June 17

As everyone was getting themselves ready for the day we hear a knock at the door. It was Ann McCourt. Ann is a cousin to my mother; I have not seen her or her husband Pat for years. At one time they lived in the United States and stayed with my brother Desi in Richmond Virginia. As a matter of fact some of their children were born in the states.
They have since come back to Ireland and reside in Derry. How she found us, I don’t know but you have to remember this is a small town and word travels that the Americans are here.
After a few hours of catching up we decide it’s time to go so we set a time meet up again later in the week. The caravan starts out and heads towards Derry so my father can spend time with his sister and we all can go and tour the city.
Derry is a “walled city”, what I mean is the city literally has a stone wall around the center of the town which is about a mile long with six gates. The wall was built by the English to protect their farms and homes back in the 16th century. Catholic’s were allowed in during the day but had to be out by night fall when the gates would be locked.

We decide to explore and meet in a few hours. The boys go one way and the rest of us another. I think my sister Sheila and Terrie just couldn’t stay away from the shopping. I have to say I had to drag my MaryKate out of a store or two also. My opinion is we can buy anything they need in the states and along with the weak dollar it’s not much of a bargain, but try to tell that to my sister, nieces and daughter.

We return to my Aunt Nora’s home and pick up her and Pop. Nora will be staying with us during our visit.