WE DID IT!!!!

Sunrise on Lugnaquillia

March 4/5 2011

Where to begin describing this amazing and unique experience? We are all still getting our heads around what we achieved, a motley crew of women all pushing themselves in aid of our charity, Homelink.

I’ll start at the beginning. As we were all coming from different directions we agreed to meet in the Hollywood Inn, grab a bite to eat and then head, convoy style, to the hostel. You could sense there was excitement, anticipation and some nerves in the air as none of us had ever done anything like this before.

After what seemed like an age, even though it was only 5 miles or so, we found Mountain Ventures, our hosts for the evening. Once everyone was settled, Aaron the guide, went through the format for the morning and what we would need to bring. The main emphasis was on clothes, lots and lots of warm clothes. He described the walk we would be undertaking as tough for the first hour (steep incline) to Camera Hill and then it would level out to be a gentle slope to the summit. So we all headed to our rooms for a few hours kip hoping we would get to sleep easily.

By 3.30am everyone was up, drinking coffee, packing backpacks and eager to go. A bus ferried us to Fenton’s pub, a well known starting point when heading up Lug. It was pitch black but 23 head torches lit up the road enough to see where we were going and within half an hour we were on the mountain and the incline started. It was tough, very tough. The first hour climbing up Camera Hill put a strain on all of our hearts, legs and lungs. A quick break to regroup and catch breath didn’t last very long but we were all delighted that the worst part was over. Eh no! It eased up somewhat for a short while and then it was just as difficult. Everyone was repeating to themselves over and over again ‘one foot in front of the other, breathe, keep going’.

I was suffering at this stage but my faithful hound, Fred, put his head down and literally towed me up that mountain. Without him I wouldn’t have made it so thanks Fred. You are forgiven for all the destruction your puppy nature caused.

What remained was much of the same, walk, short break, walk short break covering grassy tracks, boggy tracks, streams and for the final part, pure rock. Three hours later and we were there, the peak of Lugnaquilla in time for sunrise. Unfortunately, a thick damp and cold mist had descended on Lug so visibility was non-existent. The funny thing was no-one was too bothered as the sense of achievement at reaching the peak in the dark was enough for us all. We didn’t hang around the top too long, it was freezing, and I mean freezing. No matter how many layers of clothing you had on, you were still cold. So after some hot coffee and snacks we regrouped to prepare for the descent. The guides insisted we all stay very close together as you could not see one foot in front of you and on either side of Lug are two very steep cliff edges.

So off we set and as we came out from under the mist we were all amazed at how high up we were and how far we had actually climbed earlier that morning. At 9.20am, when most people are getting up on a Saturday morning, we were back at Fentons pub where the bus brought us back to the hostel for a big hearty brekkie. You would think that 23 people all having brekkie together would be a noisy affair. Not so, it was head down, eat and don’t come up for air time including some well earned scraps for the doggies, Fred and Harvey.

That was it, our Sunrise on Lugnaquilla experience was over for now. We packed up our belongings and headed home where most of us were glued to the couch for the day with sore muscles. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Would we recommend it? Definitely. Are we going again? Yep.

If you would like to join us on our next fund raising challenge please email homelink.fr@gmail.com. 

The day has arrived...........!

Today is the day. After much anticipation, time has worked it's magic and tonight 30 of us will be getting very little sleep for an early start tomorrow. Lugnaquillia, the highest mountain in Leinster, is our target. There will be all shapes and sizes, all levels of fitness and a couple of bow wows wrapping up warm for the ascent with the aim of arriving at the peak in time for sunrise.

The only request I have is to Mother Nature, please please be kind to us and keep clouds, fog and mist away. Wish us luck!

This n' That

Firstly, only one more sleep until our trek up Lugnaquillia and as usual I am completely unprepared. No waterproof clothing, no boots, no gloves etc. The only requirement I have are my legs! The weather forecast is looking good and whilst it will be bitterly cold, we should have a clear sunrise so great photos shall be taken for all to see.

On another note, I heard an interesting article on the radio this morning. Yes, our little country is in a bad way. Yes, there is a lot of unemployment out there. Yes, the winter has been very tough. BUT! Spring is here, we have a new government and let's look at what we have rather than what we have not. If you are one of the many unemployed, don't see it as a disaster. Look at it as an opportunity. Don't make it an obsession as you will just burn yourself out. Do your research, job hunting etc in the morning and then bring the kids to the park in the afternoon, get out in your garden, take up a hobby. Do things that previously you never had the time for.

And for an extra feel good factor, give a couple of your hours to a charity. Pick one close to your heart and help others who need you. Whether it's your time or your experience you will be very much appreciated. 

Training continues...........

My preparation for the Sunrise Walk this weekend continued yesterday with a more intense training session than before. I did every single aisle in Tesco Wicklow, some twice carrying a heavy basket. Thanks to pay day this was a significantly heavier basket than previous sessions and I'm feeling ready for Dunnes Stores Cornelscourt or Tesco Arklow before the weekend. That will be the ultimate test as both of these centres are huge!

On the subject of grocery shopping, did you ever wonder how your elderly neighbour/relation gets their shopping done? If they rely on public transport then how do you get heavy bags back home? I guess it's either do without or pay up for a taxi. Maybe the next time you are going to do your shopping, ask if they need anything that you could pick up for them.

Still waiting..............

Whilst the rest of the country is getting back to normal after the excitement of the voting and election process over the weekend, here in Wicklow we are still waiting for all 5 seats to be decided. It's day 3 for the counters, and it looks like today will bring a 14th count and even then that might not determine who gets in and who is out!

In the meantime, life goes on for the Joe Soaps, back to work, yawns and stretches abound. Here in Homelink, we are on the final countdown to our trek on Friday night/Saturday morning. we are all looking forward to sunrise but not so much the 3am start........

Election Day!

It's finally here, the day of reckoning, the day to get your voices heard, the day to make a change. For most of us getting to our local polling station is no problem but spare a thought for your elderly neighbours. They might not have transport, may not be able to walk the distance etc. If you know of someone who might be in this situation please knock on their door and see if they need a hand.

On that note, what do you do if you find yourself on a pre-booked trip out of the country on polling day - no vote. In  hospital - no vote. No way of getting to polling station - no vote.

We can chat via video links to friends and family on the other side of the world but we still have to vote using the same system for god knows how long. Electronic voting? Hmmm, best not to bring up that touchy subject......

Security and the Elderly

Yesterday I painted a picture. One of an elderly person living alone where simple everyday tasks we take for granted were no longer viable. I asked the question, what do you do if you find yourself in that situation? Or what can you do if you know of someone who might be in that situation.

This is why Homelink was established. A charity dedicated to helping the elderly and vulnerable in our local community. We help over 600 people on a daily or weekly basis through the following programmes -

• a scheduled phone call. At the least it is social interaction with someone who otherwise may not have spoken to a single soul that day. And we do more, if there is no reply, we will alert a relative or friend who can then check that all is ok. If there is still no response we will alert emergency services and this has saved lives.
• A basic maintenance service. All of those 'take for granted' tasks we do whether it's fixing a dripping tap, mowing the lawn or even changing a lightbulb, we're there.
• Social Outings - yep, we do even more. We arrange social gatherings for our members so they can laugh, chat and gossip with their peers.

One day YOU might need this service so act now to make sure we are still around when the time comes. Contact us or a similar charity in your area and see what help you can give. It's worth it!

Security and the Elderly

So, you've lived in your house all your life. Over the years, you've changed thousands of lightbulbs, mowed the lawn countless times, put things up and taken down things from the attic, raked up leaves, painted, sanded etc on numerous occassions. All things that you have taken for granted over the years.

You're still at home and want to stay there but age has decreased your mobility, strength and stamina and these simple tasks are not possible anymore. You may not have any family or they live far away, you have little or no income and cannot afford to pay professionals to do the jobs.

What do you do?

Holidays!

Looking out on a dark damp day has got me thinking of holidays and maybe it's time to start planning. So where to go, what to do? Here are some suggestions that may interest you -

Italy - beautiful scenery, lovely food and wine and of course, lots of sun. It wasn't that easy to find holidays in Italy specifically for the over 55s but this site offered both a holiday and learn the beautiful language as well -> http://www.clidante.com/italianlanguageschools/coursesprices/o55.html

For something a bit more adventurous check out this - http://lonelyplanet.worldexpeditions.net/lpuk/index.php?section=trips&id=170 WOW!!!

In the meantime, have a read of this delightful book to give you some inspiration. Culinary Travels Italy-Umbria, Tuscany, and the Veneto Italy-Lungarotti-Tuscan Cooking School-Hotel Danielli & Villa Cipriatti

Sunrise on Lugnaquillia, Wicklow Mountains

We're on the countdown to our first (of many) walking adventures. A group of us hardy lads and lassies are going hill walking. And not just any old hill, Lugnaquillia, the highest mountain in Leinster. The reason? To raise some much needed funds for Homelink with the added benefit of seeing the sunrise from this wonderful peak.

Considering the only exercise I have partaken in recently is from the couch to the kettle, I have a feeling I am gonna need some pushing and pulling to get up that mountain but it will be so worthwhile. I'll be taking lots of pictures along the way and posting them here so check back to see what happened.

In the meantime, I might just try some gentle walks over the next couple of weeks to prepare.

St. Valentine's Day

Saint Valentine’s Day……how, why, when, where, what??

So, every year on February 14^th, cards, chocolates and flowers are purchased in abundance and bequeathed to the one you love or hope to love. But where did this day, the scourge of all singletons, originate?

Firstly, the correct term is Saint Valentines Day which would have you believe it is the feast day of Saint Valentine. Hmmmm, maybe except there are 3 Saint Valentines!!! Two of them celebrate their feast days on Feb 14 and one of them is buried right here in my hometown in Dublin but is he the correct one? Who knows as not enough is known about any of the Saint Valentines to connect them with love. The plot thickens.

Apparently, one of these Saint Valentines was executed for refusing to give up his Christianity. On the eve of his death he healed the blind daughter of his guard. This was then embellished to not just healing her but they were in love and he left her a note signed ‘Your Valentine’. Is this where it all started?

Jump to the 14^th century and Valentines Day is as we now know it with poets, kings and even courts embracing the day we dedicate to all things lurve.

What happened in between? Who knows but if you get nice choccies and flowers this year, thank ALL the Saint Valentines.

And if you are a hopless romantic, why not rest your weary head on these little gems. You'll be guaranteed sweet dreams....

BoldLoft "From My Heart to Yours" Couple Pillowcases-Romantic Valentine's Day Gifts for Couples, Cute Valentines Gifts for Him or Her, Romantic Anniversary Gifts

February!!!

This week is dedicated to the lovely month of February. A month when things get back to normal after the madness of the silly season. A month when we Spring starts peeping through. A month when we have finally got used to writing 2011 rather than 2010. A month when the resolutions we stuck at in January finally get forgotten. A month when we stop wishing people a Happy New Year.

February got its name from the Latin term Februum, which means purification. Februa was a purification ritual held on February 15 (full moon) in the old lunar calendar.

If you have any useful or useless information about February feel free to post to the blog.

Day 4 – World War II

During the years leading up to World War II, America were still recovering from the Depression and its affects on the economy. The address in 1939 could not have got it more wrong when they said that World War has been averted! The address went into great detail on how religion and democracy must be defended at all times. Although the people were assured that America was not at war, and had no intention of being at war, there was a call to increase the defences so as to be prepared for ‘quick attacks’. An ominous message considering what lay ahead, and bizarrely accurate. The country was still in debt but the credit system had improved so as to make it easier to get loans. The labour movement was created and taxes were increased. As in the 1914-1918 addresses, the railroad was still causing problems!!!

1940 seemed to mirror the address of 1915 with a reassurance again that America would maintain her friendship with other countries and will not be entering the war or making any foreign alliances. As seen before, the army and navy budgets were increased so as to grow their size and strength if only to maintain peace and protect democracy.  Unemployment was at its highest and the Trade Agreement Act was brought into being.

1941 saw a complete turnaround in opinion with the security of the USA in serious threat. The War in Europe was an ‘assault on democracy’ and the future of the USA was in serious danger. More funds were needed to build more ships and planes and munitions were to be made for other nations at war. Not only that, but these  munitions would be given to these nations with repayments for same to be organised at a later date and the repayments could be in goods not money. Again, an increase in taxes was called for to fund all of this. An interesting part of the speech was the call to ‘shame’ people who don’t agree and if that didn’t work, arrest them! So many books and movies have been written about World War II but for some it's the music that brings back memories, why not go over to your grandparents, make some tea and listen to their stories with this playing in the background --> Those Were Our Songs: Music of World War II

1942 saw a world at war and this was the subject of the whole address. It was the same in 1943 with a mention of the army population being increased from 2million to 7million.

In 1944 we saw a return to the more traditional State of the Union address. This year it was printed as the current President had flu! Again, security was a large part of the address but there was also a call for a change in the Tax Laws, War Contracts Law, National Service Laws and the Food Laws.

Day 2 – the American Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a defining moment in history between the Southern Slave States (Confederates) and the Northern Free States (Union) with the Confederates wanting to keep slavery and the Union wanting to abolish it. We all know the outcome on that one. The State of the Union speeches during this time are a fascinating read. For a more detailed look at this time in American history, this video is a great buy --> The Civil War - A Film by Ken Burns
                   

Obviously, the war was a huge part of Abraham Lincoln’s speeches during this time but there was also a lot going on aside from the war. During this time, there was a healthy harvest each year, finances were very healthy which is surprising considering the cost of war. The Department of Agriculture was created and relations with China and Europe were good but sometimes strained with Japan (a sign of things to come maybe?). The plan for a pacific railroad was brought to the table and work commenced, again, surprising considering the amount of men caught up in the war. Similarly, the pacific and atlantic telegraph lines were planned and established.

What boosted the finances during this time was the discovery of gold and silver mines along the pacific railway and the issuing of notes in order to pay the armed forces. It still wasn’t enough though as the public debt stood at $1billion!!! (link to info on pacific railroad)

However, the plight of the Indians was still a problem and an attack by the Sioux resulted in 800 deaths. Likewise, there were problems on the Canadian border.

It seems Mr. Lincoln really had his hands full during these years but handled it very well considering. But within days of the war ending with his Union the victors, he was assassinated.

State of the Union

This week Barack Obama delivered his State of The Union address. Does anyone know where the term ‘State of the Union’ came from? How long it has been an annual event in the US of A? Well read on one and all, this is the subject of the week.

History

The first State of the Union address was given by George Washington in 1790. The actual term ‘State of the Union’ came about from a term in the U.S. Constitution ‘He (President) shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient’.

It was originally an address by the President to Congress but has since become an address to the people. Likewise it was originally a written report but over the years it has developed into an annual prime time televised event.

I could not find any State of the Union summaries so I guess that’s my next job, to read addresses made during key periods in American history….it’s gonna be a long day and night. Those Presidents sure know how to talk!!!

Check back tomorrow, the time frame is the American Civil War (1861-1865) and what Abe had to say in those years.

Day 4 - get involved!!!

I mentioned previously this week about my very active Granny. She may no longer with us but there are many people out there doing similar work / acts of kindness as she did.

If you know of someone who could benefit from some inter-action please contact one of the groups below. Or maybe you want to give something back by volunteering some time to help one of these groups, it will be very much appreciated.

http://www.homelinkbray.ie/
http://www.activeirl.ie/
http://www.ageandopportunity.ie/
http://www.olderandbolder.ie/
http://www.ownireland.ie/
http://www.ageaction.ie/
http://www.alone.ie/
http://www.friendsoftheelderly.ie/

Day 3 - The Elderly and our Community

So what else can the older generation give to society. Probably the first and foremost is knowledge. Remember, they have been here longer than the youth, they not have ‘been there, done that, got the t-shirt’, but are probably on their 10^th t-shirt!!! . Without the experience of our elders, our society and institutions end up constantly reinventing the wheel, so to speak. Like a tree needs its roots for growth and nourishment, a society needs roots to keep it grounded in its traditional values and history. We need the youth to think of new ideas, the middle aged to make things happen and the elderly to keep us from running so fast we fall over .

Another area that Grandparents are of huge benefit is when the pitter patter of little feet enter our lives. As they have more time than the working Mums and Dads, babysitting is something they provide willingly and happily. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, the grandchildren enjoy being spoiled by their grandparents and Mum and Dad are a lot less stressed. Who else will mind your precious as well and with as much love as you?
Unfortunately, modern society seems to encourage segregation of older people from society, preferring nursing or retirement homes. But families who have active, healthy grandparents have the opportunity to develop strong relationships between the kids and their elderly relatives that can greatly enrich the lives of both generations.
Older adults have countless ways to use their life experience to enrich their communities. They may retire from work and slow down as they age, but this doesn’t mean they are irrelevant or useless. All communities have a lot to gain from the engagement of their elderly citizens.

Day 2 - The Elderly and our Community

Contrary to popular belief, old age does not necessarily mean sitting at home in front of the fire all day and night. We tend to forget that the elderly were once young and age has not dimished their zest for life, sense of humour and general devilment!!

My Granny was definitely NOT the type to sit at home drinking tea, right up to her 80’s she was on the go non-stop. She was Chairman of a very active Old Folks Association which met in the local hall 3-4 times a week for a chat and a game of cards (she was a card shark!!) and organised many day trips and longer trips abroad. She was also the local Post Mistress and just relished hearing all the gossip on pension day. Not stopping at that, she then went on to run for local Mayor and yep, won the election and for many many years was a Peace Commissioner. This woman was LOVED by her local community.

She was also the local free taxi for all her buddies. She was an independent lady who was one of the first to learn to drive and get a car. She just loved bringing people here, there and everywhere even if she never left 2^nd gear. You could hear her Ford Escort roaring up and down the street regularly with most of the community willing and wishing her to change gear but no, that never happened. It wasn’t age that finally put paid to her motoring days, it was the development of dual carriageways and motorways which resulted in a trip up the Stillorgan dual carriageway the WRONG way at the age of 90!!! So she gracefully hung up her car keys acknowledging that progress was more important….Good on ya Granny, miss you lots.

Wow, week 3 of the 2011 blog already........

So what shall we talk about this week?? As http://www.homelinkbray.ie/ is a service for the elderly, I thought why not talk about the elderly in our community so this week’s blog is all about your community and how the elderly contribute and enhance life for us all and it’s dedicated to my wonderful Granny, who was always busy so there will little snippets of all her shenanigans, most of which will make you smile!!! If you have any stories, words of wisdom, grievances, advice etc. etc. please feel free to post to this blogspot.

Why not have a read of this little gem?

Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul: Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Grandparents

Self help books....help or hindrance???

I heard an interesting discussion on the radio this morning. The topic was self help books and do they really work. 'The Secret', a best seller, came up in conversation. I personally have not read it as I wasn't a big fan of the notion that anything bad that has happened in my life is my fault but I do know of other people who swear by it. Have you read it? If so, what are your opinions? A masterpiece or a pile of waffle??