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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