The End of Quarantine

 Sunday, December 6

Of course I was up late last night watching those BBC detective shows. I set my alarm for 9 am just in case I should oversleep and miss Nana Murphy's Mass. But I was up at 8:30 having tea and toast when my alarm went off.  I left about 10:15 to pick up Larry - then we headed into Sneem. There was no one at the Church when we arrived except the priest. Then Johnny Casey and his wife arrived. Monica was next - I gave her 3 Christmas masks that my friend Julie had made - Larry had on the Christmas mask that Julie sent him.  Father Liam was organising things for Mass - he came over and said hello. He really is welcoming - he seems to speak to everyone who comes into the Church. I also like his sermons - they are relevant to what is going on. Today was the 2nd Sunday of Advent so he talked about how we prepare - for someone coming to visit, for making silage, for bringing home a new baby, for preparing the Covid vaccine - that sort of thing - and compared this to Advent being a time of preparation for the birth of Christ. He also praised all the volunteers including individual volunteers, community/local volunteers, national and internatioaal volunteers.

There was hand sanitiser at the entrance to the Church - only one door was open. Monica, Larry and I were sitting in the front row - every 2nd row was open - every other row was blocked off with ribbon. On each seat there was a piece of tape every 6 feet - so social distance could be maintained. Larry thought there might have been 20 people at the Mass. Father Liam and the Eucharistic minister brought Communion to everyone - he told us to remain in our places and to receive Communion in the hand - not the mouth. This was the first time since Beth and I were there in March that I have been in a Church. I had told Father Liam that I have streamed the Mass back at the Cape. He has a lectern placed in front of the altar and places his iPad on it to record the Mass. 

Inside Sneem Church at Advent

Larry stopped after Mass to ask Father Liam about having a memorial Mass for Sheila around Christmas. We met up with Monica and Helen outside - they had been to Nana and Mikey Paul's grave before Mass.  I offered them tea or a Bailey's coffee, but they decided to go home to Kenmare - we will catch up later this week.

When I picked Larry up, he had invited me to dinner - when I told him that I was also planning to invite him to dinner, he said he would come to my house. So I dropped him off, put my new phone number into his cell phone and address book and agreed that he would call after he fed the cows and put them in for the night.

When I got home, I cut up some carrots and parsnips and put them on to boil. I washed off Larry's potatoes - I only had 2 big ones and about 6 small ones - Larry would eat all of those - where are the rest of his potatoes? - surely I didn't eat all of them. Anyway, I also sautéed some of Larry's onions with a parsnip. 

When I had been cleaning, I had found a container of old nails, screws, etc. in one of the cupboards and had put them on a counter - when I put them in the back kitchen to make room on the counter, I found the rest of Larry's potatoes! I had put them near the back door to keep them cool. So I cut some up small and quickly made mashed potatoes which I know he likes and probably never makes for himself. 

The day was dry and bright but a little hazy across the Kenmare River. Larry called about 2 so I went back to get him - the sky was getting cloudy as I drove back there. Vincent Casey and his kids were back near the old house where I usually turn around. He had a cow or bull that he was taking back to Bohocogram. Larry was all ready - he had changed back into his good clothes after taking care of the cows. 

I gave Larry a Guinness while I heated up plates of chicken, potatoes, gravy and veg in the microwave. I could feel Johnny Murphy groaning - he always insisted on heating food in the oven - he hated the microwave - we used the range when we had one, but there is only the propane gas cooker. It didn't matter. Larry has a great appetite - he had 2 servings of everything plus some of the boiled potatoes!

As he was having a slice of rhubarb pie, I called Danno to see if they really got the predicted foot of snow - they only got 6 inches. I put Larry on - he had just been talking about Dan and Amanda so he was able to talk to both of them. I called Beth, and we talked to her for a few minutes.

Rather than having tea, I suggested we drive back to Castlecove to see if Leary's shop was open so I could get some diesel - I had forgotten to get it in Sneem. By this time it was after 3 and getting dark. Brendan was in the shop - it's always nice to see him - I knew his aunt Maureen/Molly very well when she ran the shop - she was a distant relative to both me and Larry through the Learys.

We had decided to drive to Waterville to see if anything was open down there. I was sad to pass the Blackshop especially because it was festively decorated for Christmas, but indeed it was closed due to Covid restrictions - it is a wet pub so cannot open - although out here in the country, I don't know why - so many people live alone - and even if they aren't alone, they are lonely and need some socialisation. I hope it opens for Christmas - I would hate to be in Gortdromagh for 6 weeks and never go to the Blackshop.

There were several houses along the way to Waterville that had Christmass lights - they were very cheery. I haven't been home at this time of year probably since we lived here in 1985-1988 - so I didn't know what to expect. I may run to Kenmare or Killarney tomorrow to try to buy an artificial Christmas Tree. We always had a real one when we lived here - Johnny Murphy would cut one down in the forestry and bring it home. Danno would make chains of coloured paper - I can't remember if we even had lights!

We checked out the Blind Piper but the lights were out. I love the Piper for a bowl of soup or a meal - I think Beth and I were back there twice last winter. Carroll's Cove is not opening until the New Year - Derrynane Hotel was closed - the Scarriff Inn is usually closed in the winter. It was nice looking down at the lights as we headed down from Coomakista into Waterville. The new Hotel and the Bayview were in darkness, but the Lobster Bar and the Villa Marie were open - there were a few cars passing. We jumped out and headed into the Lobster with our masks on - the staff had masks on as well. We sat at a table in the front of the bar and had a drink. A couple sat at a table 6 feet from us and another couple of people sat near the fireplace - they all were having a meal. More locals were in the back room.  Johnny Murphy probably would have known most of the people in the Lobster - but Larry and I didn't know anyone.

We headed home after finishing our drinks - I had wanted to see if any place was open in Waterville so I could drive back with Monica and Joan on Thursday if they come down - Larry will have the cows in by noon and come with us. The waiter said they serve food starting after 2 or 3 during the week. We drove by the Butler Arns as we turned around but that was closed. So when you leave Kenmare, there is no place to stop until you get to Waterville. What a change!!

I went into Larry's for tea - I only stayed an hour.  Poor Kerry loves Digestive biscuits - that dog must have eaten a half dozen - Larry probably buys them for Kerry! Larry kept telling me how much he enjoyed the day,  So I know he will enjoy Thursday because he has not seen Joan or Monica for months  -  Larry used to help Mikey Paul around Gortdromagh when we moved back to Boston - Mikey and Larry's father were great friends - and Nana grew up near Loughane.

I had just missed the beginning of Inspector Morse when I got home. During the commercials I put the dishes into the dishwasher. After Morse, I settled down to Inspector Lewis. It was a great day! Now it is 12:30 and I am going to bed.

Monday, December 7

I woke about 7:30 - I decided to go to Kenmare - Dunnes Store in Killarney opens at 8 am so I would rather leave by 7 am to get to Dunnes when it first opens.  I stopped along the way into Sneem to take a video of the mountains - it is too bad that it was so overcast.

The neighbourhood

Then I was delayed going to Kenmare when I ran into road works at Tahilla Church. This was the only traffic I saw - there was hardly a car going toward or from Kenmare.

I love this guy's job - turning the sign to Go when he hears from his co-worker on the walkie-talkie.

I hate the overgrowth along the road - it blocks the view - I would rather be looking at cattle or sheep or houses and farms than this brush that is now everywhere along the roads.

I love Blackwater Pier so I decided to stop - it is just before that bad sharp turn at Blackwater Bridge. You used to have to take a turn on the opposite side of the road and drive under the road to get to the pier. I came here a few times with my kids - the water was always full of jelly fish. It is very quiet and calm here - I could only hear birds chirping and waves splashing.

Blackwater Pier

I eventually drove up Main Street in Kenmare, down by the Park Hotel, and then easily found a parking space about 3 stores down from Hallissey's hardware store. They had two Christmas trees left - a 4 foot and a 7 foot - I took the 7 foot - it was in 2 boxes - they opened the boxes to make sure all the pieces were there. They only had white lights - 39 euro for the box! I can buy a box of 100 lights for less than $5 at Walmart or the Christmas Tree Shop. Too bad they wouldn't work over here - we have loads of them at the Cape. I decided to wait and look for multi coloured lights. The lad in the hardware store carried the 2 boxes to the car - of course the trunk was too small - we ended up putting the boxes along the back seat. I decided to take a closer look at Aldi's. As I passed the Atlantic Bar, I noticed that it was open - too bad it was only 10 am - I'd love one of their dinners.  

My Mike had told me that he did a lot of his shopping at Aldi's when he was staying in Gortdromagh - he found it much less expensive than Supervalue and any shop in Sneem. A lot of things were less expensive but many were not the normal  brand names. I picked up a pre-packaged piece of hake - one serving size.  I bought a few other things including an artificial wreath for the front door. We are leaving Sneem New Year's  Eve so I don't want to be rushing to take a real tree or wreath down and disposing of them - we can use the artificial ones next year.

Lastly, I checked the large washing machines in the Supervalue parking lot - 8 euros which included the soap - it takes at least 30+ minutes. Next time I come to Kenmare, I am going to bring a large mattress pad that is too big for my washing machine in Gortdromagh. 

It was an overcast but dry day- I stopped a couple more places on the way home to take in the scenery.  I always wanted to see the Holy Well on the Kenmare to Sneem road so I pulled over. Unfortunately, the pathway was very slippery from the rain - it looks like it is a bit of a wet walk to the well - I was afraid to attempt it in case I'd skid and fall. Next time I'll wear better shoes or boots!!

Pathway down to the Holy Well.

I got caught in the road works again on the way back. They are paving and widening the road in front of Tahilla Catholic Church so only one lane of traffic gets through at a time. There are all kinds of lorries and machines along the road - red cones separate the lanes - at both ends there is the Stop/Go sign - the 2 men work by radio or walkie-talkie. There is also a convoy van that leads the traffic back and forth for the 1/4 to 1/2 mile of blocked lane. I had never seen this before. Sometimes there is a temporary timed red light that manages the traffic.

Sneem had a few cars - a couple of people shopping. I had a sudden craving for sausages and bacon so I ran into Christian's for the Clonakilty brand. I didn't stop at Pete's for black pudding - I wasn't that hungry.

I drove back to Beal to try to capture the "clouds" on the mountainside.

Davy Leary's sheep at Beal - this is near our Beal gate which is part of the Kerry Way - it also near the boundary with Moneyflagh.

I got home about noon and spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning the small and back bedrooms - I have been bringing things over since Vincent Casey finished repairing the house, but I have always had limited time because I was working and had limited vacation time. I emptied all the drawers and cupboards to see what I have - I covered a broom with an old pillow case and wiped down all the cobwebs along the ceiling - I washed the inside windows and swept the floors. I piled everything up on my bed and in my room. Kieran Casey, the electrician, called in the middle of all this. He said he had just found my voicemail and apologised for not calling sooner. He said that he would be by tomorrow to check out the circuit that keeps blowing. I was so relieved - not that he had called - but because he wasn't coming today - I hadn't yet showered, and I was sweating and was covered in dust and lint. Plus I had my old baggy jeans on that I use when I am cleaning - I wasn't too glamorous!

I tried to walk outside but we kept having showers - the morning had the dry weather. So I made chicken soup instead. I had a little cheese and crackers with grapes and cherry tomatoes with a cup of coffee about 3 so I wasn't too hungry later. I made some mashed potatoes from Larry's spuds and had those - perfect - what more did I need!.

At 9:30 I watched the 2nd episode of The Hunger: The Story of the Irish Famine - Liam Neesen narrated - it was a great documentary! The "famine" was such a tragic time, and Ireland was never the same. I am always saying that I would like to write up a little history about this neighborhood - Moneyflagh - Gortdromagh - Glenlough - the 3 townlands that I know best. At one time there were so many families living here - and now there are less than 100 people combined. I have all kinds of scribbles and notes with information from Johnny Murphy, Nana, Hannah John Helen - but some I can't read - others I can't remember all the details. Maybe sometime Larry, Lee and I can sit down and pool our knowledge. 

I missed a show about Tom Barry, but Wednesday night there is a documentary on another Irish Freedom Fighter - Ernie O'Malley - I have a book he wrote - I might even have 2. My sister, brother, and I are interested in the 1916 Irish Uprising and the ensuing fight for freedom - I have several biographies and autobiographies about that period.  

I called Beth - she had just moved into a condo before I left for Sneem. She said she is still unpacking boxes. I tried to explain to her how to call me using Facebook messenger so she isn't charged international phone rates. She said the Covid numbers were up in Massachusetts - the Governor spoke today but she missed it. She also said that Trump had refused more Covid vaccines from Pfizer because Pfizer was supplying the UK or the EU. I told her that the UK was starting vaccinations this week. When I hung up, I noticed the video icon beside the phone icon on her messenger page - I clicked on it and realised it could be used for a Face Time call - next time I'll try that. 

Tuesday, December 8

Okay - so today I have to finish cleaning before Monica and Joan come tomorrow. I have to wear a mask because of the dust - since I had the collapsed lung, dust and some strong smells make me short of breath. So not only do I wear a mask outside because of Covid, but I wear a mask inside to clean!

Kieran Casey, the electrician, came by - he said the problem is that the outside light has rusted and water got into it causing the circuit to blow. He said the lights shimmering in the living room is because the light bulbs are the wrong kind - he put dimmer switches in for us, but the light bulbs are not for dimmers.  He will order the part for the outside light and get the correct bulbs for the living room - he will be back as soon as the part comes in. He did leave the door to the circuit box open - I should be able to flip the switch if the lights go out again before Kieran comes back.

I went out for a walk after Kieran left. I started up toward the old house but started feeling short of breath - probably from the dust in the house - so I headed back down to the house for my inhaler. I had noticed a white van at the river - probably delivering to Bergin - there are always cars and vans going back and forth up there. I headed into the driveway but the van stopped and started beeping at me - the driver was yelling out something about Bergin - I pointed up the road as I walked closer. Then the driver said that he turns around at our driveway because he can't turn around at Bergin's gate - he jumped out and headed up to Bergin's. I was pissed - our gate is wrecked - perhaps from drivers backing into it! I went in for my inhaler, and the driver left while I was inside. I walked up to Bergin's gate - there is a white enamel container on the ground beside the gate - and a sign that says "Self Isolation" - and that deliveries are to be put in the container and the courier is to beep his horn or call a number listed on the sign. Sure they can't get in Bergin's gate but they can use my yard to turn around!

I drove over to get Larry at 6 - I had invited him for supper - I had some sliced ham that I needed to use up, and I had a big pot of chicken soup. He was happy to come over. We called Beth after eating - we used the Face Time icon on Messenger. Larry was amazed - Beth might have been surprised as well. We talked a short time - Larry is a man of few words on the phone. I had a little rhubarb tart left for dessert then we watched TV for an hour. Larry was ready to head home after that.

Wednesday, December 9

I made some "Irish" bread this morning to have it for Joan and Monica - I was to pick them up about 4 in Kenmare - I figured we could stop at the chipper in Sneem on the way back here. I needed bread for toast or sandwiches but figured I'd get it in Kenmare - it might be fresher. 

Monica must have called when I was cleaning the bathroom or taking a shower - my phone said she had called 3 times. When I called her back, she said that Joan was not feeling well today so they might just come down for the day tomorrow. We arranged that I would pick them up at 10:30 in Kenmare - if the day was good, we would pick Larry up about 1 and head back to Waterville for a bite to eat.

I went over to Larry's mid afternoon - I had called to tell him that Monica and Joanie were not coming down today - he invited me over for a cup of tea. The weather was getting bad - very strong winds, heavy rain, cold - I was asking myself why I was going out in such bad weather. But Larry is lonely - he is so happy to have me close by - everything is closed - no one is visiting because of Covid restrictions - what else do I have to do! I stayed until about 4:30 - it was pretty dark when I left. The storm tonight was horrid - downpours and blowing whistling winds. Of course the lights in the living room, front hall, and porch had blown. I turned around in the driveway and parked in front of the door. It was black outside now - the wind blew the car door open. I ran inside and settled down in front of the TV. My alarm went off at 10:45 pm - I was half asleep in the chair. I tried to log onto the weekly Zoom meeting with Julie, Beth, and some of Julie's friends - I was getting messages that my internet connection was unstable - that is not unusual but then I lost connection altogether. I couldn't use my phone either. So I went to bed - I have to get up early and hit Supervalue before picking up Joanie and Monica tomorrow.

Thursday December 10

It was still raining when I woke up at 8 am - there has been no glorious sunrise since my first morning here! I was watching the news while I had tea and toast. Today is a deadline for a Brexit agreement between the UK and EU, and it is not looking good. The UK wants 300,000 euros to allow EU fishermen into its waters - the EU is balking. The EU wants the UK to maintain the same standards for their exports as the EU so the UK does not have an advantage over EU states - but UK is refusing this - they say they can make their own standards - EU will not dictate to them. Lorries are backed up in Dover to get UK products to EU and in Calais to get EU products to UK before the deadline ends. The EU is standing firm - they don't want the UK to have benefits of EU after they withdraw - it may encourage other countries to do the same. The Brexters in UK are pressuring Boris Johnson for no deal. Quite a few Irish companies have plants in the UK plus Ireland does a lot of trading with the UK - so there will be a big effect on Ireland if there is no deal - prices will rise, markets for Irish cattle will drop, just to mention a couple.

I was so busy watching the news that I didn't get going until almost 10 am. There were floods coming down the mountains after the rain last night.

Flood from the mountain

There was no traffic on the Kenmare road - the skies cleared up and there was some sun - a great morning for a drive along Kenmare River.  I picked Joan up at home, and we met Monica and Dan Mac in near the Cash and Carry - Dan looks good - he had forgotten duck eggs that he had for Larry. Monica switched cars, and we headed for Sneem - it was dry and partly sunny - and when the sun was out, it was a beautiful drive. I stopped at Christian's for bread and more rashers - Monica said they were coming for breakfast. Joanie seemed happy to be "home" as we approached Gortdromagh.  Monica is always happy and cheerful. When we got into the house, I put on water for tea, and Monica started a "fry up" - I usually grill sausages and rashers on the sandwich maker grill so I let Monica take over the frying pan. They hadn't wanted black pudding so we had rashers, sausages, and eggs with my bread. We chatted and caught up - the skies darkened and rain started - soon there was fog descending - not a day to go to Waterville. I called Larry to say we were cancelling the road trip - maybe next week instead. 

We headed back to Kenmare about 3 or 4 - again no traffic - again the skies brightened for the drive! Doesn't it figure!! Joan said she enjoyed the day out - give her a call if I bring Larry to the Atlantic tomorrow. Monica said a hairdresser is making a home visit tomorrow at 2 to do her hair and her daughter's and daughter-in-law's. 

I was getting hungry as I got to Sneem so I decided to stop at the Chipper for some fish and chips. I saw Eileen Burns - Patrick Breen's sister - outside her house near the Chipper - someone was bringing her a fresh Christmas Tree - I just said hello as I was technically still "in quarantine."

The fish from the Chipper was delicious and fresh with a light batter - most of which I removed. The chips were good too although I like mine a little more crispy. Best of all they weren't covered in salt!!

This darkness disorients me - it is dark by 4:30 - the nights feel like they should be so much later - sometimes 7:30 feels like 10:30!! There are some great programs on the TV besides the BBC detective shows. The Hunger/The Famine was fabulous - the shows on Irish Freedom Fighters Dan Breen and Ernie O'Malley on the Irish language station were excellent as was the Nationwide episode on RTE 1 on the Black and Tans burning Cork City. There are a lot of shows for Christmas - cooking shows, variety shows, Christmas movies. I feel like a slug sometimes when I settled down to watch TV - I save laundry and dishes till the evening so I am not sitting for so many hours straight!! I do try to walk during the day but it's not easy with all the rain and wind. My hips are bothering me sometimes changing gears -  I was supposed to have a hip revision almost a year ago but had to postpone it because of kidney issues and Covid. I am thinking about it again - elective surgeries have resumed - I need to be able to drive even if I can't walk too far. Anyway, I'll decide when I get back to the Cape.

Friday, December 11

I had called Larry last evening and offered to drive to Kenmare today and take him to the Atlantic Pub for lunch. We had already planned for me to pick him up at 4 to take him to Sneem for his pension. He jumped at the chance to go to the Atlantic! He was ready at 1 - we stopped at the Sneem Post Office for his pension. 

                                                                   View from Sneem Bridge

Sneem's South Square

Kenmare was busy! I circled around once but no parking near the Atlantic. So we got a space up near Eamon Tuohy's Pub and walked down to the bank - he went inside and I went to the ATM. Then we walked to the Atlantic - Caroline was behind the bar - it was very quiet - 2 men sat a table up near the bar at the window. We sat at a table near the front. Kitty Breen from Kelly's Cross was just leaving but came over to say hi to Larry and to introduce herself to me - she knew who I was. She sat at another table and we all talked for 15 minutes or so. Larry had ordered his standard - fish and chips but with mashed potatoes instead of chips. I ordered the roast chicken dinner - it was fabulous! The food here is always good. Larry had a pint of Guinness while we were waiting for our meals - I told him that there was no rush so he ordered a glass of Guinness and I had a pot of tea. Christy Lovett was one of the men who was there for a dinner - the other fellow left, and Christy came and sat at a table near us. Of course he knew all the gang in Kenmare - he was from Bonane but said he was living in town. Larry knew him and was asking about the price of calfs - he told Larry to wait until the mart re-opens in January before selling - the price might go up. I wondered if this was good advice in case there was no Brexit deal and no market for Irish beef - but what do I know.

We stopped at Supervalue and Lidl then headed to Sneem in the wind and rain. We had to stop at Christinan's for the TV guide - Larry had to go back to the Post Office, then to Hilary's and Pete the butcher's. He invited me in for a cup of tea when we arrived in Loughane - I stayed a short while and headed home - of course the lights were out - it was dark, windy and pouring rain. What else is new?!!? I did some wash and settled in for the night. 

Saturday, December 12

It was a warm dry morning - I opened all the windows and doors. I made a loaf of bread because Lee and Seamus were coming over tonight after Mass. Then I washed all the floors - I backed myself out the front door so I sat on the porch for a good spell while the floors dried. I only had flip flops on or I would have gone walking. I need to wash the outside windows but don't want to be climbing up on the top of the step stool with no one else here. I am surprised at times how the collapsed lung has effected me - I try to carry my cell phone with me - just in case - I am more cautious on the top step of the step stool since I am alone - just in case. I hate being like this! Maybe because it is so quiet over here - no where to go but to Larry's until quarantine finishes tonight - I am thinking about myself more. 

Larry called me asking me to go over early - at 6 pm - to write out some Christmas cards so he can post them tonight. I got there about 6:20 - he had tea cups and Digestive biscuits all set up. I am beginning to worry about how he will be when I go back to the Cape. I see him almost every day - he is looking forward to Mike coming too. At least I have wifi so I can text and call family and friends - I have lots of interests to keep me busy - but if there was ever an extended power outage, I would be lost after a couple of days. Larry listens to Radio Kerry and watches TV at night - I am sure the neighbours stop to talk - Johnny Burns visits during the week. But Larry says the nights are long and lonely despite watching TV - I don't think he likes being alone whereas I enjoy my own company.

Anyway we drove into Sneem in the rain - Larry had to go to Hilary's and then wanted to go to Christian's - we had bought the Christmas TV guide instead of this coming week's - but Christina's was closed. I swung by the Post Office so Larry could mail his cards. Then we headed to Church - Lee and Seamus were already there. Larry was collecting the money so we sat down front - we had our masks on and had used hand sanitiser when we walked in - now he was trying to get on a small pair of latex gloves because he was collecting the money. He said later there wasn't more than 20 people in the Church. We made no delay - Father Liam had cautioned everyone not to be talking outside of church in case we spread the corona virus to each other.

Seamus and Lee followed us to Gortdromagh. We had a great time telling old stories, tracing families, checking the 1911 Irish census for Lee's family in Derrah. This is the kind of visit I enjoy - not so many people are interested in the history of where they live, but when you find that someone, it is great. I had bought Guinness for Seamus and Larry - Lee doesn't drink so she had tea and some of my bread. I had bought ham and turkey for sandwiches, but Larry got edgy about 11 so they headed out - Seamus and Lee drove Larry home. I watched TV till 1-1:30.

And quarantine is over! 

A week in quarantine down

Saturday November 28, 2020

I was feeling a little uncomfortable today with all the people at Logan Airport. When I went to Seattle in October, Logan was like a ghost town. Today there seemed to be a lot of people heading to Florida - seniors, families, young people - I'm not sure if they were returning home after Thanksgiving or heading south on vacation. Wherever they were going, I didn't like it. Every other seat at Gate 21 was designated as unavailable due to Covid to promote social distancing. I found an end seat in a row of five seats. People arriving had to stand as no more seats were available - the situation was the same across at Gate 22 and behind me at Gate 20. And more and more passengers were arriving.

I kept checking that my mask was positioned correctly - over my mouth and nose - as the gates became more crowded. Now I'm talking about Covid crowded - at first about 100 people sitting and standing around the 3 gates. Pre-Covid, that would be just a few of the passengers going to Ireland. The numbers at the gates kept increasing until suddenly competing Jet Blue representatives started simultaneously giving instructions on boarding for flights to Orlando and maybe Miami - they both had loud shrill voices and spoke over each other. People started lining up at Gates 20 and 22 - and then they were gone - there were only about 30 at Gate 21 for the Dublin flight.

I had checked in online but was unable to print my boarding pass - I was also unable to open my Aer Lingus app on my phone. So earlier when Mike dropped me off here at the airport, I had to go up to the counter. There was no line, and I was almost immediately on my way to Security. The TSA agent was taking a good look at my passport - I had to pull down my mask so he could check that I looked like my passport picture. Then he said to me that his wife's best friend is Mary Manning from Falmouth near the High School.  Did I know her? She had gone to school in Ireland when she was older then returned to the Cape. Now she was in the process of selling her home and moving to Ireland.  I said that I didn't know her, and we chatted for a few more minutes. Can you tell there was no line going through Security! I was putting my things on the conveyor belt - another TSA agent told me there was no need to take out the fluids or to take off my sneakers. How nice! Of course the scanning machine went off as I stood with my hands over my head. My hips always set it off - one hip is ceramic so I figure it is my titanium hip that sets off the alarms. This time they patted down my shoulders - nothing showed up at my hips and I was on my way. I was surprised at all the people in the restaurants and those standing in line to get in. I went straight to the gate - I thought I would get a coffee at Dunkin Donuts, but it was closed. So I found a seat and people-watched until it was time for boarding. The incoming Aer Lingus flight arrived - only 17 passengers got off the plane - there were more than that heading to Dublin. Boarding was delayed a bit because the plane was late and the Covid cleaning had to be done.

This was the first time I wasn't feeling excited about going to Sneem - I had been feeling more nervous about traveling due to Covid and now more so because of all the people at the gates. Plus the collapsed lung during the summer chipped away some of my courage. I was landing in Dublin which is a longer drive to Sneem - I have only driven it twice. And I was alone - how would I like spending 3 weeks in Gortdromagh by myself? I was heading to Sneem in the middle of the pandemic because Beth and I had to rush out of Gortdromagh last March when Trump was closing the borders to the UK and Ireland - so I wanted to check that everything was working in the house before the winter sets in.

The seats in the back of the plane boarded first - that was me - I had figured that most people are in a rush to get off so they sit up front. I had three seats to myself in the back of the plane - the rows closer to the front had more people.  I put my knapsack under the seat beside me and settled in with the TV series Young Offenders. I was laughing out loud so many times that the guy in front of me turned around to look at me! I watched Season 2 - I had seen Season 1 on another flight. It reminds me of Derry Girls but is much funnier.

The stewards passed out drinks and pretzels and then a meal. It was just like pre-Covid. I watched a couple of British TV shows and a couple of short Irish movies. And then we were in Dublin! I was one of the last off the plane - I had a short wait at Customs and Immigration. The agent checked my passport and my face again - he asked why I was traveling to Ireland. I told him that I had a home in Sneem as well as an elderly cousin I was concerned about (sorry Larry!) He asked how long I had there house - when I told him since 1987, he laughed and waved me on.

My bag was right there at the baggage claim - things were looking up. But then Dan Dooley was closed - all the other car rentals were open - what the heck! I called the car rental agency but of course didn't get anyone at 4:45 am. I waited until 5:15 am and then went up to Sixt car rentals and asked if they could match Dan Dooley's offer - they didn't have a mid-size automatic car available but offered me an SUV - I took it. I just wanted to get the heck out of there.

The car isn't bad - it is a manual - I got my suitcase in the trunk which is quite small. I'll have to get a bigger car when Mike and Dan arrive. In the meantime, I asked Siri to get me directions to Sneem, County Kerry. It is easy enough to get onto the M50 from the airport - there was hardly a car on the road - it was also pitch  black. I passed a sign for Blanchardstown - I think there was also something about the N7. A short while later Siri told me to get off at the exit for Blanchardstown - Blanchardstown sounded fairly familiar - did we get off there before? Did that sign say the N7? Doesn't that go down to Killarney?? As we approached the exit, Siri told me to get into the left lane and take that exit. I paused but decided to follow Siri's advice. But that was a big mistake - I don't know where we ended up - I pulled over and asked Siri for directions to Cork City - he lead me further down the wrong path - I ended up on a dead end street. I was wishing Beth was with me so we could laugh this off - instead I was just fuming. It was black dark - I did not have a clue where I was or how to get back to the M50. I tried Siri one more time but didn't really trust him until we got to a roundabout that brought me to the Liffey. I drove through Smithfield past the the Guinness Brewery and the Jameson Heritage Center - I was so relieved to know where I was! If I didn't have the long drive to Cork, maybe if someone else was with me, I wouldn't have been stressed. Anyway I calmed down in the familiar surroundings and enjoyed the drive along the Liffey in the dark and with no traffic. I turned left onto Dorset Street and followed that to the M50 South. I got rid of Siri and decided to follow my own instincts. It was easy enough, but the extreme fog complicated things. There was no one on the highway - I would have preferred following someone's tail lights. At one point I was on top of a toll booth before I even saw it. So I had been lost in north Dublin for a half hour and now was slowed down by the thick fog. I finally made it to Cork City and knew to go through the tunnel. The fog was lifting except close to the River Lee.  I was finally on a road I knew! It was good to see familiar sites and places - there is the turn for the airport, there is the friary where Beth's relatives are buried, here is Macroom, now I am on the highway to Kilgarvan, now I pull into Supervalue in Kenmare. The sun came out as  I left County Cork so there was sunshine and blue skies as I drove into Kenmare. It was a fabulous morning and quite warm.

I bought enough groceries to last a couple of days - I am supposed to quarantine for 14 days. I met Catriona, Monica's daughter, in Supervalue. She told me that some people take Covid seriously - others don't - most people in the supermarket had masks on, but others in the parking lot had no masks.  I had been struck by the lack of traffic even on a Sunday. It was after 10 am and Supervalue was not the least bit busy.  I headed to Sneem.  I took my time to take in the scenery - the sun was shining - it was a beautiful drive along the Kenmare River - there was no one else on the road. Sneem was very quiet - streets empty of cars, no buses, no one walking - Christian's shop was open - Riney's door was closed - the door to the Sneem post office was open - butcher shops closed - pubs closed, but Hilary's shop in North Square was open. I drove straight through and headed to Gortdromagh.

It's always nice to arrive on a sunny day except now it is sad to see the old house looking so run down. We have received planning permission to renovate it  - now to get the money together to get it started. I was too tired to unpack everything - it is nice to have clothes already here - so I just brought in the groceries. I didn't want to go to bed at noon time and I was hungry so I made a turkey sandwich and turned on the TV.  The news was all about Covid and Ireland reopening this week.  Numbers are back down so, on December 1, Ireland is going to Level 3 from a soft Level 5 lockdown,  and more businesses will open December 3. The Health Services think it is too soon to open - they should wait until December 18 when travel restrictions are lifted - the politicians are concerned about businesses, the economy, and votes so decided to re-open on December 1 and 3. The news is also saying that Ireland may have a vaccine by the end of December.

I dozed off in the chair for a while and woke with some energy so started some cleaning in the kitchen. One thing about quarantine is that I will have enough time to give the house a good cleaning - doesn't sound so exciting but it will pass the time. I called Larry from my American cell phone to tell him I had arrived - he was wondering where I was - he thought I had arrived on Friday! We agreed I would stop by midday tomorrow - he wasn't concerned about me quarantining. I was feeling tired but managed to stay up till 11 pm. 

Monday, November 30

I woke up and it was still dark - I had left the drapes open in my bedroom. I knew that the sun probably came up about 8 am at this time of year. I checked my phone - 4:30 am! I tried to get back to sleep - after tossing and turning for a half hour, I got up and made a cup of tea. I did a little more cleaning then noticed that it was getting brighter. I sat on the porch with my tea to watch the sun come up.

I watched some of the morning talk shows. Brexit is a big topic. There was a short segment on how Irish fish and chips will be affected by Brexit. I didn't know that the majority of potatoes for chips (French Fries in American!) come from the UK. Apparently the UK spuds are better to fry than Irish spuds - 80% of potatoes used for chips are from the UK and only 20% from Ireland. The problem is that the British need to get the EU to accept that UK food standards are equivalent to EU food standards or Ireland cannot import the UK potatoes. Fishing rights are another big debate between UK and EU. So I guess I better eat up as many chips as I can in case there is a shortage!

Of course Covid was another hot topic - Ireland is on a soft Level 5 lockdown - the schools are open - but tomorrow the country will transition to Level 3 - department stores will open tomorrow - restaurants and pubs serving food will open Friday. The Irish government thinks a vaccine against Covid will be available in January - Ireland has to wait for the EU to approve any vaccine. The UK is talking about starting vaccinations this month.

I was just getting ready to head to Larry's when Lee arrived. I first met Lee in the late 70's at Larry's. She is related to Larry but I can't remember how at the moment. She is also related by marriage to the Moneyflagh Breens - her mother's sister married Harry Breen. She came to welcome me home - she had a piece of paper with her phone number on it - she asked if I needed anything - do not hesitate to call her and Seamus if I need anything. She also brought me a tall white candle! So appropriate at this time of year. When we lived here, we always had a white candle lighting in the window on Christmas Eve - I had it on my list of things to look for!

Lee wouldn't have tea or a cold drink - I had nothing stronger to offer.  I often tell people that I am American - if you say no, I take that as a no - I don't take that to mean that yes you would like a cup of tea. Anyway we had a nice visit - she told me that her uncle was schoolmaster in Camp on the Dingle peninsula. She was surprised when I told her that James Moriarty, my mother's uncle from Loughane, was schoolmaster in Inch - when he retired, his son-in-law, Denis O'Donoghue from Bridge Street in Cahirciveen, took over. Denis married Tess Moriarty, my schoolmaster's daughter.

Lee volunteers for the Sneem Resource Center which has Sneem calendars for sale. She said she is getting 2 for Larry and offered to get some for me - I asked her to get me 5 - one for each of my kids and one for myself.

I headed for Larry's shortly after Lee left. He had just come in for his dinner - he had been outside working on this warm sunny day. I did have a cup of tea while he had his chicken, potatoes and carrots. We talked for about an hour then I headed into Sneem to the Post Office. My Irish mobile phone was not working - "invalid SIM card"- I wondered if it was because it had not been used since March. Anyway John Damien said that they just top up the phones - he didn't know anything else about them and suggested I go to the Post Office in Kenmare which is where I had bought it several years ago. I stopped at Christian's shop for some sliced turkey - I had bought the packaged kind at Supervalue on Sunday and didn't really like it. The town was so quiet - hardly a car in sight - one person walking down from the bridge - not many more doors open than yesterday. So sad on such a beautiful day. I was feeling tired so headed home. 

I brought my suitcase and carry on bag in from the car and pulled out a few things. I cleaned the cobwebs from the ceiling in the living room and cleaned up a little - I pulled a couple of nutcrackers from my suitcase. I was getting hungry - of course the cooker (stove in American) isn't working again - this happened before when we brought Johnny Murphy's ashes home in April 2019 - Tony Mulcahy fixed it - he said there was air in the tubing from the cooker to the propane tank. So the cooker is on the fritz just like the phone. I found some frozen potato skins in the freezer so I microwaved those - not too bad, not great - I ate half of one. I made half a turkey sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes. Much better. I watched some TV and headed off to bed about 11 - I got up a half hour later after tossing and turning. Back to the TV - the Late Late Show's Toy Show was on as a repeat. I watched that until almost 3:30 am. Back to bed - I guess my system is adjusting to jet lag - plus I don't sleep great since I retired.

Tuesday, December 1

I did some more cleaning this morning. I am checking out the morning talk shows - there is one on RTE 1 at 8 am - I like this one because the male cohost is from Kerry - Daithi O'Se - he is an Irish speaker - he hosts the Rose of Tralee Festival - he is homey.  It is a repeat from the previous day at 3:30 pm. Virgin 1 has Ireland AM on at 7 am - then This Morning at 10. I flip back and forth between them. There is a lot of talk about the Brexit deal - I guess the transition period ends December 31 - if no deal is made by, then there will be no deal. Fisheries and a level playing field are two of the sticking points apparently - and don't forget that there will be almost no chips if a deal doesn't go through! 

The hosts and guests talk about the drop in Covid cases - high incidence among the elderly. The big concern is what will happen over the holidays - there seems to be the expectation that the Covid numbers will go way up during the holidays. I hear ads all day long on the TV and Radio Kerry to wear masks, social distance, and to stay home for the holidays to protect Granny.  The EU apparently has contracts with 6 pharmaceutical companies for a vaccine - 1.2 million vaccines will be distributed initially. The Irish Health Services are prioritising who will receive the vaccines that Ireland receives - the vaccine will come in 5 dose bottles - it doesn't matter which vaccine you get. It will not be a mandatory vaccine - the government cannot force it on anyone but they encourage people to receive it. One of the reporters was in Cork city - they interviewed some elderly shoppers - most said that they will have the vaccine when it is available. The plan for the Irish roll out of the vaccine will be finalised the end of next week. One question remaining is does the vaccine prevent symptoms and transmission or one of these or both?

There are still a lot of TV "soap operas" - Coronation Street, East Enders are the old timers - Coronation Street is celebrating 60 years on air. Emmerdale is one of the newer shows - plus there are the game shows. I have seen some of my old favourite BBC shows since being here - Morse, A Touch of Frost, Vera - funny that they have commercials - I usually see them on PBS, American public TV, which is commercial free. There are usually 2 shows in a row starting at 9 pm - so I will be going to bed at 1-1:30 am.

I took a walk down to the river for some exercise and to take some pix. I was looking up the mountain for the old potato ridges that I used to be able to see from the old house. Lee and I had been talking about the TV show Monday night on the famine and also about old potato ridges around Sneem. I have always wondered when someone would have planted potatoes so far up the mountain in Gortdromagh - I always presumed it had to be before the famine. Lee said there is a ridge in her place in Derrah. At one time there had been about 5 small farms in Gortdromagh and lots of small farms in Moneyflagh. The Batt Burns had the farm where Bergin is now - up behind our new house. Johnny Murphy's relatives had the old house, and there were 3 other farms - all Burns.

View up the road from the river.

View toward Moneyflagh from the bridge.

View back toward Beal.

A car came down the road from Bergin's - he is our neighbour in Gortdromagh - I barely know him, but Johnny Murphy had had some run ins with him. He stopped to ask me what was going on - doing some work on the old place? It's about time before it gets any worse. Then he drove away.  I ignored him and enjoyed the nice day. Then I headed to Larry's a little later than yesterday so I didn't interrupt his dinner. He told me to call Bob McNabb about the cooker - so I called from Larry's - Bob said he could be there in about 2 hours. I've know Bob for some time - I hired him and Connie Clifford to clean out our house a few years ago after we had the long term tenant evicted - the house was a wreck - I thought it had to be knocked down. But it is back up and running - except every time I come home there seems to be one thing not working!

I was only at Larry's for about an hour. It was still daylight when I arrived home. About 4, I went to turn on the light in the living room - no go - the kitchen lights worked though. No light in the hallway, the porch or the front of the house. The TV worked. It must have been one circuit. I had no idea where the circuit breakers are located, but I knew there was some kind of electrical panel near the back door. Unfortunately, we had pushed a big dresser back there when I got a new one for the small bedroom. I shoved it away from the wall - there were a couple of small panels and lights but nothing looked familiar.  I was in the kitchen when Bob arrived - he knocked at the front door. I was apologizing for not having any lights on - he said he almost walked through the glass sliding door in the dark!  Bob went at the cooker first - he checked everything out - he said the problem was the regulator that sits on the propane tank - the gas was not getting through it. He took it off and told me to get one at Hilary's, and he would put it on tomorrow night. He suggested a new tank of gas as well - the tank was not empty but would not last too long. Then he started on the lights - we finally found the circuit breakers in a box over the back door - I could have fixed that myself if I had realised where it was. Bob wouldn't have a drink of anything or a sandwich - he wouldn't take any money until the job was finished. And off he went.

I talked with Monica a little later - she told me that her cousins from Waterville were coming tomorrow (Wednesday) to see her and Joan, and they wanted to stop by to see me on the way home. Johnny Murphy was very fond of these cousins - their mother was Nana Murphy's sister Lizzie. Johnny had spent a lot of time in Waterville with another aunt when he was young - Joan Regan - especially after her husband John had a stroke. We would always visit the relatives in Waterville when we came home. 

Monica said that she still visits Dan Lynch's grave every evening. She said there was a robin at the grave today and recently one got in the bedroom window and was on their bed. We talked about the robin being Dan Lynch's spirit letting Monica know that he is nearby. I believe in spirits being nearby - I felt them quite deeply when I was researching some of Johnny Murphy's relatives - I could feel them right beside me - I wondered if they felt forgotten.

Wednesday, December 2 

Today was another dry day but it was overcast. I poked around here - I am cleaning out the kitchen cabinets and washing them all. I waited until about 11 and drove over to Larry's - I figured he would have the cows out and be finished cleaning the cow shed by now - and he was. I asked him if Hilary's would deliver a tank of propane gas - he didn't think they would, but he said he would come with me and put the tank in my trunk. So  we went back to my house, and Larry quite easily carried the tank to my trunk. We headed into Hilary's and got a new propane tank and a new regulator. I ran into Christian's to get some baked ham and sliced turkey in case the Currans wanted a sandwich - then I ran into Riney's to get a bottle of Bailey's to offer the Currans and some Guinness for Larry. I had been afraid the propane tank would be too heavy for Larry, but he had no problem lifting it. I drove him home - he said he had things to do before putting the cows in for the night. When I pulled into the driveway, I saw a robin sitting on the fence post - is that you Johnny Murphy?

Mary and Eilish arrived before dark but the weather had changed - it was cold and there were some showers - it was good to see them. I am friends with Mary on Facebook, but haven't seen Eilish for years. I mentioned that I had seen a robin in the yard - Mary said that there are lots of robins in Waterville. I don't remember ever seeing one in Gortdromagh before.

I have a Zoom meeting every Wednesday at 6 pm with some friends - while I am here in Ireland it will be at 11 pm. While I was waiting for the time to pass, I came across a show on the Irish language station based on Dan Breen's book - My Fight For Irish Freedom - which included old clips of an interview with Dan Breen and pictures of Sean Hogan, Sean Tracey, Michael Collins and other Irish Freedom Fighters. I've read Dan Breen's book and others about the War of Independence so I found this program quite interesting.

The news reported that the UK and Northern Ireland are to start Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations next week! Ireland is still waiting for the EU to approve a vaccine.

I had no problem connecting on Zoom but my screen kept freezing - a pop-up said that my internet connection was unstable - I get the same message when I'm at the Cape - Julie thinks it is because it is a busy time on the internet. Everyone survived Thanksgiving - either staying home alone or having small family gatherings.

Thursday, December 3

Today was a cold frosty day with off and on snow showers - there was a little snow on the mountains up behind the house. Sometimes there was rain, sometimes hail, and then the snow. I went over to Larry's about 3:30 - I brought him the ham and some of the turkey I had bought yesterday. He made a ham sandwich to have with a cup of tea. We talked for about an hour then I headed home. I am going to pick him up tomorrow at 2 after he gets the cows back into the cowshed and drive him to the bank in Kenmare - I'll run into the Post Office to see if they can get my phone working.

Snow on Coomcallee - out the kitchen window

Again snow on Coomcallee and mountains further east.

Friday, December 4 

I slept till 8:30 after being up watching Vera at 9 and Inspector Lewis at 11 - I went to bed at 1:15 am. It was another cold snowy day.  I continued with some cleaning and gathered everything for tomorrow - my Irish phone, my AIB ATM card to get a new PIN. Bob McNabb came by to put the new regulator on the gas tank. He is going to repair and paint the wood fence out front whenever there is a dry spell - I told him no rush - I'd be back in March. He told me that he thinks Barry Regan is selling his car - he'll get the details if he sees him. I pay a fortune renting a car and paying for the insurance each time I come. I told Bob I didn't want anything new - just something reliable - it could be sitting outside for a couple of months at a time. He said he will keep an eye open. I also don't know if I can get insurance with an American license, but once my phone is fixed, I'll make some calls.

Moneyflagh where Patrick Breen's brother lives.

Can you see the white cab of the lorry at the top of the cross?

Walking a dog from Bergins.

Lorry heading down main road.

I headed back to Larry's - he was already to go. We stopped in Sneem at the Post Office so he could pick up his pension - there was no more open doors today than yesterday - I did meet Jimmy and Mary Casey outside the Post Office and George Drummond also passed by. Then we headed to Kenmare - there were snow showers, rain showers, strong gusts of wind along the way. The mountains on both sides of Kenmare River were snow capped. 

Traffic picked up as we approached Kenmare. It was busy but not normally busy - the Atlantic Pub was closed - Larry and I like to have dinner there. The supermarkets were open - as well as the banks and the  Post Office. Larry flew out of my car to the bank. I waited in line at the Post Office to see Aoife, Helen's daughter. She gave me a new SIM card, a new phone number, and got the phone working - she reminded me that if a phone is not used for 6 months, the phone number is invalidated and given to someone else. 

I ran into the bank next and got things straightened out. Maura said that Larry had headed to Foley's for something to eat. I checked near the car - no sign of him. I walked up and down Henry Street - he was not in the Wander Inn or Davit's - the Coachman, Foley's, Purple Heather were closed. I thought maybe Larry had gone to McCarthy's so I headed back up past the post office - there he was - sheltering in the corner of a building. He wanted to go to Davit's - but they told us that they had finished serving lunch and supper was not until 5 - it was 4:30. We went into the Wander Inn - I was surprised to see several guys sitting at a couple of high tables having pints.  The press makes a big deal about wet pubs not opening, and pubs that do open must serve food. We found a table in the back away from anyone else - I needed a drink so I ordered a Bailey's, and Larry ordered a hot whiskey. We had delicious fish and chips. Larry wanted to go to Supervalue - I bought a couple of things there as well. Then we went to ALDI's - It was pelting rain when we came out - the gusts of wind shook the car.  It was dark, rainy and windy as we drove back to Sneem. Larry wanted to go into Christian's, the Post Office again, Pete the butcher's, and Hilary's - a drive to Kenmare is an all day process! Larry insisted that I come in for a cup of tea which I did - it tasted great. 

Fish and chips at the Wander Inn

I headed home shortly after the tea - it was pitch black outside the house once I shut off the car - the wind was howling. I got my bits are pieces inside and locked the door - no visitors tonight in this weather for sure! The same lights are off again! I wondered if it was from the storm, but I do think that it is a loose wire. I settled down with the paper and TV - a good night - 2 BBC shows - Morse and a Touch of Frost - another 1:30 am night.

Saturday, December 5 

Another cold day with wintry showers. I was going to make chicken soup but when I looked at the thawed out chicken breasts, the date was Oct 2019 - over a year ago so I threw them out. I went into Sneem - Pete's only had boneless chicken breasts or a whole chicken - I like a split breast - I only like white meat - and the flavour is better.  So change in plan - I'll roast the chicken! I can use the leftovers for the soup. I went into Hilary's for buttermilk and butter. 

Rainbow up toward the old house.

Rainbow looking towards Sneem.

I had wanted to look at this housing development up behind Christian's shop - it was never finished. But apparently work is being done on it to fix it up - I think each unit is going for 160,000 euros.

When I came home, I tried making Irish bread - I had to convert the oven reading to 350 Fahrenheit - figure out how much a stick of butter is - use butter to grease the loaf pans. The bread came out okay - it tastes a little different but I am not a great baker so I'm not sure what the difference in taste is.

I am watching Morse and Lewis in Australia - it came on at 7 pm - I haven't put the chicken in yet. But I will - maybe I will - there is a Mass for Nana Murphy tomorrow at 11 am - I am picking Larry up at 10:15. There is no place open in Sneem for breakfast - normally I would invite people here, but I am technically still in quarantine - more importantly, I don't want a crowd here because of Covid. So we'll see.

Well, I have to put the chicken in now if I am going to cook it tonight. My sister-in-law Joan Leary just called so it is now or never for the chicken.

Midnight - I roasted the chicken - hadn't realised how dependent I have become on an oven timer and a meat thermometer. I also just made gravy. So I am off to bed ... I think!!

Back to West Virginia

Sunday, November 1, 202 

Johnny and Vickie have to drop off and pick up a couple of items at auction houses in Maryland and North Carolina. So they invited me along for the drive - we will again rent a cabin at Pipestem Resort State Park in West Virginia.

I get to their house about 8:30 am - we turned the clocks back last night so I watched Saturday Night Live with a Halloween skit about Joe Biden and Hilary Clinton - I got up this morning at 7 am and finished getting ready.

We head off about 8:45-8:50am - Johnny doing the driving again - Vickie riding shot gun to navigate - and me in the backseat. They took the Chevy Blazer so I have quite a job getting up into the high seat - but the leather seats are so comfortable. We head out Interstate 195 West - we are spending the night in Maryland.  We pick up Interstate 95 South in Providence, R.I.  We have been down this road recently going to Westport, RI to another auction house. We near the exit for Coventry where the General Nathaniel Green Homestead is located. I remember studying about him in High School and at Boston College. The website for the homestead relates that "As Quartermaster General and war strategist, Greene was involved in the major battles of the Revolution including Harlem Heights, Trenton, Brandywine, Valley Forge and Portsmouth Rhode Island. Following the defeat of Generals Lincoln and Gates in the south, Washington appointed General Greene to command the southern forces. Under this command came success at Eutaw Springs and Guilford Court House and the withdrawal of Lord Cornwallis to Virginia. As the war ended, General Greene and others received gifts of land tracts and Tory plantations from South Carolina and Georgia in appreciation for the defeat of Cornwallis." Tours of the homestead ended yesterday - October 31 - so maybe we can visit in the spring.

We stopped in Coventry for biscuit sandwiches at McDonald's for J&V - to fill the car with gas - and at Dunkun Donuts for coffees and for an egg and cheese wrap for me. It was a cold cloudy damp day so I had a cup of hot decaf for a change - it was really quite good - I was surprised. I am a closet Folger's Instant Coffee drinker with lots of half and half and a Splenda to disguise the taste. I don't really like the taste of coffee so I may have to try a hot decaf again!

There were still small patches of snow along the sides and medians of the highway from the storm Friday.  Johnny had an old Casey Kasim show on the radio - top hits from the 80s. We crossed into Connecticut about 10:26 am - we were driving on the Jewish War Veterans Memorial part of the highway. We passed an exit for the Pequot Reservation. The Pequots have occupied land in southeastern Connecticut for over 1000 years and have fought to keep their lands - they finally received tribal recognition in 1983 - and they went on to open Foxwoods Casino in 1992. I have never been to a casino - I can be obsessive sometimes and am afraid I may become hooked on gambling. But maybe some day.

The highway transitioned to the African American War Veterans Memorial Highway. There was a large sign before Exit 72: Do Not Stop - Connecticut Correctional Facility Area. Does that mean that there may be some escapees lurking on the edges of the highway? I notice that unlike Massachusetts, Connecticut has 1 mile markers where Massachusetts marks every 2/10s of a mile. We crossed over the Connecticut River and I could see that the drawbridge was up on a bridge a little distance from the bridge we were on. 

Before Hartford there was another big billboard - this time is says that "Racism Is A Sin. Period." It is sponsored by the Dominican nuns from Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut. St. Albertus Magnus was a German Domincan Bishop - he was a great theologian and doctor of the church. I am particularly interested in St. Albertus Magnus because I was taught by Dominican nuns - Sisters of St. Catherine of Sienna - the Order of Preachers - at St. Patrick's School in Watertown. But this is a story for another day.

We pass the food trucks along the shore in New Haven - there are at least a dozen of them. This area would make an interesting weekend or mid-week destination. Food trucks are a big deal in New Haven with food from all over the world. Nearby is the sign for Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven - Mike and I came to New Haven last spring to try a couple of places for the best coal fired Napoletana pizza. I can't remember who the winner was, but we had some great pizza.  

I had notice a lot of new condos or apartment buildings going up in Seattle - I notice the same style here around Hartford. I'm not really into the newer architectural styles. We make a pit stop before we get into New York - the mist turned to rain - heavy at times after this. We were on a stretch of highway under repair so the driving was rough - the traffic slowed down even more because of a Trump caravan - there were trucks and cars decorated with Trump and American flags and signs -some said "Curb Your Democrat" and "Don't Tread On Me" - they were beeping horns - blaring sirens - some were racing and weaving in and out of the traffic altho most stayed in the two right lanes. Regular drivers hearing the sirens were trying to pull over to the right to let what they thought were emergency vehicles get by - the Trump supporters were beeping at them and not letting them in. It was disgusting - and obviously my observations are colored by my deep disdain for Trump and his cronies/followers. God help us if that criminal wins again.

Johnny passed the caravan to get out of harm's way. Traffic slowed again as we headed through the Bronx and Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge to cross the Hudson River into New Jersey. It reminds me of Boston's Southeast Expressway that cuts through Boston neighborhoods. It must be horrible for people living in this area to have that highway beside them - the noise and pollution are health risks never mind the ugliness of it.

Interstate 95 joins the New Jersey Turnpike for a while. We saw the Meadowlands complex and the American Dream Experience on our right shortly into New Jersey. The Meadowlands include the Giants football team's stadium, a race track, and the American Experience mall and entertainment center.

We pass the Newark Airport on the right and Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal on the left - the largest container port in the western US. It is rainy and foggy now - the visibility is low, but I see the Molly Pitcher Service plaza. Molly Pitcher is another patriot that I studied in high school. She was bringing water to her husband and his fellow soldiers during the battle of Monmouth in New Jersey-  when her husband was wounded, Molly took up his position at a cannon and spent the rest of the battle there.

We leave the New Jersey Turnpike as Interstate 95 joins the Pennsylvania Turnpike - as we go over a bridge a big Trump billboard welcomes us to Pennsylvania.  A little further on is a billboard proclaiming that Circumcision Is Cruel And Harmful. A little further past this is a billboard exhorting "Ordain Women Priests. Stop Male Dominance Of The Catholic Church." The drive along New Jersey and Pennsylvania is in industrial areas - no pretty scenery or farms - it seems appropriate on this dull rainy day.

The scenery picks up in Philadelphia - we pass Lincoln Field - I guess the Philadelphia Flyers play here. Then the Philadelphia Naval Yard is on the right. We pass into Delaware about 3 pm - there are exits for Wilmington and Brandywine where the Revolutionary battle to prevent the British from taking Philadelphia took place - it was a defeat for the Continental forces.

We cross the bridge over the Susquehanna river - the sign states that the bridge is subject to cross winds! The Susquehanna River is the longest river in the eastern US - we crossed it in another location on our last trip to West Virgina - route 76 near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania took us over the river. We can see construction below the bridge on the left along the river.  The foliage was past its prime when we left Massachusetts - as we drive south, there is colorful foliage in some areas and now trees are still green.  Maryland has exits aligned with the mile markers which they have just started doing in Massachusetts. There are farms on both sides of the highway.We get off at exit 77 to Maryland route 24. We take a right and find the LaQuinta Suites hiding behind a Quality Inn. Johnny checks in, and we take our bags in - our rooms are side by side. I have a king size bed plus a sofa, coffee table, desk, luggage bench. It is very nice. I am sitting on the sofa typing this out. The bed is a little high - almost to my hips - once I get in, I will only be getting up to the bathroom. I wish I had my stool from home - I could use that to get into the van and to get into bed!!

After checking in, we drove 6 miles to a Miller's Ale House for lunch/supper. It is a sports bar like the one in Watertown, but the food was good, and we were all hungry. I bought supper because Johnny paid for my room. I'll pay for breakfast as well - we have a Denny's, Waffle House, and Dunkin Donuts across the street.

My only disappointment is that there is no PBS channel - there is usually something good on PBS on Sunday nights. Instead I watched 60 minutes on CBS - segments on the election and the first US covid outbreak in the Life Care Center Nursing home in Washington State. CNN and MSNBC are all about the election - how Trump and the Republicans are trying to suppress the vote in democratic communities - we expected that.  I am wondering if there will be violence on Tuesday night - all the ballots will not be counted - Trump is saying he will claim victory if he gets close to the 270 Electoral College votes he needs. I hate to think about it.