On Our Way To Dingle Peninsula Today

We are going to Dingle Peninsula today. It will be about a three hour drive one way. There is supposed to be some beautiful scenery along the coastline once we get there. We will travel on what they call the motorway....much like our freeways. One of the interesting attractions is a dolphin that traveled in from the ocean several years ago and took up residence. You can rent a boat and take a little excursion out to see it. I have thought seriously of swimming with the dolphin but then I think of something Sara Beth said when she interviewed for a teaching position in Iowa....."Do you really want to see me in a swimming suit?"

After we all get ready for the day, we are going to the bank to do our first money exchange. American dollars will be exchanged for Euro. I asked Joe this morning if it was Euro or Euros because I have heard people use both. He said it is Euro. They also say cent and not cents. One cent, two cent, three cent, four. Yep, I am about to break out in rhyme!

It continues to be difficult to post pictures on the blog from here. I have some beautiful pictures and I will treat you all to a wonderful picture show as soon as I am able.

I love you family and miss you!

Just A Little Catch Up

Today we are going to the Aran Islands. We will be traveling by car for 2 1/2 hours to reach the ferry that will be taking us to the Island. I will get all the names later, because the truth is we must all get showered and dressed and in the car and on the way.

Every day so far has been perfect. Today is our fifth day here. On the second day, know what Joe said? Makes me laugh! He said, "Well, we made it through the first day." I know what he meant, and I also know the fun I can have with it. We have settled into sort of a routine. We get up, hang out, think about what we want to do and then do it. So far we have caught up on some sleep, then lost sleep, done some grocery shopping, eaten two meals out in two different pubs, had an irish breakfast and a tour of Dublin by Joe's friend, Sean. We have visited Joe's sisters' homes, eaten their wonderful food and experienced their warm welcoming hospitality, hugged and kissed, traveled Ireland's narrow and beautiful roads that are lined on both sides with stone walls covered in ivy. I didn't expect the beauty of the countryside. I have seen pictures and postcards, but once we left the town of Nenagh and I saw the countryside for myself I had two thoughts....There is a God! And, the other thought was how great cows look here! I know, I know....hard to live with such a romanticist!

Yesterday was one of our hang out days. Joe's friend, Pat, stopped by. We sat in Joe's sitting room, shared some food and tea and talked of Irish history and other things. At one point we got to talking about singing. I asked Pat if he would sing for us. Guess what he said? He said he he would. He sang three or four songs and promised to come back another day and sing again for us.

I said to Pat before he left, "Sometimes you have to go out to have a great experience, but today the great experience came to us!" It was so true. Little did we know that the day we needed to and chose to stay home that Pat would show up at the door and give us one of the nicest experiences we could have had. Sometimes we need to make things happen and sometimes we need to let things happen.

I have been trying to load a picture as I write, but it has not come up yet. And, I must go shower so we can get to the ferry straighaway!

A Picture Is Worth.....

Well, this is finally showing up!! And, I have no idea how it finally did! I have been trying to post this picture all morning with no luck.

This picture is of me doing my blog in the wee hours of the morning...there is a reason you can only see my hands!!

I am glad to finally see the picture show up!

The post below is what was written when this picture was taken.

It's Still Hitting Me

For those of you who know me, you know that I like to be in each and every moment of my life. I am sitting at Joe's kitchen table enjoying Honey Nut Cheerios, orange juice and coffee. See kids, you were right! No matter where I am I find the frontage road of life! History surrounds us. We are sitting in the close vicinity of the Nenagh Castle which was built around the 11th century and I will get there too. For the moment, I am making my own history in Ireland. Right now Joe is doing his best not to interrupt me while I am trying to compose. That will be a part of the history too. In fact, I think the best stories have to do with real people in real time.

Today, we will be taking a drive to meet Joe's sisters and share a meal with them. I feel like I already know them. I have talked with all three of them on yahoo instant messenger and am truly looking forward to seeing them in person, giving them hugs and thanking them for making Tom and me feel so welcome. They all helped Joe get settled in his new home. I see their touches everywhere. Joe has done everything in his power to make his home our home for the time we are here.

Yesterday was the perfect day. It was the day I wanted to have. My laptop has not been working here. Joe and Tom did their best to get it fixed but to no avail. They have promised me they will get it fixed on Monday. I hope it works. Then my life will really be back to normal. Normal in Ireland, that is! I am smiling as I write that! I think I have thought this is a trip of a lifetime. It is really an experience of a lifetime.

Ok, kids. Joe has just reported that your father has learned that Nenagh Castle is from the 12th century, and not the 11th century. He couldn't stand not knowing so he went up to Joe's other computer to do research and get the facts. Does this bring back memories? It just goes to show, everywhere we go there we are!

If anyone is still reading, I am going to stop for now. Once I start sharing my moments I have invited you into my inner world. There will be more to come. I love you!

P.S. Tom and Joe are alot alike at times. Dad has since reported Nenagh Castle is from 1200. Joe's report is that it is from the 13th century. Now the two of them both know something they didn't know before and so do the rest of us! I love my life!

I am having such a good time!!

Some Things Are Unbelievably Beautiful

On our way to Ireland, Tom and I saw this beautiful sunset and this spectacular sunrise!!

It Is Hitting Me Now

We are flying to Ireland today!! And, of all days, I woke up with a cold..sore throat, a little congestion, some laryngitis and a whole lot of concern. This meant a call to the doctor clinic and a prayer that I could be seen and get something that would fall inside the new travel guidelines. Fortunately, I could be seen and I am now the proud and happy owner/traveler with my medical needs met!!

I have to shower, finish packing and CALM DOWN!

To finish this post for now, I want to share another Irish saying.

Rath De Ort!

It means...The Grace of God go with you!

Sonny Roo Made Me Do It

Ok...so I like to have a little fun! I am a girl and I didn't want to have to shave my legs for the two weeks I am in Ireland. So, I had my legs waxed for the first time in 63 years. Owie!!

But, the fun didn't stop there. I decided to also treat myself to a pedicure for the first time in 63 years. I'm beginning to think I am a little late getting into this pampering business!

Iris, the wonderful lady who did my pedicure asked me if I wanted a flower painted on my toenail. I said, "Nooooooooo!" She looked at me with a question mark in her eyes and then I said, "But, can you do a shamrock?"

What better way to get ready to go to Ireland!

When I told my son, Adam, about it....he said..."Mom, you need to put that on the blog!" And, I always always always do what I am told.

Is that laughter I hear?

Gosh...Two Days Before The Trip

It is only two days before we fly to Ireland! I have been preparing for this for at least five weeks and still wonder if I am ready! It will all be over once I board the plane. What has been forgotten can be charged....isn't that what all the commercials say?

Here is what I know most of all at this very moment! I feel like dancing!! I love this music and it makes me want to waltz around the room.

Such excitement wrapped in love and gratitude for my family and friends and the new family and new friends I will be meeting in Ireland!

Cead Meile Failte

Hi everyone! This is my friend Joe. He is the one Tom and I are going to visit in Ireland. I have known Joe for about a year now. I have come to know his family of origin and his children and grandchildren and he has come to know my children and grandchildren as well.

The words cead meile failte are pronounced kade meala faulta and it means..........

"A hundred thousand welcomes."

Joe has made me and my family feel welcome a hundred thousand different ways.

Thank you Joe! We will be seeing you soon up in the morning on Friday. Funny thing Joe. Up in the morning on Friday is what my dad always said to me when he was returning home from his travels each week.

The song that is playing is "The Spinning Wheel." It is the first Irish song Joe taught me. He sang what would be the chorus for me. Now, that was a treat!

No Matter Where I Am

If you wish to hear Judy sing her lullaby, just click on the little pink player below. I hope you enjoy it!

To my family,

No matter where I am, I will carry you in my heart.

In just a few days I will be resting my head right here, in Ireland.

I love you!

Mom
xo xo xo