Sunday, June 26, 2011

Beginnings

Dear Friends,

My creative daughter-in-law created this post so I could talk about my trip to Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N.I. The only thing I have found I can't do is upload pictures from this computer and to type quickly. It has a small keyboard which makes me hit the all wrong keys. So I will work with what I have. I'll try to get pictures up later.

To begin, the flight was delayed in Buffalo. So instead of calmly waiting in Newark airport, I waited with everyone else for two hours. All that pre-flight rush was unnecessary apparently, Matthew.  Fortunately when one flight is late they all tend to be late, at least in Newark. Interesting to see NYC all lit up. So I made my overseas connection with the help of a fast driving electric cart in the Newark airport. Had to hold onto my Florida hat for that ride. We flew 3335 miles arriving at 8:43 am July 1st. Sailed through customs. I was hoping to look Irish enough for the inspector. LOL Then the adventure began with picking up the car and driving on the other side, I plugged in my Garmin and arrived at the cottage at 21 Gullyfarley Farm. I was given the last part as Far but now I realize it is Farm. Sam Carson has built housing on farm property hence the name and address. It is such a lovely cottage. Sam laughs at my gushing remarks about it. I'm such a typical American to Sam . I shall have to change that view. Sam Carson is one of the folks my Dad & I met in '97 when we first visited. He and his wife Cathy live near by with their daughter Susie.

Sam showed me all the workings of the cottage. Absolutely delightful!! Not the Ritz by any means but so nice. Two bathrooms. One upstairs and down. A down covered bed and pillows, wardrobe and dresser. The first floor has a kitchen and large living room with a real fire place. Sam had a good laugh when I told him about my electric fireplace. But mine is less work, I told him, even has a remote. Then he really laughed. Wait until you see the vine covered door. Next I went shopping "down the road" for a few things I wanted. The round-abouts are great for missing a turn. You just keep going a-round and catch it next time. lol. I had dinner at the Tullyglass Hotel. Great big castle-like structure in Galgorm. Just up the road. You should have come Matt, I see lots of red-headed young ladies. Must be something in the water.

This morning I am going into Ballymena itself. I'm north of the city. Time to learn the lay of the land.

Janet