My 40 for 40 | Peaches Prattlings

{December 7, 2014} My weekend…swoosh!

Go grab a cup of coffee, cocoa, tea, whatever, this is going to be my entire weekend! You know how these go!

I arrived in Denver on Thursday night, eventually, after taking off an hour late, sat down at the airport to book a hotel, I know, I know, why didn’t I do it before I left Chicago? Not a clue, but I found one pretty quickly, went to pick up the rental car and off I went.

I booked a hotel in Golden, Colorado “Where the West Lives” is the town motto. This is a great little town, charming, quaint and a little old west town and could be called a “one horse town” because it’s not that big, but it has character. http://www.cityofgolden.net/

I remember the first time I was there, for my friend AM’s wedding, I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was, lots of walking, a stream that people swim, practice kayaking, just enjoy.

Friday, I worked for a few hours and then headed to the storage unit to pick up my skies, what I didn’t expect to find were gifts that I had bought for different kids for the holidays, how happy was I! I loaded it all into the car and headed back to the hotel. I headed to the post office to ship them to my sister’s house to figure it all out there. Then I headed to Khol’s to see what I could use my coupon for!

I know, what do you care about the piddly stuff, well, there is a thought process! I was in Kohl’s and I got two pairs of boots, oh, I bought a pair of black boots for work, on my way back from the storage unit! At Kohl’s I bought a pair of boots that will be great in the snow, perfect for going to and coming from skiing and then I bought some knock off UGG type boots, much cheaper! And all man made materials, which makes me happy.

After I took my bounty back to the hotel, I decided it was time for a bite to eat and off to Golden I went. It turns out they were having a candlelight walk, everyone has a lit candle and walks while they sing Christmas carols. They are walking towards the end of town for the lighting of the Christmas tree, I was there and got to see it, charming!

After the ceremony, I got a bite to eat and headed back to the hotel, I wanted to write to you, get some sleep because I was going skiing in the morning! The morning came too early when someone called at 7am, what? But I got up, had some breakfast and headed up to Breckenridge to go ski!

The drive was about 1.5 hours and I don’t mind it, it’s a beautiful drive, the mountains, snow, simply beautiful. The best part…the roads were clear. I got to Breckenridge and parked in a lot, hopped on the shuttle and onto the gondola I went. The hardest part for me is buckling the boots, it takes a long time and when I’m done, I’m sweating! So happy to share that with you!

Off to the lift I went and as soon as I got to the top, I just stood there for a moment and realized just how amazing this was and how happy I was, blissful if I can say that! I turned on some music and downhill I went. I did a few runs, then about 12:30, it was time for some lunch and let me tell you, the view from this place was fantastic! After a short break, back to skiing, I had to go! And you know what happened on my last run [I fell on my personality]

After skiing, I was ready to head back to the hotel and as I was leaving, passed the Race of the Santas, http://www.gobreck.com/events/community-events/Victorian-holiday-wonderland, I wish I had known about it! How much fun would it have been!

Saturday night was low key and then today, I repeated the process by getting breakfast and then heading to Breckenridge for another day of swoosh. After several good runs, I was ready to go “I’m going to do two more runs and skip the second” Made it to the bottom, no problem. Lunch, walk around and then it was time to go, I didn’t groove on driving at night through the mountains, no lights, go figure!

After lunch, I headed to my friend AM’s house to bring my skis so I don’t have to drive all the way to the storage unit to get them each time, he is pretty close to the airport, wahoo! We hung out, caught up, went to grab some dinner and then back to the house to chill.

After a while, it was time to go to the hotel, pack and get ready to head to Chicago tomorrow!

Anyone else tired? I am! I will post pictures from the weekend, tomorrow.

Good night!

{November 17, 2014} Volunteering and a Half Marathon!

What a weekend! After I tell you about it, you will understand why I was so tired last night!

I told you about my fabulous lunch on Saturday, then when I got back to the hotel, I changed into something a little warmer and better footwear, then headed back out to the SLS parking lot to volunteer for the Rock-n-Roll 5k.

We had to be there at 4:15pm, the race started at 6pm. Have you ever wondered how the medals at races got set up? The water, bananas, etc? Yup, volunteers. We started by taking the medals out of the individual plastic baggies, bunched them by 25 and then got our assignments for the run.
Another volunteer and I were slotted to give the first, second and third place men’s and women’s awards out aren’t they cool?

I was going to participate in the 5k, but I missed the cut off. There was a special medal, of course, if you did both races. And of course, a different shirt for each race. (Have you met me?)

About six we were told to get ready because in about ten minutes or so, he first runner would be coming through. Ten? Yup, ten to twelve minutes is about right for a 5k, if you are one of those really fast runners! Here they come!

It was a fun experience, there were about 5k for the 5k (tee her hee). After we gave out the awards, we started giving out waters. Technically people were supposed to keep going and get water a little farther up, with their medals, but apparently that wasn’t good enough, so we started giving out water. Most people were nice, some were not, it takes all kinds. Most people said thank you and one person said “Thank you for volunteering”, like I do, it makes you feel good!

The only part I didn’t care for was standing around, I don’t do well standing still and my feet don’t like it, but other than that, it was fun and exciting and rewarding. I went back to the hotel and thought I would get some sleep, ha ha.

The next morning, after about six hours of sleep, I went to have brunch with SF, a friend who grew up with my mom, she is CFL’s mom, who I had dinner with Friday night. It was SF, CFL, her husband and their two kids, we had a great time and a good breakfast.

After breakfast, back to the house for a minute, then SF drove me out to see Red Rocks, I had never been before, it was amazing and fascinating and bizarre, so cool! Then we drove the park, no hiking for me yesterday, I had a race later, headed back to the house for a bit, then SF drove me to the hotel, or tried to.

I had wanted to go to the hotel about 4 so I could rest, maybe take a nap. We got near the hotel and all the streets were blocked off, so she dropped me about half a mile from the hotel and I walked. I get to the hotel to check some stuff and sit down and I realize that the run started at 4:30! What?

My Swiss cheese brain, in typical JJ fashion, thought the run started at 6, like the 5k, not so! So I changed as quickly as I could and ran out the door! I wasn’t terribly worried, my corral was 46! I knew I would have some time. I ran to the monorail, talked to a few people who were staring at me then ran the almost one mile from the monorail to the start and they were only up to corral 36! Phew!

About 5:15 we started and we were off! We ran down the strip past McCarren Airport, the executive side, private planes and helicopters and all to just past the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign! Then back down the strip, very surreal to be running down the strip, let alone just walking down the strip! No cars!

We continued all the way down the strip and could see runners on the other side finishing. We went past all the hotels, down towards my hotel, which I can tell you is about six miles from the airport! Past the nicer hotels, down towards the 39.99 per night, or could be per month, hotels, past all the wedding chapels, I think I saw Elvis!

I ran the first 3.5-4 miles and then I was kind of done running, I haven’t trained and I was fighting a cold, I’m ok with it though. We continued past the Pawn Stars shop, people stopped to take pictures, I did too, GES and ACS like it, so snap, snap. Down to old Las Vegas, parts of it were weird, we went through what we thought was a residential area, but it was a bunch of law firms, The Freemont Street Experience and then back onto the strip.

I have tricks to tell myself where I am and to motivate me to keep going. 3.1 miles, I just did a 5k, 4.5 miles, 1/3 done, stuff like that. When I got to mile 8, I got a bit of a second wind, then ten miles, “only three to go, you got this”.

Let me tell you…the last two miles were hard as hell! Then it was down to one mile, oh my gawd, I can do this, just 1.10 and let me tell you, all those shirts are right, I have always said it, that last .10 is brutal! I can do it, I can do it!

I finally crossed the finish line! I got my medal and foil blanket! I accomplished my two goals…FINISH AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE BEHIND ME. I did it!

My final time was 3:40:24. I was hoping to beat my first half marathon time, 3:21:21, but I am thrilled with what I accomplished! I finished a half marathon people! 13.1 miles! ‘That’s because I’m only half crazy!’

I got my banana, water, protein bar, foil blanket and headed to the monorail. The only bad part was it was at least a quarter or more miles to get out of the race area, then it was about half a mile to the monorail, let’s just say my body didn’t like me last night.

I can officially attest, it does get cold in Las Vegas! It was about 70 most of the weekend, then yesterday, got down to about 40, maybe less, but it was windy. I wore the new shirt and Capri pants with the sleeves and my black running shirt over it, I also had gloves and I’m glad I did! At one point, I took the black shirt off and a few times, the gloves, but I was glad to have them!

After the monorail, I got to the hotel, stood under a hot shower for about 20 minutes, I was freezing! Then I packed, I did not want to have to do it in the morning. It was a painful experience. Then I got into bed, wrote to you and passed out!

I woke up at 6:30am, for good, with the sun shining in my face, too early! I sat in a cold bath, which I should have sat in an ice bath last night when I got to the hotel, helps with the inflammation, and then a nice hot shower, got dressed and headed to SLS, albeit slowly, for breakfast.

I ended up at The Griddle, ordered some eggs, potatoes and toast and a pancake. I sometimes like one pancake, I did not expect what I got! It was the size of a small pizza! Can you believe it?

I took three bites and the rest, along with the eggs and potatoes went into a container, hopefully my taxi driver found someone to give it to!

I finished packing, then headed to the airport, where my flight was delayed, oh joy. I did get to talk to a lot of other people who participated and felt about as sore as I did, at least I’m not alone!

The flight finally leaves and the guy who sat next to me was from Staten Island! What are the odds? I’ve sat next to people from New York City before, but never where I grew up! He’s done quite a few runs, including the New York City marathon a few weeks ago!

He travels for work and sometimes races, like this one and like I do, so I told him about a few races I’m doing and I sent him the link for a few and told him if he’s ever in one of my cities for a race, ha ha, to let me know! Small world!

Now, I am at GES’ house, I am exhausted, my body hates me and I am going to go downstairs and get some sleep! You have to be as tired as I am after this post!

Goodnight!

{November 16, 2014} I’m tired!

Apologies friends, I had a very long day and I am beyond tired and going to bed.

I did Red Rocks and a half marathon, so I am a wee bit knackered. I promise to tell you all about it tomorrow!

Will somebody come and rub my feet please?

Goodnight!

{November 15, 2014} Rock-N-Roll Race Pick Up

Today I picked up my race packet for the Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon!

After working until 2pm, I headed out to the convention center to pick up my race packet. My number is somewhere around 46000! That’s a lot of participants! I had a nice chat with the two guys I got my packet from, about my fabulous motoactiv watch! Anyone who knows me knows I love to talk about it! [If I had a dollar for every person I talk to about it…I’d be a “dollaraire”!]

After I picked up my packet, I went into the expo to walk around and check out all the vendors. Not the same without CKM, one of our favorite things to do together at the Peachtree Roadrace Expo. I tasted some treats, drank some flavored water, filled out contest stuff and even filled out a sign, so true, right?

At the expo I usually buy a new outfil, soemthing new to run in. Do you remember the running dress I bought? I got SO much use out of it! I was going to wear it on Sunday, but then I got this from Burn Ink! It is so cute! It’s got daisies all over it, there is a running skirt, capri pants, shirt and sleeves. The crazy thing was the pants, I tried on my size and they were too baggy, I actually had to go down 2 sizes! Very uplifting! [And it came in a drop bag. I did not buy that bag!] I also got some KT tape for my legs and two shirts for some friends “I can’t tonight honey, I have a long run in the morning”!

The last thing I did was to go and get my legs and feet taped, fingers crossed my knees hold up and my bunions don’t rebel! The only bad part…to keep the tape on my feet, I have to sleep with socks on…for two nights! NOOOOO!

I’m looking forward to running the strip at night! I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures!

{October 24, 2014} My travel day…can we start over?

The day started WAY too early! 5:45am to be exact. Ugh.

My flight for Colorado was at 8:30am, I needed to be there by 7:30am, so I set up Uber and there was a car closer than I realized and I was in the car by 6:15am and we were on our way. I got to the airport about 7am, better early than late and checked in as a Gold Medallion flier, wahoo, go me!

I headed towards the gate, got some breakfast, sat down to eat and wait on my flight and ended up talking to the gentleman next to me, very nice. Then it was time to board my flight from Boston to Minneapolis, an uneventful flight, except for the woman next to me having issues with go-go in-flight wi-fi, oh well.

The flight to Denver was delayed, go-figure, rain everywhere, but the plane was late getting to Minneapolis. I got some lunch and checked some email, then got on to the next flight next to a very preppy and odd couple, but whatever, they were meant for each other.

Sometime in the last three days, I lost my license, don’t do this people, don’t do it! Hold on to your stuff! The reason I say this…I could not rent a car because I did not have a license with me and a passport wouldn’t work. I took Uber to a DMV, it cost WAY too much for this trip. Then I waited my turn to get a new license, better picture this time…well, I hope!

After I got my license, oh, making the woman taking my picture crack up, go figure! I use the phone at the DMV, to call a cab because by now, my phone is D-E-D dead! I even had to turn it off so I could turn it on for proof of address! All of my chargers were dead too, not a happy camper.

Back to the airport, pick up the car, plug in, drive to the apartment to pick up my mail and sign some paperwork ensuring I am completely off the lease, book a hotel and head into Denver, I decided to play tourist in my new hometown! I have the points, I love it! And I love being spoiled!

After I checked in, I went looking for a parking lot, I had no desire to pay $33/night for valet parking, thank you very much. After I parked, it was time for food, so I started walking around, it’s a great area! I found, wait for it…An Irish pub! I was in heaven!!!

The food was good, very simple, I ended up getting mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts and the strangest looking Caesar salad I have ever seen [whole lettuce leaves, sliced eggs, pickled onions, grape tomatoes, two pieces of fried bread for croutons], it was yummy! I saw next to a couple on a first date, I found out when I talked to the woman after the guy went to the toilet and she asked if I could tell she was on a first date! I wished her well and lots of luck, then I talked to her date when she went to the toilet. It was a fun experience.

After dinner, I walked to the hotel, got my luggage and went to the room, opened the door and said “Ahhhhh” this is it! I love Homewood Suites. i so want to get on a project and be able to spend the time in a Homewood Suites, they are wonderful, possibly bigger than my first apartment, much nicer anyway!

I fell down on the bed and thought about getting up, putting on jammies, writing to you and then passing out. So, here I am, it’s 9:47pm mountain time and I have been traveling since 6:15am eastern time, I am a wee bit tired.

So…I am going to finish this post, say goodnight and pass out.

Goodnight!

{October 18, 2014} Day Ten in Ireland

Is it really my last night in Ireland? Has it really been ten days already? Where did the time go? All of it brilliant!

I started the day with breakfast and then with my printout of directions, I headed towards Kildare County, Punchestown Racetrack, http://www.punchestown.com. I got a little turned around, so I decided to try the GPS and of course, it didn’t work, so I followed my instincts and ended up where I was supposed to be! Go me!

I got to the racetrack exactly when the 5k started, checked in and took off five minutes after the start. I had to have a potty break of course, I had been on the road for over 1.5 hours! I got on the course, there was a 5k and 10k going on and it really was a beautiful setting, I even saw a rainbow as I was running!

As I came around the bend, about 4k, I was joined by the 10k’ers, all encouraging me to keep going, it was cool. There were some hills and lots of wind, but we all made it. I saw some signs that for mud runs that were held there too!

I finished 43:15, I was happy, especially for not having trained at all, I’ve been walking a lot this past week and a half, just not running. No tshirt, but I have a Bibb, I’m happy!

After the run, I headed to the hotel to shower and get ready to head out again. I got on the bus and went back to downtown Dublin, just walking around, experiencing everything, the sights and sounds. I was looking for St Patricks Cathedral, but go figure, I couldn’t find it. Not horrible, I toured Trinity University a bit, what a beautiful campus and walked around until I found a vegetarian restaurant then walked off lunch, what a beautiful city!

I think everyone who lives in Ireland was in Dublin today! So very crowded, bustling and busy, I loved it! This is not a place for the faint of heart! I walked into a shopping center, Powerscourt Commons, a lovely indoor mall of sorts, three levels, all brick on the inside. I was about to turn the corner and was greeted by a guy who was raising funds for the Heart Association. We started chatting and a very nice guy, I finally met a red headed Irishman! Well, the hair he had left was red, lots of freckles.

We talked about travel, he actually lived on Tybee Island for a summer during his time at university, then he recommended a great place for dinner and did I miss my opportunity, “would you like to join me for dinner?” Yup, missed it. Oh well, wasn’t meant to be…

After a less than exciting Italian dinner, I headed back to the hotel, started writing to you and now I need to pack to get ready for tomorrow, heading home. I can’t believe it’s been ten days, what a great ten days it’s been and knowing that I will come back to see the things I missed makes it easy for me to go home with a smile on my face.

I think it is so fitting that I finished my positivity challenge, three things I am grateful for for thirty days, on my last night in Ireland.

I hope you have enjoyed my posts for the last ten days, I have enjoyed sharing them with you. It may take a few days, but I will get my photos to you, I promise. My next post will be from Boston at my sister’s house. Have a great night!

Positivity Challenge – Day #30
1 – I am thankful that I finished the 5k this morning in really good time for not having trained.
2 – I am thankful to know that I will come back to Ireland to visit and see all the things I didn’t get to see and I know that the next trip with be with my twin, Nathan Beach!
3 – I am thankful to KNOB for tagging me to do this, it’s been wonderful.

{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!

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What was I thinking?