This post is proof that it's okay to stop posting and then take it up again nearly two years later.

Spring has a way of lifting the spirit. Even though many of the early blossoms have merged into leafiness, now we're seeing azaleas occupy the lawns around town. Petunias and begonias are showing up, too, as folks invest in their annuals. I'm in Weddington/Charlotte, NC and have been since mid-February (2015).

The birds outside the kitchen window keep life interesting. Mama and Papa Bluebird are regularly tending their house where 5 or 6 eggs have been placed. Judy and Oney peeked in not long ago.  Love it!

Not too long ago I traveled up to Greensboro to see Rebecca. Had a good time there. We traversed the battleground at Guildford Courthouse and tried to imagine the not-so-nice scene taking place back in the 1700's. Though the British won the battle, they lost nearly half of their great army, which led to a surrender 7 mos. later. (if I remember correctly).

Here's a pic of Guinness, Becky's and Jon's rescue hulk of a pup. He's about 2 years old and would like to be your lap dog.

So offline I go in a few seconds.  Hope to see you soon...somehow.  Perhaps you'll find this and respond with news of your own. 

We had wind and sun and a pleasant Saturday all round.   Our new bird-feeder post with its several hooks and seed stations is now awaiting visitors.  My walking project gets me out and about and has increased to one mile per day. Not much, I know, but hey, it's a start.

The exercise is becoming a photo opportunity, too. With Summer only days away, our yard looks especially nice. Pepper, Angus and Inisheer Cottage show off our pretty niche in Vernon Township, Isabella County. Someone once said, "Nothing's so rare as a day in June." I so-o-o agree.

Pepper poses prettily.

Angus guards against squirrels

Inisheer Cottage on a cool June morning.

                           

     

 Wednesday--[Old English Wōdnes dæg Woden's day, translation of Latin mercurii dies Mercury's day; related to Old Frisian wōnsdei, Middle Dutch wōdensdach (Dutch woensdag)] *Woden, Anglo-Saxon pagan god was leader of the wild hunt...

This a.m. I noticed several folks in a group, waiting for the Pere Marquette Library to open. I, too, planned to use the library. We were a bit early.

As I sat in my car, I opened a Nook book on my smarrtphone;... Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. I had begun the story weeks earlier with not much interest, but now it has caught my attention.  I read this and was impressed,  "..it was one of the best days of my life, a day during which I lived my life and didn't think about my life at all." The character is trapped inside his body and cannot speak.  (don't know why yet). Indications are, it is a young male with a brain disorder. The author can write!! Also, thanks to Google, I now know the book has been made into a movie, which I'll order on Netflix.

 When I strolled over to enter the library I saw that the folks, waiting outside, carried notebooks on which was printed "Job Hunt Club". Hmmm; *Woden--leader of the hunt? Job Hunt?  Coincidence?  :)

 For me, every day is a job hunt, of sorts. Even though I'm retired from the work force, I still toil, think, search and receive the wages of my efforts...the appreciation of all that's Good around me and a modicum of wisdom.

Soon, it's over to Curves for a weigh-in. Onward. (Thought: Live Life!)

 Place: Pere Marquette Public Library, Quiet Room. (See pics just snapped.)

 Our Beautiful Quiet Room

 Wall art displays places in Ireland that I know well.

June 9th--my 79th, and proud of it. Weather is seasonal--maybe rain, maybe not. We're hoping for a dry spell in order to cut and bring in the hay.

It's interesting being alive these days. I'm planning, once more, a couple trips.  First, it'll be to Raleigh for granddaughter Catie's wedding to Tyler Lanser. God bless them!

Then it'll be on to daughter, Rebecca's in Greensboro, NC, after which we plan to drive together to Michigan and a round of visits with loved-ones.

Concurrently, I am planning my trip back to the old sod--Ireland! September looks good. There'll be a bit more to-do this time to qualify for a car rental. (Proof of safe-driving from the insurance company. Not sure what else.)

Now for a recent pic--

The post-person stops here at 611 E. Stevenson Lake Road

Turning ancient gives one pause. I've observed that numbers vary in value; as in golf, the lower the score, the better the game; while in, say, baseball, football, soccer, and such, the higher the better. So, in computing the value of a life's length of days, I'm optimistic. I'll say that being 'up there' is (or can be) a good thing. Anyway, I'm off to another year tomorrow...in the search for adventure in God's kingdom.

Snapped this pic of wild grapes yesterday (6/7/13). Savor the variation in greens and textures.

So, it now seems a good idea to pick up where I left off...a year and four months ago. No, I won't be able to fill in the spaces in great detail.  Suffice it to say, that was then; this is now. We're all a little older; the seasons have scurried by and I'm happy to still be a part of the 'project'.

Daily items of interest might find their way to the page. I'll put the wonderful digital camera to use. Don't you just love the technology that allow us to see just-taken pictures? I'm so old, I remember Brownie box cameras and the wait while folks at the Dixie Drug Store developed our precious black and white pics.

A much-loved 1912 photo of my Grandmother, Grace Lillian Brigham hangs on my bedroom wall.  She is posing with her three daughters, Phyllis (my mother), Gladys and Susie. I like to imagine the photographer standing a few feet away, hunched in toward his state-of-the art big box camera, head covered and arm raised to provide a smoky flash.  I shall now go into my bedroom and try to capture these beautiful Brigham women with my trusty Canon PowerShot A1200.  Here goes...

 

My future Aunt Susie sits on Grandma's lap, while Aunt Gladys sits to her left and Mother, Phyllis (age 10) stands at the back, smiling demurely.

Now I think I'll try to Google an apt quote on the the passage of time. 

Here's a good one from someone who knows quite a lot of deep stuff:

“How did it get so late so soon?”

― Dr. Seuss

Another Fine Day

Clouds of Clematis

Gazebo on Turquoise Pond

Today Pepper and I ventured out for the annual Clare Garden Tour.  He did pretty well, once he realized he didn't have to stay in the apple box, but could get out to see new people and places.  (See pic below). 

The gardens were so impressive, so beautiful and so artistically arranged.  The recent rains ceased just for this event, I think.  The weather could not have been more perfect!  I think I'll try a Picasa album to display more of the gardens.

(Link to the Picasa Album)  Clare Garden Tour 
Forgive the double posting of photos in the album--2 shots for the price of one.  My computer battery ran out part way through the process.  I'll probably fix it...later.

Peaceful Porch

Pepper in His Apple Box

Pepper Resting Up

Catching Up

   Time to think and write a bit.  It has been slightly over 4 weeks since Pepper joined the family.  That explains why I haven't been thinking blogish, but have been working through the puppy stage.  Pepper is a black toy poodle who makes everyone smile and reach out to touch his soft, curly coat.  One has to be careful, though, 'cause the sharp little teeth clamp down speedily and leave their marks.  Guess this would be the spot to insert a pic of the little 'angel'. He's showing some growth now, so as soon as he holds still, I'll post some more on him. 

 Simba's Black Pepper at Jennifer's, his groomer.

   In the meantime, life in Clare, Michigan is nicely summery, with delicious waves of coolness late in the day.  Each Thursday evening through the month of June and perhaps July, the park across from my balcony holds concerts, arts and crafts offerings and fresh produce.  Lots of folks bring their chairs, have picnics and seem appreciative as they listen to the musicians who perform golden oldies.  Pepper and I have enjoyed it too. He and I walk the perimeter and later end up back on my balcony. Soon the Arts Council will present a play at Shamrock Park with an Irish theme.  'Twill be grand, I'm sure.

   Last weekend community churches banded together for a giant yard sale at my church, Brown Corners United Brethren.  They raised over $8,000.00 to benefit Love, Inc., a local and very effective helping-arm to folks in need.  Clare County at its best!
   

Daily Sightings

The last blog entry was April 29th.  Today is May 17th.  (I won't say it!)  I'll try to recap a bit.  Spring is here--off and on--and I have begun a walking endeavor.  I try to avoid the voice that whispers "tomorow".  Already 10 miles plus have been recorded on my trusty pedometer...spread over several days, of course.

On the walks I have taken along my camera, so will try to include two from last Thursday.  The first shows Amish children waiting in a wagon for the Clare 'parade' honoring hero Robert Friese who lost his life in Iraq.  The second photo was taken as the hearse passed the Doherty Hotel.  Several hundred citizens calmly lined  a long stretch of McEwan Street.  The event moved me greatly.

Amish children waiting for the hero's solemn procession.

Cortege on its way through Clare to Harrison, the home of Robert Friese.

(a click on the pics will enlarge them)

Prayers go up for the family of Spc. Robert Friese. 

Clare, Michigan is taking on the green aspect of good old County Clare, Ireland.  Nearly forty shades are dazzling the winter-weary folks here.  Me, included.  Here's a touch of green found on my walk around town.  Yellow ribbons provide a beautiful contrast.

Love these long afternoons.  Maybe I'll venture out of my apartment again, although  I seem to hear the cheeky whisper .  It sounds like, "Don't overdo it, girl."  We'll see about that.  As one of my favorite blog authors often says, "Stay tuned."  (Assuming anyone is actually reading Dot's Stuff.)

March Has Disappeared

April is nearly half-gone.  The ancient Latins knew too well that "tempus fugit", so I shouldn't be surprised. 

The St. Patrick's Day parade was as I remembered parades to be.  There were the crowds, the patriotic flag-bearers, the clowns and the bands.  Clare throws a party every year on St. Patrick's (a 4-day event).  As one obsessed with Ireland and its people I'm happy to be reminded of the man himself, who would probably tell everyone today to 'tone it down'.  After all he saw his mission as all about God and Christ.  Check out his 'Confession'. I think you'll see what I mean.
Here are some pics of parade day.  BTW, Lauryn, got a medal in the 5k race for fastest in her age group. She deserved it!

 Ronald

 Musicians and Jokers Extrordinaire

Clare Float

Irish John

Marchteenth the Fourth

John, who is on his way to Nicaragua to do helpful stuff, is celebrating his birth today.  He meets up with a group from Brown Corners church and will be reporting back on Thursday.

St. Patrick might be on one's mind as we approach his day.  The man was for real, called back to Ireland after having been held as a slave there for 8 years.  His 'Confession' is very interesting reading.  http://www.amazon.com/Confession-Saint-Patrick-Letter-Coroticus/dp/0385491638

He was a fearless servant of God among a pagan culture.  His encounter with the High King is legend.  Here's a link that can relate it better than I.  I have been up the Hill of Slane several times.  Once Sharon Wininger (McKai) and I tiptoed our way through a herd of dairy cattle to reach the top.
http://www.slane.com/hillofslane.htm

I took this pic of the view from the Hill.  I believe if you click on the pic it brings it closer.

I  

So, bye for now, or as the Irish often say "Slan go foill"

Good Old North Carolina

Today, I'm writing from Oney's and Judy's computer.  Here's a picture from their files.

Pic taken at portal tomb, Poulnebrone in County Clare, Ireland.

Having a wonderful time.  It's time to return to the old sod.

....and here's a very nice laddy, Nicholas Pinder with old St. Nick.



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…