Ducks in the pond below us are emphatically quacking while little birds in the trees are singing happy songs on what looks to be a brilliantly beautiful Friday here in Ireland.
Bill and I spent our first night at Lawcus Farm Guesthouse near Stoneyford, which is near Kilkenny.
When we arrived yesterday afternoon and started looking for Anne Marie and Mark, I soon heard a greeting from their home situated on a hill above our bed and breakfast. Come up for pie and tea, she said.
It had been two years since we’d seen this energetic and industrious couple who always have new projects in the works. Since our last visit, Mark has dealt with cancer and Anne Marie has lost her mom.
They’ve stayed pretty close to their beautiful farm in the Irish countryside during the Pandemic and just recently started seeing some of their first American visitors.
This is our third stay at Stoneyford, where each time we become acquainted with more of its wonderful and friendly citizens.
We first met Anne Marie and Mark, along with Fred Malzard, owner of Malzard’s Pub in 2018. We’ve met the Fennally family of local hurling fame and Robin Ribbers on our visits.
The circle widens with each visit.
Last night while enjoying our first Guinness in Ireland at Malzards, we met Allen, who has a big house for sale. He shared a video of the magnificent home.
We also visited with David and Ann. David’s dad was a forester, and he was visiting San Francisco when the Pandemic was originally unfolding in the United States.
We also marveled at the changes Fred has made to his establishment to accommodate Pandemic restrictions and to just create some wonderful and homey ambience.
Our first day back in Ireland began early in the morning at a rainy Dublin Airport where we flew in from Chicago. Speaking of meeting people, I had a nice visit with Jasmine who works at our Chicago motel.
It was neat to meet a young lady who had just received her first driver’s license at 22 and with accolades from her instructor. Jasmine impressed me because she said one of her goals in life is to face her fears. I kinda understood that one.
We didn’t get much sleep on our overnight flight, but we forged ahead through the day, driving to Kilkenny where we walked around town seeing the sights dating from days of old, as far back as the 1200, strolling through a farmers market, watching pigeons and ducks near the river and visiting some churches.
Later, we spent some time at beautiful Mt. Juliet where this year’s Irish Open golf tournament was held, we visited Jerpoint Abbey and spent a few minutes at a Trout establishment where Bill purchased some of their products. Seems those rainbow they raise originate from the State of Washington.
In short, it was a full first day here in Ireland, and we expect and look forward to many more. We especially enjoyed driving down the main drag of Stoneyford, seeing Fred Malzard for the first time and hearing the greeting, “Welcome home.”
It’s a great feeling to be back in this magical place and reconnecting with its warm, friendly and wonderful people.
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