How remiss of me

Nary a blog for days. Easter came and went. Still feels like Easter here in the office though - hardly a phone ringing, 'there's no-one here but us chickens' as the song puts it, most people are still sunning themselves in the pubs of Donegal.



A busy enough sort of a morning. First in was our Global Eye editor K.S. Vijay Elangova, laden with presents from India for myself, Bernie and Jim. Then arrived Malachi O'Doherty, writer and broadcaster, who does our 'What would Barney think' column in the Journal on Fridays. He's doing a piece for BBC Radio Ulster on the importance of Donegal to the people of Norn Iron. Thankfully the days are gone - so far so good - when you felt a load of pressure coming off your shoulders after going through the checkpoint into Donegal.



A quick trip out to catch up briefly with Shane Mitchell, accordionist with Sligo band Dervish, who've been having a busy year and are not long back from their annual spring visit to the States. And they've more interesting trips to look forward to in 2009, heading off to places like Hawaii and South Africa (think Hawaiian guitar on 'Jenny's Welcome to Charlie'). The Dervish people have also interesting projects on the go as individuals - Cathy's a member of 'Unwanted', who've just brought out a pretty stunning debut CD drawing on influences from trad to the blues (other group members - Seamie O'Dowd on vocals, guitar and fiddle; Rick Epping on vocals, harmonica and concertina). Haven't heard flute-player Liam Kelly's solo album yet, but by all accounts it's really good. Two to look out for.



Foyle News is finished for another week and we're looking forward to the Friday Journal (in a ruminative sort of way, or so it would seem). This time of year is a bit slack with so many businesses, politicians etc either closed or having a good time ("Let your business have a good time this Easter!!") so if you want your story prominently featured in the paper, today's the day . . .



Weather update from behind McGinley's filling station and cafe - the sun is bouncing (slightly) off the cream-coloured wall of the store and there's blue sky sticking out of the (slightly) sinister-looking cloud. So it's looking good for the walk to Stragill beach later.



This has been a rather discursive post, but as you are probably sipping Pina Colada from your hot tub in the holiday home in Rosbeg, preparatory to going back to the pub, why not!




In case you don't instantly recognise it, let me put you out of your misery.

Remember that night in Dublin you met those kind-of hippie pop star types in the pub and got chatting and went back to the Clarence? The recall mightn't be great, but that night-time view through the porthole, the sounds of water gurgling, manic laughter, champagne popping etc?

Yes! The hot tub in that top floor luxury suite in the Clarence, a grand a night, you got it!!

Isn't it great the way it occasionally all comes back to you . . .