Ireland: It's What We Do

 

This map has been enhanced through AI to highlight the places we'll be visiting in Ireland. 

It's pretty quiet around the Lovestead, at least on the domestic front. 

Horses are gone.

Doggies left yesterday. 

Squirrels, crows and deer have already started a Lovestead takeover. 

Last night I even fed two deer some apples, just like I usually do with the horses. 

After all, the deer were hanging out in the barnyard waiting for handouts. 

They didn't come all the way up to me at the fence like the horses do, but they came close enough to grab a few apples. 

If past times are any indication, they will be running the place while we're gone. 

Actually, my sister has agreed to do that, which is most appreciated. 

We have stayed home and kept our noses pretty much to the grindstone for most of this year, so it's time to have some of our annual fun.

We've already gotten a taste of what's in store because our neighbors have been in Ireland for several days.

Yesterday they sent me a photo of the steak and potato cakes at the brew pub in Kenmare, County Kerry.

Also, they went to P. F. McCarthy's Restaurant and met our friend Vince who's there pretty much every night in a back open-air room with his friends. Sadly, they missed meeting Vince's wife Mary. 

Vince knows we're coming, thanks to my neighbors.

The staff at Des Moran's Family Butcher Shop in Clifden know we're coming, again, thanks to my neighbors. 

This will be my 13th trip to Ireland, and Bill's 12th.  My first trip was with our daughter Annie who had already visited and wanted to go again. 

Once I visited, I wanted to go again and with the family.  So, we did. 

Our family has traveled there about five times. 

So, since 2011, it definitely had become "what we do."  

As my friend noted in a text, it's hard to describe in words or even photos how magical and wonderful Ireland is. 

The beauty of the land and its friendly, helpful people always draw us back. 

To paraphrase my neighbor again, the Ireland experience and its beauty make us see life as it should be. 

So, off we go with a long, long day ahead.  

Next bed:  Kildare, Ireland. 

You'll see with the highlighted locations on the map where we'll be staying. 

Stay tuned.  

The next time the blog will appear will be once I'm settled on land and have my laptop going again.  

Thanks for your patience. 

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