We're hearing a lot about 'green shoots' in terms of a bit of economic recovery and with the amount of rainfall we are having lately it shouldn't be any time at all before these shoots will develop into fully grown money trees! Seriously though, I do see signs of recovery, no matter how slight they are. For starters I think the recession is becoming a part time plague that infects us from about tea time on Sunday until lunchtime on Friday – then it clears up for the weekend when we all seem to forget about it.

Last Saturday I went on tour to Kerry – not my usual Portmagee – but to the Smugglers in Waterville where my sister-in-law had unearthed a great deal – offering a free room when you spend €90 per couple on dinner and she booked us all in. Before dinner we went for a pint to 'The Fishermans' in Waterville, a pub I had never been in; to be honest, I don't think I've ever been in any pub in Waterville! The Fisherman's was buzzing with diners and drinkers and not surprisingly since the food being served look terrific – a sneaky glance at their menu indicated that the prices are good too. I was surprised to see eight Yanks at the table next to us, not only were they eating dinner but they were quaffing wine to. Surprised, I say, because Yanks are an endangered species or so we're told, but Yanks spending big bucks on food and wine are even more so! On we went to the Smugglers and before dinner we checked into our room, which promptly got the thumbs down. The receptionist suggested that we get an upgrade for €20 and, while I thought that would ruin the object of our little exercise, my wife insisted, so we moved to a room with a fabulous view of the ocean. Mind you, it was cold enough to make you believe that you were sleeping on the sea bed. Next came dinner and there was nothing off-putting about that – the food as always was excellent in the Smugglers; I don't think I have ever eaten a bad or even mediocre meal there. Great food and great company and even more Yanks at the table next to us and they too were quaffing wine! A gang load of golfers.