If anyone had told me 3 years ago that three years in the future I would be off to Ireland for a 3-week vacation; and that Bryan would be home alone in the house, taking care of my Border Collie, Whitney, I simply would have said "no way." But as I'm sitting here in Cork, writing just a little, it is exactly the way things have turned out. That's Brilliant! as they say here.
Ireland is everything that I thought it would be and more. We've had beautiful, dry weather, with only a couple days of rain. We've seen everything, every where we've stayed and traveled. We've stayed in lovely bed and breakfasts and a couple of very nice hotels. We've shopped...yes, I have Waterford Crystal being shipped to the house (and yes, I know they manufacture it in Poland now, but I don't care...it is still Irish). And one of the absolute highlights was visiting a working sheepfarm, where we actually got to see 2 and then 4 border collies (just like my Whitney) actually herd the sheep. It was amazing! The people are everything that you think about Irish people...warm, friendly and when you ask for directions in a market, they walk out to the street and point and direct and sometimes walk you to where you are asking about. The weather has been cool (in the 60's) and the landscape has been "kelly green" and every other shade of green!
My best friend, that I'm traveling with, has been an amazing travel mate, and we've had no problems. We were smart enough to get separate rooms every where we stayed, so that we could have little breaks from each other and that was also very smart. And only once did I drive the wrong way in a roundabout!
Having a wonderful, relaxing and tiring (the good kind of tired) vacation reminds me how important it is to take care of ourselves, no matter what is going on in our lives. I hope YOU are taking care of YOURSELF. I know how difficult it can be. But remember, as long as they are breathing there is hope!
I'm starting to think ahead in my life as it relates to Bryan; and I may retire the blog soon. We will see. Love and prayers to everyone!
OMG...it sounds heavenly...all of it ! SO glad that you were able to do this for yourself,...and YES, look at the progression of you son, as well...yowza. :) And my great grandmother,Mary Jane Cullen, was from County Cork, Ireland,...came to America at 14 yr.s old(alone). I'm not exact on the year..but about 1908-1910 time frame...just had to share that. ENJOY your vacation. I hope to go there someday too.
ReplyDeletekylemore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletemy home away from home.....enjoy
16 WONDERFULyears.....
I can't wait to see more photos when you get back and download some :) It sounds like a fabulous vacation, one that I plan to take someday.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like everyone has family from Ireland! My grandfather's family was from Donegal and we still have relatives living there.
What a wonderful feeling to know Bryan is at home and taking care of things for you (what a switch!) I'm so glad :)
Sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI traveled in Ireland with my brother a few years back and I remember those roundabouts well! We called them "Roustabouts"! Safe travels.
I am soooooooo jealous, and happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope I can do the same thing one day. Most Parents don't understand that going away when you are a POA without the worry of the addict breaking in and stealing you blind, or dying, going to jail and the many other things that can make your trip miserable are dreams for us.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you are able to do that! It continues to give me hope.