Last day to wander...Tues. April 28.

Good morning! The sun is shining gloriously this morning. Birds are happily singing. Beautiful big window to look out. Every place we have had that, except the pub **grin** Slept very well after walking 1km. back from restaurant. Mike convinced me I could do that. I hate it when he is right! Knees didn't bother me all night, and just think of calories burned :)

Things to remember: the variety of duvets (aka comforters) and pillow covers on the beds. The first night in Skibboreen, the comforter was lead-lined, I swear. Had to pull it down off the body. Beautiful patterns on them. Today's is covered in flowers - very appropriate for the location. Once again we are located in a garden spot. Eileen & Paul - hosts. His avocation is gardening. Gorgeous grounds. When we returned last night we got a tour. 2 greenhouses, one he calls a tunnel. Just a small plastic covered hoop barn :) He starts seeds; has a 200 yr. old grape his father passed on to him. Roots outside greenhouse, branches inside. Already has grapes. Lots of tomato plants (grilled cherry tomatoes part of full Irish breakfast :) He raises them for his wife. He works in vet lab. Was telling us how many more animal diseases there have been since EU opened borders.

Dinner spectacular. M had seafood pie and I, scallops w/ ratatouille. Colcanon mashed potatoes (w/ cabbage & spinach - thought of you, Jill!) and rhubarb crumble w/ honeycomb ice cream and Irish coffee. Very good we walked back :)

Young Polish couple sitting by us. I had to ask what language - no clue. Lovely chat. She has been here 10 yrs. Said it's hard to go home to visit - things are hard there. People closed up, economy and politics bad. She asked what we enjoyed most about Ireland... Thought of the beauty and fantastic food... but most of all, individual faces of all the people we interacted with. That has been the most memorable! From bartenders to hosts to people in the street. Perhaps THAT is the benefit of travel.

Today we head toward Shannon - maybe an hour or so away. Banratty castle, w/ reenactors and period trades, etc. along the way. Not to mention how we seem to just wander. We'll take all day getting there :)

Later! Jan

Saturday, April 25 Good morning!

I think we're slowing down. Neither of us wanted to get up for breakfast. Joan said I just have to let her know when I'd like porrich :) This morning I enjoyed fresh Greek yogurt and homemade scone w/ fruit & cheese. Michael ate my bleu cheese. Tomorrow prolly smoked salmon & scrambled :)

Last night was awesome. Taking taxi - brilliant! Lamb stew @
Linnanne's pub along w/ assorted adult beverages. Cool shamrock imprinted on the Guinness head. Mike did get a picture. Many many French tourists everywhere we've been.

Music started w/ 2 brothers. ~11 yr old played mandolin (since age 3). Younger brother (~8) bohdran. Then 'Lumiere' two Irish ladies w/ guitar accompanist. At least half selections in Irish. Beautiful soft language we don't understand at all. They gave a synopsis of story for each one. Community hall is just like it sounds - small gathering space. Most attendees Irish;  a few of us tourists - definitely in the minority. Pubs after concert too crowded to get in. We managed to get in door for Mike's last Guinness of the day. Soft rain on and off all day, w/ some 'sunny spells.' Soft rain again this am. Plan is to walk to town centre and tourist :) Taxi to Kilfenora again tonight. Taxi driver lovely man. Picked us up @ 11pm. Said his day wouldn't end until about 4 am. I felt badly having him come back for us. He was very appreciative we were before the closing rush. Said Linannes would shut doors @ 1 but still be lively until about 5. Egads!

Later!