Motoring Down the Road | Peaches Prattlings

{October 17, 2014} Day Nine in Ireland

I got the sweater…where’s the boy?

Today I got up earlier than ever and then errand my book, showered, packed and headed down to the pub across the street for breakfast. My waitress had just gotten back from three weeks in Spain, why don’t we do holidays like that?

I stopped by the chemist on my way out because I did not want to bring this cold back with me as my souvenir! The sudafed is working wonders! I got on the road and drove and drove and drove, I stopped in Kildare, but realized I am going to be there tomorrow, so I headed on to Dublin.

As the gps couldn’t find things and I stopped using it last week, I wanted to do what I could from memory and I was pretty darn good! I did stop by a hotel at the airport for help, but I got there! Then I chilled for a bit and got on the bus for City Center. I got off at Trinity College and did something I haven’t done since I got here, retail therapy!

First thing I did actually, was get some lunch at KC Peaches, a lovely place with delicious, healthy, home grown ingredients sandwich. Then I headed to the Sweater Shoppe! And I got it! You guessed it! My Irish knit sweater! It was really hard to decide what looked right and felt good where I wouldn’t itch thinking about putting it on! Merino wool is itchy!

Ok, so I have the Irish knit sweater…where’s the Irish boy? Maybe I have to wear it to find him! Then I went into a few stores and picked up a few things, I can’t tell..someone might be reading this!

I walked up and down the streets, it’s a serious bustling city, I love it! It started raining on the way and never really let up. Someone asked me to pick up a tshirt at Hard Rock, so I headed to Temple Bar, http://www.templebar.ie, where all the bars seem to be, well, not all, but chunked together. This is where it happens! The noise, the music, the sites, the sounds, lovely! This is where you go for a bit of craic!

After The Hard Rock, I walked around the area and found…Boxty! http://boxtyhouse.ie, a restaurant that had and knew what a boxty was! OMG! I was in heaven! I ordered boxty scraps which were boxties cut like French fries, yum! And some awful vegetables, when the waitress said they were awful, I should have listened. But…the homeless guy I am sure enjoyed them both!

After dinner, I had the bread and butter pudding, yum! Very light and not a huge portion, easy to enjoy and walk off.

I spent some more time walking around, then found the bus and headed back to the hotel, unloaded the rest of the stuff from the car, brought it to the room, had a quick shower and headed downstairs for my complimentary drink and some live music.

I ended up getting an amaretto and cream, it was ok and I’m working through the effects of the cream, but that’s my problem! I sat at the bar for a while waiting for someone to notice me and ask what I wanted to drink. I saw out of the corner of my eye, a guy down the bar tell the bartender I was waiting. When I caught his eye later, I thanked him. I thought he was waiting for someone, he had a bouquet of confetti roses.

I told him they were pretty and he came over to ask me if I wanted to smell them and then tell me that he bought them at ya the grocers today and would give them to the first nice person he talked to..guess who.

We proceeded to talk for about an hour, I found out all about him, his company and the girl that got away that he’s trying to win back good luck! It was fun talking to him, he’s from Montreal and in Dublin in business.

I also talked to the singer, when he was finished, a great guy who was a lot of fun to listen to. He would ask if the crowd liked someone and I answered, so he directed a bunch towards me! He was funny and very talented and gave me his card, so I could email him to get a few tracks he wrote, lucky me!

Now, here I am sitting in bed writing to you and needing to get some sleep because I’m running a 5k in the morning! Wahoo! A 5k in Ireland! Go me! Something I wanted to do and now I’m going to do it!

Goodnight!

Positivity Challenge – Day #29
1 – I am thankful I found my way to the hotel…sans GPS (with a little help from a very nice person)
2 – I am thankful to have found a restaurant that serves boxty!

{October 16, 2014} Day Eight in Ireland

A bad day in Ireland is better than, well, anything, I’m still here!

So…my least favorite day in Ireland, aside from my fabulous activity, I could have stayed in bed!

So, the day started nice enough, oh, I got I to FaceTime with GES and the girls last night, so awesome! I can’t wait to see them in a few days!
I had a nice breakfast at The White House, why do I keep getting mushrooms and tomatoes with my eggs? I don’t like cooked mushrooms or tomatoes, go figure, I think I keep waiting to see if I’ll like them. Nope! Very filling though, well, that with the toast, brown bread and lot of tea, I’m not usually hungry for a few hours.

I walked around Kinsale like a bit, to walk off breakfast, find a post office to send out some more post cards…wink wink and get some cash, I used my last few euros for dessert last night. I also wanted to find the wool shop I saw last night, some of you remember what I want from Ireland, right? A genuine Irish knit sweater…preferably with an Irish boy in said sweater! I found a lot of sweaters, but the boys are a bit lacking! I didn’t find what I was looking for, so I headed for the car and out into the world.

I was going to see if I could find the 9/11 memorial, established by Kathleen Cait Murphy, who worked as a nurse for over 30 years in New York City. A tree was planted for each firefighter who died, including their chaplain. Father Michael Judge who was a personal friend of hers.
http://www.kinsaleheritage.com/911.html

About twenty minutes later, I turned around as I knew I had not found it. I turned around a few times…(I had put the GPS away about Sunday since it couldn’t find half the stuff I was looking to see, might be buying one for myself when I get back to the states for the next trip, can’t hurt to have, right? Saves me minutes on my phone) and headed to Cork.

I found it eventually…only about an hour later than I wanted to, but I found it, then drove around, off course and back on it, I’m getting pretty good at navigating these Ireland streets, bloody brilliant! I found my way to my activity for the day…Blarney Castle!

It was pouring while I was on my way and a right downpour when I got there, but as I started to climb the steps, it cleared up, beautiful! I made it to the top and the view, let me tell you…spectacular! Wait until you see the pictures!

I got up there and yup, you guessed it, I kissed the stone! It’s an interesting experience…you lay down and hold the bars and a man holds your waist as you lean farther and farther back looking down from above and then he tells you to kiss it and you do! I could not stop laughing, I was snorting! I know, you’re shocked! It was actually contagious, he started guffawing, it was awesome then I got a picture with him….we shared a moment after all!

Now, I don’t usually buy photos from things I do, but I bought this one, it comes with a certificate! I didn’t realize I could have had the other guy take pictures, but ok, next time. I still got the picture, show you later!
Kissing the Blarney Stone is silly and a must!

Then I walked down and walked the grounds, heading first to the poison garden! It shows you all the poisonous plants we come in contact every day! Some were even caged! Like the marijuana plant! What? Yeah, right! Did you know that the leaf of a rhubarb plant is poisonous? Me either! You do now!

Then I went for a walk on the grounds and it was lovely, lush plants and grass and very quiet, save for the waterfalls everywhere. I really enjoyed it. http://ri.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrBT9PNKUBUemoAfizBGOd_;_ylu=X3oDMTE0MzhnaXE1BHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1RBVVMwNDlfMQ–/RV=2/RE=1413519950/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.blarneycastle.ie%2f/RK=0/RS=xnRmAnSeP2_.s5KOtmCmCI3ZZcE-

After that, I went to Claddagh’s Italian Restaurant for some yummy veggie soup, I swear, I am going to soup myself across Ireland! Sometimes it’s the safest and all I need!

Then I walked to Blarney Woolen Mills, the largest Irish wool store anywhere, so the sign said. I walked in and it was like Irish knit sweater Mecca! I was going to find my sweater! I walked in and there was such a selection, I didn’t know where to start and it would have been nice to have help. I must have walked around that store for about thirty minutes…not one person asked if I needed help, said hello nothing and I watched them, including the manager, ask everyone else.

I tried on a few sweaters, couldn’t decide and felt kind of dejected and invisible, i know, not me! so I left empty handed. A little disappointed..
http://www.blarney.com

I got in the car and should have turned into the parking lot and gotten a room there, but I thought I’d head on to Limerick, find a place to stay and grab some grub, when I got there, I kept going, not sure if I was on the wrong side of Limerick, but I had the feeling I didn’t want to live there, oh well, keep driving.

I tried three places to find a toilet, or a place to stay…no luck, so I kept driving in the rain, finally pulled off another exit and now I am in a town I don’t know the name of, but I found a place to stay for 35€ with breakfast, which is across the street from the B&B and I found a grocers so I could get an air freshener!
I am now sitting in the Supermac’s (burgers and Papa John’s pizza (KAB could work here!)) because my room does not have wifi and when I mentioned where I was staying at the grocers, they said…oh…it’s ok, there are two beds, a TV and a bathroom with a nice looking shower. I just need to rest my head, right?

I went into the restaurant for the hotel, across the street, and had a VERY salty cup of vegetable soup and was ignored by the server after I got my food, that was the topper. So…like I said, I could have stayed in bed!

After I sign off, I’m going to the hotel, change into my jammies and get in bed and dream about how great tomorrow will be!

I’m still in Ireland! Wahoo!

Positivity Challenge – Day #28
1 – I am so thankful I found a toilet when I was desperate!
2 – I am so thankful to have found a hotel so I could stop driving!
3 – I am so thankful to have had a good belly laugh with the guy who held me when I kissed the Blarney Stone!

{October 15, 2014} Day Seven in Ireland

Only three days left? What? Hurry. Have to do everything!

Kidding! I decided a few days ago that whatever I don’t get to this time, that means that there will be a next time. I remember being physically sick when I got on the plane to go home from Paris, until I made the decision to go back and all was right with the world. Besides, NB and I have a date to keep in Ireland, so I will be back!

Isn’t it interesting, when you have a long trip ahead of you and you think you’ll get to everything and you have all the time in the world and then you’re on the back end of the trip and realize that it’s almost over and where did the time go? Well let me tell you where I went today! Have a seat, it’s gonna be another long one!

I woke up leisurely, well, sort of…the only thing that I didn’t care for at the B&B last night was the fact that I could hear the people talking next door, turn over in their beds and snoring, fun, huh? Other than that, lovely.

The day started very wet, I knew I would not be spending a lot of time outdoors until the rain cleared up and I was wishing I had brought my wellies, but a rainy day in Ireland is better than…well, anything else! I headed out down the road toward Midleton, I was going to go to my brother-in-laws Mecca…The Jameson Whiskey Distillory, yup, me! I had to represent!

It was a fascinating tour, we learned about the process of milling, malting, the kiln, I rang the big bell and we learned that it takes the trees used for the barrels between one hundred and one hundred and fifty years to grow and they only get about two barrels per tree! We also learned that you cannot reuse the barrels for whiskey, so they are used for other alcohol and maybe even made into furniture!

After, we had a choice, straight up shot or cocktail, I had the Jameson ginger lime, it was…yeah, just like I thought, but there will be a video posted soon! And guess who is getting a little something that he wouldn’t be able to get in the states or online! Who’s the rockstar now!

After the tour, I sat down for a bowl of soup and invited a woman to join me as there were no other seats available. She happened to arrange travel for different groups and she comes to Ireland about four times a year and just recently discovered a relative a few miles outside of Midelton! She and the group were from Boston, go figure! We chatted about where to go next as people often do and we were all going in the same direction.

The coach driver, Michael, gave me a recommendation for what to do next as well as where to stay in Kinsale. I thanked them and went on my way.

(I went to a pub/restaurant to listen to some music and now that I’m in my room, they’re finally doing Irish songs and singing along…go figure!)

I decided to go to Cobh, pronounced Cove, formerly called Queensland, http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobh.
It has a fascinating history, Annie Moore, the first woman admitted to Ellis Island left from Cobh, it was also the final port of call for The Titanic, as well as a major embarkation port for convicts heading to Australia, among other emigrations.

There is a lot of rich history in Cobh, not to mention the amazing views, smells and sounds of the water…sigh. I went through the museum and saw some actual things left over from the Titanic, don’t tell, but I snuck a photo or two for EJS, who is obsessed with the ship! I also got her a com reactive coin, I can’t wait to give it to her!

After Cobh, I headed to Kinsale, the Gourmet Capital of Ireland! http://kinsale.ie. it is a beautiful coastal town that I have fallen in love with. Lovely people, views, boats and I have walked the town so much I feel like I could give directions! The hotel I am staying in, The White House is a very nice hotel, the nicest, aside from the Hilton, so far. One of the things I think I may have figured out is if you show up later in the day to a hotel, they give you a better rate because it’s getting late and they may not sell the room otherwise! Breakfast will be included.

I think the host is the former mayor of Kinsale! I believe that was his picture in the paper on the wall! There is a fantastic tribute to 9/11 the driver had told me about and on the way out of town, there is another tribute, a woman planted a tree for everyone who perished, I will check it out tomorrow.

After I checked in, I decided to go for a walk and then look for something to eat. The walk was lovely and then I decided in the Blue Haven for dinner, a very nice carrot, persimmon and ginger soup, wow! After dinner, I went in search of the ghost tour I was told about only to find out I was a week too late, bollocks! I went back to the Blue Haven for a pot of tea, a tart crumble and some great live music.

After a while, it was walk the 100 meters to the hotel, jump in bed and talk to you! Guess what tomorrow brings…Cork and the Blarney Castle…you know what that means!

Until tomorrow!

Positivity Challenge – Day #27
1 – I am thankful to be in a nice hotel across from some pubs and there is live music serenading me tonight.
2 – I am thankful to have met a nice person who recommended this hotel to me.
3 – I am thankful to find a toilet close by whenever I seem to need it!

{October 14, 2014} Ireland Day Six

A fine Irish evening to ya!

I woke up in Waterford, ready to greet the day! I got ready and went out into the town of Waterford, walked around a bit and headed for the Waterford Crystal Museum.

Now, I am not a huge fan of crystal, but to tour this facility and see how they create these masterpieces is a must! First, you find out that it takes eight full years to become a master glass blower/cutter and that the FIRST ever woman is in the apprenticeship program right now!

These blowers and cutters work for years, some even forty for Waterford! They also work from memory, never have a pattern on the piece when they cut, just a grid. If there is a new piece, they memorize the pattern, that’s it. Every single piece is made and cut by hand. It really was amazing! http://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
(I made it through without knocking anything over!)

Next, I went to the Medieval History Museum, very interesting learning about the Vikings and the history of Waterford, the entire time, I thought about my GA Renaissance times and friends. I miss them and that time. http://www.waterfordtreasures.com/medieval-museum

After the museum, I went for a walk and went into the Christ Church Cathedral Waterford. It was a very pretty cathedral with a beautiful stained glass window, an amazing organ and I lit a candle for the B and K family, how could I not?
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_the_Most_Holy_Trinity,_Waterford

I walked down the bustling street, exactly how I imagined a busy afternoon would be and stopped in a little place for an awesome, fresh made veggie burger and unnecessary chips.

I went back to the car and chatted with the attendant, who asked me if I’d ever been to his home of Scotland, I told him it was next! Then we somehow got on the subject of NY and he said he spent time in Brooklyn and did I know the ….family, nope. He then asked where I was going next and recommended Dunmore, a lovely little fishing village that had homes with thatched roofs, oh yes!

I headed out to Dunmore, it was a lovely drive and there it was, beautiful! Right on the coast and across the way…Hook Lighthouse! I walked down a path to the beach below the cliffs, spectacular!
http://www.discoverdunmore.com/tourism/web

Eventually, I got back in the car and headed towards Cork, I was going to stop in Dungarven and look for the castle, but I kept going and stopped in Youghal, pronounced ‘yall’ http://www.youghal.ie/index.php

I found the Avonmore House B&B, reasonably priced and went in search of food and I found The Quays Bar & Restaurant, one of the few places serving food and settled in in with everyone else watching futbal, Ireland vs Germany and had a nice veggie stir fry.

Back at the B&B to talk to you! Who knows what tomorrow holds after breakfast?

Positivity Challenge – Day #26
1 – I am SO thankful that after Sunday it will be a VERY long time before I smell dung on a daily basis!
2 – I am thankful to know that the US is not the only country focused on breast cancer awareness.
3 – As a granola girl, I am thankful to see that Ireland is number 2 for recycling in the UK!

{October 13, 2014} Day Five in Ireland

What a glorious day! In Ireland! Sorry, can’t help it! I hope my enthusiasm is contagious! Catch it!

Ah…to have no schedule or place you must be..it’s fantastic! I did set am alarm this morning so I could be there in time for breakfast, 8am, but it was all good, I was waking up about that time anyway. I got ready and headed down to breakfast, eggs, tomatoes and I actually asked for mushrooms, what?

It was time to head out and greet the day, remember, I was about 45 minutes away from where I wanted to be, no worries, beautiful drive! Even the highways are beautiful, either side lined with lush green landscape, trees, farms, houses, sheep, cows, horses, a dog here and there, simply beautiful! Did I tell you I saw a rainbow yesterday? A full on end to end bright rainbow! What was waiting for me at the end?

I started off by going to Johnstown Castle and Agricultural Center, http://www.irishagrimuseum.ie. The castle is never opened for viewing, but the grounds are spectacular! Guess what they have roaming the grounds…ok, I’ll tell you, peacocks! So beautiful! I waited and waited, none of them preened, but still, the colors!

I walked around the back of the castle, by the lake to the Irish Agricultural Museum, which was fascinating, showing different forms of farm equipment, tractors, carts, plowing machines and tools, carriages, then bicycles, information about sugar beets, a very depressing exhibit about The Great Potato Famine, very up lifting…then walking through to see different crafts and trades, then up to see hay making tools, other farm stuff stuff, furniture and scenes of life on the farm.

I was a wee bit knackered, time for sustenance, down to the cafe for a pot of camomile tea and a rhubarb torte, yum! The cream was not needed, not flavorful and we know about me and dairy…but it was alright. After that it was time to walk the grounds to walk off the sweet treat and enjoy the scenery and atmosphere.

Back in the car, I was going to head to Tintern Abbey and since I couldn’t find it, I moved on! Add that to the list for next time!

I headed down the road towards The Dunbrody Ship and turned off towards the Kennedy Homestead, the family home of John F Kennedy’s family and ancestors. Someone said it would be informative and it’s important, but slightly uninspiring, I have to admit, I agreed. It was fascinating to see his ancestry, but there wasn’t a lot to it, it’s a home and there are relatives still living there on the property. It took a long time to get there, very narrow road and 7.50 to get in and it was all over very quickly. No regrets for going, but not a place I would go again. http://www.kennedyhomestead.ie/follow-the-journey/

After the Kennedy Homestead, I went in town New Ross and realized I was hungry and found The River View Restaurant and had a yummy bowl of vegetable soup with some French bread, it was lovely. Just what I needed to reenergize.

Then on to The Dunrbody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience, http://www.dunbrody.com, the immigrant ship. This truly was an eye opening and chilling experience. This is a replica of the original Dunbrody and I had a personal tour as I was the only one there at the time! I went through the little gallery with the posters talking about the Potato Famine, backing up what I learned at the Irish Agricultural Center and this ship took people to the United States and Canada.

Then we walked onto the ship, there were two deck hands cleaning and doing repairs, so excited to be there…one of the cool things was the bell, it is the original bell from the original Dunbrody, which ran aground in 1857, how cool is that!

When we went below deck to see “first class”, captain’s quarters, steerage and crew, all of a sudden, there are two women who came down, one from first class and the other from steerage, it was great fun! After the tour, I went into the museum to read about what happened when the people emigrated including information about emigrating to Savannah, GA, giving explanation about North America’s second largest St Patrick’s celebration, among other things.

I got into the car, called dad and was driving off and realized as I was driving off, I saw something that I wanted to check out, back to a parking space I went! OMG, Anyone who knows me will know this is right up my alley!

The Ros Tapestries, http://rostapestry.com, the history of New Ross in tapestry. This was amazing! Fifteen tapestries in the making, 6×4 each. They tell the story of New Ross and first, they start with a painting on canvas, then trace it onto the canvas using a light board and then one of the 150 volunteers! will look at the painting and attempt to choose the correct color of yard to work on the tapestries. It was fascinating!

When I finished the audio tour, I asked the woman who worked there a lot of questions throughout and she did something special for me! She knew I had a genuine interest! She took me upstairs to show me one of the tapestries in progress and…guess what!!! She let me add a few stitches, OMG!!! I am now a part of history! I am so stoked!

After the tour, I bought the book, since I couldn’t take pictures and I bought a mini tapestry to complete myself, the logo for the town, I’ll show it to you as I go along, maybe I’ll do a progressive album. I can’t wait!

After the Ros Tapestries, it was back in the car and off to Waterford, not a long drive, found the Dooley Hotel, I felt silly, first I dropped the phone and it fell apart, but it’s alright, then I had to call the front desk because this is one of those rooms that you have to put your room key card in the slot to keep the lights on! Too funny!

Now it was time for some supper and I wandered out and found The City Arms Pub and had some scrumptious potato leek soup and lovely brown bread, yum! I might just be “souping” my way around Ireland! A lovely chat with the owner and waiter and back to the hotel.

It was a lovely night for a walk, everyone apparently thinks it chilly, I think it’s brilliant! And as I’m walking, I’m having a moment…why can’t I have a “Midnight in Paris” moment like Owen Wilson, if you haven’t seen the movie, check it out!

After a lovely walk, enjoying the weather, the night and being in Ireland and my new sweater, I got back to the hotel, put on my jammies and now I’m sitting here writing to you!

Are you tired from my day? Looking forward to tomorrow!

Night!

Positivity Challenge – Day #25
1 – I am so thankful to not be on a schedule! I have a list of things I want to do, but no schedules!
2 – I am thankful to be able to find plenty of things to eat, even straight up vegetarian options all over Ireland
3 – I am thankful I have wifi to be able to post every night!

{October 12, 2014} Day Four in Ireland (for real!)

It is day four in Ireland and yup, I’m still giddy!

I woke up leisurely, got ready and went down to breakfast, it’s great, breakfast is included with my rooms, interesting thing, it’s more for a single room than a double, but it’s all good. I did skip the “full Irish breakfast” which includes lots of meat and kept with the eggs grilled tomato and garlic mushrooms along with toast, jam, fruit and tea. Brilliant!

I had the best time talking to the other guests over breakfast, a foursome from Birmingham, UK, who come to Duncannon a few times a year and then a woman came in waiting for her friend and she was telling me about going to Atlantic City every few years!

They all gave me suggestions on where to go and Maureen, the woman who goes to Atlantic City is from Klilenny and was telling me all sort of things to do and where to stay. Then Helen, the owner of the hotel, came in and we all continued talking, I found out that Loftis House, the most haunted house in Ireland and Duncannon Fort were both closed! Pook. But…go go a Hook Lighthouse, it’s a must! Helen pointed me in the right direction, kissed me on the cheek and wished me well!

Off to look at Duncannon Fort, from a distance at least, with a stop at the beach, of course, how beautiful a way to start the day, don’t you agree? I had a nice long walk, walk off that full breakfast, take in some fresh air and smile the entire way, life is good!

NB…this is what we are going to see when we come back together!

I got in the car and headed to Hook Lighthouse and what a wonderful drive it was! There were a few spots where you had ocean on both sides, what a treat! I have to say the only bad thing is the wafting odor of dung (horse, cow or sheep) it’s charming and I’ve been told you get used to it, no thanks! I wasn’t sure if it was in the car at one point, but it wasn’t..so, at one point, fish competing with dung…fun!

The Hook Lighthouse, http://hookheritage.ie. It is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, the grandfather of all lighthouses! It was originally built by monks in exchange for a place to live and pray and then when the monks were removed, the first lighthouse keeper came in. We were able to go almost to the top, to the balcony , all 115 steps, for the faint of heart who might be afraid of heights, this might not be the tour for you! But do not let that stop you from going to the lighthouse at all! The view was amazing, the photos spectacular and guess who I met in the loo…Peggy, from the hotel and we went out to sneak up on Maureen! Funny since Peggy was shorter than me! I then met another friend, who’s son was out front selling pumpkins! What are the odds? So much fun!

I then headed back to Duncannon, I had to go back in that direction, to the hotel to tell Helen how much I loved the lighthouse and then I was off to New across and more adventures!

I drove towards New Ross, no longer using the GPS, I’m happy to say partly because it can’t always find what I’m looking for and the other part is I have figured out where I am going and reading the signs is becoming easier, the signs are great, leading you where you need to go, even on the roundabouts!

I headed to the next recommendation, the John F Kennedy Arboretum, http://www.virtualvisittours.com/john-f-kennedy-memorial-park/. I got there and had a choice, stay on the grounds, after viewing some of the photos in the hall or go back out, take a right, then left and walk up to the view point, Slieve Coillte, http://mountainviews.ie/summit/982/?PHPSESSID=dt6vcdfrqtqnpsmq0ogglv6e10, I
decided view point it was, as it only had until 5pm when the gates close and it was about 3k up and and I am so very glad I made that choice! The hike was healthy and the view from the top was SPECTACULAR!!!

After I reached the bottom, it was about 4, too late to get into any other “attraction” and I was hungry, so it was time to find a place to stay and eat. I finally knew how to use the phone! so, I found a place to stay, she said it was about 30 minutes away…hmmm..more like 45, but it was inexpensive and available! So, I am about 45 minutes away from where I was, but…that let’s me go back tomorrow and see the Kennedy Homestead and Sailing Vessel, so all is right with the world!

I wasn’t in the mood for Asian Fusion, which was the restaurant of the hotel, so I went to the local pub down the street and had…dah dah dah…Fish and chips! Yes…I am in Ireland and I knew I was going to have fish and chips at some point and it was yummy! After dinner, it was back to the hotel to talk to you!

Now it’s time to decompress and think about tomorrow!

Positivity Challenge – Day #25
1 – I am so thankful for how friendly everyone in Ireland is!
2 – I am thankful that the color I picked for my hair is just right! (Everyone I meet thinks I have Irish ties!)
3 – I am thankful that the primary drink here is tea! And every hotel room has an electric tea kettle and tea bags!

{October 11, 2014} Day three in Ireland!

Yup! I’m still in Ireland! And nope, it doesn’t get old!

Today I woke up in Dublin again, as I mentioned last night and got my cell phone, wahoo! I had breakfast and headed out. Since I had pretty much back tracked, it took me about three hours to get where I was going, but with no schedule, who cares?

I headed out towards The Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford, on the way, I stopped, because I can, at a beach, it was wonderful, lots of people and dogs, both walking and running and playing. It was nice, they even have exercise equipment along the path on the road, who needs to go to a gym. I didn’t realize how many health conscious people there were in Ireland!

After I got back in the car, I headed towards Wexford, I’m getting used to, mostly, the roundabouts…and eventually got to the Park. It was a great tour that took about two hours, led by Paul, who was authentically dressed and took us through the park. The cool thing about the park was that everything was recreated the way it was originally built, down to the cow dung as mortar! I can’t wait to share photos!

After the park, I was getting hungry, so it was time to find some food and a place to stay. I got to Wexford and tried to call hotel, after hotel, after hotel, throw in a few B&Bs and you’re there! Every number I dialed was not available, or wrong, what?

At some point, not sure, the mirror was swiped, so I have to call Avis tomorrow, luckily, no other damage! I had had enough of Wexford, the side streets are too tiny!!! I decided to drive in to Duncannon, where there is a fort and the next attraction on my list! I drove around twice, found a hotel stopped and went in.

There was a room, sorry, no singles, ok. Sorry, no view of the ocean, ok. Sorry there is going to be music in the bar until 1am, ok. Do I care? My only question…Do you have a room? Yes! It comes en suite…that means there is a loo with a shower! Go me! There is internet! I’ll take it!

After I checked in, the key is too cool, old fashioned and heavy brass, I took a walk in search of food and found the ocean and beach, how happy am I? (One photo taken with my iPad!)

Now, I am at the Strand Tavern having a wonderful dinner, vegetarian, no less!
Risotto with peas and leeks, yum and a side salad, while I write to you.

Soon, I will head back to the hotel and chill out and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure! I can’t wait to share with you! Next time…come with me!

Positivity Challenge – Day #24
1 – I am thankful that the Garda (police) was just telling me which lane I should be driving in based on my speed, whatever that was!
2 – I am thankful there wasn’t more damage to the car after the mirror got swiped!
3 – I am so very thankful I found one of my favorite things in the word twice today…the beach

{September 1, 2014} A country fair and lobster fest!

How does one follow a day at the beach? With a country fair and lobster fest, of course! Didn’t you get the memo?

The day started way too early, 7:30 to be exact, is there a pattern here? The bad part wasn’t the time, just the fact that I fell asleep at 3:30am! Party, Party, Party!

We got motivated and out of the house about 10:15, which was only 15 minutes later than planned, go us! We loaded the girls into the convertible again, they were ready for it, sweatshirts on this time, still continued to bundle up, windows up, top down and we were off!

We were meeting ACS’s brother and sister-in-law, JS and AS, at the 154th annual Woodstock Fair, http://www.woodstockfair.com/. It was a good, old-fashioned country fair, who doesn’t love that! There were rides for all ages, vendors, animals, exhibitions, car races, food, funnel cake, games and so much more. There were crowds of people, most of them smiling, some of the wee tots don’t smile so much when someone tells them no!

We started off taking a trip around to see some of the booths with fun goods. I got a new face mask that will double for the motorcycle and skiing. My last one had to be thrown away, this one is just like it, with pink flames! I will rock the slopes again this year! I did find a gorgeous pair of cowboy, or I should say cowgirl boots, of course, they were on sale for…$289. I just couldn’t do it, even though my birthday is coming up…it’s not the perfect pair I want, those I might spend that kind of money!

Then we got some fried dough, GES and I thought we were getting funnel cake, not so. But there was powdered sugar and it satisfied half the craving, and the girls liked it, what more could you want!

Next were the animals: cows, GIANT rabbits, chickens, roosters, chicks, ducks, sheep, pigs, alpacas, goats, oh my! There were sheep being sheared, cows being born, it was amazing!

I believe she was smiling!

We went into some of the exhibition barns to see different competitors and entries. There were race cars and music and entertainment and giant gourds! Oh my!

The sand art was amazing!

The living statue was creepy and cool, all at the same time!

I love handmade crafts!

Wouldn’t this be great for CBS Sunday Morning?

O M G!! The largest one was over 1100 pounds!

Finally, there were games and rides and oh did the girls love those! Bumper cars, carousel horses and ring tosses, oh my! Were we wiped out? Yes we were!

Back in the car, top up, windows down and to the house James!

When we got home, it was just in time to bring things to the driveway next door for Lobster Fest ’14! This is a tradition that the families on the block have been doing during Labor Day weekend for years. They have done it at GES and ACS’ house many times in the driveway, but this year…the neighbors weren’t there, so guess where we set up!

We had lobster, burgers, dogs, salads, veggies, dips, chips, beer, wine and LaLa’s famous home made sangria. For dessert, there was watermelon, champagne grapes, cookies and cakes, oh my!

We ate and drank and laughed and had the best time and then packed it in just as it seemed it would start raining and we beat the clock! We cleaned up, got the kids inside, baths, books, games and night night!

And then the second shower of the day for most of us, we were hot sticky messes! Now, I sit here writing to you about my day and after I load some pictures into this post I’m going to bid you a fond good evening. [fingers crossed i get more than 4 hours of sleep!]

What will we be doing tomorrow? Who knows…but as you’ve guessed, there is never a dull moment around this house!

Goodnight!

{August 31, 2014} A day at the beach…

Is there really more to say? Well, alright, if i must!

Today was going to be a day at the beach with a few other families, to spend time together and celebrate a 5th birthday of another wonderful munchkin who calls me Auntie J!

I got up about 7:30, not because I wanted to, by any means, I was hoping for a little more sleep, but, there you have it. No sleeping late in this house! As I’m trying to get my eyes open, about 7:45/7:50 I hear ‘Is it time to wake Auntie J up yet?” “No” was my sister’s response, but I was up so i went upstairs.

There was fun to be had! Wrestling, tickling, silliness, you name it, we had it. Then ACS was going for a run and invited me to go. It was going to be a 5 mile day for him, he’s training for a half marathon in a few weeks. Yes, I wanted to go, I haven’t run in 2 weeks, it was time. [and you know I’m participating in a half marathon in November, I need to get moving!]

We started off strong, I kept up with him and his pace, which was a little faster than I am used to, now that i have a rhythm that started to work, but I did it. I kept up for about 1.5 miles and then he kept going and i walk/ran the rest of the way. I did my five miles, just not all running, but I am quite please with what I did.

I met ACS and my dad at the grocery store on the way home, stopped for a few things and hitched a ride home, I’m ok with that. Then it was make lunches, pack the car and get ready to go! What better way to go to the beach than in a convertible with the top dropped, they loved it!

It was a beautiful day for a drive, with the top down, to the beach. Guess who was the only one not bundled up!

We made it to the house, quick change and it was beach bound, across the street and down the path, what could be better?! The sand was hot, the water was cold and the air was perfect. There is nothing, nothing I tell you, like time on the beach. It so made me want to buy a place on the beach or live there full time. Oh, why can’t Colorado have a beach, then it would be absolutely perfect!

We spent about four hours, maybe more, on the beach. A walk with dad, played a little with the kids, had lunch and then took a nap, glorious! I have to tell you, I never sleep so well as I do on the beach or right near it, there is nothing like it, did I already say that?

The kids had a great time and even started their own ice bucket challenge, so to speak. this consisted of dumping buckets of ocean water on their heads, so stinking cute! One started, then another joined in, eventually there were four of them!

After the beach we headed to the house for showers and a cookout and then singing and birthday cake with ice cream, what more could you want?

A few hours later it was back in the car, top up and drive home. On the way, EJS asked if she could ride in my car tomorrow to the fair, guess what my answer was!

On to the next adventure! Goodnight!

{August 29, 2014} Take a nap…this is going to be a long one!

Are you ready to hear about my day?

As you know, i drove to Boston today, so here goes.

Last night, I found a hotel, not necessarily a pet friendly hotel…they were friendly and I snuck my pets in! shhh…I put BOTH cats into one carrier and smuggled them into the hotel and up the stairs, yeah for side doors! I slept for a few hours, they were both with me, then I got up at 8, put them both back into the carrier and Peanut proceeded to hiss and wail and whine! Oh NO! Please be quiet! So I smuggled them back out the door and into the car! whew!

On the road I went. I made it to NY State!

I checked in with NB, or Twin, as i call him and we decided on where to meet for lunch, since I was going to be going right past his neck of the woods. He then informed me that, duh, I would be driving right past my Alma mater, SUNY Fredonia, http://www.fredonia.edu/index.html, how excited was I! I was on the phone with SH when I got off the highway and she was almost as excited as I was!

Oh my goodness! Not much has changed! I had the cats with me, so I couldn’t spend a lot of time on campus, but I promised everyone on FaceBook who messaged me, that I would definitely be making a trip back to see them! And I will be doing that sometime in the near future! There are so many people I would love to see!

I did make a stop at the Campus Bookstore and geeked out! Everything they have for sale online pales in comparison to all they had to offer in the store! Dad got a Fredonia Dad sweatshirt, GES got a t-shirt and sweatshirt, ACS got a long sleeve t-shirt, EJS and GMS got t-shirts, LaLa got a t-shirt and yours truly: 2 sweatshirts, a t-shirt, notebook, postcard and a bag. come on, it’s a Fredonia bag! It’s my old school, so there!

The campus is still lovely and warm and inviting, but now there is a Tim Horton’s and Starbucks? On campus! What? And some high end apartments, huh? Who cares, it made me long for those days! GES asked if I would go back, yes I would is my answer!

I couldn’t spend too much time, first, there was a 30 minute time on the parking spot, not heavily enforce, thank goodness and second, I had the cats. I left the windows down, it was 67 degrees and in the shade, felt great and they were fine. No worries people, whenever there is sun and it’s any warmer, I leave the car running with the AC on, every time I went to a rest stop, that’s what I did.

Back in the car and head to lunch with NB and on the way, got a text from JC a dear friend I knew from MCC that I met at Binghamton when we were both a part of NYPIRG, all these acronyms! He wanted to see me, so he came to lunch too! It was so great to see them both, we laughed and had a great time, got some good pics and I headed back on the road with a promise of a visit soon!

Then it was uneventful for the next, oh, I don’t know…8billion miles! Kidding. I got to my sister’s house about 9, not too bad for a days journey. We started at 8:30, stopped at Fredonia for about 45 minutes, a little over an hour for lunch, a few gas stops and we made it in about 9 hours. Go me!

The girls did great, for the most part, they’re cats, they are not as enthusiastic about car rides as dogs, so all in all, good girls!

The suck part…THE TOLLS! I bet I spent close to $20 on tolls. NY State, aren’t the road good enough? FIVE CENTS per mile, what? IF and I say IF I were to ever make this drive again…EZ Pass will be my friend!

I got to GES’ house about 9, as I mentioned and the girls were up waiting for me! Running into my arms and so excited to meet Jymy and Peanut, so many questions and now, here I sit, talking to you and Peanut is purring in my arms. Happy kitty! And Jymy just joined to say hello.

Ok, here is where I leave you because I am a very tired girl and I need some sleep…beach tomorrow!

Email Subscription

What was I thinking?