It's beginning to look a LOT like Christmas.

Friday, December 15, 2006
Dalton Inn and Hotel, Claremorris, County Mayo

Ten days ‘til Christmas! . . . . Also, Kevin’s Mom, Rita, born on this day.

Happy Birthday, Ma, I'm in Ireland with my loving wife, life is good.

9:30 A.M., Breakfast in the dining room (included with room). Kevin tried the porridge, but couldn’t get an explanation of any kind regarding the black and white pudding, just “try it, you might like it,” so he did not. I should mention that with an Irish breakfast, cold cereal or hot porridge always precedes the eggs and meat . . . . a nice touch, with the orange juice, and coffee or tea with the main hot breakfast.

We were off to knock about Knock, and perhaps find Mist Haven (the property we have an appointment to see next Monday). The skies were clear of rain, though threatening, and the road well marked. We were headed only nine miles away.

Naturally, we could not find the Lecarrow part of small-town Knock, but were able to get directions from the Postman we saw delivering mail. “Take the first left, then your first right, who you looking for?” The people who sell miniature horses, we told him. “Ah, yes, Victoria Smith should be home.”

We found ourselves traversing this narrow, one-lane, muddy, rutty road about 100 yards, with nothing but fenced pastures on both sides, and no place to turn around for as far as we could see once we topped the incline. I put that little Toyota through her paces, in all gears, before we were able to turn around. Never did find the place, but decided we didn’t need to look any further. This area was not for us.

I’m still amazed by the building boom going on here. Pastures around every bend are full of development, of ten or more houses (nice, big houses, too).

As the sun shone for the first time since our arrival in the West, we headed back to Claremorris for another lunch at the Old Arch Bistro. Kevin and I arrived at the end of the lunch rush (1:30 pm) and waited by the fire for a table. We each ordered the same thing as yesterday and both of us left with a very happy opu.

Having spotted a Second Chance retail store from our window this morning, we walked up and found a beautiful sweater for Kevin (6 Euros) and two CDs and a Gameboy game. (20 Euros spent total.)

Walking back, we saw Santa Claus being delivered by horse-drawn carriage through town. Good craic!

Took a quick drive two miles out of town to check out the Claremorris Equestrian Center, (advertised in the lobby of our hotel), big disappointment, (it looked like someone’s home with a two-stall stable) but nice drive.

Returning to the Dalton, we parked the car across the street for the night and went up to relax. Didn’t get to sleep until after 1 am last night and may be up late tonight – Friday night, night life, tonight! Kevin’s fallen asleep already while I’ve been writing this update. I’m soon off to join him in Dreamland.

Before I forget, again, to mention it . . . . The Budweiser commercial with the colts and fillies launching snowballs at their elders, and then getting covered in snow from the shaken tree . . . gotta love it. I’m hoping it’s international and you’ve all seen it.

More later.

Oh, as we're off to Louisburgh, County Galway tomorrow, we may not be able to get an internet connection right off. But, stay tuned, we'll be back as soon as we can. Slan.

December 15, 2006, CONTINUED

After a short catnap, Kevin and I took the laptop to the Dalton lobby to post more of our blog. We hope you’ve been enjoying our adventures.

Kevin and I wish you all a very

Merry Christmas,

Mele Kalikimaka,

Happy Chanukah,

Peace, Joy, and Aloha throughout

The Seasons and New Year.

There are posters in the lobby advertising music on Fridays, but the desk manager had to go check - Sure enough, starts at half ten. Turned out there was none, so we retired to #4.

One of our favorite things to do at the end of the day is to download the camera to the laptop and review our day in photos with Firemonkey, Boo, Galway, and Huckleberry (the monkeys). Today there were 147 photos. We’re “allowed” to post only three photos a day (not per post) on our blog, so there are many photos we will be sending your way once we return to Sarasota.

I must rave to ya’ll some more about the bathtub in our room. Yesterday, I would have given 100 euros (the rate for the room) for the “maintenance” bath I took in this tub, and today, another 100 euros for the “luxury” bath I enjoyed. This tub is exceptional, especially for a tall person. I was able to totally recline (at a very nicely inclined angle), submerge to the nape of my neck, and all without bending my knees!

We’ll be leaving for a one-week stay in Louisburg tomorrow, after our Irish breakfast downstairs. I’ll be missing that tub.

Of the nine channels received in our room, we can’t find anything to watch tonight. We’ve been lucky elsewhere. Usually, when we’ve been inclined to watch TV it’s for the news. Plus, as I’ve mentioned before, I enjoy the commercials, especially the holiday ones now. There are many American television programs in Ireland (CSI Miami, CSI NY, Friends, Frasier, Murder She Wrote, Law & Order, and more, plus movies). No such luck, now that I’m in the mood for TV. I’ll double check the sports channel on the hour for horse show jumping.

If not, Dreamland, here we come. Sweet dreams, ya’ll.