My Uncle Eamon’s kitchen, Broomall, PA, Fall 1989 The first time I met my Aunt Rosita was at a family wedding. This event marked the second time in my life that I shared space with a relative other than my mother and brother. I had been collected from the airport by Uncle Eamon and Uncle … Continue reading Saying goodbye to a generation
Category: Ireland
I’m sorry…
…that the country where I live is so selfish that far too many people care for no one beyond themselves. …that far too few people in the country where I live are aware of the Sumud Flotilla and it’s attempt to deliver critical aid to Palestine. …that the government of Israel is run by a … Continue reading I’m sorry…
The last of 14
Earlier this month one of my father’s last remaining siblings died at the fine age of 92. My aunt was one of 5 daughters, along with 9 sons, born to Conan and Mary McMenamin over a span of 23 years. Yes, my grandmother really was pregnant for the better part of a quarter century. Moms … Continue reading The last of 14
Sign your name
A lot has changed since I first began traveling to Europe. I’ve gone from having the heaviest piece of luggage in our friend group of 7 to being able to successfully pack for a 4 week trip in a small carry on bag. No longer do I have to watch every franc, guilder, pound or … Continue reading Sign your name
My Dublin home
Most people, I think, believe that restaurants are a place to spend some time and take a meal. I suppose for many this is the basic truth. For those folks, though, I feel sad because a quality experience in a restaurant is about so much more than what goes into your mouth. I’ll give you … Continue reading My Dublin home
Writer’s tears
I’ve mentioned before that I often find myself weepy when I’m in Ireland. If you know me at all, you’re aware that’s atypical of me. I’m not known to be a crier. On the occasions that I do get teary, it’s likely to be about children and animals, not songs or physical gestures. Last week, though, … Continue reading Writer’s tears
An eternal present
So far, the wettest thing (other than the Irish Sea - more on that in a minute), has been my cheeks. There’s something about being in Ireland, regardless of the number of times I’ve visited, that makes me weepy. When I visited Ireland the very first time, all flights from the states stopped at Shannon … Continue reading An eternal present






