Thursday, April 9, 2026. Ireland and England

Thursday morning was a lazy time for the old folks, but a busy time for the youngsters. Garth headed into work today in Donegal at Abbot Laboratories. Zoe loaded the kids in the car for a very busy day. First stop was at the Fun Zone Place where the kids got to run around with their buddies, burning off excess energy while Zoe enjoyed a coffee and visited with some mothers. Then Esme headed off to a buddy’s home for a play day while Zoe returned home to pick up the Nebraskans. While Zoe took Arthur for a scheduled visit to the audiologist for an exam and hearing test, the adults, accompanied by our tour guide 9 year old Iris, were dropped at The Model, a former school building turned into an art gallery. We viewed art works on display and enjoyed a coffee, a slice of banana nut bread and huge chocolate chip cookie.

Leaving the museum, Iris led us on a “curated” walk through downtown Sligo ending at her favorite place, Fabio’s Ice Cream & Gelato Shop. While waiting for Zoe to arrive for the meet up, Iris and Deb partook of the products on offer (Deb and her love of the frozen desserts!) When Zoe and Arthur arrived, they purchased a pair of small cones as well as a take-way portion for the absent Dad and Esme. We walked back to the parking lot for the car, pick up of Esme and drove home.

We had earlier engaged the services of a local girl, Holly, as a babysitter for Thursday evening, and the adults drove back into Sligo for a restaurant meal. Zoë & Garth had selected an upscale place, Otto’s and we enjoyed sit down service, cocktails, some nice starters and gourmet pizza. One dessert was ordered and shared, together with an excellent bottle of wine as recommended by our waitress. Alas, after the cocktails and the pleasant conversation, no one remembered to write down the name of the wine (it was a wonderful red!)

Following dinner, we walked a few blocks to a famous pub, Connelly’s, for a nightcap. The place was packed and every TV was tuned to the playing of the Master’s Golf tournament where Rory McIlroy was in a commanding lead. Garth was the Designated Driver of the evening, so Mark, alone, was forced to try what is reputed to be the world’s finest tasting Guiness on offer, while Zoe selected a Jameson and ginger ale and Deb stuck with her red wine. We had a wonderful (if shouted) conversation and finally arrived home at 11:00. Deb had prepaid the baby sitter, so Garth drove her home while the rest of the troupe headed for beds.

Friday morning, our final full day wth the Highland family. We spent the morning with coffee, talk and wrangling children. After a quick lunch, we loaded into two vehicles for driving into Sligo for some errands. The day before, Mark had been tasked with measuring all the kitchen cabinet door fronts. They are currently a bright glossy red hard vinyl and the plan is to get new doors. Our first stop is the cabinet door shop store (a real place called Silver’s.) While Deb took charge of corralling the children and assuring that nothing was damaged by them as they roamed around the display floor, the other three adults discussed various options with the owner. While no final decision was made, options were discussed and the measurements were left for calculation of an estimate. 

Next, Mark and Garth departed on their own, while the other five headed to a store for some grocery shopping. All returned home and groceries were stowed and, as the afternoon was depleted, it was time for children to relax in front of the idiot box (television) while Zoe prepared dinner and the other adults enjoyed an appropriate beverage. We dined on a wonderful bolognese sauce over fettuccine noodles, plus some broccoli as a green. Dessert was a homemade cherry-apple strudele. After dinner, Mark and Deb took some time to pack their luggage for the coming early departure, and the children watched a promised movie while the adults visited (some dozing,) The children went down amidst much crying at our impending departure, tears and kisses were exchanged and they were tucked into their respective places.

Saturday morning we were awake by 4:30 for our early departure. Amazingly, Iris popped out of bed and was standing in the hall way for a final hug and kiss. Deb went into the bedroom for a quick hug with Esme and then Zoe appeared in her robe for a quick send off. She gave us a travel mug of coffee, some fruit for fuel and a last kiss goodbye. 

During the week, a protest had erupted around Ireland, centered on the cost of fuel (occasioned by the Israel/ U.S. war on Iran.) The resulting fuel cost increases were causing major hardship for businesses, trucking, delivery of products and enormous increases in cost of agriculture. The protesters were out clogging the roadways; tractors and semi-trailers were staging a slowdown on all major highways, especially around Dublin. Their aim was to get the Irish government to reduce or rescind the heavy taxation levied on fuel in order to ease the burden. The impact to us was  potential delays in  our three hour trip back to Dublin Airport and a missed flight  departure. 

We were on the road by 5:00 with Garth as our chauffeur. Although this was early and it was a Saturday, we weren’t sure of the impact on the roads. The traffic was light, and as we neared the airport, Garth took us off the freeway and onto some back roads to skirt any potential trouble spots. We arrived at the airport in good time, around 8:15 and said our goodbyes to Garth; immediately inside the terminal, Deb realized that her phone was missing from her coat pocket - a quick call to Garth and he swung back around to the departure area for Deb to retrieve her instrument, crisis averted.

Our flight to Leeds-Bradford airport in the U.K. was on time and we arrived in England by 11:30, ready for the Yorkshire portion of our spring holiday.  Our bags showed up (unlike in 2023) and we are off to find our low cost car rental! We had called to request an automatic car and said we would pay the difference.  Unfortunately, the only automatics they had were a LARGE SUV or a Mercedes sedan.  They said both would be the same upgrade price and insurance, which was much more than already paid.  So much for saving money.  So here we are driving around Middle Earth in a black Mercedes.  Mark is driving like a pro and I never worry.  We take our time, admiring the scenery and head to Leyburn for groceries and some soup & scones at The Post Horn, our favorite watering (and de-watering place!).  The weather is very, very cold and rainy and Deb does not feel dressed for the heavy winds and sleety rain.  Once we have picked up groceries for breakfast and some wine for tonight at Campbells, we head the 7 miles to Reeth and our home for the next 7 nights, Dinmore Cottage.  It is small and charming with all the mod-coms and a fireplace that works, which we start immediately.  By 7pm, we are snug in front of a TV that we can’t figure out how to work too well BUT with a glass of wine and some snacks.  To bed by 10pm and we slept like (very big) babies.

Ireland and England 2026, April 6

We are once again headed for Europe. We spent the past weekend overworking ourselves, hosting Abigail, Darcy and Bud (with attendant canine grandchildren,) for pancakes Sunday morning and then the rest of the afternoon in the gardens trying to clean up the areas prior to our departure. Monday morning, finished packing, Mark made the 2026 initial lawn mowing foray, and Deb was out in her pajamas cleaning up a pile of weeds and  doing some pruning. Darcy arrived at 1:30 to transport us to Eppley Airfield for our flight.

We arrived in Chicago a bit ahead of schedule and then spent some time at the food court eating an overpriced cheese pizza with glasses of red wine ($57.00 !!) Departure for the direct flight to Dublin was on time and we were boarding by 8:25 and off the tarmac by 9:30, eastward bound. An uneventful flight on an almost full plane but we were lucky to have a pair of aisle seats with an empty seat between us. Deb dozed a bit, Mark logged a fitful 26 minute nap and we landed slightly ahead of schedule at Dublin. Rapidly clearing customs & immigration, we waited over 45 minutes for the luggage to arrive. No mishaps and all three checked pieces made it through.

Zoe was there to greet us, and after a quick coffee, we loaded into her car for the three hour drive to Sligo, our destination for this trip. Her children are on spring break which is the timing for this trip. Garth took a few days off as well and all were happy to see us when we arrived around 2:00. We visited for a bit and had a quick cup of homemade mushroom soup before retiring to our guest bedroom for a bit of a nap in an effort to get a jump on the inevitable jet lag. 

Garth had been cooking dinner all day and we, after a glass of wine, we sat down to a delicious meal of chicken curry with veg.  Yummy!  Deb broke out some gifts for the children and after they were down for the night, we sat up and talked until the old folks were ready to pass out from their strenuous day of travel. Sleep was welcome and there was no lingering awake this night.

Wednesday morning broke clear and sunny, a relative rarity for the northwest coast of the emerald isle. Mark was up early, and the kids, who had been up and waiting, were quick to commandeer him into a game of Monopoly, the Omaha version, we had brought with us as a gift. Mark was the banker, and the kids were quickly into the game. Predictably, some squabbles broke out and attention lagged. Only one child made it around the board before the game was brought to a halt. 4 year old Arthur was struggling with the concept of “go to Jail” and didn’t understand that he lost a turn. Such is life kid!

While the children went outside to enjoy the day, playing in the yard and squabbling a bit, the adults enjoyed their coffee and plotted the day.  After a light lunch (with homemade ice cream sandwiches!!), Garth and eldest daughter Iris elected to remain home and the other five of us were off for a bit of sightseeing.

We drove northward a bit through the village of Grange, past the summer home, Classiebawn Castle, of the famous Lord Mountbatten. It was in the harbor of Mullaghmore that Mountbatten kept the boat which was blown up and he was killed, all the handiwork of the Provisional IRA, in 1979. Mountbatten was a maternal uncle of the Prince Phillip and a second cousin once removed of Queen Elisabeth II. He was a favorite uncle of the then Prince Charles. 

We drove on past and down to the beaches and cliffs of Mullaghmore Head. Across the Donegal Bay, were the scenic Slieve Mountains.

We drove into the village of Mullaghmore, a favorite summer resort town with a number of vacation homes. Lightly populated in this off-season time, it was very picturesque. There were walkers all along the roads; we were able to get some truly magnificent pictures of the scenery.

After a quick stop for ice cream for the kids (and Deb) we returned home, where Garth had prepared a wonderful roast chicken with vegetables together with some roasted potatoes. We enjoyed some wine, the kids opened another round of presents, this time books, and then they were off to bed following their bedtime stories from the new books. We again enjoyed a lovely evening of conversation and catch up, then into bed by 11:00 and fast asleep. We are becoming rested after a busy two days.

 

Southwest Driving Trip - The Road Home

Thursday morning, we arose at the normal time, enjoyed the sunrise over the Santa Catalina mountains, and also enjoyed a cup of coffee and some toast and fruit. We packed up our trusty RAV 4, said our goodbyes to Tom, Kevin and Liam, the Scotty dog; then, departing Tucson around 10:30 via I-10 heading in an easterly direction through Deming, NM where we joined I-25 heading north. 

We passed through the town of Truth or Consequences (founded as Hot Springs in the late 19th century.) According to Wikipedia, major settlement of Hot Springs did not begin until the construction of Elephant Butte Dam and reservoir in 1912 as part of the Rio Grande project. The city changed its name from Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences as result of a radio show contest. In March of 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the NBC Radio quiz show Truth or Consequences, announced that it would air the program on its 10th anniversary from the first town that renamed itself after the show. In a special election on March 31, 1950, the residents of Hot Springs voted 1295 to 295 to change the town’s name to Truth or Consequences, and the program was broadcast there the following evening. 

During our drive, we decided to snack on our stash of goodies that we had hauled along with us. Deb reached into the arm rest for her bag of Haribos Gummy Bears. Word to the wise: do not leave a bag of Gummy Bears in the vehicle parked in the Arizona sun for six days. They had melted into a colorful conglomeration. She tried to pry a few loose and finally had to resort to gnawing on the whole mass. The chocolate bar fared a bit better, it hadn’t puddled into a mess, but it still was a bit worse for the heat.

Continuing north, we arrived during rush hour at Albuquerque. The traffic on I-25 was horrific, as multi-lane roads merged and spun off. At one point there were 10 lanes of northbound freeway traffic, turning it into a huge parking lot.  We eventually pushed through and wound our way north to the outskirts of Santa Fe, where we had booked a LaQuinta Inn for the evening. Our good luck with LaQuinta ran out. This hotel was a large three storey facility with over 300 rooms. The price for our double bedded room on the first floor was only $76.00 including taxes, and we were tired, so we accepted the offer. We asked about a king size bed room, but that was extra and so we opted for economy.

We dined in the room on leftover sandwiches from the day before, some Cheezits, an apple and some wine from our stash. We watched a bit of TV and were asleep before 10:00 PM.

As we had showered at Tom & Kevin’s the morning before, we saw no need to shower. Mark misread his clock and was up by 4:45, and misquoted the time to Deb as “5 minutes to six” when she inquired sleepily from her bed. We were dressed and ready to carry our luggage out at 5:30. Unfortunately breakfast did not open until 6:00! We opened our door and noted that there was a shopping cart piled with clothes and a suitcase just outside our door, pushed up against the stairway leading to an upper floor. It seems we had gained a neighbor during the night who was sleeping underneath the stairway, partially hidden by their shopping cart!  Deb had texted Abby that this was the kind of motel where they find your body parts strewn across the desert.  This seemed to confirm that, although, since it was only 31 degrees, I am sure our neighbor was freezing.  Thinking about it, we hope he was alive!

We packed the RAV 4 and walked to the lobby for the included breakfast. The normal sausages, this time both link and patty, breads, biscuits and gravy and a waffle machine.  There was no attempt to stir up the freeze dried eggs to simulate fresh; they were just cooked in a sheet pan and then cut into cubes, roughly 1 1/2 inches to a side. The flavor (such as it is) was the same, but the presentation left something to be desired. Considering the $76.00 price point, we just shrugged, ate and refilled our coffee mugs for the road. We saw no reason to stop at the front desk to turn in our new neighbor and disturb his slumber, so finished up, hopped into the car and hit the road.

According to our trusty iPhones, the distance to Omaha from Santa Fe was calculated to be 13 hours. As the morning wore on, we discussed our choices and made a decision not to push the whole distance. North of Trinidad, NM, we left the interstate system and started our journey on two lane roads to Red Cloud. US Rte 60, headed east, thence on to US Rte 383 across Kansas, then north on US Rte 183 into Nebraska and switched to US Rte 136 in Alma, NE continuing east to Red Cloud and our reserved room at our favorite Hotel Garber in downtown Red Cloud.

This is our third stay at the Hotel Garber, and it felt like coming home. This is a down time for tourism in Red Cloud and south central Nebraska. In another week, there will be  influx of tourists for the annual Crane Migration with their stopping point some 75-100 miles north on the Platte River, between Kearney and Grand Island, but Red Cloud and Webster County have not yet been able to parlay this into much of a bonus for them.

It was really, really windy and cold outside so walking to the bowling alley (great Rubens) or the Palace restaurant (not as grand as it sounds) was an uninitiated option.  Juan’s Tacos next to the hotel was packed and we have, by now, run out of sandwiches and mostly wiped out our supply of Cheetos and chips, so we cleaned up and then headed downstairs to the dining room and treated ourselves to a lovely dinner.  We enjoyed a cocktail each and then dined on delicious wild rice and mushroom creamed soup (recipe by Brandi).   Deb ordered the steak points over potatoes, and Mark enjoyed a chicken Marsala with mashed potatoes. We enjoyed a nice glass of wine, and as we were the only diners in the entire dining room, we had a visit with the hotel manager/bartender/waitress, Brandi, with whom we had become acquainted on our previous visits. So glad we stayed in for dinner.

We retired to our room, fell into the wonderful king sized bed, and watched a little TV before dropping off shortly before 10:00 PM.

Saturday morning we packed up, went down to the dining room for a continental breakfast of bananas, scones, toast, juice and coffee. After loading up the RAV 4, we walked across the street to the National Willa Cather Center, and toured a wonderful photo display in the gallery: a series of photos taken over a 10 year period tracing the Underground Railroad stops from Louisiana up to freedom in Canada. We visited with staff, made use of the facilities, purchased a trio of books and headed out to home.

We pulled into the driveway of the house at 1:53 PM, having logged some 3,200 miles on this round trip journey to the Southwest. Poppy the cat was very glad to see us, although she spent most of the evening nipping at Deb to show her love/frustration. She also proved to Mark that the automated, self cleaning litter box was not really up to a 10 day absence. However, the helium filled balloons left over from Deb’s birthday party on February 21 held up amazingly and were still floating in the air!

 Could we have made better time flying? Yes. Could we have enjoyed it as much? No. We didn’t kill each other, although Mark didn’t know until we reached Santa Fe that Deb had secured a sharp kitchen knife in the armrest area of the car for possible protection from “thugs, hooligans” and other unsavory characters. Luckily he didn’t qualify!

Southwest Driving Trip, Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Morning in Oro Valley was bright and sunny. Tom and Kevin’s home faces east towards the Santa Catalina Mountains, and as the pale blue light begins to outline the mountain peaks, the day holds. Lot of promise. As usual, Kevin laid out a complete breakfast bar with fruit, cereal, bagels, bread and jams, together with coffee and juice. After a long morning visit to catch up on life, we loaded into Kevin’s Lexus to do some shopping for the afternoon.  We landed at a yard covered in pots, Mexican crafts and metal sculptures. Unfortunately, nothing grabbed the eye nor found the way into the vehicle for the long trek to Nebraska.

Next on to the Apple Store for Deb’s 3:45 appointment to sort out the problems she was encountering while trying to text people, especially those who didn’t also have an iPhone device. Turns out that a 3:45 appointment was more of just a suggestion, but eventually one of the Apple Geniuses called her to the Genius Bar and diagnosed the problem. It was straightened out forthwith, although during the wait, she determined that, when the new iPhone 17 is introduced next week, she is going to order one!  Great sales job!!

We then wandered upstairs in the shopping center to have an early dinner at the Encanto Blanco Taco Mexican restaurant, dining on tacos, a chimichanga and some wine. We returned to Oro Valley and sat in the poolside chairs on the patio watching the mountains turn pink from the setting sun and enjoying wine and a Dirty Martini cocktail. After sundown, we chatted and visited until nearly 9:30 PM and then headed to bed. A quiet day that found us in bed by10:00.

Wednesday morning we again enjoyed the breakfast bar that would make Hampton Inn’s blush from its inadequacy. Just after noon, we loaded into Tom’s Lexus SUV and drove the 26 mile trip to the top of Mount Lemmon, the tallest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountain range with an elevation of 9.171 feet. The temperature difference from base to top can be 20-30º F. The mountain is named for botanist Sara Plummer Lemon, who with her husband trekked to the top of the mountain in 1881. Mount Lemmon is also known as Baba Do’ag or Frog Mountain to the indigenous Tohono O’Odham.

At the top of the mountain is the village of Summerhaven, home to many summer residents and a few year-round residents. There are no fuel stations nor auto repair facilities n the village, and only a small village grocery store (closed unfortunately) but it stocks mostly basic staples and camping goods. We lunched on great sandwiches at the Mt. Lemmon Hotel Cafe operated by the Beyond Bread chain. Lovely atmosphere but the high point was the great, clean bathroom!

We left around 4:00 PM and headed back to Oro Valley, arriving back around 5:00.  The “as the crow flies” distanced is only 13 miles, but the road distance is closer to 30 miles.  Well worth the visit; we can recommend it.  After again watching the reflected sunset on the Santa Catalina mountains we ordered in pizza and then binge watched the first three episodes of the reboot of Scrubs on TV. Just as humorous in the new season as in the original.  We were in bed by 10:00, boring, predictable.