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