Ireland day 1532. Monday 08 December 2025- Frustration

Today’s summary	A frustrating and disappointing day, trying unsuccessfully to locate some vital documents which An Post appear to have lost. Went for a stroll round the Demesne with Val in the evening, to try and calm down. Had more beef casserole for dinner and watched some TV.
Today’s weather	Mostly dry with some watery sun. Light south westerly wind. Appx 10c
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Today’s overview location (The blue mark shows the location of our route)		Close-up location (The blue line shows where we walked) (Click button below to download GPX of today’s walk as recorded, or see interactive map at bottom with elevations corrected): Slow Demesne circuit with Val

Commentary

Sometimes I think we all have days when life just seems to conspire against you. Today I did have a bit of one of those though I have to say that on the plus side, my flu seems to be slowly getting better. Although I still feel a bit tired, and occasionally sweaty.

The main source of my frustration came from the fact that some important documents I sent last week by AnPost express tracked delivery have not arrived and there is no tracking information available for my package. Speaking to staff in Malahide and in Swords An Post offices, it seems that most likely the documents never left the Malahide office, or were lost between Malahide and Swords. Of course both offices deny that the problem is theirs, and each blame the other for causing it. But neither will do anything to help sort it out.

So I contacted the central AnPost helpline, which is just a chatbot, which told me it could not help because there is no tracking information. So I am left with having to fill in sheets of forms to get AnPost to instigate an investigation but probably with very little chance that my missing documents will ever actually be found.

Anyway after a morning rushing around getting nowhere, I gave up. It was the last thing I needed when I’m still not feeling very well. I felt I needed to clear my head and zone out for a bit before returning to the battle. So after a very light lunch of tea and toast, Val and I chatted for a bit (it’s so good to have her back) and then went on an stroll round the Demesne just as it was beginning to get dark.

It was quite a pleasant evening. Not too cold, not much wind, and thankfully not raining for once. We both enjoyed the walk and it was good to see some of the lighting and other paraphernalia set up for the “Wonderlights” show which is going on at the moment. All very atmospheric.

Once back at the flat, we had a low key evening. For dinner we had some more beef casserole, which we eased down with a very enjoyable beer or two. Then we rounded off by watching a bit of TV and giving some thought to our Christmas plans.

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


Hurling, tree and castle. A Malahide archetype	Festoon lighting showing the way

Approaching the Avoca courtyard – you might just be able to see the “Wonderlights” Ferris wheel, at the centre of the picture in the distance



My favourite tree. Arboreal perfection, from any angle in any light