Memorable Ides; grateful traveler

The best part of trips come in three packages:  the planning, the event itself and home.  I wouldn't want to rank any of the three in terms of importance, but on this Ides of March, 2011, "home" is ranking right up there.  

And, I know that all three aspects of this trip to Ireland with my daughter Annie---the consummate planner, safe driver, full-steam ahead task master, and appreciator and sharer of what's really, really special---all aspects will rank among the cherished moments of my life.

My nostalgic and sentimental Irish soul has been fed---for a long time. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank our "Precious" for all the sacrifices and hours she put forth to make sure Mom had the time of her life.

Oh, yes, we had a few moments as any mother and daughter will do, but even the most tense time of the trip took place in a spot beyond magnificent, overlooking the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

So, if you're gonna have a spat, pick a good spot, right, Annie?

Anyway, on this morning after a sleepless night in Seattle (thank you, jet lag), I thank Annie from the bottom of my heart.  The experience filled my bucket----and let's make that a 10,000 gallon container.

It will take a long, long time to absorb the past 13 days, and that is the beauty of it all. 

Now, I'm going through a few hours of decompression before heading over to Sea-Tac for the last leg of this approximately 16,000-mile journey into the land of my family's ancestry.

Souvenirs to hand over to Bill and Mother are laid out on the bed to be packed for easy access cuz I'll see them first. 

Others are packed away in the new suitcase, and the delight of handing them over to all the principles---family and friends---who have helped out in my absence will be superb.

Seeing Bill at 1 p.m. and probably gabbing all the way home to Sandpoint, stopping off to see Mother and then the final jewel in this journey's crown will come when we pull into the Lovestead driveway.  

When the horses recognize the car and come to the fence, when the door to the garage opens and those doggies come running out and when Kiwi cries like she does whenever I leave for a while----I'm ready for all that and will appreciate the whole scene much more than any other day.

Even the snow that has been lazy about leaving won't bother me.  Home will be beautiful . . . . just as Ireland was.

And, the hustle bustle of trying to catch up on all I've missed in two weeks and all I have to do to get ready for spring will be welcome.

Through it all, my mind will be buzzing for weeks as images and moments of Ireland flash through, making me smile and maybe even cry.  Of course, I'll put on those new Irish CDs to help the process along----one came free in the Sunday paper.

And, of course, I brought home the Sunday paper for my son Willie, the journalism teacher.

I'm anxious to get back to the "morning meetings" with Debbie when she brings the grandpuppies.  Debbie, get ready.  We may not call for "adjournment" as early as usual. 

As we parted last night here at the Red Roof Inn at Sea-Tac, Annie had her customary overloaded agenda ahead.  German lessons at work this morning, catching up with her friends on staff and the opening match for the Seattle Sounders soccer season. 

Somewhere in there, she was hoping to get some sleep, but I'm betting her body might be just as confused as mine, so she'll operate on adrenalin too. 

Lots to look forward to and much more to be thankful for---family, friends, a "grand" trip, and home.

Thank you, Annie.  Good Job!  Thank you to everyone who has helped and followed us on this special journey.  I feel so blessed.