Yes, that's Dado (Irish for Grandfather and my father-in-law) in his ball cap (no one in Ireland appears to wear traditional caps anymore except our son whose caps we have to buy in the States because they don't sell them here) on the last day of his 80th Birthday Party. It was somewhat like what I imagine an Irish wake to be like--except Dado was still very much alive--Myself, CW, and the Dreadful Creatures arrived in Knocktopher, County Kilkenny after a two hour drive from Cork City. The rain was pouring, the wind was howling, and CW and her brother began to put up our tent--Dado's house is quite small (and CW's sister had pretty much taken the one guest room==can't wait until that will is adjudicated) I did the right thing and retired to the local pub--I like hotels and I like camping--I don't like the in-between white-trash backyard version in my father-in-law's backyard. I proceed to tell my local Publican, Eamom, my circumstances and he happens to mention gale force wind forecasts and an apartment above the pub that he doesn't rent, but..if I'm (we're???) stuck, feel free to ask. Oh, I ask, and then I ask the rate--his answer, "Well. I wouldn't be robbing yeh"--I figure that's about 50-100 Euro a night. I call CW with the news and I get lucky--at this point the wind has bent the tent stakes and she's ready to move a few miles up the road. The next few days involve alot of party prep (Was it so wrong to ask if the estranged sister was splitting the costs with us--of course now it seems like a bad idea but...) Most importantly, at the end of every night, I get to put my kids to bed and wander downstairs with CW to the pub for a nightcap(s)--and, the band plays the Irish national anthem at the end of the night for which everyone is required to stand. (Old School). Dados 80th birthday party went on until 7 am the next morning. I begged out with the two dreadful creatures fairly early and CW joined us a few hours later. God Bless Dado--he had the CW's mother show up as a surprise (Dado hadn't spoken to his ex in 15 years) as well as an estranged daughter with her family (She and Dado hadn't spoken in ten years) Lots of tears, hugs, and all that family s#4%! And I got to watch from afar. The photo is of Dado, his ex, his kids and grandkids! The three outlaws (including myself) are off in the distance happily drinking and murmuring luckily our families aren't so f'd up!
