Election Day in Ireland

Today was the general election in Ireland. I've been reading, listening, talking to folks so went to the polls fairly prepared. My polling place was at the local school just like in the US. It was a paper ballot with photos of the candidates... you chose 4 people ranked 1 - 4. I just put the number 1 next to my first choice, number 2 next to my next, etc. I had 10 candidates on my ballot...all men. Candidates represented the following parties: Green, Independent, Sinn Fein, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Labour, and HAC (Hospital Action Committee - i.e. wanting to save the hospital in Roscommon Town.) The results will be tabulated tomorrow.... I don't know if other areas are computerized but ours was totally hand written and submitted in a box. I am in what is called the Roscommon/South Leitrim "precinct." As I left the classroom I felt a welling up of tears... I know I'm the most sentimental person ever created, but this was a feeling that was so strong... I was so thankful to be here, taking part in the future of this little island. I do so love it and pray that it can regain its independence from the EU and go forward recognizing that it is strong, capable and unique. These past EU years have given it much opportunity but it has also diluted so much of what is Ireland. I know I've only been coming for the past 10 years or so, but the changes have been shocking. It isn't little America, or little Germany or little anything foreign. It is itself and amazing. So...go forward little island with pride of who you are and knowledge that you are smart, strong and independent!!

Then Flan and I took off for Lough Key Forest Park for our walk. Since school was out for election day, there were lots of families at the park. I'm a bit selfish, but I must admit I like it when no one is there and we have the place to ourselves. Flannie is getting so much better about the lead but I would have loved to let her go and chase the swan... I think she would have had a very rude awakening. She just tugs and lunges at them while they hiss at her. It's my mean streak rearing its ugly head!!

Then it was back home for Lucy play time. They are leaving on Sunday (I thought it was today) and Flan will be very lonesome. Mary and I have worked out "play dates" for the two of them. She can drop Lucy here when she needs to go riding and I'll just dump Flan into their new yard when I need time to myself. It's totally fenced with a rock wall, but has a typical farmyard gate with just horizontal rails...Flan could slip through them easily!! so she said they'd put some slats across to keep her in!! I made some gingersnaps and took over to Mary cause I was sure she'd be cleaning and cleaning.... instead she was studying for a class she is taking. She is a dental assistant and would like to get into the dental hygienist program but it is very competitive so she is taking more classes in prep for applying.

Photos: Iron fences, lichen, Lucy and Flan chewing on each other, local school, political posters