Day Before the Irish

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Ivy’s brother and step-mother were coming in on Friday, so Ivy left three hours early from work that Thursday to prepare for their arrival. Ivy was the queen of clean. As much as she complained about how dirty she left things at home, every time Collette had been over, it was sparkling. Everything from the window blinds to the china cabinet had been polished, scrubbed, washed, and waxed. Everything was in perfect order and in the most convenient position. Collette knew that Ivy had a reason for the way almost every article of her home was placed. And each kitchen utensil was arranged in such a way as to be the most adept for use when next she made soup or cakes. The pantry, fridge, freezer, basement shelves, and second fridge and freezer in the basement were all stockpiled with enough supplies to feed the entire army of Luxembourg for a week. And now that she had added color to the walls, the sterile white of the previous living room was beginning to take on its own character, much to Ivy’s relief, who was tiring of the newly-moved-in look of their three-year old home.

And that evening, OLeif and Collette were to attend a sneak-peak film at the Moolah Theater downtown. Although she was hardly wild about the R-rated film which they would be seeing, she looked forward to seeing the architecture of the building. Coming along as well (only kids age 17 or older, of course) were Elizabeth, Joseph, Carrie-Bri, Joe, and Magnus. Collette hoped to snag a leather couch near the back and perhaps have a little popcorn (though not her favorite show-time snack) before catching a bit of a snooze during the film, which was likely very ungrateful of her. And did she really think she could fool herself? Collette could hardly ever fall asleep through anything unless she was actually curled up in her own bed at her bedtime.

And just for the sake of the records, Collette decided to guess that the Hobcoggins would have another baby girl.

Another tune for the Irish Holidays – Siul a ruin

I wish I was on yonder hill
Tis there I’d sit and cry my fill
Till every tear would turn the mill.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

Siuil, siuil, siuil a ruin
Siuil go sochair agus siuil go ciuin
Siuil go doras agus ealaigh liom
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

I’ll sell my rock, I’ll sell my reel
I’ll sell my bonny spinning wheel
To buy my love a sword of steel.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

I’ll dye my petticoats, I’ll dye them red
And round the world I’ll beg my bread
Until my parents would wish me dead.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.

I wish my love would return from France,
His fame and fortune there advanced.
If we meet again, ’twill be by chance.
Is go dte tu mo mhuirnin slan.