Jeanie Johnston boat

I’m obsessed with travel. Always have been, and thank goodness I have had the opportunities in my life to make this happen. I think because of the enjoyment of travel, I also find it fascinating to see all the different ways that people travelled in the past. One of my favorites is by Tall Sailing ship.

Jenny Jameson Boat

There’s an element of romance to the thought of hopping aboard a sailing ship, battling the ocean, the waves, and navigating the world by the stars. The reality, however, is much different. It was dangerous, it was dirty, it was crowded, it was smelly. And more to the point – people did not always travel because they wanted to. Sometimes they travelled because they had to.

Here in Dublin, there’s a replica tall ship that sits in the harbour – named the Jeanie Johnston.
Back in February, I took my friend’s daughter on a little adventure to go check out the ship and take a tour.

Me & Charlotte

The Jeanie Johnston is an exact copy of a 408 ton cargo ship purchased in Liverpool in the mid 1800’s. As famine gripped Ireland, the “original” ship ferried over 2,500 immigrants from Ireland to North America to start a better life. It was captained by James Attridge. Inside the boat, there’s a museum of how life was with several mannequins in various positions. You go in with a guide, who was pretty cool because he took an hour telling the group lots of stories of life on the boat and the passengers lives before, during, after they arrived at their destinations. This included stories about how people crammed 6 – 10 to a bunk (see the feet behind the mannequin) and slept in shifts to make due as they crossed the Atlantic. The center “tables” were designed for eating, entertainment, and sleeping on.

Inside the boat

Inside the boat 4

There were plenty of things onboard that were prohibited for the safety of passengers and crew. Things like open flames and fires, fighting, cursing, gambling, spitting, and alcoholic beverages.

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One of the most impressive things was the story about how the captain hired a surgeon, named Dr. Blennerhassett, to travel on the boat – to take care of the passengers – and make sure everyone stayed healthy. The captain did this out of his own pocket and because of this – the boat is one of the very few who can boast that no life was ever lost on board the ship.

For more information, please see:

http://www.jeaniejohnston.ie/

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Salt Lake City & Thanksgiving.

Ahh what a crazy week. I got to salt lake city friday and have been running all over. I’m now exhausted and thinking I might need a vacation from my vacation. Truly.

I have, however, great news. This Crest kid has no cavaties (once again), the doctor has pronounced her in good health (yeah baby!), and I have meds. Migraine meds are good. My taxes are in the process of being done (after stumping 2 tax people and having to contact the district office at H&R block), so please keep the fingers crossed that they’re not gonna cost me too much.

Otherwise, the sunshine is out, the weekend was in the 60’s (jacket? who needs a jacket!) and it’s been sunny every dang day. YES, the sun does exist. Unfortunately for the skiier’s and snowboarders, there is no SNOW. We had hoped for some last night, but from what I can tell, there’s maybe an inch up in the mountain peaks but that’s it. Oh well, beggers can’t be choosy – and I have at least a nice view.

I’ve had a steak dinner (thanks Bri – you’re still my hero!) as well as seen Beowulf (recommended – great movie!). I’ve also gotten my fill of snuggles, american football – 4 games (3 on sunday – 1 monday night football), and yes, even caught a hockey game from the front row. (SMOOSHED FACES UP TO THE GLASS and FIGHTS – yeah baby!!) I’ve also had a small lunch party where I was able to catch up with some geocaching friends (love you all!).

So, I guess that leaves tomorrow – turkey day. Let’s go turkey day! I have the turkey thawing as I type this, the pies are made, the stuffing is ready to be prepped tonight – and after that… well, who knows. Perhaps black friday shopping!?!

Yeah ok so I’ll have photos to share soon enough. In the meantime, Here’s what I’m thankful for:

My Health and that of my family
Getting to see my family and friends
Enjoying the mountains and the sun
Freedom (and the soldiers who have fought for it – JCCE, you have mail on the way)
last but not least….

RUM!!

(yo ho yo ho, a pirate’s life for me….)

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Gobblin goodness!

There are just certain times of year where you have to pig out. I’m sorry, but no amount of dieting, being thin, and simply denying oneself food is going to cut it. For me, one of those times is Thanksgiving. Sure, it’s time for family, it’s time for friends, and it’s time to be thankful.

It is also time to make the turkey.

Now, I’m guilty of this – I assume most of us are. There is only one time a year I actually buy an ENTIRE turkey, and quite simply go to town. It’s funny to think about – I eat turkey sandwiches, and turkey this and that… but I rarely sit down and just buy the entire turkey and roast it. Anyhow, I did the typical American thing this year – went to wal mart super center and bought a discount turkey on sale. Go ahead and laugh at me. I did.

From there, I got up at 7 am, started the stuffing (all the guys were asleep) and all the other prep – for garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asperagus, pies, the like. Yeah, it’s great being able to cook. What’s even better is when after a day of the guys watching football and playing on the computer (ok I admit Bri did help with the washing and basting of the turkey and peeling of potatoes – thanks love!) when the entire cooking area was done – and sitting down to enjoy the feast. The appreciation of a good meal, and a great movie – well, that counts for something. What’s more, the knowledge that this meal is only once a year (there are leftovers of turkey soup in the freezer, turkey sandwiches in the fridge, and turkey and cheese breakfast burritos ready to go) but can last much longer for folks that can’t cook… that makes me smile. Just knowing that I was able to make their day a little brighter. Yeah, that’s great.

Hope your “gobbling of turkey goodness” was great too.

Now, On to the black friday shopping! (yeehhhaaa!)

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