It is remarkably quiet this morning, not just inside the cottage but out. I have yet to hear the birds and pigeons and to be honest, it is rather odd as the sunlight has spread out enough to cast a soft glow through the trees and provide enough light to see around the cottage; no stumbling around in the dark this morning but also, no morning music. Perhaps because it is Sunday, a day of rest, and they are sleeping in; however, I have never known birds and pigeons to ‘sleep in’ on the weekends. Maybe it is due to the cold this morning and they are too busy staying warm to sing their songs. I have my doubts on that as well, but regardless of the reason, it is strange to be without the comforting sounds of early morning but I am sure they will start their songs soon.

We accomplished our day of rest with only two stops out and about yesterday. Kevin was the first to rise, followed by myself and then the girls. Surprisingly, it was Ellery who slept the longest. She is the early riser between the two and was genuinely shocked to see Audra already in the kitchen when she came in for breakfast. Honestly, it was more like brunch as it was around 11:30 in the morning. We had a delicious meal of toast with strawberry jam I had picked up from the gift shop at Johnstown Castle earlier in the week, and Irish breakfast sausage. After a clean up of the kitchen, I sat and filled out postcards to send back home to friends and family while Kevin and the girls got ready for the day.

We made our way to Dungarvan to visit Murphy’s Toymaster, one of the coolest toy stores I have ever been in. We picked up a variety of board games, from the classics to ones geared more toward the UK, and crossed the street to take a peek into Isabel’s Place, one of my favorite shops we visited last year. Isabel’s is an Irish design and gift shop with a wide variety of beautiful and unique pieces and a delightful owner who welcomes you in as an old friend rather than a random stranger. Ellery got a mug and a bracelet, Audra secured an orca shaped hair claw clip, and Kevin bought me my birthday present early.

One of my most treasured highlights from last years Irish excursion was experiencing the history of the quaint seaside village of Ardmore and Saint Declan, the Munster saint who preceded Saint Patrick in bringing Christianity to Ireland. I fell in love with Saint Declan’s thirty meter round tower and love to view it every time we head into Ardmore. It was my most missed view upon returning home last year. Isabel’s place features a local artist from Ardmore who makes necklaces with a small replica charm of the round tower and I am now the proud owner of one of them. Happy early birthday to me and many thanks to my husband for such an amazing gift that is sure to bring a smile to my face every time I wear it.

Once back to the cottage we had a light snack, played games, and relaxed for the afternoon choosing Shipmates in Ardmore as our dinner destination. Although it was very busy, we opted to dine in rather than do take away and a lovely couple shared their picnic table with us outside on the patio. We enjoyed a delightful meal together filled with conversation and laughter, accompanied by music from the neighboring pub. After, we took a short drive through the village to admire the town and beach and made our way back to the cottage; ending the evening with a couple of phone calls home, a short walk down to the point, and more games. Today is bound to be another great day. Kevin has woken, as have the birds, and I am eager to get going, but only after I finish my cup of tea.