Wednesday June 19

     Today, Maynard took Caroline and I first to meet with David Scott, Comminity and Educational Outreach Officer of the Grand Orange Lodge at Schomberg House. The Orange Order is a Protestant Unionist brotherhood that celebrate the victory of William at the Battle of the Boyne and are based here in Ulster. We were able to ask him about his job and everything he does. He gave us a short history of the lodge and explained what they do. He emphasized that they promote charity and outreach programs in the community. We also had the pleasure to meet Grand Orange Lodge Secretary Drew Nelson, Deputy Grand Master Reverend McAlister and Grand Master Harry Stevenson. Everyone we met was quite nice and they generously gave us a whole packet of information and goodies.

     Afterwards, Maynard was kind enough to take us to pick up batteries and send out our postcards and also bought us ice cream! He then took us through Newcastle and stopped for a picture and a bite to eat at The Gallery Cafe in Annalong on the way to visit where Maynard lives.

     We drove around Kilkeel, the Mourne town he lives in, and drove to Hanna Close, which are holiday cottages once opened by the Hannas (Maynard's family). We walked around a bit and got some lovely photos.

     Then, Caroline and I were fortunate enough to meet Maynard's lovely mother, May. She was so sweet and her house was absolutely lovely. Maynard then drove us back to our cottage where we refreshed ourselves and then went to the St. Patrick's Centre for a concert from a visiting choir from Chicago. After a quick clean up and more present shopping, we came home.

     The sky was absolutely gorgeous as the sun was setting, so I went out for a lovely walk. I found a public trail, ventured down to the lakeside, and found some of the ducks I had previously made friends with. After returning home I wound down for the night due to a headache.

I really don't want to go home.

      Much love, Kelsey