Begging the Question at Doonbeg

Trump Doonbeg Resort Hotel - view from the beach

Doonbeg Golf Course (You can't see the wind or the rain, but believe me, it's rugged)

Doonbeg is a destination golf resort on the west coast of Ireland, about one hour from the Shannon airport. It is a beautiful, rugged, isolated spot that looks like an old castle standing for eons. Not so. The resort was built to look like it was there forever, converted into an upscale luxury hotel with stone outbuildings and gorgeous gardens. Apparently, the rural area around Doonbeg suffered from little industry and high unemployment. When developers promoted Doonbeg as a destination, it provided meaningful work for many locals.  Unfortunately, the business struggled and failed.
But within the last year, Donald Trump's organization bought the Doonbeg property and tucked it under the Trump organization flag. The locals are thrilled to have the backing of Trump and his resources to provide more job security, steering business to the resort and the region.
While visiting Doonbeg last month, I heard a conversation at the hotel bar that went something like this:
Bartender to Guest: "Did you play golf today?"
Guest: "Yes, and it was great"
Bartender: "Was it the best course you ever played on?"
Guest: "Well, it was great, but I'm not sure I would say it was the best. Is Doonbeg really the best in Ireland?"
Bartender: "That's what we told Donald Trump when he asked for the best course in all of Ireland".

Eye Candy on Doonbeg"s Beach

Definitely Worth Bundling Up For a Walk on Doonbeg's Beach to See What's Going on Down There

Newport Rhode Island 375th Parade

A wholesome, sweet, all-American parade wound its way down Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island on June 21, 2014.  Musicians dressed in colonial soldiers' uniforms played brass horns and banged on drums as they arrived at Washington Square and stopped to perform in front of the judges' reviewing stand.  Clubs and groups marched proudly behind their banners. It was great fun to watch (and to jump into the street and snap photos).

Colonial Spirit in Newport

Preservation Society of Newport County's Float looked like a house rolling down the street

A little sneeze 

A little head scratch