Oh, and about NY - I'm so glad Wicked was worht it. I recall how you were concerned about the price of the tickets.

We're heading to NY next week. Our youngest moved there while you were off in Ireland.

Hi Gims - actually, Pat's father sent him to seminary school in Ireland. Pat dropped out right near the end, so I can understand his father's distress - - but maybe Pat didn't want to go in the first place and didn't know how to tell his father "no". When he left, he decided to come to New York, where one of his older brothers lived.

The sisters live next door to each other, and one has her daughter living with her. I think she has a computer, so the web cam thing is a good idea. Pat usually has access to a computer wherever he's staying; he travels around between CA, OR, and OK where his children live. He's never used a computer, but if someone set it up for him, that would work.

Things were very different than Pat remembered. He said if you put him down in the middle of his old village, that he wouldn't even recognize it and wouldn't know how to find his way home. He used to ride his bike from Claremorris to Galway, but now it's a busy two lane highway. Just the normal growth you would expect in an area over 60 years - I know our community has grown in a similar manner.

You"re welcome! I love pics too, in case you couldn't tell!

K

Dotsie,

Who were all the others that went?
ANSWER Pat the dad. All 5 siblings, 4 spouses, and 5 grandchildren.

Your husband looks like a friend of ours named Don, and your son is precious.
ANSWER Dan just grew that beard about a month ago, so even I still don't recognize him! Ryan has a great smile, huh?

I'm sorry your oldest son wasn't able to make the trip. Did you correspond with him while you were there?
ANSWER That was the hardest thing for me, I really missed having him and his wife along. It was our first family trip without all the family and I thought about him all the time. We talked while in NY, but not Ireland.

What a great post! I can't imagine how moving it was for you to go to to Ireland with your father-in-law. A memory made that will last forever!

WELCOME HOME, tell me did you find and kiss The Blarney Stone while visiting Ireland?

thanks Chatty! You know, we didn't go to the Blarney Stone, but we have a very full trip. If I had gone to the stone, I don't think I would have kissed it - - I've heard the locals pee on it!

Hey, maybe I'll bring my pics for you to see when I come to Vegas - would that bore you too much?

Oh no DD, please do bring the pictures, I love looking at other peoples pictures... I'll see you on the 28th. Looking forward to another visit, you are so much fun. Oh and the new Casino I told you about, isn't called the Castaways, dah, its called The Canary...Sorry, my mind is going!

I just saw the pictures for the first time.The countryside apart from the thatch is very like here here I live.
Celts of course..

I so appreciate seeing the sisters and your FIL .Think of the life story.
Irish people have been through so much.Famine and starvation.
Thank you
Mpuntain ash

Maybe one day, you and your hubby can go back with your oldest and his wife?

Glad to hear you're heading to Vegas again. Who are you going with this time? I can picture you sitting at those machines with all the cash flowing at your fingertips. You go girl. Chats, you just might get another free dinner when she hits again.

For those of you who don't know - several of the BWS gals met in Vegas and Kathy hit big on the slots. She was kind enough to treat all of us to dinner one night. I was touched!