BlogPostWed30Sept09
At Home at the Pond - Wednesday 30Sept09
Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
At Home at the Pond
Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
At Home at the Pond - Wednesday 30Sept09
Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
At Home at the Pons - Wednesday 30Sept09
At Home at the Pond - Wednesday 30Sept09
Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
At Home at the Pond - Wednesday 30Sept09
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Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.
At Dublin Airport
Boat flower boxes in Kinsale
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Something Kathy says she hasn’t seen before either is the waitpersons have handheld computers they bring to the table and take your credit card info directly right at the table when you pay your bill. Neat.
Before all of that, I slept in a beautiful bed from 21.00 to 5.00 and rose feeling great. Before that I had a long warm bath in deep water in a tub long enough for me to submerge everything except my head! They really have long tubs here – remember Jim? I’ve run out of steam now and will call it quits. Besides that, the battery will give out sooner or later – When? I have no idea.
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BlogPostMon28Sept09
10.20 Dublin Airport. Well, I’m finally using my laptop at an airport – can’t log onto airport WIFI without paying, so I’ll just compose the blog and send it later. This was a complicated event – not sure I can even now review it accurately. The last thing that happened is I was welcomed to the US through Customs where my customs declaration was stamped. (The form was given to me by a kind lady in line, Ryanair neglected to do it). Declared $400 worth of new stuff, which is probably about right. Before that, through Security where I didn’t have to take off my hiking boots, thank goodness. But, my squash blossom necklace fell off the top of my tray of stuff onto the moving belt and I might have not noticed – it was three feet behind my tray – but I DID. Before that, I’ve forgotten for sure, seems like I went through passport inspection, a pre-inspection station for both customs and passport, then earlier to Delta station to check bags – when I thought I was through, but NO – there are still lines! At one point we were shuffled to the opposite end of the terminal since the lines were so long and the ones we were sent to were empty! (Somebody didn’t plan this very well. I conjectured it was because they had a sign with arrows pointing left and right and everyone naturally turns right so the leftward point was empty.) Before that, I arrived from Cork on Ryanair (first planes I’ve seen where passengers loaded both in the front and in the back (I’m impressed with Ryanair. – even though they charged me another 45 euros since my bag was 3 kilos overweight – but they were very nice about it!) Before that, I was shuttled from the Cork International Airport Hotel to the Cork airport where I checked my big bag (3 kg over – 45 euros) and used my carryon to stuff my purse into it along with most heavy things I brought and bought – they don’t weigh the carryon . Before that, I rose at 5:00 – had a wakeup call AND figured out how to set the alarm on the TV – worried about turning the TV off, but it rang anyway! That impressed me, too! What a technologically astute country this is!
10.20 Dublin Airport. Well, I’m finally using my laptop at an airport – can’t log onto airport WIFI without paying, so I’ll just compose the blog and send it later. This was a complicated event – not sure I can even now review it accurately. The last thing that happened is I was welcomed to the US through Customs where my customs declaration was stamped. (The form was given to me by a kind lady in line, Ryanair neglected to do it). Declared $400 worth of new stuff, which is probably about right. Before that, through Security where I didn’t have to take off my hiking boots, thank goodness. But, my squash blossom necklace fell off the top of my tray of stuff onto the moving belt and I might have not noticed – it was three feet behind my tray – but I DID. Before that, I’ve forgotten for sure, seems like I went through passport inspection, a pre-inspection station for both customs and passport, then earlier to Delta station to check bags – when I thought I was through, but NO – there are still lines! At one point we were shuffled to the opposite end of the terminal since the lines were so long and the ones we were sent to were empty! (Somebody didn’t plan this very well. I conjectured it was because they had a sign with arrows pointing left and right and everyone naturally turns right so the leftward point was empty.) Before that, I arrived from Cork on Ryanair (first planes I’ve seen where passengers loaded both in the front and in the back (I’m impressed with Ryanair. – even though they charged me another 45 euros since my bag was 3 kilos overweight – but they were very nice about it!) Before that, I was shuttled from the Cork International Airport Hotel to the Cork airport where I checked my big bag (3 kg over – 45 euros) and used my carryon to stuff my purse into it along with most heavy things I brought and bought – they don’t weigh the carryon . Before that, I rose at 5:00 – had a wakeup call AND figured out how to set the alarm on the TV – worried about turning the TV off, but it rang anyway! That impressed me, too! What a technologically astute country this is!
Something I left out - in Atlanta I DID have to take off my hiking boots to get through security! That is coming back home, I did, - not on the way out.
Something Kathy says she hasn’t seen before either is the waitpersons have handheld computers they bring to the table and take your credit card info directly right at the table when you pay your bill. Neat.
Before all of that, I slept in a beautiful bed from 21.00 to 5.00 and rose feeling great. Before that I had a long warm bath in deep water in a tub long enough for me to submerge everything except my head! They really have long tubs here – remember Jim? I’ve run out of steam now and will call it quits. Besides that, the battery will give out sooner or later – When? I have no idea.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Cork Airport Hotel
My apartment no more!
BlogPostSun27Sept09
Well, I’m on my way home. In a beautiful Cork International Airport Hotel to catch an early flight in the morning for Dublin and thence Atlanta. I am amazed at the luxury with which I’ve been surrounded in the hotels. Tourism is truly big business here – as it is in SC, of course.
Kathy left yesterday to go home about noon, taking the bus to downtown Cork and on to Shannon airport. It was a quiet, overcast day – no rain but a bit chilly comparatively speaking. Of course, I’ve been wearing long sleeves and sweaters and/or jackets much of the time I’ve been here. Still, the air is so clean, the sun so bright, the rain so soft, life has been beautiful every day. They tell me the rain can be horrific during the winter. The town has had major flooding at least 19 times and they are now in the process of improving the drainage system piece by piece as the work can be completed. The major portion of the town is now sitting on what was once harbor water – silted in over the years – deforestation using trees for barrels, ships, etc. – in part responsible.
This morning Margie and I went to a little Bohemian restaurant in Ballinspittle, a little village near Kinsale, for beautiful waffles with whip cream and strawberries. As usual, scrumptious food! These people truly know how to serve food! Every chef should come here for lessons. Anyway, then she drove us through the clean, clear, beautiful countryside to the airport. So, we said our goodbyes. Goodbye to Kathy yesterday but I’ll see her again soon! Not so with Margie, Alana and Joan. Of course, it wouldn’t have were it not for Luke’s Rotary connection. Thanks, Luke!
Somehow I feel obligated to assess this experience of two months in Ireland but I think I’m not far enough beyond it yet. I will say that I certainly cannot promise I won’t come back again – even though that seems very selfish and perhaps narrow. Maybe I should try a similar experience in another place? I do know that I have made at least three very good friends in Alana, Margie and Joan. It has been amazing how friendly they have been and how comfortable I am with each one of them now. It’s like having three new sisters! Not in my wildest dreams did I expect that to happen!
Despite the difficulties, perhaps because of them, I feel much more ready to take off again somewhere else on my own. The risk-taking involved was so fulfilling and educational and FUN even if a little scary. And, I think two months is just about the right time length for me to begin to feel at home in the environment. Primarily it means that places and faces begin to be familiar. It’s fun to see friend Joan in the SuperValu or to run into my yoga teacher in the farmer’s market – or to recognize some of the same faces walking back and forth past my flat to and from work. To attend the same church several Sundays in a row – and to begin to recognize faces there. All of that makes the trip so special. Watching the lines of people waiting at the Social Services Office or the medical clinic – hearing the noise level escalate beginning with the music in the pubs at 9:30 in the evening. Buying scones from the same baker several times – once they were still in the oven and I went home, drank a bit of green tea, and then back to buy them while just out of the oven. Learning to use a pay phone again. Doing without a telephone. Watching Irish VHS and DVD’s, listening to Irish CD’s, - not what I picked, but what someone else picked. I could go on. But perhaps this begins to describe my trip.
Enough for now. Tomorrow is travel day – so no blog. Perhaps when I get back to the Pond and get my Broadband access off “vacation” I’ll do another review. Thanks to each of you who shared this adventure with me. The blog writing has been fun. I hope you have enjoyed reading it and have gained at least a little of one woman’s escapades!
What a joy to be able to send this NOW. Wireless available in my hotel room!
Well, I’m on my way home. In a beautiful Cork International Airport Hotel to catch an early flight in the morning for Dublin and thence Atlanta. I am amazed at the luxury with which I’ve been surrounded in the hotels. Tourism is truly big business here – as it is in SC, of course.
Kathy left yesterday to go home about noon, taking the bus to downtown Cork and on to Shannon airport. It was a quiet, overcast day – no rain but a bit chilly comparatively speaking. Of course, I’ve been wearing long sleeves and sweaters and/or jackets much of the time I’ve been here. Still, the air is so clean, the sun so bright, the rain so soft, life has been beautiful every day. They tell me the rain can be horrific during the winter. The town has had major flooding at least 19 times and they are now in the process of improving the drainage system piece by piece as the work can be completed. The major portion of the town is now sitting on what was once harbor water – silted in over the years – deforestation using trees for barrels, ships, etc. – in part responsible.
This morning Margie and I went to a little Bohemian restaurant in Ballinspittle, a little village near Kinsale, for beautiful waffles with whip cream and strawberries. As usual, scrumptious food! These people truly know how to serve food! Every chef should come here for lessons. Anyway, then she drove us through the clean, clear, beautiful countryside to the airport. So, we said our goodbyes. Goodbye to Kathy yesterday but I’ll see her again soon! Not so with Margie, Alana and Joan. Of course, it wouldn’t have were it not for Luke’s Rotary connection. Thanks, Luke!
Somehow I feel obligated to assess this experience of two months in Ireland but I think I’m not far enough beyond it yet. I will say that I certainly cannot promise I won’t come back again – even though that seems very selfish and perhaps narrow. Maybe I should try a similar experience in another place? I do know that I have made at least three very good friends in Alana, Margie and Joan. It has been amazing how friendly they have been and how comfortable I am with each one of them now. It’s like having three new sisters! Not in my wildest dreams did I expect that to happen!
Despite the difficulties, perhaps because of them, I feel much more ready to take off again somewhere else on my own. The risk-taking involved was so fulfilling and educational and FUN even if a little scary. And, I think two months is just about the right time length for me to begin to feel at home in the environment. Primarily it means that places and faces begin to be familiar. It’s fun to see friend Joan in the SuperValu or to run into my yoga teacher in the farmer’s market – or to recognize some of the same faces walking back and forth past my flat to and from work. To attend the same church several Sundays in a row – and to begin to recognize faces there. All of that makes the trip so special. Watching the lines of people waiting at the Social Services Office or the medical clinic – hearing the noise level escalate beginning with the music in the pubs at 9:30 in the evening. Buying scones from the same baker several times – once they were still in the oven and I went home, drank a bit of green tea, and then back to buy them while just out of the oven. Learning to use a pay phone again. Doing without a telephone. Watching Irish VHS and DVD’s, listening to Irish CD’s, - not what I picked, but what someone else picked. I could go on. But perhaps this begins to describe my trip.
Enough for now. Tomorrow is travel day – so no blog. Perhaps when I get back to the Pond and get my Broadband access off “vacation” I’ll do another review. Thanks to each of you who shared this adventure with me. The blog writing has been fun. I hope you have enjoyed reading it and have gained at least a little of one woman’s escapades!
What a joy to be able to send this NOW. Wireless available in my hotel room!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Last Friday happenings
BlogPostSat26Sept09
21.50 pm Friday evening. Sorry I don’t have photos of this evening except on my Quicksnap Fuji which will have to be developed when I return to the States. It has been absolutely delightful. The whole day. Tonight especially since Kathy and I spent the dinner hour at the Fishy Fish Café by the pier again – my dinner was a vegetarian one of risotto with a whole bunch of other stuff mixed in, delightful salad, potatoes on the side, of course, and ended with a Baby pavlova with strawberries and cream and coffee. The waiter informed us that decaffineated coffee has formaldehyde used in the process of doing the decaffination – does anyone know if that is really true? We believed him and had regular coffee – except that it is anything but regular – it is SUPER coffee – and I’m not even a coffee drinker. All of this occurred along with a delightful bottle of wine and lots of fun, camaraderie and photos, etc. A truly delightful evening to end Kathy’s visit here. She leaves about noon tomorrow. Believe me, my experience here would have been far less without her visit!
So, the winding down begins.
An exciting event this afternoon – a wedding a St. Multose – with the Road Train all decorated with ribbons matching the bridesmaids’ dresses colors (aqua and purple) and loads of people pouring out of the church and into the road train and going somewhere to celebrate – free champagne on the road train for such events – a wave from the pastor to me as I observed from my stoop outside the door – altogether a fun thing observing the loading of the train and getting the train started back into the traffic again. There’s a Michael Jackson event occurring tomorrow night and the town is overflowing with people and vehicles to attend that.
21.50 pm Friday evening. Sorry I don’t have photos of this evening except on my Quicksnap Fuji which will have to be developed when I return to the States. It has been absolutely delightful. The whole day. Tonight especially since Kathy and I spent the dinner hour at the Fishy Fish Café by the pier again – my dinner was a vegetarian one of risotto with a whole bunch of other stuff mixed in, delightful salad, potatoes on the side, of course, and ended with a Baby pavlova with strawberries and cream and coffee. The waiter informed us that decaffineated coffee has formaldehyde used in the process of doing the decaffination – does anyone know if that is really true? We believed him and had regular coffee – except that it is anything but regular – it is SUPER coffee – and I’m not even a coffee drinker. All of this occurred along with a delightful bottle of wine and lots of fun, camaraderie and photos, etc. A truly delightful evening to end Kathy’s visit here. She leaves about noon tomorrow. Believe me, my experience here would have been far less without her visit!
So, the winding down begins.
An exciting event this afternoon – a wedding a St. Multose – with the Road Train all decorated with ribbons matching the bridesmaids’ dresses colors (aqua and purple) and loads of people pouring out of the church and into the road train and going somewhere to celebrate – free champagne on the road train for such events – a wave from the pastor to me as I observed from my stoop outside the door – altogether a fun thing observing the loading of the train and getting the train started back into the traffic again. There’s a Michael Jackson event occurring tomorrow night and the town is overflowing with people and vehicles to attend that.
Last Friday happenings
BlogPostSat26Sept09
21.50 pm Friday evening. Sorry I don’t have photos of this evening except on my Quicksnap Fuji which will have to be developed when I return to the States. It has been absolutely delightful. The whole day. Tonight especially since Kathy and I spent the dinner hour at the Fishy Fish Café by the pier again – my dinner was a vegetarian one of risotto with a whole bunch of other stuff mixed in, delightful salad, potatoes on the side, of course, and ended with a Baby pavlova with strawberries and cream and coffee. The waiter informed us that decaffineated coffee has formaldehyde used in the process of doing the decaffination – does anyone know if that is really true? We believed him and had regular coffee – except that it is anything but regular – it is SUPER coffee – and I’m not even a coffee drinker. All of this occurred along with a delightful bottle of wine and lots of fun, camaraderie and photos, etc. A truly delightful evening to end Kathy’s visit here. She leaves about noon tomorrow. Believe me, my experience here would have been far less without her visit!
So, the winding down begins.
An exciting event this afternoon – a wedding a St. Multose – with the Road Train all decorated with ribbons matching the bridesmaids’ dresses colors (aqua and purple) and loads of people pouring out of the church and into the road train and going somewhere to celebrate – free champagne on the road train for such events – a wave from the pastor to me as I observed from my stoop outside the door – altogether a fun thing observing the loading of the train and getting the train started back into the traffic again. There’s a Michael Jackson event occurring tomorrow night and the town is overflowing with people and vehicles to attend that.
21.50 pm Friday evening. Sorry I don’t have photos of this evening except on my Quicksnap Fuji which will have to be developed when I return to the States. It has been absolutely delightful. The whole day. Tonight especially since Kathy and I spent the dinner hour at the Fishy Fish Café by the pier again – my dinner was a vegetarian one of risotto with a whole bunch of other stuff mixed in, delightful salad, potatoes on the side, of course, and ended with a Baby pavlova with strawberries and cream and coffee. The waiter informed us that decaffineated coffee has formaldehyde used in the process of doing the decaffination – does anyone know if that is really true? We believed him and had regular coffee – except that it is anything but regular – it is SUPER coffee – and I’m not even a coffee drinker. All of this occurred along with a delightful bottle of wine and lots of fun, camaraderie and photos, etc. A truly delightful evening to end Kathy’s visit here. She leaves about noon tomorrow. Believe me, my experience here would have been far less without her visit!
So, the winding down begins.
An exciting event this afternoon – a wedding a St. Multose – with the Road Train all decorated with ribbons matching the bridesmaids’ dresses colors (aqua and purple) and loads of people pouring out of the church and into the road train and going somewhere to celebrate – free champagne on the road train for such events – a wave from the pastor to me as I observed from my stoop outside the door – altogether a fun thing observing the loading of the train and getting the train started back into the traffic again. There’s a Michael Jackson event occurring tomorrow night and the town is overflowing with people and vehicles to attend that.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday Goings on
BlogPostFriday25Sept09
8.30 am Well, plans changed. Kathy spent all day yesterday on her Blarney Castle trip – much of it in Cork standing around waiting and changing busses – and came home ready to stay here for another day rather than us heading out for Cork this morning – which suits me to a T. I truly love being here and have had just about enough touring to other places.
I had a delightful day yesterday – did get in another yoga class with Rose – walked around the village for quite a while – a bit of shopping (checked yesterday on the web and do still have money in my checking account!) – finally found a jacket with Ireland on it that looks at least a bit feminine so got that for myself – still looking for shirts for sons – it’s always a pain to try to find two different gifts for them – seems as if once I find one, I have trouble finding the second one. They both prefer different kinds of gifts since they got so many duplicates growing up. What’s a Mother to do? Oh well, not a monumental problem – in fact a fun one this time.
Spent some time sitting in the sun on the red bench in front of the flat reading Anam Cara and watching the people go by. Kathy arrived home from Cork and we finished off the Moet and Chandon champagne and headed out for dinner at Max’s. Jim: remember our delightful lunch there the day you left! Now they’ve begun offering an early bird 3-course meal for 25 euros – so that’s what we got. Fantastic salad with tiny bits of chicken (LOTS OF THEM) and bunches of other stuff followed by lamb stew that was heavenly and ending with caramel mousse (on a plate painted with caramel) topped with a dollop of whipped cream, strawberry and mint leaf dusted with powdered sugar. Max’s is certainly the best in town, no doubt in my mind.
Following that lovely meal, we ended up back at the flat letting it digest and I skipped the ghost tour – maybe tonight. Watching groups of teens in their gray flannels and blue shirts and sweaters eating scones on their way up the hill to school. Seems to me they may be tardy – it’s 8.45 already – but they don’t seem to be in any hurry.
I’ll scoot over to the café at 10 when they open and get this off. Since we’re staying here I’ll be able to get one off today, tomorrow, and maybe even Sunday! So, keep checking.
Still no appreciable rain – only a shower the day Kathy and I took the harbor cruise. I understand from Luke that Atlanta had 16 inches in places recently – I haven’t watched TV or read a paper in a week or so.
8.30 am Well, plans changed. Kathy spent all day yesterday on her Blarney Castle trip – much of it in Cork standing around waiting and changing busses – and came home ready to stay here for another day rather than us heading out for Cork this morning – which suits me to a T. I truly love being here and have had just about enough touring to other places.
I had a delightful day yesterday – did get in another yoga class with Rose – walked around the village for quite a while – a bit of shopping (checked yesterday on the web and do still have money in my checking account!) – finally found a jacket with Ireland on it that looks at least a bit feminine so got that for myself – still looking for shirts for sons – it’s always a pain to try to find two different gifts for them – seems as if once I find one, I have trouble finding the second one. They both prefer different kinds of gifts since they got so many duplicates growing up. What’s a Mother to do? Oh well, not a monumental problem – in fact a fun one this time.
Spent some time sitting in the sun on the red bench in front of the flat reading Anam Cara and watching the people go by. Kathy arrived home from Cork and we finished off the Moet and Chandon champagne and headed out for dinner at Max’s. Jim: remember our delightful lunch there the day you left! Now they’ve begun offering an early bird 3-course meal for 25 euros – so that’s what we got. Fantastic salad with tiny bits of chicken (LOTS OF THEM) and bunches of other stuff followed by lamb stew that was heavenly and ending with caramel mousse (on a plate painted with caramel) topped with a dollop of whipped cream, strawberry and mint leaf dusted with powdered sugar. Max’s is certainly the best in town, no doubt in my mind.
Following that lovely meal, we ended up back at the flat letting it digest and I skipped the ghost tour – maybe tonight. Watching groups of teens in their gray flannels and blue shirts and sweaters eating scones on their way up the hill to school. Seems to me they may be tardy – it’s 8.45 already – but they don’t seem to be in any hurry.
I’ll scoot over to the café at 10 when they open and get this off. Since we’re staying here I’ll be able to get one off today, tomorrow, and maybe even Sunday! So, keep checking.
Still no appreciable rain – only a shower the day Kathy and I took the harbor cruise. I understand from Luke that Atlanta had 16 inches in places recently – I haven’t watched TV or read a paper in a week or so.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Trad - Charles Fort - Lusitania memorial
BlogPostThurs24Sept09
22.30 pm Wednesday. WOW! Finally I’ve heard Irish Trad! Went to the Spaniard tonight and had a delightful 3-course meal and music in the bar afterwards began at 9:30 – two accordions, fiddle, bodhran! It’s so FUN! Wish I had time to hear MUCH more – hope my Quicksnap camera recorded some for me – the bodhran player showed me a couple things that will help me in my own feeble attempts! The bartender promises to get a t-shirt for me – on and on – again Ireland is an unbelievably hospitable place.
This afternoon Kathy and I took the road train to Charles Fort – and spent an hour wandering around the many structures still standing – many restored or preserved or whatever they call it so that you feel as if you are in the past – 1600’s! Spectacular scenery looking out at Old Head lighthouse, James Fort, and, of course the Kinsale harbor and lovely sailboats. Did I tell you that off Old Head Kinsale is where the Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boat? “The Lusitania was seen from the signal station at Kinsale to be in difficulties at 2:10 pm and at 2:28 pm she had completely disappeared – May 1915.” The first inquisition was held here in the court house (50 yds - metres? from my flat) where the Germans were accused of murder and this in part led to the US entering World War I. There is a memorial just outside the gates of the Old Head Golf Club – I’ll try to remember to post that photo. The Lusitania was a sister ship to the Titanic.
Time is running out – but not without fanfare!
8.00 am Thursday. Sun salutations, tea, and people watching as I report in this morning. Still reeling from the great time last evening – only two glasses of wine! Finally I’ll get back to yoga with Rose this morning. Haven’t been since Kathy arrived – just too much fun stuff going on. We’ll see what the rest of the day holds – but plans are for Kathy to go to Blarney Castle while I mess around here – I’ve been twice already. Then this evening Joan is joining us for the Ghost Tour led by a man who is part of the family that owns the Tap Tavern. They are friends of Alana and Margie. Jim: Remember the guy riding around town in the black suit and derby on a bicycle advertising the ghost tour? Or, for sure you remember all the laughing that we heard from the group as they were over at St. Multose? I can’t leave without finding out what they laugh at every night. Of course, I could just stand on our landing outside the door and hear it, but that wouldn’t be the same fun.
Another curiosity – friend Joan drinks hot water – without tea or coffee – hot water! I am seeing others doing the same thing occasionally – blows my mind. But, then, lots of things are blowing my mind on this trip. I had coffee served with whipped cream last evening – YUMMY! Not artificial stuff either – REAL CREAM. That’s one thing that is abundant – dairy products – yellowest butter I’ve seen since childhood on the farm that Mother churned – all kinds of cheeses – but ricotta and cottage cheese often is not on the shelves. So, I’ve given the cottage cheese up for the REAL STUFF! Amazingly I can still zip up my jeans – with some difficulty when they first come back from the laundry.
22.30 pm Wednesday. WOW! Finally I’ve heard Irish Trad! Went to the Spaniard tonight and had a delightful 3-course meal and music in the bar afterwards began at 9:30 – two accordions, fiddle, bodhran! It’s so FUN! Wish I had time to hear MUCH more – hope my Quicksnap camera recorded some for me – the bodhran player showed me a couple things that will help me in my own feeble attempts! The bartender promises to get a t-shirt for me – on and on – again Ireland is an unbelievably hospitable place.
This afternoon Kathy and I took the road train to Charles Fort – and spent an hour wandering around the many structures still standing – many restored or preserved or whatever they call it so that you feel as if you are in the past – 1600’s! Spectacular scenery looking out at Old Head lighthouse, James Fort, and, of course the Kinsale harbor and lovely sailboats. Did I tell you that off Old Head Kinsale is where the Lusitania was sunk by German U-Boat? “The Lusitania was seen from the signal station at Kinsale to be in difficulties at 2:10 pm and at 2:28 pm she had completely disappeared – May 1915.” The first inquisition was held here in the court house (50 yds - metres? from my flat) where the Germans were accused of murder and this in part led to the US entering World War I. There is a memorial just outside the gates of the Old Head Golf Club – I’ll try to remember to post that photo. The Lusitania was a sister ship to the Titanic.
Time is running out – but not without fanfare!
8.00 am Thursday. Sun salutations, tea, and people watching as I report in this morning. Still reeling from the great time last evening – only two glasses of wine! Finally I’ll get back to yoga with Rose this morning. Haven’t been since Kathy arrived – just too much fun stuff going on. We’ll see what the rest of the day holds – but plans are for Kathy to go to Blarney Castle while I mess around here – I’ve been twice already. Then this evening Joan is joining us for the Ghost Tour led by a man who is part of the family that owns the Tap Tavern. They are friends of Alana and Margie. Jim: Remember the guy riding around town in the black suit and derby on a bicycle advertising the ghost tour? Or, for sure you remember all the laughing that we heard from the group as they were over at St. Multose? I can’t leave without finding out what they laugh at every night. Of course, I could just stand on our landing outside the door and hear it, but that wouldn’t be the same fun.
Another curiosity – friend Joan drinks hot water – without tea or coffee – hot water! I am seeing others doing the same thing occasionally – blows my mind. But, then, lots of things are blowing my mind on this trip. I had coffee served with whipped cream last evening – YUMMY! Not artificial stuff either – REAL CREAM. That’s one thing that is abundant – dairy products – yellowest butter I’ve seen since childhood on the farm that Mother churned – all kinds of cheeses – but ricotta and cottage cheese often is not on the shelves. So, I’ve given the cottage cheese up for the REAL STUFF! Amazingly I can still zip up my jeans – with some difficulty when they first come back from the laundry.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
At home in Kinsale
BlogPostWed23Sept09
This morning seems like a good one to get off a post. I’m an early morning person, Kathy is sleeping in. I’ve got my green tea, have done 12 sun salutations - So, here I go.
Yesterday was a truly full one – as nearly all have been. Kathy took a very long walk – over towards Charles Fort and back through town and over to James Fort – all the way to the top and then back down past the marina where Margie hollered at her and she got a short visit with her again before walking back home.
I spent most of the day walking to and from the flat. First to the bakery for scones – Kathy’s first here. Used the pay phone to reserve a room in Cork (Michelle is working events and can’t really spend time with us) so we can spend Friday doing Cork and then go our separate ways. Kathy will bus to Shannon on Saturday, I’ll come back for one last night here – and a visit to the Tap Tavern and St. Multose before moving out to the Cork Airport hotel Sunday evening.
We did laundry yesterday and the lovely woman who owns the place was kind to me and weighed my box of stuff to mail home – exactly 5kg (about 10 pounds) which is the limit for the box I bought at the PO. Cost 55 euros to ship it home and the owner of the Kinsale Crystal shop advised me it was much cheaper than using other services. (He was one of many who just wanted to hear me talk southern.) One can ship DHL (or whatever those initials are – I forget) out of the Cork airport – but here you must call UPS or DHL and it would be much more expensive than the PO. They do have regular pickups from stores that have accounts with them, but not local offices. So after getting rid of that weight, I can bring home a few gifts. I will also leave behind some old clothes that I brought on purpose to wear and then leave behind. Delta is not a problem, but Ryanair has strict weight limits.
Yesterday was farmers’ market day so bought salads (beet and avocado; coucous and sun-dried tomatoes and cranberries) and almonds down by the pier where the carnival used to be – it closed until May. Many things changed as of the end of September. Longer times between road train trips to sites, cancellation of many bus day tours, shops closing earlier, etc. However, there is a big gourmet foods festival coming up in October, and all of Ireland is celebrating Arthur’s Day this Friday. So, by no means has everything stopped – just slowed down. Schools have opened and it’s fun to see the kids walking around in their uniforms. By the way, the teens have a really good reputation for courtesy here, and rightly so. As a matter of fact, everyone has been truly hospitable to us. Met a young lady in the Fat Face shop yesterday who was born in Phoenix and grew up in Alabama and Mississippi and now family has moved to Dublin – she is finishing a law degree at a college in Cork – she was delighted to meet a southerner visiting here and would have talked with me longer except for the other customers needing attention.
Last night we had a lovely dinner at Crackpots – a restaurant Kathy’s father had eaten in when he was here a few years ago. Also shared part of a bottle of champagne I had bought - 4l euros was the cheapest champagne the store had! That equates to about $60! That’s why we haven’t done that before! Wine is considerably less expensive. It is generally true that everything is about one and a half times the cost of the same thing in the States. So, you accept that and just ignore the difference and pretend it’s dollars, not euros, and all is well! The economy here is suffering – yesterday I saw a queue of about 40 people at the Kinsale social services office.
Tonight we will dine at the Spaniard and listen to music with our friends, Alana, Margie, and Joan – so Big Night Out tonight.
This morning seems like a good one to get off a post. I’m an early morning person, Kathy is sleeping in. I’ve got my green tea, have done 12 sun salutations - So, here I go.
Yesterday was a truly full one – as nearly all have been. Kathy took a very long walk – over towards Charles Fort and back through town and over to James Fort – all the way to the top and then back down past the marina where Margie hollered at her and she got a short visit with her again before walking back home.
I spent most of the day walking to and from the flat. First to the bakery for scones – Kathy’s first here. Used the pay phone to reserve a room in Cork (Michelle is working events and can’t really spend time with us) so we can spend Friday doing Cork and then go our separate ways. Kathy will bus to Shannon on Saturday, I’ll come back for one last night here – and a visit to the Tap Tavern and St. Multose before moving out to the Cork Airport hotel Sunday evening.
We did laundry yesterday and the lovely woman who owns the place was kind to me and weighed my box of stuff to mail home – exactly 5kg (about 10 pounds) which is the limit for the box I bought at the PO. Cost 55 euros to ship it home and the owner of the Kinsale Crystal shop advised me it was much cheaper than using other services. (He was one of many who just wanted to hear me talk southern.) One can ship DHL (or whatever those initials are – I forget) out of the Cork airport – but here you must call UPS or DHL and it would be much more expensive than the PO. They do have regular pickups from stores that have accounts with them, but not local offices. So after getting rid of that weight, I can bring home a few gifts. I will also leave behind some old clothes that I brought on purpose to wear and then leave behind. Delta is not a problem, but Ryanair has strict weight limits.
Yesterday was farmers’ market day so bought salads (beet and avocado; coucous and sun-dried tomatoes and cranberries) and almonds down by the pier where the carnival used to be – it closed until May. Many things changed as of the end of September. Longer times between road train trips to sites, cancellation of many bus day tours, shops closing earlier, etc. However, there is a big gourmet foods festival coming up in October, and all of Ireland is celebrating Arthur’s Day this Friday. So, by no means has everything stopped – just slowed down. Schools have opened and it’s fun to see the kids walking around in their uniforms. By the way, the teens have a really good reputation for courtesy here, and rightly so. As a matter of fact, everyone has been truly hospitable to us. Met a young lady in the Fat Face shop yesterday who was born in Phoenix and grew up in Alabama and Mississippi and now family has moved to Dublin – she is finishing a law degree at a college in Cork – she was delighted to meet a southerner visiting here and would have talked with me longer except for the other customers needing attention.
Last night we had a lovely dinner at Crackpots – a restaurant Kathy’s father had eaten in when he was here a few years ago. Also shared part of a bottle of champagne I had bought - 4l euros was the cheapest champagne the store had! That equates to about $60! That’s why we haven’t done that before! Wine is considerably less expensive. It is generally true that everything is about one and a half times the cost of the same thing in the States. So, you accept that and just ignore the difference and pretend it’s dollars, not euros, and all is well! The economy here is suffering – yesterday I saw a queue of about 40 people at the Kinsale social services office.
Tonight we will dine at the Spaniard and listen to music with our friends, Alana, Margie, and Joan – so Big Night Out tonight.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Miscellaneous stuff and Kathy Photos
Irish Coffee at the Flat
and on the Harbor Cruise
and on the Harbor Cruise
BlogPostMon21Sept09
What a nice day! Did a bit of laundry and dried it in front of the gas fireplace – works very well for that as well as for cheery environment to enjoy a glass in the evening! Met Margie and Sara (her charge) at the swimming pool for a brief walk and chat together about the phone. She is still trying to get one to work for me! Anyway, nice visit together.
Then to the Post Office to buy boxes and get prices for shipping stuff to myself in 96. No matter which way I go, it is expensive – either to ship or to fly it home. So, I’ll get rid of a lot of the weight this way – books, etc – and not have to fool with it when I fly. Can’t believe it’s almost here! And finally to the hair salon for a shampoo-cut-blowdry. I look absolutely gorgeous! Love the work he did. Couldn’t understand what he said all the time, but enough to enjoy the experience. He was so attractive I got flustered and forgot and left my hearing aids on until he began the shampoo – BUT fortunately I apparently got them away from the water quickly enough. At least they still work now. That could have turned out to be a VERY expensive hair treatment!
From there by the ATM at Bank of Ireland for more euros and then to a bit of gift shopping – the smallest, lightest weight stuff I can find, of course. And finally, to Londis for bananas and milk. Yep, Londis is the name of one of the grocery stores. Not Landis (my maiden name for those of you who don’t know) but close enough for my trade.
Kathy comes back from Dublin this evening. Tomorrow we’ll do more stuff around Kinsale. Wednesday evening we’re going to the Spaniard for a late dinner and Trad Irish music FINALLY. I’m hoping Margie, Alana, and Joan will join us for the outing. They have all been so very helpful and friendly to me. Then Kathy and I will go to Cork for Thursday and Friday evenings at Michelle’s home – Friday evening is a BIG ARTSY night in town – as all over Ireland on the 25th – a big celebration of Arthur Guinness 250 years – may not have the number right but a LONG TIME. You know me and numbers – not very good at them. Interesting side note – the taxi driver told me that young people don’t drink Guinness – they’re into Budweiser, Heineken, and Miller beers! How’s that for supporting the economy! Remember, the bulk of the population is young people now.
Can’t think of anything else right now – Oh, I’ve misplaced my camera so I’ll have to rely on what is already in the computer – they’ll be a bit old, but still new to you. I’ll see what I can come up with when I get to the café to post this. I have picked up a Quick-snap Fuji camera to finish out the week. Hopefully when we pack up we’ll run across my Canon.
Enough.
What a nice day! Did a bit of laundry and dried it in front of the gas fireplace – works very well for that as well as for cheery environment to enjoy a glass in the evening! Met Margie and Sara (her charge) at the swimming pool for a brief walk and chat together about the phone. She is still trying to get one to work for me! Anyway, nice visit together.
Then to the Post Office to buy boxes and get prices for shipping stuff to myself in 96. No matter which way I go, it is expensive – either to ship or to fly it home. So, I’ll get rid of a lot of the weight this way – books, etc – and not have to fool with it when I fly. Can’t believe it’s almost here! And finally to the hair salon for a shampoo-cut-blowdry. I look absolutely gorgeous! Love the work he did. Couldn’t understand what he said all the time, but enough to enjoy the experience. He was so attractive I got flustered and forgot and left my hearing aids on until he began the shampoo – BUT fortunately I apparently got them away from the water quickly enough. At least they still work now. That could have turned out to be a VERY expensive hair treatment!
From there by the ATM at Bank of Ireland for more euros and then to a bit of gift shopping – the smallest, lightest weight stuff I can find, of course. And finally, to Londis for bananas and milk. Yep, Londis is the name of one of the grocery stores. Not Landis (my maiden name for those of you who don’t know) but close enough for my trade.
Kathy comes back from Dublin this evening. Tomorrow we’ll do more stuff around Kinsale. Wednesday evening we’re going to the Spaniard for a late dinner and Trad Irish music FINALLY. I’m hoping Margie, Alana, and Joan will join us for the outing. They have all been so very helpful and friendly to me. Then Kathy and I will go to Cork for Thursday and Friday evenings at Michelle’s home – Friday evening is a BIG ARTSY night in town – as all over Ireland on the 25th – a big celebration of Arthur Guinness 250 years – may not have the number right but a LONG TIME. You know me and numbers – not very good at them. Interesting side note – the taxi driver told me that young people don’t drink Guinness – they’re into Budweiser, Heineken, and Miller beers! How’s that for supporting the economy! Remember, the bulk of the population is young people now.
Can’t think of anything else right now – Oh, I’ve misplaced my camera so I’ll have to rely on what is already in the computer – they’ll be a bit old, but still new to you. I’ll see what I can come up with when I get to the café to post this. I have picked up a Quick-snap Fuji camera to finish out the week. Hopefully when we pack up we’ll run across my Canon.
Enough.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Dublin trip
BlogPostSun20Sep09
At home in Kinsale – 14.15 pm
Pleasant trip home via taxi from Sherbourne Hotel to Dublin airport – thence to Cork airport and finally bus to Kinsale and a short walk up the hill to my flat. I had thought of doing a bus to the Dublin airport but got eager so just hopped into a cab.
In Dublin Kathy and I did try to do everything! Had great meals out – Kathy did a lot more exploring than I since I had been there before, but I did walk over to Trinity College and around and about – shopped in Celtic Notebook shop for some Irish DVD’s and a tin whistle and instructions. I never really learned to play the bodhran (drum) I bought ten years ago, but maybe someday I will. Now I can switch back and forth between the tin whistle and the bodhran!
I spent a lot of time yesterday in the National Museum of Archeology and History just a short block from our hotel. The Celtic artifacts truly interested me – The most fascinating are the two sheela-na-gigs (female figures in stone removed from castle walls). I had been introduced to the concept when Margie and I traveled to a castle with one still in the wall. There were also fascinating exhibits of clothing removed from bogs that is almost totally intact – the lack of oxygen in the bogs allowed this to happen. All of the Celtic display held me spellbound for a long time. How I’d love to work with some archeologists who are still finding artifacts.
On Thursday we did Dublin with an around- the-city hop-on, hop-off bus tour that was perfect to get oriented. St. Patrick’s cathedral was a great stop the second time around the city. We visited Newgrange and Tara on Friday – again absolutely fascinating to be in or on the sites! Kathy went on a Wicklow Mountains all-day tour yesterday while I “did” Dublin. The National Gallery of Art is having an exhibition of Munch prints that I quickly visited and then back to the Museum.
Each night we ate at different restaurants – all of which were superb – and expensive. But, after all, we only go around once – so far as we know! The Hotel Shelbourne was a perfect spot to be. Not only is it 5-star and lives up to it – but it is on the edge of St. Stephens Green – an absolutely lovely green space – perfect for walking in the fresh, clean air. Also surrounding the green were art works – mostly paintings on Saturday – seemed like a couple miles of paintings mounted on the fence all around the green.
So, for now, that’s enough – maybe more than enough. I’ll get back to it tomorrow after yoga.
At home in Kinsale – 14.15 pm
Pleasant trip home via taxi from Sherbourne Hotel to Dublin airport – thence to Cork airport and finally bus to Kinsale and a short walk up the hill to my flat. I had thought of doing a bus to the Dublin airport but got eager so just hopped into a cab.
In Dublin Kathy and I did try to do everything! Had great meals out – Kathy did a lot more exploring than I since I had been there before, but I did walk over to Trinity College and around and about – shopped in Celtic Notebook shop for some Irish DVD’s and a tin whistle and instructions. I never really learned to play the bodhran (drum) I bought ten years ago, but maybe someday I will. Now I can switch back and forth between the tin whistle and the bodhran!
I spent a lot of time yesterday in the National Museum of Archeology and History just a short block from our hotel. The Celtic artifacts truly interested me – The most fascinating are the two sheela-na-gigs (female figures in stone removed from castle walls). I had been introduced to the concept when Margie and I traveled to a castle with one still in the wall. There were also fascinating exhibits of clothing removed from bogs that is almost totally intact – the lack of oxygen in the bogs allowed this to happen. All of the Celtic display held me spellbound for a long time. How I’d love to work with some archeologists who are still finding artifacts.
On Thursday we did Dublin with an around- the-city hop-on, hop-off bus tour that was perfect to get oriented. St. Patrick’s cathedral was a great stop the second time around the city. We visited Newgrange and Tara on Friday – again absolutely fascinating to be in or on the sites! Kathy went on a Wicklow Mountains all-day tour yesterday while I “did” Dublin. The National Gallery of Art is having an exhibition of Munch prints that I quickly visited and then back to the Museum.
Each night we ate at different restaurants – all of which were superb – and expensive. But, after all, we only go around once – so far as we know! The Hotel Shelbourne was a perfect spot to be. Not only is it 5-star and lives up to it – but it is on the edge of St. Stephens Green – an absolutely lovely green space – perfect for walking in the fresh, clean air. Also surrounding the green were art works – mostly paintings on Saturday – seemed like a couple miles of paintings mounted on the fence all around the green.
So, for now, that’s enough – maybe more than enough. I’ll get back to it tomorrow after yoga.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Dublin
Can't seem to get email working - so just to let you know we're here and having lots of fun and I'll be back in Kinsale on Sunday and get back to my email. Can't begin to tell you all the good things that are going on with the little time I have left on this machine, - more later.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Cork Airport
Here we are at the airport with 3 hours to spare! First of all, the bus came earlier than we expected so we got here earlier than expected, but couldn't afford to take the later bus. Anyhow, here we are and now we've both been able to figure out how to get online at least enough for Kathy to get to her email. I haven't figured out my clemson id stuff well enough to get to mine - so just wait till Sunday when I get back to Kinsale and I'll be back on familiar territory.
We had a great day yesterday, as usual, with lots of sunshine. Margie picked us up at 10.30 and we headed for Garrettstown Beach where we goofed around for an hour or so and then went to the shop where the old lady who owns it makes ice cream sandwiches from sugar wafers and blocks of ice cream. From there we took another ride out to Old Head so Kathy could see the golf course, then out to Sandy Cove where we found a beautiful view - once again - so much of the country is beautiful it's hard to find a spot that doesn't warrant being photographed.
We'll get tto Dublin later this afternoon and then figure out where we'll go from there. The plan is to go to Newgrange and Tara tomorrow but we haven't gotten a confirmation of that yet.
My time is about up on this machine, so I'll sign off. By the way, as you can see, I can blog - so post a comment if you need to get something to me.
We had a great day yesterday, as usual, with lots of sunshine. Margie picked us up at 10.30 and we headed for Garrettstown Beach where we goofed around for an hour or so and then went to the shop where the old lady who owns it makes ice cream sandwiches from sugar wafers and blocks of ice cream. From there we took another ride out to Old Head so Kathy could see the golf course, then out to Sandy Cove where we found a beautiful view - once again - so much of the country is beautiful it's hard to find a spot that doesn't warrant being photographed.
We'll get tto Dublin later this afternoon and then figure out where we'll go from there. The plan is to go to Newgrange and Tara tomorrow but we haven't gotten a confirmation of that yet.
My time is about up on this machine, so I'll sign off. By the way, as you can see, I can blog - so post a comment if you need to get something to me.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
BlogPostTues15Sept09
9.00 am. Kathy’s in the shower – we’ve had breakfast – the sun has just popped out – another day in Kinsale is about to get underway. We’ll make another quick run over to the internet café to do a bit more checking on trip to Dublin tomorrow. Began yesterday exploring possibilities – had a few more thoughts last night to check out – every time we think together we come up with a couple more places to go and things to see! We need a couple of months!
Yesterday was truly fun. We explored Kinsale from top to bottom and back up another hill to the top and down again! Kathy found places I’d not found – and we found more together. From the top of Compass Hill (the highest in the area) we got good photos of the harbor, rooftops, etc. We also did the harbor cruise and this time I was able to hear better (sat in front of the speaker) and got some history while enjoying the ride around the harbor. We had dinner at Fishy Fishy by the harbor – Kathy had beautiful scallops and I had my oak smoked salmon on greens (for the third time). All in all, a wonderful day together.
Hi there! This is Kathy. I’m sitting at the breakfast bar and looking out on St. Multose Church which was “built in 1190 and is one of the very few churches of the period remaining in continuous use”. The sun is shining and it looks like another great day to venture forth and explore. It is really beautiful here in Kinsale. I’m so lucky to be here! Jaquie and I had a terrific time yesterday.
We're off to Dublin tomorrow. Don't be surprised if you don't see new blogs till Sunday.
9.00 am. Kathy’s in the shower – we’ve had breakfast – the sun has just popped out – another day in Kinsale is about to get underway. We’ll make another quick run over to the internet café to do a bit more checking on trip to Dublin tomorrow. Began yesterday exploring possibilities – had a few more thoughts last night to check out – every time we think together we come up with a couple more places to go and things to see! We need a couple of months!
Yesterday was truly fun. We explored Kinsale from top to bottom and back up another hill to the top and down again! Kathy found places I’d not found – and we found more together. From the top of Compass Hill (the highest in the area) we got good photos of the harbor, rooftops, etc. We also did the harbor cruise and this time I was able to hear better (sat in front of the speaker) and got some history while enjoying the ride around the harbor. We had dinner at Fishy Fishy by the harbor – Kathy had beautiful scallops and I had my oak smoked salmon on greens (for the third time). All in all, a wonderful day together.
Hi there! This is Kathy. I’m sitting at the breakfast bar and looking out on St. Multose Church which was “built in 1190 and is one of the very few churches of the period remaining in continuous use”. The sun is shining and it looks like another great day to venture forth and explore. It is really beautiful here in Kinsale. I’m so lucky to be here! Jaquie and I had a terrific time yesterday.
We're off to Dublin tomorrow. Don't be surprised if you don't see new blogs till Sunday.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Kathy Arrives
BlogPostMon14Sept09
10.30 am. Monday. Kathy is here – arrived right on time about 14.30 yesterday afternoon. She’s now upstairs getting a shower. We had a nice walk through the village and down along the harbor yesterday stopping by SuperValu for a few essentials – potatoes, bananas, milk, tea, that kind of stuff – to go with the roasted chicken breasts and salad – my first cooked meal at home! Always before I’ve just picked up something from one of the delis and reheated it. I hadn’t realized before that the liquor/wine store would be open on Sunday afternoon! I guess that may be typical of Europe? If I live long enough I’ll know what is typical in many more places!!! That’s what is lovely about this long stay – I have time to learn what is typical of the culture – at least a few things.
Last evening we had a pint of stout – in the Tap Tavern (next to St. Multose church.) This is my first visit to a Kinsale pub – although I spent a lot of time in the Dunes Pub & Bistro at Inchydoney. Food and drink much less expensive there than in the Gulfstream Restaurant. I didn’t really think about that until I left, but of course it is so.
If the sunny weather holds, tomorrow we’ll go to Garrettstown Beach (Jim, remember that – we went there and took photos on the wall) with Margie and her 2-year-old charge – child minders they call them here – not baby sitters. Today hasn’t yet been defined. After breakfast and a bit more chatting about possibilities, we’ll hit the street.
10.30 am. Monday. Kathy is here – arrived right on time about 14.30 yesterday afternoon. She’s now upstairs getting a shower. We had a nice walk through the village and down along the harbor yesterday stopping by SuperValu for a few essentials – potatoes, bananas, milk, tea, that kind of stuff – to go with the roasted chicken breasts and salad – my first cooked meal at home! Always before I’ve just picked up something from one of the delis and reheated it. I hadn’t realized before that the liquor/wine store would be open on Sunday afternoon! I guess that may be typical of Europe? If I live long enough I’ll know what is typical in many more places!!! That’s what is lovely about this long stay – I have time to learn what is typical of the culture – at least a few things.
Last evening we had a pint of stout – in the Tap Tavern (next to St. Multose church.) This is my first visit to a Kinsale pub – although I spent a lot of time in the Dunes Pub & Bistro at Inchydoney. Food and drink much less expensive there than in the Gulfstream Restaurant. I didn’t really think about that until I left, but of course it is so.
If the sunny weather holds, tomorrow we’ll go to Garrettstown Beach (Jim, remember that – we went there and took photos on the wall) with Margie and her 2-year-old charge – child minders they call them here – not baby sitters. Today hasn’t yet been defined. After breakfast and a bit more chatting about possibilities, we’ll hit the street.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Interior of St. Multose
BlogPostSun13Sept09
Kathy arrives this afternoon. To St. Multose 8 o’clock service this morning. Back to flat to figure out how to use the oven. Finally decided to try to bake some chicken breasts but had to get out the oven manual to figure out what centigrade to set it at – no Fahrenheit conversion – but does say 160-180 to roast chicken. So, I’m home free. Now all I have to do is try to figure out how to set the timer. It’s really hard to believe I’ve been here a month and a half and only reheated stuff from the delis – but it’s true. I guess I did boil some eggs once. Oh well, such is a vacation for me. I’ve been pretty much living off salads, fruits, cheeses and crackers and bread when in the flat. And cookies, of course! And now I’ve added coffee made in a French press. Got to get one of those when I get home.
Another beautiful sunny day! How long can this last?
Collected three beautiful flat smooth stones from Inchydoney for the Yogatorium cairn. I’d bring home more if they didn’t weigh so much.
Quick run to the café to check emails – just in case there’s something I need to know before Kathy arrives.
Kathy arrives this afternoon. To St. Multose 8 o’clock service this morning. Back to flat to figure out how to use the oven. Finally decided to try to bake some chicken breasts but had to get out the oven manual to figure out what centigrade to set it at – no Fahrenheit conversion – but does say 160-180 to roast chicken. So, I’m home free. Now all I have to do is try to figure out how to set the timer. It’s really hard to believe I’ve been here a month and a half and only reheated stuff from the delis – but it’s true. I guess I did boil some eggs once. Oh well, such is a vacation for me. I’ve been pretty much living off salads, fruits, cheeses and crackers and bread when in the flat. And cookies, of course! And now I’ve added coffee made in a French press. Got to get one of those when I get home.
Another beautiful sunny day! How long can this last?
Collected three beautiful flat smooth stones from Inchydoney for the Yogatorium cairn. I’d bring home more if they didn’t weigh so much.
Quick run to the café to check emails – just in case there’s something I need to know before Kathy arrives.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Touristing again - Golf Course, of all things!
The photo shows the Kinsale Old Head golf course in the bright green almost out on the point! That's as close as we could get. Very exclusive - 350 euros per round I hear!
BlogPost11Sept09 and 12Sept09
Here it is 9/11 again. I’ll begin with the end – almost. The last stop Margie and I made was at a memorial garden for the firemen who died in the 9/11 event in New York. A spot only a couple miles from Kinsale has a tree for each of the 343 firemen who died. The name is attached to the tree. I’ll try to show a photo of the area where there are benches, a small labyrinth with 9/11 in the center. It is located high on a hill that allows a beautiful view of Kinsale harbor.
Before that, we had breakfast at the Inchydoney Gulfstream Restaurant, a stop at the Timoleague Abbey which is now almost filled with graves and beautiful markers, many Celtic crosses, a stop in Clonakilty to walk the streets of this year’s National Golden Award for Tidy Town, a stop at Old Head of Kinsale where a golf course is located right on top of very high cliffs. Doesn’t seem like a good spot for golf – but Tiger Woods came in a helicopter to play there. It seems to me the wind is so strong one would have a very hard time controlling the ball! (Jim – our drive was on R600 – Remember? You and I covered much of this same road.
At any rate, I’m “home” now and happy to be back. A book I’d ordered did come in so now tomorrow I can study up on Celtic Spirituality from an academic author recommended by the priest at St. Multose. A nice quiet day planned for tomorrow following yoga class in the morning.
Some of you may know that Melanie Oudin made it to the US Open quarter finals. The paper here says “life will never be the same again for the 17-year-old American who became the tournament darling.” I didn’t get to watch any of it, but I’ll bring the article back for her, Luke. She may not have another source for the Irish Independent paper.
Again today I’ve been blessed with an absolutely beautiful sunny day! It seems that every time I’m out “touristing” the weather cooperates.
Time to make a run to the SuperValu for groceries.
Saturday – 14.30 pm. Didn’t make it to the café last evening. It’s a bit more inconvenient having to leave the building again!
Another very good yoga class with Rose this morning. A few more students are beginning to show up now but still only about 6 so a nice size class. Rose is inserting several Pilates bits of instruction which is very helpful – especially to me since I’ve never had any Pilates training. May have to try that next.
Margie told me about a laundry right around the corner so I splurged and had my laundry done there this morning. My jeans had begun to stand up even when I wasn’t wearing them. The salt air at Inchydoney really finished them off. I find it relatively easy to wash underwear by hand – but jeans?
Once again, an absolutely beautiful sunny day! I’m off to the café – hoping for some newsy emails!
Here it is 9/11 again. I’ll begin with the end – almost. The last stop Margie and I made was at a memorial garden for the firemen who died in the 9/11 event in New York. A spot only a couple miles from Kinsale has a tree for each of the 343 firemen who died. The name is attached to the tree. I’ll try to show a photo of the area where there are benches, a small labyrinth with 9/11 in the center. It is located high on a hill that allows a beautiful view of Kinsale harbor.
Before that, we had breakfast at the Inchydoney Gulfstream Restaurant, a stop at the Timoleague Abbey which is now almost filled with graves and beautiful markers, many Celtic crosses, a stop in Clonakilty to walk the streets of this year’s National Golden Award for Tidy Town, a stop at Old Head of Kinsale where a golf course is located right on top of very high cliffs. Doesn’t seem like a good spot for golf – but Tiger Woods came in a helicopter to play there. It seems to me the wind is so strong one would have a very hard time controlling the ball! (Jim – our drive was on R600 – Remember? You and I covered much of this same road.
At any rate, I’m “home” now and happy to be back. A book I’d ordered did come in so now tomorrow I can study up on Celtic Spirituality from an academic author recommended by the priest at St. Multose. A nice quiet day planned for tomorrow following yoga class in the morning.
Some of you may know that Melanie Oudin made it to the US Open quarter finals. The paper here says “life will never be the same again for the 17-year-old American who became the tournament darling.” I didn’t get to watch any of it, but I’ll bring the article back for her, Luke. She may not have another source for the Irish Independent paper.
Again today I’ve been blessed with an absolutely beautiful sunny day! It seems that every time I’m out “touristing” the weather cooperates.
Time to make a run to the SuperValu for groceries.
Saturday – 14.30 pm. Didn’t make it to the café last evening. It’s a bit more inconvenient having to leave the building again!
Another very good yoga class with Rose this morning. A few more students are beginning to show up now but still only about 6 so a nice size class. Rose is inserting several Pilates bits of instruction which is very helpful – especially to me since I’ve never had any Pilates training. May have to try that next.
Margie told me about a laundry right around the corner so I splurged and had my laundry done there this morning. My jeans had begun to stand up even when I wasn’t wearing them. The salt air at Inchydoney really finished them off. I find it relatively easy to wash underwear by hand – but jeans?
Once again, an absolutely beautiful sunny day! I’m off to the café – hoping for some newsy emails!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Seaweed is the greenest!
BlogPostThurs10Sept09
10.30 am. This day has started off with a bang! The sun is shining so brightly I spent a few minutes around 8:30 out on the balcony – faces east so I get the morning sun! Everyone else was still in bed so it was beautifully quiet. Now the maintenance men are out mowing grass – the greenest grass you’ll ever see. Hundreds of gulls are on the water and huge areas of green seaweed are floating around – some going out with the tide, some sticking to the beach sand. Looks like one big beautiful soup!
Supper last night included quail’s eggs – about the size of big grapes – boiled, not raw. Surprisingly tasty with the salmon and something else stringy but not cabbage – couldn’t identify it. Like coleslaw. And a cheesecake fit for the goddesses! Even me!
Breakfast of muesli, apricots, almonds, walnuts, grapefruit, salmon, apples, pineapple, melon, - need I say more! And the wonderful Irish brown soda bread so full of goodies it must be either very very healthy or very very (shades of Danny Ford!) high in calories – maybe both.
Just now had a lovely time out on the Virgin’s Head point gathering in the clean, fresh air and the sounds of the ocean, - returned to my room where it had been cleaned and for the first time – she left the balcony sliding door open! That’s how nice the weather is this morning. What a wonderful final day here. I’ll probably spend most of it outdoors.
Margie is coming tomorrow to take me “home” and we’ll spend some time exploring our way back to Kinsale. More about that after it happens. Kathy arrives Sunday. She and I go to Dublin Wednesday, back home Sunday, then to Cork for one night. And so the fun goes on and on and on………….
More later.
10.30 am. This day has started off with a bang! The sun is shining so brightly I spent a few minutes around 8:30 out on the balcony – faces east so I get the morning sun! Everyone else was still in bed so it was beautifully quiet. Now the maintenance men are out mowing grass – the greenest grass you’ll ever see. Hundreds of gulls are on the water and huge areas of green seaweed are floating around – some going out with the tide, some sticking to the beach sand. Looks like one big beautiful soup!
Supper last night included quail’s eggs – about the size of big grapes – boiled, not raw. Surprisingly tasty with the salmon and something else stringy but not cabbage – couldn’t identify it. Like coleslaw. And a cheesecake fit for the goddesses! Even me!
Breakfast of muesli, apricots, almonds, walnuts, grapefruit, salmon, apples, pineapple, melon, - need I say more! And the wonderful Irish brown soda bread so full of goodies it must be either very very healthy or very very (shades of Danny Ford!) high in calories – maybe both.
Just now had a lovely time out on the Virgin’s Head point gathering in the clean, fresh air and the sounds of the ocean, - returned to my room where it had been cleaned and for the first time – she left the balcony sliding door open! That’s how nice the weather is this morning. What a wonderful final day here. I’ll probably spend most of it outdoors.
Margie is coming tomorrow to take me “home” and we’ll spend some time exploring our way back to Kinsale. More about that after it happens. Kathy arrives Sunday. She and I go to Dublin Wednesday, back home Sunday, then to Cork for one night. And so the fun goes on and on and on………….
More later.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Note the palmettos!
BlogPostWed9Sep09
Last night’s dinner was so superb! I had a “starter” of smoked salmon (a HUGE chunk) a mound of potato salad topped with watercress, another green green I couldn’t identify and a purple one – two walnut halves coated in honey, and the plate painted with green squiggles. In addition – chef’s compliments – before that a fish ball that was heavenly! – and of course white wine – ending with chocolate crème brulee that was at least 5 inches in diameter – decorated with raspberries, whipped cream, and some other stuff on the plate beneath it and of course painted with chocolate and some more green stuff. Hey, I think I should write a cookbook, don’t you!
Prior to the evening dinner, I took a swim in the sea-water pool that is more of a thalasso therapy facility – filled with several waterfalls and bubbling baths with the switches built right into the wall of the gizmo so you don’t have to turn them on and off from outside the pool. Felt great! The Changing Room is so elegant I can’t even begin to tell you.
In addition, yesterday I had a great walk in the mist – and at dinner last evening looking out over the Virgin’s Head point where my meditation place is – discovered the tide was in and VERY HIGH! This evening I’ll try to time it so I can get a photo of it. I hadn’t really noticed it at that point before.
I’m sitting in the lobby writing this waiting for my Norton Security thing to finish it’s scanning – has been asking permission for several days and I decided to give it a try this morning – it’s over 250,000 items now and I’m just a bout ready to give up on it. The only thing found so far is something called “tracking cookie” which is has found every time before since I’ve had the thing. So, despite the fact that I’m working wireless – which someone mentioned is not as secure as in a cable connected café – I’m giving it up. Surely if there were something to catch, it would have been caught be now! This is what is known as FAITH!
17.20 pm Time for a glass of wine in the residents’ lounge before dinner. The Cooling Hot Stone Body and Facial were both SUPER. I feel beautiful – of course, I’m not looking in the mirror – maybe I won’t ever again!
Last night’s dinner was so superb! I had a “starter” of smoked salmon (a HUGE chunk) a mound of potato salad topped with watercress, another green green I couldn’t identify and a purple one – two walnut halves coated in honey, and the plate painted with green squiggles. In addition – chef’s compliments – before that a fish ball that was heavenly! – and of course white wine – ending with chocolate crème brulee that was at least 5 inches in diameter – decorated with raspberries, whipped cream, and some other stuff on the plate beneath it and of course painted with chocolate and some more green stuff. Hey, I think I should write a cookbook, don’t you!
Prior to the evening dinner, I took a swim in the sea-water pool that is more of a thalasso therapy facility – filled with several waterfalls and bubbling baths with the switches built right into the wall of the gizmo so you don’t have to turn them on and off from outside the pool. Felt great! The Changing Room is so elegant I can’t even begin to tell you.
In addition, yesterday I had a great walk in the mist – and at dinner last evening looking out over the Virgin’s Head point where my meditation place is – discovered the tide was in and VERY HIGH! This evening I’ll try to time it so I can get a photo of it. I hadn’t really noticed it at that point before.
I’m sitting in the lobby writing this waiting for my Norton Security thing to finish it’s scanning – has been asking permission for several days and I decided to give it a try this morning – it’s over 250,000 items now and I’m just a bout ready to give up on it. The only thing found so far is something called “tracking cookie” which is has found every time before since I’ve had the thing. So, despite the fact that I’m working wireless – which someone mentioned is not as secure as in a cable connected café – I’m giving it up. Surely if there were something to catch, it would have been caught be now! This is what is known as FAITH!
17.20 pm Time for a glass of wine in the residents’ lounge before dinner. The Cooling Hot Stone Body and Facial were both SUPER. I feel beautiful – of course, I’m not looking in the mirror – maybe I won’t ever again!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lodge and Meditation spot in front
My meditation spot in front of the Lodge 
Inchydoney Lodge & Spa
BlogPostTues8Sept09
Noon. So far, a rainy day – THANK GOODNESS. I really am enjoying the quiet ones indoors in my beautiful room reading Irish stuff. Somehow I doubt I’ll find the reading so interesting once I’m not here. We’ll see. But, for now, - breakfast was even better than I told you yesterday – I discovered even more variety this morning I didn’t notice yesterday. I’ll have to put on my wellies and rain jacket and head out for at least a short walk so I can hold some more food later today! Had a delightful chicken club sandwich and ½ pint for lunch yesterday. What seems to make all the food taste so much better is not only the variety available but every piece of it is SO GOOD. The bread – even the sandwich bread – tastes like it was just baked! I’m afraid I’ve been spoiled now – I’ll just have to learn how to bake bread or find a bakery – just remembered – there is one in Ninety Six now! The scone (with raisins) this morning was so much better than our biscuits! At least much better than the ones I get.
So, I’m on my way out to enjoy another quiet day – the terrific advantage of having two months to JUST BE and nothing to DO! I’ve been preaching this for a long time but this is the longest spell of just being I have ever enjoyed!
Hope your day includes at least a bit of JUST BEING.
Noon. So far, a rainy day – THANK GOODNESS. I really am enjoying the quiet ones indoors in my beautiful room reading Irish stuff. Somehow I doubt I’ll find the reading so interesting once I’m not here. We’ll see. But, for now, - breakfast was even better than I told you yesterday – I discovered even more variety this morning I didn’t notice yesterday. I’ll have to put on my wellies and rain jacket and head out for at least a short walk so I can hold some more food later today! Had a delightful chicken club sandwich and ½ pint for lunch yesterday. What seems to make all the food taste so much better is not only the variety available but every piece of it is SO GOOD. The bread – even the sandwich bread – tastes like it was just baked! I’m afraid I’ve been spoiled now – I’ll just have to learn how to bake bread or find a bakery – just remembered – there is one in Ninety Six now! The scone (with raisins) this morning was so much better than our biscuits! At least much better than the ones I get.
So, I’m on my way out to enjoy another quiet day – the terrific advantage of having two months to JUST BE and nothing to DO! I’ve been preaching this for a long time but this is the longest spell of just being I have ever enjoyed!
Hope your day includes at least a bit of JUST BEING.
Monday, September 7, 2009
From my balcony
BlogPost7Sept09
Monday morning 10.00 am
WOW! Just had my first continental breakfast in the Gulfstream Restaurant – what a treat! 4 kinds of juice, 5 kinds of fruits, porridge with raisins, scones, croissants, and 4 or 5 more kinds of sweet rolls, umpteen kinds of cold cereals (Irish and American), cheeses, salmon, salami, etc. and my own rack of toast (4 kinds of jam) and French press pot of coffee – It’s so good I’ve almost switched from my green tea to coffee all the time – especially in the evening after supper with a bit of Irish whiskey added! Thanks, Jim, for the Tullamore Dew! I don’t know if it’s the whiskey or the coffee that puts me to sleep – but it certainly doesn’t keep me awake! I’m sleeping better than ever – and most of you know I always sleep well the minute I put my head on a pillow.
Yesterday was a wonderful rainy inside day with lots of good reading – skipping from one book to the other. My favorite right now is a novel Margie lent to me “Confessions of a Pagan Nun.”
Today the sun is shining brightly – people are already out on the beach – I’m kind of waiting a bit longer for the tide to really go out so I can enjoy as much beach as will be there soon! I have a map of several walks available around the island (not really an island anymore since two causeways connect it to the mainland) and intend doing lots of walking today. My wellies will serve me well on the beach – lots of beach but many little “inlets” where water remains when the tide goes out – and lots of deep pockets of seaweed left behind also. The weather here is uncanny – reminds me of what we often say – if you don’t like the weather today, just wait till tomorrow – here just wait till afternoon or even an hour sometimes – it’s that changeable. I LOVE IT!
I had planned another “beauty treatment” at the spa today but decided to wait till Wednesday and give the Saturday treatment time to do its thing – glad I have because even now my skin still looks so much better than usual! This afternoon I’ll try the sea water pool and see what that does to me. By the way, they pump the water from the ocean into the hotel pool – it is heated.
Some of you might be interested in the hotel’s awards (I’m quoting. I presume the info booklet was printed prior to 2009.):
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has been awarded Ireland’s Leading Spa Resort in 2007 and 2008 at the World Travel Awards. We were also awarded a Gold Medal for Irelands Best Four Star Hotel in 2006 by the Hotel and Catering Review as well as being named in the Best Overall Hotel category at the Hospitality Ireland Awards. Our efforts in converting to renewable energy were recognized by Sustainable Energy Ireland when we won the SEI award for renewable energy.
14.30 pm. Time to get this into the air! More tomorrow.
Monday morning 10.00 am
WOW! Just had my first continental breakfast in the Gulfstream Restaurant – what a treat! 4 kinds of juice, 5 kinds of fruits, porridge with raisins, scones, croissants, and 4 or 5 more kinds of sweet rolls, umpteen kinds of cold cereals (Irish and American), cheeses, salmon, salami, etc. and my own rack of toast (4 kinds of jam) and French press pot of coffee – It’s so good I’ve almost switched from my green tea to coffee all the time – especially in the evening after supper with a bit of Irish whiskey added! Thanks, Jim, for the Tullamore Dew! I don’t know if it’s the whiskey or the coffee that puts me to sleep – but it certainly doesn’t keep me awake! I’m sleeping better than ever – and most of you know I always sleep well the minute I put my head on a pillow.
Yesterday was a wonderful rainy inside day with lots of good reading – skipping from one book to the other. My favorite right now is a novel Margie lent to me “Confessions of a Pagan Nun.”
Today the sun is shining brightly – people are already out on the beach – I’m kind of waiting a bit longer for the tide to really go out so I can enjoy as much beach as will be there soon! I have a map of several walks available around the island (not really an island anymore since two causeways connect it to the mainland) and intend doing lots of walking today. My wellies will serve me well on the beach – lots of beach but many little “inlets” where water remains when the tide goes out – and lots of deep pockets of seaweed left behind also. The weather here is uncanny – reminds me of what we often say – if you don’t like the weather today, just wait till tomorrow – here just wait till afternoon or even an hour sometimes – it’s that changeable. I LOVE IT!
I had planned another “beauty treatment” at the spa today but decided to wait till Wednesday and give the Saturday treatment time to do its thing – glad I have because even now my skin still looks so much better than usual! This afternoon I’ll try the sea water pool and see what that does to me. By the way, they pump the water from the ocean into the hotel pool – it is heated.
Some of you might be interested in the hotel’s awards (I’m quoting. I presume the info booklet was printed prior to 2009.):
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has been awarded Ireland’s Leading Spa Resort in 2007 and 2008 at the World Travel Awards. We were also awarded a Gold Medal for Irelands Best Four Star Hotel in 2006 by the Hotel and Catering Review as well as being named in the Best Overall Hotel category at the Hospitality Ireland Awards. Our efforts in converting to renewable energy were recognized by Sustainable Energy Ireland when we won the SEI award for renewable energy.
14.30 pm. Time to get this into the air! More tomorrow.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Inchydoney - Sacred Circle - etc.
View from inside my room - full moon over Clonakilty Bay
Jaquie at Dromberg (Domberg?) Circle - Bronze Age
-Atlantic Ocean in background
-Atlantic Ocean in backgroundBlogPostSat5Sept09 Two postings today.
9.00 am. Well, I didn’t make it till 9:30 for music in the pub last night. The day was just too big and full of fun and I was asleep by then! I’ll reschedule a bit today so I get to the music tonight if I can. But next on the agenda is my tropical ritual at 10.00. After that, who knows! I’m sitting here now in my Inchydoney Island Spa robe and slippers anticipating!
Last night was spectacular – the full moon rose in full view from my room! The view of the tide coming in and the moon rising was spellbinding! In the pub I had a nice sirloin open sandwich on delicious brown bread with lots of greens (including watercress which brought back memories of Huntsville where we had a stream on the back of our property where watercress grew – my escape place when the boys were napping.
The Lodge is truly upscale – reminds me a bit of Charleston Place, Luke, and some aspects of the Buckhead Ritz Carlton. There is original art in EVERY room! Local artists abound and this particular one does seascapes that are very special. There is woodwork in the lobby by another local artist – and so it goes. The walls of my balcony are clear glass or Plexiglas – so they tend to disappear so that the view is nearly uninterrupted. Jim: If I’d known then what I know now I’d have insisted that we come for that Sunday lunch we talked about! I’m sorry you are missing this place.
More later.
BlogPost6Sep09 – Both yesterday’s and today’s are new ones which I’ll post as one.
11.30 am. Woke at 9.00 this morning after a marvelous sleep. The bed is absolutely the best I’ve ever slept in. Not only is it comfortable, it is dressed in all white – even the duvet cover is white! How luxurious can you get!
Delightful dinner in the pub of smoked salmon, prawns in a lovely sauce, the ubiquitous greens and brown bread and butter. And a FULL glass of pinot grigio. One delight of this place is that everything gets charged to my room so I have no concern at all about money! Just enough to leave gratuities – totally at my discretion – according to the information booklet.
It is raining relatively hard this morning and I’m glad. I wanted a day inside to catch up on meditation time and reading – so much I want to know about the Irish people and their culture. Margie and the Anglican priest have both provided me with fascinating material! I do know this – the Irish are a very friendly sort and exceptionally helpful.
The tourist business is suffering – so much so they are about to offer a 50 euros coupon to citizens to get them into the act. In a way, that’s fortunate for me because there has been almost no waiting for anything! And no crowds. School has started just a couple of days ago. It was fun watching from my window in Kinsale as the kids walked down the streets in their uniforms – spotted at least three different school uniforms. It seems typical for the girls to wear short skirts and black tights and the boys – even very young ones – to wear gray slacks collared shirts and v-neck sweaters – even neckties I spotted on a few!
Didn’t get downstairs to post yesterday – after my spa tropical treatment I was so relaxed. I couldn’t make myself do anything except keep on relaxing!
I’m attempting to learn to use the laptop mouse so I don’t have to carry the other one around with me. Just call me GrandmaTechie!
Anyway, just had lunch in the Gulfstream Restaurant – the posh one here. Delightful seat high up in the building overlooking the sea on the other side of the building – good surf today, very grey. The hostess said something about what a terrible day it is and I replied – “I think it’s beautiful!” I’m sure they all think I’m nuts by now or maybe they are beginning to recognize the “Happiness Specialist.” Lunch was sweet potato and carrot soup with some miraculous flavors – I’ll learn to make this one – accompanied by a tiny biscuit with seaweed on top! Followed by roast lamb au jus (and some other unintelligible words) with two kinds of potatoes, a bowl of mixed veggies,4 kinds of bread, and the best, yellowest butter I’ve seen since Mama made it! I’m getting some kind of serious security warning. So, I’ll stop, send this, and let it rest a while.
Love – Peace – Joy to everyone!
9.00 am. Well, I didn’t make it till 9:30 for music in the pub last night. The day was just too big and full of fun and I was asleep by then! I’ll reschedule a bit today so I get to the music tonight if I can. But next on the agenda is my tropical ritual at 10.00. After that, who knows! I’m sitting here now in my Inchydoney Island Spa robe and slippers anticipating!
Last night was spectacular – the full moon rose in full view from my room! The view of the tide coming in and the moon rising was spellbinding! In the pub I had a nice sirloin open sandwich on delicious brown bread with lots of greens (including watercress which brought back memories of Huntsville where we had a stream on the back of our property where watercress grew – my escape place when the boys were napping.
The Lodge is truly upscale – reminds me a bit of Charleston Place, Luke, and some aspects of the Buckhead Ritz Carlton. There is original art in EVERY room! Local artists abound and this particular one does seascapes that are very special. There is woodwork in the lobby by another local artist – and so it goes. The walls of my balcony are clear glass or Plexiglas – so they tend to disappear so that the view is nearly uninterrupted. Jim: If I’d known then what I know now I’d have insisted that we come for that Sunday lunch we talked about! I’m sorry you are missing this place.
More later.
BlogPost6Sep09 – Both yesterday’s and today’s are new ones which I’ll post as one.
11.30 am. Woke at 9.00 this morning after a marvelous sleep. The bed is absolutely the best I’ve ever slept in. Not only is it comfortable, it is dressed in all white – even the duvet cover is white! How luxurious can you get!
Delightful dinner in the pub of smoked salmon, prawns in a lovely sauce, the ubiquitous greens and brown bread and butter. And a FULL glass of pinot grigio. One delight of this place is that everything gets charged to my room so I have no concern at all about money! Just enough to leave gratuities – totally at my discretion – according to the information booklet.
It is raining relatively hard this morning and I’m glad. I wanted a day inside to catch up on meditation time and reading – so much I want to know about the Irish people and their culture. Margie and the Anglican priest have both provided me with fascinating material! I do know this – the Irish are a very friendly sort and exceptionally helpful.
The tourist business is suffering – so much so they are about to offer a 50 euros coupon to citizens to get them into the act. In a way, that’s fortunate for me because there has been almost no waiting for anything! And no crowds. School has started just a couple of days ago. It was fun watching from my window in Kinsale as the kids walked down the streets in their uniforms – spotted at least three different school uniforms. It seems typical for the girls to wear short skirts and black tights and the boys – even very young ones – to wear gray slacks collared shirts and v-neck sweaters – even neckties I spotted on a few!
Didn’t get downstairs to post yesterday – after my spa tropical treatment I was so relaxed. I couldn’t make myself do anything except keep on relaxing!
I’m attempting to learn to use the laptop mouse so I don’t have to carry the other one around with me. Just call me GrandmaTechie!
Anyway, just had lunch in the Gulfstream Restaurant – the posh one here. Delightful seat high up in the building overlooking the sea on the other side of the building – good surf today, very grey. The hostess said something about what a terrible day it is and I replied – “I think it’s beautiful!” I’m sure they all think I’m nuts by now or maybe they are beginning to recognize the “Happiness Specialist.” Lunch was sweet potato and carrot soup with some miraculous flavors – I’ll learn to make this one – accompanied by a tiny biscuit with seaweed on top! Followed by roast lamb au jus (and some other unintelligible words) with two kinds of potatoes, a bowl of mixed veggies,4 kinds of bread, and the best, yellowest butter I’ve seen since Mama made it! I’m getting some kind of serious security warning. So, I’ll stop, send this, and let it rest a while.
Love – Peace – Joy to everyone!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Inchydoney Beach - Arrival
Inchydoney Beach - Jaquie
BlogPostFri4Sept09
15.00pm I’m here! Margie took this photo for me – the large building in the background right by my head is the Lodge and Spa – other buildings are apartments. Had to get staff person to help me get onto the net – but I’m here – sitting in front of the gas fire in the lobby but relatively sure I’ll be able to work in my room once I’ve gotten connected here – we’ll see. I may spend more time here in the lobby and that won’t necessarily be a bad thing! Margie and I had a great trip this morning – to a castle and a circle of stones – I’m so excited I can’t remember any names – but I’ll study them later. This place is absolutely beautiful – and I have a nice balcony with a view of the ocean, beach, and even a ruined stone castle? Structure I guess is the acceptable word.
Dinner and music tonight in the pub! So many places with food, drinks, views, helpful staff, etc. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!!! And, to think I get a whole week here!
More later when my head settles in a bit better.
15.00pm I’m here! Margie took this photo for me – the large building in the background right by my head is the Lodge and Spa – other buildings are apartments. Had to get staff person to help me get onto the net – but I’m here – sitting in front of the gas fire in the lobby but relatively sure I’ll be able to work in my room once I’ve gotten connected here – we’ll see. I may spend more time here in the lobby and that won’t necessarily be a bad thing! Margie and I had a great trip this morning – to a castle and a circle of stones – I’m so excited I can’t remember any names – but I’ll study them later. This place is absolutely beautiful – and I have a nice balcony with a view of the ocean, beach, and even a ruined stone castle? Structure I guess is the acceptable word.
Dinner and music tonight in the pub! So many places with food, drinks, views, helpful staff, etc. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!!!! And, to think I get a whole week here!
More later when my head settles in a bit better.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
This is at the town centre - a Jim photoBlogPost3Sept09
Last night’s talk by Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager in Rwanda, was an enjoyable evening – dinner at a delightful Italian restaurant with a group of friends, most from Cork’s Bishoptown Rotary Club, then a walk up to the Carmelite Friary where I recognized a few more people out of the probably 200 that were in attendance. I must admit I understood very little of what the speaker said even though his English is very good – the acoustics were not where we were sitting – and so it was difficult to follow. Still, it was a fascinating experience in an absolutely beautiful building. And, my walk home was rewarded with a full moon!
For those of you who are curious, here is a quote from the flyer distributed. The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation was established in 2005 by Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hero of the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda starring Don Cheadle. Rusesabagina’s bravery as Manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali helped save the lives of 1,268 people during the Rwandan genocide and earned him the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Some of you I know are interested in the food – my main dish for dinner was pumpkin ravioli!! And, the “crowd pleaser” (appetizer) was a delightful collection of bread with scrumptious spreads.
This is my last day in Kinsale for the time being. Tomorrow I go to Inchydoney for a week – planning to post from there.
Time to head for yoga class. No rain this morning – will expect it later in the day – don’t remember a day here with NO rain but oddly enough – it makes me smile! Somehow rain is pleasant here – expected and accepted as a way of life.
Last night’s talk by Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager in Rwanda, was an enjoyable evening – dinner at a delightful Italian restaurant with a group of friends, most from Cork’s Bishoptown Rotary Club, then a walk up to the Carmelite Friary where I recognized a few more people out of the probably 200 that were in attendance. I must admit I understood very little of what the speaker said even though his English is very good – the acoustics were not where we were sitting – and so it was difficult to follow. Still, it was a fascinating experience in an absolutely beautiful building. And, my walk home was rewarded with a full moon!
For those of you who are curious, here is a quote from the flyer distributed. The Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation was established in 2005 by Paul Rusesabagina, the real-life hero of the acclaimed film Hotel Rwanda starring Don Cheadle. Rusesabagina’s bravery as Manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali helped save the lives of 1,268 people during the Rwandan genocide and earned him the highest civilian award in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Some of you I know are interested in the food – my main dish for dinner was pumpkin ravioli!! And, the “crowd pleaser” (appetizer) was a delightful collection of bread with scrumptious spreads.
This is my last day in Kinsale for the time being. Tomorrow I go to Inchydoney for a week – planning to post from there.
Time to head for yoga class. No rain this morning – will expect it later in the day – don’t remember a day here with NO rain but oddly enough – it makes me smile! Somehow rain is pleasant here – expected and accepted as a way of life.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Not much more - a taste of fall
Rock walls and flowers
BlogPostWed2Sept09
A good bit cooler today – taste of fall. Another mostly rainy day – great excuse to wear my new Wellies! Off this morning to the Actons Hotel pool for Alana’s aquacise class. She really puts us through some tough routines! Then she and I had lunch at Fishy Fishy – delightful hot vegetarian meal with risotto, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. and topped with fried parsnip slices – sort of like our fried sweet potato chips we see occasionally but paper thin! Delicious!
Fun happenstance walking home when I ran into Rose, my yoga teacher, on the street. Second time that’s happened. Truly a small village. I’ll have another class from her tomorrow morning.
This evening dinner at a new restaurant with Alana and ten or so of her Rotary Club members prior to a talk at Carmelite Friary by the hero of Hotel Rwanda. I missed the movie last night partly because I decided it was perhaps not safe to be walking home after ten o’clock at night – but I’ve been assured by friends today that it is perfectly safe. So, I’ll feel okay about roaming around after dark now.
I’m off to the internet café.
A good bit cooler today – taste of fall. Another mostly rainy day – great excuse to wear my new Wellies! Off this morning to the Actons Hotel pool for Alana’s aquacise class. She really puts us through some tough routines! Then she and I had lunch at Fishy Fishy – delightful hot vegetarian meal with risotto, mushrooms, tomatoes, etc. and topped with fried parsnip slices – sort of like our fried sweet potato chips we see occasionally but paper thin! Delicious!
Fun happenstance walking home when I ran into Rose, my yoga teacher, on the street. Second time that’s happened. Truly a small village. I’ll have another class from her tomorrow morning.
This evening dinner at a new restaurant with Alana and ten or so of her Rotary Club members prior to a talk at Carmelite Friary by the hero of Hotel Rwanda. I missed the movie last night partly because I decided it was perhaps not safe to be walking home after ten o’clock at night – but I’ve been assured by friends today that it is perfectly safe. So, I’ll feel okay about roaming around after dark now.
I’m off to the internet café.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Not much
BlogPostTuesday1Sept09
16.00 pm I’m off to check email and send another write. Little to write about today – Visit from Priest David Williams very good this morning. He brought a book that I am devouring – The Music of What Happens – and developing a much desired better understanding of what Celtic Christianity is all about. So, this day has been spent mostly in study. The sun is out so it’s time for a nice long walk about the village.
More tomorrow.
16.00 pm I’m off to check email and send another write. Little to write about today – Visit from Priest David Williams very good this morning. He brought a book that I am devouring – The Music of What Happens – and developing a much desired better understanding of what Celtic Christianity is all about. So, this day has been spent mostly in study. The sun is out so it’s time for a nice long walk about the village.
More tomorrow.
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