By Peg Prendeville

I had reason to go to Tralee on Monday. What a day for driving. Our little island is in danger of floating away altogether, with the amount of rain that is falling. It seems only a few weeks ago that I had remarked that our lawn was drier than it ever had been but now I am squelching through it in wellingtons. But, as I always say, we are lucky to have a roof over our heads and a fire to help us stay warm.

It is lovely to see my neighbours Kim and Thomas and their children Maggie and John move into their new house in Glenbawn. I’m sure Marcella and Tom will appreciate having their house back to themselves again too! I wish both houses years of health and happiness.

Due to our life change in the past two years we have missed out on sleepovers and adventures with the grandchildren so it was a lovely treat for us last weekend when seven of them (from three different families) decided to camp in our sitting-room for the night. With popcorn and pillows and duvets and netflix they all had a great time and it was lovely to hear them chatting and having fun together. Cousins can have a great bond and it is lovely to see it growing. Of course there was a bit of tidying to be done next morning but they all helped …. a bit! Bear with me if I share a little poem I wrote about all my grandchildren recently. I know all grandparents dote on their grandchildren and try to make up for their lack in rearing their own children.

Noah is such a handsome boy

And knacky with a ball

He’s aiming to be famous

As he grows big and tall

Clodagh loves to talk all day

And visit Nan next door

She loves football and swimming

And jumping round the floor.

Lily is a singer

And gets on well at school

She wants to be the best always

So, never break the rules.

Ayda is such a lively lass

And never has a care

She could climb the highest ladder

Or take on the biggest dare.

Lucy is such a pleasant child

And loves to sing and talk

She’s a champion in her wheelchair

And does not need to walk.

Saibh just loves her ponies

And ensures that they are fed

She cleans their stables everyday

And has more beside her bed.

Ríain’s the biggest rogue of all

And loves his Granda Jim

He’d love to be outdoors all day

Working and helping him.

Áine is growing nice and tall

To animals she’s so kind

She loves to play with dogs all day

It seems to calm her mind.

Cleo has a roguish eye

And loves to model clothes

She’s such a lovely singer too

And will partake in shows.

Ógie is the farmer

Happy with his trucks

Working hard outside each day

With his Da he loves to muck.

Harry’s like a hurricane

He never stops to rest

His handsome looks are all he needs

To prove he is the best.

Robyn is a diva

And can charm all the while

She’s Mommy’s little girl

And has such a pretty smile.

Little Ellen is so cute

The image of her Mom

She checks that Granda is ok

Then goes to find some fun.

All these grandchildren are a joy

And Jim and I are blessed

To have them all so near to us

Now we wait to see who’s next!