We are so pleased to be back in Westport and delighted to be renewing our friendship with Padraic and Marion. We were also gratified to be greeted as old friends when we checked in at the Clew Bay Hotel to get the keys to our apartment in the Old Mill. Much the same gracious staff from our visit last year and we were very happy to see them. Darren Madden, the young owner of the complex, gave Candee a two cheek air kiss, explaining that he had just returned from a ten day holiday in France. Luckily, I just got a hearty Irish handshake.
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| Starting our feast |
We were jetlagged from our trip and slept in like slugs on Thursday, not arising from bed until half eleven - 11:30 to you sad, provincial Americans. We stocked in groceries and then headed up to see the Duffys for the afternoon, returning again in the evening for a wonderful dinner of fresh melon, steamed mussels (farmed in nearby Leenane), hake (a wonderful mild white fish plentiful in the waters around the town), fresh baked potatoes (as succulent as buttery pound cake), and veg (you simply don't say vegetables in Ireland). And, of course, a lovely dessert of fresh strawberries and oranges, all smothered in double cream. Padraic, the barrista, provided wonderful coffees to top off our meal. The poor Duffys are coming to our apartment tonight for dinner - as you know, Candee and I specialize in Marie Callender, Stouffers, and the Olive Garden. But, we will attempt to serve a passable pasta dish and cover our sins with much wine, beer, and hearty conversation.
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| Westport GC with St. Patrick's holy mountain (Croagh Patrick) in the background |
I am very pleased to report that Marion, Padraic, and I played nine holes at Westport GC today and I didn't embarrass myself too badly. Padraic is recuperating from some health issues, but acquitted himself well, and Marion is just always an excellent golfer. Much fun, with an occasional gusty wind coming off Clew Bay and the Atlantic. A low of 48 and a high of 60 degrees today. Pretty refreshing, but I am more than adequately dressed.
