Coleraine

It was another gorgeous day here. I can't believe the amount of sun we're seeing. (Knock on wood). I don't want to jinx it, but the last few weeks have been amazing. The lambs are out the fields, the flowers are in bloom and it's sunny, definitely feels like spring.

We were able to do a small outing today, just us girls. My MIL had a meeting in Coleraine, so O and I got dropped off at the centre of town and walked around. It was so nice, not only to be out of the house, but just a lovely day. Coleraine is smaller the our usual haunt, Cookstown, but has a shopping center and a pedestrian only town centre which made walking around that much easier. It's north of our location, headed towards the coast.  We didn't have any money, but it was nice to poke around and make a wish list. I did finally find some parenting magazines in the books shop, I didn't get one but I've been dying to see the difference between UK and American mags. Also found a pair of lovely ankle boots at New Look I'm dying to get. I found that the clothes over here at the "cheaper" stores are much more fashionable. For example the styles you would find in say Banana Republic would be at Old Navy prices. The clothing is also much more feminine. I am finding myself wanting to dress up a little bit more then the good old New England t-shirt and jeans look. Anyways, O and I had a wonderful day together. She was great, waving to everyone and didn't whine at all, even though she was in the stroller for about 2 hours shopping.  Below is another photo blog. The MIL has meetings in Derry tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to go shopping again with O.



The view of the countryside on our way to Coleraine. The sky was the clearest blue I've seen in a long time.



O snuggled up with her lovely and monkey.

Other side of the road. Again lovely sky.

Bann bridge in downtown Coleraine. The one on the left is the original bridge, the right is a just a foot path.

Looking up the pedestrian only shopping area.

Eating lunch outside in the square. Gotta love the face!

This building was in the town square, very pretty, but I couldn't tell you what it was for.

St. Patrick's church. I think is was Protestant based on the flags in the antechamber. It was lovely inside with a wooden cathedral ceiling. It has an amazing graveyard all around it.

Here is one of many old headstones. Most were from the 1800's, but a few were older.



Not sure if you can see this one, but I think the date of death for Mr. Wilson was 1742. Notice the crest and shield at the top. In New England at this stage we would have had skulls with wings. The difference would have come from a more severe look at death from the Puritans that settle New England. (sorry, slipped in a history lesson)



Many of the headstones were weather away so you couldn't see how old they were. The trees made it feel even older.

This is from Mark's & Spencer's (closest comparison is Target). I just loved the retro look of all the sweeties.

Enjoying a chocolate chip cookie at the local food court. It was nice to just hang out with O outside the house. She's much less whiny.

Mommy's new shades.  Found for 1.99

Just thought I would put this in because you would probably not find this in America and I know many of you are also Jane Austen fans. Trying to convince husband to let me get it. If I do it will almost finish my Austen movie collection. (Yes I am a wee bit obsessed).

Finished the trip with a visit to Aunt Bridge in Kilrea. This is O with my husband's cousin R. O loves playing with R, he puts her in fits of laughter. 

oíche mhaith