Feargal, Miss Scarlett, Oisin and Isaac

With cameo appearances by 5 of the 7 dwarves.

The first collage shows Oisin and me swapping rides. I like his car pretty well and he loves my skateboard. Hey, Mum. Do you see me in your thread? I thought you were here. In fact, I insisted you were. Oisin's mum finally figured out that I was detecting your presence from your thread. She let me play in it for a while. I miss you Mum!

 

This one is when we first met Isaac after his nap. He is a very busy little boy! Oisin's mom made sure he was ever so kind to us and no damage was done. He likes to help Oisin with the skateboard. He tried to help me, but I don't need any help! He loves Miss Scarlett. I think in the picture he is saying, "My Miss Scarlett." Oisin's mum promises she will be continuing to travel with me even though she likes her very much too.

 

These are some of my new "peeps." There are two more but they are camera shy. Isaac likes to stand them up and knock them down. They don't seem to mind at all. NOT ME. We Leps didn't take part in that!

 

I hope you enjoyed these pictures. There will be more, I am sure.

TWAS THE DAY BEFORE FEARGAL!

One day this week I walked down the drive to see if the post had per chance arrived.
I was checking the traffic with not a little fear when two wee voices reached my ear.
I looked in the mailbox and what should appear but an envelope screaming, “We’re in here, we’re in here!
We can hardly breathe and it’s terribly hot. Wherever we were headed, this can’t be the spot.”
I’d heard a rumor of a Leprechaun traveling ‘round so I suspected the source of this indignant sound.
I tore open the envelope with excitement and trepidation. Would it bring happiness or cause a sensation?
Inside was a box that said “open here” on the end. I did so and out popped dear Feargal and his friend!
Gasping for breath and bent at the knees he said, “This is Miss Scarlett. She is traveling with me.
My name is Feargal, my mum sent me on tour. She said I’d find Oisin, my cousin, behind your door.”
“We are most glad to see you”, he said wiping his brow, “but I just can’t talk anymore right now.
Could you bring us a cold one and let us sit a spell? We have lots and lots of stories to tell.”
I brought them inside with their traveling gear and whispered, “Be quiet”, in Feargal’s ear.
“Our Isaac is asleep and you’ll have no cooling down if he finds another Lep has come to town.
He’ll be up soon, as will Oisin. Let’s get you both cooled off and you’ll be ready for them.”
I didn’t give him a cold one which might seem mean, but a Lep drinking alcohol isn’t a good thing.
We had some ice tea with lemon and a sprig. I thought Miss Scarlett was going to dance a jig.
We got them settled and went through their treasures. So many things of beauty it was hard to give measure.
Treasures from his mum and souvenirs to take back, the box is getting heavy. It is packed, packed, packed!
By this time my boys were coming awake and I wondered how long the discovery would take.
Not long at all, as luck would have it. The Leps danced with glee and Isaac had a fit!
Oisin introduced Isaac to his visitors with glee. They were all so intrigued no one even noticed me.
Isaac is having some trouble with Feargal’s name but he’ll get it just the same.
“Miss Scarlett” rolls off his tongue and sends me to giggles. (I don’t think he learned that accent from watching “The Wiggles.”
I settled them down with some cookies and cold milk. Miss Scarlett said it tasted like silk.
Then up from the table for fun and games. My living room will never be the same.
I’m not sure who is busier, 2 Leps or a boy, but they rode every car and played with each toy.
They told stories and laughed until Isaac’s mum arrived and then the trouble started like a working beehive.
You see, Isaac was “reluctant” to leave the celebration but knew his mum would hear no protestation.
He tried with his granddaddy and he tried with me, but we never interfere with mum, no indeed!
Isaac went home and Miss Scarlett said “goodnight.” The Leps stayed up talking until first light.
They had lots to catch up on and questions to ask. Granddaddy finally had to take them to task.
“Now you have stayed up all night and a new day is here. Isaac will be back and you are not ready – it is clear.
You’d better nap quickly and catch a few winks. Our boy will be ready to work out the kinks.”
They had barely dropped off when what did appear, but Isaac and his mum. “I’m here, I’m here. Where are my Lep friends and where is Miss Scarlett? I want to play. Let’s get started!”
Thus the first day of Feargal and Scarlett’s visit, but it’s not over yet, now is it?

Laura Blanton
July 17, 2010

(Pictures to follow)

Feargal and Scarlett's Memory Board New Mexico/Arizona!

Feargal and Scarlett landed in Silver City New Mexico around about April 23rd.....they had so much to do...including going to Tucson, Arizona on a mercy mission that they only just left on May 28th...bound for who knows where.....all I can tell you is that it's north!!

Oh my the pair of them had such a good time...from the very first hug with Donnacha.

Feargal and Donnacha had set off south down Broadway in Silver City. They admired the old-fashioned Victorian Era street lamps, and laughed about the very uneven sidewalks and the very high curbs. They were glad for the ramps that someone had made just for their visit!

Miss Scarlet, however, had a surprise spa day as a treat (and a retreat from playful Leps) and Feargal and Donnacha headed downtown. . . .South on Broadway at a brisk pace towards Silver City's Authentic 1800's Buffalo Bar! Which of course, is no place for a lady; even one in a red dress.

The boys had intended to check out the Buffalo Bar, a place of renown (some good, some not as good) and local hangout for Bikers, Hippies and Cowboys. But they were just a few steps away from Curl Up and Dye when they began to be intrigued by the art in the windows of the galleries. 

Oh my, there was so much to be seen as they darted in and out of each Gallery on Broadway and they ended up on Texas Street. Their feet were beginning to be a bit weary, so they stopped in at the next Gallery.

Oh boy the stuff they saw in ANIMAS  was an eye opener for Feargal...I am surprised that he didn't have nightmares.

All too soon they headed off to Tucson Arizona, where they were much needed when Donnacha's 'Dad' had an 'op'.

They made themselves useful looking after Mom between hospital visits and making her laugh!

Feargal was gobsmacked when Donnacha got a present of a skateboard. Both boys had been green with envy when they had seen Blathnaid on her snowboard.

Feargal was insistent that he might have some sort of a board and could do as well as his Idaho cousin's snowboard! Leprechaun's apparently are rather jealous and want to 'keep up' with one another.

The good news is that Donnacha decided to give him the skateboard....aren't Leps wonderful!

When 'Dad' was well enough to go home, they all went back to Silver City and life on the ridge.

I wonder where they are headed, and wish them a safe landing.

Danny's Vacation, Part 2

Danny has turned out to be a real lover of the outdoors.


At Magnolia Plantation, he enjoyed the Nature Boat ride...


....where he saw birds....


....and alligators.


The next day we stopped at Edisto Memorial Gardens...


...and the adjoining wetlands park.

Danny's Vacation-Part 1

Danny really enjoyed our recent vacation in South Carolina, even though being from Ireland, he was a bit less interested in the historic parts than the rest of us.

His favorite part was lunch at an Irish pub.

Being a little shorter that the rest of us, he was the first to notice this beautiful little drinking fountain in White Point Gardens....

...and this lovely lady in front of an antique shop.

Here he is on the Fort Sumter ferry, with another ferry boat in the background.

Like many native Charlestonians, he enjoyed walking on the Ravenal bridge over the Cooper river.

Here he is on the bridge with downtown Charleston behind him.

Feargal sends more stuff home!

Recap:

Feargal's first stop was in Zurich,Switzerland to visit Finnbarr, they both moved on to Toronto where they left Maebh behind and were joined by Scarlett.

Feargal and Scarlett traveled on to visit Donnacha in Silver City, New Mexico, also going for a stay in Tucson, Arizona and are now back in New Mexico. That's Ok with me, he can stay as long as he is needed.

Postie recently brought a parcel of Feargal's 'stuff' from his time with Finnbarr PLUS some other lovely goodies obtained for me....unobtainable in my neck of the woods.

You already saw the Myra Piper book in my last post.

 Here we have .....Feargal's Swiss suitcase, and his cowbell.

Gorgeous new Teal colour SewMate shuttles...my all time favourite shuttles, lots of floss threaders for loading beads onto my thread...now why don't we have them here???

Wonderful samples of Turkish metallic threads, Altin Basak Nakis Simi....I am using them in my current project! and they work really well.

Isn't the shamrock that Finnbarr's mom tatted pretty?

Tadgh wanted to show off Feargal's stuff.

He thinks that the suitcase is perfect for sitting on at the airport waiting to check in.

 He reckons that if a chap didn't mind getting his hat squished...he could travel in it....and not need a seat!

Tadgh was horrified when I asked him to sit on a pile of moose droppings, a bit slippery but taste delicious was his verdict.

 Tadgh is enjoying Feargal's time away!!

Feargal's Surprise

Feargal and Donnacha flipped a coin to see who would get to ride the skate board first and surprise Loyal during their visit. They entertained him by riding up and down the nice counter by the window. Feargal was insistent that he might have some sort of a board and could do as well as his Idaho cousin's snowboard! Leprechaun's apparently are rather jealous and want to 'keep up' with one another. Arizona is a little short on snow but long on sidewalks!

Feargal was the first to go and Donnacha followed. Scarlett says she may give the skate board a try when no one is looking. She also wants to try out the BMX Bike that was added to Donnacha's toys.

Of course, if there is food to be chosen, the boys are bound to become involved. They both voted for the Chocolate cake for dessert. They helped DH choose his menu for the next meal.

EATS! The Day before the trip to the hospital, everyone enjoyed a healthy, breakfast at "The Good Egg". This is BJ's favorite place to have breakfast! The food is good and the service is terrific.
Although everyone was tired on Sunday, when we arrived, the kids wanted to go to Applebee's to eat dinner. Of course, it wasn't Wed. night and Feargal was insistent that he and his "peeps" were definitely not children! But they enjoyed their rack of ribs with spicy, chipolte bar b cue sauce. Feargal decided in New Mexico that he was a big fan of RED Chlies; but, Donnacha fancies GREEN…Ms Scarlett declined the hot offerings but enjoyed a mild, carnitas enchilada without chilies of any color!

Although the visitors are having a really good time, they are making plans where to travel next. However, Tucson will be their home for a bit longer and then on to

----------------------oops! They won't TELL but all cousins should be alert because they might arrive at your doorstep in a week or so…BJ doesn't want to slow up their progress and they are so FULL of energy!

Note to Maebh ~ Feargal says, "Please, do not worry"

Maebh is a 'bit concerned' about Feargal's checking out nail polishes~

NOT TO WORRY, says Fergal...I was merely helping BJ choose THIS BRIGHT RED, called "It's Raining Men" ~ she says that it is also a song! The beautiful pendant on BJ's hand was done by Judith Conners of Australia...

Continued: Feargal and Donnacha find the Day of the Dead

Feargal and Donnacha had set off south down Broadway in Silver City. They admired the old-fashioned Victorian Era street lamps, and laughed about the very uneven sidewalks and the very high curbs. They were glad for the ramps that someone had made just for their visit!

The boys had intended to check out the Buffalo Bar, a place of renown (some good, some not as good) and local hangout for Bikers, Hippies and Cowboys. But they were just a few steps away from Curl Up and Dye when they began to be intrigued by the art in the windows of the galleries. Oh my, there was so much to be seen as they darted in and out of each Gallery on Broadway and they ended up on Texas Street. Their feet were beginning to be a bit weary, so they stopped in at the next Gallery.

ANIMAS!!!!! The boys discovered a plethora of Mexican Art, most of which honored the holiday, The Day of the Dead. But they rested by familiar figures of Saints. It was carved wood and gilded. Some was made with tin, all were brightly colored.

Donnacha always has an eye for the girls, but Feargal was still thinking of the Lady Lep in Toronto. They did think the ladies could have eaten a bit more food for they seemed to be quite thin!
Donnacha and Feargal sat down with one of the 'older' dead ladies and she told them the significance of the celebration of the Day of the Dead in Mexico; and indeed, in most of New Mexico. Donnach bought a little treat for Feargal's Mom; he tried to choose one that wasn't so 'spooky' and well...bony!

This is where Bj, Miss Scarlett and Rebekah found the Leprechauns... spread out and being told the history of the area and about the Day of the Dead....

Donnacha, hid behind Feargal as they perched on Kelly's shoulder, while Miss Scarlett rested below. Kelly is the proud owner of Curl up and Dye..THE place to be pampered in Silver City, New Mexico! Kelly's ear rings aren't bad either! She LOVES ear rings...the longer the better! She is Donnacha's Mum's stylist and good pal.

Miss Scarlett gave some thought to hair color; but, decided just to have a good wash and her hair pinned up in it's accustomed style.

AT CURL UP AND DYE Kris greeted Feargal and Ms Scarlett with a big smile. Feargal was very interested in seeing what was to be had; but, discovered he didn't need a haircut! Miss Scarlett chose a massage, a rest in the sauna and a pedicure; but, before the boys left, Fergal had to check out the many colors of nail polish available. Donnacha was happily looking magazines.

Miss Scarlet, however, had a surprise spa day as a treat (and a retreat from playful Leps) and Fergal and Donnacha headed downtown. . . .South on Broadway at a brisk pace towards Silver City's Authentic 1800's Buffalo Bar! Which of course, is no place for a lady; even one in a red dress.

First a pore-cleansing, relaxing dry heat Sauna...
One quick look, and the door was closed! Of course, privacy is required for the undressing.

Next a trip to the massage room, where Miss Scarlet was rather plaintive about having to strip down; .after, learning she could not just cover up with the towel.
Feeling quite refreshed and back into her proper clothing...she settled down to have a pedicure. Her feet were so sore from chasing around after the busy, busy leps. Ahhhh...the foot bath
Oh my, how good the warm bubbles felt on her feet and toes. And a nice creamy massage followed...Miss Scarlet has found heaven! No polish please, I'm a very natural person.

The time had passed so quickly and Miss Scarlett and BJ had begun to worry about what sort of mischief the two Leps from Ireland may have found! Rebekah, Bj and Miss Scarlett hopped into the car and headed downtown. Much to their dismay the boy's were not at the Buffalo bar, nor had the been seen there. Oh my! Where could they be????

Rebekah reasoned that since Silver is a town of Art Galleries of all sorts, that they'd better start checking out each one. Since Rebekah is the person who mats and frames at Las Animas, she suggested they start there...and so they did!

Another day, another postcard!

You just can't imagine the excitement at Lep HQ when the postman brings another postcard from Feargal or his cronies. This was meant to bring a little light enjoyment into some lives, but we didn't realise how much enjoyment it would bring to Lep HQ's life.

This time it was a postcard from Feargal while he was in Toronto, massively delayed by volcanic ash!

This is what he wrote.....can still see Maebh's input here..especially with the little tatted flowers again...what a joy that Lep is!

 I wonder what is happening now that he is away from her clutches influence.

Maebh sends a card, Feargal sends his souvenir home!

Great excitement here at Lep HQ....as the vocanic ash crisis settles down (fingers crossed)....we got post!! Yup that's right real snail mail post!

Maebh sent a postcard from her time in New York with Mini Boss.

Here is what she wrote.....

She is a good lass is Maebh. She may look ferocious at times,

but underneath that attitude beats a heart of gold.

I am sure that stealing wanting that Spiderman Cookie held by an innocent child was hugely exaggerated!!

For instance when she saw the picture of my best ever Cherry Blossom...she says that she sang to the tree to make it do it's best!

You may well be wondering why Maebh seems so fierce gifted..she turned the cats paw into a radish, threatened me with warts on my nose and an evil troll in my roof!!

Well this is what I have been told .....

"Maebh says that although she attended the Lep Academy she befriended a wizard when visiting a magic shop to find some blown glass shamrocks.....   She apparently learned a bit of the other stuff...."

Maebh told Feargal that he should send his souvenir home......

....so like a good and obedient Lep (did he have any choice!!) he did.

I think that this was bit of an excuse so that she could send 'stuff' to me!!!

Seem that she had been rifling sorting through her mom's thread stash to see what was new and interesting.....with her mom's permission of course!

She loaded up some cards with Lizbeth 20 (she knew that I only have one ball of it) in 4 great toning colours of solids and varigs.  Thanks a million Maebh...you are doing great work.

She crammed as much thread on as she could get away with!

Hey! did you see the little tatted flowers on the postcard she sent..more on the envelope with the goodies in....her tatting is improving.

Oh! you want to see Feargal's Canadian souvenir???

Cute isn't it??

Tadgh and Nollaig went ballistic...get it ball-istic!

I told them they should leave it alone as it's Feargal's......would they listen.....nope .....they ran off to play with it in the garden.

Yesterday the weather was wicked, fog, sheeting rain and wind....and now the petals are falling down off the Cherry Tree like snow.

Tadgh decided to play in this snow.

He wasn't really too sure what to do with it.....Nolláig didn't have a clue either!

He tried to kick it but he kept falling over....... he tried to stand on it........

.......sit on it.

Exhausted he fell off and it flattened him.......

........he decided to sit on the wall and hold it while he thought...

...this was a fraction of a second before he fell off in a puff of wind!!

Finally in desperation he climbed a tree to show it off.......a Maple tree!!

very funny Tadgh!

He says to tell Feargal that he will keep it safe and BTW, what IS IT FOR???