My day | Peaches Prattlings

{October 12, 2014} Day Four in Ireland (for real!)

It is day four in Ireland and yup, I’m still giddy!

I woke up leisurely, got ready and went down to breakfast, it’s great, breakfast is included with my rooms, interesting thing, it’s more for a single room than a double, but it’s all good. I did skip the “full Irish breakfast” which includes lots of meat and kept with the eggs grilled tomato and garlic mushrooms along with toast, jam, fruit and tea. Brilliant!

I had the best time talking to the other guests over breakfast, a foursome from Birmingham, UK, who come to Duncannon a few times a year and then a woman came in waiting for her friend and she was telling me about going to Atlantic City every few years!

They all gave me suggestions on where to go and Maureen, the woman who goes to Atlantic City is from Klilenny and was telling me all sort of things to do and where to stay. Then Helen, the owner of the hotel, came in and we all continued talking, I found out that Loftis House, the most haunted house in Ireland and Duncannon Fort were both closed! Pook. But…go go a Hook Lighthouse, it’s a must! Helen pointed me in the right direction, kissed me on the cheek and wished me well!

Off to look at Duncannon Fort, from a distance at least, with a stop at the beach, of course, how beautiful a way to start the day, don’t you agree? I had a nice long walk, walk off that full breakfast, take in some fresh air and smile the entire way, life is good!

NB…this is what we are going to see when we come back together!

I got in the car and headed to Hook Lighthouse and what a wonderful drive it was! There were a few spots where you had ocean on both sides, what a treat! I have to say the only bad thing is the wafting odor of dung (horse, cow or sheep) it’s charming and I’ve been told you get used to it, no thanks! I wasn’t sure if it was in the car at one point, but it wasn’t..so, at one point, fish competing with dung…fun!

The Hook Lighthouse, http://hookheritage.ie. It is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, the grandfather of all lighthouses! It was originally built by monks in exchange for a place to live and pray and then when the monks were removed, the first lighthouse keeper came in. We were able to go almost to the top, to the balcony , all 115 steps, for the faint of heart who might be afraid of heights, this might not be the tour for you! But do not let that stop you from going to the lighthouse at all! The view was amazing, the photos spectacular and guess who I met in the loo…Peggy, from the hotel and we went out to sneak up on Maureen! Funny since Peggy was shorter than me! I then met another friend, who’s son was out front selling pumpkins! What are the odds? So much fun!

I then headed back to Duncannon, I had to go back in that direction, to the hotel to tell Helen how much I loved the lighthouse and then I was off to New across and more adventures!

I drove towards New Ross, no longer using the GPS, I’m happy to say partly because it can’t always find what I’m looking for and the other part is I have figured out where I am going and reading the signs is becoming easier, the signs are great, leading you where you need to go, even on the roundabouts!

I headed to the next recommendation, the John F Kennedy Arboretum, http://www.virtualvisittours.com/john-f-kennedy-memorial-park/. I got there and had a choice, stay on the grounds, after viewing some of the photos in the hall or go back out, take a right, then left and walk up to the view point, Slieve Coillte, http://mountainviews.ie/summit/982/?PHPSESSID=dt6vcdfrqtqnpsmq0ogglv6e10, I
decided view point it was, as it only had until 5pm when the gates close and it was about 3k up and and I am so very glad I made that choice! The hike was healthy and the view from the top was SPECTACULAR!!!

After I reached the bottom, it was about 4, too late to get into any other “attraction” and I was hungry, so it was time to find a place to stay and eat. I finally knew how to use the phone! so, I found a place to stay, she said it was about 30 minutes away…hmmm..more like 45, but it was inexpensive and available! So, I am about 45 minutes away from where I was, but…that let’s me go back tomorrow and see the Kennedy Homestead and Sailing Vessel, so all is right with the world!

I wasn’t in the mood for Asian Fusion, which was the restaurant of the hotel, so I went to the local pub down the street and had…dah dah dah…Fish and chips! Yes…I am in Ireland and I knew I was going to have fish and chips at some point and it was yummy! After dinner, it was back to the hotel to talk to you!

Now it’s time to decompress and think about tomorrow!

Positivity Challenge – Day #25
1 – I am so thankful for how friendly everyone in Ireland is!
2 – I am thankful that the color I picked for my hair is just right! (Everyone I meet thinks I have Irish ties!)
3 – I am thankful that the primary drink here is tea! And every hotel room has an electric tea kettle and tea bags!

{October 11, 2014} Day three in Ireland!

Yup! I’m still in Ireland! And nope, it doesn’t get old!

Today I woke up in Dublin again, as I mentioned last night and got my cell phone, wahoo! I had breakfast and headed out. Since I had pretty much back tracked, it took me about three hours to get where I was going, but with no schedule, who cares?

I headed out towards The Irish National Heritage Park in Wexford, on the way, I stopped, because I can, at a beach, it was wonderful, lots of people and dogs, both walking and running and playing. It was nice, they even have exercise equipment along the path on the road, who needs to go to a gym. I didn’t realize how many health conscious people there were in Ireland!

After I got back in the car, I headed towards Wexford, I’m getting used to, mostly, the roundabouts…and eventually got to the Park. It was a great tour that took about two hours, led by Paul, who was authentically dressed and took us through the park. The cool thing about the park was that everything was recreated the way it was originally built, down to the cow dung as mortar! I can’t wait to share photos!

After the park, I was getting hungry, so it was time to find some food and a place to stay. I got to Wexford and tried to call hotel, after hotel, after hotel, throw in a few B&Bs and you’re there! Every number I dialed was not available, or wrong, what?

At some point, not sure, the mirror was swiped, so I have to call Avis tomorrow, luckily, no other damage! I had had enough of Wexford, the side streets are too tiny!!! I decided to drive in to Duncannon, where there is a fort and the next attraction on my list! I drove around twice, found a hotel stopped and went in.

There was a room, sorry, no singles, ok. Sorry, no view of the ocean, ok. Sorry there is going to be music in the bar until 1am, ok. Do I care? My only question…Do you have a room? Yes! It comes en suite…that means there is a loo with a shower! Go me! There is internet! I’ll take it!

After I checked in, the key is too cool, old fashioned and heavy brass, I took a walk in search of food and found the ocean and beach, how happy am I? (One photo taken with my iPad!)

Now, I am at the Strand Tavern having a wonderful dinner, vegetarian, no less!
Risotto with peas and leeks, yum and a side salad, while I write to you.

Soon, I will head back to the hotel and chill out and get ready for tomorrow’s adventure! I can’t wait to share with you! Next time…come with me!

Positivity Challenge – Day #24
1 – I am thankful that the Garda (police) was just telling me which lane I should be driving in based on my speed, whatever that was!
2 – I am thankful there wasn’t more damage to the car after the mirror got swiped!
3 – I am so very thankful I found one of my favorite things in the word twice today…the beach

{October 10, 2014} Day two in Ireland

I’m still in Ireland! I am a lucky girl!

I fell asleep about 10pm, yes I know, you’re shocked, but remember, it’s five hours ahead here and I only had two hours of sleep, come on, I was tired! I woke up about 9am, literally jumped out of bed like a shot and then remembered where I was and decided to lay back down! It felt great, fully refreshed!

I had breakfast and then headed out to Powerscourt House and Gardens, ranked number 3 on the top ten gardens in the world, impressive! It really was stunning! I wish you could have been there with me! There was a wonderful walk around the grounds including the Japanese Garden, Pet Cemetery, Italian Gardens, just a wonderful opportunity to see some amazing architecture and so many different nationalities enjoying the gardens with me. http://powerscourt.com/house

Next it was on to Glendalough, http://www.glendalough.ie. An amazing place to visit, part of the Wicklow County National Parks. There are the ruins of the monastic city, a long walking path, you can go around or up to the waterfall, you know I went up! I went around two lakes and fields and meadows, passing sheep, deer, ducks, lots of kids (children, not goats!). It was so peaceful, beautiful, breathtaking! I was there until the sun started setting.

I got in the car and headed out, GPS deciding not to work, so I turned left and hoped for the best and it was wonderful, I drove through the countryside, beautiful and green and lush and vast and then, just like in the movies, there were sheep on the side of the road! Am I that easily amused? So cool! I did stop and take pictures! Then eventually, I was in a town I recognized, I know, after two whole days! And I stopped there for dinner at a nice pub, great soup with brown bread and a veggie burger with chips (and for those of you not in the know chips are French fries on this side of the pond).

I realized when I was going to leave Glendalough that I did not have my new disposable cell phone, great…I probably left it in the hotel. So, I decided that I would stay at the same hotel tonight and get my cell phone in the morning so I could call hotels and B&Bs to see about booking rooms. (I love hotel points!)

Now, it is after midnight and I am going to get some sleep, new adventures await me tomorrow!

Positivity Challenge – Day #23
1 – I am thankful I left the disposable cell phone at the hotel and didn’t lose it completely (I’ll get it tomorrow)
2 – I am thankful that by just driving I got to see some amazing countryside and ended up not far from where I needed to go
3 – I am thankful I seem to have really gotten the hang of driving on the left and shifting on the left (I do hope they check the clutch and transmission after I turn the car in!)

{October 7, 2014} Packing for vacation…slightly stressful!

Tonight I am packing for a trip and I am so bad about packing early. Where is the packing fariy when I need him/her???

I will tell you very soon where I am going, but I am taking myself on a very overdue vacation. A trip that I have talked about before and talked about going on with “My twin”, NB. I am using this trip to scope things out so we can go again in the future. I so want to explore it with him!

So, i have been getting ready, but is it really that different from any trip I take for work? Well, a little, I am going out of the country and want to be sure I have everything and don’t need to buy too much while I am wherever it is that I am not telling you at the moment.

There is stuff in storage in Colorado and some stuff here in Boston, together it made a full suitcase, well it will when I pack it! I am waiting on the dryer to finish and then I’m good to go. I could have just gone shopping and gotten new stuff, but I want to get some goodies while I’m there, so load up here! Maybe my stuff will meet in the middle one day and make a happy home!

Passport-check, converter-check, new bagalini bag-check [quiet from the peanut gallery, it’s a new bag for traveling!], camera-check, extra chargers-check, brain- um…

I can’t wait to tell you all about my trip and tomorrow, I will! Well, at least where I’m going!

Gotta go, buzzer!

Positivity Challenge – Day #21
1 – I am thankful I have any nails left at all. Apparently gel polish looks great, but kills the strength of your nails, lesson learned. Clear polish to build them up again!
2 – I am so very thankful to have an amazing counselor who helps me get where i need to be and to navigate my company, she rocks!
3 – I am so very thankful Peanut is recovering well, a little groggy and sleepy, but seems ok

{October 6, 2014} My [furry] baby had surgery and is fine

Today I took Peanut to the vet’s to be spayed.

Anytime you take a family member to the doctor, be it two legged or four legged and furry, it can be nerve wracking, but all is right with the world. I have been remiss in not getting Peanut fixed before now, she is 6 years old, but it’s done and she’s doing well.

I dropped her off at 8am, looking at me like I was abandoning her forever and then happy to see me when I arrived at 4:45, when they finally brought her out, could have been the heavy pain medication, but I am hoping it was because I was there to rescue her!

Out she came with an e-collar around her neck, poor little bit, with instructions to keep it on for 10 days, huh? There is also 5 days worth of pain meds that I am sorry to say my sister will have to administer for days 3-5, I think it will be alright. Peanut is a very good girl and I’m hoping better than Jymy at taking her meds!

The post surgery instructions said to try to keep her from jumping and running, huh? this is a cat! I got her home, GES and I got her out of the carrier, fixed the e-collar and zoom, off she went! Running and jumping! She was on the furniture, off the furniture, up the bannister, then vanished, later to be found under the bed, looking sad. Eventually I coaxed her to come out and get on the bed, much more comfortable.

Tonight she has been sitting on my lap, looking up at me on ocassion to make sure I’m not going anywhere and she’s ok.

Yes folks, she is fine and will be right as rain in a few days, please send her your good vibes!

Positivity Challenge – Day #20
1 – I am thankful that Peanut was well cared for when she went in to be spayed today at the Parkway Veternary Hospital
2 – I am thankful that I was here and able to take Peanut to the hospital and pick her up after the procedure
3 – I am thankful that Peanut knows that her mommy is here to take care of her and won’t let anything bad happen to her.
Please send her your best vibes

{October 5, 2014} A 5k and my family was there!

Today I did my first 5k in almost 2 months and I had a cheering section!

Normally, when I do a 5k, 10k or 1/2 marathon, I am usually on my own, arriving and crossing the finish line. Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been a few races that I have done with people and as you know DCM used to take me and be there when I crossed the finish line.

Today, I had an extra special treat! ACS dropped me off at DeFazio Park at the packet pick up for the Walk for Walker 5k, http://www.walkforwalker.org/. The 5k started a few minutes after 10 and we were off, there was a 5k runners group and a 1 mile walker group.

For the first time, for most of the race, I was actually last, which was perfectly fine, because I was doing it, I didn’t care. The funny part was there was a police officer following to keep traffic back, so here i was going really slow and the officer had to drive that slowly! Even better, there were three that did hand offs, so for the first time in my life, I was followed by three police officers and I wasn’t even in trouble!

As I came around a bend about 1.5 miles in, there was my family! GES, ACS, EJS and MGS! My very own personal cheering section and it was the best feeling and sound ever! I kept running, then I heard them honking the horn and shouting as they went by to the finish!

I continued on running and then came around at the 3 mile mark, only needing to finish the .11 to the finish line, there were GES and EJS cheering me on to the finish! I crossed the finish line, got my bottle of water and waited for them to catch up so we could get the rest of the cheering section together.

Bottom line, it was so very cool to have my own cheering section there to support me during my run! I know what other runners, like my brother-in-law, ACS, or AK, feels when he does a half or full marathon and the entire family is there to cheer them on. It is fantastic!!!

Positivity Challenge – Day # 19
1 – I am thankful to have finished my first 5k in almost 2 months in 42:29, I am quite pleased with my time [for not having trained!]
2 – I am SO THANKFUL my family was there to cheer me in the middle of the course and at the end, that was awesome!!!
3 – I am thankful that I do not have to wear big poufy early 1900s dresses with teeny hats that tie under my chin

{October 4, 2014} Services, cooking, break the fast, lots of people

Yesterday, I told you what Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, is about and today, we observed.

As I mentioned, we fast for 24 hours, sundown to sundown, some people don’t and it’s not mandatory, but requested. Kids don’t have to fast until they become bar or bat mitzvah age, then they are adults and kind of expected, but it is a personal choice that you make for yourself.

Today we got up and went to children’s services at a different location. The services are a little shorter and more kid friendly, lots of singing, but with a more modern, folk-songy twist, which I like. The sermon that the rabbi gives was great and geared towards kids and parents alike. The services lasted about 1.5 hours, then we went back to the house to start cooking for all the people coming to break the fast, and let me tell you, it’s not easy to cook when you’re hungry!

There were about 40 people coming, kids and adults and we had to feed them all! Everyone brought something to share, but we provided the bagels, lox, cream cheese, as well as egg salad, tuna fish, challah hummus, salad, juice and coffee and monkey bread for dessert. Then people brought a few different koogle, blintz souffle, fruit salad, cheesecake, pumpkin bread, cookies, bars, you name it, we had it!

We started cooking about 12, set up around 3 and then people started arriving about 5 and we dug in about 5:30 and the feast was on! Everyone was so very hungry and it was wonderful to be able to break the fast with so many wonderful people of all ages! The last person left about 8:30 and we were pooped! It was bath, books, bed. Guess who fell asleep after reading to EMS while laying there with her!

Got up, kissed MGS, then went downstairs to hang with GES on the couch for a minute and fell asleep there, now here I am writing to you! It has been a very long day and I need some sleep, I have a 5k in the morning!

Again, I wish you a happy, healthy and sweet year. L’Shana Tova!

Positivity Challenge – Day #18
1 – I am grateful to get to be around wonderful friends and family to break the fast today.
2 – I am grateful that I may have found someone to take the piano i have to get out of my house!
3 – I am thankful that my sister, GES, and I get along so well and make amazing things happen together

{October 3, 2014} May you have an easy fast

Tonight was the beginning of Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement.

This is the most holy day of the year for Jews, part of “The High Holy Days” beginning with Rosh Hashanah, The Jewish New Year. For Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement, we ask g-d to forgive our sins and we ask our friends and loved ones to forgive us for any transgressions we may have had against them.

For a period of 24 hours, we fast, no food or water, so that we may concentrate on our studies and prayers to ask g-d for forgiveness and to inscribe us in The Book of Life. For Rosh Hashanah, we say “May you have a healthy, happy and sweet year’, for Yom Kippur we wish everyone to “Have an easy fast”.

So, my friends, as i sit here writing to you, If I have wronged you in any way in this past year, I apologize and ask for forgiveness.

For my friends who are fasting, I say to you “Happy New Year and may you have an easy fast”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur

Positivity Challenge – Day #17
1 – I am thankful that I got to sleep until 8:30am this morning, waking before the alarm!
2 – I am thankful to have made it through another year
3 – I am thankful that my cats want to snuggle with me every night!

{October 2, 2014} Travel day…delayed flights…turbulence…air ick…finally home

Today was the end of the project in Kentucky for most of us, so it was time to go home.

My flight was due to leave at 1:25, I got a message from Delta that my flight was now at 2:15, so PM and I were able to grab some lunch after we left the office. PM had been wanting to eat in Indiana and since it was just over the bridge, away we went!

From there, to the airport and when we got there, it was so much fun…working with the very helpful Gladys on trying to get me to Boston! First, since I was leaving KY at 2:15, I would get to MI at 3:39, my flight for Boston due to leave at 3:30, how will that work? So…it was a choice between staying on the 2:15, then leaving Detroit at 9:30, a 6 hour layover? No thanks! Next option…leave at 2:05 for GA, 2 hour layover and leave at 5:40, arrive in Boston at 8:22. Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner!

The first flight had some turbulence and even though I am a frequent flier, I don’t know if you knew that, ha ha, over the years, there have been a few flights that have affected me and today was one of them. I was so nauseous, I thought I needed an airsick bag and since I didn’t have one, I had to ask for one, I noticed a few people were asking for them! Guess what the flight attendant brought me…one of the large grey bags they use to collect trash! Oh my! Luckily I didn’t need it!

We landed and I was happy to get off the plane! Head to the terminal, get a seat, sit and wait. I ended up talking to a very nice family about an upcoming trip, which I will tell you about very soon, and the mother offered to email her friend for some suggestions, when I got to my sister’s I already had an email!. Their son, P, and I were on the same flight and chatted for a bit. This flight was better than the first and it was finally over.

When I got off the plane, bee-lined for the loo and felt like a person again! As I rounded the corner, I saw P standing by Dunkin’ Donuts, I think he was waiting on me. We walked to baggage claim and kept talking, mostly about travel and some of the places we’ve been and the longest flights, that sort of thing.

After we got our luggage, we walked outside and he waited with me while I waited on the shuttle to go get my car and then we shook hands and he went to meet his friend picking him up and I headed on the shuttle to get my car. On the highway i went, so many tolls in Massachusetts!!!

I got to the house, ACS let me in, I saw GES, then went upstairs with them to kiss the girls and now, here I am, in my jammies, telling you about my day!

Night Night!

Positivity Challenge – Day #16

1 – I am thankful Delta was able to get me to Boston!
2 – I am thankful that I did NOT need the air sickness bag on the first flight!
3 – I am thankful that I might have inspired someone else to participate in the positivity challenge and I will be tagging DS when it is time!

{October 1, 2014} Networking…a really good thing!

Networking is so very important in today’s corporate world. I am sure you have heard this before, but I am here to tell you it’s true.

Tonight, I went to a work function, the project I am on is wrapping up and I, along with most of the team, is heading out tomorrow, so we were invited to The Captain’s Quarters, http://www.cqriverside.com/f, a restaurant in a lovely area by the water off River Street, about 15 minutes from downtown Louisville. It really was a lovely setting, right on the water, grass down to the dock and several boats waiting to go out and can you imagine the view as the sun was setting?

When we got there, I went to join a few friends already there and introduce myself to the person they were speaking with. When I said my name, she said “Oh yes! I know who you are, we were just reviewing your resume, there might be a project you are a fit for!” Oh wow! I am ready! What do you need to know?

Then, another manager walks over and before I can introduce myself, he says my full name and shakes my hand. What? How did he know my name?

Now, I am not complaining by any means, I can assure you, this is amazing. I have been with the company a short time, on two projects, this one for a relatively short time, and there are people talking about me and know my name? That is awesome! I don’t know if I told you how I ended up on this project, and if I have, I apologize for repeating myself. I called JM, as was recommended by my counselor, PD, and when there was a need on the team, JM said to call me because…I called him! It really does work!

Who knows what the future holds for me, but all I have to say is…go forth and network!

Positivity Challenge – Day #15
1 – I am thankful that my co-workers were so sweet to bring me cupcakes for my birthday!
2 – I am thankful for the opportunity that I have had on this project
3 – I am thankful there are people looking out for me to help me find another project

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