Blog Closed

That's it! My 3 angels are home safe and sound. Thanks for your interest in my blog and for your many kind comments.

See you another time perhaps?

John Rooney.

Day 14 - Sunday

Guys, it is overcast here today and there's a look of rain about the sky. We haven't had rain since you left.

Message from Sean

Hi Chicky Lambs,

Whats the story? I thought I would take a breather from my heavy study to send you this message ;) . I hope u are enjoying Oman as much as I did, just don't get carried away and fall of a mountain lol. Well make sure to take plenty of photos, especially of Dubai for real real, not for play play and give my love to the guys out there Jim, Tim, Terry etc.

Love and kisses and hugs 'n shit

Sean

Day 13 - Saturday

Good Morning. Its a lovely Sunny Saturday here. There is no news yet today, so I will chat to you later.

Dad/John xo xo xo

Evening Update

We are doing great guys. I did a shop at Sweeney's, paid TV Licence and School Transport at the Post Office, rented a video, gave Aoife an early evening meal and made a start on the twin's ironing (school uniforms and chef clothes, thus far).

On this day (April 13th) 2000, I captured an image of Mulranny Bay at Sunset. We will have such a sunset again tonight I believe. It has been a scorching hot day.

Bye for now.

John/Dad xo xo xo.

Day 12 - Good Morning

'Morning Jim, Mary, Aine and Maeve,

'Bright and sunny here again today, with the real heat to follow later in the morning I reckon. I peeped in to see if Aoife was reading, but she is still fast asleep. You are probably in Dubai at this stage. I hope you enjoy it immensley. I dare you to have a coffee in the Burj Al Arab!

We will continue with our bits and pieces of news and you will get to view the blog again at a later date.

Love,

Dad/John xo xo xo

Goodnight from Mayo

I neglected to mention that today was a scorcher again. The good weather is back it seems.

Aoife was a little peckish tonight, as we had eaten in town quite early, so we treated ourselves to "Bacon Butty Baps Before Bed."

No word from Oman today, so we will connect with you tomorrow. We are off to bed now after a very agreeable day.

Lots of Love,

John/Dad and Aoife xo xo xo xo xo xo

Update

Hi James, Mary, Aine and Maeve,

I left a couple of messages on your answering machine. Aoife had a filling and now her teeth are perfect. She has an appointment, for a simple check-up, sometime before Christmas. She will have teeth like the Osmond's, bless her!

Debbie had a scan today and her doctor reckons that the baby will be 8 to 9lbs in weight.

Bye for Now,
Dad/John xo xo xo

Day 11 - Good Morning

Hello All,

I'm home in Mulranny, after a nice breakfast in Newport. The house is still standing! You see, Sean broke the back door key, by accident, so I had to leave the house unlocked. I was a little bit frightened that someone would break in and tidy up!

I'll be going to town soon, to collect Aoife and take her to the dentist. She had a wonderful night with her friends. Apparently they all stayed over at Niamh's house in the end.

Mark has started a Blog for his baby. The link is on the bottom right panel. Have a look at it girls. You might like to send him a message?

I'll try calling you this evening at about 6pm (9pm your time)

Love,

Dad/John xo xo xo

Goodnight from Newport

Hi Angels,

I had a lovely evening here with Mark and Debbie. We watched a movie and had a great chat.

Aine, Mr. Heneghan was kind enough to send you the following message, when he saw the Blog:

Send Aine my best wishes - I knew that she was away, but I didn't know that she was in Oman. I am sure she is having a wonderful time. I look forward to meeting you all at the presentation on the 23rd, just before Aine sets off on her next trip. I am sure she will enjoy the U.S.!

Best regards,
Martin

Off to Mark & Debbie's House

Dear James, Mary, Aine and Maeve,

I left Aoife to Westport this evening at 6pm. She had a treat in Danolla's en route. She is excited and happy and that's the way to have it.

I called into No.7 on the way home and we sat around thinking up more baby names. The upshot was that, rather than me spend the night here alone, they have invited me to stay with them. Since I'm home now, I'll watch the first half of the Liverpool game and drive out there at half time.

I hope you are all getting on well.

Goodnight,

Dad/John xo xo xo

10 days since you left Westport

Hi,

Aoife and I spent the morning watching "out-takes" and "the making of" Anchorman. It has to be a comedy classic at this stage.

When I take Aoife to her Disco, I will be alone in the house for the first time in, well in ever, I suppose. Never mind, there is more Champions League tonight.

Chat to you later.

John/Dad xo xo xo

Goodnight

Goodnight Angels,

The Champions League Games were fantastic. United beat Roma by 7-1 and Chelsea also won away, against Valencia. I was on to May and she was so excited by United. I was also chatting with Sean, who was with his pals in Ronan's house, to watch the game. 'Great excitement all round!

It was great to speak with you tonight Mary.

'Nite 'nite,

John xo

Update - Proof that I'm not starving your angel :-)

Hi Folks,

We are having our evening meal, followed by a night of Champions League Football. The novelty has kind of worn off now and we miss you lots. We didn't notice so much when we had Sean with us for company, but now we have a "Load of the Lonesomes", as they say in Achill.

I was chatting with Mum, May, Mark and Sean and all are well. I was also chatting with Ann O'Malley and she sends her kind regards to you all.

Bye for now,

Dad/John xo xo xo

Update - Aoife's 60's Costume

Hi Gang,

Aoife is trying things out for her "60's Disco" tomorrow night. She will wear a more colourful Rasta Hat and plenty of beeds. I bought her earings already in Pulse, Castlebar. She'll have a lovely time I'm sure.

Bye for now.

Update

Aoife will soon be finished with her "Sleeping Fisherman". I think she has done a marvellous job. We are going to take a spin to Achill now and rent a video.

Tomorrow night Aoife is going to a "60's Disco" with her friends. I'll drive her to Westport. Her pal, Niamh, has invited her to stay overnight. I'll pick her up the following morning and take her to the dentist in Castlebar, for her check-up.

That's all for now guys.

Dad/John xo xo xo

Day 9 - Tuesday

Good Morning Oman,

I'm delighted that you got your road pass James, now you can all enjoy Dubai together, this weekend.

Our weather has taken a turn for the worse. It is quite dull and drizzly here today. Hopefully it will clear later in the day.

Dad/John xo xo xo

Final Post for Day 8

Hi James, Mary, Aine and Maeve,

John Kilcoyne made conctact and sent some great photos.

Mary and James, here is a lovely picture of your Uncle.

Love,

John.

Good Bye Easter 2007

Hi Angels...Especially Jim,

It’s not all hard work and drudgery here. Aoife sneaked in and caught me watching Arsenal V. Newcastle! I love my Bank Holiday Football.

Dad xo xo xo xo

Easter Monday - Our Visit with Debbie

Hi Gang,

We dropped Sean off to the train in lots of time. It was very busy, but he should get a good seat. Aoife and I were a bit sad on the way home. We will miss him.

We did some shopping and then we called to No.7, to visit Debbie. We had coffee and a nice chat. Debbie gave Aoife some lovely materials for her project. Aoife was delighted because all the shops in town were closed and she did need a few bits and pieces for the ubiquitous, "Sleeping Fisherman". Debbie saved the day.

We are very excited, as the day of the birth fast approaches. You'd want to see the nursery girls. It is absolutely amazing!

I'll write more soon,

Dad

Easter Monday - Day 8

Hi James, Mary, Aine and Maeve,

I'm delighted you are having such a great time. Being a Bank Holiday Monday, I was turning over for a bit of a lie-on, when I got a call from an excited twin at 7am, to say that Abdullah (James' pal and Oman's most celebrated press photographer) was taking them to Nizwa. That will be some experience guys. Enjoy every minute of it.

I'm driving Sean to the train in Westport soon. He had a lovely Easter and it was great to have him home.

More from here soon.

Love,

Dad xo xo xo

Easter Sunday - News from The Duffy Clan

Angels,

Sean is watching Cricket, England V. Australia. We are shouting for England. The message below just came in from the Duffy's.....

Hi Mary, Aine and Maeve,

We hope you are having a brilliant holiday. We wish we could be enjoying it too! We can't wait to see all of your photographs!! Hope the rest of your holiday is a blast!

Give our love to James,('wish he was our Uncle..Can we too see Oman?)

The Duffy Gang xxxx

Easter Sunday - Update - No. 2

Hi Guys,

It is Sunday evening and we will dine in about 1 hour.

Sean is helping Aoife with the more technical aspects of her "Sleeping Fisherman". It is amazing for a Dad to watch. Aoife is so artistically gifted and talented and Sean is so technical, knowledgeable and precise. This is going to be an award-winning project (as in an "A" for Junior Cert.)

I'm watching the Waterford V. Tipp match. I'm also keeping an eye on my dinner. My kids expect! They are revelling in perfecting Aoife's project. What a joy to witness such harmony...absolutely great to see. I think Aoife and Sean have a special bond.

Love,

Moi!

Easter Sunday - Update

Hello Muscat, This is Mulranny Calling,

I phoned May Rooney and she is going to Sheila's for her lunch and staying overnight. She is in good form. I was chatting to Granny Betty. She is going to the Duffy's for her Easter Lunch. The Duffy Girls showed Betty the Blog and she loved it. She especially liked Aoife's Ballycroy Photos.

Tom Whelan (our Kilkenny neighbour) died last night (R.I.P.) as did Frank Mc Donnell's sister (R.I.P.). So, Easter will be sad for some people, God love them.

Call me from Jim's house and I will phone you back.

Love,

Dad xo xo xo

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter All,

We had scrambled egg and ham (that was cooked last night) for Breakfast. Mark and James were both in touch today. We will have our lunch at about 5pm.

Enjoy your adventures and give our love to Terry.

John/Dad xo xo xo

Easter Saturday - Goodnight

Well guys, it was great to chat with all 3 of you for once. I know you have an early start tomorrow. You poor things have to go diving early, with the sharks and exotic species, in the Arabian Sea. What a great start to an Easter Sunday! I believe that will be followed by an Easter celebration at Chez Johar, such as you have never before experienced. Stick with the programme and enjoy ever second!

Aoife, Sean and I watched a most compelling and disturbing movie tonight. Basically, it was about war in your region. Wow, the sheer Ineptitude and futility of U.S. foreign policy was so stark, as to be totally surreal. The movie was "Jarhead". Man, but life is scary, if only we knew the truth.

My ham is almost cooked, in prep for tomorrow. I shall arise early to cook my turkey and prepare my stuffings etc.

I am so thrilled that you are loving and living the Arabian experience.

Love,

Dad/John xo xo xo

Update

Hi Aine, Maeve and Mary,

Greetings from all us controllers and firefighters here at HQ in Castlebar. It is seriously hot so we expect to be busy. We are taking emergency calls from all over Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway. Thankfully there has been nothing too serious so far today - apart from the aul' fella who called me in a panic 'cos his car was on fire, when I told him I'd send help and asked him where was the car on fire he replyed -"mostly in the boot but its spreading up the back seat"!!! We asked another caller where her chimney fire was and she said "in the front room" - what can you do?

Uncle Mark.

Day 6 - Easter Saturday

Its beautiful again today. James just mailed me from work. He is a teacher and a Captain in the Royal Omani Air Force. I have some updates for you girls from the Duffy's and from Castlebar Fire Brigade...I'll tell you more when I have given Sean his breakfast and taken him to work.

Have the best day ever.

Love,

Dad xo xo

Update - Dinner by Sean and Aoife

Aine called for a very brief chat this evening. They are back from the desert. It was lovely to speak with her.

Sean is doing his signature chicken dish tonight, so I have laid the table in the middle room, for the banquet. Aoife is his assistant. I was reduced to spud peeler and kitchen porter and then sent away to my PC. Its great to see them getting on so well. There is a lovely atmosphere about the house. The weather actually helps too I think. It is cooling down a little now, thankfully. It was hard to breath at times today. Oman must be sweltering.

We are watching "Cinderella Man" on Sky, as our family movie tonight.

That's probably it from day 5.

Love,

John/Dad xo xo xo

Update - Mark & Debbie Visit

It is really hot now. Mark and Debbie were on Mulranny Strand, walking the dogs and they called to see us. Debbie is in top form. They had some iced drinks and Mark borrowed two movies from Sean, "Mean Streets" and "Blue Velvet", excellent choices. Debbie said that Aoife's "Sleeping Fisherman" sculpture was exceptional. Aoife was thrilled.

Day 5 - Another Scorcher!

We have beautiful weather again today. I just dropped Sean to work. He is off at 2pm today because it is Good Friday. I'm going to post some pictures (end of the page) for you guys, of the first time Mum went to Oman.

Chat to you later.

Love,

Dad xo xo xo

Day 4 - 'Nite from Mulranny & Newport

We enjoyed our movie and now we are off to bed. That new bloke is the best Bond yet. The message below just came in from Mark and Debbie.

More tomorrow.

Love,
Dad, Sean and Aoife.

Hi Gang - Greetings from Sunny Newport. We were delighted to hear ye landed safe after your epic journey.

Big hello to our favourite Christmas buddy 'Uncle James' - we look forward to Christmas '07 when we get to see him again and introduce him to a 'new person'!

As per John's earlier blog we are at 38 weeks now (I know all the technical terms - this is the third trimester!) and had a hospital appointment today - even got a scan, jnr is assuming the position - head down arse up - thunderbirds are go!!!

Having said that Debs is determined to hold on 'till due date of the 19th of this month, when all the gang are back from hols - we might even post nominations for God Parents on this BLOG (can the guys from Dublin access this site)?????????????

All the doggies are well - BOTOX keeps looking at mammies bump with an expectant look - see above pic! At least the child will be able to give us the paw - roll over and fetch balls!

Take care guys and enjoy your holliers - we'll check in again soon!

G'Luck.
Mark, Debs,
BiBi, Botox, Tara and the 'Bump'!

Day 4 - Evening Update

Sean is home after putting in a very busy day, in Sweeney's. The tourists are starting to gather now, big time! The heatwave is set to continue for the Easter Bank Holiday.

We had roast pork for dinner. Aoife and Sean loved it.

Mark called and said that Debbie's hospital appointment went well. The Nurses are causing havoc however, so poor Debbie had to wait hours before she was looked after.

Miller is €13 for 18 bottles on special, so I bought a box. I went to the video shop and rented the new Bond movie. We plan on having a very pleasant evening.

I know you wont see this blog now for a couple fo days, as you are in the desert fraternising with the Bedouin.

Enjoy,

Dad xo xo xo

Day 4 - The Weather

I drove Sean to work this morning in the most amazing heat haze, or mist, I suppose it was. Achill looked like something from Brigadoon or Finnian's Rainbow (you know, "how are things in Glochamora" type of weather)! When I got home I had to go straight back again to return a video we rented last night! I didn't mind. The island is so beautiful in this weather and I have my camera with me at all times.

Day 4 - The Kilcoyne Family

John, Lisa and boys called out to see us today. Sean and James have grown up so much, even since their last visit. James is playing for his school team and also for the Sunday team that his Dad manages. He is a talented Midfielder by all accounts. Sean is a Chess Master and a whiz at digital photography. John and Lisa look great. Lisa's Mum, Sheila (who looks more like her sister than her Mum) is with them in Ireland for the first time. They also have their friend Jim with them. They are heading home tomorrow unfortunately, but they have enjoyed their holidays and they were blessed with glorious weather.

I wish them God Speed on their travels back to Leeds.

Update - School Project

Aoife is sitting at a table, in the sun-trap that is the porch, sipping a Coke. This is officially the hottest day of the year. She is putting the finishing touches to her "Sleeping Fisherman" I haven't noticed any change in her model over the past few weeks, save for a bit of plaster stuck to his left ear...Yet everytime there is a bit of housework to do, out comes the Sleeping Fisherman, for URGENT remodelling work! I don't care. I just love to see her so content, while Mary and the twins are on hols.

I called Cath in London, to get John Kilcoyne's mobile number. (Lisa gave me all the contact details before, but I can't seem to find them). I have my Curry prepared (very hot and spicey, with extra chillies). I did a seperate pot of it for Aoife, in case ours would blow her head off. I'll write a little more after I collect Sean from work and we have had our meal.

Update - Ballycroy

Aoife and I are just back from a drive to Ballycroy. It is such a stunningly beautiful place, in weather like this. We took photos on the way for Aoife's school project. We called into Peggie for our Children's Allowance and on the way home we visited the first house that Mary and I shared together in Lettra. I'll post some of Aoife's Ballycroy pics below.

Update

The drive to Achill was Breathtaking. The sea is like a glass pond. It is a beautiful sunny day. Our little Finch is still trying to get in through all of the downstairs windows!

Aoife has had her orange juice, but she wants another hour in bed, before her fry-up...Geeze! I'm going to start the middle room.

I hope you enjoy lunch at the Beach Club guys.

Love,

Dad/John xo xo xo

Day 3 - Morning - Off to Sweeney's

We all slept well, after the stress of yesterday. Sean is finishing his breakfast (the full Irish) and we will drive to Sweeney's in a few minutes (8.30am here).

I just spoke with Aine on the phone. She was thrilled by all that James had done to welcome them and by all the lovely gifts. It was lovely to hear her voice. I also got an email from Jim, which I will answer when I get back from the Sound.

Byeeeeeee

PS Today is Fr. Wilders Anniversary

Day 2 - Evening - Sean is Home

After the excitement of the early hours of this morning, things settled quickly. Aoife helped me to make a good start on the house. I bought breakfast things in Doherty's, which we fried up for Brunch.

I had to jump start the "good" car before we went to town for our shopping. I bought lots of nice little treats for Aoife, as well as 3 Easter Eggs. I got the ingredients for Chicken Curry, for our evening meal tomorrow.

We collected Sean from Castlebar at 4.05pm. He looks great and he is delighted to be home. He is outside now, in the sunshine, playing American Football with Aoife. He's roaring like a scalded pig and doing impressions, as he runs about in a new designer wollen jumper (from "don't mind me hairy legs", Dolores) wearing a zipped-up black jacket over it. Somethings never change!

I'm off to watch Ireland play some Cricket.

Day 2 - Morning - Spoke to Jim

I called James on his landline and left a message, to give him the news. I chanced calling his mobile at school then, as I knew that he would be anxious about his girls. He too sounded much relieved and very happy. They are now heading for Muscat (via Abu Dhabi). Jim reckons the girls will get into Seeb International at 6.30pm, local time.

Day 2 - Morning - Disaster Averted!

I just spoke with Maeve. The flight to Oman was delayed, so, although they were 15 minutes late for boarding, they made it! Just barely! I am absolutely thrilled for them and close to tears now. I'm going to make a jug of coffee and bring some orange juice up to Aoife. Mary had a quick chat with me, as she was boarding. She sounded calm, but I reckon that was for my benefit. God love her. Anyway, Sean is coming home this evening, so I'd best crack on with some housework.

Day 2 - Morning - Disaster?

Oh my God! They are in Heathrow. I got a text from Maeve. The flight from Dublin was so delayed that they are probably going to miss the onward flight to Muscat! My heart goes out to them. I know exactly what they are feeling right now. I hope they manage to stay calm and I pray they make the flight. I'm sitting here on tender hooks and Aoife is sleeping oblivious. I don't want to wake her and have her upset, until I know for sure. I asked Maeve to text me back if they make it, but she may not be able to.

Day 1 - Night - Taxi Arranged

I just spoke with Mary and they have ordered a taxi for 3am. That means they will be up at 2am...ouch! Their flight is 6.40am, so they will be...ehh VERY EARLY...I think Aine is a bit anxious, hence the early start. I hope they are all ok?

Day 1 - Evening - Granny Betty's House

I spoke with Mary and they are having an evening meal with Granny and planning an early night. I hope they can sleep. I will call them at 3am to make sure they are up and ready in time.

Day 1 - Afternoon - Mayo to Dublin

Mary, Aine and Maeve are on the train to Dublin. Aoife and I left them this afternoon, at a very busy Castlebar Station. The Dubs were on their way home following their defeat to Mayo, at Mc Hale Park. But, knowing the Dubs, they will have sang and played and entertained the passangers.