The good life, continued

Morning was lovely.

We enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast sitting in the bay window at the front of the hotel, looking out to sea.

Then we drove into town and visited a few gift shops, then walked along the promenade, which reminded mom of the boardwalk in Atlantic City (but without the shops).

And the Mournes in the other direction.

Then we went to  Royal County Down's pro shop to buy a few things. The concierge drove us in the buggie.

Our photograph was taken by the florist who delivered these flowers.

We sat in a sunny lounge and read for a bit then Jonathan Bill collected us and took us to their bright, modern, spacious apartment in Newcastle, where Valerie put on a lovely spread for us. The Bills are neighbours on Cherryvalley Park but have decamped to Newcastle while their daugher and her family have taken up residence in their home, during renovations at the daughter's new house. Anyway, Jonathan is a keen sports enthusiast and he regaled us with tales of his adventures volunteering at golf tournaments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. At one of these he caddied in a pro-am, where the amateur was a businessman whose company sponsored the tournament, and the pro was Patrick Cantley, winner of the Fed Ex Cup this year. Joanthan collects autographs and he got Patrick's autograph. Also, Patrick's caddy took a photo of him with Patrick. Mom followed the Fed Ex Cup closely and was impressed by this tale.

Back to the hotel, where we went swimming again in the evening. Then I snuck in salads from Lidl, which is next door to the hotel in a lovely old train station, terminus of the Belfast train that supplied guests to the Slieve Donard Hotel. It was around 8:30pm by the time we finished swimming so we just wanted a light dinner. Then Strictly Come Dancing on the Mac, then bed. What a lovely day! Perfect weather, good company, lovely vistas. I keep thinking I should retire and do more of this, however... expensive!!

Oct. 11