Ireland = Lovely, Amazing, Wonderful

So you can tell from the title of this post that we had THE BEST time on our trip to Ireland. Can I just say I have the world's best boss? For reals. This is my 4th trip abroad and it wouldn't have been possible without him (and his air miles).

We took over 800 pictures on our new camera, a Nikon D5100. I highly recommend this camera. It is so fun to use! I really need a class to refresh my brain on all the manual settings I learned way back in school. I have tons of editing to do with these pics and hope to have some displayed in my home soon. Meanwhile, I shot a few pics on my phone while we were out and about. See below.

The weather was delightful while we were there. It rained a bit but I will take that and 65 degrees any day over the 100 degree temps we're currently experiencing in Tejas. When the sun was out it was absolutely divine. Also I have to say, the food was DELICIOUS. We drove along the southern coast of Ireland and I ate fresh seafood practically everyday. One of my favorite places was The Lime Tree in Kenmare. I had the Oven Roasted Hake (recommended by the server) and it was out of this world.  Another great spot was Global Village in Dingle.  Their menu changes every day based on the fresh, local items they use.  It is a healthier spot - no fish and chips here.  I had the scallops - YUM.

I could go on and on about how wonderful Ireland is but I would suggest instead you visit it for yourself.  The people are warm and friendly - and the majority love Americans (especially if you've got a bit o' Irish in you).  Go in the summer for the best weather.  Invest in a waterproof jacket.  Visit lots of pubs - its where you'll hear the best music.  Sing along when they ask you to.  Take a double decker bus tour of Dublin - its the best and fastest way to see the city.  Have a pint of Guinness because its delicious when its fresh (don't think it travels to the states well).  Most of all, Enjoy yourself! (That's what the Irish do!)

Sláinte!

Pub in Doolin, County Claire

Glass of Jameson Distillery Reserve during our tour/dinner at the Jameson Distillery Irish Nights Shindig

Gleninchiquin Park and Waterfalls

St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

Stopping for a pint of Smithwick's while touring the Beara Peninsula

Cliffs of Moher - Stunning!

Adventuring in Ireland

As I get ready to embark on my fourth summer abroad, I find myself especially excited about my trip to Ireland.  My mother's side of the family is most certainly Irish (Kennedy and Kirkpatrick) and my father claims we are Irish, but I think his side is actually English.   Regardless, I truly can't wait to explore this beautiful country!  Stay tuned for pictures!

We will be traveling to the following areas:

• Kilkenny
• Kenmare
• Dingle
• Doolin
• Dublin

Special thanks to Michele Erdvig at http://www.irelandyes.com/itinerary.html 
for planning our itinerary!

I swear this is not a gardening blog...

...although its beginning to look like one since that's all I blog about lately.  There are a lot of other topics I consider writing about but I keep coming back to the garden because I'm a tad bit obsessed with its success right now.  As you can tell from older posts, things have progressed quite nicely.  I'm a little worried about whats going to happen to it when I go to Ireland this summer.  Oh yes, I'm going to Ireland.  That might be another interesting topic to blog about but for now I'll just post some more garden pics:

Cucumbers

Full on garden craziness

Crazy Zucchini Plant 2012

First Zucchini 2012

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How does your garden grow?

I like to rock the Mary Janes and bonnet when gardening

That's right!  My gardening skills are out of control.  Internet access helps quite a bit.  This week I learned about ants and okra from the Aggies.  Ants like Okra and will hurt the plants.  I tried some organic ant killer so I'll have to wait an see if that works.  I've read that ants carry aphids around with them so I need to purchase some ladybugs (they can eat up to 1000 aphids a day!)

Anyway, I actually do have a green thumb!  You can see what a difference a couple of weeks make:  My garden has gone from this to THIS:

Giant Squash Plant - The Squashes love my garden box

The cucumber climb on anything - Lots of flowers right now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obviously the squash plant dominates!