Slight Detour: Ireland! What Day Is It?

I know tomorrow, and I know yesterday.

Don't ask me what day it is.

I guess that's a sign that we too fully immersed in our trip to know what day it happens to be.

I do know that tomorrow--June 29 here in Ireland--we'll be taking a ferry to Inis Mor in the Aran Islands.

That will happen after we stay tonight at Sharamore House near Clifden and Bill has had some of Sue Brittain's pancakes for breakfast.

I know that yesterday we said good bye to Annie at Molly's Farm near Kenmare.

Today Annie will take the long flights back to Seattle, arriving home tomorrow in the USA and in Ireland.

Today we'll move on down the road from Kenmare, visit Muckross House and my friend Cass. Cass is a horse lover, owner and equestrian in Killarney. Annie and I met her on my first trip to Ireland when we rode horses along the ocean beach near Tralee.

Since then, we've visited a couple of times AND she sent the cupcakes to my "birthday party" at the Blessed Ireland concert in Stoneyford.

She also posted her own "This Is Ireland" story on Facebook about her efforts and some stuff that went awry but with a very positive twist in the execution of her planning.

APPRECIATION &WELL DONE POST

by Cass Foley

Anyone in around Stoneyford, Kilkenny..get yourself to Knockdrinna Cafe because they have just proven themselves to be one of THE most efficient &friendly businesses in Ireland!

Long story short, was a good friend's birthday on Sat &she was visiting Stoneyford for the night from USA ....rang Knockdrinna from home in Kerry to see if there was any possibility of a cake or anything similar being delivered.

Now, they don't normally do it, but when I explained my circumstances, they organised a delivery of 2 boxes of delicious looking cake assortments to a venue that I knew my friend would be visiting that eve!!

Unfortunately only one box was presented to my friend on Sat eve, so I enquired as to the second one's whereabouts.....only to be called back immediately with the lady (Helen) promising she would look into it......and into it she did indeed look!

Five mins later, she rang back deeply apologetic that there was still one box at the venue (as she herself had gone there in the 5 min she was off the phone), for some reason or another (not her fault at all but rather a miscommunication of staff at the venue) it had not been given to the birthday girl and was there some way we could rectify the situation!!

I was blown away by the level of professionalism and friendliness shown and I for one plan to make a trip at some stage to sample their hospitality!!

Well done Knockdrinna Cafe!

~~~

Such stories illustrate the essence of Ireland and very reason that I always say Irish people are as beautiful as the scenery.

Last night while sitting at our table at PF McCarthy's, we were about to take a selfie when a young adolescent lady at the table next to us asked if we'd like her to take the photo.

Her family sat back in admiration of the scene as she snapped a picture.

Genuine friendliness with an ever-present desire to help---that's what we see so often every day here.

And, of course, we love it.

Our travels yesterday took us on the Ring of Berra, through farms and tidy, adorable little villages, often with lovely views of the ocean and more fresh-baked, tasty treats to tighten our belt lines.

We saw a little sunshine and a lot of rain. After leaving Annie, we drove back to Kenmare, split up and did our thing shopping and sight seeing in downtown Kenmare.

Once more, I spent some time with one of Marcia Pilgeram's friends---another Finnegan who owns a jewelry and watch-making store.

He recognized me when I walked in the door and we had a nice chat.

All continues to be well on this trip, and time is a bit murky except for when it's meal time or time to move on with the next wonderful adventure.

Whatever day it is when you read this post, have a great one.

Enjoy the photos.