It's been three days with no internet access which I have to admit seemed a little strange...not that we really had time for it. We made it to Malin Head, the northern most point in Ireland, after a very interesting drive. Some of those mountains were really steeeeep! With nothing on the side but straight down a few of the spot were scarey!! In the end, OMG, was it ever worth it! The views were unbelievable and absolutely breathtaking. No wonder the dairy products over here are so good. The cows have such a great envionment to live in. We arrived in Northern Ireland on Thursday. It's very interesting to be in a politically divided city. Flags of the Republic on one side of the river and the Unionist on the other. They even have taken sides re: Palestine vs Israel and fly those as well. Derry itself is very large but has a great deal of modern. After a taxi tour of the city (Thank you, Michael for all your patience with all my picture taking) we attended a charity concert (From The Heart) with several well known musical artists. We had figured we'd be out by 10:00 - 10:30 but it didn't finish until after 12:00! Our original plan had been to drive back to our hotel after (an hour and a half's drive) but had a huge surprise when the lady who organized the concert invited us to stay at "the" local hotel, in a suite she had booked for one of the entertainers. Even without luggage we decided it was an invitation we could not refuse and quickly made our way to the hotel and bed. The next morning we decided instead of driving back down to our hotel and then up to the northern coast again we'd just pack up and head straight there, no make up, clean clothes or anything. With the wind we encountered hair was not a concern, mother nature took that into her own hands! Once again the views were unbelievable! Giant's Causeway and all the other little (and large) treasures that were tucked along the way are beyond description and I'm not sure the pictures will do them justice. The only bad thing that happened was that my camera batteries both ran out. Being that we hadn't made it back to our "home" hotel Friday night nothing was charged and we ran out of phone and camera "power"! We finally made it back last night around 8:30 and quickly collapsed. Neither of us could believe that we were not going to be able muster up the energy for another evening out but we also realized we were going to have an early call this morning.
Sunday morning it was up and out early for a quick dash (2 hours) to Mullingar, in the center of the country. It is located in what the people refer to as the "Midlands" and from what we have seen so far is a lovely town, not too big, but with everything you could want. We made it in time for mass at the cathedral, lunch and then located our B&B. Like I said earlier, it's been a quiet and lazy afternoon. My "driver" is really tired and resting and I'm trying to catch up with my emails and blog. It's will be out for dinner sometime soon and we'll see what other mischief we can get into this evening. Once again please forgive the spelling errors, I promise to take more time to make corrections.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Two for the price of one!
So now I've decided it's probably better just to skip to the present and not try to work my way backwards. The towns not commented on will be in the future when I learn how to add pictures to my blogs. (I'm told that I will learn how so have to believe that it can/will happen.)
So today is Tuesday, July 5th and our day started is the most beautiful rainbow I've ever seen. It was huge and so bright. Then it as off for a fairly early start and lots of adventure. I'm hoping I won't be any more stiff and sore than I already am after a wonderful 2 hour ride on the beach and through the sand dunes in Donegal. Some of the hills were massive and I have to admit that I was quite proud of myself to still be able to sit on a horse and not make a fool of myself. She was a very nice Gypsy horse and extremely well mannered. The back is a little broader than I'm used to but she could not have been sweeter and we had a great ride. My guide was considerate of the fact that it's probably been close to 20 years now since I'd last ridden but felt I did pretty well. I will admit I was most anxious to hit the shower following our excursion just to try and keep from getting too stiff. So now there's just one more "horse" thing left on my list and will be the races at Dundalk a week from today. We'll have to see if I can fare as well there as I have today.
It's very interesting to see all of the huge mountains that Ireland has. I guess I just never realized how many nor how big they would be. Tonight we are staying in the shadow of Benbulbin. While working our way from Westport today we stopped by yet another old cemetery and also Yeats grave at Drumcliff. We also saw one of the (supposed) best high crosses while there as well.
Sorry to make this so short but we're both really tired this evening...guess it was all the fresh air. We have a long drive tomorrow morning with an early start up to Malin Head, the northern most point in Ireland. At least I was finally able to somewhat catch up (even if I did skip three or four days. I do promise to try to stay more current and also to try to write when I'm not going cross-eyed! So off to bed now to listen to the rain on our window and hopefully another rainbow in the morning.
So today is Tuesday, July 5th and our day started is the most beautiful rainbow I've ever seen. It was huge and so bright. Then it as off for a fairly early start and lots of adventure. I'm hoping I won't be any more stiff and sore than I already am after a wonderful 2 hour ride on the beach and through the sand dunes in Donegal. Some of the hills were massive and I have to admit that I was quite proud of myself to still be able to sit on a horse and not make a fool of myself. She was a very nice Gypsy horse and extremely well mannered. The back is a little broader than I'm used to but she could not have been sweeter and we had a great ride. My guide was considerate of the fact that it's probably been close to 20 years now since I'd last ridden but felt I did pretty well. I will admit I was most anxious to hit the shower following our excursion just to try and keep from getting too stiff. So now there's just one more "horse" thing left on my list and will be the races at Dundalk a week from today. We'll have to see if I can fare as well there as I have today.
It's very interesting to see all of the huge mountains that Ireland has. I guess I just never realized how many nor how big they would be. Tonight we are staying in the shadow of Benbulbin. While working our way from Westport today we stopped by yet another old cemetery and also Yeats grave at Drumcliff. We also saw one of the (supposed) best high crosses while there as well.
Sorry to make this so short but we're both really tired this evening...guess it was all the fresh air. We have a long drive tomorrow morning with an early start up to Malin Head, the northern most point in Ireland. At least I was finally able to somewhat catch up (even if I did skip three or four days. I do promise to try to stay more current and also to try to write when I'm not going cross-eyed! So off to bed now to listen to the rain on our window and hopefully another rainbow in the morning.
Unusual 4th of July!
This is certainly a very different 4th for me. Instead of BBQ with some of my best friends and drinking margaritas, I'm 5500 miles away from home drinking Irish whiskey, Guinness and Bulmers and having Boxty and crab claws (not at the same time!). Just wish those same friends and others, were here.
Internet connections have been spotty. Sometimes you can get on with no problem but in a little while it throws you off and is very slow at best. Fingers crossed that it will hold tonight. I've been very lax in writing but there is so much to absorb.
I'm going to go backwards (trying to remember everything)....
Today we spent time at Kylemore Abby which looks like a fairy tale. You walk towards it and think it's a "model" of a Disney castle or something along those lines. It's just so perfect looking. It's is still being used as a private school, run by the nuns, on some of the most inspiring grounds. The view from the front door would make anyone want to live there. One gentleman walked into the dinning room commenting "not bad." I responded he'd possibly tolerate it and he agreed. The formal Victorian walled garden was massive and beautiful. Unfortunately I just could not walk it today with all the steep hills (more of why later). Had a great visit with one of the gardeners and was able to still get a number of pictures...thank goodness for telephoto lenses! Earlier in the day we went to Connemara (famous for it's ponies and marble). I know I say that everything is beautiful but it is! Each area is so unique. We drove the "loop" today stopping about every five minutes for pictures. Wonderful little waterfalls and streams along the way, peatbogs and phenomenal mountains. Lots of winding roads but fortunately not too many buses today. We finished our day with dinner on the Quay...not our usual 4th of July celebration but I'm not complaining.
Yesterday had an early start heading over to the Aran Islands. Huge crowds what with all the tour buses and our boat was oversold. We wound up having to sail to the middle island and then change boats in order to Inishmore. Once there we caught a tour around the island which will drop you at Dun Angus (sp?). It's an old circle fort that no one seems to know what it's purpose truly was. It's at the top of a very steep, rocky climb (hence the reason why I was able to do more today) but I made it to the top. The payoff was worth it for the views. Cliffs and oceans views that went forever. Built on limestone you wonder why they chose that particular area so dense with rock all around...at least they had plenty of building materials. After arriving back in Speiddal late our hostess at the B&B we were staying at had a wonderful dinner waiting for us so that we could relax for a bit before heading to "Trad on the Prom," a musical review of Irish music and dance with performers from River Dance and other similar shows. Incrediably talented musicians and the dancers were multi-timed champions. Well worth the effort to see. We stayed a a B&B that my fellow traveler had used her last time in Ireland. It's not advertised but for anyone staying in Connemara I can highly recommend it. The owners are the nicest people and made you feel like they were friends or family. Great conversation and so interesting. Wish we'd had a LOT more time to spend there just so we could visit with them. A very heavy musical history to them and could listen to them talk all night.
Saturday was our cooking class! Now maybe I can make my own brown bread. Love that stuff!! We also made scones, Date & Nut Bread with Guinness (you should have smelled that one baking...YUM!), and a Salmon and Leek Quiche, and yes, I even ate some of that! :) The day before we went to the Cliffs of Mohr and the Burren. I'm starting to think that our ancesstors were part mountain goat as everything seems to be at the top of mountains that have to be climbed and not a gentle slope either. One thing's for sure, I am getting my exercise.
Okay, so now I'm going to close this blog as the wifi kicked me off yet again (last night) and it's now Tuesday and I have no idea of where I am with this. New one to start soon.
Internet connections have been spotty. Sometimes you can get on with no problem but in a little while it throws you off and is very slow at best. Fingers crossed that it will hold tonight. I've been very lax in writing but there is so much to absorb.
I'm going to go backwards (trying to remember everything)....
Today we spent time at Kylemore Abby which looks like a fairy tale. You walk towards it and think it's a "model" of a Disney castle or something along those lines. It's just so perfect looking. It's is still being used as a private school, run by the nuns, on some of the most inspiring grounds. The view from the front door would make anyone want to live there. One gentleman walked into the dinning room commenting "not bad." I responded he'd possibly tolerate it and he agreed. The formal Victorian walled garden was massive and beautiful. Unfortunately I just could not walk it today with all the steep hills (more of why later). Had a great visit with one of the gardeners and was able to still get a number of pictures...thank goodness for telephoto lenses! Earlier in the day we went to Connemara (famous for it's ponies and marble). I know I say that everything is beautiful but it is! Each area is so unique. We drove the "loop" today stopping about every five minutes for pictures. Wonderful little waterfalls and streams along the way, peatbogs and phenomenal mountains. Lots of winding roads but fortunately not too many buses today. We finished our day with dinner on the Quay...not our usual 4th of July celebration but I'm not complaining.
Yesterday had an early start heading over to the Aran Islands. Huge crowds what with all the tour buses and our boat was oversold. We wound up having to sail to the middle island and then change boats in order to Inishmore. Once there we caught a tour around the island which will drop you at Dun Angus (sp?). It's an old circle fort that no one seems to know what it's purpose truly was. It's at the top of a very steep, rocky climb (hence the reason why I was able to do more today) but I made it to the top. The payoff was worth it for the views. Cliffs and oceans views that went forever. Built on limestone you wonder why they chose that particular area so dense with rock all around...at least they had plenty of building materials. After arriving back in Speiddal late our hostess at the B&B we were staying at had a wonderful dinner waiting for us so that we could relax for a bit before heading to "Trad on the Prom," a musical review of Irish music and dance with performers from River Dance and other similar shows. Incrediably talented musicians and the dancers were multi-timed champions. Well worth the effort to see. We stayed a a B&B that my fellow traveler had used her last time in Ireland. It's not advertised but for anyone staying in Connemara I can highly recommend it. The owners are the nicest people and made you feel like they were friends or family. Great conversation and so interesting. Wish we'd had a LOT more time to spend there just so we could visit with them. A very heavy musical history to them and could listen to them talk all night.
Saturday was our cooking class! Now maybe I can make my own brown bread. Love that stuff!! We also made scones, Date & Nut Bread with Guinness (you should have smelled that one baking...YUM!), and a Salmon and Leek Quiche, and yes, I even ate some of that! :) The day before we went to the Cliffs of Mohr and the Burren. I'm starting to think that our ancesstors were part mountain goat as everything seems to be at the top of mountains that have to be climbed and not a gentle slope either. One thing's for sure, I am getting my exercise.
Okay, so now I'm going to close this blog as the wifi kicked me off yet again (last night) and it's now Tuesday and I have no idea of where I am with this. New one to start soon.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Eloquence?
Interesting couple of days!
Friday evening was wonderful with laughter, music and celebration. After spending the better part of the day sightseeing at Jerpoint Abby, in the rain, we arrived at the hotel with time to shower and change for the evening. Fun program of chatter and music starring a friend of ours. Very interesting hearing about his childhood and also the pride that people have in relating stories about his growing up and successes. Then on to his mother's 70tht birthday party. Wonderful celebration for a very nice lady. Had a great laugh walking back to the hotel. EVERYONE walks everywhere! That's wonderful when you know where you're going but we've been having issues even finding our B&Bs!
Saturday morning we started out with our own personal tour guide taking us to the Heritage Center in Wexford. Lovely new facility telling the history of Ireland through the ages. After a walk around the park we proceded To a local hotel for some tea and great converstion. After dropping our host off we were on our way to "The Famine Ship," a replica a the real thing with a lot of information of how it was for those having to escape the famine and trying to save their families and create a new life. It was hard at times to listen to what was being said knowing that some of my own relatives didn't make it across to see that new life. On on to lovely Kinsale, a beautiful seaside town with some of the tinest streets you've ever seen and no street signs. We made a stop at the Spainard an historical pub in the area. Had a wonderful meeting some of the locals and even picked up some tips on the quest for the family history. After a drink and more "craic" (fun) we headed into the town for our B&B. We finally gave up after much searching and asked for assistance. The local garda (police {female}) lead us, on foot of course, to our B&B which was only a few yards away! How embarrassing!!! Have to say we've had a couple of small rooms before but nothing this small! The reviews were interesting...all glowing about the breakfast and have to say that was it's very best point. Great food, service and the dining room was so perfect for a bright sunny morning.
Sunday brought new challenges should I say? Once we were on the road we headed off to Cobh another site for those leaving for America, Canada and points beyond. Also was given more ideas of where to look for our family. One thing's for sure, the people here really seem to want thos interested to be able to find the "missing" pieces. Next, off to Blarney Castle where I fulfilled one of my Mother's dreams...I kissed the stone! I made it up to the top (have to say I'm really proud of that accomplishment) and have the picture to prove it. The view from the top of the castle was beyond discription. You can see forever and it was just amazing. I will admit that once I made it down from the castle my legs were shaking. Don't think I've used that many muscles in a while. Would love to let Dr. H (my surgeon) how well those knees work! For sure I'll have to let Steve, my friend and physical therapist know. A little shopping done afterwards and off to our B&B for this evening. We've been doing pretty well getting to and from places but locating the B&Bs still seems to be a bit of a challenge. How do they expect you to find things without street signs?
Well, this has been rather lengthy but did want to bring you all up to date on our adventures. Tomorrow we'll be off to Kerry, the county of our "family." Hopefully I will have good luck in my search tomorrow. Maybe the give of "eloquence" will help serve me....fingers crossed! ;)
Friday evening was wonderful with laughter, music and celebration. After spending the better part of the day sightseeing at Jerpoint Abby, in the rain, we arrived at the hotel with time to shower and change for the evening. Fun program of chatter and music starring a friend of ours. Very interesting hearing about his childhood and also the pride that people have in relating stories about his growing up and successes. Then on to his mother's 70tht birthday party. Wonderful celebration for a very nice lady. Had a great laugh walking back to the hotel. EVERYONE walks everywhere! That's wonderful when you know where you're going but we've been having issues even finding our B&Bs!
Saturday morning we started out with our own personal tour guide taking us to the Heritage Center in Wexford. Lovely new facility telling the history of Ireland through the ages. After a walk around the park we proceded To a local hotel for some tea and great converstion. After dropping our host off we were on our way to "The Famine Ship," a replica a the real thing with a lot of information of how it was for those having to escape the famine and trying to save their families and create a new life. It was hard at times to listen to what was being said knowing that some of my own relatives didn't make it across to see that new life. On on to lovely Kinsale, a beautiful seaside town with some of the tinest streets you've ever seen and no street signs. We made a stop at the Spainard an historical pub in the area. Had a wonderful meeting some of the locals and even picked up some tips on the quest for the family history. After a drink and more "craic" (fun) we headed into the town for our B&B. We finally gave up after much searching and asked for assistance. The local garda (police {female}) lead us, on foot of course, to our B&B which was only a few yards away! How embarrassing!!! Have to say we've had a couple of small rooms before but nothing this small! The reviews were interesting...all glowing about the breakfast and have to say that was it's very best point. Great food, service and the dining room was so perfect for a bright sunny morning.
Sunday brought new challenges should I say? Once we were on the road we headed off to Cobh another site for those leaving for America, Canada and points beyond. Also was given more ideas of where to look for our family. One thing's for sure, the people here really seem to want thos interested to be able to find the "missing" pieces. Next, off to Blarney Castle where I fulfilled one of my Mother's dreams...I kissed the stone! I made it up to the top (have to say I'm really proud of that accomplishment) and have the picture to prove it. The view from the top of the castle was beyond discription. You can see forever and it was just amazing. I will admit that once I made it down from the castle my legs were shaking. Don't think I've used that many muscles in a while. Would love to let Dr. H (my surgeon) how well those knees work! For sure I'll have to let Steve, my friend and physical therapist know. A little shopping done afterwards and off to our B&B for this evening. We've been doing pretty well getting to and from places but locating the B&Bs still seems to be a bit of a challenge. How do they expect you to find things without street signs?
Well, this has been rather lengthy but did want to bring you all up to date on our adventures. Tomorrow we'll be off to Kerry, the county of our "family." Hopefully I will have good luck in my search tomorrow. Maybe the give of "eloquence" will help serve me....fingers crossed! ;)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
At Last!!!
WE'RE HERE!!!
It took forever but we finally arrived this afternoon. Only 5 1/2 hours late and all of it sitting on a plane. I've never liked O'Hare and dislike it even more now. I know EP has blogged about the details so I won't go through the details again only to say given a choice I think I will find some other city to fly through in the future.
We finally set out on our adventure this afternoon and in just a very short period of time the country has proven all my dreams about it true. Discovered the most beautiful waterfall and mountains. Have already seen and taken pictures of sheep and even a deer! Have seen a few horses off in the distance but will make up for that tomorrow morning when we head to the National Stud Farm. Finally made it to our B&B at 7:30, checked in and after a brief visit with our host headed for a nearby pub and our first pint! (Pictures to follow)
Unfortunately after being up for over 60 hours since I've seen a bed mine is calling to me. It's now 11:30 and we both need sleep. I do promise more details soon. For now let's just say the dream is coming true!
It took forever but we finally arrived this afternoon. Only 5 1/2 hours late and all of it sitting on a plane. I've never liked O'Hare and dislike it even more now. I know EP has blogged about the details so I won't go through the details again only to say given a choice I think I will find some other city to fly through in the future.
We finally set out on our adventure this afternoon and in just a very short period of time the country has proven all my dreams about it true. Discovered the most beautiful waterfall and mountains. Have already seen and taken pictures of sheep and even a deer! Have seen a few horses off in the distance but will make up for that tomorrow morning when we head to the National Stud Farm. Finally made it to our B&B at 7:30, checked in and after a brief visit with our host headed for a nearby pub and our first pint! (Pictures to follow)
Unfortunately after being up for over 60 hours since I've seen a bed mine is calling to me. It's now 11:30 and we both need sleep. I do promise more details soon. For now let's just say the dream is coming true!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Butterflies and Knots!
Well, the count down has really begun. A week from right now I had better be in bed....no sleep, but at least in bed. Everything will have been done and all the anticipation behind us.
I was given a small preview of things to come from my nephew and his wife this weekend. They just returned from a whirlwind 9 days and enjoyed all of it. Sue is ready to go back anytime and be with her "Gypsies" and any other horse she can find. They visited a Gypsy Breeder and all her mares and foals followed her everywhere; the National Stud Farm and even caught some horse races on the beach! What I've seen of the pictures so far have been wonderful! (Anything with a horse in it makes the two of us happy.) :) Comments from both of them have moved me to the melancholy mood once again especially when Michael says that he wishes his Grandmother could have been there. :'/ When Sue and I finished talking their first day back I had so many butterflies in my stomach! I'm so anxious to be able to share some of the same experiences with them. Our first week will be in some of the same counties and towns that they visited with a few others thrown in for good measure. Another new adventure has been added, thank you, to a new friend in Wexford. There will be a special "Ladies Only" event that he will be performing at and has been kind enough to invite us to. Not only will we get to enjoy his beautiful voice but a tour of his home town. It always makes it special to see a place through the "natives" eyes.
I actually kept my goal of packing this last weekend (sort of). Trying to figure out what I can take in carry on without upsetting the TSA and what I should check is a bit challenging. All I could think of was I needed the help of my friend Priscilla. She's an amazing "packer" and can put more things in a small space. I've actually got plenty of room in both cases but am just trying to be sure not to be overweight on the checked piece. It's been rather sad to talk with both her and my other best friend, Deanna. The two of them are beyond sisters to me and I don't get to see either of them often enough what with Priscilla in Texas and Deanna recently moved a good two hour drive away. And now to be gone for as long as we are it will seem very strange. Really wish they could be joining us. At least we have email and Skype.
Just a few more errands to run; bank, cleaners and a couple of other little things to pick up. Oh, and cat food. Poor Katie. I know she'll have good care. Another friend to will be looking out for her (with a "back up" just in case). Fortunately Nancy LOVES animals and has offered to make sure Daddy's baby is well cared for during my absence. She'll probably be even more spoiled than she already is by the time Nancy finishes with her.
Just little things left now. Almost all set. Spending the weekend with my father and having a great Father's Day celebration is my primary goal now. He's been so encouraging and supportive about this whole trip. It's made it so much easier to do this. So all that is left now is deep breathes and try to relax those knots I'm feeling right now. The dream is really coming true!
I was given a small preview of things to come from my nephew and his wife this weekend. They just returned from a whirlwind 9 days and enjoyed all of it. Sue is ready to go back anytime and be with her "Gypsies" and any other horse she can find. They visited a Gypsy Breeder and all her mares and foals followed her everywhere; the National Stud Farm and even caught some horse races on the beach! What I've seen of the pictures so far have been wonderful! (Anything with a horse in it makes the two of us happy.) :) Comments from both of them have moved me to the melancholy mood once again especially when Michael says that he wishes his Grandmother could have been there. :'/ When Sue and I finished talking their first day back I had so many butterflies in my stomach! I'm so anxious to be able to share some of the same experiences with them. Our first week will be in some of the same counties and towns that they visited with a few others thrown in for good measure. Another new adventure has been added, thank you, to a new friend in Wexford. There will be a special "Ladies Only" event that he will be performing at and has been kind enough to invite us to. Not only will we get to enjoy his beautiful voice but a tour of his home town. It always makes it special to see a place through the "natives" eyes.
I actually kept my goal of packing this last weekend (sort of). Trying to figure out what I can take in carry on without upsetting the TSA and what I should check is a bit challenging. All I could think of was I needed the help of my friend Priscilla. She's an amazing "packer" and can put more things in a small space. I've actually got plenty of room in both cases but am just trying to be sure not to be overweight on the checked piece. It's been rather sad to talk with both her and my other best friend, Deanna. The two of them are beyond sisters to me and I don't get to see either of them often enough what with Priscilla in Texas and Deanna recently moved a good two hour drive away. And now to be gone for as long as we are it will seem very strange. Really wish they could be joining us. At least we have email and Skype.
Just a few more errands to run; bank, cleaners and a couple of other little things to pick up. Oh, and cat food. Poor Katie. I know she'll have good care. Another friend to will be looking out for her (with a "back up" just in case). Fortunately Nancy LOVES animals and has offered to make sure Daddy's baby is well cared for during my absence. She'll probably be even more spoiled than she already is by the time Nancy finishes with her.
Just little things left now. Almost all set. Spending the weekend with my father and having a great Father's Day celebration is my primary goal now. He's been so encouraging and supportive about this whole trip. It's made it so much easier to do this. So all that is left now is deep breathes and try to relax those knots I'm feeling right now. The dream is really coming true!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Family, Organization and (Happy) Tears
What a weekend! All my great plans for getting a lot accomplished here at home didn't quite come to fruition but have to say it's been an eventful one! Visits with best friends (Avery, your hamburgers were wonderful as always), picking out a new camera (and hoping it's not too much smarter than me; thanks for the advice, Cameron), changing the itinerary yet again for new adventures (Wexford has now been added) and best of all, my nephew and his wife with two of their friends are in Ireland as I speak having arrived this morning!! Actually as I write this they are probably getting ready to start their second day. From Sue's email it seems they have already been bitten by the Irish bug. She's saying they are loving it (was there ever any doubt?) and that I will as well. So anxious to hear every detail. It's hard to believe it was last Christmas that we all started the discussions and now here we are.
My organization is not what I'd like it to be at this point but at least I really do have everything I need so no more shopping. Just a few things to fine tune...stretching a pair of shoes in one spot just to keep them comfortable, learning how to use the camera, making final decisions regarding what to wear (and choosing what weighs the least) and alterations on a couple of pairs of pants. Having to take an extra pair of boots so we can go riding in Donegal was something I hadn't planned on but no boots/no ride are their rules and I'm not going to miss out on that part of the dream because of a pair of shoes. My goal is still to be packed by the week before we leave. Finished giving the airlines the passport information they require and made my reservations for the SuperShuttle pickup (do I really need to be up at 2:30 a.m.? Oh well, it's not like I'll be sleeping anyway!).
Lots of emotional times these three days as well. Just thinking of those who so long ago boarded ships for the treacherous journey here, family members who were able to make the trip back to "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" and those who wanted to so much but weren't able. And now Mike and Sue returning to where their ancestors came from and myself not too far behind. It still seems very dreamlike. Yes, I'm very excited but at the same time it seems unreal. I wonder how I will really react when we finally set down in Dublin. No matter what, it's going to be an adventure and one that I hope to fully appreciate.
As I finish we are now at 20 days!
My organization is not what I'd like it to be at this point but at least I really do have everything I need so no more shopping. Just a few things to fine tune...stretching a pair of shoes in one spot just to keep them comfortable, learning how to use the camera, making final decisions regarding what to wear (and choosing what weighs the least) and alterations on a couple of pairs of pants. Having to take an extra pair of boots so we can go riding in Donegal was something I hadn't planned on but no boots/no ride are their rules and I'm not going to miss out on that part of the dream because of a pair of shoes. My goal is still to be packed by the week before we leave. Finished giving the airlines the passport information they require and made my reservations for the SuperShuttle pickup (do I really need to be up at 2:30 a.m.? Oh well, it's not like I'll be sleeping anyway!).
Lots of emotional times these three days as well. Just thinking of those who so long ago boarded ships for the treacherous journey here, family members who were able to make the trip back to "Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore" and those who wanted to so much but weren't able. And now Mike and Sue returning to where their ancestors came from and myself not too far behind. It still seems very dreamlike. Yes, I'm very excited but at the same time it seems unreal. I wonder how I will really react when we finally set down in Dublin. No matter what, it's going to be an adventure and one that I hope to fully appreciate.
As I finish we are now at 20 days!
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