A fond farewell

Last morning in Doolin, and up and excellently breakfasted and hurriedly packed. Took a call from a man at The Royal Free about an appointment for Mum, I set it all up, and when I spoke to her later, she said it wasn't needed. Off to Clare's pretty county town of Ennis, where Lorraine and Sue went shopping for wedding headgear -- scoring a white fancy hat for Sue and a tiara for Lorraine. 

John meanwhile took me to glór, a lovely arts centre with a library, theatre and gallery. We had a hot drink in the lobby were traditional musicians had gathered to join in music making, along with an audience of adults with learning disabilities. The traditional music was wonderful, and everyone enjoying it. There is something about music in Ireland that is so democratic, the audience and the musicians all together, and the apparently unspoken agreement musicians have to turn up and play and in what order. 

Then John and Sue dropped us off at Shannon airport. They'd been incredibly kind and generous hosts, and the little break had done us the world of good. A fond farewell to them. 

Lurked in Shannon airport for a couple of hours. Toby texting.  I had a half a Guinness and we ate some sandwiches. Boarded the plane in the rain, and into the cramped aircraft. Lorraine and I sitting separately which I don't enjoy. Luckily in my row one of the people was moved, and the bloke next to me sat by the window, and I had the aisle, and I could relax my shoulders. Not a bad flight, despite feeling apprehensive all day. I  had a panicky trapped moment hitting turbulence in the toilet, which was so cramped I couldn't stand up properly.  Rattled, I left my glasses in there and had to sheepishly collect them as I was disembarking. Funny how climbing in your own car feels like entering a little bit of home. Catching up. Beth and James having a lovely time in Italy, where of course the bambino is a superstar.

Home and we treated ourselves to a delivery curry and a bottle of beer. Fielded a slightly worried call from Wynford telling me that Mum was going to Euston tomorrow to meet Romy. I called Mum who told me it was Hampstead they were meeting.

So nice when you've been away somewhere lovely, to be able to feel happy about returning home.

Below a distinct lack of photos today. Here is lovely Lorraine however, who I snapped in the glór theatre, because the colour behind her made her zing.