Not having slept much last night, I wasn't exactly raring to go today. It was a shame really - the sun was bright, there were very few clouds and the chill in the air was quite bracing.
I managed a load of laundry which got hung on the clothesline for some freshening, and a walk into town for a haircut. The proof of whether the latter was successful will come tomorrow when I wash my hair again. That darn hill isn't getting any easier to climb to come home.
There was also a trip to Aldi for a few protein selections to sit on the dinner plate beside the veggies which are already on hand. I'm quite looking forward to the organic salmon, the duck breast stuffed pancakes (well, more like tortillas), the trout and the salmon cakes. Hmmm - I see a fishy trend.
Not to be totally focused on the healthy options, I decided to begin purchasing the selections for a chocolate decadence experience with close friends when I get home. Yes, Flowers, that means you! There is a remarkable selection and not being able to decide I chose the three different chocolate bars that are marked as suitable for pairing with wine - notably Riesling, Malbec and Penusco. The last one is new to me. I added a small box of Rose Creams and Violet Creams. Never having eaten roses or violets I'm not sure we'll be able to tell if the flavours are authentic. But how bad could they be? For good measure I purchased duplicates. It's possible the Sirens might have to help out in this endeavour. Start fasting now ladies.
This evening as I enjoyed the comfort of the sofa, there were a couple of back to back tv shows about places in Ireland I'd never been. Some I'd never heard of. Historical context was included and they were quite compelling. Perhaps they will lead to a couple of new destinations on the GPS at some future date. I definitely want to go to Castletown and in fact it might just be on the agenda for Saturday.
From having no plans at noon and wondering where to go for little adventures, I now have a quite full social calendar. Note to self - make sure Monday has no engagements. Friday evening will be spent visiting with family at Coolross. I drove there and back last night with not the slightest hesitation about directions. This is a possible first.
Saturday will have an early start. Off to Craanford by 8 am to collect Margaret G., then off to Maynooth to meet with her sister who will take over as tour guide. Apparently we're going to take the 'long way' not the main roads to get there. With me at the wheel that probably means the 'wrong' way. Once there, we're off to explore the environs and I believe Castletown is quite close. I hope it's not too late a night.
Sunday morning I'm to be in Ashford at Rossanna Farm by 10:30 and then off to Co Meath with the other Margaret, to step waaaaay back in time at Loughcrew. Depending on how fatigued I am by the end of the day, I might just bring an overnight bag in case I have to impose on the Stephens' hospitality.
Now - to genealogy land. You have been warned.
I did a bit of re-research this afternoon, to look over some records I'd previously found. My Walsh (2), McMahon and Mcdonald ancestors are from the parish of Dunleckney, in Co Carlow. I'm not sure if they were from the townland of that same name, but I believe so. It's very nearby so I'll go exploring in the morning. More sun in the forecast. One must remain optimistic, that in a local pub at the destination, there just might be someone who is well versed in family history of the area and knows if any descendants still live thereabouts. From what I've read, there is a cemetery that is just begging me to look for those names on the headstones too.
Also today I exchanged some correspondence with another cousin, alerted by a DNA match on Ancestry. He was able to verify and add to the line on which we are connected. He lives in Florida and the family in question once lived in NY - Brooklyn I think.
So, in winding down the day, I'm hoping for a good and long sleep to prepare me for the tomorrow's exploring.
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