My full name is Clare Annette Aylward: I look just like her mom, who is from Germany, though my love of Irish music must come from my dad’s family, who comes from Newfoundland.
Some folks know me from my parent’s bakery and restaurant in Sonoita, Arizona: The Grasslands. Some even remember me from her parent’s bakery in Tucson in the late 70′s and early 80′s, Monika’s Bakery. Everyone who knows me knows I always say I’m going to move away from Tucson; but I’ve been here most of my life and haven’t found a way out yet.
If I had it my way, I’d draw, paint, sew and play my fiddle all day long. Being an artisit is a solitary life but I like it. I’d take breaks to walk, swim, and work in my garden or around the house. Since I haven’t figured out how to do this just yet, I have a day job and work as a social worker in a local Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and I must say that I really do love my job: I work with a great team, and I find it fulfilling to make a positive contribution to families and children in crisis.
I’ve had some success selling my art quilts and hope to sell more. The last one I sold helped me remodel my kitchen; I hope my current work-in-progress will help me remodel the bathroom. I don’t think anything’s been done to upgrade it in 50 years.
Hello or as they say in Newfoundland (how are you gettin on bye ).
My name is Denis Trainor and I’m from Port Kirwan or as it used to be called Admiral’s Cove. but I’ve lived in British Columbia since 1969. You said in your blog that your dads family came from N.F.L.D. Is your dad related to the Aylwards that live in Port Kirwan? I got your blog on the internet. I googled in Port Kirwan and the first thing that came up was your site and how you had talked to Adrian Fennelly who is about 5 yrs. older than me. I haven’t seen him for about 10yrs.. I hopeto see him this summer at the Come Home Year gig. Are you or your Dad going back this summer? If you are going back we’ll see you this summer. Bye for now. Denis
I am from the cove.. You look a lot like Pat Alyward’s daughter , Brenda. same coloring .Hope you are coming home for the reunion. summer of 2010
Hope you came and enjoyed yourself. I ,also, hope you attended the folk festival in St Johns.
Sean, yes, I had a great time. Unfortunately the folk festival in St. John’s was the same weekend as the Port Kirwan Come Home Year, and I couldn’t do both! I heard the folk festival is great. Maybe next year. I really loved Newfoundland.
Sean, I had a fantastic time in Port Kirwan; I saw so sad that the folk festival at Bannerman park was the same weekend as the Come Home Year….because I couldn’t make it to St. John’s for the festival. Well, maybe next time I make it back there!
Hi We met at the Come HOme Year in Port Kirwand. YOu were visiting my mom and dad’s house (Veronica and Michael Walsh). I wish I had known you were a quilter. I am too! I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip and hope to see you again.
Yes, that was a great visit, but too short; I’m glad I got to meet your dad briefly the day before, Ed O’Neill took a photo of us which he kindly sent to me, so I’ll forward it to you. It was a great time, and I know Mary was so happy to see you all.
I hope to see you in Newfoundland again sometime soon.