I'll toast to that!

Until next time;)

Land ho

Boston ahead.

Is that it?

Guess so.

Morning in Kilfinane

Alan & Josie, and Santa;)

Lest anyone think I've been lonely here in Ireland.

    "Baby" has been spending a lot of time in my room.

Limerick

Spent a leisurely day today finally doing nothing much at all. I took a leisurely trip to Limerick late in the day for a latte and a tour of the new City Gallery.

These first two are part of one exhibition.

 I'm trying to fit in with the other art pieces. 

  

Session last night at the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna and an amazing thing...

First I stopped to pick up my friend Dave in Doolin. He's got an extra dog; he's a fine looking guy and well mannered. He'd be a good friend to anyone. Honestly, I was tempted to take him but not certain I could get him through customs. Though I do have 2 passports, hum.....

 Another dark pub as the evening of fine music begins.

And here is the amazing thing. A few years ago now Rachel and I recorded a tune by Christy Barry. Well, Christy Barrly lives in Lidoonvarna and last night I got to play for him the recording from my I Phone. He absolutley loved it and said that the whistle player has fine "lift" in her playing and he thanked us for such a fine rendition his tune. It was an honor in deed! Christy is on the right below.

From Kilfinnane to Ballylanders and back again

I spent a leisurely day Wednesday taking advantage of the very warm weather and sunny skies to walk from Kilfinnane to Ballylanders and back, exploring trails and mountainsides. It was a lovely walk and I have the blisters on my feet to proove it! Here are a few of the sights along the way.

Dinner Tuesday eve by the hearth with my friend Pat Noonan. A splendid meal and fine company!

 Sweet carrots:)

 Garden splendour!

 Apple tarts and key lime!

 Looking over my knee.

Galway city across the bay

From Clare to Galway

Inner workings at the Roadside



Upstairs microbrewery at the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna

Peter Curtin is showing me around and explaining the brewing process. Later I pulled a very fine chocolate stout! He's invited me to a session Wednesday eve with Christy Barry. Hoping to make it.

Proof I was here and the end of the night!

     'Twas a fine evening of music and friendships

   We finished up about 1:30 a.m. and I was home and in bed by 3:15 a.m.!

Accordions anyone?!!!!

Wow, these were all just amazing box players. Peter Brown, Johnny Connelly, Johnny Og and one name I didn't get. Single rows, two rows, three rows and all in sync! And the friendliest characters I have ever met at a session. We took turns starting the sets. In this session the boxes outnumbered the fiddles. But the strings outnumbered the reeds...as we had the harp on our side!!! HA! Sorry Rachel, not a whistle or flute in the midst :( but the accordion was well covered:)!!!

Tony Trundle, a very fine fiddler and Anna too!

I knew most of the tunes tonight (or at least hit every third  note:). It was a brilliant evening!

Dermot and Flo

Dermot Byrne (of Altan) on the button box and Floriane LePlanque on harp. It's dark in here!

The quiet before the storm!



Connolly's in Kinvara

Lisdoonvarna

Met up with my friends Dave and Rocky at the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna for a couple of pints. May be back here Wednesday eve for a session. Currently on my way to Kinvara for a session at Connely's with my friend Anna and Dermot Byrne of Altan (name dropping:)!

Ahhhh the Galtees

Back on the ground

    Sheep, did someone say they wanted sheep?

Rock an Thorabh

The Glen is made of mostly red sandstone. The Rock an Thorabh is a fault that protrudes at the Top of the Glen. And from it Tipperary can be seen off in the distance.