Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thursday, September 12, 2013
It'd take a tome to summarize the past few days...
For some reason the blog is being troublesome. Will try to figure out how to solve...and get pics on this (the library's computer). There's too much visual interest not to share via the blog. Back later, friends. Slan go foill!
Monday, September 9, 2013
(Am at Gerald's and Noreen's on their wi-fi)
had a muffin and coffee at BB’s and hurried back so as not to miss the
match on t.v. and the 80,000 screaming folks who ended up looking a bit
bewildered. At the last second (literally) Clare tied the score, making it a
‘draw’ (25-25) and necessitating a re-match to come in 2 weeks. The
commentators spoke of the courage, the character and the class of both teams. I
agree.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Woke to rain and worked around the house. Shampooed, did laundry, then braved the
drizzle to see if I could park close to Joe’s Café and go online. It worked—as you may know! Had coffee
in Joe’s after the blog-work, then the camera insisted I capture a bit of the
neighboring ambience.
First, Joe’s; then Failte Lahinch, where one can get ‘fine’
souvenirs; then Mr. Duffy’s Traditional Sweet Shop, where I met Ellen and
Jade. Just had to buy a small
sack—well, two small sacks—of goodies.
(pics)
Came home, watched horse racing from Leopardstown, Dublin.
The absolutely gorgeous filly, The Fugue,
won! They say it was a very important race. She’s owned by Lady Lloyd-Weber
(Andrew’s wife); then, I read my book, cooked my lamb chops and hunkered down.
Talked with Winnie and planned to meet on Monday. A storm blew in which was
wonderful for sleeping.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
My phone doesn’t text properly. Talked with customer service, who couldn’t help; so will
have to find an O2 place. Probably in Ennis. It’s sunny at the moment. Also, I
will check out the Community Church in Ennistymon for meeting times.
The drive to Ennis at lunchtime found O2 closed (bummer),
but the town was busy with shoppers and people gathering to watch the
All-Ireland Hurling championship between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in
Dublin. They’d see it in various places around town. Took a few photos (see
pics), had a muffin and coffee at BB’s and hurried back so as not to miss the
match on t.v. and the 80,000 screaming folks who ended up looking a bit
bewildered. At the last second (literally) Clare tied the score, making it a
‘draw’ (25-25) and necessitating a re-match to come in 2 weeks. The
commentators spoke of the courage, the character and the class of both teams. I
agree. Hurling is in the blood
here, as is shown by small group of boys everywhere who walk together carrying
their sticks. The game is fun to watch and seems to require an amazing amount
of ability and stamina.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Woke to rain and worked around the house. Shampooed, did laundry, then braved the
drizzle to see if I could park close to Joe’s Café and go online. It worked—as you may know! Had coffee
in Joe’s after the blog-work, then the camera insisted I capture a bit of the
neighboring ambience.
First, Joe’s; then Failte Lahinch, where one can get ‘fine’
souvenirs; then Mr. Duffy’s Traditional Sweet Shop, where I met Ellen and
Jade. Just had to buy a small
sack—well, two small sacks—of goodies.
(pics)
Came home, watched horse racing from Leopardstown, Dublin.
The absolutely gorgeous filly, The Fugue,
won! They say it was a very important race. She’s owned by Lady Lloyd-Weber
(Andrew’s wife); then, I read my book, cooked my lamb chops and hunkered down.
Talked with Winnie and planned to meet on Monday. A storm blew in which was
wonderful for sleeping.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
My phone doesn’t text properly. Talked with customer service, who couldn’t help; so will
have to find an O2 place. Probably in Ennis. It’s sunny at the moment. Also, I
will check out the Community Church in Ennistymon for meeting times.
The drive to Ennis at lunchtime found O2 closed (bummer),
but the town was busy with shoppers and people gathering to watch the
All-Ireland Hurling championship between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in
Dublin. They’d see it in various places around town. Took a few photos Hurling is in the blood
here, as is shown by small group of boys everywhere who walk together carrying
their sticks. The game is fun to watch and seems to require an amazing amount
of ability and stamina.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
September 7, 2013
Recap of yesterday—Friday 9/6: Joe’s Café, breakfast after
doing blog in car outside. Not pleased with my format mixups, but will fix it
another time. One problem is my laptop battery, which doesn’t hold up. At the
moment, I’m plugged in at the house, then I’ll do Joe’s again with this and
scenes snapped during the day. Challenges keep one engaged with reality, don’t
you think?
After Joe’s in Lahinch, I drove to Ennis, hoping to remember
where Lidl’s is. I found it and my
favorite anti-wrinkle cream! Also bought a few other items—mueslix, chocolate,
yogurt, lamb chops and tatoes (potatoes). Then I winged it over to Dunne’s,
found a hat made in Spain for 10 euros. Returned to Ennistymon and the library.
Got Kathy Reichs’ Bones Are Forever J.
After the library I wandered around town. (Ennistymon is only about 5 minutes
from Lahinch and is the market town where Sharon and I stayed in 2007. (We didn’t disgrace the family, really.)
While wandering I decided to take a look at the falls…a 3- block walk. Decided
to follow the trail, which I had never done before; found I could walk all the
way to the Falls Hotel.
I got my steps in going back to the car, which was parked up
by Merriman’s statue (I’ll get his pic later.) Imagine my surprise when I
passed by an outdoor veggie market and found these luscious berries. Naturally
I availed myself. Oh, and
County Clare is excitied. Sunday,
Clare Hurlers go against the Cork team in Dublin for the All Ireland
Championship. Flags everywhere.
After settling back at the flat, I read a bit and
snacked. Then it was back to the
Falls Hotel for Salmon Poetry’s book launch of Knute Skinner’s Concerned
Attentions. He read from it
and charmed the entire group. The McNamaras were the owners of the house built on the
site, which I think was also the site of a castle at one time. (Will google it
sometime.)
He’s originally from Missouri, but now lives in County Clare with his wife. Final pic of the day was one at the hotel of poet, Dylan Thomas and his wife Caitlin McNamara.
So, today is unscheduled until I hear from Winnie. There’s still much to do in County
Clare. It’ll probably be the
Burren Perfumery, Mount Shannon, Killaloe (Brian Boru historical places) and a
look at the fine church buildings there. Also, a day in Limerick. Eventually, I’ll venture away to
Tipperary, where I hope to climb the steps of the Rock of Cashel (Google!) Also
would like a look at Bantry Bay, where a B&B will be helpful.
(Am wondering why some of my pics aren't showing up. If some show, that's grand, as we say.)
Friday, September 6, 2013
Today's offering: Am writing this in front of Joe's Cafe (9-6-13) Tonight--the book launch at the Falls Hotel.
But…the café, now called The Strawberry Hedgehog, had
changed, with no computers. They had wi-fi, with a too weak signal.
Interestingly, though, their security password was ‘Dougs’. I forgot to get a pic of the restaurant,
which sits at the cove, but did get the cove.
He was right. After finding
suitable parking, I wandered in and ordered coffee and scone in the lounge area
and then set about to copy and download. Hope it worked!The owner suggested I might
find success at the Merriman Hotel.
The former home of the High King of Connaught.
Then on the way back to Lahinch, I made some of the most
satisfying stops. First it was the
Farm Store at Ailwee Caves for cheese; then, the 5,000 year-old Poulnebrone, The Burren (‘stony place’) is
beautiful! I can’t seem to get
enough of it. While there, I met Thomas Coyne, monk/bard and Ogham jewelry
maker. Ogham (pronounced ‘Ohm’) is
the language (Celtic?) that predates the Gaelic/Irish language Rain started up on the way back…no big deal.
And lastly, a
quick snap from the car of Leamenagh Castle (spelling is probably wrong) a
former O’Brien stronghold.
Another shot of the amazing portal tomb.
--a tasty
spinach-zuchinni soup with brown bread--& found they had wi-fi, so plan to
come back for a blog-stop. After lunch, it was a stroll down the promenade
where the camera began to click on its own.It was eery J. What a grand spot to view
the village, the Atlantic shoreline and even a jackdaw! Notice his gray hood
and vest. The pics will show a bit of the magic of this place…I hope. Weather was dry, cool and breezy.
September 5, 2013
Yesterday—continued: I set out over the Burren to Kinvarra
where I hoped to find a cyber-café and the chance to get to my blog. I had
forgotten the adventurous ride on the R480! Think ‘grand prix’ on a
ridiculously narrow, curvy, hill-and-dale, two-way road. There was so much
shifting down and up that I swear I heard Jim and Jan yelling, ‘Shift!’. Anyway I bravely passed by the famous
ancient spots, so well known to visitors, intent on reaching Kinvara and
updating the blog.
While still in Kinvara I drove the short way to Dungaire
Castle, His name escapes me. (Another Google possibility) Pretty imposing,
huh?
Another shot of the amazing portal tomb.
***
Today, Thursday, I plan to spend time in town and go to the
beach promenade.
…and so I did.
First, I had lunch at Lahinch’s Joe’s Café
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
September 1, 2013
Quick Cap: Detroit to JFK short and easy with transfer a
cinch. No need to switch
terminals—just a long walk to the far end to gate 67 with a 7+ hour layover.
Proved leisurely and interesting. Was greatly impressed by our--us humans’--diversity.
Finally boarded and found middle seat 20E. Fellow passengers proved very
nice. Artist Carol P. on the left and lady—Scots-Irish—at my
right. Sorry I didn’t get her name. The extra leg room, obtained at a price,
proved a smart decision; but even with that, moving out to the loo was a
logistal endeavor.
Slept on and off after dinner, waking to daylight. Arrived early. Happy that my bag
arrived, exchanged dollars for euros, walked through the green door and there,
unexpectedly, was my good friend, Winnie, all smiles and hugs. After getting my
car rental, followed Winnie to her house and fresh scones and tea! Then said
‘slan’—she had stuff doing that evening and I had to drive to digs in
Lahinch-Moy which I found without any trouble. Amazing!
September 2, 2013
Now unpacked and settled, today’s deal is to obtain a phone
and internet capability. Jet-lag not a problem after sleeping 9 hours
overnight. So shower taken, breakfast eaten, Blackie awaits to get us around.
Blackie is my Toyota Yaris. J)
If you are reading this, you’ll know I found wi-fi.
Watched telly before venturing out. Coverage was from the funeral service
for Irish Nobel poet, Seamus Heaney. Videoed a bit of it.
I headed out and promptly missed my first turn. Way up the hill the turnaround on this
very, very narrow road (pic)
proved to be a photo op. The local bovine mooed me a greeting and posed nicely.
Then it was to Ennistymon for lunch at An Teach Bia (‘on
chock bee-a’) means ‘Eating Place’. Then to the library for a card. Librarian, Corinnia, found my name
which was still in the system, so no prob to renew. Then up the street to the
Salmon Bookstore. I bought a Seamus Heaney book of poetry--Electric Light. After
I mentioned to the clerk that many years ago I had met Jessie Lendennie, the
founder and publisher of Salmon Poetry, she insisted on telling Jessie, who was
working upstairs. I was invited to go up and greet her. After a fun
conversation I left her. She
mentioned there would be a book launch at the Falls Hotel on Friday. I’ll try
to make it.
It was onward to Ennis, the county town of Clare. Found the familiar way to Dunne’s
parking and then located the O2 store for a Sim cell phone card: also, found
James Brohan’s shop where Winnie told me I could find a hand collapsible stick
(cane). Bought the stick and now
plan to use it on my walk up the steps to The Rock of Cashel in County
Tipperary.
September 3, 2013
Moved myself in spite of lingering jet lag and drove to
Ennistymon to check out the wi-fi situation at the Falls Hotel. Had lunch of
smoked salmon salad and learned that their signal is, shall we say, weak!
Snapped a couple of good photos and left.
So the next possibility is to drive to Salmon Bookstore and
accept the invitation to use their signal, which Jessie says is often too
weak. Came home and crashed
for a couple hours and then took a very nice walk up the road from the
‘house-flat-cottage’. Photo-ops g’lore. Panoramic views, wild flowers,
blackberries, local cattle who moo in a welcoming tone. How to show all this on
the blog…if I ever get on.
Falls Hotel, Ennistymon
WALKING IN LAHINCH-MOY
Self-Portrait :)
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