HELLO EVERYONE –

I AM BLOGGING ON FACEBOOK NOW –

GO TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE –!!

THANKS SO MUCH –

IRENE

It is with great pleasure I announce the arrival of Irene O’Connor and her husband, Matt Fleury’s twin baby BOYS!   They arrived Monday last night (4/27/09).

Robert Gordon Fleury was born at 11:04 p.m. weighing in at 4 pounds, 14 ounces.

Quilty John Fleury was born at 11:05 p.m. l weighing 4 pounds, 11 ounces.

Robert is named after Matt’s Dad.

Quilty is named after town where Irene’s dad was born in Ireland.

Irene says thanks to everyone for the good wishes and thoughts!  Everyone is doing fine!

– News Director Dana Neves

That’s the word from my doctor as I get ready for the twins to arrive.  I will be resting and will not be at work on the morning show until they are born.  Their due date is June 6th, but they could be here early of course !  I will be back at work on the morning show later this summer after I take some time off to take care of them.   I will miss my morning crew but I will keep everyone updated.  Thank you all for sending so many kind wishes my way.  I will be reading my email everyday!

I have not blogged in while,  I’ve been a little busy attempting to get ready for twins!!  So , first things first:  the West Street Grill in Litchfield is open for business again after a terrible accident where their executive chef was burned.  He is doing much better and  if you have not been there,  make sure you make the trip, the food is so special. 

Back to the twins,  over the past few weeks my emotions have gone from total panic to excitement to curiosity and wonderment.  My twins are due on June 6th.  They will be my first children and I could not be more excited or more nervous!   I have gotten lots of advice from wonderful viewers of Channel 3 Eyewitness News in the morning.  Many people are parents of twins and say, “get your sleep now because you won’t be getting it when they arrive.!”   I’m sure that’s the case and I think I’ve prepared over the past couple of years because I wake up at 2:30am each day to go to work, but I know nothing can really prepare you for two babies who may be awake all night!

My family and friends have been incredible, throwing me a baby shower and showering me with gifts for the babies including two precious hand knit sweaters made by my mother in- law.

The viewers have been amazing as well, some of them sending me handmade sweaters, hats and blankets.   I am in awe of the time and talent of some of the women here in Connecticut.  The gifts for the babies are so beautiful and I am overwhelmed that they take the time to make gifts by hand for them.   Thank you all so much.

I have just a short time to go before the babies are born, I continue to be amazed by the range of emotions I have, sometimes I’m even terrified!  Yikes!  I am so fortunate though to have a wonderful network of friends, family and faithful viewers of Channel 3. 

The sexes of the babies are going to be kept a surprise, so stay tuned!

Sweater made by my mother in law

My thoughts go out to the wonderful people at the  West Street Grill in Litchfield.  The restaurant will be closed for a few weeks after the executive chef James Cosgriff was severely burned in an accident while he checked the connections to a convection oven.  

I was at the West Street Grill with my family over the weekend and it was probably one of the more special meals I have ever had.  The owner James O’Shea is a delight and has a real passion for quality food.   From the simple to the sublime, from homemade pasta to homemade ice cream and gelato, it was an amazing experience.   Once it re-opens, you should make it a ”must visit.”  

O’Shea tells me it may take a few weeks before they can open again because they have to install a new gas line at the restaurant.     We are thinking of all of you and especially your chef.  We wish him a speedy recovery.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!   Here is a recipe for Irish Soda Bread from my mother!~ 

Enjoy – 

Irish Soda Bread

3 and 1/2  half cups king aurthur flour

1 cup  raisins 

1 cup buttermilk   

1  tablesp. of baking powder

1 teasp. of baking soda 

2 tablesp butter

2 eggs

2 tablesp. of sour cream

2 tablesp. sugar

1 teasp. carraway seeds

 

 

Method

 

Put flour  baking powder, baking soda, carraway seeds, sugar  in bowl, mix. Crumple in butter.

Beat eggs  add to flour mixture, with buttermilk, sour cream. Mix all together.Put onto a floured

board & knead well.  Form into  a round loaf. Place in iron  frypan. With a knife cut a cross

on top of loaf.

 

Bake @ 350 oven

For 1 hour

 

St. Patrick’s Day is on the way and time for all things Irish!  This year, the St. Patrick’s season started on a giving note in Hartford at an event for the MS Society of Connecticut called:  Get your Irish Up!

This was such a fun way to kick off the season at the Hartford Hilton and it was all organized by Michael O’Toole whose mother lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis.   He wanted to get directly involved in the fight and cure for this autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system.  

This year, the event featured Caley McGrane and the exiles and the Coogan School of Irish Dance.  I was honored to be the Honorary Chairperson for the event this year.

For more information on multiple sclerosis or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, call 1-800 FIGHT MS or visit www.ctfightsMS.org .

The Hartford St. Patrick’s Day parade is next weekend!   It steps off from the State Capitol at 11am on Saturday March 14th. 

 This year you can help support the parade with a bracelet made by Sylvia Guinan.  They are made from emerald green and clear cracked crystal.   

The parade costs thousands of dollars to put on every year and these bracelets could make a great gift.   Here’s how you can order them, you can email: 

  teri@sylviasstyle.com

The single strand bracelet is $40 and the double strand is $60.   The proceeds go to the Central Connecticut Celtic Committee which puts on the St. Patrick’s Day parade.  See bracelet photos of single strand above on the left and double strand to the right.