The 12th passed peacefully and we've had some sunshine

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July and there’s some Sunshine at last After the wettest June on record and July heading that way it was great to see the sun shining this week. Stan’s is doing really well now and fairly independent again so Alan and I have been doing some sightseeing. We visited the fairly new Bangor Castle built around 1850. In the grounds is also an old Abbey and we enjoyed checking out the old cemetery. The grounds are the site of a very old settlement from about 600ad, there was a wonderful museum in the castle with a herb garden with varieties of herbs that monks used in those times also some old varieties of peas, beans etc. The 12thCelebrations We packed up and went down to Henderson St for the Eve of the bonfires, as it’s usually a fairly volatile time. The bonfires are unbelievable that are built across Northern Ireland. They take months to build up, people just dump any sort of gear there, lounge suites, tyres and then lots of pallets are put around and on top of it all. The Pyres are watched over and controlled by The Orange Order, with councils powerless to control them. Some are built right beside motorways and look as if they’re about to collapse. They’re lit on the Eve of the 12th and on the 12th there’s lots of parades. The bands consist mainly of drums and whistles. There’s lots of Proddies marching celebrating King Billy of Orange. For the first time it was very positive this year, no guns! There was a carnival feel to it with families out enjoying all the bands. It would be hard to imagine this happening in the past without a large outbreak of sectarian violence. Lady Dixon Park 15/07/07 On Sunday we headed out to one of our favourite places Lady Dixon Park. It’s a very old estate that was handed over to the City of Belfast and every year it hosts an International rose growing competition. This has been going on for about 3 decades. Each plot is about 3x3metres so there’s just acres and acres of the most gorgeous roses. The sight and the smell are wonderful. I’ve popped a few photos on the blog. Sister Chris you’re such a great grower of roses you would also love the sight of so many varieties. We are so lucky to be here this time of year, we’re hoping they’ll still be as spectacular when the girls and Laura and Marsh arrive. Stan thought he was in a tractor and tackled one of the steep slopes in his motorised scooter. Rolling it with our picnic lunch etc. Only injury was to his pride. He thinks he can go anywhere and tackle anything! That's it for now will get Alan to write next one. We're getting excited as Kristelle and Ryan will be here in just over a week with Michelle and Iz to follow. Take care all, I am missing home just a 'wee' bit, bye for now love Francie(and Al xxxxx)

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Photos

Water Polo on the River Lagan
This is what the Mackay kayakers need Laura and Marsh double click on the photo to see the nets

Shaws Bridge
Alan putting the brakes on Stan

Lady Dixon Park
Lady Dixon Park, site of International Rose growing competition each year

Lady Dixon Park
acres of roses

Comments

[Michele Jackson]

What a fabulous place
Aaah the perfume!

[Chelle and Izzy]

Smelling the Roses
Hi mum and dad, Glad you have taken some time out to relax and enjoy some of the sights close by. You must feel like locals by now, knowing your way around quite well. Lovely to talk again this morning...hope you get the camera figured out...it's a bit boring just seeing myself :) Missing you both lots...can't wait to see you when we step off the ferry in a couple of weeks time! The blog is going great...so nothing to stress about. You are a techno whiz mum...now it's your turn dad! Can't wait to read the next entry. Say hi to everyone, and tell grandad to SLOW DOWN! Bye bye xxxx