Viva La Vita

I am diverting slightly to explain my delay in completing our trip blog. Since my last entry for Dec 30, I have drawn a blank every time I attempted to post for Dec 31 and Jan1. My plan was to complete these at the airport or on the plane. I could not figure why I could not finish the trip blog. Friends asked: are you done? My standard answer was: I’ll finish it tomorrow, I need to be in the right frame of mind…I finally reached tomorrow today (10 days later). And I finally know why.

I came back to the NOISE (and was coming back to the noise). It took me days to re-adjust and recall that I need to practice serious grounding right now. My way to ground is to take a walk in the woods (my “church”). I care about others and when you care, it’s difficult to watch/hear of some not so good things happening. Don’t misunderstand: I missed our friends, our chosen family, family, and our dogs.—-I DID NOT MISS THE NOISE! (Yes, I yelled that)

I was also sad to leave Mary and my LUCKY CHARMS (Melissa, Brent and children). My goodness, I had a wonderful time with them!! Thank you Melissa and Brent for a wonderful holiday time!! It was wonderful to see you in your new home. It was wonderful to hug you all again. Home is where you make it and best I can tell, you guys have landed in a wonderful, welcoming space to call home. I cannot wait to come back!!! lol!

To sum it up: Practice self care, love hard, spend time with those who reciprocate, and care about others. Take your own version of “your walk in the woods” to stay grounded. All are my answer to: LIVE and DON’T ALLOW the noise wear you down.

Last Day of 2025: Glendalough and Dún Laoghaire

December 31, 2025

My last full day in Ireland (for this trip…lol. Note Mary staying until Jan 13) was busy and good! Myself, Mary, Brent, and Leo ventured out for a ride to Glendalough. Glendalough (“valley of the two lakes”) is located about an hour from Dublin. A Monastic site is located in Glendalough and was founded by St. Kevin. We enjoyed a beautiful car ride through the countryside. There were lots of green rolling hills and sheep-beautiful. We took a walk, had snacks and coffee at the upper Lake. There are many hiking trails in this area. Then we headed to the Monastic site. There were many beautiful Celtic crosses at gravesites, churches and a round tower. The views were gorgeous. The area was serene and though there were many folks there, I felt a calming, quiet peace in this area. Would love to return here for some hiking and some serious grounding. We returned home after a nice ride back through the countryside.

Next up: We all headed to Dún Laoghaire for shopping, dinner at Walter’s and some beautiful New Year’s Eve fireworks. The town was beautiful at dusk! Dinner at Walter’s was amazing (good choice Melissa!). I had Beef and Guinness stew—-COMFORT food!

After dinner we headed to the waterfront for a beautiful fireworks display.

It was a wonderful last full day in Ireland!