Nearly 10pm on the last day of my 40′s and it’s been really lovely.
I relaxed this morning and went outside with Coco to play … sunny at last.
Maeve Hamill dropped in an early birthday present from herself, James and Eoin (my prince) … a beautiful pair of earrings.
My dear friend Lisa (we’ve been friends for 30 years) rang from Oz and we had a great chat … also got to say hi to her partner Kath.
oh look … more bubbles … celebration time
I sent them photos of Ballinamore to tempt them over and Kath printed them all off … they’ll come here in the next few years and see why I love this town.
In the afternoon a dear friend from Sligo … Marian … drive over to take me to Lough Rynn Castle for afternoon tea and champagne.
She gave me a card and told me I wasn’t to open it ’til tomorrow … I will show restraint and new found wisdom … and not even look at it … no really … I will … trust me …
Marian also gave me a bottle of this wonderful sparkling red … it’s a deep rich red wine with champagne added.
I do love efficiency … 2 of my fave drinks in one bottle!
And … she gave me flowers.
I do soooo love being spoiled … I never did understand when people look at their presents and say ‘you shouldn’t have’ … me? … I love presents and the fact that people have thought of me.
We got to Lough Rynn Castle and there was … a huge wedding and a crowd from the John McGahern festival.
My heart sank … would we get a table?
Yup … we ended up with our own room! … big couch and table.
We ordered the afternoon tea and a glass of champers … more (supposed) bad news … no champers.
So he gave us free prosecco which I prefer anyway … lighter bubbles.
And if anyone is reading this from the management of Lough Rynn Castle … the man that served us was exceptional … he had a problem (no champers for the lovely lady turning 50) … and found a solution (give her some free prosecco) … and was charming and helpful when the place was teeming with people.
notice stylish haircut … Mags did it! And … thanks Mum and Dad for the great genes and smooth Irish skin.
We sat and chatted for 3 hours … me sipping a few glasses of bubbles … Marian sipping tea as she was driving.
And guess what folks … you can have your cake and eat it … slainte.
We went for a stroll around the walled gardens … beautiful.
Click on photos to enlarge
I also enjoyed the forrest … particularly this japanese tree … love the curves and colour.
The castle is beautiful and overlooks Lough (lake) Rynn … and … is only 15 minutes drive from Ballinamore … amazing.
The John McGahern crew were in the mobile cinema watching a movie … we get it in Ballinamore (the mobi cinema) once a week during the winter … interesting films.
Seats around 50 ish … and is a big truck with wheels when it’s on the road … no idea how they open it all up … cool idea though
We came back home and Marian took a few photos of me and Coco … me still posh dressed … Coco just naturally beautiful.
After Marian went home … and many many thanks Marian for such a delightful treat … spending time with you … and drinking bubbles … you started my birthday celebrations so very very well.
I went across to Brendan to give him the key to come in tomorrow and say hello to Coco when I’m in Dublin.
And there was a delivery of flowers from a wonderful woman and fellow blogger in America … many thanks Anne & Patrick.
The bouquet is amazing … full of life and colour and glorious scent.
I’m a very lucky woman to have so many wonderful friends all over the world … and a family I adore … and Coco.
So … I end my 40′s with champagne … and …
… will start my 50′s with champagne cocktails in Dublin with friends tomorrow … dinner (early bird special and still gourmet) in one of Dublins top places … Eden … with Mia and Shani and Mary and Billy and Jo and George. Then cocktails at a private club … Odessa … on their roof terrace … a gift from Shani.
It’s a damn fine life.
slan
Liz
p.s if you are a regular reader (love you) and you think the whole blog looks a bit different … never fear … you are not experiencing early onsent dementia … I’ve been experimenting with a new theme and can’t get my banner back.
Never fear … my fearless brother Marc will sort it next week.
I wanted more space for Pages and my banner and the old Theme was … old.
Time for a change … in more ways than one!
xxxxxxxxx
Well Happy Birthday!
Stumbled upon your celebration. You are lovely!!!
Cheers!
Hi Forrester
Thanks for the compliment … I feel great as I enter my 50th year.
Had a quick look at your blog … nice reading and love the drawings/paintings
slan
Liz
Liz, we are going to do it up in style when we see you again…sometime in your 50th year!! Have a wonderful birthday in Dublin! (and hello to Marian…you both look lovely!)
Hey Lynda
Oh yeh … we will certainly celebrate this year together.
Will organise another vidphone sundowner soon!
Start freezing the ice for the G&T.
xxx Liz
Big hugs and love on your Birthday!!
Kimme & Amanda
Dear Liz,
The summer has rushed past and before I knew it your birthday was nearly upon us! Mike is in Wales celebrating his mother’s 80th birthday this weekend, and sends his good wishes to you for a brilliant 50th.
I emailed Gail Quinn in Ballinamore and asked her for a bouquet to help you celebrate. Efficient and helpful, God bless her, late as I was. Thank you for the photo of the flowers she chose for you. Perfect! Please give her my thanks, Liz. She was wonderful.
Thanks for sharing the photo essay of your celebration. As always, the pictures are beautiful and you’ve given readers from all over the world a real opportunity to enjoy your beautiful friends and the town you call home.
Loved the little essay, too, for Coco’s anniversary. How perfect that she should come into your life for this next adventure into a new decade. She seems to have grown and matured over the summer. What a dear companion!
Many blessings, much happiness and prosperity to you, Liz, for your fiftieth birthday and for 50 years to come. [s]
xox
Anne
Many thanks Anne for the beautiful flowers and your good wishes.
I’m off to dinner in Dublin now and will have more photos this week.
Talk soon.
xxx Liz
Dear Liz, Happy Birthday to you… repeat as often as you wish!
I hope you have a lovely trip to Dublin and enjoy your continuing birth(day)week celebrations – one day just doesn’t do it!
Hugs, Miriam
Happy Birthday! It looks like you had a fine old time. What a great way to celebrate. Love to you and Coco too1…love Pam and Paul
Thanks so much Pam.
I’m having a fine time and will tell you all about it when I get back from Dublin.
xxxLiz
Happy Birthday my princess, hope you had a wonderful birthday From Eoin and Ber xxx princess
(quoted by Eoin scribed by Ber)
Thanks for the lovely birthday wishes from my Prince.
xxx Liz
Happy 50th Birthday to you Liz..and you are looking FABULOUS!! 50 is the new 40 so they say and with Coco at your side, you’ll be feeling 30. It can only get better and better!
Happy anniversary to Coco too.
Kim
Thanks Kim
I intend to spend my 50th year having small celebrations so we may get the chance to meet if you wander over this part of the world.
How are your Portugal plans going?
xx Liz
Hi bella! I just wondered, my word cloud words are HUGE and I’m wondering how to remedy that?
kisses,
Maria Tecce
HI Hon
It’s because you have only written 2 posts and used the same categories for both.
In the next few posts just use Edinburgh Fringe Festival as your category … it will stay big (which is your intention) … and the others will get smaller.
xxx Liz
Liz,
While browsing the Ballinamore site I stumbled on your blog. Was a little surprised when I saw you were off to the John McGahern tour at 2.00 o’clock. I am doing that tour at the fringe and wonder were you a bit ahead of yourself. In any event I am working on my presentation which I hope will prove informative and give an insight in that marvellous, amusing and extraordinarly talented man.
You might advise me and I hope you will make it on Fri or Sat of next week.
Regards,
Frank
hi Frank. I wrote that post in 2009 so I’m waaaay behind myself. I moved out of Ballinamore December 2010. Good luck with the presentation. I love John’s work.