Ireland 2018, Day Two

The steeple in Kenmare brings back good memories of family. 

On one trip to Ireland, Bill, his sister Margaret, Willie, Debbie, Annie and I traveled together.

We stayed in Killarney and spent a leisurely morning, visiting Kenmare and enjoying ice cream in its park across from the church above. 

So, when we rolled into town yesterday, our first stop at the park allowed us a few minutes to get our bearings AND to feed the birds.

We hadn't planned feeding birds until I climbed out of the car and realized that the scone I'd been feeding on off and on for two days had crumbled into hundreds of tiny pieces.

I hadn't realized that my foot had smashed what was left of the scone.  So, the crows enjoyed an afternoon treat.

We're staying at a bed and breakfast just a four-minute walk from downtown Kenmare.  

Yesterday involved several hours of driving through Southwest Ireland after a fun morning visiting with Anne Marie at Lawcus Farmhouse.

Our hostess cooked up exclusive breakfast dishes, including porridge and prune, for her visitors and made her rounds to feed the animals.

When I first saw Anne Marie, she had managed to give a shot to a young sick lamb.  

Twas the first shot she'd ever given.  Anne's morning rounds include the swans, the pigs, the chickens, horses and the hedgehog. 

The resident hedgehog is a rescue which someone brought to the farm.

Later, Anne invited us on a tour of the amazing home which her husband Mark has designed.  I don't know how the man gets any rest with all the creative and innovative projects he has completed or started around the farm. 

Unfortunately, we did not get to meet Mark, as he was in another town working on another project.

We also visited with Anne's dad Bobby, the musician who entertained at the pub the night before. 

It was hard saying good bye to our wonderful hostess, and we're holding her to her promise to come some day for a visit to the Lovestead. 

Amazing lady!

After a gorgeous day, we're seeing a little drizzle here in Kenmare this morning. We'll probably hang around town for a few hours and then go on an adventure somewhere in the area today.

Life will unfold with no particular plan for the next couple of days cuz we feel like we've returned "home" after spending three days in this lovely little town last year. 

One item on the agenda includes saying hello to Sean Finnegan, a local jeweller, who, I'm told by my friend Marsha Pilgeram, has visited Sandpoint.  

Love the small world experiences.

Good place, this Kenmare.  Good times.  Stay tuned.

Happy Wednesday. 

A new tree for forester Bill.  Lawcus Farm has a "monkey puzzle" tree, a species associated with South America.

Bill found two geocaches yesterday at the Kells Priory.

For the pumpkin folks at Hickey farms back home.

Phenomenal bread from P.F. McCartheys in Kenmare where we dined last night. 

We sat at the same table where we sat last year on my 70th birthday.  And, once again, we enjoyed live Irish music.