To the West of Ireland

 

Reached a milestone, so it's time to get on with the next leg of life's journey.

Day One of 75-plus included a hearty breakfast at Stoneyford's Lawcus Farm Guesthouse,  prepared by Anne Marie and accented by Mark and his new colorful member of the farm menagerie. 

This was Bill and my fourth stay at the farm and, as usual, more than enjoyable with Anne Marie and Mark, other guests and staff.  

The farm is a constant and beautiful work in progress with its many animals, water features, including the King's River and a pond often inhabited by beautiful white swans. The day we arrived a heron had flown in to do some fishing.

We especially loved this visit because the kids got to see and experience the place for the first time, including Willie and Debbie's stay in the tree house down a pathway from the main buildings. 

Always fun seeing Mark and Anne Marie.  We hope to see them in Idaho sometime.

Most of the rest of the day included driving in sunshine and in occasional showers.  

The kids went their way; Bill and I, ours---eventually ending up in Kenmare, another "coming home" place and home to the Rose Garden B and B and Restaurant.

 Again, we enjoyed another reunion with Vince and Mary, owners of the business.

In Kenmare, PF McCarthy's is one of our first destinations where steak and potato cakes await. As always, no disappointment as three orders disappeared quickly. 

Today we'll do some more sightseeing and make sure we have at least one more potato cake experience before moving on down the road.  Annie will be leaving us and flying back to Seattle tomorrow, and the rest of us will head toward Clifden. 

So much to remember, so many more things to see. 

So much fun being here. 

Isabelle

This is Ireland. I ask if there’s a bathroom. Isabelle says, “No but follow me.” 

She takes me upstairs where there is a staff bathroom but someone is in there. She knocks and tells the person a lady needs to go to the bathroom. A man walks out and smiles. I go in and do my business.

 When I come out, Isabelle summons me to another room where she has just taken cookies out of the oven. “How many in your group?” she asks. 

“Five,” I say. Isabelle scoops up five fresh-baked cookies and hands them to me. 

 We become Facebook friends, all because the store has no public bathroom and because Isabelle represents what we all love about Ireland. 

Thank you, Isabelle.