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Post by Angie on Jun 27, 2008 15:09:00 GMT
wow its moving so quick hannah, fair play to ya....have a good weekend yourself.... chat to you when you back online....xxxxxx
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Post by susanmay on Jun 27, 2008 15:28:24 GMT
Does anyone like 'The High Kings'? I've heard one or two of their songs and their very good.
Have a great weekend everyone. Plenty of reading and relaxing!
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Post by Angie on Jun 28, 2008 14:13:22 GMT
I was telling hannah about them susan, said they are better looking than daniel o donnell....lol....they are doing a tour of ireland at the minute but dont go by the website dates they seem to be wrong on the site...
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Post by franmt on Jul 1, 2008 22:26:56 GMT
Jacqui, Sorry for taking so long to reply. Yeah it would be great to meet up in Dungannon for a jar if you are going there. Hope you do. If you are going I'll pm my mobile number to you and we can arrange something. We are going in a camper!! Should be an experience. LOL. I'm used to my home comforts!!
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Post by Jacqui on Jul 2, 2008 10:35:23 GMT
that would be great fran,I know what you mean though I went camping once and slept in the car and booked into b&b next day....lol I like my home comforts too
x
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 2, 2008 10:52:00 GMT
Hello everyone, finally (phew) able to get on line and say hi; house settled on Monday, woohoo!!!! The journey to Ireland has begun ;D... I've just passport to sort out...and I'll be on the way, hopefully it won't take much longer. I've missed being on here so much been thinking about you all so sending my hugs and hoping your all doing well...Angie, how's those feckin cows now??? Sorted? LOL...god I still laugh about the clothes they stole god love ya..have you needed to call out the Gardi lately? How's Keina's knee mending now...and am sure the children are having a great time at home on holidays!! LOL god Fran you often give me a laugh...am sure you'll report something funny if your able to go up to the north for that do ...looking forward to some pics of it....now to get clothes dry just attach string across the van, peg on wet washing ...go for a drive ..LOL..just imagine the faces seeing lacey draws flying about in the wind ;D Hey Jacqui...the big birthday only 24 days away...any hints of the family's secret shenanigans they've planned yet? ach sure you only turn 50 once!!! Must be getting close Claire to your leaving for holidays soon? Laura great to hear the writing coming along well...hope all is well with you also! Hope those of you attending the Party Animal launch have a fabulous time which I've no doubt it will be enjoyed by all...really wish i could have been there for it myself. Will keep you updated here...still haven't a laptop, will go and look for one tomorrow now that I've had time to put my feet up and relax from all the busy days previous to now...god...I'm getting sooooo excited over here...when I hear that boarding call sure I'll just be jumping with joy!! talk to you soon, hannah xox
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Post by filmbuff on Jul 2, 2008 11:10:02 GMT
hi hannah
god hannah that was fast! you'll be here in no time! see you soon!
laura
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 3, 2008 11:10:57 GMT
Hi Angie oh god I'm in stitches here watching those DVD's you sent me of Mrs Brown, just after watching the first one..I've been laughing so hard THANKYOU so much!!!..also have "The High Kings" on order..and the Wolf Tones Jacqui. How's your Mum doing now, hoping all is much better.
Am shopping around for good price on laptop at the moment, though had a great day shopping buying all the winter clothing bargains for going from winter here to winter there which won't be far off at all by the time I arrive. Am loving being here on the central coast of NSW wonderful being with some of the family before leaving...feeling so relaxed and happy..catching up on loads of reading finally!!!
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Post by claire on Jul 3, 2008 12:25:27 GMT
Another three week sto my holiday Hannah, kids are all excited about it
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Post by Angie on Jul 3, 2008 20:33:52 GMT
im so glad you are enjoying them hannah...brendan is such an ole woman...hes gas.....not worrrying about them bloody cows at the min ...lol...enjoying my holliers & not doing any house work..its great..my mum has the dinner cooked for us every day..I LOVE IT...... ;D
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Post by Jacqui on Jul 4, 2008 9:55:58 GMT
God Angie theres nothing as nice than having a homecooked meal that you did'nt have to cook...bliss.Claire you I'm sure your just as excited as the kids!looking forward to a bit of R&R Have a great weekend girls
X
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 5, 2008 4:31:02 GMT
Hi girls...wow the days are just flying past here at the moment..still ticking the list of things to do off, fingers x I'll have my Passport by Monday/Tuesday next week..then I'll be going straight to the counter for my ticket to Ireland!!! ;D. Loving all the winter sales on, though I'm just buying things that I 'need'(and wearing blinkers to all the other things winkin at me! ). Weather's crazy here, rain one minute, sun's out the next, washing on the line, then off again in a mad dash to beat the rain wetting it all over again I could write a book on the journey of preparing the journey!!, my god moving countries sure its not like moving across the road I can tell you..but I'm loving every bit of it and at times I need weights to keep my feet on the ground...hope you don't mind me waffling about the excitement of it all, god I can hardly believe it, finally going to be able to walk upon my mother's homeland..ach I'm away..tearing up again. xox
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Post by Angie on Jul 10, 2008 14:45:11 GMT
its so exciting hannah, a really big adventure going from one side of the world to the other...its wonderful.....wont you miss all the sunshine?
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 10, 2008 21:41:40 GMT
its so exciting hannah, a really big adventure going from one side of the world to the other...its wonderful.....wont you miss all the sunshine? Hi Angie ..welcome back 'on line' again with us me? miss the sunshine? not at all!!! surely the sun comes out over home at times???LOL..well I know of late its been playing truant with all that rain ( ;D) lashing down...and the girls are not impressed at all, Fionnuala god love her can't even enjoy her new deck ...dingy's say she are needed and Jacqui's now having me looking for an oilskin lol here to bring with me!!! Mind Angie I love the sunshine well and good though its the rain and storms that inspire me to write ..I'm a little odd I think as Im happiest with the latter kind of weather, either I'm out walking in it or cosied up at the desk writing or in the kitchen cooking up a storm...it really sounds like the 'summer' over there has not impressed anyone at all this year..I remember a summer of our own here a few years back and it rained near every week for the whole of it where I lived, god lol...I was in my element so I was..my friends were ringing me up blaming me for it all..lol..different for me I've no children on rainy days to keep entertained ..one of my closest girlfriends has five children rings me up one day after about ten straight days of rain in a state ..lol threatening to run away from home ...four of hers under five years old god love her!! Your right Angie it is very exciting and there are so many things to consider crossing the t's and dotting the eyes as they say, good planning and preparation certainly makes it a smoother transition I'm discovering,...feck I must tell you the fee for whats called 'A Certificate to the Right of Abode' to give me permanent residency..is $462.00Aus, I nearly fainted!!! then theres the passport fee in itself with other various costs to receive all the documents required, even having to write over to there for birth/marriage certificates of my mum's which I did by phone here late one night it was the easiest and quickest way..pricey though peace of mind knowing it would arrive in a week rather than who knows up to four weeks...I will say though Angie I'm loving every bit ...can't say how happy I am though I'm sure you all could imagine...lol so many here are saying 'god your brave' ..I just reply ...if you loved Ireland as much as I do you too would move heaven and earth to be there..its long over due..don't see it as brave at all just at last going to where I've longed to be is all...I've said before knowing so many here is whats giving me the strength to get on with things day by day...I have my moments when beauracracy makes things that are simple, complicated when it comes to the paperwork, changes addresses, bank accounts etc...though its grand and all part of the pathway thats leading me over there...feck..I'm learning 'patience' not one of my strongest points...only with children ...though not with eejits behind a counter that wouldn't know if their awake or not...lol..feck I've some stories to tell when I'm over...!! Ok must have a peek at the other posts...Angie so looking forward to that cuppa and cake with you...don't mind if its water and bread even..lol..just be fabulous to see you and have a word to the cows out the back...hope all the children are well and wee Keina's legs well on the mend by now. xox
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Post by Angie on Jul 11, 2008 13:01:17 GMT
well the cows are behaving coz i havent had any washing out...lol...it would only be wetter. ;D keinas leg is healing nicely..the stitches marks are still there they seem to be taking their time to go away.but shes up running around and thats all that matters....keith is getting a bit bored i should help him to find a job but there isnt anything decent out there for him at all..... got a letter from evans new school....hes back on the 26th august....soooo early, sooo not fair...he doesnt get to have the full 8 weeks at all..neither do I for that matter.keina doesnt start till sep 1st and keith (please god) will be heading for college around the middle of sep..... god love your poor friend i know how she feels...lol...
my gosh thats expensive...i know the hassle with passports alright, I had to do the same to get mine, i had to have my parents birth & wedding certificate as well as my own. in order for me to get an irish passport..i was born in London....such a load of nonsense.......
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 17, 2008 5:30:01 GMT
Girls..I've me Passport...WOOHOO!!!Just one more step now to UK Consulate for stamp to abode FOREVER...LOL.....!!!!!!!
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Post by Jacqui on Jul 17, 2008 12:19:50 GMT
WHOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!! Congrats Hannah thats great news!!!!!!!!
x
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Post by Angie on Jul 17, 2008 14:15:58 GMT
double WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!! you're halfway there hannah!!!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D cant wait to meet you...i'll have the coffee cake on standby!!!!!!
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Post by franmt on Jul 19, 2008 16:25:02 GMT
LOL Angie I want some of that coffee cake too!!! Glad that the cows are eventually behaving themselves!!! LOL. Hannah you are finally on your way. Gosh what a lot of organising you must have to do, but it will be all worth it in the end. I'll have my camera ready at Shannon Airport!!! That's for when you kiss the ground on your arrival. Really looking forward to meeting you, and we'll have some celebration that weekend!!! Angie any chance you could get down for that weekend? Hannah's arriving 12th/13th September?
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 19, 2008 20:45:48 GMT
LOL..camera ...ach ..I've a surprise also ...make sure your camera is on alright...LOL.. ;D..you'll know its me when I step onto the tarmac...just keep an eye out for the blazing redhead ..ha ha...I'm laughing here...sure you'll be too when that camera catches what I've up my sleeve!!!!
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Post by Angie on Jul 21, 2008 10:05:01 GMT
have to wait and see when keith starts college but i might able to get there.... ;D stay with mum & dad...and we'll have a hooley...woo hooo....i'll pop that date in my diary now.... ;D ;D ;D
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Post by hannah24 on Aug 5, 2008 20:34:53 GMT
Hi girls, its very early morning here is Oz, hoping all of you are going well in all of your days and writing pursuits...step 1 of residency application has been done, now I am just waiting on step 2...I've been told it can take 'up to 12 weeks' (since mid July), I have applied for an expedient approval due to my having employment over there to go to, and of course as I am eager to be in Ireland as soon as is possible. Would appreciate your prayers at the moment for my the passport to be approved of with residency 'stamp' on it ;D ... wishing you all a wonderful day...I've had many things to do in the meantime, now just 'twiddling my thumbs' waiting for the postie to arrive ...haven't been on line much though just stopping by to give you an update on things...so hoping to be able to be there soon, especially for the September meeting most of you are going to, would be wonderful to be there for that also to meet your lovely smiling faces... hannah x
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Post by hannah24 on Aug 5, 2008 20:37:00 GMT
ps. still doing my sun dances here for the weather to be 'sunny' over there (promise ;D) x
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Post by megan on Aug 6, 2008 9:15:04 GMT
Best of luck with everything Hannah. It would be fantastic if you're here by 27th September for the Readers' Day in Dublin. Hopefully there will be many of us there. I'm looking forward to it already.
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Post by Jacqui on Aug 6, 2008 11:12:28 GMT
Hannah I will say a special prayer for you that the postie comes quickly I remember you all in my prayers anyway, but hopefully the man above will answer your fast. I too hope you will be hear for readers day x
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Post by hannah24 on Aug 6, 2008 21:35:58 GMT
Thanks so much Megan ...would be so great to be there for that day!....thanks also Jacqui, its a tad frustrating as you can't 'see over the wall' so to speak re the processing of receiving Right of Abode Certificate, there is only a fax number where you can send correspondence, though I've been told the amount of passport/visa applications are a peak...I faxed a request for 'priority', I'm told that when employment is awaiting, its at the discretion of the Entry Clearance Officer, I've no doubt there'd be a few in that appointment looking at similar requests and reasons. Just had an email from a friend from Belfast saying it was bucketing down yesterday...obviously my sun dances and wishes for sunshine aren't strong enough ..I've really had to be strong with all the sales going on here, summer stock filling the stores already...winter sale racks aplenty at the front of stores; the maximum amount is 20kg for suitcase, excluding hand luggage thank goodness, also the airfares are cheaper by the day as September comes, though I'm aiming for end of August now..will be at the ticket counter as soon as passport arrives ;D ..flights leave in late afternoon ..arriving in Heathrow 6am next day, lol..as if I'll sleep anyway ;D
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Post by filmbuff on Aug 6, 2008 21:52:13 GMT
hi hannah,
i'm counting down the days til you're here!
all the best laura
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Post by hannah24 on Aug 7, 2008 8:16:52 GMT
Hi thanks Laura...so am I, can assure you of that..well we are in August at least!!..god July seemed to be the longest month ..now were in to near 8 August here, this months seems to be flying past. We've had four seasons in a day here, rain, sleet, sun, rain, windy and cold..fairly average for August in this area, Spring is just around the corner which will delight the gardners preparing for getting their gardens into blooming beauty! I'm reading lots here lately, just relaxing before the new adventure to over there. I'll tell you its a real challenge to keep the temptation of yummy winter foods at bay...when I'm at the desk writing I tend to tippy toe over to heat up a hearty meal..must keep in mind to keep the weight low for sure enough I'll be tasting real Irish guiness (my favourite)...will be catching up on a few with Fran I'm reassured of!!...lol..and then there's Jacqui in the North to have a wee celebratory tipple with when I arrive...Jacqui you must be feeling on such a high still after the all the wonderful things and pressies your special birthday showered over you...have you recovered yet?..Loved the photo's on Bebo...must still be at least warmish with your summer fashions on..great family photo..sure you were beaming! I've a few books here on the read, have picked up that 'Piece of Cake' by Cupcake Brown - man what a journey that girl endured..also have my nose in Frank McCourt again, just a fabulous storyteller - really inspiring to read about his life journey also...keeping the Party Animal one Susanmay sent me for the plane trip - ahem, as I said, can't seem me sleeping much ..will be way to excited and will be sure to have my fingers tapping away on my laptop journalling in detail all about from leaving to arriving think I've decided to fly British Airways..they have the better deals on a 'one way' ticket ;D. Brrrr..its chilly here in our mornings and evenings...was just thinking today it wise to keep a good coat over my arm for arriving over there..just may come in handy me thinks! Hows the writing going for you Laura...and yours too Jacqui...all going well? Well with the Olympic Games just 24 hours away from opening, I've no doubt all the sport nuts have their remote in hand allready to sit mesmerised for the next few weeks..hope it all goes just grand for everyone involved..lets hope the games are peaceful and all the nutters keep far away from causing any shenanigans! Oh seens as though I've all this leisure time before leaving - I've a few other book titles on the drawing board...dare I say again, the rain we've had more than enough of, I can't help snuggling up to the desk with plenty of inspiriation flowing! Ok as I mentioned will keep you with any updates as soon as news comes though...I send out meditative 'ooommms' lol for the postie to arrive soon with that passport I'm eager to hold..take care all x
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Post by filmbuff on Aug 7, 2008 21:09:28 GMT
HI HANNAH,
My writing is coming along well thank you hows yours?
hope you're well laura
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Post by hannah24 on Aug 8, 2008 6:09:35 GMT
Hi Laura...writing going really well I must say...I've about 5 book titles I'm working on now...really aching to get back to KRoad, though being disciplined in keeping my promise to pick up the writing when Im over finally....making lots of notes still, will weave it altogether once Im settled into my new Irish dwelling...the people I'm going to are just wonderful, have my room all ready, very thankful for their patience in waiting for my residency to be approved of...we stay in touch regularly, well its nearly the 9th August here, lol...counting the days, the postie didn't arrive with anything today ..ah well, we'll see if he is with an envelope in hand next week...he did say "sorry nothing today Hannah but keeping an eye out for it", so that was lovely of him to say...I've all I need to take now, the suitcases are 'weight' perfect, so will say again, must wear blinkers to the sales on here (but I did get two nice pair of winter boots...both lovely latte browns...for a next to nothing!!). A friend's daughter was kind enough to surprise me with a Passport holder...aww with the cutest cat on it and diamontes over the front, with a matching purse (for my travelling euros/sterling). Anyone heard from Fran??? Had an sms from her a week back about her laptop being on the blink and was frustrating for her, seems her mum is doing well also which is great...speaking of mum's how is your mum doing Jacqui??? Claire would be feeling nice and relaxed also on her holidays....the only thing about them is they whoosh past so quickly!!! Angie hows all with the cows out the back now?...and Fionnuala have you had a chance to sit on that lovely deck yet?? or is the rain still being a pain in the dairy air without relenting??? Ok I'm back to reading..am on one of Jane Gardam's "Old Filth"...great author! have a wonderful weekend all, hannah x
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