Sunshine returns. During my morning workout I could see a little window of blue in the gray. And while I sweated it out, the blue spread and widened until everything shimmered in the sun.

A nice reward for me!

Once I finished and cleaned up, I headed out to join Laura for a tour of the kitchen gardens. Met up with most of the gang—Kat, Griffin, JR and Kayla going off to the pool. Jason, Colt and Savanna going off to kayak.

Logan had overindulged the night before. Here’s a helpful hint: Never try to out drink an Irishman, especially on his home turf.

You’re welcome.

Laura and I met up for a nice walk over to the kitchen gardens for a tour. What an amazing, beautiful and efficient space. Alex, the head gardener—handsome, French and incredibly knowledgeable about every inch, every plant–explained what they plant, why, how, when they harvest, and how they make use of all that space.

And the chefs find creative ways to use as many parts of the plant as possible in their creations. Only one reason the food here is just amazing.

All kinds of veg planted at different times, with edible flowers, flowers that lure the insects away from the veg. They’re expanding in hopes of producing enough for the castle and lodge to source all their fresh produce from their own gardens. And that would mean, for instance, hundreds of heads of various lettuce alone.

The greenhouse I saw them building on a previous walk is part of the expansion.

They’ve grafted from an apple tree the Guinness family planted over a hundred years ago. And there are lots of berries. Chefs use the fruit, of course, and also make jams, chutneys—full use. It’s fascinating to see strawberries growing on raised stands of dirt and straw—to keep the fruit from rotting on the ground with so much rain.

There are bee hives for honey, and a greenhouse—Alex called in a tunnel—with gorgeous pots of basil, more herbs, seedlings. The big surprise here? Elephant garlic. HUGE bulbs. An experiment, we’re told. In a couple of weeks, they’ll be ripe enough for the chefs to judge if they like the flavor.

One chef is there, with his clipboard, so Alex cuts a bulb, breaks off a clove. The chef deems it mild—but it’s not ripe enough as yet. We all get a sniff. It’s lovely!

We also get a taste of peas straight from the pod.

It’s an enormous undertaking, so well thought out. And the tour a real education.*

We walk back, and the day’s too pretty to go inside. So it’s a little lunch outside at The Cottage. Kayla joins us for some basking in the day time with food. It’s just so nice to sit out, drink a little wine, eat a little soup.

The others are eating at Stanley’s—they’re making the famed chicken fillet rolls for them. And they’re going to add them—and Savanna’s cherry Coke—to the menu.

Later Laura’s meeting the Little Brown team for dinner in town. It happens we’re going to a pub right across the street. Some of us walk, some of us drive, to The Crow’s Nest. It’s lively, and our server is delightful. Jason’s deciding between an orange Fanta and a Club Orange. She tells him, definitely, Club Orange is superior.

He goes for it, and so does Kat.

We hear kayak adventures. Jason and Colt were in a double at first, and Savanna in a single. After awhile Colt and Savanna switch. I see from the photos they’re all trapped out in waterproof jackets, and I think pants as well.

Ours are some of a pub full of voices.

Laura brings Gina, Laura and Clara in to say hello. It’s reallly good to see them—and they brought me a gift. A warm, soft, beautiful throw I can easily imagine snuggling under when it’s time to read by the fire again. And when I do, I’ll think of them.

Today’s the tea at the Lodge event, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who can attend. My voice was mostly back yesterday, all day, so I’m counting on the same today. I’ve had enough ginger tea with honey to last me a lifetime!

Time to get moving, make myself presentable. I’ll meet up with Laura, Gina, Clara, Laura and Ana Huang—the talented author who’ll interview me—about an hour before the event.

Nora

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And Savanna took the time to look up.

*To learn more about Alex and Ashford’s Kitchen Garden project, click this link.  -Laura

Sunshine turns into wild winds and driving rain. Little white caps ride the lake, and that wind streams through the window I have open a few inches. Time to dress in those layers. Laura comes over so we meet the rest of the gang in the castle lobby. We’re walking over to The Cottage for our 4th of July celebration.

Kayla scolds me for not tying my scarf or zipping my jacket. Then does both for me. And into the wild wet we go. The wind blows the rain into misty horizontal waves I’d likely find more fascinating from indoors, and whips against rain jackets, hoods, umbrellas. It whipped Colt’s umbrella and turned it inside out.  He’s also the lone among us wearing shorts.

I think some of the reason is not getting his pants wet.

You could say our walk was brisk, then into the warm and dry of The Cottage. The fire’s crackling, a two-man band is playing. This barbecue will obviously be indoors.

We have a big table in a side room, all to ourselves. Snug and warm. There’s an American flag on the table, burgers on the menu. As well as milkshakes and doughnuts. Despite it, I go for the potato-leek soup and have a Bellini along with my hot water, lemon and honey.

Conversation runs up and down the table. As always the food, and the service, are lovely. Our musicians are excellent. We hear Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Glen Campbell And ha! David Bowie. I make sure Colt knows it’s David Bowie as earlier in the week, when we were discussing music he asked: Who’s David Bowie?

I died.

It’s a fun, entertaining lunch—and many go for the doughnuts. When Kat explains to Griffin they’re doughnuts holes (very big ones!) he’s fascinated. He eats two, maybe three before we head back out through the wind and rain. Nearly blown over, Laura and I lock arms. We’re walking against the wind now, and it blows my hood off. I blame Kayla for not tying it!

Back in the castle, Catherine hunts up thicker rain jackets for Jason, Logan and Savanna. They’re booked for a trail ride, and storm or not, they’re going for it.

Laura and I sit in my parlor for awhile, have another drink, discuss the basic outline for the event on Sunday. Then, with the wind and rain, it’s a quiet afternoon for all but those mounted on horses.

I get a text they’re going to play Ashford Castle Monopoly. I’ll leave them to that.

We meet up for dinner at The Dungeon at six-thirty. Jason reports rain jackets didn’t stop that wild rain. They all got wet but seemed to have a good time at it, riding through the woods, then out in the open in front of the castle. And now we’re a very jolly group, eating well at our long family table with the promise of fireworks at about nine-thirty.

We end the meal with dessert as desserts here are not to be resisted. I go for the sundae again because, man they’re amazing. Shane, who’s looking out for us, tells me I’ve chosen the best dessert on the menu. I absolutely agree.

We all say goodnight. Most aren’t sure they’ll make it until the fireworks. I’m not sure I will myself. But I’m happy to see the rain and wind have finally given it up for the day.

Get into pjs, discover Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid’s on TV. I don’t turn down Newman and Redford any more than I do a hot fudge sundae.

At nine-thirty, I go to my triple window where the half moon’s sailing, bright one moment, a hazy glow behind clouds the next. There’s still blue in the sky, and people starting to gather lake side for the fireworks.

They start a few minutes later to cheers. Such a pretty display, all the light and color against a sky that hasn’t yet gone to full dark. Showers of stars, swirling gold lights, exploding fountains, the bang and the boom.

It’s fun to watch and think across the Atlantic, the skies will light up with color in a few hours.

And they end to cheers and applause.

Cloudy today, the sort that turn the light to the soft gleam of a pearl. I think I may join Laura for the kitchen garden tour this afternoon. And we may hit Stanley’s where they’re bringing us chicken fillet rolls—I’m sure I don’t have the name right, but it’s a hand-held, often sold at petrol stations. Many of the staff, when asked, have their favorite spot to buy one.

Some of the group are going kayaking.

I’ll stay on land, thanks. Maybe get in a walk along the way today.

Nora

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Another spectacular day. Another reason to take a late morning walk, choose a new path and wander to the music of birdsong and light breezes. I see more downed trees—the winter storm had to be horrendous. But still the woods are green and thick, and flowers find their way to blooming. Another path between castle and lough and flowers in profusion with colors bright and bold or soft and dreamy.

There’s nothing like a walk in the woods, or a stroll through a garden for soothing or lifting the spirit.

In to meet the gang for lunch. Kat and Savanna went off early to visit a house in another wood where the woman sells wool. Kat will spin it. And they’re back with a stop for Diet Cokes so my brain continues to function.

Just soup for me as Jason and Colt brought me bacon after workout, before walk. And witnessed my voice also functioning—more or less. In and out through the day, but mostly in. Progress.

We’ll see if that holds.

Another spoonful of honey. Shudder.

All but Kayla, Laura and I are off on the boat ride to the island in the lough where once stood a monastery. I dispense Dramamine to Logan and Savanna.

Laura, Kayla and I take a walk to Cong. A different route as workers are clearing downed trees. And a lovely one, tree-lined and wild flowered, shady and sweet.  I’m aiming for the little shop where I shopped, and well, on my previous trip to Ireland. It was closed Sunday, and sadly, closed again when we got there.

Another shopkeeper thinks the proprietor may be at lunch. So we walk on. Everyone scores something. I have another Christmas gift in my bag, and a cute hooded sweatshirt for Griffin. We round back toward my initial goal, but Kayla, scouting ahead, finds it still closed.

I may give it one more shot, but for now, the walk back. And since the sun’s shining, the air wonderfully warm, we stop at The Cottage for a drink.

Mmm. Bellini for me. Our server’s originally from Sweden, so since Laura’s traveled there, they can chat about it. It’s nice to linger in the sunshine over a drink with girls.

Then we all head to our rooms for a little quiet time.

Tonight, when the adventurers return, we’re dining at Stanley’s while Laura indulges in her Fancy Dinner.*

And return they do, with loads of pictures and tales. With that hour and a half round-trip boat ride, that’s the only way I’ll see the island. Maybe, if and when Scotty can beam me up, I’ll visit in person.

But it’s Stanley’s time.

This is a delightful place designed as sort of an American diner from the 50s where nine—and only nine—can sit at the counter. And they have hot dogs! Colt and I are right there for them. And Mac and Cheese—Kayla and Griffin are right there for that.

It’s an open kitchen so we can watch the chef work. He’s really amazing, somehow creating nine orders all at once, and with precision as well as a confident ease. Our server is so sweet, and when the conversation turns to Savanna’s love of cherry Cokes, and Jason wonders how they’re made, she joins in.

Jason’s read it’s grenadine, but that’s made from pomegranate. (News to me!) This becomes a mystery to be solved, and our server’s originally goes off to shortly return with a bottle of cherry syrup. An experiment, she says, and pours a bit—Savanna says when—into a glass, adds Coke and ice.

Gets a happy thumb’s up from Savanna.

I’m about to take my second daily dose of honey, when the server looks distressed for me. Better in hot water and lemon. Yes, please! Much easier to swallow.

Several get the chicken wrap and when they’re plated—beautifully—served and sampled, Logan states it’s the best chicken wrap he’s ever had. I can report Stanley’s makes a damn good hot dog.

And how about dessert? I’m not turning down the sundae so Jason and I split one. And we watch the chef prepare Kayla’s choice of a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream, artistically topped with thin bits of edible gold.

I mean seriously!

No one leaves Stanley’s hungry.

Catherine comes down to tell us there’s a Fourth of July barbecue at The Cottage. I’m fascinated to attend an Irish barbecue. The day also calls for rain, and somehow I think that’ll just add to it.

Time to get moving.

Nora

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*My dinner was amazing. From start to finish. Will describe in my own spot and share the link when it’s up. -Laura

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We have another absolutely gorgeous day. A little soft weather late morning until just after noon. It didn’t discourage my walk in the woods. It’s so special, wandering around different paths, huge trees shielding from both the beaming sun and the light drizzle so you’re walking in a quiet, magical world serenaded by birdsong.

A lot of downed trees, HUGE ones. Most fell in a big storm last January. One across my path makes a kind of gate, and I go through, round my way back where the gang’s having lunch at noon.

And while we sit, the rain gets serious for a few minutes, while the sun continues to shine. Then it’s done, and the sun wins.

Text and email with Laura who, brave soul, is renting a car at Knock Airport and driving herself to Ashford after visiting her Irish cousins. Meanwhile all but Logan and Savanna are walking down to the falconry school for a hawk walk. I hook up with Kat and Griffin, so we defeat zombies and other baddies on the way.

Keeping Ireland safe.

I ask what the Irish Tooth Fairy traded him for his tooth. Five Euros!!

On arrival, we split into two groups. Jason, Kat and Griffin with Tommy, Kayla, Colt, JR and me with Naimh (Neve) which happens to be the name of the female lead in my current wip. A fun coincidence for me.

She’s knowledgeable, entertaining and gives us a little tour while explaining about the Harris Hawks we’ll fly. We have Stoker, the male, and I’ve totally gone up on the name of his sister—the female’s the biggest and the dominant one.

In the warm, wonderful sunlight, JR and Colt will start it off. They don their gloves. The hawks are tethered  onto  their closed fists, and off we go.  We walk down to the wide path, Naimh untethers the hawks. And they take flight. What a glorious sight. The wide spread of wings, the grace in that soar from hand to branch as they skim the air.  The way they look high in the tree waiting for the signal to return to the glove.

  Then the guys hold out their arms, and both hawks swoop back—breathtaking—land, and get their treat. I believe it’s a bit of hamster, and try not to think too hard on that one.

Again and again as we walk, the hawks take flight and return.

Now it’s time for Kayla and me to wear the gloves. I’ve had this experience a few times now, and it never fails to thrill. Watching that beautiful bird swoop toward my extended arm, having it perch there, watching me as I watch it.

At one point, both birds land on Kayla’s arm, then Stoker hops over to mine. His sister rules.

In the woods we exchange gloves again. At one point they choose the same branch, and sister scolds brother as he perched higher on it than she did. We walk the path I’d taken that morning, with the hawks maneuvering fluidly through the trees. One lands briefly on Colt’s shoulder before hopping down to his fist.

Another exchange of gloves for the walk back, and several more flights in the woods, in the open. I’ve got Stoker now, and he flaps as we approach the school. He’s ready to sit and digest his meal.

The other team’s back, too, and I learn Griffin did indeed glove up and fly a hawk. If Mom could do it, so could he! And he’s educated Tommy along the way on all things Minecraft. Jason carried an actual camera and got some great shots. I think our gang did pretty well with our phones.

We’re introduced to the young, enormous gray owl, then  visit with Dingle—I know him from previous trips. This owl is twenty-six years old, and retired.

We see a couple of month old babies—so cute—and are allowed to gently stroke them. They’re in a room with strollers and a wheel chair—to get them used to wheels and scary things. Since they’re both resting in the wheel chair, I think the process works.

Full of our adventure, we walk back. I’ll do this again when I come back to Ireland. It’s not to be missed.

And Laura’s here, safe and sound. We have a glass of champagne in my room, catch up a bit. Dinner tonight’s in the Drawing Room so time to dress up a little bit. And I, who never nap, conk and then wake with about twenty minutes to spare to pull it all together.

Since I’m also never late, Jason comes to check on me. Five more minutes!!

We and another family have the Drawing Room to ourselves. Everyone looks so nice. Kat’s brought the honey as I’m making myself take two straight teaspoons a day—and Savanna’s outlined the process from her nana. Don’t just swallow, let it drip down the throat.

Blah!! Not a fan of honey to begin with, but I get through it. We have a piano player, and music means Griffin’s gotta dance. He’s also interested in the other family’s toddler—whom he refers to as baby—goes over to their table, and the toddler happily dances with him.

At one point, Griffin asks: What’s your name, baby?

Jason says Griffin has his pick-up line.

Then Griffin sits with me over dessert, and guides me through some games on a phone. I’m pleased I impressed him with my skills.

Then it’s bedtime.

I haven’t checked today’s forecast, but the view out my window looks promising. I think Laura and I—and anyone else interested—will walk down to Cong later for some shopping. I know JR and Colt—not sure who else—are taking the boat tour.

I don’t do boats. I’d love to, but motion sickness makes that a misery. Same with trains. Nothing stops it, and I’ve tried all the stuff. Logan’s right there with me.

 Tonight, Laura’s treating herself to A Fancy Dinner at the George V. The rest of us plan to eat less formally in Cong. There’s a rumor about live music I hope pans out.

Time to work out and get going.

Nora

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A note from Laura:

Yes, my sporty orange car and I safely navigated the roads down to Ashford.

I’m over at the Lodge (it’s still a vacation of sorts) while my husband went on to explore Dublin, then will fly to Ghent.

Still writing my own travelogue, though I’m taking my time. This was my Monday in Enniscrone.

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And a couple of Savanna’s photos of the day:

As perfectly beautiful as a day gets. Everything blue and green and bright. I decide to spend some time soaking it in. I walk, wander, come across a large group doing a hawk walk. Pause and watch awhile. Seeing those hawks swoop through the air, arm to branch, branch to arm, is just breathtaking. I continue on, choose a direction. Not wearing my boots so I’m not taking a trail into the woods, but there are so many others.

There’s a sign: Tree Felling. And I can see where they’ve taken down or are thinning out trees. We had to do that at home last fall.

Wander on. Tree-lined, lovely, quiet. Wildflowers popping up everywhere you look.

I turn again. I sort of, kind of remember this way from previous visits with wide fields on either side, hills rising to mountains, And yes, there’s a really lovely private home with a truly wonderful garden. After an internal debate, I resist taking photos. I wouldn’t like it if some stranger took pictures of my home without asking.

Make another turn, another choice and end up where I don’t remember walking in the past. The fields are behind a line of thick trees—so many personalities in the shape of the branches, the lean of the trunks. Some look like they’ve self-felled and add to the wild look of it all.

Green shadows in a green tunnel, and it’s quiet as a church. And this is my kind of church. Little spots of color reaching up through the shade to catch some light. I see a horse grazing in a field on the other side of the trees. I can’t get a good picture since he’s shifting around a bit, but I try.

When a car comes down the road, it’s a shock. They shouldn’t have been invented yet!

Wander on, and in a clearing, the view opens to cropping sheep, sky and hills.

I realize I’ve walked a fair distance and don’t actually know where this road leads. Time to double back, and at the pretty house, take another direction.

There’s some of the castle’s kitchen garden, and a couple of guys constructing an enormous greenhouse. A fine day for outdoor work. Go this way awhile, then decide that path through the woods doesn’t look too muddy. Even if it were, it’s worth it to be surrounded by trees and tiny wildflowers.

I think I’ve come out in back of the falconry school as I can hear the call of some of those birds of prey. Come out onto the wide gravel path that leads back to the castle, but detour into the walled garden—so lovely there—then beyond it and around again when I realize I’ve walked nearly two hours and it’s nearly time to meet up for our painting class.

Griffin, Colt and Jason are staying back, but the rest of us are going for it. Catherine’s arranged a shuttle to take us the short drive to our artist’s absolutely charming home. And her gardens! Stunning, expansive and just full of color and shape. I could’ve wandered through them another hour.

She’s set us up with easels on her patio, and has a still life on a table. A vase of hydrangeas, a bowl of lemons and limes, a book. A little scary! This is structure, and I tend to slap, dash, dab.

She has the cutest little dog. Remy is a Griffon and so friendly, wagging all over to greet the visitors. He’s delighted with rubs and pets and sweet talking.

But it’s time to get to work. Tess explains we’re not to worry about details yet, just general shapes, broad brush and strokes to get those shapes on canvas. Thankfully, she demonstrates on Kayla’s. Kat and Savanna, both art students, don’t really need this basic tutorial. But the rest of us do!

She gives me a hand with mine, then time to go for it. Mix colors, use those shapes to fill in.

I glance over, and Kat’s added Remy to her still life. It’s already pretty fabulous, and Savannah’s shapes are taking on dimension.

Mine looks like blobs at this point, but I push ahead.

It’s challenging, fascinating and we’re all in the sunshine. Catherine comes with a delivery of cold drinks, finger sandwiches and snacks. So we break. Everyone’s canvas is at different stages, and showing different styles (and skill levels when we add Kat and Savanna). Time to start working the details.

What have I done to my lemons? Why don’t they look, like Kat’s on my left, like lemons? Details, details, pile on more paint. It seems Logan’s having some trouble, and Tess works with him, helps him clean up lines, mix colors.

On my right, Kayla’s is bright and cheery. On my left, Kat’s is amazing with that sweet-faced, breaded Remy looking out beside colorful flowers and fruit. Savanna’s is so pretty, her flowers look like flowers. JR’s is bold and sort of abstract. Logan’s is just great—and we don’t let him forget he had help!

Time to sign our work, give it a chance to dry a bit. What a fun memory to take home! I have to admire the breath and scope of the gardens again before we get in the shuttle with our masterpieces.

Time for a drink in the bar, some unwinding before we clean up for dinner.

It’s into Cong tonight. Jason, Colt, JR and I walk it. I’ve always liked this walk down the quiet road, the trees and fields before you turn and come to a stone church, then around to the ruins of Cong Abbey before the bustle of Cong.

They’ve pushed together tables for our group of nine. Order drinks. Griffin draws one of his impossible mazes, and a rocket ship. Maybe he should paint with us next time. It’s a damn good rocket ship.

Orders up, food and conversation. Then Griffin hands his mother one of his baby teeth. It’s been loose for months, and tonight he simply and calmly pulled it out.

Much excitement from everyone else. Tooth Fairy time. Not just Tooth Fairy. The Irish Tooth Fairy! After dinner he and I play the Making Faces game. God, that tiny gap in his teeth just kills me.

Those who walked down walk back.  Good night hugs, and I see I’ve logged in over 23,000 steps. That’s a solid walking day.

Today looks bright again, and I’m hoping it holds. Most of us have the hawk walk this afternoon. And Laura’s driving down from visiting her cousins so we’ll be a group of ten for the remainder.

Time to work out and get this day started.

Nora

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Clouds defeat the struggling sun while I work out. I’m just doing my cool down when JR and Griffin deliver me bacon and toast. Nothing like having personalized room service in a very timely fashion. Apparently I was in the shower when Jason brought me Diet Cokes, but he persisted. Mmm, cold caffeine.

We gather as a group for our drive to Ross Errilly in what’s more than a mist, less than a drizzle. Both cars miss the turn onto the snake-skinny road between fields and houses, but we turn around and there we are, easing down the road as the skies try to clear and some light glimmers through the gloom.

This ancient friary is one of my favorite sites, and it’s all the more impressive under glowering skies. Beyond it, cows graze on the green undeterred by its major spookiness.

Inside, Kayla insists no one step on the graves, which is impossible as much of the floor in the main entrance is made up of those stone slabs. It’s a huge place, full of tiny openings, larger archways, skinny stairs to nowhere.

Some newer graves here, too, with flowers, and slabs so old you can barely read the etchings on them. We wander everywhere, taking our separate routes, meeting up as paths criss-cross. The sun wins the next battle as we explore.

The air here is filled with old souls and spirits.

The last time we were here, Griffin was just a baby and more interested in trying to eat little rocks than wandering. This time, he’s fascinated by all the little rooms, and in his imagination decorates them.

When we head out we aim for the little ruined abbey just down the road. And the last time we were there, a crew was digging a fresh grave. BW asked if he could take a photo, and they happily posed for him with their shovels.

It’s a seriously great shot.

A sign reminds us to keep the gate closed as cows will wander in otherwise and destroy the graves. A little wandering around graves old, old and new, so many with flowers, or gardens planted over them. This always touches me. Jason tries his best to find the grave we saw being dug, but we don’t think we found one that fits the timing.

Off again, and we hope to see Glebe Stone Circle. The GPS takes us to a driveway. Well, that won’t work. We hunt for a pull off, but have no luck. A little more research is required, so we head back to Cong for lunch and shopping. And in that order as some are hungry.

We take up two tables, and here’s my vacation lunch glass of wine. I’m for the veg soup and chips, more than enough as dinner’s really not that far off. There’s a match on the TV—we think rugby, and it’s Mayo v Meath.

Naturally as we’re in Mayo, the crowd has their favorite. Mayo goals bring on cheers. Meath’s silence. Sadly, though from what I can tell it was hard-fought, Meath triumphs.

And off we go to shop. Since it’s Sunday several places are closed, but it’s nice to wander with the sun out, climbing the steep, skinny sidewalks, lingering by the river of the pretty village famed for The Quiet Man.

And I score another Christmas gift.

Back to the river where we parked, and for several to stand in two counties at once on the Galway/Mayo line. There are pots of enormous and colorful petunias, geraniums, spills of Creeping Jenny.

It’s an easy walk from the castle to Cong so any of us who want can stroll down whenever, or we’ll come as a group, get another meal, maybe some music.

Back home, and some down time. I shed my boots, check email. A twenty minute lie down, then freshen up for dinner. My phone rings while I’m putting on shoes. Kat. They’ve tried to come get me, but I didn’t answer. Didn’t hear! But I’m pretty much ready. I’d’ve been ready quicker if I’d known my Kat was waiting outside my door.

Off we go in the sunny, breezy evening across to The Cottage. Jason and Griffin are in the maze fighting zombies, the rest wait at our table inside.

Logan goes for another steak, Colt for linguini. I’m after the catch of the day. Savanna and I have Bellinis. Ahhh. Not sure on the other choices, but I know everyone’s happy. Since Colt inhaled his pasta, I tell him he should taste my fish. He does, approves, so since I’ve hit my limit, I give him a nice chunk. On my other side, Logan’s pretty much inhaled his steak. And he finishes off what’s left of my fish.

That doesn’t mean there’s not room for dessert! They have profiteroles, and I talk Logan into trying. Since all he left on the plate was a little smear of chocolate, I’d say he liked it.

A little outside maze adventure. Apparently we have to cut down two hundred and fifty trees, on the diagonal. I tell the younger set they can wander, walk down to Cong, try the bar here, whatever. It’s just a beautiful evening.

Me, I want my pjs.

Today’s calling for rain and more of it. Some are planning to try the indoor pool. We who are recently tatted shouldn’t swim. I think I might write a couple hours.

Nora

Packing frenzy! We have nine people spread around a good-sized house for a week. But we’re up to the challenge. Strong young men haul loaded suitcases up from the bedrooms. Kat makes bacon sandwiches. Jason hauls out trash, loads suitcases in our car as Logan, Savanna and Colt are going to ride with the wonderful Ray from Ashford—and much more luggage.

I do a thorough Mom check, all levels. Discover a drawer of socks, then learn not ours—were there on our arrival. Put them back.

All systems go, and in the misty morning we head out. It’s not raining, and the thick skies thin here and there, just a little. Those clouds are smoke over the mountains, and the water’s a steely gray spread to a thousand shades of green. Ray’s in the lead, with Kat (In Carl the car) Kayla, JR and Griffin who apparently does some booster seat dancing to Kayla’s playlist. Jason and I have the rear flank.

All so gradually along our just-under-an-hour drive, a little more clears up above.

And here’s the turn for Ashford, and the cheerful gatekeeper. Now we’re on the tree-lined road, green tunnels, those wonderfully enormous trees. Another turn, and there it is. The gorgeous gray stone castle and the lovely Lough Corrib with its green knuckles of islands.

Catherine Kenny, who’s been our guardian angel throughout, waits to greet us. And Niall Rochford, the GM, with her. I remember them well from our last trip, and remember the staff as well as the sheer magnificence of castle and grounds are what make Ashford so special.

The sun’s pushing to come out as if to greet us, too. In no time we’re whisked in. My room’s ready so we can hang there for a bit, or wander, or gather in the tea room for a drink or lunch.

We do all of that. Catherine’s also contacting a nurse to talk to me—my voice is still pretty much out—and Kayla, who’s improving every day. This gives me time to unpack some, join the others, then back to my room to talk to the nurse on the phone.

No sore throat, no shortness of breath, no nothing but congestion and kind of half-assed laryngitis. We go over what I’ve been doing, and while she’s happy to make an appointment with the doctor, she believes I’m already doing what he’d say to do. When it’s Kayla’s turn, the recommendation is to make an appointment if she gets worse, as she’s already nearly back to 100%.

More unpacking for me, then I join the others, have some chips and a glass of champagne. Ahh. And the sun’s out!

So we take advantage. A long lovely walk on the grounds, where Griffin is thrilled to find a maze. Mazes are one of his favorite things. Live music across the way at Cullen’s. They’re doing Rhinestone Cowboy.

I am amused.

A little shopping in the gift shop crosses four, count them, four, more Christmas gifts off my list. From there, it’s the walk to the walled garden, over the grounds, around the trees and through the stone tunnel.

It’s so beautiful there. A long arbor of green, blooms everywhere you look. Flood of feathery astilbes, pale lavender roses with a glorious scent, tumbles of nasturtiums. And curiously, a patch of corn.

I’m drafted to fight zombies with Griffin-a Minecraft thing. So we run—me in my heavy boots—with our invisible wooden swords. Kat stands as a villager with iron swords to sell. So we upgrade, fight some more. Colt joins and we upgrade to diamond swords sold by Villager Jason.

Walking back, Kat, Griffin and I take a path through the woods. It’s a little muddy from the rain so Kayla in her white sneakers declines. We wind our way, out again, cross paths with the rest. Colt, Griffin and Kat go up a stone tower and down again.

Then we spot Logan and Savanna on the path, and all go in together.

I’m back to my room to organize a bit and will meet the gang in the Billiard Room where they can wait until their rooms are ready.

It’s a big castle, and I get turned around, but someone’s always there to assist, and I’m shown the way to the Billiard Room. JR’s knocking balls into pockets for Griffin’s entertainment. Others lounge. I step outside where the air is so fresh, the sky blue again, and  the lake’s so pretty.

Rooms ready, keys delivered, and we’re escorted to Jason and Kat and Griffin’s suite. It’s lovely, roomy and bright. There’s a stuffed red squirrel and a book as gifts on Griffin’s bed in the adjoining room.

The rest are on the same floor, so we check out everyone’s space. Lovely rooms, lovely views.

Plenty of time to take a breath, for all to unpack, shake off the travel day. We’re having dinner in The Dungeon on the castle’s lower level. I go back to my rooms, have some tea, check the headlines back home. Put that away as much too depressing.

Change for dinner, check in with Kat and Jason, and as there’s time, tell them I’m taking another walk and will meet them at The Dungeon at dinner time.

We’re blessed with a seriously beautiful evening. Blue, blue skies, blue water, light breeze, shining green, the shadows of distant mountains. When I’m in my boots again, I’ll take another path through the marvel of the woods.

But it’s time to meet the gang, and Jason’s waiting for me at the top of the stairs just in case.

Everyone’s changed into We’re-Having-A-Nice-Dinner clothes. More champagne for me, thank you very much. Kat entertains bow-tied Griffin with a disappearing purple Pikmin. Jason and I assist in the magic tricks. We talk—I mostly croak—study the menu. At home, we probably have steak once every month or two, but I’m having it. So is Colt, so is Logan. And there’s warm, yummy bread and butter.

We eat well. I manage half my steak. Colt manages his and the rest of mine. Where does he put it???? Kat takes Griffin off to bed—she’s ready, too as her non-alcoholic cocktail went to her head. I suppose alcohol-adjacent was enough for her.

The rest of us have dessert. A hot fudge brownie sundae? Oh hell, yes. I can’t finish it, but oh boy, what a way to cap off a meal.

We make what I’ll call a plan-ish for the first full day. Breakfast whenever—that’ll happen while I work out, and someone will bring me some bacon (I do love Irish bacon) and a Diet Coke. Some of us will likely walk down to Cong and poke about. If the day is clear enough we’ll take the short trip to Ross-Errily. I really want the younger set to experience it.

There’s the Glebe stone circle a blink away, so there’s that. We have activities booked, but later in our stay.

My view this morning is some hopeful sunshine filtering through the clouds, and islands of green floating on the blue-gray lake.

Ashford is as wonderful as I remember.

Nora