I lay in a chaise contemplating the large pink room as it boast dimensions far greater than any room I have ever been in. Since arriving two days ago, I'm beginning to feel much differently. I had been grasping my kidney in the three hour ride from Dublin, just wishing I could have more medication for the pain. It was raining as we drove through the county limits of Sligo. The name seems to imply a dark, sinister place. We drove down an endless one lane road with moss growing down the middle of it. Soon, we came upon a massive manor house built sometime during the 1800's. In the dark, it seemed haunting, but the vista beyond it was unreal. Ruins of a castle built more than 1100 years ago and defended by Templar knights lay untouched by time. Only the vegetation and my children would seem to invade it today. I was pondering the idea of heading back to the states as my condition hadn't felt any better, but I could sense that if there was a place to heal, that this was it. The great ceilings in the home stand nearly 20 feet and the moldings within cannot be found elsewhere. Rodrick, it's owner, is a decedent of Lord Perceval, the original baron of the land from more than 1000 years ago. Little has changed since then. More than 1000 acres dotted with sheep graze their lands, while four dogs laze around the home waiting for scraps. In contrast to the larger mutts, the two working dogs tend to sheep proving who is really in charge on this farm. Our room was more like an apartment within the home with more than enough room for a dancer to leap around the floor. Funny enough, Peter sits so close at the moment that I can scarcely move my elbow while I type this. Much like sweet dogs that roam this property, he has enjoyed Temple House fully. He has run it's many acres and explored the ruins. Both he and Kate have made errors in judgment by touching the stinging nettles. They have explored the lake surround in row boats and seem to never want to leave. The miracle and the charm of this place is that time truly stands still here. Chris has enjoyed running through the single lane roads in the early mornings startling the sheep and in turn being equally startled back by their loud bellows. Kate has enjoyed the four course meal sitting under the massive portraits while they watch her sit at the same table that they had dined on many years before. I have enjoyed the feeling of less pain. The big house seems to have healed and given me a brighter outlook on the time to come in Ireland. I have enjoyed my camera even though it has been used far less than desired as I have had to take it slower than normal. For those that are searching for the less touristed part of Ireland, this area satisfies. Sinister Sligo has proven itself quite the opposite. The town is lively, the people are warm, and the scenery near the ocean is wild and the farmland is breathtaking. I won't soon forget it here and it's worth a revisit someday. The sun is shining, not a typical guarantee while in Ireland. So off we go to see what's ahead.
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