We met a hedgehog yesterday. It’s the second one we’ve ever
met. Both have lived in Ireland.
Yesterday’s hedgehog lives at a residence where we have
stayed a couple of times in Drogheda, north of Dublin.
After leaving Dublin Airport in our rental car, Bill and I
both thought it would be fun to visit Frank and Catherine whom we hadn’t seen
since before the Pandemic.
So, we pulled into a park across the road, walked to their home
and knocked on the door. Catherine and their two friendly Irish Setters greeted
us.
Frank, a medical engineer who often works at home, came downstairs. We enjoyed a nice reunion and soon walked outside to meet the hedgehog, which had shown up at their place a few days ago.
Frank feeds the little prickly guy berries. And,
the dogs just kind of circle around and look at him.
Soon after that, we were sitting at Frank and Catherine’s
kitchen table, catching up on our respective lives while drinking tea and
enjoying a piece of cake topped with cream cheese and Frank’s homemade
blackberry jam.
A few minutes later, after watching Paddy, the Setter's trick of opening
the front door, we were once again on our way, bound for Dundalk, on the east
coast of Ireland.
Our visit with Frank, Catherine and two of their children set the tone for the next couple of weeks as we return to places and people we have met on our past trips to Ireland.
As usual, yesterday’s visit was a lovely
experience, filled with fun, familiarity and warmth, all Irish staples.
Once we arrived at Dundalk for our first-ever time, we found
our bed and breakfast accommodation known as Innisfree House----a beautiful
Edwardian townhouse, which is on the historic register. It’s a gorgeous structure,
filled with a rich, historical and tastefully decorated theme.
We were told by some Italian visitors that we must return for Christmas because Gita, the manager who hails from Lithuania, creates an unforgettable and amazing Christmas display throughout the townhouse.
Side note for ZAGS fans. After our mention of Domantis Sabonis, now an NBA star in his own right, Gita immediately noted that he was the son of the famous Lithuanian NBA star.
I think we'll be coming back to Innisfree, even if it doesn't happen to be at Christmas time. The big breakfast, served by sweet Irena, a language instructor from Ukraine, filled our stomachs and more than satisfied our tastebuds.
Last evening, after two recommendations for a dinner spot, we walked a few
blocks to Windsor’s Bar and Restaurant in the downtown area. Some ladies on the sidewalk told us, “and
someone you know visited there.” When we
weren’t sure we knew, they announced, “Your President Joe Biden.”
That added a little extra interest to where we would have
our first dinner in Ireland. Seems this
town is where some of the President’s ancestors lived.
We enjoyed our dinner and then walked back to the townhouse
where across the street out of sight but certainly not earshot the Friday night
lights of Dundalk were shining on a loud and enthusiastic athletic
contest. We guessed it was probably a
Rugby match. The crowd knew how to put
out some serious noise, but we didn’t mind.
And, so, we’ve filled our first day in Ireland with an assortment of
experiences, so much so that my brain just didn’t want to turn off last night. We
haven’t yet seen any sheep in Ireland, but I did spend more than enough time
counting them while attempting to get some sleep.
Happily, sleep came and then Saturday morning where we’ll enjoy our first Irish breakfast, Edwardian style and then head for Belfast.
Tonight we’ll be at Malin Head in County Donegal to see more friends
and once again take in the amazing views of the northernmost point of the Republic of Ireland.
Happy Saturday from the Emerald Isle which never
disappoints.
Happy Birthday to our dear friend Mow.
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