Radio Fun.

I've just returned from a stint in the offices and studios of Community Radio Youghal. And I want to send a big thanks to all the staff and volunteers down there for making my stay a truly enjoyable one. An especially big thanks to Beads for showing me the ropes, helping me with my tasks and for taking these lovely photos.

A week in review.

A lot of news to get through today, it's been a busy week for me and our stories. I'll start by telling you that my two week stint in Waterstones, Cork ended yesterday. I had a ball and Kerry and all her staff were great. I really enjoyed the canteen food, too - which was a plus. My human friend Stanley, as you can see, kindly snapped me as I left the premises. He, I have to say, was emotional at the time. But then he is a big softie!

All other news is about the One Short Story To Be Told volumes I have out in the world, and goes as follows.

Volume One: ‎'Waiting For Life To Return' nudged his way in to my mind a little earlier today and told me that Valerie Spencer, his current owner, is - and I quote - 'A Dear!'.

Volume Two: Paddy Fitzhenry who you will remember took 'Wink' to Canada has been in touch to say our little volume is having a great time. Aww isn't that nice. I'm expecting 'Wink' to be in touch on foot of that, he does like to have his say.

Volume Three: 'Grey Skies' is still basking in his new found freedom. He has been in touch every day, but his long chats can be summarised by saying that Nuala McGrath is treating him splendidly. In fact she is treating him so well that 'Grey Skies' is not sure he wants to move on! I, of course, have told him that's not cricket (to use a rather spiffing english phrase), and that Nulala has already indicated she has a new home in mind for him. He took that news better than I thought.

So that's it your up to date (or as up to date as you need to be). I do have further visits and moves afoot, but to tell now would only spoil the surprise.

88*googleplex

leyton

A forgotten day trip.

You know with all the excitement of Wink headingof to Canada, Valerie Spencer finally getting her hands on 'Waiting For Life To Return' (not to mention the energy expended on reaching 150 friends facebook or the leyton attens story) I entirely forgot to post the photos of 'Waiting' and Paul McSweeney on the nostalgic day trip I agreed to arrange when 'Waiting's' transfer to Valerie was (again) delayed. Needless to say that today, once he had settled into Valerie's life 'Waiting' was on the blower to point out the error. So here I am putting that mistake right.

As you can see it was a tad of rock climbing we participated in. And on 'The Devil's Rock' no less; a place where Paul and my human form Stanley frolicked away many a day in a youth that now feels as distant as an imaginary galaxy. Thankfully it was all new to 'Waiting' and he enjoyed the climbing, and indeed (as picture two below illustrates) the rest that followed. As for me? All I have to say is that 'The Devil's Rock' has a shrine to the Virgin Mary embedded in it. Don't think the devil would have allowed that if he actually lived there! But then maybe I'm not mad, or childlike, enough to understand.

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leyton attens

All good things must come to an end!

Yes all good things must come to an end. And as Waiting for Life To Return will be transferred to the hands of Valerie Spencer tomorrow my tour with volume one has now ended. But we went out with a bang, I must say. Thursday saw us take in a game of footy( pic shows us just before kick-off). While Friday evening was spent sampling Tom Barry's hospitality, the creamy taste of Murphy's and a delectable dish from Jackie Lennox's chip shop.

Of course an ending often leads to a new beginning, too. And so it is in this case. My day-tripping exploits have whetted my appetite for public exposure and I am now committed to finding places to hang out for a while. Brilliantly Waterstones in Patrick Street, Cork have agreed to me occupying (at least a little of) their space for the next fortnight. I couldn't think of a better place to start! So thanks to Waterstones. And thanks, too, to all who helped me and Waiting For Life To Return so happy over the past weeks. We applaud you.

Oh, I almost forgot the rest of the pictures from our final two trips can be viewed here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.236804886359806.60781.176918199015142

88*googleplex

leyton attens

The Tour continues

We haven't posted since Sunday, it's been a busy week (being a Superhero is so demanding!). But that doesn't mean the tour was abandoned. Oh NO! We had leyton in UCC and out for a game of football. The photo's are cool. This one is just a teaser, click the link to see the rest. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.234980913208870.60415.176918199015142

Day Trip to Fitzgerald Park

Paul McSweeney and I (leyton attens) treated Waiting For Life To Return to a trip to Fitzgerald's Park in Cork today. It was an emotional day for Paul as the park has so many memories attached. Great fun was had, even though we missed the Comedy Festival by a week. 'Waiting' has been popped back on to it's shelf now. And it is humming with pleasure. What more could I ask?

88*googleplex

ps - follow this link for more pics of the day

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.233021240071504.60055.176918199015142&type=1

The Tour continues

What a day!

I had the immense pleasure of spending a day in the company of Paul

McSweeney and Waiting For Life To Return today.

We visited the world famous Cork landmark 'The Lough'.

Trees (as you can see) were enjoyed.

88*googleplex

leyton

Lots happening today.

Nuala MacGrath has been in touch. She tells me Volume Three holds pride of place in her house at the moment! Yippee do da da da...

Also Volume Two (Wink) landed in new hands last night. One Mr Paddy Fitzhenry of Wexford is the new owner.

And we (that's Stan, me and Paul McSweeney) took Volume One (Waiting for Life To Return) to the park today.

As the photos show touring is such fun!

88*googleplex

leyton

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=230563143650647&set=a.230562983650663.59522.176918199015142&type=1&theater

leyton begins Waiting For Life To Return tour

Following much deliberation I've decided to call the series of day trips I've promised Waiting For Life To Return a tour. This decision then led to a spur of the moment trip to Pine Lodge (Mytrleville, Co. Cork) last night to see Cork band Half Man, Part Bicycle. 'If I'm going on tour I might as well start with a rock gig' being my rational. Half Man, Part Bicycle were great and proved just the right preparation for the warmth and comfort for the Sunday lunch with talented Cork film maker Paddy O' Shea's family that I had planned for Waiting For Life To Return today. The two trips also provide a nice pair of contrasting photos, too. 88*Googleplex