Yesterday --the day before Saturday

The day began with 'are we going to St. Monan's?' St. Monans is only a stones throw away from St. Andrews and of course the British Open is on. I was concerned about the traffic. Strange, noone else seemed to be. The phone rang and they needed one more to finish off an incomplete foursome at the Open, so we decided to make the run. Who knows, perhaps we'll be on TV and get to play with someone famous. We picked up Lorraine's Aunt Rita. A very sweet lady that was sitting and waiting for us. So now we're off in the rain and intermittent sun to St.Monan's to visit with Lorraine's cousins but there was an extra reason and that was the fish n chips in a place called Anstruther and don't forget the ice cream!
Andrea, Lorraine's cousin, drove us down. The line was long so we decided to do 'take away'. I have to admit, it was a great meal and a great visit with all. The St Andrews bit? Well, we didn't get another call and then Tom Watson failed to make the cut so we all decided not to take away his final walk up 18 and take all the credit....Great run Tom! So today, we're back to the train to London and then tomorrow the Ship. Everyone take care. Thanks Andrea and Tony for the stay.
We'll post from sometime on the ship. I'll do it from the craps table.

Back in the homeland for Lorraine

Well, we're back in Edinburgh. After a great train ride (much better than air or car) we got here to this raining mecca in the world about 6 p.m. last night. Nothing much to say at this time since we rode the train most of the day. I am so looking forward to this cruise on Sunday. The issue is I lifted off the train Lorraine's 300 pound bag and have a bit of a back issue now. I'll spend my day when we get out looking for some secret remedy to rid myself of the pain so I'm ready for Sunday. Lorraine is in her element and as we rode the train into Waverly Station in Edinburgh, she sat up ever so straight and a huge smile came over her face...she is proud of her homeland! I had to smile and give a laugh myself. It's been two weeks now and we're still talking as much as we did prior to leaving...at least twice a day...so I'm thinking we'll make it. Everyone take care. I have a feeling that when we're back, Benjamin may be swimming...or at least have started his lessons (yes we check Facebook too)...I will be very excited for him to get this important lesson learned...so we can play in the pool instead of me dragging him around in one of those plastic ring floaties! Everyone take care...oh yes, when we arrived yesterday there had been a huge traffic jam around the area. Rod Stewart is doing a concert at the Castle (last night and tonight) would love to see him but I believe he is totally sold out. Do you think William Wallace would have approved of that? (bit of history there)

Still in the Country Side

It's Tuesday here now and we're still at Lorraine's cousins house. Yes the large one. Don't want to leave anything anywhere or you have one heck of a hike back to find it. We spent Sunday with Lorraine's family reunion on her dad's side of the family. This is the second one we've been too and always a lot of work put into it for sure. I believe everyone enjoyed it. I didn't see anyone throwing a fit or creating a scene. They all seemed happy enough to come, see the house, eat, drink and converse for a bit and then wave bye as they left the house for their 3/4 mile drive down the drive. Monday was spent cleaning up a bit, going on a run in the country by car and stopping at a spot or two or three for the daily teas. Seems as if that is the one consistency throughout the country is this insatiable quest to drink all the tea in the land. What the heck is that all about? It's not really all that great an activity and as soon as you get up from one, move a bit, there seems to be another with some other butter laden foods involved. Now if you get involved with the eco conservative friendly group, it's another pattern of saving the world from our own destruction. Really now, one political point on this....if China makes no move to clean up the pollutantsl, everyone else is wasting their time and money for this still unproven and slanted idea. Perhaps it's just a nice way for many to remember to pick up their things and put them in the right littel box so they can be sorted. Oh well, I'm sure they all feel better for doing it, as they all seem to have a cause. Today we're going on a 4.5 mile hike. Another one of those feel good moments. I'm prepping now for it by waiting for the crowd. We're suppose to go at 9 but by the time the breakfast is eaten; the tea is served and the general good mornings come and go....it will be 11....but I'm ready for 9...let's see how this folds out today.
Tomorrow (wednesday) we go by train to Efdinburgh. So I go to the train website and fill out the hundreds of lines of inquiry and then get two tickets back with Lorraine in one train car and me in another....both going to Edinburgh and then down to London....Did they not you think we were together since we booked together, have the same last name and are going to the same places? WTH...So now I have to spend an hour of time with that india group of res agents that you can't understand and they stay so polite to try and get us at least in the same cabin....I better check and make sure we're on the same train! Take care all....

Well, excuse me Country Gentleman!

We are now in Hereford, England-pronounced I'm sure differently than it is spelled. We're visiting Lorraines cousin who has purchased this beautiful manor home (20000 sq feet) that sits on 15 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. I thought it was previously a castle but to each man it must be 'his' castle. Something like 13 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms and a huge banquet hall that's about 70 ft x 30 ft. So far 14 of Lorraine's family on her dad's side have shown up. The balance come today. Its a bit early since I got up before 6 am so I need to fill the time until some others are stirring around. I really don't know what's around here other than on my early rounds of the property I met a horse trainer with a race horse on each arm. He must have the place next to John and Cathy. He wouldn't let me ride, even though I showed him my Texas Passport...~I am a proficient rider you know! John and Cathy rent out the house next door complete with 4 additioal bedrooms, a lounge (think that is actually like a family room) and full kitchen as a complete unit and then use the bedrooms in the main house as B&B rooms. They currently have a family of 6 celebrating the old guy's 70th birthday. It is a beautiful setting for sure and the service is impeccable...Cathy is a great delegator! Well, I'm off to the gatehouse as there is some story here about the dame that lives or lived there and I'm interested in finding out what all the noise is about. Everyone take care and hope all is fine.

Ain't Nothing Like a Border Collie!

Well, it will be quick and simple today. Another extremely long drive from the B. Castle back to Dublin so we can catch a flight tomorrow for Lorraine's family reunion in Hereford, England.
She is excited....oh yes, me too!
What really was great about today was we went to a Sheep Farm and watched this fellow's Border Collies work and bring in the sheep. They were beautiful and quick on command. Obviously have a lot of experience. They work them from the top of the mountain to the pen below and it was fun to cheer them on at every turn. You know we have two border collies. My gosh, have they got a soft life! Well, Mack and Kerry-your lives are about to change. I bought a whistle and I'm going to teach you how to herd the sheep. Ah yes, well it's just another little problem so we'll figure out the sheep issue over the next week or so. I would have loved to bring one of the dogs home as this fellow ships them all over the world with PetPassports. Cost is a mere 2000 euros to Houston! We passed but not until some additional prodding. Everyone take care and will be writing from England starting tomorrow (Saturday)

Not any traveling I'm used to doing! So join me on a Larry voyage!

Ok, so I need to start at the end of the day. To tell you the truth, it's been so long since the morning that I have to think about where we were.
This place, Ballynahinch Castle, is amazing. The grounds are beautiful, the ambiance is fantastic and the food is delicious. Actually I have no more words for description. How should I exzplain dinner. The superlatives wouldn't do it justice. Let me use a Ryan-ism---it explodes in your mouth. The chef is Chinese married to an Irish lady with two children that were described as looking Fugi...I will consider they meant the children to be beautiful and as a compliment. Whatever shortfalls the hotel may have, the food makes you forget...the sad fact is that they wouldn't bring any more. Nothing else can be said. Since the place was built in the 1600's there are a few issues that should be looked into. Nothing major but there is no place to put the soap in the shower, so either take a liquid in with you or thorw the bar over the door and don't slip on it when you get out...The beds are extremely hard but then I like them firm. The rooms are a bit of old, new, traditional and contemporary...although it doesn't possibly work aesthetically, it is a great place to come, no matter the cost. It is a long way to get to it, but golf is close; fishing is outside the door, hiking is on the grounds and food is on the table. Whataburger, I'm afraid you've just lost your spot as #1in my heart.
The hotel has a great work ethic. The archeologist and resident eco environmentalist also spin trims the grounds. I love it because of the job description---we do it all and don't complain. It's the work ethic that is as much music to our ears as the food exploding in the mouth. It's refreshing to be thrown back to reason.

We went to a small fishing village called Roundstone and then on to Clifden and Cleggin where we caught the ferry to Inishbofin Island. The farther most western island that is part of Ireland. You could say the American Atlantic hits there last or first..however you choose.
Tomorrow is a big day for me...I'm going to watch border collies actually work the sheep at a sheep farm about an hour away. Hopefully I will not try and bring one of these dogs home to teach ours! We are well, feeling good, well fed and loving the trip so far. A bit too much driving for such a short timeframe but we'll have plenty of time to relapse into a time warp when we get to Scotland. Regards to all and look we made it back again thankfully with no accident....there was no one on the road to these cities we went to is the only reason I believe....

A day of driving and climbing and driving and climbing

Here we are already Wednesday night and we've just arrived at Ballynahinch Castle out of Galway Ireland....way out of....
Well we started early and before we knew it ---9 hours later--I was at Ballynahinch. No incidents at all and I only heard Lorraine gasp once...the tape worked!
We went to the Cliffs of Mohers (will ck on sp. but where we are now only has wifi downstairs so I don't have all the correct spellings with me.)
We ferried across and then drove for an additonal couple of hours. However, they were magnificent and worth it. Do you really think I was going to say anything different? A bit wendy but from a view of about 700 feet you could look out over the Atlantic and watch the waves roll into shore...well, they really don't roll...they actually pound the whay out of the cliffs. Quite dramatic and the sun was out. By the time we got there, finished that and then started the drive again we stopped at a small (everything seems to be small) place to eat. Then off to the drive again. We didn't realize the hotel was still a bit over an hour after we got to Golway. We thought we had reached it....Nothing really exciting to tell you about except tomorrow looks a whole lot better and we'll be staying put. Place is known for it's fishing so I think I may have to teach them what little I know and see how that works fo me.
I have a couple of questions: We have a car and got an upgrade when we picked it up...would we have been better off with one that fit within the lane? or is the fact we got an upgrade the thing to be proudest of? With the lanes only wide enough for two small cars and in some instances only one direction, do you think they could have cut a bit more shrubbery and widened the frickin' lanes another foot or two...Gosh knows they have enough space...they're mostly farmers for goodness sakes! Will write on the hotel tomorrow since we got here so late tonight...and to be honest, I've had a pint or two and really just want some sleep....night all. Hope ryan, Jen and Ben had a great flight and enjoy the vacation time. Sean, will try and call you later...oh yeah, Mom has thrown out all the tape...didn't think it was funny one bit!

I do believe she's trying to kill me!

OMG..I do believe she's trying to kill me! We must have hiked 7 miles --all uphill...today. We finally had to take a horse ride back. So the thought of sleeping in didn't work...would have missed breakfast and that doesn't work well for me. We did the Ring of Kerry. We kind of changed it up a bit and now it's known here as the Triangle of Kerry. Rain, rain and more rain...and that didn't help my driving ability at all. I believe I heard a gasp from Lorraine as we passed a bus with another coming in the opposite direction on a road that was possibly 3 feet narrower than the three vehicles. Nice folks those people were...
We stopped a couple of times-some would think to get a bite to eat, but really just to get out and kiss the ground again. In actual fact I believe my driving has been superb as we've made it back every time we've gone out.
Tried to get out to take a picture with a couple of sheep. I believe Lorraine's comment was, now there's a fact for you...'.I believe they recognize a wolf in sheeps clothing...' In fact the sheep loved me!

Came up to the final swing on this loop around the countryside to Killarney National Park and did we ever need the walk....the ride had been enough, but this walk did us in. Beautiful park and we didn't get in any trouble. Well, we're off tomorrow to someplace but dang I can't remember where. Oh no worry, Lorraine will tell me...that's what 40 years gets you...
Kids, have fun in Colorado.

Kiss your own Blarney!

Well, today was the day that most people come to Ireland for -to complete and capture that trait of eloquence-the gift of gab, but I'll get to that later. The day started early--for some reason couldn't sleep. After meeting our lovely hosts we were off to see the University College Cork...a beautiful campus at the foot of the road where the Hayfield Manor sits. A campus of only 12000 lucky students. Not that the subjects are easy but rather their campus is just magnificent with the trees, flora and fauna. Twelve thousand students-Lord I could probably have talked to all of them if I just had two more days there. Actually we ran short of time in Cork as Lorraine had a huge list she wanted to do but due to time constraints she was not as happy a camper as she could have been. We left Cork to see the Cork Gaol (Jail)--the one from the1800's...closed in 1923 but was not as interesting as it was pumped up to be. Actually they should have been arrested for imposing as a sight to see...We got lost driving there; had to wait an hour to listen to this presentation and then continued getting lost on the way out. Besides that I turned the wrong way on some of the one way streets a couple of times; actually a bit exciting but not all my fault. Some of those streets used to be two way and the signs were still up showing to go the direction I was heading...the other issue was the Leprechauns here must have stolen all the street signs because THERE ARE NONE and the final problem was, those people that were facing me were really irritiated for lack of another good word....
We backtracked to Blarney to see the castle and to kiss the stone...We must have stayed there for about four hours. I didn't know that dang stone was at the top of the castle; nor did I know I'd have to lay on my back and lean over backwards to kiss the stone. There is a guy up there holding you but he seems to handle the women a little differently than the men. I believe he should have paid Lorraine for the holding he was doing....no more said. We kissed the damn stone and now we have the gift of the gab....Imagine that! The wishing steps were a bit farther down in the Rock Close and we enjoyed climbing through the rocks and taking pictures. An interesting thing at the wishing steps: if you go down with your eyes closed and then backwards back up with your eyes closed thinking of only your wish the entire time...your wish will be fulfilled within the year...no one wished harder than me---except for maybe Lorraine...

We then busted our ____(made every effort) to get to a place called Cobh (pronounced Cove) where the Lusitania was sunk and the Titantic made it's last port of call and the convict ships left there for Australia and the coffin ships took the first emigrants to Ellis Island....didn't want to go there cause they didn't have such a good record to start with. We do finally get there and the place is closed. And this was no ez drive, let me tell you. Roads wide enough only for a wisp and a prayer--dang near knocked the outdoor mirrors off the car and Lorraine was now wishing for something to keep her alive. From there we started our journey to Killarney for two nights. The hotel is the Aghaodoe Heights. Very contemporary inside and their spa is their focal point. The view of the lake and hills is beautiful and breathtaking. I've just seen the penthouse and it's worth the stay for sure. All automatic window shades turns the living room into a theater media room. Music is fantastic in every room and the outside patio and view is fantastic. I'm sure we have some folks we could put in here. Wonderful...just wonderful. We're really beat at the end of this day so we'll be heading to rest as this hotel is quite a ways out from the city. Tomorrow will be a bit more leisurly and hopefully we'll sleep in...at least I hope so, but then breakfast is by 10 and I'm pretty darn narky if I miss that meal, so I guess we'll be up and at em a lot earlier than I expect. By the way, Benjamin would have loved the castle and the Blarney stone....Missing all and Ryan and Jenn and Ben have a great trip to Colorado.

Waterford and Cork--An offroad experience!

The morning started in the mist of the Irish landscape with the weeping willows and orchids, geraniums and lovely hydrangeas...makes you think it's the beginning of a Harlequin Romance series...WRONg...it's me and the Me-Maw (thanks to Benjamin)
What a day. We got the car. You're too close to the wall; you're to close to the center line; you ride, I'll drive; watch out; move over! Cured that, rest of the ride was the trunk! Virtural reality of course. We made it to Waterford and wouldn't you know it, a parade....Me, I thought it was for July 4th, but then I thought Southern Ireland loved the Brits too! The parade was great. We happened to be in the Waterford shop looking for disposable plasticware but to our avail a parade outside beckoned us. The kids would have loved it. They evidently only do it once a year and the theme was 'Flights of Fancy'...and the best thing...not too long either in duration or marching but the floats were unbelieveable. If I only knew how to post the pictures I would. You'll have to wait until we get home.
From Waterford we went to Cork. A seemingly easy jaunt, wrong again. The hotel is the Hayfield Manor. What a palaver to get here! (don't grade here on spelling please)
We spent an hour trying to find it but my gosh, what a find. Somehow it is only a 10 minute walk to town but since we've yet to try it, we'll just have to wait for that to be actually confirmed. That walk is more like 25 minutes. Ez walk but the cab ride back was much easier. The bistro at the hotel was both casual and excellent.

The Hotel sits on 2 acres of mature gardens. Already I can tell we're going to have a problem.
All room (88) are unique to one another and ours is gorgeous. Someone really has us confused with someone else. They have 9 treatment rooms. How sad when I found it was a Beautique. I really thought I'd found a place that could finally help me! Has a beautiful indoor pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped gymnasium. A bistro and a formal dining room and a grand entrance stairwell in the lobby that is just gosh dang gorgeous...As Lorraine said, a bit of heaven. As the manager said, a great hidden secret. The hotel was actually demolished and rebuilt and moved.
An extremely romantic setting and no kids...Wine on entry into the room along with truffles and fruit. Oops, I hear Guinevere calling....oh, never mind, I'm mistaken, it is Lorraine...my Guinevere....Cheeio!

Day that makes you proud that you're IRISH!

Great day for the second week we've been here..oops, only second day! Went to all the important places today....Guiness, Guiness, and Guiness---we also made St Patricks Cathedral...for those that don't know, he's responsible for bringing Christianity to Ireland way back when sometime...so what does that leave us to be responsible for? Scary thought eh? Well, you've done the Riverwalk; probably did some River Rafting but tonight we went to see Riverdance...the cloggers and the thumpers and the clappity clap of the feet....if you've not seen it, you probably wouldn't want to go with us...got right in the rhythm immediately....but when they call your name from the loudspeaker and ask the Irishman in the back on the second deck to quit clapping and dancing....well, you don't want it to be you (of course it wasn't me...I believe it was Lorraine!) ....Fantastic, simply the best show we've ever danced through! The most interesting part came when Lorraine and I got back to the room and there she was...dancin' her way into my heart....until she realized the ladies in the show are just a bit younger than we are. If you ever get a chance to see the show, do so! It's fun, energetic, and the choreography is fantastic along with the music. The two hour performance seems like 10 minutes and you're in it all the way. If you really want to enjoy it, perhaps you shouldn't invite Lorraine and I....Off to somewhere tomorrow...but will let you know if I can get back into this site: It was a day to make you proud that you're an Irishman! It's true...we head up two tribes, the Levites and the O'Levy's....the first and the last tribes....look it up...really, it's true...

The Westbury-Dublin Ireland

I'm actually pretty easy to please. LaQuinta to me fits most of my needs so when I'm exposed to a 5 star hotel, it really makes me wonder...wth? Gorgeous and sitting right in the middle of Dublin. Got the fancy doorman with the hat, the concierge and all the finery that you would expect in a 5 star location. TheWilde is the restaurant and although quite pricey (entres at about 40 euro) the ambiance is wonderful. Did we eat there? You figure it out...
There is a coffee/bar that stays busy all day and the fitness room looks great for all those interested in busting their butts so early in the morning. The bed is fantastic and as comfortable as any that we've ever slept in. And you have to love the duvets--- The hotel is located in a great location and only minutes from all the shopping and restaurants that seem to have the action. Pubs are literally 10 steps outside the main doors and the frivolity seems to go on for hours. St Patricks Cathedral and Christ Church are a bit away but we walked it and enjoyed the day. Stephens Green and Trinity University are also quite close. The only thing I have trouble with in these out of US boundaries is the dang showers. Plumbing here must cost thousands with all the amenities and fixtures they install. The one thing I always forget about is that darned towel warmer. I must get one when I get back. They are the best invention ever. So if you ever get a chance to come to Ireland (still no sighting of Leprechauns) the Westbury would be a top spot to stay. If you had any complaints, I'd have to tell you to stay at a LaQuinta and quit being such a complainer...Staff was fantastic....Loved the hotel! Just loved it.

We're Here and no Leprechauns!

Well, we made it and after a little computer trouble (of which I fixed somehow) we're in business.
Flight was good but as usual too long. After a two hour nap upon arrival we went out to conquer the city. For a city with 12.5% unemployment, they seem to be very busy in the city center. We went to see the Castle of Dublin and the Christ Church, but that's it for me for guided tours. I'll try and be patient but you know, it's really nothing that I haven
t seen somewhere and old is just that, old....oh sure, there's a lot of history of this lordship and that viceroy, but unless you're living in 1500 's do you really care? We'll head out for an early dinner and then a few pints and then to sleep! Tomorrow will be another exploration day and we'll be looking forward to it. Weather is great and although we got caught in a quick downpour that just seemed to come from nowhere, we are dry and thankful to be here...actually thankful to be anywhere! Take care and will try and continue to fill you in. Love to the kids---and of course, Benjamin! Sean--Ireland looks like the place to start your travels. Lots of youth!
Bet after the pints, we'll see those leprechauns and four leaf clovers....