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Greetings & Blessings to all
Welcome to our August newsletter.
Quite a lot of you have noticed that last month’s newsletter had “August newsletter” in the subject line. Well, it was the July newsletter and the explanation is simple. I just made a dumb mistake. I’ll promise to avoid goofs like that in the future.
Yes, it’s still summer and my temperatures have been in the 90’s ƒ interspersed with thunderstorms with the usual heavy rain – oh, well.
I put a request out to all of you last month. I asked you to send me suggestions. Perhaps for a new category you’d like to see. One of the suggestions I received was a regular bit of Irish to help everyone feel that this is about Ireland. This will help me realize why I never seriously considered learning Irish. So, I intend to put a bit of the Irish in every newsletter from now on. This will not be long or in-depth; just a phrase or two with, of course, pronunciation and meaning. I hope everyone likes it. Please feel free to contribute whatever you may like to include.
Enough of my nattering.
Again my thanks for the contributions. Please keep them coming. I would like appropriate news or other links more than anything.
We’re all in this together let’s make it as good as we can. Stay with me everybody.
Enough of the blather...
Is this your first edition? Many thanks for joining us and if you like our musings and meanderings please feel free to share them with your family and friends. And do encourage them to sign up. The more of us, the merrier! And for all of our readers, we hope this issue finds you in good health, good spirits and good company.
On with the update...
IN THIS ISSUE:
The WeatherBasic Irish
I thought this would be a good way to start our new category
A fellow subscriber, Susan Young, suggested this category. Thank you Susan.
Phrase: Could you say that in English please?Irish: As Béarla led thoil?
Pronunciation: oss bayr-lah ledh hell? (literally 'in English please?)
LINKS
1.Weather forecast Ireland: Dublin to enjoy 20C weather - but Met Eireann has some bad news for us
Get the raincoats out - we're set for a dismal start to our weekend. Ireland will be hit with fresh conditions, fog and heavy bursts of rain in the coming days, Met Eireann has predicted. https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/weather-forecast-dublin-met-eireann-13065627 Well, heck, it’s Ireland right? —Russ2.Ireland weather forecast: Temperatures plummet to FREEZING (0C) as Met Eireann issues 7-day forecast
Temperatures plummeted to freezing overnight in some parts of Ireland.
A chilly 0C was recorded in Katesbridge, Co Down during the early hours of this morning.
It was the coldest spot in Ireland, with many other parts also experiencing low temperatures.
Forecaster Barra Best shared this news on Twitter, saying: "Brrrr. Katesbridge in County Down fell to 0C overnight - the coldest spot on the island."
Whoops, sheesh it’s August; no wonder they wear tweeds —Russ
3.Irish names that are most mispronounced in America
Having an Irish name in the US is an experience unto itself! There's the gradual acceptance that many people you meet - from new friends to the fine baristas at Starbucks - will have no idea how to spell or pronounce your name. There's the patience you learn to muster as you repeat your name slowly for the umpteenth time. There's the rare moment of sheer exultation when you encounter someone who gets your name right on the first go, or an Irish speaker who doesn't give it a second thought.
https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/craic/most-mispronounced-irish-language-names-in-america?utm_campaign=Best+of+IrishCentral+-+2018-08-11&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Mailjet
Thank heaven my wife’s name was Bridget—Russ
4. What you should know about applying for Irish citizenship
Applying for Irish citizenship is usually straightforward and relatively inexpensive; both US and Irish law permit dual citizenship so becoming an Irish citizen does not mean you have to stop being an American.
If you or one of your parents were born on the island of Ireland prior to 2005 then you are an Irish citizen, irrespective of your parents’ marital status or whether you ever obtain a passport.
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/applying-for-irish-citizenship?utm_campaign=Best+of+IrishCentral+-+2018-08-11&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Mailjet
This is worth a look—Russ
5. The Pope’s visit to Ireland: here is everything you need to know
Who is Pope Francis? Why is he coming to Ireland? Where will he stay? and more of your questions answered
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/the-pope-s-visit-to-ireland-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know-1.3590873
They’re even selling bobble heads of the Pope (chuckle)—Russ
6. Scorched Earth from Ireland Fire Illuminates WWII-Era Sign
Last month, a wildfire raged across Bray Head, a rocky headland on the east coast of Ireland. The blaze burned through plant life in the area, and when the flames subsided, they revealed a surprising historic relic that had been buried for decades beneath the foliage: a World War II-era sign.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/wildfire-reveals-wwii-era-sign-irish-coastline-180969929/
I understand they still had bombs dropped on Ireland, by mistake—RussQUOTES, TOASTS , CURSES AND BLESSINGS
"Is it made from Liffey water?"
Said by Prince Philip during his visit with Queen Elizabeth II to the Gravity Bar on top of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. The visit took place on Day One of the Queen's historic trip to Ireland, May 16th 2011. The royal couple declined to try their perfectly poured pints.
Said by Prince Philip during his visit with Queen Elizabeth II to the Gravity Bar on top of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. The visit took place on Day One of the Queen's historic trip to Ireland, May 16th 2011. The royal couple declined to try their perfectly poured pints.
Good Lord, let’s hope not — Russ
A BIT OF THE WIT
The rain drove us into the church - our refuge, our strength, our only dry place...Limerick gained a reputation for piety, but we knew it was only the rain. From Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
JOKE OF THE MONTH
Mrs. O'Leary went to the doctor's office where she was seen by one of the new physicians. After about 4 minutes in the examination room, she burst out the door and ran screaming down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked what the problem was, and she told him her story. After listening, he had her sit down and relax in another room. The older doctor marched down the hallway to the back where the first doctor was and demanded, "What's the matter with you? Mrs. O'Leary is 72 years old, she has seven grown children and ten grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?" The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said, "Does she still have the hiccups?"
DID YOU KNOW
1. George Bernard Shaw bequeathed one third of his estate to the National Gallery in Dublin, claiming that he received his education there.
I understand death duties ate up the estate until the success of “My Fair Lady” then royalties poured in —Russ
2.The sinister sounding Bloody Foreland in County Donegal owes its name to its magnificent sunsets?
Classic Irish dramatization—Russ
3.St. Patrick's real name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat?
It’s Welsh and I sure can’t pronounce it–Russ
Sponsor
I’m my own Sponsor again this month.
Announcing the Irish Culture and Customs Book of Jokes
This is the collection of our Jokes. It was built up over many years and, now, is gathered here for your enjoyment. With this in your hand, whenever the day is dull or dreary you can open it up and have a good laugh, you'll feel better.
Available on Amazon. Use this Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Culture-Customs-Book-Jokes/dp/1986506800/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524578623&sr=8-1&keywords=irish+culture+and+customs+book+of+jokes&dpID=31oLHT0zknL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
THE WEEK THAT IS
1. Article: Lughnasa - Celebrating the Harvest
2. Article: Season of the Corn
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/SeasonCorn.html
3. Article: Putting out the hare, putting on the harvest knots
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/AfterHarvest.html
4. Article: Haymaking in Ireland long ago
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/Haymaking.html
5. Article: Celebrating A Name Day in Old Ireland
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/NameDay.html
6. Article: Butter
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/ACustom/Butter.html
7. The Irish Kitchen: Irish Fraughan Sunday Cake with Fraughan Cream
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/2Kitch/rDessert3.html#Fraughan_cake
8. Basic Irish: Going on Holiday
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/3Focloir/Vacations.html
9. Kids’ Ireland: Singing with the Good People
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/1Kids/GoodPeople.html
So there you have it until we write again - sometime in September.
If you are planning on getting married between now and then or tied the knot in the month of August, here is your special verse:
Whoever wed in August be,
Many a change are sure to see.
And, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or other special event between now and our next edition, we hope it's an occasion filled with joy and happiness.
We’ll take our leave with this blessing:
In This Irish HomeMay these walls be filled with laughter,
may it reach from floor to rafter.
May the roof keep out the rain,
may sunshine warm each windowpane.
And may the door be open wide
to let the Good Lord's love inside. All the best & God Bless, Bridget & Russ Get down on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet. Téigh ar do ghlúine is bí buíoch le Dia go bhfuil tú fós ar do chosa. DID SOMEONE FORWARD THIS ISSUE TO YOU? Subscribe for FREE! Send an email to: rhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com OR click on this link: http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Newsletter.html
LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING
Part of being sane, is being a little bit crazy.
Life is like a camel: you can make it do anything except back up.
She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
I know it's just a diet, but my body thinks it's famine.
Punctual people have nothing better to do.
It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful.
The best way to make a long story short is to stop listening.
I had plastic surgery last week. My wife cut up my credit cards.
This house is protected by killer dust bunnies.
The president says we should pay lower taxes but if we take his advice, the IRS will put us in jail.
Times sure have changed. Yesterday a bum asked me if I could spare $3.50 for a double cappuccino with no foam.
Politicians and diapers... Both need to be changed for the same reason!
Received from Joke du Jour via Good Clean Funnies List
Life is like a camel: you can make it do anything except back up.
She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
I know it's just a diet, but my body thinks it's famine.
Punctual people have nothing better to do.
It's too bad that stupidity isn't painful.
The best way to make a long story short is to stop listening.
I had plastic surgery last week. My wife cut up my credit cards.
This house is protected by killer dust bunnies.
The president says we should pay lower taxes but if we take his advice, the IRS will put us in jail.
Times sure have changed. Yesterday a bum asked me if I could spare $3.50 for a double cappuccino with no foam.
Politicians and diapers... Both need to be changed for the same reason!
Received from Joke du Jour via Good Clean Funnies List
Last WordsThe Book
Potion, pope and perfidy
The second and final version is complete and available on Amazon.
Don’t order through ‘Marketplace’ or you’ll get the first version which is incomplete. Use this link: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Potion-Pope-Perfidy-ebook/dp/B07BBVST69/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531576170&sr=1-2&keywords=russell+haggerty&dpID=61BzUIHyd2L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
If any of you bought and read the first version, I don’t want you to pay the higher price for the second. So, send me an E-Mail at the address below and I’ll buy one for you at my author’s price and mail it to you (and, yes, I’ll sign it). Even with the postage it will save you a bit of money.
Bless you all,
Russ Haggerty
If you or anyone you know can benefit from advertising in my newsletter or the Irish Culture and Customs web site please contact me. My E-Mail address is: rhaggerty@irishcultureandcustoms.com
Thank you in advance
For all of you who have supported Irish Culture and Customs all these years – thank you.
When you start to buy anything on the internet don’t forget to go through the web Site. If you use Amazon, click on ‘Shopping’ at the top of the Irish Culture and Customs Homepage and the next page you see will have Amazon at the top. Anything you buy from Amazon through our site pays a (very small) commission. It beats a blank and it doesn’t effect your price. Thank you again.
—Russ
