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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