Laxie through the Looking Glass

[Laxie]

Watch out England.  Laxie is on her way!!! 

Am currently sat in the airport bar taking advantage of their free WiFi to kill time.  As I'll be bringing a few extra bits back with me, decided to treat meself to a checked bag this time.  This meant very little to carry through airport security and a speedy run of it...so I thought. 

I've me wee netbook and handbag, not wearing jewellery or a belt and wearing flat shoes.  How hard could it be, right?  Sigh.  I swear, some one of ye must ring them for a laugh when ye know I'm on the way over.  Walked through the metal detector and as usual...full on alarms. 

'Step over here please miss.' 

Sigh.

'It's just the scaffolding in me bra...honest.' 

She wasn't seeing the funny side of that statement.  By the time she was done frisking me we were on a first name basis FFS. 

Get through that part confirmed to be 'safe' and head over to gather my things which have long since gone through the x-ray machine.  Only they aren't there.  I can see my lappy and wee bits in a container off to the side, but no handbag.  WTF?!

'Is this your bag miss?' says another woman. 

Sigh.  'Yeah, that's mine and so is all the gear in that box over there.'

'Come with me miss.  We need to go through your handbag.'

'Ya do of course.  Wouldn't be a complete security check otherwise.'

She ever so carefully removed every fecking thing from every nook and cranny of me handbag.  It only took me the bones of 30 minutes to pack it 'just so' back at home, but ya can be sure I re-packed in record time once she was finished...and confirmed I had nothing illegal on me. 

I am currently sat in the airport bar having me second pint to kill time while waiting to depart Cork for the sunny setting... of England.  Not quite Spain, but it'll do.  And I'm really looking forward to it!  See you all on the flip side!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Claw75]

lol - just as well we're not playing footie this time or god knows what they'd have found in your handbag

[Laxie]

Wow!  What a week-end! 

Thursday - landed in Manchester and was greeted by the Duke.  Went to his local card room for a wee re-buy.  I will never hear said my own local is a fish tank again after what was witnessed there!  lol  Just glad it was a 'wee' re-buy so we could have a laugh and forget about the cards.  On the plus side, did manage to bluff the Duke off two pots when he was well ahead.  Anyone who knows how he plays knows that's not an easy task.   

Back to Duke's where I decided ringing my Mom to say Happy Birthday - from my mobile - while on roaming charges - as ya do.  Was a good idea at the time.  Of course, nothing doing only Ger had to say hi too.  30 minutes later we managed to say goodbye to Mom.  Can't wait to see the bill at end of the month!

Rumour has it I managed an amazing attempt at 'Bohemian Rhapsody' afterwards.  This was done in front of a webcam and there's talks of posting it.  Marv.  Can confirm, professional singing will never be one of my career choices.  You have been warned. 

Friday - After the largest fry up on the planet, we headed off for Notts.  The usual meet and greet at the hotel was nice.  Gives everyone a chance to catch up before the madness ensues and gave time for some of the more sensible people to grab a bite to eat.  Pre-drinks stomach lining FTW!

The rest of Friday night was just one twist after another.  We tore road to meet up with Kate and Fran in Chambers.  Haven't seen them in ages, so was delighted they could make it.  Can confirm I'm not the only one on blonde who can't sing.  Asa and I proper owned the lot of ya on secret missions.  Bongo's tea pot - blimey.  What was in that again?  A great night from start to finish.   

Saturday - Had my first trip to Nando's.  It's grand.  Will feed a gang and they serve drink, but honestly don't see what all the fuss is about that place.  Apart from it's proximity to DTD.  We were slow getting up that morning, so I suppose proximity mattered to be fair.  lol 

The bash tourney was a bit of a bust for me, but then I wasn't worried about playing poker this week-end.  Was all about catching up with friends and having a laugh.  If I'd been hit in the face by the deck it was only a bonus.  But alas, the deck deserted me.

The Liquid Lucky Dips were harmless enough.  Only a few had to suffer through a drink of my choice and I think most were pleasantly surprised.  Another late night of chatting and Toffoc and we were heading for Sunday.

Sunday - Just about got up in time for the quiz.  Was a great quiz!  Claw and AndrewT should be well proud of themselves and I nominate them now for all future quizzes.  However I think I'll just help keep the scores next time as I very nearly got a question wrong...about ME - ffs!  lololol 

Lots of blonde Lads have piles apparently.  This was discovered at the pub round the corner from our hotel.  Loads more was discovered, but we won't go there.  Was a good giggle though. 

Back to the hotel for Tighty sit n go's and a nap for Laxie while they played on.  Around 8pm we were back to DTD.  Managed to get into the £15 tourney as late alternates, and what a table it was!  Tears streaming down the eyes from laughing so much.  Gatso, Ger, Wee Man, Sharplea, Skippy -

'RAISE!!!'  'And in other news, the Titanic sank yesterday.' 

Skippy was the only one still in by the time the carnage was over...apart from the couple of randoms who had a nervous twitch by the time they were done playing at a table with us.   

Later there was the most shocking call I've ever seen at a cash table by the Duke... with TWOS!!!  Every card on the board beating him, not to mention the rest in the deck...but no way was he folding.  Took down the pot for over £400!  lololol  MBN to run so good. 

Back to the hotel with Delboy, Mrs. Delboy, Wee Man and Duke at a more respectable hour this time we had a night cap and one last giggle session.  I even managed to leave everyone at the bar and headed for an early night's sleep in the end.  Needed to be in reasonably good shape for Brian's graduation mass the next night. 

Monday - We had to be on the road for Manchester airport at 11am and I thought I'd get a good run of shut eye.  Woke at 5am...as ya do.  Sigh.  Duke dropped me back to the airport safe and sound.  Yay Duke!  Managed to get my overweight bag through check in without added charges.  Yay Aer Lingus!  Might cost just a few € more to travel with them, but well worth it in the long run.  Security didn't bother me this time.  Yay security!  And I didn't fall asleep in the departures lounge so managed the proper flight home this time.  Yay me!     

Landed home with just enough time to quickly unpack and throw on mass clothes.  Was a bit concerned considering the long week-end of it, but luckily they'd painted the church and varnished the seats in the last week.  The fumes from varnish were more than enough to hide any fumes from tea pots I might have exposed them to.  Got through it and was home again by 9pm. 

I've a bad habit of taking cat naps lately and last night was no exception.  Wide awake until 2am and up again at 7am.  Surely I'll hit a wall at some stage.  Just haven't found the wall yet. 

Thanks to everyone for such a lovely week-end.  Was badly needed.  xx

[kinboshi]

Later there was the most shocking call I've ever seen at a cash table by the Duke... with TWOS!!!  Every card on the board beating him, not to mention the rest in the deck...but no way was he folding.  Took down the pot for over £400!  lololol  MBN to run so good. 

Not played much cash with Ger before then?

His reads are legendary.  Sometimes...

[Laxie]

Later there was the most shocking call I've ever seen at a cash table by the Duke... with TWOS!!!  Every card on the board beating him, not to mention the rest in the deck...but no way was he folding.  Took down the pot for over £400!  lololol  MBN to run so good. 

Not played much cash with Ger before then?

His reads are legendary.  Sometimes...

No way it was a read.  He was abso wrecked at the time!

[Bongo]

The teapot was full of Jager, Goldschlager and JD. It was served by the most miserable and unhelpful barmaid ever.

[Laxie]

Ahhhhh, it's the goldschlager stuff I keep forgetting about.  Just glad I took no notice of the miserable staff.  Should possibly have taken more notice of the ingredients in the tea pot though.   

[The_duke]

Later there was the most shocking call I've ever seen at a cash table by the Duke... with TWOS!!!  Every card on the board beating him, not to mention the rest in the deck...but no way was he folding.  Took down the pot for over £400!  lololol  MBN to run so good. 

Not played much cash with Ger before then?

His reads are legendary.  Sometimes...

No way it was a read.  He was abso wrecked at the time!

I knew exactly where I was on every street - AHEAD - so there

[kinboshi]

Later there was the most shocking call I've ever seen at a cash table by the Duke... with TWOS!!!  Every card on the board beating him, not to mention the rest in the deck...but no way was he folding.  Took down the pot for over £400!  lololol  MBN to run so good. 

Not played much cash with Ger before then?

His reads are legendary.  Sometimes...

No way it was a read.  He was abso wrecked at the time!

I knew exactly where I was on every street - AHEAD - so there

[Laxie]

Sigh.  Some of you already know but for those who don't, Cassie injured her left front leg really bad yesterday afternoon while playing in the field. 

We started off as usual.  'Walkies' was announced, the pair of them went nuts and the three of us headed off for the field.  Once we got there, I let them off their leads and Cassie tore road for her rabbit hunting ground as Lily and I pottered away up to meet her. 

We were only about 1/3 of the way up the first field when this almighty roar of yelps from Cassie was heard.  As it turns out, she was heard all over the neighbourhood.  Lily and I took off running to find her and when we got there it was plain she was in big trouble.  She stopped yelping once she set eyes on us almost as if to say, 'I'll be ok now.  They'll help.' 

After surveying the damage it was clear there was no way I was walking her out of the field.  She'd need to be carried.  First phone call was to Sinéad to come and get Lily.  Next phone call was to Sarah to fetch the other local Greyhound owner for help.  Then I phoned our local vet Mike to let him know Cassie needed treatment straight away and be ready for us.  Meanwhile, neighbours appeared out of nowhere to see if they could help.  They'd all heard Cassie's cries.

God love him, Mike knows his limits.  When I described the injury to him, he said he'd have to call in a favour to the specialist at the posh vets in Killarney.  And that's just what he did.  By the time Ger (greyhound guy) met us and carried her down to my car, posh vet was on the phone with me arranging an emergency meet up at their place in town. 

Sarah took the trip with me back to Killarney.  Mike had warned over the phone we had to be very careful as they have a big artery going down their front legs and broken bone has a bad habit of tearing that, meaning gg Cassie.  Sarah held her leg just so all the way back to be sure it didn't move and we both talked quietly to Cassie telling her we loved her and would do whatever we could to sort her out.

The on call vet saw her and said it didn't look good, but we'd have to wait til morning when the ortho guy's on duty to decide what (if anything) could be done.  She was kind, but also realistic and tried to prepare us for the worst.  Sarah and I just abso broke down bawling. 

Cassie was given a bowl of chicken soup as a treat, then she'd be sedated and given pain killers to keep her still and comfortable for the night.  We were sent on our way and told they'd ring in the morning, but when we went to leave Cassie thought she was going too.  Broke our hearts to leave her there for the night, but it was the best place for her if we'd any hope of saving her.  The rest of last night was spent in a fog of tears by myself and the kids.

I've phoned Rooks and Paul so they're aware of what's happening.  The ortho rang me this morning for permission to give Cassie an xray.  He's not entirely sure from looking at it on the outside but thinks 'just maybe' we can save her.  I'm to meet him at 12:45 to find out the results and we'll go from there...one way or the other.  He's also agreed to lower his usual fee and will do the lot including last night's stay for €600 if we go ahead with it.  (TY Mike for calling in that favour.)  Must collect Sarah from her school tour on my way as she's insisted she wants to be there. 

I know some will say 'she's just a dog', but we really do love her.  We'll do what's best for Cassie, regardless of what that may be.  Whatever happens, it's been a long night and it's going to be a long day to follow.  Will let ye know what the outcome is once I've talked to the specialist.  Keep everything crossed please and thanks.  xx

[Claw75]

everything crossed here Dawn xx

[ChipRich]

shiiiiiit, really hope everything works out for Cassie and everyone involved

[TheChipPrince]

shiiiiiit, really hope everything works out for Cassie and everyone involved

[xxMAIRxx]

Everything is crossed Dawn xxxx

[technolog]

Everything is crossed Dawn xxxx