Grandpa & Ireland, August 1999

34 Maymount Street, Belfast, a destination realized. Just a short distance from Ormeau Park and Castlereagh Street, this was my Grandpa's childhood home until he bordered a ship to Toronto, Canada at age 15, alone. My Grandpa, Wilfrid Mawhinney, was two men in one to me and more to others I am sure. He taught me manners, how to use tools, help others, swim, choose to read, seek kindness and countless other things.




Most everyone spoke at his funeral, except me. I felt horrible at the time, but I couldn't express my appreciation for him in a tidy sound bite. He left life knowing everything however, I had told him on many occasions.

Here are some beautiful glimpses of Ireland, starting with Stacy!

Mr. Bush & Cronies

Please move to Iraq.
Thank you.
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"Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed."

President Bush, standing under a "Mission Accomplished" banner on the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier, May 2, 2003
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Bush Administration Lies
Iraq Coalition Count
Iraq Body Count
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Wake up! Wake up, Limy fish!

I got lonely and decided to get some fish, contained, not fried.

Starting with a free 55 gallon tank, I built a sturdy stand and picked up the odd bits to make it bubble at my local fish shop, Little Amazon. The owners held my hand and wallet, thus catapulting me into the world of fish, again. I paid $20 for a rock and PH is back in my vocabulary.

A couple days later, I invited Stacy to "come over and see my fish", thus unearthing the most lame pick-up line uttered throughout history. Later, a beer and movie were thrown into the deal. We'll see.

Each night, my wonder is split between the beauty of my fish and the 2-inch difference in water height from one end of the tank to the other. My house may be sinking, but damn don’t those fish look cool!

My last aquatic foray ended in tragedy, murder to be exact, however not premeditated. I left for classes on a cold winter day, leaving the heat on high, only to return to an empty fish bowl and my fish on the floor, very still. I buried them at sea, toilet and swallowed a lump of guilt. I tortured myself by visualizing the moment they couldn't take it anymore and jumped.

This time I'm prepared and my house doesn't have any heat, so all is well.