Ireland day four

Left our wonderful hosts in Cork and headed west to Killgorin and the ring of Kerry. Passed some of the most beautiful, verdant green land ever. Lots of sheep, wool factories and wool shops. Also passed some of the most spectacular seascapes ever.

Drove to the Dingle peninsula where is apparently great surfing ??? According to a local lady. Also met an ice cream shop owner originally from New York. Talked rugby and hurling in the pub with awesome bar tender.  Jim now has hurling stick. His next athletic endeavor?

Ireland day 3

Scattered Mac's ashes off a beautiful bridge in the shadow of Blarney Castle. We were touched to tears by the lovely woman who refused to take our money once she heard our story.

So much green lush natural beauty, ancient stone structures and lots of fairy and witch folklore.  We did climb the steep stone steps to kiss the Blarney Stone. Yup they did have us bend over backwards to kiss the stone all the while holding tight to us so we did not fall down the crevice!

Explored the port city of Cork and pub grub in a rugby/Gaelic football/soccer sports bar.  Wonderful!!!!!

Ireland day two

After braving many narrow stairways and roads and still remembering to drive.on the left side of the road we arrived in cork. More sweet wonderful people who seem to love Americans. I was a little afraid we might encounter anti American bias.

We are close to Blarney castle and will scatter dad-in-law's ashes there tomorrow. 

Book club ladies I am reading James Joyce Jonathan swift and Jm Synge. Having my own Irish authors celebration.

Ireland day one

Greeted by sunshine as we arrived at Dublin airport and so far lovely weather everywhere.  Everyone has been so sweet starting with our Irish flight attendant. Everyone has been touched I think to hear Jim's promise to his dad to bring his ashes home to his ancestral land. Mac always was a proud Irish American.

After Jim's very brave 2 hour drive on the left side. Of the road!!!!!!!!!!!! We arrived in. Southeast city of  Wexford location of many Battles for Irish independence. Went to battle of vinegar hill museum. Very touched by.the young couple who ran the place and their dedication to preserving Irish history. They spent a lot of time with us. By the way, they spoke Gaelic as do many people here. Most signs are bilingual. So much for it being a dying language.

Spent the night in what was a doityourself hostel. Comfy and heard so many languages in the common area.  Went to a pub where local musicians were playing Beatles music. Too late for pub food so took bread fruit and yummy local cheese back to hostel.

Timely quote

 

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.- Mahatma Ghandi

 

I'm very proud of my husband.  This was his facebook post today.

LIKE

Christmas is awesome

Awesome party with the book club ladies.  Missing Lynn - not so awesome.  Imperfect health - not so awesome.  Imperfect job situations - not so awesome.  Imperfect families - not so awesome.  But sharing it all with friends makes it all perfect.  Merry Christmas and may it contain many imperfect beautiful memories.

Advent Prayer

Borrowed this - think it sums up the season wonderfully

Father in the wilderness of the Jordan you sent a messenger to prepare people's hearts for the coming of your Son.  Help me to hear his words and repent of my sins so that I may clearly see the way to walk, the truth to speak and the life to live for Him our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.