Fave Fives of December, Third Week

I am a bit late posting my Fave Fives.  But at least I'm here.  These weeks before Christmas are always a bit crazy.  That's why it is important for me (and others) to hit the pause button and remember the blessings of the week.  Thanks to Susanne hosting us every week, Friday Fave Fives helps me focus on things I am thankful for.

1. Younger Son (Dr. Mike) flew back last weekend after being away on business for two weeks.  We're glad he's safely home and settled back in.

2.  On Saturday afternoon, we met up with an old friend from college who was driving home from a long term work assignment and passing within 15 miles of us.  It was great to spend a couple of hours catching up and just enjoying each others' company.  Hopefully, we'll be able to connect again soon as his daughter lives less than an hour away from us.

3.  Christmas parties!  Friday night was so much fun!

4.  I love the library!  I can find a book in the library system and put a request in for it and then it magically appears on the hold shelf with my name on the paper sticking out of the cover.  Isn't it amazing?

5.  I love getting those texts from my girls--"Hey, Come on over the the coffee shop."  After so many years of living so far away from both Older and Younger Daughters, I am so thankful to live nearby and see them all the time.

Before our  next Friday Fave Five, we will have celebrated Christmas!  Merry Christmas to ALL!

Off To Ireland: Part 10!

Aran Isles!  I was SO EXCITED to finally visit these famous islands!  It has been a dream of mine for years!

Our ferry took us to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands.  We departed our beautiful Dromoland Hotel in Shannon, left our tour bus at the ferry terminal at Rossaveel, the main port for ferry transport in Galway Bay, and crossed the sea to dock on the island.

In the bay and on the sea.

(Pictures that are more sepia toned were taken from inside the ferry.  The 'normal' ones I took out on the deck.)

Aran Islands!

Innis Mor!

We walked along the bay and boarded our small tour bus which drove us to a tiny village where we could hike up to Dun Aengus, an important archaeological site. It was a prehistoric hill fort situated on the edge of a 300 feet high cliff.  Of course, we had to hike up to the top.

Yes, people really do get that close to the edge of the cliff.  In fact, I saw a guy lying on the edge leaning over to take photos down to the surf below.

We couldn't stay too long and wander around the fort because we had to be back at the bus in time to not be left.

Eleanor was tired after that long hike up and down and needed a short rest.

Coffee and a scone helped restore her energy.

But the absolute best part of our visit to Innis Mor was this:  I didn't plan to buy an Aran sweater there.  My intent was to purchase some wool and knit my own sweater.  But then I found this sweater.  I couldn't resist.

After driving by along the coastal roads and returning to the village at the bay, we had a few minutes to wander around.  I loved the amazing views and village buildings.

I wish I could have stayed for a week on Innis Mor!  Do you see why this was my favorite place to visit?

A Cold Merry December Fave Five

It's time again to stop, take a breath, and remember what good things have happened this past week.  Friday Fave Fives with Susanne as our host.  It is so easy during this crazy busy Christmas season to forget to relax and 

1.  Nutcracker!  Older Daughter loves ballet and for the past few years has been involved in the Nutcracker productions presented by the local ballet school.  Last year, I was ill and not able to attend, so I was especially happy to watch her dancing as one of the ladies at the ball in the first scene.  Also, she sings in the small group of carolers before the show.  I love her creativity and am so glad we could all attend as a family.

2.  At Sights and Sounds of Christmas last week, we were talking with our neighbor who conducts one of the church choirs.  He told us that the local private university has a Gospel Choir that was performing the next evening!  How did we not know this??  Of course we went and thoroughly enjoyed all the beautiful music.

3.  Our weather on Sunday was mild.  Like in the 50Fs.  Younger Daughter and I took advantage of that and took her two very excited dogs for a four mile hike at the local arboretum.  We chose the wilder east side of the arboretum and didn't met a single other hiker.  What a refreshing and fun hike!

4.  After Sunday our weather took a down turn in temperatures.  Our snowfall was minimal and only dusted the trees, lawns and bushes.  But it was still beautiful.  Will we have a White Christmas?

5.  Yesterday, after a couple of other stops on the way, Younger Daughter and I drove into the city and spent a few hours shopping for those last Christmas presents.  (I hope those were the last ones!)  We had a fun time and I think we chose some perfect presents for the people on our 'nice' list.  And it was fun to spend that time with her.

I hope you can take some time during this Christmas season to think about all the blessings our your life.

Off To Ireland: Part 9!

After we left the cliffs of Moher, we retraced our steps a bit and drove into the rural area of County Clare to visit a goat farm, specifically a goat cheese making farm.  St. Tola Goat Cheese Farm.  Its cheese is famous in Ireland and also internationally. 

We were given a tour of the goat barn and offered a variety of cheeses and wines to accompany the cheese.

And we met the goats.

Evidently, yoga and meditation is the secret to their amazing cheese.

A bit of Irish humor at the low doorway

The next day was my favorite of our entire time in Ireland! Guess where!

First Week of December Blessings

Yes, it is December!  The last month of 2024.  Another opportunity to slow down (if that is possible this month) and focus on being thankful for all the blessings in my life.  Thankfulness isn't just for November; it's for every month, every week, every day of every year.  That's why I join Friday Fave Fives each week to reflect on all the blessings of those past seven days. Here are mine for this week.

1.  In a week of rather cold weather, I am thankful for warm clothes, a warm house and a car with heated seats.  A few days this week our temperatures have not risen above freezing.  I am thankful that I have clothes to layer to keep warm.

2.  Every year our town has what is called Sights and Sounds of Christmas.  Attendees walk from one church to another in the downtown area, listen to orchestras, bell choirs, chorale choirs, organs and trumpets and violins play and sing Christmas songs.  This is the second year The Professor and I have attended.  The weather was so cold and windy that we considered not going this year.  But we decided to brave the frigid temperatures and we are glad we did.  We bundled up and it was okay.  And the music was wonderful!

3.  Knitting is coming along.  Currently I have twe,three,four  five projects on my needles.  Three more Christmas mittens are finished.  I love to knit and I am so thankful that I can still create so many things.

4.  Recently, I noticed a news article about a new local coffee shop/bakery in town.  So The Professor and I decided to check it out, which of course means that we had to stop in and order coffees and a fresh cinnamon roll.  It was a plus.  So it looks like T and S will be joining us there for coffee date soon.

5.  Christmas decorating is 'almost' done.  Some things like the nativity set that our son made when he was maybe 11 is set up.  The village that surrounds the train track (yes, it runs!) is arranged on a special table next to the tree. No, the tree is not decorated yet.  But Younger Daughter wants to come over and help with decorating it.  The Advent candle for the first week (Hope) has been lit.

Happy First Week of Advent!