It’s a rap. Our first Father’s Day in Ireland

What a week this has been!

We’re still dealing with significant jet lag that had a heaping helping of mental exhaustion and exhilaration for our adventure piled on top so we’ve spent a lot of time catching up on our rest.

Some mornings after tea and coffee, I’d have a sinking spell and have to go back to bed for two hours. This upside down sleep schedule is enhanced by daylight lasting until after 11:00 pm and sunrise a little before 5:00 am. The early morning sunrise is accompanied by the clanging of construction right outside our window.
All that aside, our big decisions this first week in Galway have been where and what to eat. We’ve had so much fun revisiting our favorite haunts and enjoying our favorite menu items. Luckily, for me, there’s loads of gluten-free options on every menu. Ireland, seemingly, being the Celiac disease capitol of the world.

When we step outside to go foraging or exploring each morning, the first thing we realize is that it’s 50-something degrees and we’re in long sleeves and maaaaybe a light jacket. It almost makes me giddy to think I’m not under that Texas sun being burned to a crisp.

Currently, Monday morning, it’s bright sunshine and 49 degrees.

Father’s Day “dawned” quite cool and grey. Allen and I hunkered down and watched movies all day. 🥰

Our big event to celebrate him was to go out to O’Grady’s On the Pier, in Barna. The drive there is absolutely beautiful. Among many favorites, it’s his number one. It’s on Galway Bay and Allen just loves it being on the water.

Back to the food. For appetizers, we had fish chowder, smoked trout, prawns with horseradish potato salad and Irish oysters. Our mains were grilled hake, broiled plaice and baked salmon. Everything was cooked to perfection and not a smackeral was left on any plate.
Lord have mercy, I am in fish heaven, here.

At the table beside us was a family of five, celebrating Father’s Day, too. Three of the most lovely young girls you ever saw. As we were so close, we could overhear their conversation at times. Ordering their dessert, I heard the youngest child ask the waiter, “May I please have…”
We all got whiplash, snapping our heads back to look at each other to make a succession of these faces: 😱😩😭😍🥰

How wonderful to witness such beautiful manners in action. Says everything about the parents and the father being celebrated.

Happy Father’s Day, all!