Safely home

Leaving Dublin

Not much to report for this final post. I left the hotel in Dublin, then went to the airport and checked in etc... etc...

The flight home was good. The 8 hours first flight from Dublin to Dubai went reasonably quickly, then it was a quick change over in Dubai before boarding the next flight to Perth. The eleven hours went relatively quickly as I was able to sleep a little. To pass the time I watched  a series called The First Ladies, which followed various First Ladies of the American Presidency, and I thought it was quite well done.

It was lovely to come home to Perth in the end even though it was raining!  The weather in Ireland had been outstanding, and Marie reported it was going to be 25 Degrees today. Fortunately the rain stopped overnight, so that Wattle could do her own washing!!! I kissed my washing machine when I came home and it was a beautiful sunny day for drying!

Wattle's washing!

So, that's the end of the penny section, folks! I had the best time and my favourite moments were those spent with my family over there. Some of my favourite times included Susie's 90th at the Atlantic Hotel, which we just happened upon, the day out to Thurles to watch the Hurling, and time spent with Nora, recording her memories of days gone by. And I loved Sean's tour of the farm, and visiting the Holy Wells was pretty unique too!

But my favourite time each day was just my routine every morning, where I would go to Mass, walk along the beach and then have my coffee. It was in these moments that I most felt part of the village and almost a local. And the evenings spent having meals at The Atlantic Hotel where Declan the the boys and girls always made me feel welcome.

I'm very grateful to Marie and her family for the time they spent with me and the welcome they gave me. I really do feel part of the family now and hope our paths cross again in the not too distant future. 

And thanks to you all, my lovely readers, who offered your comments and emails and messages. You are my lifeline while I am away, as you help fill the void of being apart from the regular contacts I have with you all.

Wattle is going to have a rest from Wandering for a little while, but who knows what life holds next?? 

So... as quoted by one of my faithful correspondents!!!

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Just a late addition...

This song just sums up for me the last month. Brings a tear to the eye!!

Clare, my heart, my home.