#Griff Dowling

[lindyloosims]

The road so far!

I love a good SPN reference!

[germanlander]

Hurleymacher Mark Dowling

Heute habe ich den Hurleymacher Mark Dowling in seiner Werkstatt in Kilkenny besucht. (Für die, die es nicht wissen: “hurley” ist der Schläger beim Hurling.) Er hat mich seiner Arbeit zusehen lassen und ich durfte ein paar Fragen stellen und Fotos machen. Mark ist die dritte Generation Hurleymacher. Das ist kein anerkannter Ausbildungsberuf, sondern er hat es von seinem Vater Brian gelernt. Das Holz, was verwendet wird, ist Esche, weil es recht flexibel ist (ich glaube, Bögen zum Bogenschießen werden auch aus Esche gemacht). Die Bäume sind etwa 20-25 Jahre alt, wenn sie gefällt werden. In der guten alten Zeit mussten die Hurleymacher die Bäume noch selbst fällen. Mark und sein Vater bekommen das Holz heute aus einer Sägemühle und dann sieht es so aus:

Der obere Teil im Bild ist offensichtlich der untere Teil des Baumes. Daraus wird die bás gemacht (irische für Handfläche, wird wie der Boss ausgesprochen). In vergangenen Jahrhunderten war die bás kleiner. Mark erzählte mir, dass sie 13 cm weit sein müsste, aber das sie meistens größer sind. Kein Schiedsrichter gehe vor dem Spiel mit einem Maßband rum und messe nach. Sie lassen dann das Holz 10 Stunden in einem Trockner trocknen. Im Winter kann das auch länger dauern, weil Irland ein so feuchtes Land ist. Nach dem Trocknen wird das Holz mit einer Bandsäge in seine grobe Form gesägt. Danach gehen sie in eine Maschine, die sie in eine definiertere Form bringt:

Danach kommen sie wieder in die Bandsäge, wo die Enden abgeschnitten werden, die sie in der eben gezeigten Maschine gehalten haben.  Im nächsten Schritte bearbeitet Mark sie mit drei verschiedenen Speichenhobeln und einem normalen Hobel.

Die Hurleys werden von einer ganz einfach anmutenden Anordnung von drei Nägeln gehalten, während er sie bearbeitet. Manchmal hilft auch Marks Körpergewicht nach:

Anschließend sind sie schon ziemlich glatt, aber sie kommen dann in die Schleifmaschine. Ich glaube, das macht normalerweise sein Vater, der dabei Schutzkleidung trägt, denn das wirbelt eine Menge Staub auf! Brian umwickelt dann den Schläger mit schwarzem Band und die Schläger sind fertig für den Verkauf.

Sie brauchen etwa eine halbe Stunde für einen Hurley. Die normalen Größen sind 20 bis 37 Inches, aber Mark erzählte mir, dass 36 und 37′’ kaum noch bestellt werden. Sie schreiben die Größe auf das Ende des Griffes (leider habe ich vergessen, ein Foto davon zu machen). Wenn der Kunde das wünscht, befestigen sie noch Metallstreifen um die bás, um sie haltbarer zu machen. Im Moment sind sie sehr beschäftigt und es gibt eine drei- bis vierwöchige Warteliste.

Als ich ihn gefragt habe, ob sie auch Hurleys exportieren, erzählte mir Mark, dass es Teams in Australien und Belgien gebe, für die sie schon Hurleys gemacht haben.

Die Bälle fürs Hurling (Sg. sliotar) werden hauptsächlich in Pakistan und Indien produziert.

Ich hätte ihm Stunden bei der Arbeit zuschauen können, vor allem beim Hobeln. Ich liebe dieses Geräusch! Übrigens sammeln sie die Sägespäe und verwenden sie zum Heizen oder geben sie an Leute weiter, die damit den Hundezwinger auslegen oder ähnliches

[lindyloosims]

Generation Two Heir Poll!

I leave it up to you, my small handful of readers, to choose Griff's successor. Who will be the heir? Will you choose Dawson or Zachary? Please vote now for your favourite! Generation Two shall begin immediately after the votes are in!

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[lindyloosims]

I returned home from class with the mother of all migraines, and of course that's when Tiff was on their cleaning spree! I downed a couple of ibuprofen and hoped for the best!

The din of the vacuum was worth enduring as cleaning always gets Tiff in the mood! And with the kids at school and Zaccy taking a nap, this was the perfect time for...

...absolutely nothing! Yeah Tiff just wanted to snuggle and make out...

...so we did, until the teenagers got home and ruined our quiet time, also Tiff had to go to work so there was that!

Well at least one teenager got home! Wes was MIA and I didn't even notice! I was too busy organising Tiff's birthday bash! There were so many people there that I'm ashamed to admit he did go unmissed!

Tiff got promoted again but they were feeling bored, so as soon as we could afford it, they were going to look for something else.

Zaccy was becoming a problem, his obsession with being held was cutting into our own snuggly time, but who can be mad at that little face, huh? Not me that's for sure! Tiff's party was about to start and that was when the fun would begin...

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[lindyloosims]

Am I happy about this? Of course I am! Did we plan it? Fuck no! Did I go out and get a vasectomy after Zaccy was born? Heck yeah! Do we use condoms every time we make love? We sure do! So what went wrong...or right...the rules of my generation state that the offspring limit is two, Tiff and I agreed to this, so what do we do about this problem? I don't want to get rid of a perfectly healthy baby, money has always been an issue but we still raised the boys on a tiny income. We're both happy to have children so there is no logical reason, other than the rule, for us to get rid of this baby!

So we're keeping it, fuck the rules!

Am I scared to be a dad at my age? Yes but it's nothing I haven't done before, only younger. Dawson and Zachary turned out to be wonderful young men and that's all down to me and Tiff! We might be older parents, but this baby will want for nothing! They'll also never have to worry about being alone, they'll have two big brothers looking out for them, three if you count my buddy Wes.

GRIFF: We can do this!

TIFF: Yes we can! Are you happy?

GRIFF: Over the moon!

TIFF: I hope it's a girl!

If I'm honest, so do I! We have two boys and a wolf, we need some more feminine energy around here!

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LJ's Note: This really was a pure accident, Griff had the snip and he always wears protection when he and Tiff woo hoo! So when I had Tiff take the test I never expected them to be pregnant, the game is funny like that eh? I know the 1st gen rule is offspring limit of 2, but how can I in all concsience take this away from them? They're so happy!

[lindyloosims]

After his date with Elsa Bjergsen, Dawsy decided he was going to take a break from the whole dating game. It's a shame as he and young Tala Robles always had chemistry.

I've kept up my exercising regime in the wake of my birthday. I don't mind getting old now, I've achieved so much in such a short life and my children are my legacy. Life is good, I have no complaints except for the fact that my wedding didn't happen...maybe some day when Tiff has completely forgiven me.

I wonder what I'll look like as an old man, I'm more intrigued than anything else about this whole ageing thing. All that really matters to me is that my family are healthy and happy! Here comes elderhood!

Alright Zaccy, no need to get too excited over your old man getting old!

Whassup! It's me, your boy Griff! I've still got it!

GRIFF: How you doin' kid?

DAWSON: I'm okay dad, just...got the blues is all!

GRIFF: Anything I can help you with? I hate seein' you so down!

DAWSON: It'll pass, I promise. Don't worry about me, oh and happy birthday by the way, I always knew you'd still be cool as an elder!

GRIFF: Thanks, I feel pretty good for a member of the grey hair brigade!

I do worry about my boy, I can't help it, it's what dads do! I know he'll be fine, he's a good kid and his future is bright but he's still my first born and no matter how old he is, I will always worry because it's my job! He will understand when he's a father, kids are the biggest joy and the biggest stress of your life!

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[lindyloosims]

When we emerged from our den of sin in the bathroom, there was an atmosphere between Zac and Lindsay. Dawson didn't know what it was and Zaccy wasn't up for talking. Teens!

Kim and I are on good terms these days, which is a surprise to me, so I felt like she should be a part of the wedding being Dawsy's mother and all.

GRIFF: So Kim I was wondering if you'd be the officiant at our wedding, you don't have to if...

KIM: What?

GRIFF: It was a stupid idea, forget-

KIM: No, I'd...I would love to Griff! I'm honoured!

Our wedding party is basically complete, I have my sim of honour in Dawsy and my officiant in Kim. Wes is a sim of honour too and Zaccy was a flower pal but he's a bit too old for that now. The main thing is that as a family we will be together for that one day.

That's if we ever get there!

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[lindyloosims]

We decided to have an engagement party, I'm determined to marry Tiff before our boys grow up and move out!

There was lots of dancing!

Zaccy had his Lindsay all to himself, the boy has it bad. To be fair though, she is a really nice girl so I can understand his feelings for her. She reminds me of a girl I knew when I was his age, but that didn't end well...not that I'm saying that history will repeat itself, I really hope not!

I know it's not polite to hide from your own engagement party but Tiff and I were not missed, I don't think! We retreated to the bathroom and had a little party of our own! I am well aware that we're disgustingly happy, so sue me! This heavenly creature is going to be my wife very soon...I can hardly believe my luck!

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[lindyloosims]

Zac is finding it difficult to chat with Lindsay when his big brother is hovering about smirking all the time.

DAWSON: Sup!

ZAC: Kill me now!

LINDSAY: Oh hey Dawson!

ZAC: Don't engage Lindsay!!!

DAWSON: I gotta go...over there!

ZAC: Oh my gaaaawwwwdddd!!!

ZAC: Please ignore my brother, he's not very well mannered!

LINDSAY: *giggle* Unlike you eh Zachary?

ZAC: I'm a gentleman!

LINDSAY: You sure are! My red knight!

DAWSON: Hey are you two finished, um, doing whatever it is that you're doing? Dad wants to meet your little girlfriend Zac!

ZAC: *sigh* Was I evil in a past life or something?

LINDSAY: Cool, I really want to meet your dad Zachary!

DAWSON: *snort* Zachary!

I just wanted to meet this girl that Zaccy was so besotted with. Turns out she's very polite and friendly, if he gets his heart broken then I'll deal with that when it comes. For now I have to chill out as Dawsy keeps telling me, he never gave me this grief as he's never really had a girlfriend. This is new territory!

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[lindyloosims]

My studies are going a lot better lately, I'm determined to get an A! If Tiff would lay off the cake I'd be able to concentrate better though!

Just when things were going well for me I came down with something and needed surgical intervention, it wasn't pleasant and cut into my studies quite a bit!

Dawson is holding down the fort while I recover, he has two days to go until he's a man...someone stop time please?

He finally got that easel we had promised him and he's sold a couple of paintings. Our funds are in the black at the moment but anything can change, especially when I'm laid up like this!

And Tiff got another promotion, and that's when things heated up! Literally!!!

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[lindyloosims]

Tiff is still on their exercise kick! If they're not careful they're gonna disappear soon!

Just in time for Wesley's age up, Dawsy is feeling a little better!

I'm gonna really miss this kid! He'd better stay in touch, we're family now! Zaccy is a little sad that his bestie is moving out, but he'll visit and he'll call, I just know he will!

He's living in Forgotten Hollow and he has a boyfriend, a vampire would you believe it! A werewolf and a vampire in love? Yeah it's like a twisted Twilight or something, I dunno I never read the books or saw the movies!

Anyway they're really happy together!

They had a science baby, a little wolf girl called Cassidy Vatore-Vo! She's gorgeous! I'm a granddad!

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[lindyloosims]

Wesley and Zaccy are best friends now, and it's Wesley's birthday! He's moving out soon but has promised to stay in touch with his little best mate!

Sadly he fell ill and needed surgery after he arrived back home from his job as a lifeguard, but he should get out in time for his cake and age up!

And my first born is a fully fledged teen now, we're the same height too which freaks me out! Dawsy you will do great things, I just know it!

Now Dawson has fallen ill just after his growth spurt and his voice break! Poor kid! What is in the water here?

When Wes was discharged, Dawson gave him one of his spliffs from his school bag for the pain, yes the same kid gave my son another joint! I could tell by the way he held it and puffed on it, this was not Wesley's first rodeo! Well he's almost a man, I'll let it go!

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[lindyloosims]

When Dawson returned home from school today he was a little subdued. Kim was babbling away at him about "art club", he isn't in any art club silly woman! He later informed me that there is a spliff in his bag, given to him by a friend. I told him that it was his choice what he did with it, I trust the kid, he's got his head screwed on right unlike his father. And what kind of father would I be if I was all do as I say, not as I do? Nope I won't be that guy!

Duke continues to roam around our house, and he leaves large gifts behind too. Zaccy still doesn't like him one bit!

ZAC: Lady will you get your horse outta here? So rude! *shakes little red head*

Dawson heads off to work, he works in a book store and thoroughly enjoys it, and he likes to get away from Kim whenever he can too!

It seems like this condition runs in the family, but at least I can afford the cream now for little Zaccy!

Dawson returns home with a promotion, he contributes well to the family funds. It's all gonna be his and his brother's some day anyway so every little helps right now.

Meanwhile, Tiffany attempts to bond with Wes before he leaves us. They have been distant towards him since they came back from the hospital, but they're trying now.

TIFF: Need a hand with your project?

WES: Uhhhh...

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[lindyloosims]

GRIFF: Hey!

Wrong choice of words, it only made him hungry! Was Kim always this, um, eccentric? Bringing a horse into my home and declaring she wants to help out with "the little one"? Zaccy is a child now, where was she when Tiff was in surgery? What is this all about?

ZAC: Daddy? Make it leave!

Along with his concern that only he could see the horse, Zaccy was also feeling like he isn't smart enough and that breaks my heart. So what do you do in this scenario? I hope I helped, being a parent is tough sometimes, not knowing the right thing to say.

It did seem to do the trick as he proceeded to make my ears bleed with his violin, maybe he'll get better eh?

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[lindyloosims]

KIM: Hello little one, how are you?

ZAC: Hello Dawson's mum, I am fine!

Did I mention that my Zaccy is fluent in sarcasm? It comes in handy sometimes!

KIM: So we're staying for a few days to help out, how's school honey? You still in the art club and stuff?

DAWSON: Um...we? You mean you and Mr Gooseman?

KIM: Oh heavens no, he met his maker when you were still in nappies sweetheart!

DAWSON: I ask again, who is we???

Turns out she was talking about ol' Duke, Don Gooseman's horse!

KIM: Say hello to my big boy!

Yeah it is disturbing in so many ways!

ZAC: Um...there's a mahoosive smelly horse in the house, does anyone else see the mahoosive smelly horse? Please?

Yes Zaccy thought he was hallucinating when Duke appeared in our kitchen, but alas...he was not!

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[lindyloosims]

After their scare post Zaccy, Tiff's visit to the gynecologist was a good one, they're absolutely fine despite all that bleeding...and they're thinner than ever. I don't mind as long as they're happy?

I know I am, I've been thinking about our wedding a lot lately, but there just hasn't been any time! Dawson is my sim of honour, of course, and he keeps asking about it...soon! I love Tiffany so much I could burst!

Zaccy is making the most of his last day as a toddler, he has the cutest laugh and it warms my heart to hear him enjoying himself!

ZAC: I stacks goods huh?

Tiff is making his birthday cake right now and I feel so sad and proud at the same time. We really don't get much time with them as tiny little sims, and it's not fair, who is responsible for this fleeting life of ours? I'll kick your butt!

I really hope they don't eat this one, I've unclogged our toilet too many times! Enough is enough Tiffany! Obey the dairy gods for the sake of Armitage Shanks!

TIFF: IDOWHATIWANT!!!

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