The Wandering Genealogist: The frost is on the pumpkin

It was pretty chilly when I went out to the laundry room this morning. It's in a shed on the ground floor but you have to go out to get in. Hopefully you also remember to bring the keys along. Not only could the front door lock behind you but the shed is kept locked. Today however, Brian was in there so I got a two-for-one. The laundry got tucked into the machine and I had a great conversation.

Once the laundry was on the line and we'd had our lunch of soup and toast it was time to set out for a fairly local drive. Well, that really was the plan. Paddy has been doing a lot of driving and it was time to cut back for a day or so.

Our first destination was a tree. Don't laugh. I'd been before. If you've followed the blog before, you've seen it too. It's a huge Cork Oak in the cemetery of the Church of Ireland in Shillelagh. It's also featured in a book of heritage trees of Ireland by Aubrey Fennell. Sadly, he's not one of "our" Fennells. The phone cameras were again in need of exercise so we obliged - repeatedly.

Just below the branches of the beautiful tree I spotted what appeared to be shiny, transparent mushrooms. Well, they were not transparent but the silvery beige colour created that impression at first glance. So - I took some pictures. You just never know when you'll have to produce a picture of a fungus, so I'm making a collection of pretty ones. This variety will take its rightful place in the collection.

Attempts at artsy photos around the church and cemetery were rather more disappointing.

From there it was off to Tinahely. It's not far away but I'd never spent more than the time it takes to drive through so we thought we'd do some exploring. Right after entering the village, we saw the sign to the Tinahely Farm Shop so Paddy pulled a hard right turn and managed to create a parking space for our Micra. I think she's done a great job of fitting in with the habits of the Irish. If there is no parking lot, don't be deterred. Make yourself a spot anywhere you darn well want to.

The outdoor area is definitely for children although being a farming area I am not certain how the barn and surroundings hold any appeal. Perhaps the 5 Euro charge for kids is worth it but we didn't bother to investigate behind the barn entrance.

The shop sells a number of antique-y things, some novelties, toys, glassware, coasters, jams, jellies and other treats. We checked out the little cafe but it was too soon after lunch to eat again.

Pointing the car back onto the road we'd so abruptly left, we oohed and aaahed over the scenery as we wound our way via Hacketstown to Baltinglass. The route was purely accidental but no matter where you drive there's plenty to see. If you're lucky, there's also something to explore and of course, photograph.

And there we found the Abbey - all ready to be explored. Finding it visually was one thing. Actually getting there took a little more "doing". But we did it. A sign would have been helpful but alas ...

The abbey was founded around 1100 and had four distinct eras over the intervening centuries. It's now in ruins but they are pretty interesting to explore. The builders seemed unable to decide on round or square columns, so they alternated. The arches make lovely frames for photos of the surrounding countryside and remnants of the various 'lives' are everywhere. The attached cemetery has some very old graves and some that are less than a year old. The surrounding vistas are as beautiful as anywhere else in the county.

Being rather chilly by then, we went in search of a cafe to have a coffee and dessert. We ended up back at Rathwood where we indulged our taste buds, but our taste for the retail offerings was successfully curtailed. Yay us!!

Once again we are back in Moss Cottage and I'm still trying to figure out a good way to save the photos from the phone. They are steadfastly refusing to upload to Dropbox. Until last week they dutifully uploaded themselves, as per the setting, as soon I the phone was charging. Since October 11th, it must be peeved at something. My one attempt to manually upload resulted in four copies of each picture - and that's excessive.

I have posted some pictures on Facebook and will download a few of those for your visual enjoyment. Then I shall sit in a corner and sulk about the inefficiency of the technology. Or maybe I'll just make a cup of peppermint tea and retire with my book.

Tomorrow Paddy is once again travelling to Dublin, this time to visit Glasnevin Cemetery. Not so fast, it's not a strange thing to do. This is a special place. I've reserved a day while in Dublin at the end of my stay, to do the same thing.

I'll be joining some distant McGrath cousins for some socializing in Kilkenny tomorrow. It would be nice to combine what we each know to find our common ancestor but I think that's dreaming in colour.

Tune in again tomorrow to check on our progress.

Genealogy alert:
I did find a source in the National Library for estate papers including rental records, which should include the Walsh, McDonald and Bulger ancestors. Something else to add to the Dublin itinerary in December - a day at the NLI poring over handwritten ledgers. Fun! I'll try to order them up in advance so I can start searching quickly.

Now here are some pictures for you for your patience. I never get them in the right order - feel free to complain.

Baltinglass Abbey - note the alternating round and square columns

Large Cork Oak in Shillelagh

Close up view of the bark on the Cork Oak. Looks like it could conceal some scary critters.

Giraffe spotted on our safari to Tinahely Farm Shop

Kissing Gate at the COI at Baltinglass Abbey. Open it all the way, step in, then move the gate back to the starting position and step out the other side.