPX_lp21x-_pFy8Gx7jZ6Tvu5bdrM93BYxv4W1tENIdPRtkoaCk9YeG6G9/s1600/P1010507.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573300039480948482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0WGy45v_mEmfMlQ0Oal1eH4YC3dAAyTt1DJKL5FRtdc07nXHnc0HWG1TSRPHSBfFP9yqnRJsA7K-c0HaeJUPX_lp21x-_pFy8Gx7jZ6Tvu5bdrM93BYxv4W1tENIdPRtkoaCk9YeG6G9/s320/P1010507.JPG" border="0" /></a> All is ready for Christmas at the Hancock's.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEJ2H2326axZfblgZkNKY1-nR8RbHKmPUVRqfu_WVroEVII1_lxIp1weFe4wR6OpJgH0aaeMsWxcnVFUC0NxPJ1rV6unOm1Ijefn5IH72ZMFZqpL_x9DZUsO7rL5oD_rYIY1BuM1xF8z3/s1600/P1010508.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573298902113525778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEJ2H2326axZfblgZkNKY1-nR8RbHKmPUVRqfu_WVroEVII1_lxIp1weFe4wR6OpJgH0aaeMsWxcnVFUC0NxPJ1rV6unOm1Ijefn5IH72ZMFZqpL_x9DZUsO7rL5oD_rYIY1BuM1xF8z3/s320/P1010508.JPG" border="0" /></a> The tree is decorated, presents put under the tree, stockings hung and the fire lit. Where is Santa?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq68z8jNH-XbjmSVV0A3DyfQgAaISEcTAj9waIqkHK1uT-kj00d-FyDSIP4PjcMvZqjXmPL1G1wSTxXBb-IkiISR57pUhDhICQ6spnTeAQ4876M1fD0zfXNAYkF77PJHNVhpFDpjA4IUO/s1600/P1010514.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573298891243934754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq68z8jNH-XbjmSVV0A3DyfQgAaISEcTAj9waIqkHK1uT-kj00d-FyDSIP4PjcMvZqjXmPL1G1wSTxXBb-IkiISR57pUhDhICQ6spnTeAQ4876M1fD0zfXNAYkF77PJHNVhpFDpjA4IUO/s320/P1010514.JPG" border="0" /></a> Just so we don't get too homesick the snow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">finally</span> came just in time for Christmas. This is the common area on top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">parkade</span> in front of our flat. Got close to 6 inches. It shut down the whole city, which is not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">accustomed</span> to snow at any time. Christmas 2010 was the 4th time in recorded history dated back 2000 years that is snowed in Dublin on Christmas.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyc_WwQywcdTJrRKVwyHUnF8aKbHuXFRkfedz9KB8gJkayjYs4AXCT4GD2EqfjXpbXLEEz8eGwgCLLLfyzMeZLBAW4MScJyCO5mXw0O7281mbvLBxS7RvXuHKHO8H3w0it03ZBZMKEy9b/s1600/P1010515.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573298884084020594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTyc_WwQywcdTJrRKVwyHUnF8aKbHuXFRkfedz9KB8gJkayjYs4AXCT4GD2EqfjXpbXLEEz8eGwgCLLLfyzMeZLBAW4MScJyCO5mXw0O7281mbvLBxS7RvXuHKHO8H3w0it03ZBZMKEy9b/s320/P1010515.JPG" border="0" /></a> For Christmas Eve the Dublin Stake Young Single Adults gather for a Christmas Dinner with their Adult Leaders. In the kitchen sister Card is putting the final touches on the food entries.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaJ3HwN23wgmmAkEj7Rnp5eHDjgj-zhLoxtw91d2RuY9kJl8V4ZCDKXAmPkegXlk5yHErFOcMvFH27i1cvt5VwXkChyphenhyphenIYCCqpeVBX_XgesYL2KRZmgccuXAxFXYSF15b1pS9cjqNlIjvA/s1600/P1010516.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573298875345875250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaJ3HwN23wgmmAkEj7Rnp5eHDjgj-zhLoxtw91d2RuY9kJl8V4ZCDKXAmPkegXlk5yHErFOcMvFH27i1cvt5VwXkChyphenhyphenIYCCqpeVBX_XgesYL2KRZmgccuXAxFXYSF15b1pS9cjqNlIjvA/s320/P1010516.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our two sister missionaries who we are very proud of are Sister Spackman and Sister Steel, both hail from Idoho. Sister Spackman is from Burly and she does have a Canadian connection. Sister Steel comes from Northern Idaho, just south of Creston, BC where CBC Canada is daily listened to.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLELQSp4q-FRw5Sa8OhtVh_tboKC20_DZi0G7ZJvR8olYE9EiHJUIVsuqNo-S1dddfoGSwMMb6jXqUjkNXvFW3k7-vVfkIvmqbD0DZylPqjPuqqXt_YX4Z4mokPjl1ulvZ71IU6h_8b5-G/s1600/P1010517.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573298865459727730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLELQSp4q-FRw5Sa8OhtVh_tboKC20_DZi0G7ZJvR8olYE9EiHJUIVsuqNo-S1dddfoGSwMMb6jXqUjkNXvFW3k7-vVfkIvmqbD0DZylPqjPuqqXt_YX4Z4mokPjl1ulvZ71IU6h_8b5-G/s320/P1010517.JPG" border="0" /></a> And a delicious meal was enjoyed by all.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0Luq5icv9xsxaBu-wSNAZPAlOPZuQFq8q4IgGk6lBVrduOEsKqPR79pDqy9t899mdjsU4ZoQppudgTq5FehGiKDe3ycH5hVSBO1SuQ-SNLBmz7UiWl7ge1HFIqNro1FOYAG_VrNqodJF/s1600/P1010518.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573297449208520082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0Luq5icv9xsxaBu-wSNAZPAlOPZuQFq8q4IgGk6lBVrduOEsKqPR79pDqy9t899mdjsU4ZoQppudgTq5FehGiKDe3ycH5hVSBO1SuQ-SNLBmz7UiWl7ge1HFIqNro1FOYAG_VrNqodJF/s320/P1010518.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is Carissa, a special guest in our home for Christmas. Clarissa is a student in Dublin from San Paulo, Brazil. She was a joy to have in our home and Sister Hancock did her best to make her feel loved and wanted. She calls Sister Hancock her other mother.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH6AfxfKdAujZ89hyphenhyphenqmU7jxH16oGdQoEJuPDsPLAdf7ulEKak64l0WdckWaaXKpdKmAfhF1wsyTsLWWvZ75FewYhhW5gtGEcRWjoMW06WbENE96JyTmkXOtGFXRJk4evQdhEiO0Yt3Ldv/s1600/P1010520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573297444414751394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH6AfxfKdAujZ89hyphenhyphenqmU7jxH16oGdQoEJuPDsPLAdf7ulEKak64l0WdckWaaXKpdKmAfhF1wsyTsLWWvZ75FewYhhW5gtGEcRWjoMW06WbENE96JyTmkXOtGFXRJk4evQdhEiO0Yt3Ldv/s320/P1010520.JPG" border="0" /></a> What would Christmas be like without Sister Hancock's chocolates. Here is a sample of this years production.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWON8oYTEFh0KUHUMMun3Bq8LA9SJqlqAmX78wPndH0uEETMxbypAHlv7rjYuCHqok9CvzTkEVn9zPFokYNauhV_93YGCfellhqN9UxbTNpuZEWXEP1t-7RZ_Tti6duZBAT0YBxirXzra/s1600/P1010522.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573297443109187378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWON8oYTEFh0KUHUMMun3Bq8LA9SJqlqAmX78wPndH0uEETMxbypAHlv7rjYuCHqok9CvzTkEVn9zPFokYNauhV_93YGCfellhqN9UxbTNpuZEWXEP1t-7RZ_Tti6duZBAT0YBxirXzra/s320/P1010522.JPG" border="0" /></a> The stockings are hung and ready in hopes that St. Nicolus would soon be here.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eZ5gQZdCoshyphenhyphenr-wYH6KzrOYtD1yMNk_yNvk_ld2JdjyGH_YCdUz49XAYnOnuEkzUhwNnHdkrTH8uMjKm6Q1S17OsAwhqrwRxf6vjWqkBAck8HNXDWBUAoDdyIeQIPxzg5OWDBiR_VQ4_/s1600/P1010524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573297436932822514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eZ5gQZdCoshyphenhyphenr-wYH6KzrOYtD1yMNk_yNvk_ld2JdjyGH_YCdUz49XAYnOnuEkzUhwNnHdkrTH8uMjKm6Q1S17OsAwhqrwRxf6vjWqkBAck8HNXDWBUAoDdyIeQIPxzg5OWDBiR_VQ4_/s320/P1010524.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas morning and time to open the presents.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHVnzC8Hqx5OaHIpCztGpakfCcUiG-JwltmXWHQqJfoMVc6D2UYPLOFpJ3r6lZ4XI08AVTzWa1uwIo0lmyVzwwZQ6k11lB06EDie_gIpWePdBAPPw0GNoWE1SwotDxWXGD1O-VXl1wrEn/s1600/P1010525.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573297430806073602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHVnzC8Hqx5OaHIpCztGpakfCcUiG-JwltmXWHQqJfoMVc6D2UYPLOFpJ3r6lZ4XI08AVTzWa1uwIo0lmyVzwwZQ6k11lB06EDie_gIpWePdBAPPw0GNoWE1SwotDxWXGD1O-VXl1wrEn/s320/P1010525.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Mom hands out Santa's booty to the antisipating crowd.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA4V81tP4UppSfT8lmfhXfpSZFw91sc0INd-aQDeMph8g98SrxNS8-mGTZWSRyCtZDPyaQnAxpQTlvNgMn9ZVCtBNQNgdc7VhEJlVzt1RYuj5uuBBhSgXhyphenhyphenWxv7mG35cQRLNckq5pzTwG/s1600/P1010527.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573296295686088770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJA4V81tP4UppSfT8lmfhXfpSZFw91sc0INd-aQDeMph8g98SrxNS8-mGTZWSRyCtZDPyaQnAxpQTlvNgMn9ZVCtBNQNgdc7VhEJlVzt1RYuj5uuBBhSgXhyphenhyphenWxv7mG35cQRLNckq5pzTwG/s320/P1010527.JPG" border="0" /></a> Christmas morning breakfast was enjoyed by all. We did have peanut butter in case you noticed the jar, just for Elder Hancock.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix8kWzBg-1AKNfC5ZjbmDmd2banZ70mIDDjtstzf4mteWFkHRu7OYHT0xcPJO_mW8GyGtZhZDAVFdoZT9jljwZw-tbRonPCDH0Ym-gUMIudk_eoxHBrh20aK2FVcfRa1KOlUq9STZxc6F/s1600/P1010529.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573296288927864226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiix8kWzBg-1AKNfC5ZjbmDmd2banZ70mIDDjtstzf4mteWFkHRu7OYHT0xcPJO_mW8GyGtZhZDAVFdoZT9jljwZw-tbRonPCDH0Ym-gUMIudk_eoxHBrh20aK2FVcfRa1KOlUq9STZxc6F/s320/P1010529.JPG" border="0" /></a> Out our back doar Christmas morning.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyneLXWZk2Ivzzvt8Z3uk40NJfrXfAZJxk1YKeaQAWfbM_kERIfhmbezS-Zdto1LgSakc1qdxULgTTKB9_dipdRtdJbv3Vmh0H2_Ov0hktpQ7KowK2uD_Ki50gkA5SOUjJ4s2Yyv8SWIv/s1600/P1010531.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573296284062831954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyneLXWZk2Ivzzvt8Z3uk40NJfrXfAZJxk1YKeaQAWfbM_kERIfhmbezS-Zdto1LgSakc1qdxULgTTKB9_dipdRtdJbv3Vmh0H2_Ov0hktpQ7KowK2uD_Ki50gkA5SOUjJ4s2Yyv8SWIv/s320/P1010531.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our missionary family assembled for Christmas dinner.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSl8XNZJVmDa5X82o8-Nn4RnvlekXjJ2-agtTXtbD5kXxOoVrBHZG5rPGxeN9sJEofAb5VJjF_DFsHBv6EssCTzbDZnb0GNPECTekoKBH8DQbqBi0INm1kZUku0WYg69SIqhpVpk8gAlq/s1600/P1010532.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573296273359264978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSl8XNZJVmDa5X82o8-Nn4RnvlekXjJ2-agtTXtbD5kXxOoVrBHZG5rPGxeN9sJEofAb5VJjF_DFsHBv6EssCTzbDZnb0GNPECTekoKBH8DQbqBi0INm1kZUku0WYg69SIqhpVpk8gAlq/s320/P1010532.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The food is on the table. The ladies in the kitchen have outdone themselfs in their efforts.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYPZhgrtAxUA4mHvRDRkqDhSig3dMnjRW5_IJ-OebHzfn2u_YSS4d51ByH-U5XfhjttYouJk7BIibsu-HO4dHrWkAbcwHmAYEnzZ-HJdenRMfQJy5qDyThS9F4F9aECrF-T7m91k1ih2e/s1600/P1010533.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573296267583639682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYPZhgrtAxUA4mHvRDRkqDhSig3dMnjRW5_IJ-OebHzfn2u_YSS4d51ByH-U5XfhjttYouJk7BIibsu-HO4dHrWkAbcwHmAYEnzZ-HJdenRMfQJy5qDyThS9F4F9aECrF-T7m91k1ih2e/s320/P1010533.JPG" border="0" /></a> It is time to chow down turkey, Christmas pudding and all. It was so good. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizth2ymw6yJhZ2G4FAbogIBi6LFvoi5CI2ECtNcQsXsCjVmVibNRTtQlym-WuRP_nRwNCGGEfZrN46j-3WfN16Q3BSwmagCQZpHT3Amf99o9gzFqkTEAzHbTZEcT-9ccsKYT3l9OBVJgj_/s1600/P1010534.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291363397372274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizth2ymw6yJhZ2G4FAbogIBi6LFvoi5CI2ECtNcQsXsCjVmVibNRTtQlym-WuRP_nRwNCGGEfZrN46j-3WfN16Q3BSwmagCQZpHT3Amf99o9gzFqkTEAzHbTZEcT-9ccsKYT3l9OBVJgj_/s320/P1010534.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And a good time was enjoyed by all.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod2rj5ectztXbeqWD5IBnJP-JmuThIQM-FEtp3KVBWpPOECQDp8mKQc9k-qnJquf0nL1Shh44rKYRpBinoDANQotlKAExGvTWHvCU90C9QbBVeqjzZA_q04NerRdNgKa7QBFw7iVs7sEZ/s1600/P1010535.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291356572892434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiod2rj5ectztXbeqWD5IBnJP-JmuThIQM-FEtp3KVBWpPOECQDp8mKQc9k-qnJquf0nL1Shh44rKYRpBinoDANQotlKAExGvTWHvCU90C9QbBVeqjzZA_q04NerRdNgKa7QBFw7iVs7sEZ/s320/P1010535.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now what should we do????????<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdu2BbQVG1KHNpxjMK-gIY3sLu8muxBeRrRtAEVIpMfx4DBn1r0LMfps5yc-rG9ihM1KG-FmkhAtnrYZU9EhVgLATtjGIA7mNbevD_7xnwY1Acu7ctq22JvE9OZj389XamVTVHiSR-ORX/s1600/P1010536.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291350661418322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdu2BbQVG1KHNpxjMK-gIY3sLu8muxBeRrRtAEVIpMfx4DBn1r0LMfps5yc-rG9ihM1KG-FmkhAtnrYZU9EhVgLATtjGIA7mNbevD_7xnwY1Acu7ctq22JvE9OZj389XamVTVHiSR-ORX/s320/P1010536.JPG" border="0" /></a> What would New Years be like without some music. Elder Card brings out the fiddle. It's time to party.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Gb3wCgeZaXo7uyqRzo8P4EbtqMFM_MztkElAOzJV_X3aWvpPwOOMT1iWq4hKdXZL6ZupMZ08bQDGI3pIFLazUIpWqXnwBcAbc8UeaMTBHXw0WDFUyChkUvT3pQDTuizUrg3PF55jBNcw/s1600/P1010539.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291342100971730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Gb3wCgeZaXo7uyqRzo8P4EbtqMFM_MztkElAOzJV_X3aWvpPwOOMT1iWq4hKdXZL6ZupMZ08bQDGI3pIFLazUIpWqXnwBcAbc8UeaMTBHXw0WDFUyChkUvT3pQDTuizUrg3PF55jBNcw/s320/P1010539.JPG" border="0" /></a> The new year looks a lot better than a week ago. This is our back yard on New Years Day. Compare this to Christmas Day.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D8OFfYgV3IDf5FHsyBxJrUY5LvKyrFIsjwH6r7NMU8R8Evy1JSD-Bsmwt3GBWpWZPXNCY3kwzH51wAeuHvzA9buP9TmbIVwUOUFKL3ZUr9MsXkyLKlrd5gz_Su_EHYYjO1c1yA9MnnjY/s1600/P1010540.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573291332198077602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0D8OFfYgV3IDf5FHsyBxJrUY5LvKyrFIsjwH6r7NMU8R8Evy1JSD-Bsmwt3GBWpWZPXNCY3kwzH51wAeuHvzA9buP9TmbIVwUOUFKL3ZUr9MsXkyLKlrd5gz_Su_EHYYjO1c1yA9MnnjY/s320/P1010540.JPG" border="0" /></a> What better way to start a new year without a trip to our favorite restaurant in Ireland. Welcome to 2011. Just like home.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Please enjoy the rest of our blogs by scrolling down to view older blogs.<br /></strong><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-83102768809111252472011-02-05T08:43:00.001-08:002011-02-05T12:59:22.093-08:00Waterford Crystal IrelandOn January 28, 2011 we toured the world famous Waterford Crystal factory and retail shop while doing an employment workshop in the Waterford Branch of the LDS Church. Ireland is home to a number of crystal glass <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">companies</span>. There are few raw materials available in Ireland and most must be imported from Europe and Africa. Waterford Crystal is the most famous of these crystal factories and it is the most expensive. From its beginning in 1783 the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">legendary</span> name of Waterford Crystal has found its way into most people's vocabulary. An extensive choice of crystal products from Waterford can now be bought world wide. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Crystal</span> differs from regular glass in that it contains lead. The more lead it contains, the more expensive the c<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rystal</span> and the heavier it is. Waterford Crystal currently employs about 1,000 people.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI1duodts962S52Wcp1noNt18v3gy3vMZ9Kkqk2bCzUhOXm1YI-HBdkdA4WMZkOu0QBxM2vUbR8XXk6HUPI-DnMNoTiJG2CKRITiM_h1dc_rXt2JkDTGUonwqsjqJGNA6yn5OWMwnM1fP/s1600/P1010575.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570256214567403778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI1duodts962S52Wcp1noNt18v3gy3vMZ9Kkqk2bCzUhOXm1YI-HBdkdA4WMZkOu0QBxM2vUbR8XXk6HUPI-DnMNoTiJG2CKRITiM_h1dc_rXt2JkDTGUonwqsjqJGNA6yn5OWMwnM1fP/s320/P1010575.JPG" /></a> The tour of the factory has become a major tourist attraction in Ireland. Last year over 250,000 visited the factory. Some of the above pieces sell in the 10s of thousands dollars. Wouldn't want to let a bull loose in this china shop!!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkjr7ziCNGKs0Zii2J4GI2fFs5kJH__IRED7018osxb1dai__FumWULbcEAoAstmOiCoieet6mcNAZZWJpA_Q4R-vTML_S3YFBEKrx3YzgpM1tqW9wQ8E4cnh2Eqz4T2vqeiPXLOiYOQr/s1600/P1010577.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570256208681837970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkjr7ziCNGKs0Zii2J4GI2fFs5kJH__IRED7018osxb1dai__FumWULbcEAoAstmOiCoieet6mcNAZZWJpA_Q4R-vTML_S3YFBEKrx3YzgpM1tqW9wQ8E4cnh2Eqz4T2vqeiPXLOiYOQr/s320/P1010577.JPG" /></a> By the look on Deanne's face you can tell that she is thrilled to be surrounded by such <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">luxury</span>. There were so many to choose from it was hard to pick a favorite.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG16VG7npbpLB-gNrlMV2VsEPpUbX8_JYglpjXO-Ah6Ir6296d1qL1elfTXbxUYc8-nWG5kCdv0BK1futK3N1IDOZGgjgMTVu7c9sn-5icU0MaaJUbezu9eI0jMQ82KuqYlsT0sfnuGdrX/s1600/P1010578.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570256199997144082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG16VG7npbpLB-gNrlMV2VsEPpUbX8_JYglpjXO-Ah6Ir6296d1qL1elfTXbxUYc8-nWG5kCdv0BK1futK3N1IDOZGgjgMTVu7c9sn-5icU0MaaJUbezu9eI0jMQ82KuqYlsT0sfnuGdrX/s320/P1010578.JPG" /></a> A tour of each stage of the crystal making process enlightens visitors who had possibly not given much thought to the origins of the vase on their mantelpiece! In fact the creation of crystal in a complicated and extremely skilled operation, which <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">involves the</span> initial ingredients of silica sand, potash and lead <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">letharge</span> being mixed within <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">a furnace</span>, ranging at 1200 degrees <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Celsius</span>.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHLpJ8KNPAQbH6_mLwhHTvqYO6yiuUIQUEeKvUi3-iKl9y8WjeLC9-gf_rknqAPQPPpxYw1-2yCBpIpbZZ43vgS-t4xCNieU2k_rVlb48jzoRd5Z3asuE1dzFUsaIewgzcokKIVGlM9_-/s1600/P1010579.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570255455198531474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHLpJ8KNPAQbH6_mLwhHTvqYO6yiuUIQUEeKvUi3-iKl9y8WjeLC9-gf_rknqAPQPPpxYw1-2yCBpIpbZZ43vgS-t4xCNieU2k_rVlb48jzoRd5Z3asuE1dzFUsaIewgzcokKIVGlM9_-/s320/P1010579.JPG" /></a> The molten crystal is then removed.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkztFnFtiubXryQs9J-Pvv_2H5VW9z8S5hsUASeiI6KYs5gc0hMVSWsf_89XcHhz_g3seXYTVE94AUSAo3jupmge1iq6rAhk9LmgRCNR-5JzoaFwo0tAAjY86JWpnUzCDiB0zmxxuPlvn6/s1600/P1010580.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570255446176429026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkztFnFtiubXryQs9J-Pvv_2H5VW9z8S5hsUASeiI6KYs5gc0hMVSWsf_89XcHhz_g3seXYTVE94AUSAo3jupmge1iq6rAhk9LmgRCNR-5JzoaFwo0tAAjY86JWpnUzCDiB0zmxxuPlvn6/s320/P1010580.JPG" /></a><br />Examined carefully.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27yK-Pd4Kjd4HDwdTb3sq8oVAM53A_cY2VtyJNeQrrZ1Pxf6b8r-9SwhDo-XvBiCtJ-yNlDUe4i7kDm9tzc6HEZqD6bsHr-bfpkaJP7KTzmh5DHAPwQa4ZF6GDNb4Eu98TWCVBFdGYqzO/s1600/P1010581.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570255435872956226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27yK-Pd4Kjd4HDwdTb3sq8oVAM53A_cY2VtyJNeQrrZ1Pxf6b8r-9SwhDo-XvBiCtJ-yNlDUe4i7kDm9tzc6HEZqD6bsHr-bfpkaJP7KTzmh5DHAPwQa4ZF6GDNb4Eu98TWCVBFdGYqzO/s320/P1010581.JPG" /></a><br />Formed and shaped with primitive tools of wooden blocks and special molds which were especialy made in house for this crystal.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_FutMZte_78kxlnX6rD0BG_eBjpT3VIy5DBOQE7K50LFYOdZnMeF4Oa1Jk55AKADm4DQ1LaNkDrILE72MX-N0-shIXkBGKkBXJY4PHiQ92HsMIc0dOUdWaygmWuZMBJuqhUlQNSWAYRy/s1600/P1010582.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570255432930535970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_FutMZte_78kxlnX6rD0BG_eBjpT3VIy5DBOQE7K50LFYOdZnMeF4Oa1Jk55AKADm4DQ1LaNkDrILE72MX-N0-shIXkBGKkBXJY4PHiQ92HsMIc0dOUdWaygmWuZMBJuqhUlQNSWAYRy/s320/P1010582.JPG" /></a><br />This is a painstaking long process. If you applied to much presure all would be lost and you would have to begin again.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_4sYMO536bD5l5UosJXPPHg5uEaBQdIXCxSO2SBy0OjUFf2zT00BHH-lcZC5Bz2iy3_on2WIbiiI8c9KrKKl_AMVbqDtIPb4br4jks0GKO4wYnKvjRhaGSV5_RT9_Xips6rzTPHoSSJX/s1600/P1010583.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570254553585679618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_4sYMO536bD5l5UosJXPPHg5uEaBQdIXCxSO2SBy0OjUFf2zT00BHH-lcZC5Bz2iy3_on2WIbiiI8c9KrKKl_AMVbqDtIPb4br4jks0GKO4wYnKvjRhaGSV5_RT9_Xips6rzTPHoSSJX/s320/P1010583.JPG" /></a>Blowers then work their magic to begin the journey from molten crystal to a masterpiece.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvJ_GA_5bHOmUhrDH2jRzuBV39lwDMSN-AIHXjSU3ediYkl44RYTI-U0IpV3YU6fxmnaa076oEgssWEA_RFrFcxowcjjLh7xS4cCwxoZvvuJbeN_7MBmwpTE27j9CeVp5TOQlUtFhA4d0/s1600/P1010584.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570254550903340034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvJ_GA_5bHOmUhrDH2jRzuBV39lwDMSN-AIHXjSU3ediYkl44RYTI-U0IpV3YU6fxmnaa076oEgssWEA_RFrFcxowcjjLh7xS4cCwxoZvvuJbeN_7MBmwpTE27j9CeVp5TOQlUtFhA4d0/s320/P1010584.JPG" /></a>He huffs. He puffs and blows. Don't breath in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgtFVxz5KxMMhPpPHKmOS6Hj8cc9Q5MnQXWxETP4cRvhEQ-33YjltRnbl7rWtO9wFO4QLwhV9eF7sMHPrhxWtewhj5zhfTnwhD4hvXmymcULfOyMQPbJ1RG64gJzzYORehXbZgxiE6wQ2/s1600/P1010585.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570254544857642354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgtFVxz5KxMMhPpPHKmOS6Hj8cc9Q5MnQXWxETP4cRvhEQ-33YjltRnbl7rWtO9wFO4QLwhV9eF7sMHPrhxWtewhj5zhfTnwhD4hvXmymcULfOyMQPbJ1RG64gJzzYORehXbZgxiE6wQ2/s320/P1010585.JPG" /></a> A quick check. Will this do?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFct9Xu_XHcTRvWlnhWanQMEsuJ8oIyZQxEJkk9co7Btzy-QvEAlz0hf5QaUeTs6Zx6V3SAn3jOEWdho7zSBwb0M4NHYclOUDcRrBQJ8hGCUiHdjzBwR3ysyvmSYg_66L3UviV65T27fs/s1600/P1010586.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570254537481814786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFct9Xu_XHcTRvWlnhWanQMEsuJ8oIyZQxEJkk9co7Btzy-QvEAlz0hf5QaUeTs6Zx6V3SAn3jOEWdho7zSBwb0M4NHYclOUDcRrBQJ8hGCUiHdjzBwR3ysyvmSYg_66L3UviV65T27fs/s320/P1010586.JPG" /></a> The results are carefully examined.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UCGiMqJelr8qX05nrNCBxhHcsAXGWVhgWG9RbByOfCx9ONP2zCYjT1vPdYBLCz9-6WfhkPD6aQB-vjQuQ1Hzy2fTv0Ue8382jTBg7MlHsxLFJeAUqwtaqv38_0R10oROLa6xb7Lt9_pk/s1600/P1010587.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570254533051664018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UCGiMqJelr8qX05nrNCBxhHcsAXGWVhgWG9RbByOfCx9ONP2zCYjT1vPdYBLCz9-6WfhkPD6aQB-vjQuQ1Hzy2fTv0Ue8382jTBg7MlHsxLFJeAUqwtaqv38_0R10oROLa6xb7Lt9_pk/s320/P1010587.JPG" /></a> More shaping applied and the crystal is removed from the stem. This piece of crystal is destined to become a cake platter cover.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yrtNSbUnZx41MkM4wRqmC9H9kwIOUqDtNCUn5fxsFOkIEBFhwT6uLNtsx4QufR7qBd0ulrZSu0ypwr8VSEAw7O_GSe-NNYXItoNhjRCCWAKhkh5rVeN0bDdVIVDVwjJ5QGQab87AmDwu/s1600/P1010588.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570253355163595010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5yrtNSbUnZx41MkM4wRqmC9H9kwIOUqDtNCUn5fxsFOkIEBFhwT6uLNtsx4QufR7qBd0ulrZSu0ypwr8VSEAw7O_GSe-NNYXItoNhjRCCWAKhkh5rVeN0bDdVIVDVwjJ5QGQab87AmDwu/s320/P1010588.JPG" /></a> It is now placed in a second furnace to be hardened into a finished product. It will be in here for 14 hours.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FDkz1wdPvsEi6Ss2pKrwt1S3zYiPCXzCNbDfw2lwqZrRVxEKfEt1QrYo2-rY2l9HioJq5ivN7USUGS3N1Un-bQy8puaxOlR4_-e2wMQ65g70jvrelUgicz7Se_Bky19IIv6ohH3ikjBK/s1600/P1010589.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570253343600771906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FDkz1wdPvsEi6Ss2pKrwt1S3zYiPCXzCNbDfw2lwqZrRVxEKfEt1QrYo2-rY2l9HioJq5ivN7USUGS3N1Un-bQy8puaxOlR4_-e2wMQ65g70jvrelUgicz7Se_Bky19IIv6ohH3ikjBK/s320/P1010589.JPG" /></a>When it comes out of the furnace it will look similar to this. But its journey has just began.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk018PXsBLBnoV9ND9d2SWVNty_Q-SLMY2lc4csWoM3XoCX9SFUbTKMuqhtyEmBAcUhQldQg78rLrfD6uDXv4H0ve9aUykaQ292T4wmOOn6dS95ddDMgW-QtkvKgt3KLikUFl80x4I8Itl/s1600/P1010590.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570253338325916642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk018PXsBLBnoV9ND9d2SWVNty_Q-SLMY2lc4csWoM3XoCX9SFUbTKMuqhtyEmBAcUhQldQg78rLrfD6uDXv4H0ve9aUykaQ292T4wmOOn6dS95ddDMgW-QtkvKgt3KLikUFl80x4I8Itl/s320/P1010590.JPG" /></a> The glass is carefully examined by hand for any flaws.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7iXaX9Inq1aW9ieG1EsTNQKIPjnI8PlQ4pJQDNTnwSSBnHTFae0VzorPXjH77Pvdkrg7Q8GUQwlIUkX7VcZhMIU_IuYWnWey4Cxc3nGCssn6RP7tmKDrjvyPCCmXz6zGqJ-G6GdojTJD/s1600/P1010591.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570253336260606370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7iXaX9Inq1aW9ieG1EsTNQKIPjnI8PlQ4pJQDNTnwSSBnHTFae0VzorPXjH77Pvdkrg7Q8GUQwlIUkX7VcZhMIU_IuYWnWey4Cxc3nGCssn6RP7tmKDrjvyPCCmXz6zGqJ-G6GdojTJD/s320/P1010591.JPG" /></a><br />There are no seconds. If it doesn't meet Waterford's high standards it is tossed back to be remelted down into a new crystal product.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvgCwV8IRuuWRPdBwPW9LcAhxI8K18d1EtAPpZZJ_lseUUJPBfQJPZ41tsbclUD1o22X8zjzyfLx5oD4_QgUZS7w6uKOGThKwCT1jg2l5La_4iI1slpO_k-TIsZjzu4hU3QhtI5R7_uGU/s1600/P1010592.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570253330981275602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvgCwV8IRuuWRPdBwPW9LcAhxI8K18d1EtAPpZZJ_lseUUJPBfQJPZ41tsbclUD1o22X8zjzyfLx5oD4_QgUZS7w6uKOGThKwCT1jg2l5La_4iI1slpO_k-TIsZjzu4hU3QhtI5R7_uGU/s320/P1010592.JPG" /></a> Here are but a few of today's rejects.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXQ7OibAI3xUpQyhHZSqJi4ihlrwOpiefbNoxduN5FF24MWZzKK9aQtSLJj5I9mna5iTzPm9_sr0q4040jcBgCoPTflkp3KfGpv3gi7fKslkFTsStoOPVAxbK9zfM6B7Ut-Uzjc97ui24/s1600/P1010593.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570252297813648050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXQ7OibAI3xUpQyhHZSqJi4ihlrwOpiefbNoxduN5FF24MWZzKK9aQtSLJj5I9mna5iTzPm9_sr0q4040jcBgCoPTflkp3KfGpv3gi7fKslkFTsStoOPVAxbK9zfM6B7Ut-Uzjc97ui24/s320/P1010593.JPG" /></a> More rejects. Deanne would settle to own any one of these rejects.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ra0XdTmINrdeoZn9BwmZkIbTEB_LjSZ5jnoZh7WXgxp2cXB-HFTT2GixRIk2_5RePcuGnVJpCocsh9F2UzjF5tTxweq_CoR_1UM3BUpB-kvRC4Dn3PH8j4BNFVECHQv_9sfVUnwL1vQ7/s1600/P1010595.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570252291242297234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ra0XdTmINrdeoZn9BwmZkIbTEB_LjSZ5jnoZh7WXgxp2cXB-HFTT2GixRIk2_5RePcuGnVJpCocsh9F2UzjF5tTxweq_CoR_1UM3BUpB-kvRC4Dn3PH8j4BNFVECHQv_9sfVUnwL1vQ7/s320/P1010595.JPG" /></a> An overview of the factory.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJppdQKtZeQMG2j3p8BVMJPMa0HMRA9kRQPgk9SZTlryDHHycauvr_ywwR9uiQjc3-yCuwbfIxO9KGp6U0tRuzhkVXZwYuUSp7Z3i7ZuxP7kZ4qfQVby6IEOqPKW0gyTLLOk0KoMW1nKI/s1600/P1010596.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570252285551766338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJppdQKtZeQMG2j3p8BVMJPMa0HMRA9kRQPgk9SZTlryDHHycauvr_ywwR9uiQjc3-yCuwbfIxO9KGp6U0tRuzhkVXZwYuUSp7Z3i7ZuxP7kZ4qfQVby6IEOqPKW0gyTLLOk0KoMW1nKI/s320/P1010596.JPG" /></a> Now it is the grinders turn to cut in a design on the surface of the crystal. Every piece of Waterford Crystal is an original. Because all are hand done each will have their own unique characteristic.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLUpFs2dqC7EIscQvUBd1Xp5AdGX0hdYyE-FE1BgLBHMWm3R-ayYlcb9R6gi_k2qP4nEVhY_qAgPZp2vUwBPn7oqL1Ppp7Akz-A2J4mKpC_pllGxvhPAHoD306MPwkoACWMxMYm2_rSQK/s1600/P1010597.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570252278579171042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLUpFs2dqC7EIscQvUBd1Xp5AdGX0hdYyE-FE1BgLBHMWm3R-ayYlcb9R6gi_k2qP4nEVhY_qAgPZp2vUwBPn7oqL1Ppp7Akz-A2J4mKpC_pllGxvhPAHoD306MPwkoACWMxMYm2_rSQK/s320/P1010597.JPG" /></a> Careful, easy does it. One piece may take days to grind in the design.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo-sjjQL-BRWjcB3Bp9DeIjGs4LSt1kJXFD7192iRQKuv0Jm8ltN3JJyrg4xxKN2f-umm41Gcan8uvEMMB4-mfp7UHNJU9-tVYwtbVf1VQ3nEPUXcBjjJynx5lvPHJHJ8H_zXmTWCB3NS/s1600/P1010598.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570252270573840066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo-sjjQL-BRWjcB3Bp9DeIjGs4LSt1kJXFD7192iRQKuv0Jm8ltN3JJyrg4xxKN2f-umm41Gcan8uvEMMB4-mfp7UHNJU9-tVYwtbVf1VQ3nEPUXcBjjJynx5lvPHJHJ8H_zXmTWCB3NS/s320/P1010598.JPG" /></a><br />If you look closely you will see a winning trophy for the soon to be played U.S. Super Bowl. Each player on the winning team will get a Waterford Crystal Football.</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3EFXCVjakE6wzmpsrmsm5Ytwt30OCOdaaJ0LMNhFh2aeHD5_pVqeNIrwV97iAQ_W8lD88agAVrKuBIb0FzX3oR4crNHPjsRo_3srgmxYGYSWBw96Y2JqeXMdS5Yoo7Nk8sdCwz5B-lAE/s1600/P1010599.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570251315390943378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3EFXCVjakE6wzmpsrmsm5Ytwt30OCOdaaJ0LMNhFh2aeHD5_pVqeNIrwV97iAQ_W8lD88agAVrKuBIb0FzX3oR4crNHPjsRo_3srgmxYGYSWBw96Y2JqeXMdS5Yoo7Nk8sdCwz5B-lAE/s320/P1010599.JPG" /></a> How long did you say? Two days to grind this design. Wow!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dxpJ2hjksm96Au9TRIWkmFytdSWBahnhksjcFlqO_Hy0rLmkNXPyTE_1XwaTVTL_mNb-Hcg3usyMGqgYF97hj69qHcWt8c-tUFvX-0p2craITw2Rg9bAeGD9eM7538EV5YSm59kzsYGf/s1600/P1010600.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570251308402806402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dxpJ2hjksm96Au9TRIWkmFytdSWBahnhksjcFlqO_Hy0rLmkNXPyTE_1XwaTVTL_mNb-Hcg3usyMGqgYF97hj69qHcWt8c-tUFvX-0p2craITw2Rg9bAeGD9eM7538EV5YSm59kzsYGf/s320/P1010600.JPG" /></a> More Supper Bowl Trophies destined for the U.S. Super Bowl.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DKLscl-Kz6VmIlUbpNUfeFel8O9G5DU14YYF0EvRRvw2R99VoxD7D2kPHP94GlVwjmWEvuo2ol33s1SHM6AKnIPB5LvLchSqohQ4hQB7THd92t8It77qS7TnojMnSaz07dBpVpX7SJzH/s1600/P1010601.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570251304564287906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DKLscl-Kz6VmIlUbpNUfeFel8O9G5DU14YYF0EvRRvw2R99VoxD7D2kPHP94GlVwjmWEvuo2ol33s1SHM6AKnIPB5LvLchSqohQ4hQB7THd92t8It77qS7TnojMnSaz07dBpVpX7SJzH/s320/P1010601.JPG" /></a>Careful!!!! Careful !!!!!!! Wonder how far they would kick. Each would retail at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> $10,000.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DS-JFzGXdz-VP85W5PMw_F_eG_dykoo8OPPMr5oZsES_8htfHSa_Fuz08DTozaNdQudlPkMcbX9xL2Pz0Y5rQmtB7BWCR7o1R0oFYXvOpTesIuCted5PttZ5W1Yaoq3wv2Bu3cg7r3SV/s1600/P1010603.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570251299115027874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DS-JFzGXdz-VP85W5PMw_F_eG_dykoo8OPPMr5oZsES_8htfHSa_Fuz08DTozaNdQudlPkMcbX9xL2Pz0Y5rQmtB7BWCR7o1R0oFYXvOpTesIuCted5PttZ5W1Yaoq3wv2Bu3cg7r3SV/s320/P1010603.JPG" /></a> One finished bowl.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicHbub7N2iN6hWOr-R0AVJQqeZvgZcywcGNx3-_lmJ31Kk2-22aTdE1CNpEFJBVRJvBjXu06UY9Pgv5UfY4Xq51zjhu2Rj57DstShXchtsLzknmu5b8a4gRicsd6-uPSbbHJkUJFtqToR/s1600/P1010605.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570251296398781842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicHbub7N2iN6hWOr-R0AVJQqeZvgZcywcGNx3-_lmJ31Kk2-22aTdE1CNpEFJBVRJvBjXu06UY9Pgv5UfY4Xq51zjhu2Rj57DstShXchtsLzknmu5b8a4gRicsd6-uPSbbHJkUJFtqToR/s320/P1010605.JPG" /></a> Another football trophy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ezk2c3XO4jaYpZq28NbktfI6GScFEP_k-tz9p1CtICxvqI-NouClSM_at8LaNX-9q6kPKpgUD_HmXZWMWfgMuLuovzVofSy9zdhyXSh-P761AHs3EjfcoIQ_IBDoG7aYikhBuCT1-o_n/s1600/P1010606.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570250105954383250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ezk2c3XO4jaYpZq28NbktfI6GScFEP_k-tz9p1CtICxvqI-NouClSM_at8LaNX-9q6kPKpgUD_HmXZWMWfgMuLuovzVofSy9zdhyXSh-P761AHs3EjfcoIQ_IBDoG7aYikhBuCT1-o_n/s320/P1010606.JPG" /></a> The designers desk. That block of glass on the right will be ground down to become the piano on the left. It will take a few days.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9_i40q66YqQpr9BFLFJHj8471FOTUdfEmOb4ewahJGx-oAKP1K3PqdqwX99kT0qRPNWjBSeN1Oy8o12Yu5ZvuRr0qhR5JlkmGyK_S_Y8su4g1XiZDk3aPrevsYoJLJ_z0rK6di1CW13R/s1600/P1010607.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570250099640695250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9_i40q66YqQpr9BFLFJHj8471FOTUdfEmOb4ewahJGx-oAKP1K3PqdqwX99kT0qRPNWjBSeN1Oy8o12Yu5ZvuRr0qhR5JlkmGyK_S_Y8su4g1XiZDk3aPrevsYoJLJ_z0rK6di1CW13R/s320/P1010607.JPG" /></a> The designer at work. That model ship in the behind was used as the model to design the ship in front.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8deKo0O6eR0H0m8FAcEpbiMU9K8jI1exjphG2-sBpgcMM3Cj2dtweCL31xpoZ9D-jDXIAZkoivGYifu4gbSWuXBY_9Nvr5ZTgXLLkxIavxA347nG_oAyLp2Q4loLF7BmYb_GZZMqm5P4/s1600/P1010608.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570250091280166562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8deKo0O6eR0H0m8FAcEpbiMU9K8jI1exjphG2-sBpgcMM3Cj2dtweCL31xpoZ9D-jDXIAZkoivGYifu4gbSWuXBY_9Nvr5ZTgXLLkxIavxA347nG_oAyLp2Q4loLF7BmYb_GZZMqm5P4/s320/P1010608.JPG" /></a>Here is the City of Waterford's Coat of Arms. Should sell for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> $40,000, if it were sold. It will be soon placed in the Waterford City Hall. A copy will be made to give to Queen Elisabeth if she includes Waterford on her visit to Ireland this year.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkw8cRgelOCiw0fmCjs9eUP8_NEVSOFnJWG-OOTj0nN4uY0165dF4NLWzod0jb9B3rTvjSs_3rw37WBJFYN1eTPMl6T5qsc7V27_xf6Ae1OiK-c-TzgaPS1TH4BKt6oPinTcebjLF5gw_/s1600/P1010609.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570250090160335730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkw8cRgelOCiw0fmCjs9eUP8_NEVSOFnJWG-OOTj0nN4uY0165dF4NLWzod0jb9B3rTvjSs_3rw37WBJFYN1eTPMl6T5qsc7V27_xf6Ae1OiK-c-TzgaPS1TH4BKt6oPinTcebjLF5gw_/s320/P1010609.JPG" /></a> More heritage work. You have to see it to truly appreciate the beauty of the crystal.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QqOMNMg_IaKQQv5gAI6BRB33gRjA44gkz4GnewLR_cdhK43l_-6_keT8vyWgM6HRT9HjsE4aRgjOaAR3jCQIcUpp8azmhSq9oHqdKprlC3OR1zgKV4xqPQxHf4SZ0G4AOYfKb0KZecRy/s1600/P1010612.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570250076739560386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QqOMNMg_IaKQQv5gAI6BRB33gRjA44gkz4GnewLR_cdhK43l_-6_keT8vyWgM6HRT9HjsE4aRgjOaAR3jCQIcUpp8azmhSq9oHqdKprlC3OR1zgKV4xqPQxHf4SZ0G4AOYfKb0KZecRy/s320/P1010612.JPG" /></a> This is what the molten mass we started out with will look like when completed. The price tag on this cake platter is 8,000 euros or $11,200. They have back orders for this product.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQjQ2JeqhZWyxGWI9B3DUHXd6RwoSp0GfPCnVe8X7g8x_mufOyIs7IMrNWgzWXlklmTtQiV2eQElXNY-3-uYVXLP2D_hxihOHSx-zYCMF62GVdiL070JmuaxKITUXmvOpF1nZfCqCBaA6/s1600/P1010613.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570248602626544130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQjQ2JeqhZWyxGWI9B3DUHXd6RwoSp0GfPCnVe8X7g8x_mufOyIs7IMrNWgzWXlklmTtQiV2eQElXNY-3-uYVXLP2D_hxihOHSx-zYCMF62GVdiL070JmuaxKITUXmvOpF1nZfCqCBaA6/s320/P1010613.JPG" /></a> This fiddle took nearly a full month to complete. Price tag is 24,000 euros or $33,600. It is one of the more popular items.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5n_q6MDZNtDPNkKIuNsRFruiK-Rj7BMk6ZpJ7IUbPlK4awzhz_fj_5z9Qy94MOSsTr7kB03LRMvcL2dxZJlYih8T3ClyijUCrvyZbv_lUtcCNoI2GEl4AsgpfBauwzPmqbmhTDAmGfnX/s1600/P1010614.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570248600577583634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5n_q6MDZNtDPNkKIuNsRFruiK-Rj7BMk6ZpJ7IUbPlK4awzhz_fj_5z9Qy94MOSsTr7kB03LRMvcL2dxZJlYih8T3ClyijUCrvyZbv_lUtcCNoI2GEl4AsgpfBauwzPmqbmhTDAmGfnX/s320/P1010614.JPG" /></a> The price tag on this Cinderellas Coach is 30,000 euros or $42,000.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp9JStzRYefgX9eicv4skFOo1-cksRU2yaL0pXAoGMa4yg_4l0ZxTRPfQ2xOI5dmmAD6s2kMLwDDsQYlQXkr_qdtNz7apgK8BpZU5uUA8WSr1lok0zegt4RUuYwsTJA76xUfpuw_K5vdS/s1600/P1010615.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570248588661952674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp9JStzRYefgX9eicv4skFOo1-cksRU2yaL0pXAoGMa4yg_4l0ZxTRPfQ2xOI5dmmAD6s2kMLwDDsQYlQXkr_qdtNz7apgK8BpZU5uUA8WSr1lok0zegt4RUuYwsTJA76xUfpuw_K5vdS/s320/P1010615.JPG" /></a> This manger scene really caught Deanne's eye. It retails at 160 euros. We latter found one in Dublin on sale for 99 euros, which she bought. Ending up costing $140 Canadian. Now Deanne has her Waterford Crystal.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF44CsXhjwR9xOhOEQ9jxg-o4f-3OCroqXUuixNNU2RMRkW55OdZhc7KGzH45eHVmxcl7KInOg39AVV4pLqbPATh0w9JiMYdrLYO6uswjrGJ6cHsWhfbqE-isz8rWcFYM_cgCcTOp6JOtz/s1600/P1010616.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570248581186926818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF44CsXhjwR9xOhOEQ9jxg-o4f-3OCroqXUuixNNU2RMRkW55OdZhc7KGzH45eHVmxcl7KInOg39AVV4pLqbPATh0w9JiMYdrLYO6uswjrGJ6cHsWhfbqE-isz8rWcFYM_cgCcTOp6JOtz/s320/P1010616.JPG" /></a> This golf tournament trophy caught my eye. I will only have to dream. We can dream can't we???????? I would have to become a better golfer than I am now to ever hope to obtain one of these baby's.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ex3tz13oxMQ9J6c0NYCNsOcSvlcT2lBwgB8qsCIY9dXWA9-1jJw-WddoH2jsm8Vs9sb7mvESsrxAXdoUNy1b4UsTlRvXnLSnEEHMcfwcorEDi7-x2OABwOtIgd19g04vUju-1favllrc/s1600/P1010617.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570248576236549314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ex3tz13oxMQ9J6c0NYCNsOcSvlcT2lBwgB8qsCIY9dXWA9-1jJw-WddoH2jsm8Vs9sb7mvESsrxAXdoUNy1b4UsTlRvXnLSnEEHMcfwcorEDi7-x2OABwOtIgd19g04vUju-1favllrc/s320/P1010617.JPG" /></a> Here are the basic tool of the trade used to shape and form a Crystal masterpiece. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>YOU ARE INVITED TO VIEW EARLIER BLOG EDITIONS BELOW..<br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-12852055535222052672010-08-03T13:43:00.000-07:002011-02-05T07:50:58.120-08:00Limerick Ireland<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJsbAlNZ14t0kWm7KkW4yClaPw6AXbpn4dH58HP_j0-rv45cYdeUpm_GJ072I60usShztC72w6-uJ2BfNsl42vzCNthhqyJgU8zruvVrtbPju4sZIF537JK_LB4C-wZWueyCDqOUglkze/s1600/P1000763.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502762136405648194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJsbAlNZ14t0kWm7KkW4yClaPw6AXbpn4dH58HP_j0-rv45cYdeUpm_GJ072I60usShztC72w6-uJ2BfNsl42vzCNthhqyJgU8zruvVrtbPju4sZIF537JK_LB4C-wZWueyCDqOUglkze/s320/P1000763.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Background Information</span></strong><br /><br />They say that Limerick is older than dirt. Not really, but it is pretty old. The City of Limerick is on the west coast of Ireland, located on the River Shannon. Limericks early history is virtually undocumented, other than by oral traditions. Antiquity map-maker, Ptolemy produced in 150 AD the earliest map of Ireland showing a place called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Regia</span></span> at the site where Limerick now lies. St Patrick visited the area in 434 and baptized the then King, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Carthann</span></span> the Fair. The name for Limerick dates from 561, but its <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">origin</span> is unclear. By 652 Limerick was the center of faith in the region with a Bishop, Saint <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Munchin</span></span>.<br /><br />In 845 the vikings began to enter the region and established the first permanent settlement on the site of modern Limerick. By 922 it was the major center in the region. Over the next 100 years several major battles were fought for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">control</span> of the city by the Irish, Danes and Vikings. The arrival of the Anglo Normans in 1173 changed everything and marked the beginning of English rule in Ireland. The Anglo Normans led by the future King John built the first buildings and castles using rocks and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mortar</span>. In 1197 King Richard granted the city it's first charter and it's first mayor was appointed, ten years before London. Under the Anglo Normans the city prospered as a port and trading center and enjoyed a period of relative peace.<br /><br />Today Limerick is a modern international trading center with a population of 60,000 within the city and 110,458 in the metro region. It is a major agricultural produce trading center. Other major industries include an Alumina extraction plant which is then exported to Canada for further processing into aluminium, Wang <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Laboratories</span>, and Dell Computers. Limericks Institute of Technology enhanced the areas reputation as Ireland's Silicon Valley. The Shannon Airport is the most westerly European airport and is the last refueling stop before flights cross the Atlantic. In the above picture we see the cities skyline above the River Shannon. Although the river system is rather short it empties a huge amount of water into the Atlantic at Limerick. Given the short length of the river and the size of the Island it is amazing how big the rivers are. Where does all that water come from? From springs from an unknown source and peat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bogs</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU5JVArlnwX5dCaGW6efbgyz5qWl3rUyhPxcZ0DtVkQ3G5a4b3pJ4edT9jv3ViOw5C-y7VLxDkrInP-Vb3YmjYHLsBbcP3rR_edcu6viYK2_9zSKfUtbVFPpbQg76SB8j-9vcomIrTZou/s1600/P1000761.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502762129472542626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidU5JVArlnwX5dCaGW6efbgyz5qWl3rUyhPxcZ0DtVkQ3G5a4b3pJ4edT9jv3ViOw5C-y7VLxDkrInP-Vb3YmjYHLsBbcP3rR_edcu6viYK2_9zSKfUtbVFPpbQg76SB8j-9vcomIrTZou/s320/P1000761.JPG" /></a> In the background is Limerick's St Mary's Cathedral. Construction of this great cathedral started in 1111 and finished in 1172. It is the oldest cathedral still in use in Ireland and a major heritage site.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Io7gSeDl4-weAGKoRj_V-BGtXQd_-hmJMM6F489NyW2YnWaFQP7N2kgiDMZOwWXxrIZkyBewZiytoTIaMWJRQjxKI_elwlwUIIO-B73vZH0Yd8dgpA42_R3EqGujBY7sM8yjawmU1P6U/s1600/P1000758.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502760699519287490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Io7gSeDl4-weAGKoRj_V-BGtXQd_-hmJMM6F489NyW2YnWaFQP7N2kgiDMZOwWXxrIZkyBewZiytoTIaMWJRQjxKI_elwlwUIIO-B73vZH0Yd8dgpA42_R3EqGujBY7sM8yjawmU1P6U/s320/P1000758.JPG" /></a> King John's Castle. Construction on the castle began <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> 1200 and finished in 1210 AD. New archaeological diggings show evidence of an earlier P<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-Norman</span> defence system at the site and of a strong earthen rampart, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">riveted</span> with limestone boulders and protected by a deep ditch, showing that King John's Castle was built on an existing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">fortification</span> which impacted its design. Very little is known of this structure. The castle, like most castles in Ireland, was built <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">soly</span></span> for defence purposes and King John never actually lived in it. The living quarters was fairly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">meager</span>. The castle was in use continuously for the next 800 years, changing ownership many times and subject to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">numerous</span> battles. In 1922 the British were still using it as a military barracks when they handed control over to the new Republic of Ireland. This was the King John who was forced to sign the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Magna</span></span> Carter which became the base for the English <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parliamentary</span> system now found in Canada. He is also the King John <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">referred</span> to in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">legend</span> of Robin Hood.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxk1AGNXfebRroehkOuu1naWrYJuvO15kAAJSSHdqnnPzY-WFoQ48eBa9H6BeEw0unwSX4a1nAMhJPVQZJBdH47aj493sgLjk9UvB_GmzSaNCB4sm3NJPlgjEAdS67r8Th-j1q-5EOfl5/s1600/P1000759.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502760694874583874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxk1AGNXfebRroehkOuu1naWrYJuvO15kAAJSSHdqnnPzY-WFoQ48eBa9H6BeEw0unwSX4a1nAMhJPVQZJBdH47aj493sgLjk9UvB_GmzSaNCB4sm3NJPlgjEAdS67r8Th-j1q-5EOfl5/s320/P1000759.JPG" /></a> Inside the walls of King John's Castle. The castle housed several thousand soldiers at a time. The above excavation is the sight of one of the several soldier barracks found inside the castle walls. The castle would house several thousand soldiers at a time and a staff of 300 working in the kitchen and house keeping. You can still see part of the old stone walls that surrounded the castle.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNaUNwOgrjrDcgLbbyO9vK313M74uAunpYCFmdOsO1Wa6HVB87l1FuOuD0QHj5aBVTpNy04E5xCiPrNsdAsH8YLuPW5Q6qjBihc6sOFDByUNPLhfvZlSKUtoNyDuFK-dQaFYhFlQWjjJt/s1600/P1000765.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502760683250618178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNaUNwOgrjrDcgLbbyO9vK313M74uAunpYCFmdOsO1Wa6HVB87l1FuOuD0QHj5aBVTpNy04E5xCiPrNsdAsH8YLuPW5Q6qjBihc6sOFDByUNPLhfvZlSKUtoNyDuFK-dQaFYhFlQWjjJt/s320/P1000765.JPG" /></a> This is a typical side street in down town Limerick which surround the castle. I would not want to pass <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">another</span> vehicle on these streets. Notice that most of the cars are parked on the side walk. There was no where else to park. The wall on the right is part of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">museum</span> at the castle. King John's Castle is not the best castle to see as an example of a far gone era nor is it the only castle built by King John. But it was the best Irish taxes could buy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSEnmmhI2Me2UdUSeARAa17voEVH4c55Ik1FuBvjel1s9BXs7LVX0L7aFS6BYo-M_yz6YhITFH_I1Ph4wR4y1B6VjHdIS0SuKLBNE3E1L1MgAtLqM7pgZwy8arvduOf6mYYxbdUxP_g2r/s1600/P1000768.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502758494612972674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSEnmmhI2Me2UdUSeARAa17voEVH4c55Ik1FuBvjel1s9BXs7LVX0L7aFS6BYo-M_yz6YhITFH_I1Ph4wR4y1B6VjHdIS0SuKLBNE3E1L1MgAtLqM7pgZwy8arvduOf6mYYxbdUxP_g2r/s320/P1000768.JPG" /></a><br />The next castle in Limerick we went to see is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Castle. This was a very impressive castle and well worth seeing. Above is the old road as it passes by the castle wall to the visitors center. A very narrow road, but very busy. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> is a short 10 kilometers north west of the city.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkLPlJBBLF4UjYxXfZXDaPVKwjTANEw9Ol-Wl-AgtV0ZoYUc_Mjp3vZs7CeB29VDBZqmVXGCICqLY3N8HAG4F52RnC9vFzR-CD1YZT9eOVBoC6fMKzs2CEV9-OZlArwqut3iezGQbcm1r/s1600/P1000767.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502757514464764322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkLPlJBBLF4UjYxXfZXDaPVKwjTANEw9Ol-Wl-AgtV0ZoYUc_Mjp3vZs7CeB29VDBZqmVXGCICqLY3N8HAG4F52RnC9vFzR-CD1YZT9eOVBoC6fMKzs2CEV9-OZlArwqut3iezGQbcm1r/s320/P1000767.JPG" /></a> Another view of the old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Road leading to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> castle and Folk Park.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJYq3-m7uziBJWOIHoP3RdyYRc-lqUy6IFg9BrUGT11-UGA_22z7VsBjqEYh3vws1-y32IGDFgJ6nIfb8duIZhQNx-hQZ80R3WcFaRJdSIv0hF-1t1mOHz7pp_5yMLoNe9o9uDqOvuqcx/s1600/P1000770.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502756722612046562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJYq3-m7uziBJWOIHoP3RdyYRc-lqUy6IFg9BrUGT11-UGA_22z7VsBjqEYh3vws1-y32IGDFgJ6nIfb8duIZhQNx-hQZ80R3WcFaRJdSIv0hF-1t1mOHz7pp_5yMLoNe9o9uDqOvuqcx/s320/P1000770.JPG" /></a> Modern entrance to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Castle and folk park. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Castle and Folk park is the most visited attraction in Western Ireland. It has been open continuously since the mid 1960's offering a great tourist shopping experience and nightly banquets and entertainment in the Castle and the Corn Barn in the village.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUgjBQrcsszdZCE5iGVAR4otaEB7TYyTIF1eJz6PNZu51W8zBDQqyUyGiW23YWkDrSA8T35o1KAqa7QZHYL4i5SNE8Aj8ZsdwKX75_sN3ImcauoFyeA_aPbRHSv_ItROtNQBmXJre53IO/s1600/P1000771.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502755623069462162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUgjBQrcsszdZCE5iGVAR4otaEB7TYyTIF1eJz6PNZu51W8zBDQqyUyGiW23YWkDrSA8T35o1KAqa7QZHYL4i5SNE8Aj8ZsdwKX75_sN3ImcauoFyeA_aPbRHSv_ItROtNQBmXJre53IO/s320/P1000771.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>This is a site map of the castle and its folk park. In its prime as many as 5000 people called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Castle home. However most lived outside the castle walls until called on to help defend the castle. The castle employed several hundred people as marshals, stewards, cooks, scullions, pages, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">foot boys</span>, grooms, herdsmen and a score of other callers and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">hangerons</span></span> would come and go from the castle. It was the center of economic activity for its community. In addition the castle king or Earl would normally have several thousand trained soldiers on his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">payroll</span> to enforce his rule.<br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECIC-koz9Ny2rpvk7zc_QImsQS73ejL6XSzA5dqBjbU7tHVzK2CrpEmnAJKoxAo8H6tHxGhtjWJR1Bfq7ZEGOavbLHIfLxrxXSQCxufQ6TWXoMxRnqQggSKbgmy4Y0F25rhxDkQ2DIhey/s1600/P1000796.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502754067957763522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECIC-koz9Ny2rpvk7zc_QImsQS73ejL6XSzA5dqBjbU7tHVzK2CrpEmnAJKoxAo8H6tHxGhtjWJR1Bfq7ZEGOavbLHIfLxrxXSQCxufQ6TWXoMxRnqQggSKbgmy4Y0F25rhxDkQ2DIhey/s320/P1000796.JPG" /></a> Looking inland from the castle we can see the surrounding country side and its beauty.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J4j1gwI20KFHDES-jHZ5GoP2XyInrjh7Oag_k2ppF9V_9zhO2lmhlk_SmCdtNqEEwi1HX801sY3M9iULWqYnPnrcw-gsxl076ExCXIL3Jih7OQG3L5jnmm0BMTnaLQSF163_vrgE005y/s1600/P1000795.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502754057466358610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8J4j1gwI20KFHDES-jHZ5GoP2XyInrjh7Oag_k2ppF9V_9zhO2lmhlk_SmCdtNqEEwi1HX801sY3M9iULWqYnPnrcw-gsxl076ExCXIL3Jih7OQG3L5jnmm0BMTnaLQSF163_vrgE005y/s320/P1000795.JPG" /></a> Looking out towards the Shannon estuary and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Flowing below is the Little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Owenogarney</span></span> River which provided the water for the molt <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surrounding</span> the castle. The castle was built on a rising ground near where this river flowed into the Shannon and was the larger city of Limerick's first line of defence from invaders from the sea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bVUr-Iz3sYdfApVXx3YA-vdpyoPUCrhSSjb_LVQjnCIyC61gM3wwIACS7KsQJnAvAc1_d48SL_vQR2yzZotBPHxbvnPGghQFsB1BhaGSKUkoKussDkM1dxpiPc5819Ovbx9bD2eWf0jj/s1600/P1000772.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502751470761560322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bVUr-Iz3sYdfApVXx3YA-vdpyoPUCrhSSjb_LVQjnCIyC61gM3wwIACS7KsQJnAvAc1_d48SL_vQR2yzZotBPHxbvnPGghQFsB1BhaGSKUkoKussDkM1dxpiPc5819Ovbx9bD2eWf0jj/s320/P1000772.JPG" /></a><br />Just outside the walls of the castle a large town built up to supply the castle with its day to day wants and needs. This was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span>. Actually the town is older than the castle. Early in the 13<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> century the town was the major market town west of Limerick. Its markets attracted a lot of travellers, traders, artisans and craftsmen with a population of perhaps a thousand or more at the time the first stone castle was constructed. Today the folk park offers an array of shops for the tourist looking for a bargain.<br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPAqwC85lyB3hkhYxymyCg8OvLUgwlESl_owibLCurJv3KEVPwtHjmtMVqZzWteaQf1UtvZ27fwL0pIwu8Kb4qQ-L5kd5Ekj4Ro7CHtIyvpJSOxEv6b4il1g5EwVpAb16PDC64hZ2sET7/s1600/P1000773.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502746197398676482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPAqwC85lyB3hkhYxymyCg8OvLUgwlESl_owibLCurJv3KEVPwtHjmtMVqZzWteaQf1UtvZ27fwL0pIwu8Kb4qQ-L5kd5Ekj4Ro7CHtIyvpJSOxEv6b4il1g5EwVpAb16PDC64hZ2sET7/s320/P1000773.JPG" /></a> We approach <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> Castle with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awe</span>. The first stone castle was built at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> at about 1275 by a Norman, Thomas <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span></span> Clare. For several decades <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span></span> Clare was continually at war with the local Irish native inhabitants. In 1318 the Irish were finally able to plunder the castle and it came into the hands of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">O'Briens</span></span>. The fourth Earl <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Donach</span></span> O'Brien made <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> his headquarters and the castle entered into its glorious period. In 1720 the castle was acquired by the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Studdart</span></span> family. In 1805 they found that the castle life was not for them and they built a new modern home, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bunratty</span></span> House, in the grounds nearby. The castle then went into a period of decay and ruin. In 1945 the now derelict castle was bought by Lord and Lady <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gort</span></span> who restored the castle and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">finished</span> the castle in the style of its finest period. </div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI39UHAKZAVo_r31FJUH00B0sXwYcLVYOukhHPvyy0_QobONEgDIRDaB0OAOPpKWWEcANRmbWPlC_xuNHIysO5YLUrmVZ5M_RCuexRcNzCFLPTa4TcKYhifsUjYQdjxt_bvqhh7tHY0SEk/s1600/P1000774.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502746188857804210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI39UHAKZAVo_r31FJUH00B0sXwYcLVYOukhHPvyy0_QobONEgDIRDaB0OAOPpKWWEcANRmbWPlC_xuNHIysO5YLUrmVZ5M_RCuexRcNzCFLPTa4TcKYhifsUjYQdjxt_bvqhh7tHY0SEk/s320/P1000774.JPG" /></a> This was the front main entrance to the castle. When the castle was in use for defence purposes the draw bridge was here. The moat ran in front about where Deanne is standing. It was deep and wide. When raised it folded up into the large archway behind Deanne. The winch used large heavy ropes to raise the drawbridge at night and whenever there was a possibility of attack. On a typical day there were up to 100 servants and 200 soldiers inside the castle. Extending <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> the back and sides of the castle was a large walled stone fortress several feet high protecting the soldiers and and servants inside the walls. Up to 1000 people have lived inside the castle wall at it peak of importance and several thousand lived in the town built up <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> the castle to provide it with food and other necessities of life.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7cWHTn8VcFKGVxQhiVVQqlzNDnYZaoLXaIbrgx_Plc_dRfKBteGFc8bihNw_Ej8-iYy5-ytYVU_VxZeV2P5JuMmZrsHIx3B1nK2erH0IYUM7HKCqwSfDYB6E2hcUtft79IdbE-7hDL5F/s1600/P1000781.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502736583443183330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7cWHTn8VcFKGVxQhiVVQqlzNDnYZaoLXaIbrgx_Plc_dRfKBteGFc8bihNw_Ej8-iYy5-ytYVU_VxZeV2P5JuMmZrsHIx3B1nK2erH0IYUM7HKCqwSfDYB6E2hcUtft79IdbE-7hDL5F/s320/P1000781.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Main Guard Room.</div><div>This <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vaulted</span> hall with its Minstrel's Gallery was the main living room of the common soldiers and of the Kings retainers. There is a demarcation line in the floor dividing the area occupied by officers from the general rabble of soldiers and servants. It is now used for banquets. A small gate leads to the dungeon.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDhmPhQTDC5vzd3fagf-xCvr-MneIl4NjcI2IFyP9b_wyx_9XnkVnNQPGFTI28BwMQRs2ucITBDeJ0lJs2GtSUc6tXZQijONwCMIIolCKv6xu6kCF3n5H_xYvAAHKjQwwauE9o9VAiYPh/s1600/P1000776.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502736580932202610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDhmPhQTDC5vzd3fagf-xCvr-MneIl4NjcI2IFyP9b_wyx_9XnkVnNQPGFTI28BwMQRs2ucITBDeJ0lJs2GtSUc6tXZQijONwCMIIolCKv6xu6kCF3n5H_xYvAAHKjQwwauE9o9VAiYPh/s320/P1000776.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This table found in the Main Guard Room dates back to the earliest days of the castle, nearly 800 years. It is made of one single tree trunk. Weights several tons which explains why it was not removed whenever the castle was looted. It was probably put in the castle when the castle was under construction. There would have been no other way to get such an large object in these small doars and stairways.<br /><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRdatw6Kd2EQSUWFKQgGgQOG6zw_PM-Kgc24wVJDViFV-7Q2XIiXJa0e0Z0Y2qwUvdxZ9GAUCu1jVEv7SUNVVXMUPyKu_nO-1A_i05r4pfZ899Q3cIuEmftm2wxqPKqu4DJTwOmHSgFUF/s1600/P1000798.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502735730190964738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRdatw6Kd2EQSUWFKQgGgQOG6zw_PM-Kgc24wVJDViFV-7Q2XIiXJa0e0Z0Y2qwUvdxZ9GAUCu1jVEv7SUNVVXMUPyKu_nO-1A_i05r4pfZ899Q3cIuEmftm2wxqPKqu4DJTwOmHSgFUF/s320/P1000798.JPG" /></a></p><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>King Ron of Canada on his throne.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshnqLBZ2FQOBB0nN2PfClg7RF78IzSJ1FAfD5GXpWqLcupYrnbV4q8fKIbcWQBbIF_zJX8FDqHfzd0at0tLizmLSoI9bmFjCNaGdZ2WaVs_HVqsaoBk0pejOrYSE2eWREFJQwCYBw0a4/s1600/P1000785.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502735121962915362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEshnqLBZ2FQOBB0nN2PfClg7RF78IzSJ1FAfD5GXpWqLcupYrnbV4q8fKIbcWQBbIF_zJX8FDqHfzd0at0tLizmLSoI9bmFjCNaGdZ2WaVs_HVqsaoBk0pejOrYSE2eWREFJQwCYBw0a4/s320/P1000785.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Great Hall. This is the original banquet hall and audience chamber of the Kings and Earls. Judgements were given here while sitting in their throne chair. It is a superb room, bright, airy and of noble <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">proportions</span>. In its heyday, this hall would have been lavishly decorated with moulded plasterwork painted in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">colours</span> of the period; gold, royal blue, vivid greens and purples. Nearby is the buttery or the wine cellar. How the furniture was hauled up and down the narrow stairs is a wonder. Everything was p<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">re-made</span> but not assembled until placed in its room in the castle never to leave again.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0J2arNpgJ1jAFO0sp4E0FJ5vpLlsT3qH7YaBECcmPyIcIjmWru7LHl9C0F9m1F6GnsHtgIzipP9HTfxfnkfiGd-w9MZ_AudGtbXiKQsmgkdQJCuR5QwuBC0AzN7CtU7Dkj8tUvdi_OE/s1600/P1000784.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502735108713018322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0J2arNpgJ1jAFO0sp4E0FJ5vpLlsT3qH7YaBECcmPyIcIjmWru7LHl9C0F9m1F6GnsHtgIzipP9HTfxfnkfiGd-w9MZ_AudGtbXiKQsmgkdQJCuR5QwuBC0AzN7CtU7Dkj8tUvdi_OE/s320/P1000784.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is the ceiling of the Great hall made from solid walnut<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_Nm5uEXM3dyYbLxxR7p1OH8tUOkizTNewsNq_CnUMlQKiuJW6ld0PZgiNf186CUltv0D_q_2TxYswDnax_pwYAz7TUzZS7SCYk_woyvtzQfS5yrruzU6GDm3NE2U6Lgkvo9bFgxb8BoV/s1600/P1000783.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502735099797387842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_Nm5uEXM3dyYbLxxR7p1OH8tUOkizTNewsNq_CnUMlQKiuJW6ld0PZgiNf186CUltv0D_q_2TxYswDnax_pwYAz7TUzZS7SCYk_woyvtzQfS5yrruzU6GDm3NE2U6Lgkvo9bFgxb8BoV/s320/P1000783.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Side walls of the great hall.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k4wIouNdD2ZHH5m9emXXrNcpoMwlCHHrp1Xo9ZzLigcRLWdfmmBDrx5Gqgnki3wzZe6qXm2BQkF2452IqtYgd6SGLFrv3Xf6V8fEUUBPaKSkUzTWxSdDo3xAEP5bEyMXFMNUcRsTDgY8/s1600/P1000782.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502733793669532082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5k4wIouNdD2ZHH5m9emXXrNcpoMwlCHHrp1Xo9ZzLigcRLWdfmmBDrx5Gqgnki3wzZe6qXm2BQkF2452IqtYgd6SGLFrv3Xf6V8fEUUBPaKSkUzTWxSdDo3xAEP5bEyMXFMNUcRsTDgY8/s320/P1000782.JPG" /></a> The kitchen. Here the food was cooked for guests in the Great hall. The large turtle shells shown were used as dishes and covers. This room had its own garbage <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chute</span>.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRi4ikl2R3S34GiePHhyphenhyphenAzoKfWHZa5-giVrVe1tKFcFeEfTQODQNuOoS5AeqBak5PCKmxOEiBTmUFsiAhnaLae_9GB8MkYK7wd4h9YDd_nSLbcoqdnxZ2xea0XRpVYZHZE1Fsuaq10cq2T/s1600/P1000780.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502732979723427634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRi4ikl2R3S34GiePHhyphenhyphenAzoKfWHZa5-giVrVe1tKFcFeEfTQODQNuOoS5AeqBak5PCKmxOEiBTmUFsiAhnaLae_9GB8MkYK7wd4h9YDd_nSLbcoqdnxZ2xea0XRpVYZHZE1Fsuaq10cq2T/s320/P1000780.JPG" /></a> The Kings bedroom. This room is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">draped</span> with damask and there is a magnificent carved bed. The canopy was a must to protect the sleepers from unwanted guests from dropping down from the ceiling and keep body heat in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiKhEt1YcgNyzutz0LxEuAZ5Y_wKU8UFSGfoePPL1CFlaMxY3MpV6J5Q-kOWY4smJ1A0wVid2a5g4YyqsGcpWjQLkGXai3z4LSphUsPBw5ff3t55VXXnKnAAkohHhC1nYN_ThVW5b_oXY/s1600/P1000792.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502732218461874450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiKhEt1YcgNyzutz0LxEuAZ5Y_wKU8UFSGfoePPL1CFlaMxY3MpV6J5Q-kOWY4smJ1A0wVid2a5g4YyqsGcpWjQLkGXai3z4LSphUsPBw5ff3t55VXXnKnAAkohHhC1nYN_ThVW5b_oXY/s320/P1000792.JPG" /></a>The religious alter of the chapel. This was the private chapel of the Lord of the house who had his own priest to ensure all his sins were properly taken care of and ensure a place in heaven. </div><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkGtcDGz7LcWvyO0XU0xF-FKpAl_DAlnRiKjZo74mr_uIphcbM8NUv2HrZ5Gr7P5xLKs1Fwhh0_ty5v8v_xO-hWNoldYS642ZTJcvwlNz4BoofQWqMfCFsAx2GVLK46BHqbuVk_huhYY9/s1600/P1000787.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502731453069836738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkGtcDGz7LcWvyO0XU0xF-FKpAl_DAlnRiKjZo74mr_uIphcbM8NUv2HrZ5Gr7P5xLKs1Fwhh0_ty5v8v_xO-hWNoldYS642ZTJcvwlNz4BoofQWqMfCFsAx2GVLK46BHqbuVk_huhYY9/s320/P1000787.JPG" /></a> This is the guests room. Lady and Lord Gort used it as their own private room when they occupied the castle.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63gBn6NhdGatfU2U_OAnCnq9StElxW0xJb4ucF6q6VPHMZGOzRmMq4i_PUYWhOg8dpFdRlKd1GqrHdRxmM6vj8ULC1XQ1LzPbOc_bqDJuTkgqZZ4WEnyI7drFD5qC2J56WZp7y0OYHV74/s1600/P1000800.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502729987684170914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63gBn6NhdGatfU2U_OAnCnq9StElxW0xJb4ucF6q6VPHMZGOzRmMq4i_PUYWhOg8dpFdRlKd1GqrHdRxmM6vj8ULC1XQ1LzPbOc_bqDJuTkgqZZ4WEnyI7drFD5qC2J56WZp7y0OYHV74/s320/P1000800.JPG" /></a> The den or study of the castle a favorite hangout of Lady and Lord Gort.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSysHW7hgswKRipz09bPEqcGMwGO1WQRCNav0KPo3Jj2irD8xe9YBagEM8YTJKqKEmadlWaldjUVULq1E8I2OMXpTwNDFtM-YbArmR8D310vw2ZlFg5Snp-wG-VJ5hW96p1UXyNEjJoUd6/s1600/P1000802.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502727161186422018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSysHW7hgswKRipz09bPEqcGMwGO1WQRCNav0KPo3Jj2irD8xe9YBagEM8YTJKqKEmadlWaldjUVULq1E8I2OMXpTwNDFtM-YbArmR8D310vw2ZlFg5Snp-wG-VJ5hW96p1UXyNEjJoUd6/s320/P1000802.JPG" /></a> A fond look back at the Bunratty Castle which we just left. That is Deanne in the center looking back. The molt is gone and so is the walls arround the castle and living quarters. But is still fun to think what it would have been like to be King Ron of the Castle.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy-TiJ_TzoBs1X9xhoDJbkgYk9zKtR9rRGLD4y9_zMKKu036i_rWqAYt19BklQb-ThKTHoGThmhx2gzrjZBUK5iykJDFO10sGfY2T86J5SaEAiybjZeyNXMV0r0UFUzz9xm08cAzGreh_/s1600/P1000803.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502724819748465938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQy-TiJ_TzoBs1X9xhoDJbkgYk9zKtR9rRGLD4y9_zMKKu036i_rWqAYt19BklQb-ThKTHoGThmhx2gzrjZBUK5iykJDFO10sGfY2T86J5SaEAiybjZeyNXMV0r0UFUzz9xm08cAzGreh_/s320/P1000803.JPG" /></a> Deanne in front of a thatched roof farm house. The wheel barrow contains blocks of peat. Up until recent years is was their principle source of heat. Peat burns slower that wood and produces more heat. However the peat bogs are also the major source of water in the rivers here. It is now illegal to harvest peat unless you have a special permit.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iV_93AiQwk3Meit-nUwtD4tWBi-uqrvDjYPYCcqITakVEfz9ErsfaemMWkAovZiJXo5YaCEGV6ge8GV0QjJDJBqyKzmU0YM5M8wSlMUCFGHBPvnJFU_UsgzPAFF1fv8PB_EZUXNYrTRO/s1600/P1000807.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502721085776484722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iV_93AiQwk3Meit-nUwtD4tWBi-uqrvDjYPYCcqITakVEfz9ErsfaemMWkAovZiJXo5YaCEGV6ge8GV0QjJDJBqyKzmU0YM5M8wSlMUCFGHBPvnJFU_UsgzPAFF1fv8PB_EZUXNYrTRO/s320/P1000807.JPG" /></a> Typical farm at the of the 18th century in Bunratty. Most peasants lived a simple life. A cow, few chickens and a horse and a garden just big enough to grow enough potatoes to sustain life.<br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbLpVqvhyphenhyphenmte4iST9AmQe3-JiQcfJekVGfGxSO8klVh8J1xBkF-usbR_cr4XKoOUWfkTp8Q5uiv9kXURq8tZxaQmIlYitA8QkIMTXW8VlrH_yYE0o6CBI5lj0Brl4QaUab-QAMEtI9vbJ/s1600/P1000815.JPG"></a></p>Most of the taxes went to an absent English Lord and little stayed in Ireland. If you were a Catholic you paid an extra tax which went to the Anglican Church and you were not allowed to own anything over 5 pounds in value. This was a sore point to the Irish and a source of much of the conflict today.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzZclmg_zv9pkyn3R5vE_uymOREddUPT28zcyI5Io8aOjGBvhw2gJ8DypXKoLl2MO7qxh6b3wYsosP7El7KcFBPEaeEav4IfVR5OpzWYgcW1YexjUnaDOJnikxKAuatWJnITuaDTjs3f4/s1600/P1000808.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501291851231611058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzZclmg_zv9pkyn3R5vE_uymOREddUPT28zcyI5Io8aOjGBvhw2gJ8DypXKoLl2MO7qxh6b3wYsosP7El7KcFBPEaeEav4IfVR5OpzWYgcW1YexjUnaDOJnikxKAuatWJnITuaDTjs3f4/s320/P1000808.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Cobble stone streets are a very old but an economical street paving method. It amazes me how they lay the stones and get them so smooth. Not perfectly smooth though. But better than walking in the mud in this land of perpetual rain. I would hate to be a horse walking on them. Many of these roads, build over 500 years ago are still in use today and are the base for more modern paved roads. They tell me that this road is 400 years old. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7-_i18OYdHnK7Awfhyphenhyphen46xhOAfRrEHhNqm4NXJr8FQalmrAXBtD2JglpwU37Y5szjV1GrLXGR2WrJnc1oooQ4BF8kXAkFT00mqcRQGCWz8t-I07FD6nLh0sbKoVQG9nFcnEwpVLFt9Hcd/s1600/P1000809.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501289552238625378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7-_i18OYdHnK7Awfhyphenhyphen46xhOAfRrEHhNqm4NXJr8FQalmrAXBtD2JglpwU37Y5szjV1GrLXGR2WrJnc1oooQ4BF8kXAkFT00mqcRQGCWz8t-I07FD6nLh0sbKoVQG9nFcnEwpVLFt9Hcd/s320/P1000809.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This is a close up of a thatched roof. When fresh they are usually about 20 inches thick. We watched them install a new thatched roof. It is done in layers much the same as a regular roofing, from the bottom up. Instead of nails, fine ropes are tightly wolven in to hold the straw in place until the next layer is applied on top. A typical roof must be replaced every 3 years. The straw makes very good insulation. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But they are inclined to make good homes for other unwanted pests. For this reason most people slept in beds with canopies over the top. This made a much more plesant sleep without uninvited guests droping in.</div><br /><div>Bunratty is a beautiful experience and will long stay in our memory. It was built in a time of violence and war. Those who had power were all powerful and those who didn't existed solely to serve the powerful elite. The average life span for the pesant was 32. Yet many of their Lords lived into their 60's</div><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-38328235656507363992010-07-11T12:54:00.000-07:002011-02-05T07:53:41.394-08:00Welcome to IrelandWelcome to Dublin Ireland. This is our first view of Dublin. It was cloudy that day and most days every since we arrived. They tell me that they had gone through an extensive drought <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">before</span> we arrived. Irrigation is unheard of here.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDYc97YhotC_cua8oU72MQimC5hl6viSC-VU8akda3BLnJdp_s13oPF5ARMYHuWdQ9oiwY0AQlFzQR7YPhCA9NBy19k0GYwJ3nKdIfW6Mz32Sta6mjxgFWtlrHdTTBDTU05aqI9PAxlXn/s1600/P1000720.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492767711788299458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDYc97YhotC_cua8oU72MQimC5hl6viSC-VU8akda3BLnJdp_s13oPF5ARMYHuWdQ9oiwY0AQlFzQR7YPhCA9NBy19k0GYwJ3nKdIfW6Mz32Sta6mjxgFWtlrHdTTBDTU05aqI9PAxlXn/s320/P1000720.JPG" /></a> Dublin by air<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcAeUmt7w4eGoQAOSWxRqAWZdfvSk3UuJPLQ9s9QPPrAPLahQW3XoTd6cjxt8kjvZmzVOd6eD62lN8YNRGZECiXMIYguXL2Lqbx_xxZ-oHm-XHyWo2O8WIDIubu7y6GDzmNBua_XiBdNX/s1600/P1000721.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492767395877089058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcAeUmt7w4eGoQAOSWxRqAWZdfvSk3UuJPLQ9s9QPPrAPLahQW3XoTd6cjxt8kjvZmzVOd6eD62lN8YNRGZECiXMIYguXL2Lqbx_xxZ-oHm-XHyWo2O8WIDIubu7y6GDzmNBua_XiBdNX/s320/P1000721.JPG" /></a>On our first day here Deanne went shopping with Sister <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Creer</span>, mission president's wife. I have to admit that shopping is one thing Deanne likes. They toured a number of sites in the down town also. </div><div align="left">I stayed behind and visited with the members. The Dublin Stake was holding a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bake sale</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bazaar</span> and a parking lot dance to raise funds. This was the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">small</span> Irish band that played for the dance. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">They</span> were very good. Played a variety of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Gaelic</span> music and country <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">and</span> western. Johnny Cash and Elvis was their favorites. I find that listening to the radio here is not much different than at home. However there are more <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">classical</span> music stations than back home. We listen to a local country and western music station.<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZDTqcpgganNyugdC9TyaU3-0FrykC-g_Q5qrxoMhmamkmhyI_sN8kraIioLK1oTcNWhMm7zYOW9IYCToAC7YdvY8w_IaQ2U7XCDAsbcx8FVZOUx9nXvmGe6j-noQZC5u3q5NjWkzONvN/s1600/P1000753.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492763335532934146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZDTqcpgganNyugdC9TyaU3-0FrykC-g_Q5qrxoMhmamkmhyI_sN8kraIioLK1oTcNWhMm7zYOW9IYCToAC7YdvY8w_IaQ2U7XCDAsbcx8FVZOUx9nXvmGe6j-noQZC5u3q5NjWkzONvN/s320/P1000753.JPG" /></a> This was our first home when we arrived in Ireland. A small cottage next to the mission home in Dublin. Former mission president's home and now temporary home to new missionaries arriving into the mission.<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9tZCQq_6qYAPa8QTfItnpVhWj-dfGhVehsSe2jOVFtkkdUsVOPSdLt0wKWMsIEqJFYanxerXk8AoEFB2CrhJ3Ws0gRTryptBWfIvJHOttZt7avtmJvtkSwpFXvtnyVpZAFKVW31_CNj4/s1600/P1000754.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492763323688438210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9tZCQq_6qYAPa8QTfItnpVhWj-dfGhVehsSe2jOVFtkkdUsVOPSdLt0wKWMsIEqJFYanxerXk8AoEFB2CrhJ3Ws0gRTryptBWfIvJHOttZt7avtmJvtkSwpFXvtnyVpZAFKVW31_CNj4/s320/P1000754.JPG" /></a> This is the Dublin mission home. Three days after we arrived it was closed and the Ireland and Scotland missions were amalgamated. In Provo our mission president was President Smith. When we arrived in Birmingham President Ogdon was our new President. One week latter we were sent to Ireland and met at the plane by President <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Creer</span> and his wife. Three days latter President <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Creer</span> was released and went home. President Griffin from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Edinburgh</span> Scotland became our new mission president. That is 3 mission president's in less than a week and 4 in 2 weeks. It is a record for missionaries.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">This office is temporarily our Welfare Services office, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">until</span> they decide what they are going to do with us. There have been a number of meetings here, in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solihull</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Frankfurt</span> to resolve the future of this building. The current proposal is to turn it into a youth outreach center with institute center and an Employment Resource Centre. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO63B5TYFwrTVPjXxpvC27cCwMqXd5UPxF4_2zaUEavsyBCsuIq8mqf_xsPS0HujKoSDTho1BsKMCLCJsKhoKZhTmoQPamG-jYCYLdZtCjuEoOlKKcGU4fQt_ezBIolq9ebJoX9Y99L6S/s1600/P1000725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492759826183912514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGO63B5TYFwrTVPjXxpvC27cCwMqXd5UPxF4_2zaUEavsyBCsuIq8mqf_xsPS0HujKoSDTho1BsKMCLCJsKhoKZhTmoQPamG-jYCYLdZtCjuEoOlKKcGU4fQt_ezBIolq9ebJoX9Y99L6S/s320/P1000725.JPG" /></a> Ireland is a land of a lot of old churches. The primary religion is Catholic. You will see some of these old cathedrals built within a block of each other by different ministry orders of the church. It is illegal to tear them down. They are considered an important heritage. They are huge and impressive but little used today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcomPL89PK88wCGVYbh5afqlmUz4jUnIEKc3w0icGWYRS_3pyFhWQnTpRh_A3H0rwouo7dZwV32odMCDahvwF_V1oyPT5Xejkb4XtIBgWwEKabCPsvlNERp43TSyo9dphGYN5vo7uarcI/s1600/P1000726.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492759820403161442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcomPL89PK88wCGVYbh5afqlmUz4jUnIEKc3w0icGWYRS_3pyFhWQnTpRh_A3H0rwouo7dZwV32odMCDahvwF_V1oyPT5Xejkb4XtIBgWwEKabCPsvlNERp43TSyo9dphGYN5vo7uarcI/s320/P1000726.JPG" /></a>Another more modern cathedral less than a block from the previous church.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZ9Yk1qYL5q7Rg2WCS4WBxDQsnYJR8x7lm1xzPdkRySz05249kMHekiIioZB4e6vFk4GEE1Y19ohvI2HwFNsqJIZGqbRBBF-0FWI8csICfVFwlp7MNplSBd5gZg2qNIOlNkrwNu36C6L/s1600/P1000727.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492759810922318530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMZ9Yk1qYL5q7Rg2WCS4WBxDQsnYJR8x7lm1xzPdkRySz05249kMHekiIioZB4e6vFk4GEE1Y19ohvI2HwFNsqJIZGqbRBBF-0FWI8csICfVFwlp7MNplSBd5gZg2qNIOlNkrwNu36C6L/s320/P1000727.JPG" /></a> A typical row housing block<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BDXUYmUtFBO5MAtQbx5RZmqNaIgUNnTkk49zu9w2Umrmg6w46kHKhJ91p-kfN0cgXnZ2_w6BAWVBAn_07F3JJ6SRZw13cbY9wXgn0TB946vPZLV4WVIAX23zYUzR6E1nuRW1X28qmHAc/s1600/P1000728.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492759808547774706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BDXUYmUtFBO5MAtQbx5RZmqNaIgUNnTkk49zu9w2Umrmg6w46kHKhJ91p-kfN0cgXnZ2_w6BAWVBAn_07F3JJ6SRZw13cbY9wXgn0TB946vPZLV4WVIAX23zYUzR6E1nuRW1X28qmHAc/s320/P1000728.JPG" /></a>More older housing blocks in the down town of Dublin<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUrkoM2QfNZkDjvEM6h2tnqPnvbrjIq50FuTSYUxlrDDB04dyVEU_5QxenppIQnnKx_oWrisTMDlYaKTdJRNuqPRs3XfyPaSjkEA2Sl0H2cpo7WWLcMcM4be6dp7tVhg3PDg_MY2AKb2v/s1600/P1000729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492759801225813218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUrkoM2QfNZkDjvEM6h2tnqPnvbrjIq50FuTSYUxlrDDB04dyVEU_5QxenppIQnnKx_oWrisTMDlYaKTdJRNuqPRs3XfyPaSjkEA2Sl0H2cpo7WWLcMcM4be6dp7tVhg3PDg_MY2AKb2v/s320/P1000729.JPG" /></a> Everywhere there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">are</span> monuments to some great leader or saint<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ9q59d3Thc8Up25IPaV-upm74SX7vSaQiZPQEdHA19RDLeOSQq_yNlRKVC89ARBWrtFKBwbRcEootArSCmBFEGbf0xc8oB6RiwtgeKUx6tP5Q4b59q1nZSnz4RxB09CNRF3TkYxQMyF_/s1600/P1000740.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492755665597640082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZ9q59d3Thc8Up25IPaV-upm74SX7vSaQiZPQEdHA19RDLeOSQq_yNlRKVC89ARBWrtFKBwbRcEootArSCmBFEGbf0xc8oB6RiwtgeKUx6tP5Q4b59q1nZSnz4RxB09CNRF3TkYxQMyF_/s320/P1000740.JPG" /></a> This is the oldest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Protestant</span> church in Dublin. It sits in the middle of an important intersection in the center of the street. It is now used as a art gallery. A woman on the bus told us that as a child she was told by her Catholic mother that if she ran <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> this church three times she would see the devil. She was always to scared to try.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RKvnkU9pUPkUtXdFoZdMgYOyNMN_oRkHZYJcpnCBZoNhsn65xqqJ8AcQJtUbvB2loCYMywJvcAB3XJ0JMoKXdI1lHkO9mEkc6cDEvIIrvFHrTtv47EgtzNamMcblmdGDz6kbFpsWJppt/s1600/P1000733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492755659360635746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RKvnkU9pUPkUtXdFoZdMgYOyNMN_oRkHZYJcpnCBZoNhsn65xqqJ8AcQJtUbvB2loCYMywJvcAB3XJ0JMoKXdI1lHkO9mEkc6cDEvIIrvFHrTtv47EgtzNamMcblmdGDz6kbFpsWJppt/s320/P1000733.JPG" /></a>Down town Dublin<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM40LqTPZoZvfhT_f07knom9ANKc9OzO-cB6_ifyppg5f5j00DV0gkIGaKU5ifes7tDHnptrGuf6z4DgMgmsMSfVGMk7Lahz9e-84yh_BZjzvwxOBKBfdSKzW23VQE-UzVQ8Z3OS1tExh/s1600/P1000732.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492755649437216786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiM40LqTPZoZvfhT_f07knom9ANKc9OzO-cB6_ifyppg5f5j00DV0gkIGaKU5ifes7tDHnptrGuf6z4DgMgmsMSfVGMk7Lahz9e-84yh_BZjzvwxOBKBfdSKzW23VQE-UzVQ8Z3OS1tExh/s320/P1000732.JPG" /></a>Trinity College. One of the oldest universities in the world. Over a thousand years old. It is still in use and very exclusive to get into. You have to have money to get in.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztIxWc4syULSYVZ56ToHR3IF8uMArmP6u5a2fwfJaUeOAk3epmrbGXjfL0WvyDwlY-qQonpneAtPIHm_7hBObhi8bMulFKKo8b3AyddHoKKeXgu_bzawzGRisFdd8qYY_EqNsn_NdMRvT/s1600/P1000731.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492755631351091186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztIxWc4syULSYVZ56ToHR3IF8uMArmP6u5a2fwfJaUeOAk3epmrbGXjfL0WvyDwlY-qQonpneAtPIHm_7hBObhi8bMulFKKo8b3AyddHoKKeXgu_bzawzGRisFdd8qYY_EqNsn_NdMRvT/s320/P1000731.JPG" /></a>Interior mall of Trinity College.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jeVuII2To_OtaJc57tkB27yycvUdBOYMSpdN1DWTDJ86qJcNkXMKqA-1sHQkra5218Q-lbCC5dCxSD21p7gn8LSKQiUMZ1qhf3evVx4u-PV7Dp3Aflksjd_cz2cT9vHH-lOn1KkHGjeh/s1600/P1000730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492755616674640242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jeVuII2To_OtaJc57tkB27yycvUdBOYMSpdN1DWTDJ86qJcNkXMKqA-1sHQkra5218Q-lbCC5dCxSD21p7gn8LSKQiUMZ1qhf3evVx4u-PV7Dp3Aflksjd_cz2cT9vHH-lOn1KkHGjeh/s320/P1000730.JPG" /></a><br />Down town Dublin. It is one of the cleanest down towns I have seen anywhere and teaming with people. Few cars and no garbage.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLPtfMgBTIoXA5Zc-P1w2v6-KRzMATDJ-eUG0CyQj0LsRRwYz9eDcnkyXthOnMj7FDwh-kj-vG9UKlZi0jwa_2iULGKUc4fWAayIZU6Kt5iM7BT8Ty761FaLleLPlMcqIkbilGGT2R01h/s1600/P1000734.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492748133421339058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLPtfMgBTIoXA5Zc-P1w2v6-KRzMATDJ-eUG0CyQj0LsRRwYz9eDcnkyXthOnMj7FDwh-kj-vG9UKlZi0jwa_2iULGKUc4fWAayIZU6Kt5iM7BT8Ty761FaLleLPlMcqIkbilGGT2R01h/s320/P1000734.JPG" /></a> This is a living statue. Deanne put a coin in his cup and to her surprise he leaned over and said thank you. How he could stand so motionless for so long is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">mystery</span>. He was good.<br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOedjx4GtGwYv6HP5lLlHWf8r8H6XypDMy4ygIq50hQTjb_-HN63FuxmvpTY-axgyZ9yWxXP8hTL7WjrtUWMnaZD1jESbdXzC70ZTeyTs8431SGHlgGuLClSJepcAgYgF0Npx184-PHM4/s1600/P1000735.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492748126100637074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOedjx4GtGwYv6HP5lLlHWf8r8H6XypDMy4ygIq50hQTjb_-HN63FuxmvpTY-axgyZ9yWxXP8hTL7WjrtUWMnaZD1jESbdXzC70ZTeyTs8431SGHlgGuLClSJepcAgYgF0Npx184-PHM4/s320/P1000735.JPG" /></a>This is Grafton Street in down town Dublin. A large section of the city is blocked off to all vehicle traffic. The streets are so narrow, where would they put the cars anyway? Shopping here is not cheap. If you look closely you will see a Canadian flag down the street. This is a large exclusive chain store owned by the Cristie Family of Canada, owners of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Weston</span> Bakeries & etc. At the entrance of the store was a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">doorman</span> in a uniform. We talked to him and obtained a missionary <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">referral</span> from him. He had been to Calgary while in the military and trained at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Suffield</span>. While there he visited <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cardston</span>. In Dublin the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">preferred</span> method of travel is by taxi, bus or train.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEvGsxScb4xz58M8638TuTmgEZImBq3NxzgtR2cBk-q-n18kLQcln8qi19zkx495CAPHWHyOwvuVvH84KbsLwDMMp8ZxLsjqtc4cHtyGnZJr8Txx-wsvYMNTmrAaYxVEIrqMFAHuFCxFK/s1600/P1000736.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492748123388555490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEvGsxScb4xz58M8638TuTmgEZImBq3NxzgtR2cBk-q-n18kLQcln8qi19zkx495CAPHWHyOwvuVvH84KbsLwDMMp8ZxLsjqtc4cHtyGnZJr8Txx-wsvYMNTmrAaYxVEIrqMFAHuFCxFK/s320/P1000736.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="center">Statue of Molly Malone<br /><br /></div><div align="center">Who can forget the sweet little ditty we all learned as a child of Molly Malone.</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">In Dublin's fair city</div><div align="center">Where the girls are so pretty</div><div align="center">I sat my eyes on sweet Molly Malone</div><div align="center">As she wheeled her wheel-barrow</div><div align="center">Through streets broad and narrow</div><div align="center">Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh</div><div align="center">Alive, alive oh<br />Alive, alive oh</div><div align="center">Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive oh</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Poor Molly was a street hawker of fish by day and part time prostitute by night.</div><div align="center">But she made such a sweet ditty.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3uW5JtbOqrvvAq4YK312Ls_Ww5KxJHESntLJt7aco0TSYPYTgcavY-7A868RPDBMkFDtVq6NBCFhzbrZBRX-bJkeMebjNBmFrYrqO6gPMh_dz7XJQCJGeUAT6IA-rnjwvS27Qmf5Z74r/s1600/P1000738.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492748108912704178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3uW5JtbOqrvvAq4YK312Ls_Ww5KxJHESntLJt7aco0TSYPYTgcavY-7A868RPDBMkFDtVq6NBCFhzbrZBRX-bJkeMebjNBmFrYrqO6gPMh_dz7XJQCJGeUAT6IA-rnjwvS27Qmf5Z74r/s320/P1000738.JPG" /></a>This is the widest street in all Dublin. O'Connell Street.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnVYcs1YhiTJXabEDb6jsXY_eNdLBZBnFccShC_5M2aapwgZN9gpJjiCJ9wiAB3hf4wb9pXCVNkh194t_anhtLGp15tFIFHe1HvNL4ZngBURdGfszIMVVIFWY8_75ol49PlXrG3zI7jn0/s1600/P1000739.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492748098646566818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnVYcs1YhiTJXabEDb6jsXY_eNdLBZBnFccShC_5M2aapwgZN9gpJjiCJ9wiAB3hf4wb9pXCVNkh194t_anhtLGp15tFIFHe1HvNL4ZngBURdGfszIMVVIFWY8_75ol49PlXrG3zI7jn0/s320/P1000739.JPG" /></a><br />One of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">numerous</span> statues on O'Connell street in Down Town Dublin<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzpac0JDce0e8OYxY_qNCOFqun7r5WWqWReK2aONd9jcIe_9TsxvdNhwJXFV9s3HlP6x746egCHKjWqWDRIEMjXRy4R9zab0Bc0ZVWAqIXVZebHF0ERZyO673rm8et1qBdGY8XziJcBrw/s1600/P1000741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492743654065959874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzpac0JDce0e8OYxY_qNCOFqun7r5WWqWReK2aONd9jcIe_9TsxvdNhwJXFV9s3HlP6x746egCHKjWqWDRIEMjXRy4R9zab0Bc0ZVWAqIXVZebHF0ERZyO673rm8et1qBdGY8XziJcBrw/s320/P1000741.JPG" /></a> Our new home for the next few months in the Dublin <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">suburb</span> of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fenglus</span><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoRq4nbtg8aQYXoVTzKZc0Z6bi6obHx8szj-5rQAzvjo_jr2-vd5AYBLYj7eluWEvKHAcS7ttbfHl2_MbrgXzQGxRINKGTZ-DUdwYYWzU9lWovIkMUBDFDTsHxT1fKzkVRvw3x1_kxU2H/s1600/P1000742.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492743646108133522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoRq4nbtg8aQYXoVTzKZc0Z6bi6obHx8szj-5rQAzvjo_jr2-vd5AYBLYj7eluWEvKHAcS7ttbfHl2_MbrgXzQGxRINKGTZ-DUdwYYWzU9lWovIkMUBDFDTsHxT1fKzkVRvw3x1_kxU2H/s320/P1000742.JPG" /></a><br />Kitchen<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOMf9ZQITHtac5lTAurHBNb2VRVpmSWhwjUYFFt5GagnPcWpd2WBsKTT728ZI7q_ymnjOBdHpvIkgwAUD_ztEx5wYUYd54RBciy_Og8S3kPykYc8OgdNAr7EdBHQZwL0uX46IIUWDyB2m/s1600/P1000743.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492743643740087858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOMf9ZQITHtac5lTAurHBNb2VRVpmSWhwjUYFFt5GagnPcWpd2WBsKTT728ZI7q_ymnjOBdHpvIkgwAUD_ztEx5wYUYd54RBciy_Og8S3kPykYc8OgdNAr7EdBHQZwL0uX46IIUWDyB2m/s320/P1000743.JPG" /></a> Living Room and dinning room<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH6MIx0KmV2wFnDkB922TAQDIC9v3TBzeoCbXcoKcZ7FRx9x3JL2psT9ZmHytSpl8v0aplqxOeD6fkb7_m9U-7Yz5DNaxQgbnorJ39RXZMMnJdsVn7Uoj9kpkQkOzW2zWldBlQx3A_xL2/s1600/P1000744.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492740734848578850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH6MIx0KmV2wFnDkB922TAQDIC9v3TBzeoCbXcoKcZ7FRx9x3JL2psT9ZmHytSpl8v0aplqxOeD6fkb7_m9U-7Yz5DNaxQgbnorJ39RXZMMnJdsVn7Uoj9kpkQkOzW2zWldBlQx3A_xL2/s320/P1000744.JPG" /></a> Stairs leading to the bedrooms upstairs<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK9H5uPZUpSE6CNOOig2kYQ30sWcD5h7_6tbA-4WitNkqC1EqJrNJRyq6XMSdzmEQJ_UhKkuJxEQT-sLHslQPwowm1xSXreeLvjnX8o3HOS0x5VQGm9txXSgEoSsNoOdJkf4b4KYyXsU9/s1600/P1000745.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492740723439376370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdK9H5uPZUpSE6CNOOig2kYQ30sWcD5h7_6tbA-4WitNkqC1EqJrNJRyq6XMSdzmEQJ_UhKkuJxEQT-sLHslQPwowm1xSXreeLvjnX8o3HOS0x5VQGm9txXSgEoSsNoOdJkf4b4KYyXsU9/s320/P1000745.JPG" /></a>View outside from our bedroom window. Note that all yards have high fences <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">around</span> them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVUpVfPr4VapJvShwXurEhiukts-Z0YIwY7uQh7YUTZOVSgyufQZD6ck6a049oxv3v6rrTHBtEHgZi0W2fWxyHEVaBAspeFw5t6xtd1XXMqeGM0WoKkUazTVn02oVaiox0y2TKWX1RSXs/s1600/P1000746.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492740714606691954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVUpVfPr4VapJvShwXurEhiukts-Z0YIwY7uQh7YUTZOVSgyufQZD6ck6a049oxv3v6rrTHBtEHgZi0W2fWxyHEVaBAspeFw5t6xtd1XXMqeGM0WoKkUazTVn02oVaiox0y2TKWX1RSXs/s320/P1000746.JPG" /></a>These tree <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intrigued</span> us. Dublin is at the same <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">latitude</span> as Edmonton, AB. Yet these trees are more like those grown in Florida. Sort of like palm trees.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJrKi1B_XSOu1ND-ptxep8Cd7HrvA4jgKofpcz1mDiweRHcR1qF3-KJU9lVA9teGWRW1Z9uZlqa-xpOyu0821h8o6cgrXb4b0Eza1OWYvTXQO6LJuU1C-lSF0_Fa6eVeeYZAtEb5aQFfj/s1600/P1000749.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492740702153256770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJrKi1B_XSOu1ND-ptxep8Cd7HrvA4jgKofpcz1mDiweRHcR1qF3-KJU9lVA9teGWRW1Z9uZlqa-xpOyu0821h8o6cgrXb4b0Eza1OWYvTXQO6LJuU1C-lSF0_Fa6eVeeYZAtEb5aQFfj/s320/P1000749.JPG" /></a>Our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parade</span> has a garden and park <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">area</span> on top of it. After a period of drought it is now getting fairly dry, They do not irrigate here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4NUekh3vO_oSVGr9kgHDwzmz6ZuoJg4izc0pFqmo0J6p32JmCyL7T9OOf1hDlQ6W-jcg4NkbcMivqILSStcmiEcp2Q64uO8wN_rneQAqbpIysAtls0P549BOlYsrhhZq7AmacKABMCEA/s1600/P1000750.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492740695255227986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4NUekh3vO_oSVGr9kgHDwzmz6ZuoJg4izc0pFqmo0J6p32JmCyL7T9OOf1hDlQ6W-jcg4NkbcMivqILSStcmiEcp2Q64uO8wN_rneQAqbpIysAtls0P549BOlYsrhhZq7AmacKABMCEA/s320/P1000750.JPG" /></a> Another view of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">parkade</span> roof.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-59975530167202402562010-07-05T13:13:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:04:58.625-07:00Birminham - Solihull Experience<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-H0SkQ7-6rPw24BA6ikmsKDHZlWI5rIQBIW4jjb45oEIHNEJH-0r4PNglnXnFD-Gv5p9Nc9C_qhHd3p8kpFcnA2yMPgHcZB744uRedDe2sj4LBVxmM_PM2UQ4vg3LKFbKLzZqYKsi1kTl/s1600/P1000705.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CjkeQhZJLaEQD3yp1P89wex570kc2oYWzAXRoc77Xn5PQ6oTLb0vgE6G6hpYMPYRrmK7TeZM9curBSjv6z582yBflZPWeGjEeC9kqU5TTrlVrNkzt4orWMYNxexwTE9kJNbuQ2gnRpO7/s1600/P1000701.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490538871560233442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CjkeQhZJLaEQD3yp1P89wex570kc2oYWzAXRoc77Xn5PQ6oTLb0vgE6G6hpYMPYRrmK7TeZM9curBSjv6z582yBflZPWeGjEeC9kqU5TTrlVrNkzt4orWMYNxexwTE9kJNbuQ2gnRpO7/s320/P1000701.JPG" /></a> Coming into Birmingham by air. The fields are separated by hedges which have grown up over the original fence. This is a very beautiful country. Very green. With all the rain it gets why shouldn't it be? The trees are huge and not stripped by wind. Even though Britain is the home of municipal planning, I don't think the planing was done before development. They just built and put up roads and fences where ever they got the notion. The roads are narrow and very winding. There are few big stores. Most stores are small shops with a narrow merchandice base.<br /><br />On our first night here, I fell to sleep at the table. Deanne went to bed early. I woke up at 8:00 and went to bed.At 9pm Deanne woke up in a panic thinking it was 9am. She shook me awake excitedly saying "Ron wake up and get dressed. We have to be downstairs to meet Elder Green soon. Hurry or you'll be late". She sure had her reconning of time all screwed up. By the time she was convinced that it was not morning I was awake and it took some time to go back to sleep. But we made it through our first day. It was like drinking water from a firehose.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-tBUruyUW3CvwNoiPa_EeCTQJk0htckZdmk6LfYF1Dy8RZcTui7QccXg_xz1NWTOStWonVRGYZnw63ZYl6H6Yh0IY7zyTabZMwJrkEDeSMMJ-KgU4Mqi9jF7WQSFgYovUdPwT_r8Jnnk/s1600/P1000709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490529208298424258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-tBUruyUW3CvwNoiPa_EeCTQJk0htckZdmk6LfYF1Dy8RZcTui7QccXg_xz1NWTOStWonVRGYZnw63ZYl6H6Yh0IY7zyTabZMwJrkEDeSMMJ-KgU4Mqi9jF7WQSFgYovUdPwT_r8Jnnk/s320/P1000709.JPG" /></a> The most common mode of transportation in the city is double decker bus. It is no wonder given the size of the roadway. Parking is another matter. Canadian cities need to take a leaf from the British book and chill out. There are no parking meters and people who are brave enough, simply park wherever they find room. On the side walk usually and if you see a parking spot on the opposite side of the road you simply wheel over into it. So you will see cars parked on the side of the street facing both directions. The whole idea is to discourage you from driving. Buses are much more reliable than at home. Usually running every 15 minutes and you can get anywhere in the city faster than by car.</div><br /><br /><div>Wow what a place to drive in. We attempted to drive to Costco. When we got near it we could see the Costco sign, but we could not make the right turn to get there. They have these round abouts (traffic circles) everywhere. If you take the wrong exit you end up in Neverland. After 3 attempts to exit the round about, we took the wrong exit even with the GPS. It took us into a part of the city never seen by a sayne man. The streets were just wide enough to peddle a bike and here we were in a car which by north American standards is considered small, but by British standards was large, a Vauxhal. There were blocks and blocks of this. There was little room to pass and no place to turn around. When we did pass another vehicle our mirrors came within inches of touching. We saw what looked like a Hindu wedding. the streets were lined with thousands of people of all nationalities. The sidewalks were covered with small small stands for fruit, vegitables, meats, cloths and some unmentionables. We didn't know where we were. We were told latter that this was old Birmingham and that some of the buildings we saw were over 1800 years old. All were 2 or more stories high. After about 30 or more minutes of this we found our way out. By then we decided that Costco wasn't worth it. Three unbelievable hours latter we finally found the mission home and safety. We regretfully didn't take any pictures. I was too busy driving and Deanne was too busy screeming "RON WATCH OUT".</div><br /><br /><div>We took a side trip down to Warwick to see the Warwick Castle built by the Normans when they invaded England. What a fantastic experience. Unfortunetly we forgot the camera. If any one comes to see us this is a trip worth taking. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpHA5UAXYX7Gpyl-pqZFrnoSnwEX8z9Shpmg6CI77keRm2F55CWDEyZ9ZrPsGQ-5Im0AaLOPBk6mVXkyAWGQYpxG4XQniUVF4cCqOcWpnc-pZUveOc4fa82-78pgZ-2RQ4-BbZJwmkka3/s1600/P1000714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490529201474094626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpHA5UAXYX7Gpyl-pqZFrnoSnwEX8z9Shpmg6CI77keRm2F55CWDEyZ9ZrPsGQ-5Im0AaLOPBk6mVXkyAWGQYpxG4XQniUVF4cCqOcWpnc-pZUveOc4fa82-78pgZ-2RQ4-BbZJwmkka3/s320/P1000714.JPG" /></a> The most common material used in sidewalks and many streets are sidewalk blocks and paving stones. They tell me that is is cheaper and more economical than cement. If the sidewalk heaves or cracks you simply remove the block, tamp the base and lay a new block in.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZplAZjCxtwxuSSWVsm0CodEPWwpixgG8UUaShCniECKkfAOA8rvo3N7afOYw3WiT_8YwPrQSKgz0OwUuv_xaOtI2TtXXnJT1EEveSTHqD5JcVsJ0TKSR44mX1hmpeUtiUqPR6tFjZOb9/s1600/P1000706.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490529177932939938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZplAZjCxtwxuSSWVsm0CodEPWwpixgG8UUaShCniECKkfAOA8rvo3N7afOYw3WiT_8YwPrQSKgz0OwUuv_xaOtI2TtXXnJT1EEveSTHqD5JcVsJ0TKSR44mX1hmpeUtiUqPR6tFjZOb9/s320/P1000706.JPG" /></a> Most houses have these thick heavy hedges arround them. It deadens the sound and adds privacy.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqeEN3pTyqzlKJ9m3XjRCNfS_d5GMVE6Va0JDKAOSBBlgqLnj_TPecs6t982o1J0FxL8c_doYakFmgIpFTTsyrgC5fUvYlxJRWtj-PqAWGdZETUN7X1ENnY7MUQGGegMFfcret53a4lgH/s1600/P1000707.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490524968454798370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqeEN3pTyqzlKJ9m3XjRCNfS_d5GMVE6Va0JDKAOSBBlgqLnj_TPecs6t982o1J0FxL8c_doYakFmgIpFTTsyrgC5fUvYlxJRWtj-PqAWGdZETUN7X1ENnY7MUQGGegMFfcret53a4lgH/s320/P1000707.JPG" /></a> This is an old road bridge built by the Romans. Notice the firns growing out of the stones. It looks delapidated but it is over 1800 years old and stood the test of time. This is the view from the south.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb82pZ0ck4vPxTqoUZo2d7cghIOmFo1Uv0Vygyp5AtjKsFDr9Eq_A7U07d8t9HVubJXo3Mmk4xqSRv1GluwPKOAKRixa_jeOSdfIV8B6eYpdMfvDVpWx5Ny8O0gW4G85F6Mpe_LLlyg7n/s1600/P1000708.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490524954598810722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb82pZ0ck4vPxTqoUZo2d7cghIOmFo1Uv0Vygyp5AtjKsFDr9Eq_A7U07d8t9HVubJXo3Mmk4xqSRv1GluwPKOAKRixa_jeOSdfIV8B6eYpdMfvDVpWx5Ny8O0gW4G85F6Mpe_LLlyg7n/s320/P1000708.JPG" /></a> This is the view of the same bridge from the north.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kQ0SdZDXijET8T6H3s_dEezeXqR6DKKZjvqwaFSTO6Rp0f1Z5YPEG3dPzD2fk3-WZfR2vdEaqtAMydv_1df4iVNNy-1VREAP4LU_i7xMREjH95PYr5JdnSyG41pay67TiQ-P6irPeLxu/s1600/P1000711.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490524943397552818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kQ0SdZDXijET8T6H3s_dEezeXqR6DKKZjvqwaFSTO6Rp0f1Z5YPEG3dPzD2fk3-WZfR2vdEaqtAMydv_1df4iVNNy-1VREAP4LU_i7xMREjH95PYr5JdnSyG41pay67TiQ-P6irPeLxu/s320/P1000711.JPG" /></a>Just to the south of the chapel runs a small creek. It is surprising how clear the water is in such a highly populated area. It wasn't always this way but the city and county have done an excellent job of cleaning up the creek and repopulating it with fish.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWXMyKwCzR3X_ZtLp8DfoyUccdAISjiI_gNLhDB5uT7kXKmpJUWNyQWQTicALp5wpxkJaQHamcaIvzfukB3dBkEd2JNDit0fgoA2buHLqXJCI8PjtUdAGpMwbUYBzf5eUUusk6fYuPTwM/s1600/P1000712.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490524930124477170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWXMyKwCzR3X_ZtLp8DfoyUccdAISjiI_gNLhDB5uT7kXKmpJUWNyQWQTicALp5wpxkJaQHamcaIvzfukB3dBkEd2JNDit0fgoA2buHLqXJCI8PjtUdAGpMwbUYBzf5eUUusk6fYuPTwM/s320/P1000712.JPG" /></a>One of our favorite walks. This is a small stone path which led along the creek. Above us on both sides of the creek are golf courses and on the opposite side of the creek from the chapel is a Romada Inn Resort. It looks very old and expensive.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzbXedFBFCHvHExbMVjdN0a7hFnfnlATe8F7pEeRVMnlKjIvqtiMClCvIEPEeQ8Bluc8c_r3FgQG2wHhKzdlgC3NYPdc7vtbmZEMm4_a_3Eb62KhlWkwmhTz3AU4LIUtHmzePnE5nYG7W/s1600/P1000713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490524927231385682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzbXedFBFCHvHExbMVjdN0a7hFnfnlATe8F7pEeRVMnlKjIvqtiMClCvIEPEeQ8Bluc8c_r3FgQG2wHhKzdlgC3NYPdc7vtbmZEMm4_a_3Eb62KhlWkwmhTz3AU4LIUtHmzePnE5nYG7W/s320/P1000713.JPG" /></a>Notice the heavy vegetation. Birmingham gets a lot of rain and is very green for much of the year.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ8fvdgkRH96Fy-t7wj9gE018GTYZ2hAP9SshyOJEeNQ9NXnCkeuZ3p5uNVIjg3opMfea23pHiP8i12IB0SI3mCAP4DUnqiH40xOHoyPiJ-5ZWdB9WGkR2SzveqCkjZOQvaKKX8zejW1R/s1600/P1000717.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490520149004703058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQ8fvdgkRH96Fy-t7wj9gE018GTYZ2hAP9SshyOJEeNQ9NXnCkeuZ3p5uNVIjg3opMfea23pHiP8i12IB0SI3mCAP4DUnqiH40xOHoyPiJ-5ZWdB9WGkR2SzveqCkjZOQvaKKX8zejW1R/s320/P1000717.JPG" /></a> This is the Birmingham Mission Home. It has offices on the first floor for the mission president and an Employment Resources Center and apartments on the 2nd floor for missionaries.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTfbuLVOyaWHsLmB_y3SdD2PZ6rYZRPNL_-M0mgski_9ZkqnOvdEw0qWyhrO558J6LyYQVqiYPfMulEsHczGCr8vKWUJn0kwK1mV_YK5rmoxgyeJuvYh5JHZ9tkASkWHOnPPN2EITk2Zc/s1600/P1000716.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490519074601573810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTfbuLVOyaWHsLmB_y3SdD2PZ6rYZRPNL_-M0mgski_9ZkqnOvdEw0qWyhrO558J6LyYQVqiYPfMulEsHczGCr8vKWUJn0kwK1mV_YK5rmoxgyeJuvYh5JHZ9tkASkWHOnPPN2EITk2Zc/s320/P1000716.JPG" /></a> This is the Birmingham Ward chapel next to the mission home. The Stake Center is at a neighbouring city, Litchfield. Because most members use the bus as their mode of transportation, they have to rent a bus to go to stake conference and car pool for other meetings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7U6pT1tG8QMoT8RLww04xwDIqca96NkTa4UEU3rCNXK8tvbU7AzVEOa1lsWTRksbkg3oYxEGGVE2mRw3dWyLtOfAbjj5vAgMDs1XudwQewXvBKeu9dFILZ1mvNVP6BrKWh3MLc3DWazA/s1600/P1000718.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490519071152660914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7U6pT1tG8QMoT8RLww04xwDIqca96NkTa4UEU3rCNXK8tvbU7AzVEOa1lsWTRksbkg3oYxEGGVE2mRw3dWyLtOfAbjj5vAgMDs1XudwQewXvBKeu9dFILZ1mvNVP6BrKWh3MLc3DWazA/s320/P1000718.JPG" /></a> Our apartment was on the 2nd floor with the big windows. From here we had an excellent view of the surrounding area and the creek beyond the chapel.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILJ4OAb-1JfDA_Xt2FKQuF5olZRzeZ9KWiJn4DA791CilIFoi0zfruf_4OvKN6ti0n0k-RWuYFLX0jOCh7OuXVsbA4wOPTKoh2JRO5woqK4IT6l28iB2SIGpSV_d3i9Vaba_NnCL9dmKN/s1600/P1000715.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490519062025935810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILJ4OAb-1JfDA_Xt2FKQuF5olZRzeZ9KWiJn4DA791CilIFoi0zfruf_4OvKN6ti0n0k-RWuYFLX0jOCh7OuXVsbA4wOPTKoh2JRO5woqK4IT6l28iB2SIGpSV_d3i9Vaba_NnCL9dmKN/s320/P1000715.JPG" /></a> This is the view of the mission home and chapel from the street. The chapel is small by north American standards because they only house one ward in each chapel in the UK and Irland. The chapels are built in a location that is on the bus route because the majority of members come by bus.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-87181847998334761992010-06-15T19:33:00.000-07:002010-06-15T22:00:21.143-07:00The Mtc - A Spiritual Awakening<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4QFPiMo9Uuudp9PqL_P1FylQOyl_vYjVjCKxCrA8ai3Gld_Xdsj0hGL0h7q5k8Q4c450TgTgTcT0amMkxwyT7B1TDtJSLL5Kn-hE_bW0y4E-68VzeBHnVYbb95nLxgTA4aNGpbmumDQI/s1600/P1000677.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483226466863945922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4QFPiMo9Uuudp9PqL_P1FylQOyl_vYjVjCKxCrA8ai3Gld_Xdsj0hGL0h7q5k8Q4c450TgTgTcT0amMkxwyT7B1TDtJSLL5Kn-hE_bW0y4E-68VzeBHnVYbb95nLxgTA4aNGpbmumDQI/s320/P1000677.JPG" /></a> Elder Ronald Earl Hancock and Sister Deanne Jensen Kindt Hancock servants of the the Lord 2010. Going forth to serve.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CudBI7YjmALIb3Z6KwHpsrfxCPCMK7nmDKL1-3KJUjiqoqgVbftm0yiEQCBtSj4aqHlXnyB_CmLtiDmBqn7D_DU1ZzoJ1SijXOHv4dhBp0ITsbNBAExqvSQesRMrM8SnjdJXC-Ou3Erz/s1600/P1000688.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483224168886836306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CudBI7YjmALIb3Z6KwHpsrfxCPCMK7nmDKL1-3KJUjiqoqgVbftm0yiEQCBtSj4aqHlXnyB_CmLtiDmBqn7D_DU1ZzoJ1SijXOHv4dhBp0ITsbNBAExqvSQesRMrM8SnjdJXC-Ou3Erz/s320/P1000688.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ron and Deanne entered the MTC May 31st and left June 16th, 2010. It was an experience of a lifetime which we will never forget. When I think of all the time we wasted doing things that were not all that important in the longterm, we wonder why it took us so long to get here.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmyMWvUgdzipgnMM4MFFMVYAsYzKSJfqntwD7OzNlwvcS5n3WeT8GYxA11eumHeIO-8OvzkQjdC1-COL50VUlyoeAa1pa1Rg5vDC0NgNZnxTGhoG_RCwd-ZNsTByemGCa8YXpIPZYgDHu/s1600/P1000696.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483224157025334450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmyMWvUgdzipgnMM4MFFMVYAsYzKSJfqntwD7OzNlwvcS5n3WeT8GYxA11eumHeIO-8OvzkQjdC1-COL50VUlyoeAa1pa1Rg5vDC0NgNZnxTGhoG_RCwd-ZNsTByemGCa8YXpIPZYgDHu/s320/P1000696.JPG" /></a> This is the front entrance that greated us to a 2 week period of time we will always have fond memories of and of the great people and staff we worked with. We can only say go, go for yourself and find out the great blessing that awaits you there.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5Rw_DluUoK1LcG1OHOgHr5N4p6Uz2XgjuAe_hN8T0HdOAncVwgC4LWT_ixoWsdKoG_2t_9VSHUGgmoMs2uFAlPrPCrgDPDZ_rbUrXIdmIXJRgcQrKBiJsSoqyPbsE_XOgH-dCGOkH-1K/s1600/P1000695.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483219203323537986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis5Rw_DluUoK1LcG1OHOgHr5N4p6Uz2XgjuAe_hN8T0HdOAncVwgC4LWT_ixoWsdKoG_2t_9VSHUGgmoMs2uFAlPrPCrgDPDZ_rbUrXIdmIXJRgcQrKBiJsSoqyPbsE_XOgH-dCGOkH-1K/s320/P1000695.JPG" /></a> The Missionary Training Center (MTC) is a vast coplex of 19 buildings consisting of domitories, classrooms, chapels, cafeteria, gymn, health services offices, book store, a post office and service buildings. The buildings are connected by covered walkways providing shade on a hot summer day or protection from the snow and rain. It is a completely self-serviced small community within the larger community of the Brigham Young University.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXq8mMQc_AYzBEtJ1wF1mq7rHCwMOLJrWoXhbeFiXmkjF3H3mFw6pLv1UB2lRjDkdy5tghqYhkSi2xw87Tlv4K9xUFvDZrQTotJU38WGht1ojno7YBXGWTjsg2k2ak0KHVNXIZPaVNOlw/s1600/P1000699.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483219197218915042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXq8mMQc_AYzBEtJ1wF1mq7rHCwMOLJrWoXhbeFiXmkjF3H3mFw6pLv1UB2lRjDkdy5tghqYhkSi2xw87Tlv4K9xUFvDZrQTotJU38WGht1ojno7YBXGWTjsg2k2ak0KHVNXIZPaVNOlw/s320/P1000699.JPG" /></a> On any given day there are between 1700 and 2300 missionaries on site. Most are young elders between 19 and 22 years in age. While the females do not make up a large group, their impact is important and they are well respected. It is thrilling to watch when a young woman sits down at a table all the young men at the table stand up to welcome her and stay standing until she sets down. Bet they don't do this at home. Tonight at the devotional these youn men sang a thrilling standard hymn "Ye Men Of God". It was like listening to Carole Dahl's boys only 200 times more in number. We are very proud of them and their commitment to spreading the gospel. Over 90 different langurages are taught in the MTC, depending upon the need. Next week 113 new mission presidents will be welcomed here.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifJK8iPq7MIpAz26hITiwpFTFhP8DXGSkVL_DXP64hpXa6wAZROXQMe-IFWbGmMxP9IWjnlgTF7tix9kO4UeMqrK64_Vk0L3BGvcPCb3-UUOlisdKnp8KeKjX5cLbx0mjI_eZlKDfqKxC/s1600/P1000693.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483211971924490546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifJK8iPq7MIpAz26hITiwpFTFhP8DXGSkVL_DXP64hpXa6wAZROXQMe-IFWbGmMxP9IWjnlgTF7tix9kO4UeMqrK64_Vk0L3BGvcPCb3-UUOlisdKnp8KeKjX5cLbx0mjI_eZlKDfqKxC/s320/P1000693.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The gymn at the MTC was a very popular place. The building serves a multiple purpose. On regular week days it served as a workout place for the young and old missionaries to work out. Deanne and I loved to go there and walk around the inside track. The inside track went around the outside of the top of the building. Each round covered 1/10 of a mile and took 2 minutes to complete. At each corner was a workout station with excercise bikes and walkers. On Sundays and during devotionals it served as a place of worship.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNtIY_Ya3rbWZD3PUUoicvl42e3D2WK_32Ob8ZUpeD2H7TA-ptvl2mlojQ1FzlDMbjNZzRXJ2dbg-GvxKSgCy3zlpvy2dpuZAZ1XS9BfQG63W-Y_TRBC5nLF7dndvXpm5L1a8NcNQWh9e/s1600/P1000692.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483211957171670434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNtIY_Ya3rbWZD3PUUoicvl42e3D2WK_32Ob8ZUpeD2H7TA-ptvl2mlojQ1FzlDMbjNZzRXJ2dbg-GvxKSgCy3zlpvy2dpuZAZ1XS9BfQG63W-Y_TRBC5nLF7dndvXpm5L1a8NcNQWh9e/s320/P1000692.JPG" /></a><br />Here young missionaries enjoyed a workout at basketball, vollyball, dodge ball or just plain goofing off<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5x-DuHM-XYRztY2aIyEndHHqbEXaxI1GZMAE6_yeOxvH6BOInUEabq4_psnl0Gj_D-GzHbxFGaaLJucpMXUEXn7aalVGoBtLExTLEz9l7udqAcNMe53_8qZoEINFEsUdh61pZdNLmWSp/s1600/P1000674.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483209709572051234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5x-DuHM-XYRztY2aIyEndHHqbEXaxI1GZMAE6_yeOxvH6BOInUEabq4_psnl0Gj_D-GzHbxFGaaLJucpMXUEXn7aalVGoBtLExTLEz9l7udqAcNMe53_8qZoEINFEsUdh61pZdNLmWSp/s320/P1000674.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div>The churches would wide Welfare Services and Emloyment Services offices are widely scttered throughout the world. The above map shows a significant presence in many of the developing nations of South America, Africa, and Asia, many countries we never knew we had a strong presence in.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUerGPiTLunxYShlwGVcCnFA-sV3Ba882wzWfdEvhyphenhyphenGcU1XKJ_gT1VOqEnF84Qc-S7SH8Fp7qwCMtW3TQTrOPFuDav5MHbLCbOjDQ9waW4eEaYJ350m5aFmKvtobWTx-WEDtnypXkPBr/s1600/P1000676.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483206611931181602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgUerGPiTLunxYShlwGVcCnFA-sV3Ba882wzWfdEvhyphenhyphenGcU1XKJ_gT1VOqEnF84Qc-S7SH8Fp7qwCMtW3TQTrOPFuDav5MHbLCbOjDQ9waW4eEaYJ350m5aFmKvtobWTx-WEDtnypXkPBr/s320/P1000676.JPG" /></a> Above are the missionary couples going through the MTC who were going on welfare missions. Four couples were going out as Area Welfare Specialists, some as Employment Services Missionaries and others as Humanitarian Aid Missionaries. They were very special people and we quickly come to love all of them. Their mission areas varied from Canada, Africa, South and Central America and parts of the United States. We felt honored to be numbered among them.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim83OfB5TgkPCB97cf_ck4p1lhvPlQrglyszSr-YQRKls7wLZd4ND5_VJVfxjWfuMKkosOMKFPNSaCv17B-F1ujVfg5Q-Mfeqa0qS5X1jNMujYm6-_tkSAyXERkDq9-_Ni4jy17s-L5Ae5/s1600/P1000697.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483206604428680930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim83OfB5TgkPCB97cf_ck4p1lhvPlQrglyszSr-YQRKls7wLZd4ND5_VJVfxjWfuMKkosOMKFPNSaCv17B-F1ujVfg5Q-Mfeqa0qS5X1jNMujYm6-_tkSAyXERkDq9-_Ni4jy17s-L5Ae5/s320/P1000697.JPG" /></a>This beautiful painting on a service cooridor wall depicts a pair of missionaries teaching a family the gospel in a far off land. The picture reminds Deanne of her grandmother's conversion to the gospel. Note the woman listening at the window and the young woman standing by the door.listening . Grandma was a maid servant, and "listened at the door" to the message the American missionaries brought. And was converted to the gospel before emigrating to America.<br /><div> </div><div>The temple of the Lord is a special scantuary in our lives. Although not as notalgic as the Cardston Temple the Provo Temple has beauty of its own. It's simple lines and beauty is all its own. As a University student at BYU I was my wards fund raising chairman to raise funds to build this structure. Construction started just as I was graduating. So I feel an extra kin to this temple. Cardston is still my favorite. The celestial room is special. It is a quite get away from the world where you can pray and draw closer to the Lord. After we had sat there for a long period of time Deanne said "Are you ready to go back to the real world" My reply was a curt NO!! I was ready to stay the rest of the day. But we had to go back to the real world, which we did.</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsc99nqrYPLKIhN_GabajmuJ_fZM-mju2-AucyGbMN9OREyrhYwUrKTMe1hFpDSUyQMbC0CjZk-qE5PWEFq-6ZgSYeh_XZYRza8CROmMgm0m3BjZh4DF8ICY4A3D3V_LrXcxMcMfoXr_n/s1600/P1000684.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483201171576906754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsc99nqrYPLKIhN_GabajmuJ_fZM-mju2-AucyGbMN9OREyrhYwUrKTMe1hFpDSUyQMbC0CjZk-qE5PWEFq-6ZgSYeh_XZYRza8CROmMgm0m3BjZh4DF8ICY4A3D3V_LrXcxMcMfoXr_n/s320/P1000684.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDmSHlrD34tq8uvjlA_WQ1lNnLIEeJIPHX4FsG_3oO07e1csZlhrOUJacdetHZ9DMu6dBA31wVR48D3VBXWMhPQ6k3IUU0ketnBX9ljil79vF6Y-_oqpBohs5f-X9QfYFlf0h4eAFyFCg/s1600/P1000694.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483201163797947122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDmSHlrD34tq8uvjlA_WQ1lNnLIEeJIPHX4FsG_3oO07e1csZlhrOUJacdetHZ9DMu6dBA31wVR48D3VBXWMhPQ6k3IUU0ketnBX9ljil79vF6Y-_oqpBohs5f-X9QfYFlf0h4eAFyFCg/s320/P1000694.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkph6hrCURoUORlDVYhulY_N_Co_YzrlyPUgrn-8Fps_Mx4sgokf_io6RiCyF6qW9o4Wl-6DreSN_4iVMuh-YlqhNyDZxyuyVJG93oEVd4I0yADFVo5VUfaeevAgMbRlFPnUf_PnAvFsMP/s1600/P1000681.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483199202776427426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkph6hrCURoUORlDVYhulY_N_Co_YzrlyPUgrn-8Fps_Mx4sgokf_io6RiCyF6qW9o4Wl-6DreSN_4iVMuh-YlqhNyDZxyuyVJG93oEVd4I0yADFVo5VUfaeevAgMbRlFPnUf_PnAvFsMP/s320/P1000681.JPG" /></a> The Provo Temple is a beautiful sactuary on the side of the mountain surrounded by a garden of large beautiful roses.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left">We are off and ready to go. Birmingham, Irland and wherever else the Lord calls us to go. After two weeks of training and motivation we are ready to go. The smiles on our faces tell it all.<br /></p><p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQSW6nIw75aIDtl1QSspV9k7thM0ebzhHaLXPMlk3A0sbcWiZgOsYJ7z5-l99RNBhUaqzWetVPCs6FuSctofctv1QPqMh1P0NhirDbTsLxSerH7cPWCkpWBxhMj-Xg6nngELzXGeNcbLh/s1600/P1000689.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483195155171049362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQSW6nIw75aIDtl1QSspV9k7thM0ebzhHaLXPMlk3A0sbcWiZgOsYJ7z5-l99RNBhUaqzWetVPCs6FuSctofctv1QPqMh1P0NhirDbTsLxSerH7cPWCkpWBxhMj-Xg6nngELzXGeNcbLh/s320/P1000689.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-89614478471690861272010-06-13T20:27:00.000-07:002010-06-13T22:37:50.015-07:00Ron's Family wishes us Bon Voyage<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVl6WUBxYFPbteGMrjaOtk-NZ7B06qCxnhyQS0CwPD8BUkNVRC81-n5PQse8WM2LvlnRWrqkCU7A6T9g2DFd46T0YfvAAdIxUe74TNrBQ-FQRTFwMI-3ESKvAMwo5oAoYMwOyiMz7lpWO/s1600/P1000637.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482497848939650098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVl6WUBxYFPbteGMrjaOtk-NZ7B06qCxnhyQS0CwPD8BUkNVRC81-n5PQse8WM2LvlnRWrqkCU7A6T9g2DFd46T0YfvAAdIxUe74TNrBQ-FQRTFwMI-3ESKvAMwo5oAoYMwOyiMz7lpWO/s320/P1000637.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURViSOmI7uXx1aVVzTyjBacSIq2FGdbyQrHfb1ktfzFR60Lge13afEHWkyM9Z2NnVZtdRbXGSXEnBqBE6XQuR3_Y-Wt5fOSIsEqPO-I2sFMDE5Smhwgv7XB79iICrpxwunfn2-MqgXBtr/s1600/P1000654.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482490205144920274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURViSOmI7uXx1aVVzTyjBacSIq2FGdbyQrHfb1ktfzFR60Lge13afEHWkyM9Z2NnVZtdRbXGSXEnBqBE6XQuR3_Y-Wt5fOSIsEqPO-I2sFMDE5Smhwgv7XB79iICrpxwunfn2-MqgXBtr/s320/P1000654.JPG" /></a><br />The Cake.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What better way to wish a Bon Voyague than with a British Flag and one that you can eat.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You could say we had our flag, cake and eat it too.</div><br /><div>The workmanship was truely amazing. But it was good.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482490192482296146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfvSCyISqiG-1AphiRHkXWmXlPRYAwv7LaOxkkWQjJbPdlLrdohUtDKO34RjdcqFY5RQizWxKnh1aqlyTOhMNzJT5do65kmSGIiTnvZg2BGC6jUQJOmKfT3wXhjwNKDgFIuEVzF2WkZIu/s320/P1000673.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Ron's fathers grave in Kearns Utah. This was memorial day in the U.S. It was a beautiful site. to see. all graves were decorated with flags and flowers.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZEykvdf51WJmpJVOZ2RcbHLPO06RrXfzaE7mttFNYqccAGsj04SRsaaGnJBHtnoYet7Gm-_Lk79utLMjPnhmPX1mruENTy6NjBJIOorAyEQOw2hjrZ_qkghhhY53OdgURhSqZlMrlhd/s1600/P1000670.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482490183844189714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdZEykvdf51WJmpJVOZ2RcbHLPO06RrXfzaE7mttFNYqccAGsj04SRsaaGnJBHtnoYet7Gm-_Lk79utLMjPnhmPX1mruENTy6NjBJIOorAyEQOw2hjrZ_qkghhhY53OdgURhSqZlMrlhd/s320/P1000670.JPG" /></a><br />Ron's dad's grave. He was a Canadian to the end. He never did take out his American citizenship. Ron's mother was an American citizen. The irony is that she (the American) is buried in Magrath Alberta and He (the Canadian) is buried in the United States.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodHqPEz7FJroocGdTItJhrrjgCu5zm0mnkmjtg7x5UQWJT3sBoPrTjyiYPieCGogFux-bZY1T3Z0QUyw1C4B12afTzAHvgZb9xy2BBa97Ko1rSJs_wBC36aZbDRB8y9hJtRL9UTRy3l22/s1600/P1000667.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482490169579803218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodHqPEz7FJroocGdTItJhrrjgCu5zm0mnkmjtg7x5UQWJT3sBoPrTjyiYPieCGogFux-bZY1T3Z0QUyw1C4B12afTzAHvgZb9xy2BBa97Ko1rSJs_wBC36aZbDRB8y9hJtRL9UTRy3l22/s320/P1000667.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Ron and his sisters Darla (standing) and Carole (sitting) and brother Gordon (sitting). His other brother, Leonard is living in Alabama and couldn't be there.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsy8EHxMRahbwEBpL6WDviBbcz34gTgQZSKY8paKtZxB9TkGAOWGwN-2BarXNRXcjOhn_e2WDLXDz8K2QeQG6Rkx2DxrZIP8_ZKDYSETfpxyDo9ZSdAJCtUj8QVzpI1XdMHxrPBHrSWT4/s1600/P1000665.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482490167269534290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsy8EHxMRahbwEBpL6WDviBbcz34gTgQZSKY8paKtZxB9TkGAOWGwN-2BarXNRXcjOhn_e2WDLXDz8K2QeQG6Rkx2DxrZIP8_ZKDYSETfpxyDo9ZSdAJCtUj8QVzpI1XdMHxrPBHrSWT4/s320/P1000665.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Gordon and Louise and their family. By numbers they have the largest brood in the Hancock clan and they are sure proud of each one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479799965164050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N3aR8mFnvZNZzsVYebLDdawzWxzFKR3roodLzAQ_lLQIDrxIv7wHvElqUY7NU9Fq3Pjq15C61h2rWQ82c-L1175PoDTpmXv-QIf_FnufoEpHx__csYpQlPhFAc-n-tfu3rywWKFKGCe1/s320/P1000636.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Gordon's car show. The first car I bought after I completed high school was a 1949 chec 2 doar hard top similar to this baby. Mine was a salmon color on the bottom with a cream colar leatheret vinal roof and cream color lether bucket seats inside. I was sure proud of that car. Then I did a stupid thing and traded it in for a new 1965 chev Corvair. The Corvair proved to be a lemon from the start.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5tpQ5luu94qFwfsRZqHNTVkwR8lTabVprAHeK8_GgrE3BM5xBqb6H8pxB4wDbePau06jxTBcd1YCpiMmmMyZQrxyC33kgxPNXKdAZnH7A8KQdG1NmrbNoTleY4odW5MWGIK2Tnbt2UN-/s1600/P1000661.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479791537858882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5tpQ5luu94qFwfsRZqHNTVkwR8lTabVprAHeK8_GgrE3BM5xBqb6H8pxB4wDbePau06jxTBcd1YCpiMmmMyZQrxyC33kgxPNXKdAZnH7A8KQdG1NmrbNoTleY4odW5MWGIK2Tnbt2UN-/s320/P1000661.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Ron's sister Carole and her daughter Kathy Dawn. Carole is the family history expert in our family. Every year Carole looks more and more like her mother. My first thought when we went to her home was of Mom. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7YUClwFLHVTqmN9uNdEG7uE-rUGOU6m07RgMFIItZmmEpk_NAtaP_CWtlhhuWg80l3qYZk5BhSQklGmdZcZ8HyIvXKNGJ7Q9lA-1Pkr7BtS-tRHJYsN7UXGEA6I4nLa140VMt40bD_Z3/s1600/P1000659.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479784922859330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7YUClwFLHVTqmN9uNdEG7uE-rUGOU6m07RgMFIItZmmEpk_NAtaP_CWtlhhuWg80l3qYZk5BhSQklGmdZcZ8HyIvXKNGJ7Q9lA-1Pkr7BtS-tRHJYsN7UXGEA6I4nLa140VMt40bD_Z3/s320/P1000659.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><div>In the middle is Ron's sister Darla with husband Frank behind her. Darla is fortune to have all her kids but Frankie live near by. Frankie lives in California where he just become the proud dad of a new baby boy. Darla is the quilter in the family.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo3BgG6_yVsfbQtmdDbi96FOEvhcMXTJzI72suEUhoqiXAA-T3iaTb_kl1udnFyUDL2_niPwL44cjJ0Ukr_wOowcOOBTS4ddnmRM4lsAfQiyeHCy89UCpRzFs1ot4LYYVuzO9M4yIyfXj/s1600/P1000658.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479779511074722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUo3BgG6_yVsfbQtmdDbi96FOEvhcMXTJzI72suEUhoqiXAA-T3iaTb_kl1udnFyUDL2_niPwL44cjJ0Ukr_wOowcOOBTS4ddnmRM4lsAfQiyeHCy89UCpRzFs1ot4LYYVuzO9M4yIyfXj/s320/P1000658.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For an activity the children beat up a pinata to recover its loot. This is the rewards for a excellent campain. Well done kids.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcLdcW4dkEOYp1kcRX7VrLnGC9NmgK4wstqnGoah-B3lPKnDOXzyMHY0qapLflHr-I_YlPkwmjW8JpBiuwgSyqfuO55DBVTZl6SSg12fk9qHeK_4PSO4TRpxvcqARTfmZD3npTERefIvP/s1600/P1000646.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482479765961453538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcLdcW4dkEOYp1kcRX7VrLnGC9NmgK4wstqnGoah-B3lPKnDOXzyMHY0qapLflHr-I_YlPkwmjW8JpBiuwgSyqfuO55DBVTZl6SSg12fk9qHeK_4PSO4TRpxvcqARTfmZD3npTERefIvP/s320/P1000646.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Ron's sisters Carole and Darla.<br /></div><br /><div>We love them both.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Behind are their grandkids playing crocket.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-C_16XW85GOIS1XWXRZuZ9iFrs-LKn5T8Cr4Qm1BCmsocU4CLzB8lCvh0Fsattdr5PhSCHIeqoyfeHOSUQb_XCD-qHiyCdKYmkJuqPmo4fVoryOt6Oikdi6b18HtUbiF0oSqA562SnfW/s1600/P1000645.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482471005674458402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-C_16XW85GOIS1XWXRZuZ9iFrs-LKn5T8Cr4Qm1BCmsocU4CLzB8lCvh0Fsattdr5PhSCHIeqoyfeHOSUQb_XCD-qHiyCdKYmkJuqPmo4fVoryOt6Oikdi6b18HtUbiF0oSqA562SnfW/s320/P1000645.JPG" /></a> Cousin: Mary and Don Phillips. Two special people in our lives and a major influence in keeping our Hancock family Reunions active.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br />Mary and Don hope to be the next couple in the family to embark on a mission. Good luck Mary and Don.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>Bless you Mary. We love you and thankyou for your support.</div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b9h4YHP4qsqD8t5txAp-cPdw25Obqmr5oGw03MF4Mhjc2dakqX-fZzZ02IZBVfUeOx4pQHlRmPQ2rBSO6bpToSgtswi-pUgnHMN2OQLScUIJkU9ji5OIcbIZFu43OoIAtQA6ZL3jNS41/s1600/P1000643.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482470999052794882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b9h4YHP4qsqD8t5txAp-cPdw25Obqmr5oGw03MF4Mhjc2dakqX-fZzZ02IZBVfUeOx4pQHlRmPQ2rBSO6bpToSgtswi-pUgnHMN2OQLScUIJkU9ji5OIcbIZFu43OoIAtQA6ZL3jNS41/s320/P1000643.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Master Cheif Gordon served up a great bargeque.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Thanks Gordon. Lord bless you.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div>While in Utah it is always a great treat to attend an antique car show with Gordon. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>This is a 1965 Chev Corvair. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The first new car I ever bought was a 1965 Corvair. I truely was the worse car I ever owned. Had the air cooled motor in the rear like a beatle but not a good idea in this car. The motor leaked oil on the manifold right from the start and the heater came from the manifold. The car always smelled and was always needing repairs. During my last year at university the starter went out and I had to get it pushed to start. We made sure it was parked on the hill so we could get a good roll to start it. I traded it in for a 1967 Ford Cortina. It was an economical car but did not like Canadian winters when we returned to Canada.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgABXZxLI8HlD5xddafxqoYKAv6NxeqkSfsQXlFNJ494QeIXI7dDVfo67Aw9SPB7U5x1lk6AzSvZdJ8kjdUxDRb3xiVuPkmGCO3QpsveSQmBvZIXyGRaVXvOoLaeRJqFvuyGa8YvCc6lDG/s1600/P1000631.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482470976119026754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgABXZxLI8HlD5xddafxqoYKAv6NxeqkSfsQXlFNJ494QeIXI7dDVfo67Aw9SPB7U5x1lk6AzSvZdJ8kjdUxDRb3xiVuPkmGCO3QpsveSQmBvZIXyGRaVXvOoLaeRJqFvuyGa8YvCc6lDG/s320/P1000631.JPG" /></a><br />Gordon and Louis's hobby is antique cars. On most weekends in the summer they are off to a car show somewhere in the intermountain region. Gordon is the president of the local club. This is a picture of his prize posession a Ford Galaxie. This car dose not see much stormy weather and is cleaner than the family car.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-24622701050173427922010-06-12T17:34:00.000-07:002010-06-12T18:34:39.735-07:00Salt Lake City here we come<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyvTLS3IxgHvq7xz-e7RteirWCmLiB4Ogmx75hMYnKh8X0a_Yacmp2joTBqOrsHhrOKzBP-e0imvOJpPtcgWkEuox0FU5rk82iexLKt203OYHMNJHxlZ833fGCLqawG41Xz9ZSIUso9tQ/s1600/P1000620.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482061115488156722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyvTLS3IxgHvq7xz-e7RteirWCmLiB4Ogmx75hMYnKh8X0a_Yacmp2joTBqOrsHhrOKzBP-e0imvOJpPtcgWkEuox0FU5rk82iexLKt203OYHMNJHxlZ833fGCLqawG41Xz9ZSIUso9tQ/s320/P1000620.JPG" /></a><br />May 23rd, 2010<br />Today we left for Salt Lake City with Debra, Elodie and Shawni.<br /><br /><br />The view from the top of the conference centre is fantastic. Shawni's smile would melt anyone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIM1DHouzsCreaLp4-K8ZWdl4ENsP9LqcK1gEq2MBpYs9AZ1ARBxR_XdUo5fu3Ullrdub4SXXNBMGNUW69eZLdcY-0uZT9Tu1iwsAeLH9ANlEWrGQRdltXn76S1LWNhSCZOpIN2AAKxdS/s1600/P1000619.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482061107596378866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIM1DHouzsCreaLp4-K8ZWdl4ENsP9LqcK1gEq2MBpYs9AZ1ARBxR_XdUo5fu3Ullrdub4SXXNBMGNUW69eZLdcY-0uZT9Tu1iwsAeLH9ANlEWrGQRdltXn76S1LWNhSCZOpIN2AAKxdS/s320/P1000619.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The backdrop of the temple makes a perfect setting. From here you can see the world.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yT0h8dju3G-JwgXP7EI8mO6C84tlRlUS8BNRqGJfW_xBuqTTDPGga-WCyS4_CsE4_ERN9aAr-wxHUQ39jHJ-6AuNGoyUM-mp6CMege5_saP2lWrB0sBcAwFaKpb_0p5Qz_tiQLhEzBZl/s1600/P1000616.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482061090973169106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2yT0h8dju3G-JwgXP7EI8mO6C84tlRlUS8BNRqGJfW_xBuqTTDPGga-WCyS4_CsE4_ERN9aAr-wxHUQ39jHJ-6AuNGoyUM-mp6CMege5_saP2lWrB0sBcAwFaKpb_0p5Qz_tiQLhEzBZl/s320/P1000616.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />The top of the conference centre is truely an oasis of beauty.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhaQuE-ty215FVophei4CzF7Hp6Op_9Emgat5WSNOEBAWgF0urBQsLtS9AvegVeSYjGvWSuqeytf-fdlWvUZsPGR7Rumh4NXRwu9LClZuvZBvxcgDTRP3OfF651858XiANVSqHBoTE1No/s1600/P1000615.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482054209624967186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhaQuE-ty215FVophei4CzF7Hp6Op_9Emgat5WSNOEBAWgF0urBQsLtS9AvegVeSYjGvWSuqeytf-fdlWvUZsPGR7Rumh4NXRwu9LClZuvZBvxcgDTRP3OfF651858XiANVSqHBoTE1No/s320/P1000615.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Shawni, like a princes standing on a pedestal in front of the temple.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3cIi6ObgSRn-t8tA3FD1_YjQynmRBnH0fosWZK01Yjfqhyv0Y9TI2g0QBZo31Jwu5_s6-17gSWKFHNwh25_vKk3dSeI5byLQBmboKcqLSRAMeDs2FkgWapJPTvcCDCz4fRhFsW21a-NT/s1600/P1000614.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482054202347975762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3cIi6ObgSRn-t8tA3FD1_YjQynmRBnH0fosWZK01Yjfqhyv0Y9TI2g0QBZo31Jwu5_s6-17gSWKFHNwh25_vKk3dSeI5byLQBmboKcqLSRAMeDs2FkgWapJPTvcCDCz4fRhFsW21a-NT/s320/P1000614.JPG" /></a><br />One spoiled pooch. He sat there without the least bit of desire to climb out. I would love to be her dog. I'll bet the real kids were not treated so royaly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXkHf-q_X9EeMaFRIz45B599u_6_I_-0fntfhCIusXkv-uM0hMyICNb1Y_MHMPBNERwfY2O_HC3tmFIoBgbqS4mp54LgDzWC6t56ITs6QePUbR0-IEJg1nt3WEvBWA9JLjyfg10W0a4up/s1600/P1000613.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482054195629259010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXkHf-q_X9EeMaFRIz45B599u_6_I_-0fntfhCIusXkv-uM0hMyICNb1Y_MHMPBNERwfY2O_HC3tmFIoBgbqS4mp54LgDzWC6t56ITs6QePUbR0-IEJg1nt3WEvBWA9JLjyfg10W0a4up/s320/P1000613.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A prince on his throne. I guess he knows where his bread and butter comes from.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhUkrIZheMxhgAuuZSp_u_zTmnpxkGUr4Pz_imPfkDYexas61OrZQLZo8jkR-lCxtXYICsIXUQOxzVclZF0wqkhysxrf-15dIxTOyUOBY6_dmy7CecnbU7rHG89di8PnX34KW3FBiXp32/s1600/P1000609.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482054177654561986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhUkrIZheMxhgAuuZSp_u_zTmnpxkGUr4Pz_imPfkDYexas61OrZQLZo8jkR-lCxtXYICsIXUQOxzVclZF0wqkhysxrf-15dIxTOyUOBY6_dmy7CecnbU7rHG89di8PnX34KW3FBiXp32/s320/P1000609.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Deanne and her girls in front of the Temple of God</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi912tJTKrfYumipQ26yEu04UTDQQ_NWWjslpa6xUXa-gmt5sCCzSOfQrkMaVicVCNYDwSJTRLIqqY8CwnrHUrKdFX0XtZ4w0Cn23F6VZ26OxX7Fk3A-w-FSbwyEVWrwuR81k5CeFl46R43/s1600/P1000608.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482054170763322194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi912tJTKrfYumipQ26yEu04UTDQQ_NWWjslpa6xUXa-gmt5sCCzSOfQrkMaVicVCNYDwSJTRLIqqY8CwnrHUrKdFX0XtZ4w0Cn23F6VZ26OxX7Fk3A-w-FSbwyEVWrwuR81k5CeFl46R43/s320/P1000608.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />What would a visit to Salt Lake City be without a visit to the Salt Lake Temple. It took 40 years to build this great edifest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-49362962946830293992010-06-12T13:39:00.000-07:002010-06-13T20:05:21.873-07:00How we got hereFamilies are for ever. Without them what would we be.<br />Without the support of our children and extended<br />family we could not have embarked on this<br />journey.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX-rUQZJ_YthJuUod3LVm5ecf3JsxJymXsPk4KneRFJhTjTSWXEcKb_HVWH7xcg8dMS08zXs7sP4_1tlo6R-XKsgxouD0T7mb2P3b90lWYpeb8HK0Wpi1_Ut8hqGVCBu6wLM1ez3TIj03/s1600/P1000600.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482007217406013330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX-rUQZJ_YthJuUod3LVm5ecf3JsxJymXsPk4KneRFJhTjTSWXEcKb_HVWH7xcg8dMS08zXs7sP4_1tlo6R-XKsgxouD0T7mb2P3b90lWYpeb8HK0Wpi1_Ut8hqGVCBu6wLM1ez3TIj03/s320/P1000600.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy6eW1exVeWjzl2ALTPgyA-7WBOWLvdOpHkFf1ZycdI2mS0ggKJFF4yL6kKXI6K6wNOyoqzG9ogw9rZtHjkbFM_i8YW6xF9Du2pgcX4NltCALVLApSXxf4JFtJgi3aI8If4iL49toB7wk/s1600/P1000599.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482007205079710514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzy6eW1exVeWjzl2ALTPgyA-7WBOWLvdOpHkFf1ZycdI2mS0ggKJFF4yL6kKXI6K6wNOyoqzG9ogw9rZtHjkbFM_i8YW6xF9Du2pgcX4NltCALVLApSXxf4JFtJgi3aI8If4iL49toB7wk/s320/P1000599.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRIkaGzbbvXpDQ2XtrWMuN6DDnwrCCr5IrW9HLilHzxGPT2D4Hk2mPKp0VvC_u1-4QaldedihyphenhyphenWeHL-QCJEzaBH4vQphXlTyKBzeLbUmUxEuxj2HJxwj1NcoDMHjAa9VDIc1u5PuPf-hp/s1600/P1000597.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482007196725884034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRIkaGzbbvXpDQ2XtrWMuN6DDnwrCCr5IrW9HLilHzxGPT2D4Hk2mPKp0VvC_u1-4QaldedihyphenhyphenWeHL-QCJEzaBH4vQphXlTyKBzeLbUmUxEuxj2HJxwj1NcoDMHjAa9VDIc1u5PuPf-hp/s320/P1000597.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>A few of our family and freinds who came to</div><div>see us off on our mission.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>January 17, 2010</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Handed in our mission papers to Bishop Duce, Raymond 1st Ward</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>February 3rd, 2010</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Ron and deanne are set appart as temple ordinance workers in Cardston Alberta Temple.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>February 24th, 2010</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Ron & Deanne are interviewed by Stake President Carlos Jensen</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>April 7th, 2010</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Mission call papers arrive by mail from Salt Lake City advising usthat we called to serve in the England Birmingham Mission with specific assignment as Area Welfare Services Specialists serving in the Solihull Area Welfare Services Centre. We are to enter the MTC at Provo Utah on May 31st and leave for Birmingham on June 14th.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>May 16th, 2010</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Our missionary farewell. We spoke in Sacrament Meeting at the Raymond 1st Ward followed by a Family Dinner at Elodie's. All of our children but Joe and Duane and all of Deanne's sisters but Zelma were present. Over 65 people were present for the family dinner. It was gradifying to see them and know they supported us.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2392078803662925719.post-81436668792908570542010-06-10T21:42:00.000-07:002010-06-13T20:06:50.441-07:00This blog was created by Ron and Deanne Hancock to provide a permanent site where they can record their mission experiences in the England <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Solihull</span> Welfare Services Area for the Church of Jesus Christ of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Latter-Day</span> Saints for our children and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">friends</span>. We hope each of our children will read it and stay <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">connected</span> to us and the Lord as we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">progress</span> through our mission. We will post pictures and progress descriptions of each of the major events and experiences in our lives and theirs. We invite all to read and provide us with feedback whenever possible.The Hancockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06475246818180762476noreply@blogger.com1