It may be nearing the end of October, but spots in my garden still bloom like July. I’m so grateful for these bright, lush spots of color. Those I’ve had to cut back—the Susies, the purple coneflowers, cardinal flowers and so on did their job beautifully. I look forward to seeing them again next year.
I spent a week in NY with family and friends, and before I left harvested my herbs. Don’t want to leave it too late. The little bit of basil I left for if/when I wanted fresh has grown. I snipped and chopped some last night for a potato dish. Mmm, fresh basil.
The view. Photo by Nora.
Had a great time in the city with gorgeous weather, and much Christmas shopping checked off. We had our annual visit to the Central Park Zoo where the sea lions put on a delightful show. I think Griffin, Jason and I ranked the sea lions and penguins at the top. So much fun. For the first time, no stroller, so the boy walked from the hotel to the zoo. That’s a serious walk, and so’s the walk back.
In the Aviary. Photo by j a-b
Griffin didn’t care much for the Aviary where I had a peacock fly so close, I felt it brush the side of my head. I found that cool, the boy, not so much.
Griffin/Grizzly comparison… Photo by j a-b.
Hit all my sweet spots, ice cream at Seredipity uptown, pizza at Lombardi’s downtown, a show on Broadway. I’d never seen Chicago in the theater, and it sure didn’t disappoint.
Back home again, back to work, and a lot of sorting through purchases to start organizing gifts. As usual this time of year, my One More Room looks like a department store stock room. I’m fine with that.
I also brought home a vicious cold, but finally, that’s over!
After a bit of a dip, the temperature rallied, so I’ve had some working walks in the garden.
A couple weeks ago, when searching for the poop shovel needed when one or both of the dogs decides the pavers will do, I discovered impatiens from last year had decided to somehow grow, thrive in the window well. I don’t know how as there’s no soil in there, but they’re delightful. It must be the year for it, as more have decided to grow at the base of a garden wall.
I find these little surprise treasures.
It won’t be much longer before the first frost comes, but until then I’m going to enjoy.
It’s just over 6 weeks until The Seven Rings is on shelves (release is November 18) so I thought it was time to share the excerpt.
Here’s the official description of the final book in The Lost Brides Trilogy:
Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house―a manor that has been cursed for generations.
After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see―and feel―the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place―to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.
But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions―but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop―and of her own future…
I’m pleased to share the cover reveal video for Nora’s 2026 summer standalone — The Final Target.
What’s it about? Here’s the official description:
A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire—and rage—in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.
He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.
Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…
An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude—but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.
Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden’s purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?
I had a chance to read The Final Target last week. I think you’re going to love it!
US/Canada pre-order links are up now. The international pre-order links will follow in early 2026.
Today’s the day: Framed in Death is in stores/on e-readers/in headphones. And this is the place to discuss all your thoughts about the 61st full-length entry in the series.
The official description goes like this:
Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist’s career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.
Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.
But the artist is passionate about his work—and prolific. Dallas has barely made a dent in the case before a second twisted masterpiece is unveiled. There are countless struggling artists in New York, but this one refuses to wait for the attention he craves. Like the geniuses who’ve come before him, he is willing to sacrifice for his art—as long as it’s someone else being sacrificed . . .
What did you think of Framed in Death? Share all your thoughts in the comments. Spoilers are very much allowed.
Summer’s been a busy one for me and the family. The girls—me, Laura, Kayla, Kat, Sarah, celebrated Kat’s birthday with a two-day shopping spree, ending at Saks with our pals there.
Our group and the Saks team.
Nobody left empty handed—and we all had plenty of pretty new things to take on our upcoming vacations. *
Sarah and her family were heading to England to see the Black Sabbath concert, tour around London, head to Stonehenge. Laura and her husband flew off for England, Scotland, Ireland—and Mark had a side trip to Belgium.
Whew!!
We had about two and a half weeks in Ireland. Fun, lovely, wonderful in every way. And my daily travelogues are here for anyone who missed them. **
Days after our return, BW and I hosted our annual summer party. We couldn’t have pulled it off without Kat, Jason, Kayla, JR, Logan, Colt. We also got lucky with the weather, and the forecasted rain never showed up. So a full, busy, happy day.
Almost on the heels of that, it was girl time again with our annual week at The Greenbrier. A little work, lots of fun, and plenty of ghosts to make it interesting. ***
Home again to a house and garden, and dogs, who needed some attention.
I’ve had and am having, my usual battle with deer. They got my lilies, again, but I saved my hostas. Although I think maybe our newest member of the garden family helps with that.
Last fall we needed to take down a significant number of trees. Some dead, some learners—and too close to the house and/or lane. We’d had a couple of big ones come down in storms, so needed to deal with it.
BW had the idea to leave one of the stumps standing, at a pretty significant height, in the area across from our water feature where we have hostas and shade plants and pots. His idea: Commission a chainsaw artist to carve something.
This was an idea I could get behind. I wanted a dragon, and found an image I liked. Our clever manager at Gifts, Natoma, knows area artists, and put us in touch with Jason Stoner. One look at his website told me we’d found just the right artist.
He carved the dragon head and body in ONE day, right down to the fine details. After, he ran a torch over it—to strengthen the wood and give it character. Sealed it. And we have a dragon. For the wings, he created them in his shop—one day—came back and installed.
What a talent. This beauty grabs me every time I take a walk. And maybe, his size and fierceness convinces the deer they really don’t like the taste of hostas anyway.
Photo by BW.
At least for now.
Today, I spent some time out there weeding, deadheading. And trying to ignore deer damage. Everything’s blooming and spreading and spilling. All my pots have filled in. The basil which looked very sad when I left for Ireland (so much rain here in May) has not just rebounded but is tall and happy. I have cardinal flowers that self-sowed all over. And I said: Go right ahead, mix it up!
I’m as happy as my basil. I finished a book Thursday, so I’ve had time to take a breath—garden, tidy up and pack.
It’s off again, with the whole family, for a week at Nemacolin—and the last trip of the summer.
Nora
Some details from Laura:
*We also learned about orchids!
** Start here for Nora’s trip. Start here for mine. And Sarah was sad about his passing, but so happy she and her guys were at Ozzy Osbourne’s last show.
*** We had our usual fun time. On the work front, Nora wrote several mornings. We also spent a day filming content: The Q&A for the next season of In Death In Depth as well as one for The Seven Rings, the last book in The Lost Brides trilogy.
Speaking of the trilogy, I’ve been greatly remiss on a follow-up post. I mentioned a mirror at The Greenbrier several times, but on this trip I realized I meant the FRAME of a painting which contains 3-D depictions of implements of war. For some reason, Nora’s idea of snarling animals around the frame of a mirror is much more comforting.
Nora choosing a room service option under the watchful eyes of the boy with war stuff.
We also played with glass. This year we did glass fusion instead of glass blowing. And Griffin was old enough to join in.
The glass creations. Upper row, from L: Nora, Sara and JoAnne. Lower row: Griffin, Kat, Kayla and Laura
Ready for our annual steak dinner.
And in other news: Kat finished that dratted mermaid puzzle from March!
Last Christmas Sarah gave Nora a puzzle that made for a much happier experience at The Greenbrier.
And finally, the happy Black-Eyed Susans greeted us when we returned from The Greenbrier.
I’ll start with the fact that Nora is home safe and sound. Being herself, she got straight back to work on Wednesday, then will host the family summer barbeque this Sunday.
I, on the other hand, am doing laundry and clearing out the things that built up while away.
In another compare/contrast: Nora’s approximately 93.5% finished with her holiday shopping. I’ve scheduled mine for 12/1. Yet we get along nicely. [I did see the comments hoping to see the gifts, but knowing Nora as I do, they are all put away and she will not look at them again until about Thanksgiving. By that point, they will be split up into bags for the recipients and won’t be together again. If I remember, I’ll share my gift in December.]
The last day at Ashford Castle was absolutely picture-perfect: sunny with a light breeze. Nora got up, worked out, then started the packing process. Over at The Lodge, I chatted with some readers who’d stayed after the event, then thought about packing. But didn’t.
Yes, I’ll lean heavily on our different approaches here.
Nora had tried to visit a jewelry shop in Cong twice and I offered to go along to watch the third time be a charm. We walked over to Cong, chatting about the event on Sunday and dinner at George V. As the sun set everything aglow, I told Nora this is Ireland’s perfect farewell: we’d remember the sun, not necessarily the rain that punctuated the trip.
The shop was open! We puttered, consulted about stocking stuffers (Who does that in July???), chatted with the shop owner and left well satisfied.
I suggested we head back a different way because I wanted to see the small ruins on the Cong River and remembered a back way to the Castle from my stay in 2019. A new route through the property? Nora was in!
My memory served me correctly! We crossed the bridge past the ruin, then made a left. Ahead of us, we could hear the crack of gunshot and soon enough we came upon the Clay Pigeon shooting range. Orange shards spread over a bank of land about 75 yards across from the shooting hut. Behind it was an eerie series of downed branches from the January storm.
Kept on. As we neared the equestrian center what to our wondering eyes should appear? Jason, Kat, Griffin, Colt, Savanna and JR waiting for transport back to the Castle. They’d gone to see the Guinness Tower and after the hike and climb, were willing to wait for a ride.
Nora and I continued on the way back to the castle. My last event was at 1 pm — a wine tasting with Paul Fogerty, Ashford’s head sommelier. He’d been a guide during my solo Fancy Dinner — and was the reason Nora and I did the Kitchen Garden tour. Since I’d be sipping wine on a warm day, I thought it important to prove my maturity and have a little food first.
Nora’s room was in the stages of cleaning so she headed to the Drawing Room with me for a nibble. Kat had beaten us there and already let the maitre d’ know I needed food before wine. A bowl of courgette and leek soup and several slices of brown bread later, I was ready to learn about wines.
Do I remember what the rest of the gang had? No, because I left before they fully arrived and ordered.
I had a lovely hour drinking and chatting. Paul chose wines with Irish vintners, all with interesting creative stories. My favorite was the Sugrue South Downs Rose Ex Machina. But I loved the story behind Roisin Curley — an Irish pharmacist and a master of wine. Her Bouzeron was my wine of choice on Fancy Dinner night.
All too soon, we were done. I planned to walk back to The Lodge to start that packing, but the second I arrived in my room, I received a text about an ice cream truck and an adventure. Savanna texted that she and Colt were in a van and were coming for me. Clare, from the Ashford team, and John, the driver (on his first day as head driver), were taking us to a secret location where there would be ice cream. Nora would meet us there.
And there was the Americano Ice Cream truck with a full menu of soft ice cream swirls.
As a side note, I’d had my first 99 with a flake on Monday evening when with family. My cousin was bewildered by the fact my husband and I both pulled the flake of chocolate out and ate it first. When I told the LBUK team about this at dinner on Saturday they alternated between horror and hilarity that we’d cheated ourselves of the chocolate while munching the cone experience. I was determined to try again.
Back to the lovely shady spot just up from the Falconry spot. Catherine had seen the truck along the road in Cong and invited the owner to come on the property for a few minutes as a surprise for Nora and family. It was a lovely final surprise. Everyone was full for the moment, but there was still final dinner to come.
Fortunately, the plan already in place was to walk to Cong for dinner at Danagher’s Pub for an early-ish dinner. And the place to take a circular panorama group shot. The first attempt ended up with a panorama of Jason’s arm.
So KatGyver promptly pulled out her bag to set it up properly. I swear to all I hold dear that she had yarn, needles, tape, batteries, bowling balls (ok the last two are an exaggeration). She built an easel of sorts for my phone to stand on. Then she set it in the middle of the table and we took turns moving it in a full circle. Here’s the result.
Then it was time to walk back to the Castle. I gave everyone good-bye hugs and set on my way back to The Lodge. Tuesday morning, they took off for Hagerstown while I flew east to Heathrow to meet my husband. We came home on Wednesday.
Over this weekend I’ll finish my personal travelogue on Substack and will share when it’s posted.
Greenbrier week starts July 20 so it’s just a short time at home. We plan to film more In Death In Depth episodes as well as chat about The Lost Brides Trilogy. And meet up with our ghostly pals. So you’ve got another recap coming your way in early August.
My morning view, simply beautiful, all bright in shimmering blues and greens. The event’s this afternoon, and for me comes in many parts. First up, get that workout done and clean myself up. Kayla comes by. Laura has assigned her social media for today, so she’s here for some quick behind-the-scene clips.
She’s very happy to have a job! And not only looks so pretty in her little black dress, but knows what she’s doing. When she’s done this part of the job, I finish making myself presentable, and Laura comes by to go over the basic outline of the day.
Off we go to sit in the bar for a bit. Simon, the bartender, makes us very nice Bellinis, and we learn he’s a Galway man. He points out where we’re sitting in the bar is in Galway.
Then we’re off to meet up with the Little Brown team, Ana Huang and Jessica (Ana’s Laura). Catherine’s arranged a quiet room for us to sit, for Ana and me to get acquainted. Somehow the conversation turns to ghosts, and between Laura, Kayla and me, we have many tales to tell. It turns out Jessica’s not only attended a signing at TTP (forgot to mention our resident upstairs ghost, George), but stayed at the inn.
Time to get on the shuttle for the short trip to The Lodge with its gorgeous (as Simon told me) view of the marina. It lives up to the hype with boats on the blue water and the roll and rise of green.
The view from the Lodge front door.
We have time for photos with that backdrop before Ana and I go in to get mic’d up, and get started.
The wind came up as the photo was taken. From left: Gina, Jessica, Ana, Nora, Kayla, Laura
It’s a lovely crowd of people happy to be there. Ana and I sit on the raised platform. After introductions, Ana starts the interview. My voice is mostly cooperating. They’ve selected some questions posted by readers on social media. Fun ones, interesting ones, and it all moves smooth to the questions from the attendees.
A very full house.
More fun ones, more interesting ones and a lot of laughs. Sometime during this portion, JR and Colt take Griffin off for something more entertaining when you’re six.
Last question, and it’s time to move onto the signing. Kayla’s doing those clips, Kat and Savanna are helping with Post-It’s to write the names for personalization on the books, Logan brings me a cushion as my chair puts me too low on the signing table. Jason’s beside me to take books, open them, chat. Laura’s there to take photos for anyone who wants one.
I meet so many lovely people. From Dublin, from Yorkshire, London, Spain. Kansas! Virginia! From all over. Sisters, friends who’ve traveled together. Three generations of readers, a couple who’ve made this event part of their anniversary trip. A young woman who tells me she learned English reading my books—which she speaks perfectly.
Models or volunteers? (JR, Savanna, Logan and Colt)
And so many more.
I’m so grateful to everyone who came, who stood in the long line so patiently. To Little Brown who made this happen, to the wonderful Ashford team who put in all the time and effort, to Ana and Jessica who made this stop on an international tour. And to my guys who spent a day of their holiday pitching in.
The triple Laura Threat: me, Laura from the Lodge, and Laura from LBUK
I hope everyone was as entertained and happy as I was.
Time to say goodbye to Gina, Clara and Laura who’ll head back to England early in the morning. And to Ana and Jessica who’ll do the Hawk Walk in the morning before Ana gets some writing done—then takes off for (I believe) Helsinki.
Time for a short break before my guys gather for Fancy Dinner Night.
And George V means fancy.
We’re all pretty fancy, too—my handsome guys, my beautiful girls.
Well dressed family or…
Action heroes! You decide.
The service at George V is perfection, and yes, thank you, I will definitely have a glass of champagne. They have a vegetarian menu for Kayla, a kid’s menu for Griffin. My food memory is dim, but I know they served us several beautifully presented courses. With the most amazing bread yet. We all sit and enjoy at a big round table by the windows.
A little dessert, and cappuccino in The Drawing Room with live traditional Irish music.
This little band’s a delight. Perks me up as I’d been fading fast by the end of dinner. When they play a lively Whiskey In The Jar, Griffin has to dance! With feet stomping, hands clapping, the accordion pumping, he—to me—personifies pure joy. I think he entertained everyone, including the band, as much as he did us.
Griffin grooving.
When he’s—well after bed time—taken off to bed—the band sounds a bit sorry when they ask if he’s leaving.
I wish I could’ve stayed longer, but after a few more songs, I’m fading again. So the last of us, Jason, Logan and I hug goodnight.
Yet another morning spreads beautifully outside my window. It’s our last day as we fly home tomorrow. I’m moving a little slow as yet, so have to get my butt up and moving. Sadly, packing will have to be done, but I need to get out there and soak up as much of this last day in Ireland as I can.
It’s been such a wonderful trip. We plan to end it with dinner in Cong, and more live music.
Sunshine returns. During my morning workout I could see a little window of blue in the gray. And while I sweated it out, the blue spread and widened until everything shimmered in the sun.
A nice reward for me!
Once I finished and cleaned up, I headed out to join Laura for a tour of the kitchen gardens. Met up with most of the gang—Kat, Griffin, JR and Kayla going off to the pool. Jason, Colt and Savanna going off to kayak.
Logan had overindulged the night before. Here’s a helpful hint: Never try to out drink an Irishman, especially on his home turf.
You’re welcome.
Laura and I met up for a nice walk over to the kitchen gardens for a tour. What an amazing, beautiful and efficient space. Alex, the head gardener—handsome, French and incredibly knowledgeable about every inch, every plant–explained what they plant, why, how, when they harvest, and how they make use of all that space.
Alex Lavarde
And the chefs find creative ways to use as many parts of the plant as possible in their creations. Only one reason the food here is just amazing.
All kinds of veg planted at different times, with edible flowers, flowers that lure the insects away from the veg. They’re expanding in hopes of producing enough for the castle and lodge to source all their fresh produce from their own gardens. And that would mean, for instance, hundreds of heads of various lettuce alone.
Baby turnips.
The greenhouse I saw them building on a previous walk is part of the expansion.
They’ve grafted from an apple tree the Guinness family planted over a hundred years ago. And there are lots of berries. Chefs use the fruit, of course, and also make jams, chutneys—full use. It’s fascinating to see strawberries growing on raised stands of dirt and straw—to keep the fruit from rotting on the ground with so much rain.
There are bee hives for honey, and a greenhouse—Alex called in a tunnel—with gorgeous pots of basil, more herbs, seedlings. The big surprise here? Elephant garlic. HUGE bulbs. An experiment, we’re told. In a couple of weeks, they’ll be ripe enough for the chefs to judge if they like the flavor.
The elephant garlic
One chef is there, with his clipboard, so Alex cuts a bulb, breaks off a clove. The chef deems it mild—but it’s not ripe enough as yet. We all get a sniff. It’s lovely!
We also get a taste of peas straight from the pod.
It’s an enormous undertaking, so well thought out. And the tour a real education.*
We walk back, and the day’s too pretty to go inside. So it’s a little lunch outside at The Cottage. Kayla joins us for some basking in the day time with food. It’s just so nice to sit out, drink a little wine, eat a little soup.
The others are eating at Stanley’s—they’re making the famed chicken fillet rolls for them. And they’re going to add them—and Savanna’s cherry Coke—to the menu.
Later Laura’s meeting the Little Brown team for dinner in town. It happens we’re going to a pub right across the street. Some of us walk, some of us drive, to The Crow’s Nest. It’s lively, and our server is delightful. Jason’s deciding between an orange Fanta and a Club Orange. She tells him, definitely, Club Orange is superior.
He goes for it, and so does Kat.
We hear kayak adventures. Jason and Colt were in a double at first, and Savanna in a single. After awhile Colt and Savanna switch. I see from the photos they’re all trapped out in waterproof jackets, and I think pants as well.
Ours are some of a pub full of voices.
Laura brings Gina, Laura and Clara in to say hello. It’s reallly good to see them—and they brought me a gift. A warm, soft, beautiful throw I can easily imagine snuggling under when it’s time to read by the fire again. And when I do, I’ll think of them.
Today’s the tea at the Lodge event, and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who can attend. My voice was mostly back yesterday, all day, so I’m counting on the same today. I’ve had enough ginger tea with honey to last me a lifetime!
Time to get moving, make myself presentable. I’ll meet up with Laura, Gina, Clara, Laura and Ana Huang—the talented author who’ll interview me—about an hour before the event.
Nora
Saturday’s #randomkatness
And Savanna took the time to look up.
*To learn more about Alex and Ashford’s Kitchen Garden project, click this link. -Laura
Sunshine turns into wild winds and driving rain. Little white caps ride the lake, and that wind streams through the window I have open a few inches. Time to dress in those layers. Laura comes over so we meet the rest of the gang in the castle lobby. We’re walking over to The Cottage for our 4th of July celebration.
The flag on hole one bending to the wind.
Kayla scolds me for not tying my scarf or zipping my jacket. Then does both for me. And into the wild wet we go. The wind blows the rain into misty horizontal waves I’d likely find more fascinating from indoors, and whips against rain jackets, hoods, umbrellas. It whipped Colt’s umbrella and turned it inside out. He’s also the lone among us wearing shorts.
I think some of the reason is not getting his pants wet.
You could say our walk was brisk, then into the warm and dry of The Cottage. The fire’s crackling, a two-man band is playing. This barbecue will obviously be indoors.
We have a big table in a side room, all to ourselves. Snug and warm. There’s an American flag on the table, burgers on the menu. As well as milkshakes and doughnuts. Despite it, I go for the potato-leek soup and have a Bellini along with my hot water, lemon and honey.
Conversation runs up and down the table. As always the food, and the service, are lovely. Our musicians are excellent. We hear Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Glen Campbell And ha! David Bowie. I make sure Colt knows it’s David Bowie as earlier in the week, when we were discussing music he asked: Who’s David Bowie?
I died.
It’s a fun, entertaining lunch—and many go for the doughnuts. When Kat explains to Griffin they’re doughnuts holes (very big ones!) he’s fascinated. He eats two, maybe three before we head back out through the wind and rain. Nearly blown over, Laura and I lock arms. We’re walking against the wind now, and it blows my hood off. I blame Kayla for not tying it!
Back in the castle, Catherine hunts up thicker rain jackets for Jason, Logan and Savanna. They’re booked for a trail ride, and storm or not, they’re going for it.
The only jacket that fit Logan.
Savanna’s shots of the wet ride.
Laura and I sit in my parlor for awhile, have another drink, discuss the basic outline for the event on Sunday. Then, with the wind and rain, it’s a quiet afternoon for all but those mounted on horses.
I get a text they’re going to play Ashford Castle Monopoly. I’ll leave them to that.
The touch of blue made for a hopeful walk to dinner, but it would be three more hours before the rain fully subsided.
We meet up for dinner at The Dungeon at six-thirty. Jason reports rain jackets didn’t stop that wild rain. They all got wet but seemed to have a good time at it, riding through the woods, then out in the open in front of the castle. And now we’re a very jolly group, eating well at our long family table with the promise of fireworks at about nine-thirty.
We end the meal with dessert as desserts here are not to be resisted. I go for the sundae again because, man they’re amazing. Shane, who’s looking out for us, tells me I’ve chosen the best dessert on the menu. I absolutely agree.
We all say goodnight. Most aren’t sure they’ll make it until the fireworks. I’m not sure I will myself. But I’m happy to see the rain and wind have finally given it up for the day.
Get into pjs, discover Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid’s on TV. I don’t turn down Newman and Redford any more than I do a hot fudge sundae.
At nine-thirty, I go to my triple window where the half moon’s sailing, bright one moment, a hazy glow behind clouds the next. There’s still blue in the sky, and people starting to gather lake side for the fireworks.
They start a few minutes later to cheers. Such a pretty display, all the light and color against a sky that hasn’t yet gone to full dark. Showers of stars, swirling gold lights, exploding fountains, the bang and the boom.
It’s fun to watch and think across the Atlantic, the skies will light up with color in a few hours.
And they end to cheers and applause.
Cloudy today, the sort that turn the light to the soft gleam of a pearl. I think I may join Laura for the kitchen garden tour this afternoon. And we may hit Stanley’s where they’re bringing us chicken fillet rolls—I’m sure I don’t have the name right, but it’s a hand-held, often sold at petrol stations. Many of the staff, when asked, have their favorite spot to buy one.
Some of the group are going kayaking.
I’ll stay on land, thanks. Maybe get in a walk along the way today.
Another spectacular day. Another reason to take a late morning walk, choose a new path and wander to the music of birdsong and light breezes. I see more downed trees—the winter storm had to be horrendous. But still the woods are green and thick, and flowers find their way to blooming. Another path between castle and lough and flowers in profusion with colors bright and bold or soft and dreamy.
Views from Nora’s happy place.
There’s nothing like a walk in the woods, or a stroll through a garden for soothing or lifting the spirit.
In to meet the gang for lunch. Kat and Savanna went off early to visit a house in another wood where the woman sells wool. Kat will spin it. And they’re back with a stop for Diet Cokes so my brain continues to function.
Views from Kat and Savanna’s outing.
Just soup for me as Jason and Colt brought me bacon after workout, before walk. And witnessed my voice also functioning—more or less. In and out through the day, but mostly in. Progress.
We’ll see if that holds.
Another spoonful of honey. Shudder.
All but Kayla, Laura and I are off on the boat ride to the island in the lough where once stood a monastery. I dispense Dramamine to Logan and Savanna.
Laura, Kayla and I take a walk to Cong. A different route as workers are clearing downed trees. And a lovely one, tree-lined and wild flowered, shady and sweet. I’m aiming for the little shop where I shopped, and well, on my previous trip to Ireland. It was closed Sunday, and sadly, closed again when we got there.
Another shopkeeper thinks the proprietor may be at lunch. So we walk on. Everyone scores something. I have another Christmas gift in my bag, and a cute hooded sweatshirt for Griffin. We round back toward my initial goal, but Kayla, scouting ahead, finds it still closed.
I may give it one more shot, but for now, the walk back. And since the sun’s shining, the air wonderfully warm, we stop at The Cottage for a drink.
Nora took this! (Usually I’m snapping the shit.)
Mmm. Bellini for me. Our server’s originally from Sweden, so since Laura’s traveled there, they can chat about it. It’s nice to linger in the sunshine over a drink with girls.
Then we all head to our rooms for a little quiet time.
Tonight, when the adventurers return, we’re dining at Stanley’s while Laura indulges in her Fancy Dinner.*
And return they do, with loads of pictures and tales. With that hour and a half round-trip boat ride, that’s the only way I’ll see the island. Maybe, if and when Scotty can beam me up, I’ll visit in person.
But it’s Stanley’s time.
This is a delightful place designed as sort of an American diner from the 50s where nine—and only nine—can sit at the counter. And they have hot dogs! Colt and I are right there for them. And Mac and Cheese—Kayla and Griffin are right there for that.
It’s an open kitchen so we can watch the chef work. He’s really amazing, somehow creating nine orders all at once, and with precision as well as a confident ease. Our server is so sweet, and when the conversation turns to Savanna’s love of cherry Cokes, and Jason wonders how they’re made, she joins in.
Jason’s read it’s grenadine, but that’s made from pomegranate. (News to me!) This becomes a mystery to be solved, and our server’s originally goes off to shortly return with a bottle of cherry syrup. An experiment, she says, and pours a bit—Savanna says when—into a glass, adds Coke and ice.
Gets a happy thumb’s up from Savanna.
I’m about to take my second daily dose of honey, when the server looks distressed for me. Better in hot water and lemon. Yes, please! Much easier to swallow.
Several get the chicken wrap and when they’re plated—beautifully—served and sampled, Logan states it’s the best chicken wrap he’s ever had. I can report Stanley’s makes a damn good hot dog.
And how about dessert? I’m not turning down the sundae so Jason and I split one. And we watch the chef prepare Kayla’s choice of a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream, artistically topped with thin bits of edible gold.
I mean seriously!
No one leaves Stanley’s hungry.
Catherine comes down to tell us there’s a Fourth of July barbecue at The Cottage. I’m fascinated to attend an Irish barbecue. The day also calls for rain, and somehow I think that’ll just add to it.
Time to get moving.
Nora
*My dinner was amazing. From start to finish. Will describe in my own spot and share the link when it’s up. -Laura
