NEW PICTURES POSTED AND LOOKING FOR MORE

I have added some pictures to the site from Nels & Lara Mitchel (seen here perfectly posing in front of the Cliffs of Moher) and professional photographer Joe Koshollek.

My goal is to use the website as a place to post all of the digital pictures from the trip, and as a space for others to launch their own plans for a big Ireland vacation in 2007.

So anyone who has digital photos should try to get them to me. Compact disc is great because it is easy to use Photoshop to make thumbnail pages. Snapfish or Shutterfly should work as well because I can just order a disc on line (I should get Sue & Kelly's pictures up this week or next).

I'll try to put up a new blog now and then, but it is tougher with work and moving and all that.

Speaking of which, we should be all moved into the new house by August 30th, and will schedule a trip reunion party in September or October. Anyone who can help us sell our current house on 49th will be richly rewarded in this life (fancy dinner and outlandish gift, depending on the price) and the next (quicker move out of purgatory).

JUST A WEE 18 DAYS AGO

One of the emails I had waiting for me at work is this lovely self-portrait of me and Jeremy from the bar at O'Hare while we were waiting for our flight to Ireland. I meant to post it then but could not access my email from the bar.

You can clearly tell why our group was so popular on the trans-Atlantic journey.

I LOVE THE JOURNAL SENTINEL

So we come home from Ireland and pick up the morning paper on Sunday, and what do we find? A big story about our new home!

The story is in the Entree section of the Sunday paper, at page 7. You can link to the online story here:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=481038

What this town may lack in the way of green grass, awesome ocean cliffs and black stout beer, it makes up for in timing. And neighborhods, and good friends, and family.

WE ARE SAFE AT HOME

Our travels home were actually pretty fun. The airlines allowed computers, iPods, DVD players, books and magazines, so we had plenty to keep the kids busy. And man, are they great little travelers. No crying, just playing and occasionaly sleeping.

Our flight left Shannon (the airport, not my wife) pretty much on time, and we all sat in one row and had a nice flight in. Towards the end we had a bunch of turbulence, and Sylvie said her stomach hurt. Soon she threw up, but only in an airline blanket, like a good little girl. We had a quick change at Newark, and the flight to Chicago was groovy.

The Carey limo people were there to pck us up and we finaly got home after 9:00pm (3am in Ireland), tired but in good spirits. Of course, now it's 5am and the whole family is wide awake.

So, the trip is really over, I'm 40, and I have to go back to work tomorrow.

GOOD BYE IRELAND

We are packing to leave. Thanks to everyone who came with us. It was the trip of a lifetime. The last night featured a fancy meal in the castle dining room, with leg of lamb cooked to perfection by Michelle Thompson. We then repaired to the 3rd floor lounge and killed a bottle of 40-year old port.

See you all in Milwaukee.

Day 13 - A Family Day

Yesterday was day 13 of the trip. We cooked another big breakfast down in the coach house, including sausages, Irish bacon, breakfast potatoes, smoked salmon (with all the trimmings), warm scones and croissants, buttered toast, and cheese omelets. Audrey and Sylvie then gave Pepper some carrots and apples for his own Irish breakfast.

Everyone then headed out for a day trip. Our family, along with my Mom and the Kathys (Guis and Galioto) drove out towards the west coast and stopped first at the Burren Smokehouse, where we learned how to smoke salmon (cold and hot) and did some sampling. Then we drove to the Burren, which is a large area of overwhelming volcanic rock formations, with old stonehenge-like graves and circular forts built out of rocks. We stopped and toured the Ailwee caves, which run about a mile into one of the Burren mountains (hills really, but big ones). Audrey and Sylvie were remarkably brave, even when the guide turned out all the lights and we found out what dark really means. Kathy Guis was pretty scared, though. The picture above is from just outside the cave entrance.

At night my Mom made burritos for the whole crowd, and we had a coach house party. Since we apparently can't take liquids back with us, we are trying hard to finish my precious 40-year old port that my sister-in-law Heather brought for me, and the brandy soaked cherries kate brought from France.

Still, try as I may, I cannot get a hangover in Ireland. I feel grand today - we just finished taking our Christmas card photos with the girls in their new princess dresses.

And we found the camera cord for the computer! Now I can upload more pictures to the website. It takes a while but I should have them all up today.

WEEK ONE IS OFFICIALLY OVER

Nels and Lara, the final week one couple, flew home today. They will be dearly missed, not only because they were a great party couple, but they manned a car and took all manner of my friends on trips around Ireland, and were a steadying influence in Dublin. Nels also won the first annual Ballyhannon 5K with an impressive burst over the final kilometer.

Today was a family day, with a visit to Bunratty castle and Village, where one could step back to life in a medievil village (people lived with their animals, so life wasn't so great). Audrey and Sylvie got a kick out of it, but their highlight, as usual, was the candy store.

We hung out at Durty Nellie's afterwards for some pints and brown bread and smoked salmon, which beats work every day and twice on Sundays.

Tonight we are heading out for a nice dinner, and the wonderful Kathy Guis is babysitting for the girls (they love her from our trip to Kinsale yesterday).

After dinner, we are aiming for a low key castle party. We miss the first week craziness, but we're sleeping more now.

HE HAD TO LEAVE SOMETIME

Jeremy Levinson and Jeralyn Wendelberger departed this morning, one day later than planned but exactly when Jeremy thought they would. For months Jeremy was telling Jeralyn he booked them through Tuesday, but his actual flight home was Monday. Then yesterday the flights were delayed and they stayed another day.

Good thing, too, becaue I needed JPL to help me get the family back here from the airport.

The Jers spent the balance of their last day traveling to the coast with Kathy Guis, catching views and visiting pubs. reland has a strict no drinking and driving policy, which of course is why Jeralyn has become renowned for her left side of the road driving skills. The hihglight of the trip apparently came when Kathy was chatting up with some local Irish toughs, who at one point got hold of her sunglasses and didn't seem inclined to give them back. According to Jeremy, he intervened and said, "Give her the sunglasses back, we're leaving." A 60-second staredown ensued, during which the Irish lad peered into Jerem's soul, tossed the sunglasses back, and ran away screaming. At least that's how Jeremy described it.

Jeramy and Jeralyn were perfect guests, and as one might imagine Jeremy was high entertainment all week long. He also showed that there is no reason for a bottle of gin or whiskey to last more than one night. Jeralyn, showing her counterbalancing spirit, was out running every day. They will be missed.

Back at the compound, Audrey and Sylvie were having the time of their young lives running around the castle and coach house and feeding Pepper the Pony everything crunchy they could get their hands on. My cherished Irish apples have all gone missing. Audrey and Emily Koshollek then repaied to the sun porch to play a game called "Evil Dodos," which appears to be a child's version of tag combined with marco polo. Sylvie declared on the way back from the store that she would "take a little nap," and basically has been asleep since (that was 12 hours ago).

As a trip animal, Pepper is joined by Henry the Horse (who lives along the road and reputedely won a $100,000 race recently) and Seamus the Sheep, who occasionally holds up traffic right before the gate. Finally there is Ethel the Fox, who is named for our friend who first spotted the fox wandering into the castle kitchen late one night while she was online, alone. Ethel the attorney screamed and Ethel the Fox apparently strolled out, casually.

Today Shannon and I and the kids and my Mom are headed down to Kinsale for the day with Kathy Guis. Kathy has two job interviews there, so she will have a choice between a hotal and a famed restaurant named "Fishy Fish." I'm rooting for the latter based on name alone.

Tonight should be a castle party night. Hopefully I will have a moment to post up a new slideshow or two of pictures. Now I'm off to make a traditional Irish breakfast.

THE KIDS ARE HERE

Yesterday was a big transition day, with many people leaving and many new folks showing up. Yesterday afternoon we had tea (and pints) at Dromoland Castle, where Boris Yeltsin had been staying. Jack and Laurne Glusman had a grand time playing with the ducks and running in the rose garden, while others of us had delicious crab claws soaked in butter and garlic.

Last night we all headed in to Ennis for dinner. One group had a fancy meal at Zucchini, highlighted by oysters, rack of lamb, monkfish, filet mignon and some John Dory. The other group went to Brogan's and had a fancy dinner as well. Later there was great live Irish music at Brogan's, featuring a blind drunk fiddler who downed 10 shots of Jaegermeister during the show.

Today we bid farewell to the Glusman clan, who are off to London to celebrate Sheldon Glusman's 65th birthday. He's got 25 years to the good on me. Jeff Femrite also bid us good bye, taking his stories and insights back to the wonderful world of bond financing. The Jers were scheduled to leave but their flight was delayed and they rescheduled to fly back tomorrow rather than spend the night in New Jersey.

The big news is that the kids arrived today! It was so god to see them I can't even attempt to describe it. And their flight went well; they both slept most of the way. They love the castle, it is a brilliant sunny day and we are having an awesome time. We're off to get pizzas for dinner now in Newmarket on Fergus.

MORE DEPARTURES, SOME ARRIVALS

Today is transition day in Ireland. This morning at 6:30am my friends Dave and Michelle arrived, after being delayed for an entire day when they missed the connection in Newark. They are happy to be here, finally.

When we were laoding their bags in the car, the Keyes' called me to remind me that I had forgotten to take them to the airport. Oops. Luckily I had plenty of time to go back and get them. Then Kasi and Chad arrived from their hot, humid and bug-infested new home of Charleston, South Carolina. They were elated at the mild climate, and laughed out loud at the cool rain falling. The rest of the Koshollek clan arrived by car from Dublin early this afternoon, including Amy & Victor Alatorre, and Joe, Jill & Emily Koshollek.

I can't say enough about Tom and Mary Kaye. Tom is the ultimate Irish traveler, hoisting the pints at all points of the day and looking quite at home in the local pubs. He also hit the ball quite well despite his wounded hand, which managed to heal in the week he was here (looks like Ireland is a tad more effective than the Doc). MK was cheerful all week, and spent good quality time with Shannon in Dublin. She even hugged me when she left, which means she had a REALLLY good time.

Ethel flew home after the trip of her life. I will keep confidential the total amount of booze she consumed in the world's greatest country, but let it be said that the girl can handle her Bulmer's like an Irish lass. Special and extreme thanks go to Ethel, who did so much to make the trip awesome that I couldn't recount it all -- but it included organizing the cell phones, the airport limos, the tux rentals, the photographer, my tremendous memory books, and of course the shirts, hats and golf towels that will forever remind of of this trip. Finally, Ethel was unanimously voted as having the most stunning gown at the ball. Thanks thanks and thanks again.

Andy & Sarah headed home as well after a great week of travel. Everyone here agreeds with what our family concluded long ago--Sarah is awesome. The happy young couple did their own day travel al week, and got the best Ireland had to give. Andy sowed up for the banquet in a proud kilt, and wore it traditional-style, if you know what I mean.

Also traveling like mad beavers were Jenny & Hugh O'Neil, who had their own car and probably logged about 2000 miles during the week. Every day they woke up, had breakfast at the B&B, and promptly roared off in one direction or another, not to be heard from until the sun had gone down. They saw more of Ireland in a week than most Irish folk see in five years.

Good bye all.

Tomorrow the kids are here! Hooray hooray!

THOSE WHO LEFT

(See post below)

FARE THEE WELL

It is saturday afternoon, and we have bid goodbye to some of our friends. Bruce and Pep left yesterday, charging over time zones to get to a wedding today, where I'm sure they will be the life of the party. I say thanks to my Dad for an incredible birthday toast, where he covered one general topic (comparing me to Homer), one specific topic (my grade school expulsion), and sang a song. The yard was awash in tears.

[sorry, the pictures won't upload today]

This morning my brother Mike left the Ould Sod for Buffalo, chasing time zones to make it back in time for his son Michael's 7th birthday party. Mike was an incredible presence on the trip--he literally picked up every person at the airport, no matter what time, and happily carted people on trips to get tuxes, pizzas, bananas, booze, etc. The reason is that Mike fancies himself an Andretti on the narrow roads of Ireland, and supremely enjoys the challenges of the tight pass around a narrow bend with stone fences on either side. And while I chided him on his crazy driving, his comeback was on the mark: I was the one who drove into a stone bridge (just a wee scrape, no worries). He was most generous as well, handing me a laser range finder as we walked down the first fairway at Doonbeg. We'll miss ya, Mikey, but the sheep and cows who use the local roads are feeling much better.

Mike and Yvette left today as well. Mike also laid down an unbelievable and truly humbling toast at my birthday party. While not as carefully structured as my Dad's, it was every bit as heartfelt, and I agree wholeheartedly that Mike is like a (big) brother to me. Again, the lawn was flooded with tears when Mike finally raised the glass. Yvette was a great guest as well, and had herself a nice side trip to Dublin, where she left the shopers (Shannon O & MK) in the dust to do some aggressive sightseeing.

Jonathan and Ann Marie departed with the crowd. I deeply thank them for taking the time away from their four kids (Isabella, Sarah, Rosa and Noah) to help me celebrate getting old. Jonathan was one of our key drivers here, and even got out on the golf course for my birthday, where he swatted the little white ball around quite well after a 5-year break from the great game. Ann Marie is about the sweetest person in the world and showed it all week long, taking care of everybody in all kinds of ways. And this morning she got out and ran in the first annual Ballyhannon 5K! Nice job, AMH.

My old friend Sue Spoerk left us too. Sue showed great fortitude in coming here, and we are all very thankful she did. As usual, Sue was in fine form day after day, always bubbling along and toting around Heinekens (which, by the way, are brewed in Limerick). Everyone showed their love of Sue in helping her deal with a recent loss, and hopefully the trip has helped. She played in my birthday foursome at Dromoland Castle, and though we didn't win, we had the best time of all the groups, in large part because of Sue's upbeat attitude. A true friend she surely is.

Bill and Andrea Taylor have said their goodbyes to the greatest country in the world. Bill came in second place in the Ballyhannon 5K, just a few seconds behind Nels Mitchel. The back of Bill's running shirt ran true for me: "Get used to the view." Andrea was great all week, looking sharp in her new sketchers and stunning in her red gown at the big party.

Joe and Kelly Wiesner were perhaps the biggest travelers on the trip, driving to all points west and south, and then taking a two-day trip to London. Joe took third in the Ballyhannon 5K, passing my fading a** about 300 meters from the finish despite his bum knee. The good news is that we were both running in our Run Against Bush shirts. Kelly was a peach and made the run as well.

Finally, Kate O headed off to Frankfurt Germany today, continuing on her long European holiday (she's a teacher). I thank her greatly for joining us here, and for showing us the pictures of her new beau, Carlo.

Various folks are off traveling and sightseeing today, while my beautiful bride and I are simply relaxing at the castle, all by ourselves. As they say here, lovely.

THIS IS PEPPER

Pepper the pony. Our unofficial host, who loves carrots and nibbling at Kate's dress.

BIRTHDAY PHOTOS ARE UP!

Our photographer Liam (a wonderful gift from my friends) dropped off the birthday party pictures last night on a CD. With some nice idle time today I have managed to post a batch on the website, www.matts40th.com.

Last night was relatively quiet at the castle until a late night Sheepshead game broke out at 12:30am involving me, Sue Spoerk, Mike O, Mike Von and Tom Keyes. I was winning big all night until the last hand, a double doubler. I picked with 2 queens and three low trump, Mike O promptly rapped with the other 2 queens and 2 Jacks and another trump to boot and I lost 32-16 (poor Sue was my partner) on the bump.

Tonight is the final big castle party, as a big group is leaving tomorrow (Sue, Bill, Andrea, Joe, Kelly, Mike & Yvette, Mike O, Jonathan & Ann Marie and Kate O). Right now I am off for a short run.

I'm glad the weather broke back home. It is still marvelous here.

PICTURES OF SHANNON

By popular demand, here are a few pictures of Shannon, who is having a wonderful time like everyone else. Today and yesterday she has been burning up the shops of Dublin with a few friends (Mary Kaye, Yvette, Ethel, Bill, Andrea, Jeremy, Jeralyn, Andy, Sarah, Nels, Lara, Jonathan and Ann Marie). They won't call us here, but a few have commented to the blog so we know they are fine. Thank goodness for the blessed internet.

Today my crew went golfing at Old Head, which I can only describe as a slice of golfing heaven on Earth. Heck, I'll just show you, because I control the blogosphere:

This is the 4th hole. The cliffs on the left drop off about 300 feet. We played it pretty well, and the weather was unbelievable - 70 degrees, light breeze, no clouds. In Ireland. Eat that, MBA Outing golfers. This course would eat Squires for a canape.

Tomorrow is rest and relaxation day, so we can gear up for the 5th castle party.

In the meantime, enjoy Milwaukee and other places in that arid country you call the USA. Ireland rules.

TIRED TODAY

The grand ball last night was perfect. Everyone decked out in their finest, a professional photographer taking formal portraits, a catered dinner, then toasts, dessert, more toats, gifts, and even a special rooftop ceremony at midnight.

The weather was absolutley perfect and the skies were full of stars. In all, it was a perfect day to become an old man.

Today the gang split up. Four people went off to London, another 10 went to Dublin, and the rest of us went golfing down in Kilkee, a little local course along the Atlantic coast. It was windy but sunny, and we had a grand time.

Now we stragglers at the castle are going to socialise (spelling intentional) for a few hours and get some rest.

The pictures above are from our Bunratty Banquet on Sunday night, where I had Jeremy crowned as the Earl of Thomond and where they let him preside over the banquet. Those who know Jeremy can imagine how that went.

Tomorrow some of us are off to golf down at Old Head in Kinsale, the most ridiculously gorgeous course anyone can imagine. Should be wild.

PARTY TIME

It's 7:00pm and all the guests are finishing their hair and makeup and such. The caterers are setting up, the photographer is here, and I'm having my first Guinness (of the night).

The weather today has been perfect. Sunny and a slight breeze and about 70 degrees.

The computer will be shut off for a few hours now but we'll try to post up later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

It's August 1, 2006, so I'm officially 40. Third straight castle party in a row was good; this time Andy & Sarah made a terrific raost for the whole gang, then we had birthday cake and champagne. I managed to blow out two candles wiht my nose; I'll post that later. I lasted until about 3am.

That is Mary Kaye and Anne pictured, sending me their birthday wishes.

This morning we are off to Dromoland Castle for a 12-person scramble. My team will crush all competitors, because I make the rules on MY SPECIAL DAY.