Random Stuff and big news!

Well 2014 has got off to a whirlwind start! I can't believe January is already over.
New conductor in band, busy in school, trying to get organise a bathroom renovation (it's been 17 years!) and then the usual bits and pieces...work, kids, etc.
I've a few photos that I want to share, been meaning to put these up for quite a while. This first one is the driveway in to the place where we have our orchestra rehearsal. It does my heart good every time I drive in here!

 This is the road that leads up to that driveway,  I think it looks like a tunnel ahead! It often has potholes so one has to drive very carefully!

And I have some very exciting news! Eldest daughter applied in her college for an exchange programme for next October, and she has got a place in .....TOKYO!
I am going to miss her soooooo much, but I am excited for her. Such an opportunity!

This last photo is a pub in Dublin that I pass on my way home from work...never been in there but it looks lovely, a good combination- music and pub!

 Hope everyone is keeping well, I'm off to visit y'all now!

Happy 2014 and Final Video from 2013

Tonight, as one does, I've been looking back on 2013: what a year it's been!
My overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude, because it has been a really good year for me. I know it has been very difficult for many of you, and lots of my friends, both online and offline, will be glad to say goodbye to 2013.
Some years are like that, I've had my share of them too. I think that getting older has made me relish the good times, because I know that life is a mix of good and bad/difficult, so my feeling is "ya gotta enjoy it while it lasts".

The final video of 2013 is of a momentous event in my musical life...the Massed Horn Choir playing Bohemian Rhapsody. The honour of playing in this concert, in memory of the son of a dear friend, was huge. Listening back to the video, I savour the feeling of "I just can't believe this could be happening"! In a good way!

http://www.rcbs.ie/massed-horn-choir-ireland.MP4

I hope you enjoy it. If you don't want to listen to all 6 minutes, listen to the final minute or so...the horn sounds are so beautiful at the part.
I'm standing to the left and behind, the girl with the beautiful long red hair, roughly centre of picture.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy and fun 2014!