ESB fault

Just called the ESB hotline and found out that the power isn't only out in our area, but that there's a "major fault in the area of . . . Bray".

There's some comfort in knowing I'm not alone, but the fact that half an hour after the power went out that ESB has no estimated time of restoration is disappointing.

Still, if it weren't for the power fault, I wouldn't be enjoying the song-birds of the modern world - house alarms. So many going off at the same time that it's like a chorus of birds on a spring morning. NOT!

Parking in Loughlinstown

Of course, just as metered parking was introduced in Dalkey a brand new, large, free car park was being opened in Loughlinstown. It's only open in the evening hours and it's called the M11 Southbound. There's another occasional car park in the area too - Shankill.

When they had to close one lane going north they at least had the decency to let us know when that situation would end. There's no sign indicating when the second southbound lane is going to open, but I really, really hope it's before schools open. Once schools open you could easily be looking at a one hour journey from Killiney to Bray.

Parking in Dalkey

I can't believe it costs €1.50 per hour to park in Dalkey when it's only €0.38 to park on Main Street in Bray, half that if you're willing to walk a short distance.

Misty

I'm back from my extended leave.

The weather's been all right lately. Not great, but not awful either. In fact, in one respect it's been perfect because it has generated a lot of sea mists, which I find interesting.

I've been really struck by the speed that the mist can come off the sea and cover Bray Head. The other day I was just watching it as it seemed to race around the top of the mountain to get down the far side. In fact, it looked like a giant hand and the fingers were slowly wrapping themselves around the hill while the palm settled on the top. Only lasted for half an hour or so and then it retreated. Never reached our neighborhood even though we're only a few hundred yards from the top of the Head.

I grew up 200 miles from the Ocean. Even though I've been living near the sea for five years, I don't think I'll ever tire of it.