If only we could learn to take the "long-view" in the moment; but I guess that would be an oxymoron or very close to it. On the other hand, I think it may be called faith.
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A year ago now we were arriving in Dublin, Ireland for a ten day stay. We saw wonderful sights, made new friends, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Now that is my idea of a good ten-days.
Saturday will be St. Patrick's Day, and also the *LOC's birthday. Corned beef and cabbage - coming right up! (Lovable Old Coot*)
Just now, we have Irish folk music playing on the stereo, and I am thinking of the St. Paddy's Day parade we watched in Galway last year. What an amateurish little thing it was, compared to parades like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, or the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's. We were told it was the biggest St. Patrick's Day parade in Ireland except for the one in Dublin.
Despite its lack of glitz and glamour, people were lined up for blocks to watch it, and they laughed and applauded as though it was the eighth wonder of the world. I like that about the Irish; they are simpler in their enjoyments and more basic in their expectations. At least that was my repeated impression; but then we were only there a few days. Maybe they get cranky, too; when the tourists have all gone home.
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One of the greatest blessings of our trip to Ireland was that we made two new friends, Doug and Lynda, and we have kept in touch since then. I can still see the wide smiles on Doug and the LOC's face the day they "lifted a pint" at the famous Guinness brewery. And Lynda's gentle smile as we walked around the public park in Adare was a pleasure to see. The daffodils were in bloom there that day, as they now are in my front yard.
Although the trip is now a year in the past, the benefits and blessings of that adventure continue into the present and the future.
Hope wherever your adventures take you this spring, the benefits are true and lasting. Until next time ... Marsha
What a wonderful memory.
ReplyDeleteI gather you're the sweet person who makes friends wherever she goes.
Ah, Sweet Tea,
DeleteOur blogs are often like "puttin' on our Sunday go to meetin' clothes" in that we show up in our best light.
Of course, no one in the churches I have been in recently actually does "dress up" to go to church. So even that is an outdated simile.
Thank you for the kind compliment, and while many people I know say they like me, those who know me best often find me to be a bit on the "tart" side. :) Blessings to you - Marsha
I have Irish blood in me so St. Patrick's Day is always something I commemorate, even in a small way. We hope to make it to Ireland one day after we retire and experience the things you all did.
ReplyDeleteErin go bragh!
Shelly,
DeleteIt was one of the things on our "bucket list" too. It took us a couple of years after I retired to get there, but when we did we found it to be as enjoyable as those who had already been there had told us it would be.
Friendly people, and GOOD food. That surprised us. :)
Have a wonderful day - Marsha
It's sounds like a wonderful trip. Ireland is a place I've not visited yet but hope to one day. A friend of ours still maintains his family home in Ireland and has offered it to us to stay. Wouldn't that be nice? I mentioned Kevin in my IOWT post today.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie -
DeleteHope you get to go someday soon. You will love it.
I'll check out your IOWT post right away.
Blessings to you - Marsha
I've always wanted to go to Ireland. It sounds so beautiful! A good trip gives you years of happy memories, and if you're lucky, some new friends.
ReplyDeleteI hear Ireland is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeletePoor old Ireland. I saw a doco the other night about their sad economic crises. It all looked so different to when we were there a few years ago when the place was booming after they joined EU. But now the banks are bust and the developers too. There are whole new villages/ housing estates that are going to be bulldozed as no one can afford to buy them. However, they have taken on board the advice from Germany and friends and they are gradually climbing out of the mess. You have some grand memories there. Me too.
ReplyDelete