Roy -- We caught the first few days of the second heat wave, when we spent our last few nights in West Cork and enjoyed the last of the first wave during the first two days of our trip.  Coulda, shoulda, woulda liked to have enjoyed all the warm, sunny days, but ...

Received an update on the "Round Tower" vase.  Was advised that it was shipped, yesterday, insured air post,  and should arrive here, within ten (10) days!

Quite excited.

Bob

Michele --

I posted a couple on flickr -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/itallian_chauffeur/9248132198/in/set-72157634558506415/

I hope to have it within 9 or 10 days.  I'll post better pix once I get it.  There were a number of delays in shipping --

First and foremost, my Visa card was compromised while I was in Ireland.  In an interesting case of coincidence, someone tried to rack up over $800 worth of merchandise from Best Buy on 19 June-- and Visa "flagged" it as bogus -- BECAUSE they noted that I had informed them that I would be in Ireland at that time.  At THAT point, Visa "Froze" the account.

Once I got back and found out, I had to call Ireland and give them a different CC number, so that they could ship it.

It REALLY pays to notify your Credit Card company before you travel!

Bob