Trip Flying By

Catch up time with pics perhaps tonight or tomorrow...After the Killarney trip, my car met with another car in the Lidl parking spot, which led to picking up a new blue Micra at Budget Rental, Shannon Airport.  Tuesday and Wednesday, I rode by train to Dublin, toured a bit by the big green bus, took the Guinness Storehouse tour and had an early evening.  (I want company next time I do Dublin.) Thursday, Maura, welcomed me and we had a good old chat.  Friday it was a drive around the neighborhood, go to Quin Abbey, lunch at The Abbey Tavern and meet, quite by chance, Father McInerny.  (pic later) Saturday and Sunday Winnie and I drove to Cobh (pronounced Cove) and later to Kinsale.  Our B&B lady was memorable.  More later...

Travel Is Great, But...

A quick note...there's the busy-ness of viewing the beauty and the laziness at the end of the day. Writing journel items takes a back seat to resting up.

A Taste of Kerry

Some news will be in the works regarding the last of last week and the first of this one.  The Ring of Kerry with Winnie was fabulous and my time on this particular trip hasn't been too shabby either...Dublin, by train!  When the pics are downloaded I'll post them.  I'll return to the Bridge tomorrow after locating Heuston Station on my own tomorrow, in order to avoid taxi fare.  Need to be frugal,  This weekend Winnie and I plan to go to Cork and Cobh.  So right now, it's a 'more-later' moment...

Wednesday Morning With Winnie

Wednesday Morning With Winnie

We met up at the church in the Bridge to drive in search of a senior center  in Clare Castle.  We easily found the town and then the center.

Translated..."The Bridge at Clare"

Inside we met the manager, Julie ...., (full name later) who more than welcomed us.  She allowed us to see the gathering area...tables set for tea which adjoined a large great room and what I think would be a dance area.  Off the table area was a computer room furnished with about 6 computers for those who chose to use them. I'm hoping to set up a connection with the Michigan Clare Castle folk.

Julie graciously offered us tea and scones and placed us next to Mary Isenberg, who we learned had returned to her roots from England. She's the former Mary Moroney of Castle Clare.

The actual Clare Castle as it looks today & a painting on the walls of the Day Care Centre.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarecastle

We drove a short distance to the ruins of Clare Abbey, which stands in the middle of a pasture, but which still serves as a burial place.  Winnie was especially interested in the skilled stonework placed in out of the way nooks and crannies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clare_Abbey The link tells more of the Abbey's history.

12th century ruins being admired by a 21st century fab Irish woman

Dromoland Castle was our next stop, with a walk around the grounds and a peek at the interior.  Sumptuous and posh, no?  It is now a very high class tourist place surrounded by a beautiful golf course.

Wednesday evening Elaine, Peter and I began watching the lengthy DVD of Stephen Fry in America.  I recommend it.  It's fascinating for me to see an account of an Englishman who is fond of the U.S. and Americans.  I have always loved Stephen's acting, especially in Jeeves and Wooster,  Black Adder, and more recently Bones, but now appreciate him more.

Later, I'll have to sum up my hairy trip to Mallow by train on Thursday.  The train ride was soothing, but the walking was treacherous due to very high winds.  One story was reported of a pizza delivery fellow, while walking across an intersection, lost his box which landed and splattered pizza on a driver's windshield.  More later...

Quick Recap of Galway

It was sunny and dry.  Iarod Eirann (Rail Ireland) seems very well run.  I nearly missed the train this morning as I was running late and lo and behold I didn’t have even a minute before the train arrived.  Forgot my umbrella and sunglasses in the rush.  I think I like Galway.  It hums and bustles and is very pedestrian-friendly.  People seem right at home there, yet I have heard  many languages being spoken as I ‘loped’ along. I chose for lunch the lovely and traditional Griffiths Bakery and Restaurant.  I believe I’ll make it ‘my’ restaurant. 

I’m afraid I cut my visit short, because I was nervous I'd miss the train for want of finding my way back to the station.  I think I’ll go again, leave home earlier and see Eyre Square decorated for Christmas.  I also hear there’s a nice museum and a Spanish Arch. I didn’t take many pics for some reason.  Below are a couple taken as I waited for the train at Galway Gate 2 for Limerick.  
http://www.galwaynews.ie/14428-eyre-square-become-christmas-wonderland
http://www.galwayonline.com/sights/arch.html

I found that folks are very open to chatting and imparting information.  In my conversation with 2 couples, one from Gort and one from Ennis I learned about a direct rail route to Dublin, which I might try.  One lady challenged me to learn to play bridge, which is her passion now that her family is grown. She finds bridge players all over the world.  It's something to consider.

Wednesday (this morning) Winnie and I are driving to Clare Castle for a visit to a senior facility.  Not sure what I'll find, but hope it might open up communication between ClareCastle in Clare Michigan and the 'real' Clare Castle.   More later...

Limerick Mission

Mission accomplished in Limerick today.  Rail pass was issued at the train station, which, when added to my other pass,  gives me seven more days of free travel on Irish Rail. (Tomorrow I may go to Galway—about a 2 hour trip.)

 I then gravitated to Arthur’s Quay shopping centre where I parked my car and walked a bit.  The misty air was invigorating.  It’s fun to see people with babies in strollers, where the strollers are covered with transparent plastic which keeps the little ones dry.

After browsing in a few stores I sauntered into an Irish ‘handmade’ shop and asked if they had a man’s sweater with leather trim on the shoulders and elbows.  A nice clerk (who is Polish) posed for a picture with the only they had.  Jim Alvaro (Jan’s hubby) may want it. 

After a light lunch at McDonald’s J I sat at a window seat looking out at the street and over at Arthurs Quay.  It seemed  a good time to take a picture.

I finally left Limerick and headed back toward home, but once again was drawn as if mesmerized back to Bunratty and Blarney Woolen Mill.  It’s just enjoyable to view and examine the beautiful woolen handmade jumpers (sweaters).

In the evening, back at the cottage,  I partook of Elaine’s delicious squash soup.  She has invited me to have some of the huge batch of the Irish stew she made over the weekend.  Tomorrow evening for sure.  Peter, Elaine and I watched Jeeves and Wooster and the Irish version of The Apprentice.  The latter is a favorite of theirs as well as the British version. 

It’s to bed now, with a blog posting in the morning.  More later…

Lahinch Time

After a Saturday morning around the cottage (I must get pics to show the ‘new and improved’  Anagore Cottage) I drove to Lahinch to meet up with Winnie at the granny flat.  We ate salad and scones with tea, chatted and watched t.v. until Brendan O’Connor’s late talk show was over. 

 Sunday morning while Winnie attended the catholic church of Moy, I drove into town and walked the seaside promenade.  One can find many reasons to worship our Creator at such a place.  Surfers were riding waves far out from the shore and the sun shone ‘brilliantly’ perhaps as a kind and gentle precursor to the storm that would move in later in the day.  It’s an awesome place.  TYL

Folks out for a Sunday walk.  Liscannor is in the distance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liscannor_Bay

Winnie drove us down the coast, stopping along the way to view the shore.  Then it was up to Spanish Point to the Armada Inn where we strolled among a group of wedding attenders. (see the hotel link http://www.armadahotel.com.  Then we walked the halls and gathered info from wall hangings about the history of the Spanish Armada’s sad story along the Irish coast.  About 24 galleons (ships) were lost, due partly to faulty mapping by a cartographer.  (Clicking on the photo below may help you read this.  This link tells a bit of the history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Armada_in_Ireland)

Then we drove to Quilty for a few pics.  It’s a place of more crashing waves and pretty houses overlooking it all.

From there we drove to Doonbeg village for a look, waved at a procession of wedding related cars from the hotel who honked their way through the streets.    Here's a Guinness sign we saw.

If you don't believe the hype, you've got to appreciate the humor.  They tell you "Guinness is good for you."

A few miles back down the road we drove to the beautiful Doonbeg Golf Course with its very impressive stone buildings and beautiful accommodations--adjacent to a course of traps for the golfer who loves the challenges of hills and tall grass and high ocean winds.  

It was time to head back to the flat, catch a bite to eat and try to beat the incoming weather.  The news reports showed folks preparing for flooding from rains and high seas.  Winnie agreed to stop for one more camera shot on the way back.   Here 'tis.

The rain did start before heading back, but was just a sprinkle.  Later on it poured buckets.  As I write in my bed, the sound of raindrops are lulling me to sleep.  More later…

            

Ennis by Irish Rail

Actually it was a pleasant experience.   The Golden Trekker pass seemed to be okay with the conductor.  I’m not sure if I actually believed I could use it without a bit of bother from someone.  But, hey, it did work!  The train was clean and new and the trip was as smooth as a sled down a hill of packed snow.  (I'm working on my similes.)

I nicely got my daily walk in and found Ennis, the county town, busy. The town itself is but a five minute walk from the station. It was lunch time and I wanted to eat at a familiar lunch place near The Visitor’s Center (Centre).  I did find it-- The Country Kitchen--down a close-by alleyway and gratefully sat and devoured a quiche and salad.  A friendly lady from Boste (I think) sat next to me.  We talked about my holiday and ‘how was I enjoying it?’  She told me she has a sister-in-law in St. Paul, Minnesota.  I asked about her brother and was told, ‘oh he’s back in Ireland for good.’  We laughed at that for some reason.

While walking the streets and wondering where the heck I was, I spotted a charming passenger in a slow moving car.  He seemed to like me.  The driver gave me permission to take a picture.   

After locating The Visitor’s Center I obtained free maps and brochures.  Then, I located the church spire which was my landmark back to the train station.

Instead of getting off at Sixmilebridge, I rode into Limerick where I tried to get my pass for next week.  Certain rules prevented it, so I will have to go back next week.  Could be worse.  I could have to pay for the rides, which are compliments of Golden Trekker. 

Then it was the smooth ride back to Sixmilebridge, this time full of passengers from Limerick going possibly to Ennis or Galway after work.  I was happy to find my car waiting for me in the parking lot. Evening was once again restful, conversing with Peter and Elaine about favorite movies.  They have quite a collection.   Tomorrow—not sure what I’ll do.  More later…

                        

Thursday

The planned walk to Cratloe Woods became a drive to and a walk around the Sky Court Centre in Shannon, due to landscape hydration. Perhaps the sun’ll come out tomorrow.   I enjoyed lunch at JoJos Café-- formerly Café 2000--where I have eaten many a tasty pureed soup in days gone by.  Then it was a visit to Lidl, a store much like Aldi’s, for yogurt and yes, dark chocolate bars.

http://www.skycourtshannon.com/

On the way back to the Bridge, I stopped to get a wee pic of the countryside.    If I squint past the green and misty sky I can see the pretty patchwork hill.  (click the pic)

Late afternoon saw me warming my bones back at the cottage and enjoying telly-watching.  British comedies ruled the afternoon.  Alice’s wedding on the Vicar of Dibley is a classic and Dawn French is a treasure, in my humble opinion.

Friday (today) it's the train to Ennis, barring a change of mind.  More later...

Day Four

Up and at 'em this morning.

Yesterday I drove to Limerick instead of riding the train.  It was a matter of having to meet with a rep, face to face, and the Sixmilebridge station is automated.  Anyway, I made it, via the Micra, unscathed to Limerick and got in some good walking.  Lunch was a panini at Arthurs Quay, one of my familiar haunts.

I drove to the train station at the foot of Mallow Street, crossed four or five lanes of tangled traffic, and met up with a real person, who issued a train pass.  I shall have to repeat the steps to get my other passes,  but it will be worth it considering the cost of tickets

Back at the village I noticed that the Miller sculpture still strives in the middle of the Owengarney River.  It is named "The Miller Returns" harking back to former days when a milling of rapeseed for the oil (i.e. Canola) was big business here.  (Try clicking on the picture to get a better look.) Then once again I stopped at John Crowe’s shoppe this time to purchase decaf tea and mueslix. 

After driving back to Anagore Cottage I relaxed with tea and conversation with Elaine and Peter... and the intrepid, Peig.  See below.  Peig is named after  Peig Sayers, famous storyteller from County Kerry and the Blasket Islands.   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peig_Sayers

 Today (Thursday) I plan to stay close, write and walk in Cratloe Woods.  

More later…

Ireland 2010

The overnight flight was fine, with no snags. Thanks, Continental airlines for managing so well.   In fact, we arrived at Shannon airport about an hour early.  I picked up a Nissan Micra, also snaglessly, which was a relief.  I wasn’t completely sure that Budget rental would indeed lease to a seasoned citizen such as myself.  But the nice woman gave me no trouble.  Don’t noise it about.

Peter and Elaine Clifford are my hosts at Anagore Cottage.  I have stayed with them in years past, but my former cottage apartment is now a beautiful great-room.  I’ll attach a pic.  They told me last evening that Neil Keogh, Winnie's son, did the renovation.  I'll include a few more pics later on.  

A highlight of my first day was an afternoon visit with Winnie, her granddaughters Kate and Sarah, her son, Gerald and family friend Monty.   To top it off, we had tea and scones and brack (sp?) bread with a ring buried inside.  It’s a Halloween custom.  

As yet, the adventure has been low key.  I did receive a rousing welcome from Peig, the blond terrier mix who still lives here at Anagore Cottage.  I swear she remembers me.  It’s a good time for me to have that little dog nearby.  She’s wild as ever.  I remember that a few years back, she jumped into the car through the open window as I drove in the driveway.  

Tuesday, I got my bearings again while driving to Ennis and Bunratty.  The weather?  I’ve decided not to mention it if it’s raining.  Just assume the landscape is being hydrated, as it often does on this very green island.

Wednesday (today, day 3), I may take the train from the new station in Sixmilebridge and go into Limerick for a look-see.   I heard that one can now drive south without going through Limerick.  There’s a new tunnel under the River Shannon.  Imagine that!

More later…

Saturday 10-9-10

Weather is the topic here.  The colors are showing beautifully under sunny, blue skies.  Pumpkins are on sale all over town and kids are playing soccer.  Sounds ideal, and it is.  They say winter is coming and I'd better gear up with warm clothing.  I do remember the white stuff from years back and so don't think I'll be too surprised.

After Lauryn's winning soccer game Saturday (2-1) she and I drove into Clare near the highway where north-bound traffic meets main street.  Amish folks had set up their fall wares.  I bought bread and butter pickles from the table shown below.  Also, after Lauryn eyed the peanut butter mixed with Karo syrup, I sprung for that, too.. Later, Paula said it tasted like peanut butter fudge.  This was at the McDonald's parking lot.  Smart marketing! Below, see Amish fellow in conversation with an Englisher. (That may not be the correct word.) The horse was nearby, resting in the shade.

Then we traveled a short distance to another Amish outdoor market and got homemade noodles.  I snapped a couple pics by the flowers, displayed for sale, of course.  Below, see smiling faces.

Click on pics for a closer look.

To finish off the morning we checked out the McIreland Nature Trail.  That took care of my now-promised 20-30 minute daily walk.

All in all, a pretty good morning.   'Til later.....

Clare-ity

It's true.  Time slips by like Mercury in an ancient hundred yard dash.  Can't believe it's October 7th already.  The bright orange maple trees are rippling in the breezy briskness.  Set against a cloudless blue sky, they are releasing their gorgeous leaves to carpet the park across from the apartment.

Also, across the way the park is being expanded.  I've watched workmen tear up concrete and dig impressively with monster equipment to form--I'm not quite sure what all--but I'm hoping for a miniature waterfall at the base of the water tower.

To make it even more interesting, I'm able to keep an eye on the painting of said water tower.  Guys are lifting themselves in baskets to the very top.  I saw one brave workman on the side about half way up today and snapped a shot. (See below, if I'm successful in adding a pic.)

As I write, I am sorrowful that my D'arcy is no longer with me.  Her failing health finally got the best of her.  She leaves a big hole in my heart.

Ireland now will occupy my thoughts for awhile.  I leave Oct. 31, arrive Nov. 1 and return Nov. 8.  Digs will be once more at Anagore Cottage, Ballysheen, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.  I look forward to seeing Peter and Elaine Clifford  again--also other close friends nearby.

Daring Workers 

Clare Post Office 

...just a short walk from my digs at Clarecastle...

Time to scoot for now...'til later

Michigan--Cool and Refreshing

Am almost settled with stuff placed in storage for further sorting.  D'arcy and I have walked the block several times in the late afternoon and managed to avoid (at least once) the aromatic Cops and Doughnuts Bakery.  Clare Cops actually  own and run the place.  Bob's Lounge boasts one humongous rooster (I think) as well as serving up moist broasted chicken, among other things such as beverages a "lounge" might serve.  I'll serve up some pics taken on our lap around the block.

Aroma Therapy

Bob's Big Old Bird

Late afternoon in Clare--note the Hotel Doherty on the corner of 5th and McEwan

'Tis time to take Lauryn to soccer practice.  It's a real pleasure to give her piano lessons and take her to soccer practice Mondays and Wednesdays.   More later---

Moved!

Ten days have passed since the movers arrived at Clare Castle bearing all my goods.  With much help in the unpacking from Paula and Lauryn, the new digs look pretty nice.  A second bedroom, however, has overflow.  The plan is to gradually form a guest room, so y'all will have a place to sleep when you visit, of course!

I had forgotten about the red tape in establishing residency in a new state, but the hoops have now been jumped through.  I have Michigan registration, license plate, driver's license, insurance on home and auto and am registered to vote. Tomorrow it's to the county seat of Harrison to get D'arcy's license.

Lauryn and I have had some quality time together, too.  We have had trips a half mile up the road to Shamrock Park, a pretty place on the Tobacco River.

 Haven't quite counted, but there are at least 39 shades of green.  Seems so right.  More later...

Busy-ness

Takin' care of business these days in preparation for my move north.  Had a routine physical today and will have records transferred.  The doc was pleased at my general health and I took no complaints with me to her office.  Stopped at Stein Mart, bought a little summer outfit, had a Starbucks with an oatmeal to take care of the hunger since I had not eaten before the doctor-visit.  Headed home and picked up a package at the office here. It was a CD of Celtic gospel music.  Haven't listened to it yet. 

Then I played around with a tiny gadget I bought on QVC (a Sansa Clip) with a ton of memory. I've already downloaded a couple free audio books and a bunch of songs from my computer collection.  I mentioned the player to a friend who put doubts into my head about my choice.  I was told I should have bought an IPod.  I'll manage as long as I have my computer to interface, but will have to save my pennies for an IPod that has wifi capability. 

I glanced through my Irish pic collection and found this one.  Perhaps I've shown it before.  Maybe not.  Winnie and Carmel pose before the greenery of a lovely spot in Dungarvin, County Waterford...March 2009.

Winnie and Carmel.  Try clicking on the pic to make it larger.

Tomorrow evening it's off to dinner in downtown, uptown Charlotte and a concert at South Park with Pat Miller and Betsy Mitchell.  We missed each other at LePeeps on Tuesday, so have to make up a semi-farewell get-together.  Semi-farewell, because we absolutely must meet up again this side of heaven.

More later...

Where Did June Go?

 How swiftly Time passes.  It boggles the mind.  Life in Charlotte has been very, VERY hot.  Thanks to air conditioning, D'arcy and I are surviving.  I have had a few farewells among friends.  First I bade good-bye to the great staff at JAARS Vernacular Media Services in Waxhaw where I had been volunteering since 2007.  It has been sweet and humbling as friends have treated to lunch and extended good wishes for my new Clare, Michigan life when it begins in August. Here's a snap of my Forest Hill life group girl friends over lunch at LePeeps.

Betty Vizine, Elsie Kakadelis, Betty Bonjour, Nancy Hill (behind me) Ann Woodruff, Dot Bohl

More later...

O'Brians Remembered

How time flies.  I feel encased in a time machine, which at once teases me back to ancient Ireland and yet forces me to the present where such things as selling things and moving on take place.  To bring us up to date, the condo sold in February; I moved to a rental to steep like tea leaves and to consider the next move. Now I believe I know where the next stop will be.  Before I get to the interesting (I think) news,  I'll remark on the photo.  It's a former O'Brien castle in County Clare, which did its best to protect and subdue the enemy. Didn't happen.  But life carries on. Check the link. http://two.archiseek.com/2009/lemenagh-castle-co-clare/

Now the news of my next move.  It'll be to Clare, Michigan in Clare County.  And to make matters more interesting, the apartment complex is named Clare Castle.  Check this link: http://www.mmcaa.org/clarecastle.html
One great plus will be the ability to see Jan and John and their kids--and grandkids!

This may seem like nonsense, but in examining my ancestors in the Wininger geneology line, I found a couple of Winingers with O'Brian middle names.  O'Brien or O'Brian--they're all related to Brian Boru...the great high king.  Right!  Enough for today lads and lassies...

Sunset in Lahinch, County Clare

Sunset in Lahinch

The setting sun gently dismisses the day in pastel hues.  I remember steering along a curve in the Lahinch highway and just had to stop for the above beauty of the evening over the quiet Atlantic seashore. It's suitable for framing I think.  As usual, click on the picture for a closer view.

Back at the townhouse here in Charlotte, things proceed.  An offer to buy is continuing with an inspection, after which it looks like my five-year plan is working.  I'll be busy packing, moving to an apartment, planning the next move six months ahead.  You can't beat new beginnings.

More later...