January 20

Well, first I must vent on our Great Charter Internet service. After almost 2 weeks of using it without issue, yesterday it refused to send any e-mails. Only providing a one liner that it didn't send any I try to send. After two chats with two different jerks, I have gotten absolutely no where. The last person suggested I use another service. I repeatedly asked to by provided another contact and they continually said they could provide me not answer. So, those who have written e-mails lately, Nan has drafted replies which are sitting in our draft folder until Charter decides they can allow me to send them.

Today we went to the tombs of 1200 BC. Amazing scene as they were constructed over a 60 year period when people only lived 20-25 years. They have withstood time and are in perfect condition except for some unauthorized access years ago. We also spent several hours looking for a hill that overlooked a large expanse of area and was reportedly the spot where St. Patrick lit the first Easter fire in the 1300's. Now is the resident of an Abby and falling down church. Quite the view and interesting scene.

As the day was getting on and it was raining, we started back towards Maynooth. Originally we were prepared to stay out all night (all of us), but the tombs turned out to be closer then we thought. On the way home we stopped in a small village and had a pint or two at a local lounge which had rugby games playing on the tube. Had a back room for snooker.

We then moved on to a small village north of Maynooth for dinner. At the time we entered the village the temp had dropped to 34F and it was sleeting heavily. We found two places across from each other. One appeared from the window to be a bit high class, so we went across the street. Turned out to be another Italian place. When we didn't have a "booking", we were escorted to the second floor, front corner. They were not yet busy, but were expecting crowds later. We always seem to eat earlier then locals. Good thing usually.

The food was outstanding, including Tiramasu for dessert. I told the owner that we would be back. Seems we have problem finding typical Irish places. The girls found a great Indian place in Maynooth, but Nan and I haven't been there yet. There were two in the village where we stopped for pints (Guinness of course).

Pete, hope you appreciate that you put me in touch with Bushmills and it is as good here as in the states. Hope to tour the distillery if we get that far north.

Will be interesting to see what happens with the temp tomorrow after it being so cold today. At least the wind died down a bit.

Jody, as for grass roofs, we did see one today. As for Leprechauns, I think they all went inside as it is too cold and they heard that the Griz was in the area.

Hope all in TC are enjoying the snow. Get out once for us.

Good Day!

Joe