Once in a person’s lifetime, they need to visit the Green Isle, no matter their heritage. I was fortunate to spend three weeks in 
Ireland a few years back. Although based in Dublin, I managed several side trips, one that brought me to the picturesque Clifden in Connemara. Oscar Wilde was known to say, “Connemara is a savage beauty,” and as I hiked on a rare sunny afternoon along the High Road taking in the ruined castles and roaming sheep, I experienced the truth of his words. The presence of St. Patrick also adds to the landscape and in many cases exists right along side the Druid mounds, creating sacred sites for pagans and Christians alike. The charm of Ireland strikes all its visitors tramping across those legendary green hills…
Category Archives: Food
Keep the Glass Half-full
I am not a strict locavore, I mean, I don’t mind the taste of Jamaica in my Rum or the Rhine in my Riesling, but increasingly I am drawn to praise the local distilleries and vineyards rising up around me, and for good reason. In fact, without leaving the small state of Vermont one can find plenty of unique elixirs to stock their liquor cupboard or wine cellar. I will feature only three in this post, but I am certain one might just as well highlight countless others, for as these family-owned ventures are springing up they are earning high marks in the process. I know my finds will encourage you to explore your own local area.
The Dinner Party Revisited
Thinking about a dinner party? Overwhelmed?
As far back as I can remember, my mother held several grand dinner parties a year. Sometimes they were family reunions, Irish Catholic style (code for large!) with sixty or more people milling around a table laden with copious platters of meats and cheeses and veggies. Other times her dinners were comprised of a select six couples. The dinning room table set with her silver flatware, bone china and crystal flutes placed just so. Candles lit by 6:30 surrounding a seasonal floral arrangement in the center.
Nine Cent Girl 