Problem drinking after retirement

A recent report from “Ireland’s premier health website” suggested that there is “…an epidemic of ‘late onset’ alcohol misuse among over-60’s who turn to drink after retirement” It went on to note that “one in eight people over 60 admitted to drinking more since retiring” and that a similar number “most often drink alone at home”. While not in this age group myself, I did immediately think of my good friend Jimmy C. In the vague hope that he may see this blog, I wanted to suggest that he should consider only drinking when he is away from home (shouldn’t be too much of a problem) alternatively he should ensure that Madame C always keeps him company!

On the subject of drink, I mentioned recently that our most recent visitors had brought generous supplies of malt whisky. Have now had the chance to taste these properly and realise how generous they were. The first bottle -a cask strength offering from the SMWS (73-34) – a 16 year old Speyside (I think)??? which had been finished in a Bourbon cask – has a tremendous nose and a lovely light flavour. Not sure that I can identify all the flavours in the tasting notes but I am certainly enjoying it. The second bottle was a new offering from Bunnahabhain – Darach Ur – which has been matured in new oak and is a completely different – but equally enjoyable – taste. Thanks again - guess I may have to be nice about Hibs this season!

Spiders

We have an ongoing debate about spiders – of which we have many. Linda is keen to get rid of them all while I think that they are useful allies which control the other pests which could bother us more. I was reading recently about spiders somewhere in the tropical rainforest which cooperate to deal with prey substantially larger than themselves – wonder if you could train them to deal with that ultimate pest – small children?

Rain, Rain, Rain

Just when you think it can’t rain anymore or it can’t rain any harder, an almighty torrential downpour - which would give any Asian city a run for its money - comes over the hill. The TV weather forecaster tonight told us that so far in July there has been 3 times the monthly average of rain.
We came here with absolutely no expectations on the weather but after a glorious June (warmest in 27 years according to that TV weather forecaster) we did kind of get used to nice warm, calm, sunny weather. July has certainly been a reality check!

Fish, Fish, Fish

As we were sitting having an excellent lunch today in Linnanes seafood restaurant at New Quay (1/2 dozen oysters and panfried scallops for LP, mussels and turbot for me), Linda remarked that we have not had any red meat for nearly three weeks. Probably because we have finally found a local fisherman who sells his catch direct to the public and have been trying almost everything he has had to offer. So far this has included Turbot, Hake, Gurnard, Pollack, Cod, Ling, Salmon, Coley, Haddock, and Lemon Sole. Last week he also had Brill, John Dory, Plaice and Mackerel so there are a few more to try.
Still had better stop by the butcher some time this week before we forget what red meat tastes like.

Corofin Show

Yesterday was the North Clare Agricultural Show at Corofin and as the rain stayed off for the whole day we cycled down to join in the fun. Spent nearly an hour watching the cattle being judged and swapping comments with a neighbour (apparently he couldn’t understand a word I was saying?)
Also watched the horse and pony judging and then moved on to the show jumping – meant to go back to see the donkey judging but naturally the programme was running a bit behind time and the pub beckoned. We also stopped in the village hall to see the results of the vegetable and baking contests – all the edible products were protected behind a wire fence for some reason!
On the cycle home, Linda made it up the big hill without stopping and didn’t even need the oxygen cylinder when we got home – although she did insist on a glass of fizz to celebrate!

Time flies when you are having fun!

Not sure what has happened to the time but just realised that it is nearly three weeks since our last blog entry. Have managed some great walks – along the famine road at Mullaghmore, on the green road from Gortlecka to the high common at Parknabinnia and also the green road around Black Head (green roads are used to drive the cattle from A to B, definitely not roads for driving in the MGF, but good to walk on); some new experiences – signed up as volunteers to help with a survey of Daubenton Bats on local rivers ( which means that we get out on river banks late at night with Bat Detectors and head torches…..look out Dan Ackroyd!); Bought a new saw and have cut up a couple of the fallen trees on the edge of the paddock for winter fuel; went to a couple of local festivals – French market in Ennis was very disappointing, Seafood festival in Doonbeg was excellent while the final concert of the Willie Clancy Summer school in Milltown Malbay was incredible!
Had some friends from Edinburgh to visit – who brought generous supplies of Malt whisky and some new music. Despite some wet weather during their visit we still managed another great day sea fishing off Connemara. Also got locked in at Lowry’s Bar in Clifden while the band were still playing.
Am sure there will be more detail on some of these over the coming days but that’s it for now.