Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Five American Sisters

In a short two months time, I'll be on a plane to Ireland with four of my sisters. (There's one more, who will not be joining us.) We'll stay a week at Holly Hill, then three will depart, leaving my oldest sister and myself for another week. As seems to happen in families with lots of women, the pre-trip gossip has begun to simmer. It's already been decided who rooms with who (as the host, I get my own room -- ha!). I've winnowed down the possible day trips to two -- Achill Island and Doo Lough/Leenane. So much to see in so little time! Most people who stay at our house, once they get there, don't want to leave. Why would you, waking up to this each day?


One of my brothers-in-law thinks we're nuts: five middle-aged women, some of us outspoken, most of us opinionated, with varying degrees of tolerance and adaptability (myself included). Will we revert back to our roles we played as children? (God I hope not.) Will we all respect the individual each has grown into during her lifetime thus far? (I hope so.)

I'm working on a set of rules to which we must abide, the first one being:

1. No whining about malfunctioning body parts. Holly Hill is a place of refuge from all ills and whatever ails you. This rule prohibits the discussion of cholesterol levels, arthritis, colonoscopies, mammograms, biopsies, valves, joints, supplements, pharmaceuticals, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.; except in the event of a medical emergency.

However, the following anatomical-related subjects are exempt: menopause, teeth.

This list will be updated as more rules make themselves known.

In the meantime, the countdown has begun.

13 comments:

  1. I'm wondering if you'll allow euphemisms?
    And... why are teeth allowed? Unless you all do start to bite each other. In which case pre-trip rabies vaccine is in order. Menopause, well... but it does kind of coincide with all the unmentionables.
    Perhaps, and this is only a thought, one should keep the discussion to pie? And all the different sorts of pie? And to help prevent the unmentionables from being mentioned... keep one's mouth full of pie? Which one can chew with legal teeth. And then wave the empty pie tin to fan away the menopausal power surges...
    Just a couple things that came to mind. And pie is not a euphemism.

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  2. I'm with Melinda on the inclusion of teeth in the list of banned discussion topics. Or, in other words, I am against the exclusion of teeth on the list of exceptions. I think that's a quintuple negative. And bring a box of Estroven PM so everyone can get some sleep, and discuss "lovelier thoughts..." sp

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  3. I, for one, welcome your reports and photos, and am certain all five of you are going to have a splendid time.

    Love, C.

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  4. I seem to remember that you've only just got back from Ireland!

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  5. i don't think you have enough sisters.
    may i please come?
    xxoo
    second thoughts: that might be a different trip...?

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  6. Merlinda: Suddenly everyone is talking to me about pie (you're not the only one). Just thinking about pie is a caloric activity, alas. I think I'll stick to teeth.

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  7. sussah, affirmative on the Estroven PM. It's a recent addition to my daily regime and its a godsend.

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  8. Foxessa, I'm glad somebody has a positive attitude here!

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  9. Cro, well, that was WAAAAY back in September of last year.

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  10. Susan, we'll have room the second week. Come on over!

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  11. T.: you have *no* idea how impetuous i am. nor, how much i have been wanting to go to Ireland! the only thing stopping me is that i just bought tickets to go to san francisco to see my son. 5/18 - 5/24. i bet that overlaps, right?

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  12. T, my mom is one of six girls and all my life i have loved watching them squabble and then collapse into sudden laughter, and be so much themselves with one another, and yes opinionated and given to sharing those opinions, and I never could look away. They are the loves of each others lives in the most beautiful and often hysterically funny way. If their experience is any guide you will definitely not stick to the approved topics and there will grumpy mornings, and you will laugh till your sides ache. Glory!

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  13. That mountain was covered in snow this morning

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