Lismore Castle Grounds

March 22, 2009 in County Waterford--Lismore Castle Grounds

(Click for more info on Lismore Castle)

The weekend in March 2009 began at Dungarvin, Co. Waterford.  It was a 'girl's' weekend.  My Irish friends Winnie and Carmel and I went down to the Munster Senior Scor semi-finals in Cappoquin, Co. Waterfored.  For me it was the complete Irish experience, with all entrants using their Irish names and with the program printed in Irish.  Waterford is known there in Irish as Port Láirge.  When we left our lovely B and B, we headed over to Lismore for a romp around the castle grounds, then went south toward Limerick and home.  The trip took us to the Tipperary/Waterford line.  Winnie had packed a lunch, which we ate on a grassy hillside, complete with a waterfall and nearby sheep.  It was a pastoral treat!  A short drive from there took us to the Vee, where the hills meet, forming a vee, through which a panoramic view known as the Golden Vale can be seen.  I'll insert my photo of the Vee here.

(Click on the pic to see better.)

But now it's back to lovely reality, snug in my warm surroundings and having good memories of Christmas here with Rebecca, Ben and Heather.  We ate heartily, opened gifts, chuckled alot and hugged at our parting.  2010 is sneaking up on us.  Wonder what surprises lie ahead?  Guess I'd better break now and take D'arcy for her walk.

More later...

Lahinch to Spanish Point Scenery

Spanish Point, Co. Clare, Ireland

(Click on pic for a better view)

On March 28, 2009 it was time to go back home to Charlotte; to friends and family; and to D'arcy, my Sheltie.  I had crammed my large suitcase to near bursting and wondered why I tote so much stuff around.  Winnie and I enjoyed a farewell dinner in Spanish Point, before which she helped me load the monstrous luggage into my little Nissan Micra. The above is the shoreline outside the lovely hotel there. A day earlier, I had driven to Doonbeg, near Spanish Point.  The weather was fierce--with waves splashing up on the highway.  Spanish Point, Doonbeg, Quilty, etc. are on the drive south of Lahinch, along the Atlantic coastline.

Weather today in good old Charlotte is sunny and cold.  Cold, as in 47 degrees F.  Cold is relative, don't you know.  We have had hard frosts, but no snow as yet here on Windbluff Drive behind the Arboretum. I have ingredients laid out in the kitchen to make Amish ginger cookies.  Guess I'd better get to work.

More later...

Claudia and Shane

Shane and Claudia

Claudia, Shane and I met up at the Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Limerick.  That was back when Shane was very small.  Now he's quite a big boy.  Claudia has a wonderful spirit.  She loves the Lord and has been on a life-journey which has led from Brazil to Ireland to California, where John lives.

She and John met online.  He eventually came to Ireland to seal the deal.  They became engaged shortly before the above picture was taken.  I was so happy when they paid me a visit at Lahinch, where I was staying in Winnie's granny flat.  Claudia wasn't quite ready to leave Ireland, due to visa requirements and such.

Now, at this writing, she and Shane are in Californis with John and Rachel, his daughter.  Her Christmas greeting reflects her happiness.  I wish them sooooo much love and joy in their new life.

Meanwhile---

Christmas is becoming what it is.  This year, it's gifting, of course, but with a little more care in expenditures.  Cookies have been baked and distributed; presents wrapped; and parties with friends, happily accomplished.  The house is still on the market, so I'll be seeing the new year in at my little townhouse on Windbluff Drive.  Rebecca will be with me at the Christmas eve candlelight service (if all works out) and will be here Christmas day along with Ben and Heather, my darling grandson and his beautiful wife.

In case you're wondering, you can find my first fiction effort at: Shannon Song by Dorothy Fairchild

Now, I must hustle around and get ready for Silver Sneakers at 11:30.

More later...

Coole Park, Gort, County Galway

Coole Park Beauty

(click for a closer look)

Lady Gregory lived at Coole Park, which is a must-see for visitors to the west of Ireland.  Though from the English upper class, Lady Gregory loved the Irish.  (That's why I admire her.)  She did much in her time to preserve the Irish language.  Learn more about this beautiful place.   More on Lady Gregory and Coole Park.

My good friend Winnie and I visited Coole Park on a chilly March day this year, where I snapped the photo of the exotic tree above.  I have Googled around to find the name of the tree, but haven't had any success.  I'll keep looking.  The tree is one of many which Lady Gregory collected from all over the world.  I think it's noble--lumpy, but noble; kind of like the way some people look in their old age.

Meanwhile back at the townhouse in Charlotte, NC, I await word if a buyer might be in the wings.  Having shown the place three times to the same 'looker', there's the possibility that someone may be interested.  Ya' think?  Anyway, Christmas is a comin', I have things to do.

Tonight I placed a lighted wreath on the outside wall of my unit--my contribution to neighborhood festiveness.  This year, even with the usual madness in the mall, I'm glad people are concentrating on giving to someone special in their lives.  They may for a brief moment even focus on the Christ of Christmas and give Him thanks for their blessings.  I believe it could happen. Call me a cockeyed optimist.

Tomorrow, it's out to JAARS for a few hours of work on the Vernacular Media Services (VMS) newsletter.  See my links to the right and you can visit, too.