Counting Blessings by Remembering Poppi

When I married Scott- I received the gift of another Grandfather. From the moment I met Poppi- he was my family. He became my rock solid support. If I had a dream, a goal, or a problem, Poppi was my cheerleader and ally.

Poppi was our go-to man for just about anything. If I got a flat tire, needed a bug-man referral, needed a bookshelf, a tow, some money, a meal, it really didn't matter. I knew that I could unconditionally count on him.

Poppi gave me away at our wedding. I remember us walking down the aisle and him having to remind me to "slow down."- I was nearly running and he was trying to keep time with the music.
Thank goodness he stopped my sprint...

If I argued with Scott, I could count on Poppi to take my side. If I was having a hard time at school or work- I could count on Poppi to tell me I was in the right- & the others ...were not.

In graduate school, Poppi literally paid me for good grades. He never missed an opportunity to ask about school and always found ways to help.

He was at the hospital when Chandler was born. The bond between the two of them was and is beautiful. Each time Poppi saw Chandler was like the first time. His face would literally light up with a huge smile. A pure joy and happiness.

When Scott and I started our businesses, Poppi did everything he could to help. He asked me everyday about patents, manufacturing, and distribution. He counted my inventory, helped us ready the offices, worked on the wheel chair ramp. Whatever we needed, he was there.

There are so many things to be said about Poppi's life before I met him. A World War II Veteran- who served as a Tail Gunner. Poppi was sent on more than the usual maximum number of fly over missions...and survived.

As Scott's Grandpa, Poppi taught him how to play baseball. He and Scott spent hours in the back yard throwing and catching the ball.

When Scott was young, he built him a wooden go-cart. Many years later, he contributed towards a gas-powered go-cart. This was when Scott learned the phrase, "If you mess with the Bull, you get the horns." When Scott would drive the go-cart too close to Poppi, Poppi would throw partially full beer cans at him. Dodging the beer cans is how Scott learned his defensive driving skills.

Poppi did his best to attend ALL of Scott's and later Chandler's sporting events. He could be counted on to rake the field, bring cold drinks, and yell at the coaches & referees.

Chandler says, "If you told Poppi that the game started at 6 p.m. you could always count on him to be there...at 2 p.m. When we showed up at five thirtiesh he would be angrily tapping his watch, but after a second out came his smile. When swimming in his pool, Poppi would throw sinking discs to me as I jumped in. He would always check on me."

My words have failed miserably to capture the essence of what Poppi has meant to us. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives, to have the wonderful memories, and to know that how much we were loved.

We love & miss him terribly!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

The local parade was fun, the weather is beautiful, and the food was fantastic.



Scott took the camera with him to the States- So, I used the cell phone for these pics. Also, Chandler enjoyed the parade with his friends. Which means I didn't get any pics of him...or of Scott....or of me. But, here is what I did get! There are Texas plates on this car! & the steering wheel is on the side that I remember!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

On Meeting The Honourable Desmond Guinness

Today started with Chandler faking sick- because he wanted to play video games instead of touring with us. He is thanking me now---profusely, for insisting that he accompany us to Leixlip. We went to tour the Castle in Leixlip - knocked on the door & were greeted by this lovely gentleman. But, let us go back in time a bit...this is Chandler walking towards the Castle- insisting that he is too ill & angry with me.

Notice the hunched back and angry walk. I thought that we'd be in for teenaged attitude the whole day.

Going in the Castle gates-

The beautiful Castle

Lucky, lucky dog.

Looking towards the grounds-

So, as I mentioned before, a lovely man answers the door- & since I know that people live in the Castle- I ask if it is open today for tours (Leixlip Castle is open for tours, but I wasn't sure of hours, days, etc).

The gracious man invites us in and gives us a private tour. During the tour, we realize- this man is the OWNER of the Castle- This Man IS Desmond Guinness...Yes- the Honourable Desmond Guinness of Guinness Beer....Oh! Happy Fun Day! Oh! This is sooooooo cool. So, I have to admit- I was star struck- Touring the Castle with HDG---well is pretty much up there on my list. So, if the pics are a little unstable- it because this was just so ....NEAT!!

This Sitting Room- freshly painted-fire heated- the smell from the fireplace was very soothing- Couldn't tell you what is was - Scott wasn't sure what it was either- but it was comforting. Many beautiful chandeliers.

The organ in the Dining Room- Mr. Guinness played this for us. Did I mention that I was star-struck?
The Dining Room Continued---

The Dining Room

The most incredible Library- More of the Library- Lovely old books- by the hundreds, cozy room, with

comfortable cushy sofas and seats.

The most extraordinary Doll House

The rooms are absolutely huge and very tall ceilings- It is difficult to show the immense size of the pieces- like the Doll House-

The Doll House is furnished and wall papered.

This is still the Doll-House- I must have gotten carried away.



Walking up the staircase- I spotted a baby-buggy-

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This is hanging on the banister- The HDG indicated that it was originally made to place on a horse so that when the rider was arriving- everyone would know where the rider was from- via coat of arms.

An enormous tapestry located at the staircase.

Chandler & Scott Mid-way on the staircase.

The Blue room- The bed is partially made- because people live in this castle...and we bothered them on a Saturday---I am so glad that we got to see it!

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So, the HDG said that his daughter used to hook up this carriage to her pony and ride-

This was the chapel- but hadn't been used as one for some time.

This is King John's Room- with the biggest armoire that I have ever seen- It is awesome.

This bath is fully functional and heated.

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We appreciate, beyond words, the time that the HDG took to give us a tour of his beautiful castle.

The Irish Georgian Society, started by Desmond Guinness, is open to those interested in art and architecture of Georgian Ireland. A list of other houses, castles and gardens open to the public is available from Heritage Island, 37 Main Street, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 (01 288 9114).