Thursday was Elaine’s 70th birthday! Cards and presents were awaiting her when she arose (including one delivered through Irish Post from Janet in Scottsdale). We spent a quiet day now that she is in her 70’s. Aside from Elaine’s birthday, there is no school in Dingle today because it’s Confirmation Day for Catholic 6th graders. The Bishop is in town.
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Marion stopped in with a card and a gift bottle of wine for the birthday girl. Marion is Grainne’s mother and lives next door. She’s delightful! She stayed for a coffee and we got a full Irish election report and history lesson.
We drove into Dingle to drop off bottles at the recycling center. Other recyclables (plastic bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, etc) are collected curbside every other week, but bottles must be dropped off. Then we visited the library to return our books and pick up a new load. And we bought coffee filters because we didn’t get them yesterday.
Lunch (sandwiches) was at home, and we stayed put for the afternoon up to and including cocktails. Then it was out for a birthday dinner at Global Village, Elaine’s choice of restaurant for her big day. We started off with Kir Royales. And at the next table was a woman from Tucson travelling with her daughter.
Starters
Joe: Dingle Bay Shellfish Bisque with Shellfish Croutons & Herb Oil
Elaine: Dingle Goats Cheese, Goats Cheese Bon Bon, Organic Garden Beetroot Textures, & Candied Walnuts
Mains
Joe: West Kerry Lamb Tasting Plate: Pink Rump, Slow Roast Belly, Confit Neck Fillet, Braised Shoulder Terrine, Barley, Salsa Verde, Onion Textures, Aubergine Caviar, & Port Jus
Elaine: Pan Fried Scallops, Calvados Flambé, Apple & Onion Purée, Pancetta Crumble, Confit Potato, Roe Parfait, Wild Side Chorizo, Apple Textures, & Nage
Desserts
I forgot to write them down. But they were good!
Grainne, our landlord, had called ahead and treated Elaine with a bottle of wine for her birthday. I got to share. Then it was off to O”Flaherty’s for libations and music. Fergus O’Flaherty posed with the Birthday Girl.
Looks like a very festive day, and birthday girl luminous and smiley at 70. Bailey says to tell you 75 is not so bad. We love you, Elaine, May you have many more.
Fabulous celebration for the birthday girl 🎉🎂🎉🎂🎉🎂 all our best wishes to you!
😍😍😍
Sounds like a perfect way to spend a birthday! Glad to hear you had an enjoyable day, Elaine!
Wow. What a great birthday celebration, Elaine. We wish you many more.
Did the Bishop not stop by?!
Elaine, that sounds like the most perfect Irish Birthday. I officially welcome you into the 70’s! Love you, Cindy
So glad the birthday girl had a great day!! Here is to another great year!!! Love to you both and especially our welcome to the 70’s girl!!!