Huge update...sorry for the delays!!!

ADDED to June 15th, 2010- We encountered a funny event on our way back to Athlone after the Wicklow mountains. While on the highway we encountered massive traffic. At some point two small horses trotted down the median. Eventually some of the Fools got out of the car and investigated. A traveling circus had lost several horses that shut down the interstate for about an hour. Laura and Ann took the time to rehearse Matt & Ben in the middle of the road while Irish people looked on.

June 16th, 2010- The ladies head out to Dublin for a very cool workshop working with women in recovery. It was a tremendous success. Lou and Austin kicked around Athlone for the day, checking out the Passionfruit theatre for set pieces and props for the performance of Brilliant Traces.

June 17th, 2010- Lou and Austin join up with the ladies at Crumlin's Hospital For Sick Children in Dublin, where they performed the children's show. The staff at Crumlin was amazing! The families and children were very appreciative of our performance. That night the couples stayed in Dublin for date night, while Rita and Elaine went back to Athlone.

June 18th, 2010- The Fools headed to Roscommon to visit Rita's cousin Lorianne. The Silver Eel is owned by Lorianne's husband, Colin. We stayed with them and were to perform our children's show on Sunday. That night we arrived to dinner and drinks in their amazing house in the beautiful countryside. That night we had drinks at the Eel and procured a boat ride on the river the next day.

June 19th, 2010- Lorianne took the crew to Carrick-On-Shannon for some shopping and sightseeing. We made our way back to the Silver Eel for a boat ride. Ann was surprised, she loves boats and was not present during the arranging of the boat ride. Her joyous squeal was classic. After a boat ride, Lou made dinner, though not without the help of Ann, Austin and Laura.

(Lou giving the local dog near the Silver Eel a pet)

June 20th, 2010- Happy Father's day! The Fool's performed the children's show! Roscommon must put something in the water, because those kids are cute, amazingly, adorably cute. An evening of relaxing and an early birthday cake for Colin.

June 21st, 2010- The Fools headed out to Athlone. Back at homebase for resting and recovery.

June 22nd, 2010- The Fools went to Battery Heights for a challenging workshop with the area youth. Resistant to structure and at times unwilling to listen, the kids proved a challenge. Though some were clearly affected. Three of the young ladies in the workshop did show up the next day at our performance at the Passionfruit.

June 23rd, 2010- The Fools performed to a full house at the Passionfruit for their children's performance! The kids were a blast! That night Lou and Rita performed Brilliant Traces for a teary eyed audience. Pats on the back.

June 24th, 2010- The Fools headed up north! Let's talk about the difference between the north and the south in Ireland. Landscape is markedly different. They use the pound instead of the euro. They stop having coherent signage in towns in the north. Needless to say, the navigator (also the blogger) got turned around. We did make it to the Barn eventually. Absolutely stunning. The view from the front door was breathtaking.

June 25th, 2010- The Fools perform the children's show in Glenarm, off the coast. The principal was extraordinary. There is no shortage for friendly helpful people in this country. Lou, Laura, Austin and Ann headed to Giant's Causeway, Rita spent the evening with her mother who joined us previous day. That night to pub for traditional Irish music!

June 26th, 2010- The Fools and Mary headed to Rathlin Island. Rathlin is a gorgeous place accessible only by ferry. Ann, Austin, Rita and Laura rode bikes, Mary rode the bus and Lou walked to the sights on the island. Puffins, seabirds and seals, not to mention the most magical scenery enthralled. Exhausting, but wonderful day. The minimum miles walked/biked was about eight. Whew!

June 27th, 2010- Heading back to Dublin the Fools feel as if the north does not want them to leave. Multiple interstate diversions and a missed turn while seeking a petrol station get the Fools flustered. No worries however, they find their way back to the Avalon House. The Fools stayed the night there for another Workshop with the ladies in recovery.

June 28th, 2010- Another workshop with the awesome ladies! They were receptive and very grateful to have time to play and create. They even promised to see some of our shows later that week! The rest of the day the Fools spent shopping for prezzies in downtown Dublin. That night, back to Elaine's. Unfortunately, Lou takes ill.

June 29th, 2010- The Fools scramble for last minute marketing and rehearsals. Lou rests up and joins the crew that afternoon.

June 30th, 2010- A record breaking tech rehearsal of 3.5 hours for 3 shows! More rehearsing, marketing and resting for Thursday and Friday!

July 1, 2010- July is finally here and we have our first performances at The Base. The children's show went well, though with some tech problems. Brilliant Traces went very well even though Lou sounded like Jason Lee (according to his wife). Rita performed for her mother, brother and sister. Her brother had never seen her perform and, no surprise, he was very impressed.