Good weather has brought back the carefree days of childhood
TODAY is the Fourth of July — American Independence Day and a day off for all those on the other side of the pond. There are great celebrations going on all over the land.
Here in our Emerald Isle the weather has been absolutely wonderful. People are in much better form, and now that the schools are out there is a sense of the whole country being on holiday. It has been the hottest weather on record since 1976 — and yes I am old enough to remember those summers in Dublin where the Liffey did stink like hell.
That Bagatelle song was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in that regard in those days of yore. It was also a time where we went on holidays in Ireland as opposed to abroad.
My family spent the month of August every year in Skerries, a seaside town in North Co. Dublin. My parents would not leave their little shop for more than a night or two at a time and this was a great solution. They rented accommodation over another shop and we kids loved it.
I was the eldest of six and we were all allowed a to invite a pal for a portion of our holidays, but we made friends there too with children who like us were either were on holidays or who lived in Skerries. I still keep in touch with a friend who lived there. He and his wife now live in Australia and we have visited them there.
I remember those days as being very carefree without a trouble in the world. Time was limitless and we were sent out to play on the beach or elsewhere and told to come home in time for tea. To see the amount of people on the beaches in Dublin, Wexford and all around Ireland with the carefree children enjoying the sunshine and time on the beach, the parks and generally outside today is a sight to behold — just like the old days!
It is just a pity it took record temperatures to get people away from their TVs, playstations, tablets and all the rest of the distractions that keep children indoors. But one of my big bug bear is the rubbish left behind on the beaches. We always took our trash with us and still do, and we disposed of it at home to leave the beach or park as we found it.
Children are young for such a short time. It seems that the summer months with their forecast of good weather ahead might mean more outdoor pursuits. We have so many parks and outdoor spaces it is a shame not to use them.
My only concern is that everyone is extra careful around or near water. Irish Water Safety is running classes for all things from swimming, to water safety, to training lifeguards, an online guide to general safety near water and what to do in the event of an emergency.
As part of my job in the restaurant, we must have a dedicated First Aid Person on duty at all times.
As a result we had 12 people complete the last one, including Yours Truly, even though I did my very first First Aid Course at 17 and many times since. I have to complete it every two years in order to be one of the First Aiders on duty.
Despite this it is amazing that people on our team didn’t use suncream in these last couple of weeks and the burn aid was the only spray to hand for them. We all think we are invincible but, when we take chances, be it in the kitchen or in the sun, there are consequences.
Suncream is available everywhere from as little as €1.50 in Dealz and there are decent creams with high factors in both Aldi and Lidl too. So there no excuses to be burnt and children especially must be protected.
And you need to stay hydrated. Drink plenty, preferably still or tap water which we call ‘Chateax Neuf Du Tap’ in the restaurant. Look after the young, the elderly and your animals.
Your plants and your grass will recover when the rain comes back so enjoy this beautiful weather safely.