Ireland - Lovely Glendalough

Glendalough is a glacial valley that is just  beautiful. 

 Here is a monastery founded in the sixth century which was destroyed in 1398 by invading troops and the ruins are in full evidence.

There was a woman playing an instrument called  the Elbow Pipe and singing a lovely, soft song.  This instrument has a soft, haunting and very beautiful sound.  It was magic to be in this old, old place and listen to the music.

Love these curtains!

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - Blarney Castle

I stood in line to climb up the Castle stairs to see the Blarney Stone.  The line started at the bottom  level of the Castle and was very slow so it took awhile.  There were little rooms off the staircase that you could wander into to break the boredom of waiting.  However, it wasn't so easy getting back in line on the staircase.  But I thought since I was there…I needed to see that stone!  No desire to kiss it.  And I need to listen more and talk less anyway.

I enjoyed looking all around the Castle.  It is  pretty neat.  I'm acquiring a fondness for Castles (and Guinness).  The grounds around the Castle are really lovely to walk around.   Everything seems to be green and pretty here!

I had to show you this lace curtain.  It is a little different than most of them because the pretty pattern is mostly at the bottom edge.

Castles and Lace Curtains!!

Fun Vacation.

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Smocked Clothes in Ireland

This dress and the Christening Gown are from Sarah Louise.

I found a shop in Killarney, Ireland that specialized in the finer things and there were some cute children's clothes.

There was an entire wardrobe of Christening garments.  This was my favorite because it's classic and traditional.   The bodice is smocked and very pretty.

If you are interested in Smocking - the Smocking Arts Guild of America is having the National Convention this fall in Florida.  You can learn from the best in the country.  

Smocking - Embroidery - Heirloom Sewing by Hand and Machine - Sewing for Children

For information see  SAGA

Another dress I liked in this shop.

I love this Toddler Dress - about a size 3.  Made from cheap lace (that looked like someone cut up their  lace curtains).  But sooooo cute!!

Speaking of Lace Curtains!!

They are everywhere.

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - By the Sea

We drove around the peninsulas on the west coast of Ireland.

The only word that comes to mind is..

Breathtaking!

Breathtaking!

Breathtaking!

Stunningly Breathtaking!

I certainly saw God's creative glory everywhere.

And….more pretty lace curtains too!

To think this is an everyday view for some people.  Wow!

I love Ireland because…it is breathtakingly beautiful!

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - Rose of Tralee and Beehive Huts

We went to the town where they have the "Rose of Tralee" contest and festival.

And I walked all through a lovely garden where there were lots and lots of Roses just beginning to bloom.  A favorite place for me!  All smelled so sweet.  

And no black spot at all!

This is one of many Bee Hive Huts looking from the road to the hut.  I climbed inside one and  personally would not want to live there.

Then we traveled on to see some Bee  Huts. I had never heard of them but  apparently they  date to the 11 or 12 century so they are old, old, old! Really cool to see something that old.   The Irish people just leave them where they stand.  

We stopped at the property of an elderly lady named Mary who greeted us with a can and sign labeled 2E.  She is saving to go visit a son in NYC.  

This is the view from Marys house.  I liked Mary. 

She had a cute hat on that she knit and I wanted to ask her about sewing too.

I love where Mary lives.

This is Mary's window.  Notice the kittens on the Lace Curtains?  

She had several cats.

But I could not stay and talk to Mary as the tour bus was honking the horn.  One of the phrases my tour guide used alot was….

..on and gone.  

Here's a joke he told us.

"What is the difference between a Tourist and a Hitchhiker?"

Answer: "Two Minutes"

get it?  as in... on and gone

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - Streets of Galway

Flower Shop in Galway

In Ireland there were flowers everywhere.  Flowers in pots, flowers in beds, flowers in window boxes! Everyone seemed to grow flowers.  I loved the bright cheerfulness of it. 

Kirwan's Lane, Galway

This street is one of the "Old" streets in the city. They really were very narrow.

The sound coming from this instrument was melodic.  I have no idea what it is.  

If you know, please share!  

He sang and it was  soft and beautiful.

And more lace curtains in the windows!!

Lovely.

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - Bunratty Castle

In the Folk Park at Bunratty there is a Thatched Cottage turned out like someone lived there.

I loved the Lace curtains in the window!

And happy to see an old Sewing machine in one of the windows. 

 Just where I would have  put it.

In this house the  table was set for tea. Perfect for me.

The real fun about Bunratty is Bunratty Castle.

This is my first ever Castle to go into.

I learned that stairs are narrow, uneven and always spiral to the right because it is impossible for the attacker to use his sword in the right hand and makes it easy to defend.

Who knew this?  

I bet you already knew this!  

My knowledge of Castles is from the movies where they appear large and spacious.

That is not the case in this Castle.  

I love Ireland because….

the history is everywhere.  And it's so old!!  And hasn't been destroyed and replaced.

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Ireland - Margaret's Sewing Box

Kylemore Abby.

A Sewing Box for Margaret.

There was a rope keeping me and my itching fingers from going through this fancy Sewing Box! 

Kylemore Abby was built for Margaret by her husband Mitchell Henry.

It is now home to Benedictine nuns.

The grounds surrounding it are beautiful.

When Margaret died unexpectedly the heartbroken Henry had this miniature Cathedral built in her honor on the mansion grounds.

Well, that's a lovely story. 

 It does seem that all the stories I hear in Ireland have a sad ending!

Having a great time!

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister

Where Did I Go…on Vacation?

Me and Shirley,( my husbands Mom)  went on a fun Vacation together!

Where are we?

All Designs Are Copyright Protected copyright 2014 Jeannie Baumeister