[Written by mary, edited and published by brian]
Yesterday was such a successful shopping day, I went back today (the hotel is next to the store) and bought more. Yea, I’m gonna get sainted as the patron saint of shopping, just waiting for the phone call from Rome.
Today, I gave the chauffeur the day off. He’s had several days of 3 plus hours driving on sketchy roads, and that can be stressful on the best of roads. It’s why we planned two days here in Blarney, just to slow our roll a bit.
Started the day with Mass at the church in the shade of the castle, another beautiful church. When we were here 3 years ago, there was significant renovation/restoration going on. Now all done and done quite beautifully, without destroying or even changing the character of the church. (Humm). That such a small parish paid for these renovations (and improvements like extensive stainless steel railings outside) is impressive to us.
Also, adjacent to the Church there is a convent of The Sisters of Mercy, better known as the Order founded by St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta. After mass one of the nuns spoke to us about her work here in Ireland, and was so proud that Mother Theresa visited this very church just one year before her death. Great way to start the day.
Twice today someone approached Brian, thinking he was someone else. The first was after mass where the Priest walked up to Brian and said he hadn’t seen Brian in a long time (I said yeah 3 years but he was clearly not saying that). And just now in the hotel lobby a guy tells Brian aren’t you so and so. Brian’s twins must be all over (ah Dad, why didn’t ye tell me?).
After mass, while the chauffeur napped, I shopped more and then sat outside to people watch. The endless parade of tour busses brought new and different sights with each busload. Some of these visuals I’ll never lose and watching the bus drivers steer those huge caravans through dinky streets is a sport. Both Brian and I are so impressed with their skills.
We found a lovely spot for lunch away from the hustle of the shopping called The Old Post Office Cafe. Mostly locals, great food, but also very lively employees that clearly love their job. We had the Irish version of a BLTA, and it didn’t disappoint at all.
And now for a bit of humor, at mass, during the consecration, very quiet, except for the tap..tap..tap..of an old gent making his way from the back of the church to communion, and he knew exactly when to start to make it to the front of the communion line. But the tap..tap..tap..brought a smile to this old face. and yes, he was the stereotypical (well-cured) Irishman – missing most of his teeth, older than the hills, ratty wool coat and bent almost to a right angle but by gosh he was at (that morning) mass.
Where we are off to tomorrow has yet been decided, the adventure continues.
PS, just starting to see Halloween decorations in homes, but mostly in Hair Salons
Welcome to 10 Angels 