Irish General Election

I have been watching the results of the Irish general election coming in during the course of today. No real surprises in the outcome - big gains for the opposition parties (Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein) while the outgoing coalition government (Fianna Fail and Green Party) were both decimated reflecting, in particular, Fianna Fail's political mismanagement of Ireland over the past ten years.

I don't have great expectations of the new governments (likely a Fine Gael / Labour coalition) ability to make real changes and right some of the wrong decisions made - partly due to the appalling economic situation that currently exists limiting their options and partly due to my lack of faith in current Irish political leadership generally. But I would like to be surprised.

I do think there may be some theraputic effect for the Irish people in effecting this change in political leadership that may also bring with it some fresh hope that Ireland can turn the corner and once again be a place that we are proud to call home.

Little Men of Aran (Sweaters)

The lastest package from my mum in Ireland included Irish sweaters for Eoin and his two cousins that she hand knit herself. The boys modeled these last weekend in Minnesota (we were all there to celebrate Molly Haydens 30th birthday - it was a fun night).

One of the models was a little high maintenance and quickly became tired of posing upright for the cameras.



We also celebrated Hayden's upcoming first birthday with some cupcakes - he (and we) really enjoyed them!

Blizzard in Chicago

Just experienced my first blizzard in Chicago - almost two feet of snow fell in the last 24 hours and winds reached upwards of 60 miles per hour.

Having my first snow day (office is closed so working from home) since primary school! Less than 3 hours after the snow stopped falling the roads are cleared, pathways and our courtyard area have been opened up enough the walk / drive - impressive response (mechanical as well as man power required).

Eoin gets to hang out with his parents during the week for a change!