It's August. Holy Cow! Suddenly I am past the first three months. I have seen a great deal, gone on tours of ornate gardens and my own Donaghadee, walking tours of cities and a gin distillery, sat and enjoyed the Irish Sea at my doorstep, talked with and learned from neighbours, tried chips with pepper sauce (yes!) - and felt the incredible privilege of great quantities of unstructured time with few responsibilities.
It's a very interesting time to be here. Northern Ireland is part of the UK so there were elections for Westminster in July, even as Orange Lodges marched in parades remembering 1609 and the Battle of the Boyne~Part of the Sectarian History yet at the same time at the Olympics Team Ireland included members from both parts of the island - and got medals!
I'm still traveling - I leave tomorrow for County Tyrone and some Celtic mythology - but I'm slowing down.
I am focusing on the pleasures of listening to music, reading Irish authors, adding flower pots to my courtyard - and savouring each day. I know this is once-in-a-lifetime - not a new lifestyle! - and I am so grateful for Cathy and Brian, Jay and Nancy who are keeping the lodge running while I celebrate this gift.
I am not much for selfies, but here is a quick review - I just want you to see how happy I am! I hope that each of you has a time when your dream really does happen - it is life-changing!
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We are so happy to see your update and know just how much you are enjoying your Irish adventure ❤️
Erin, so happy to have found your website and to read of your amazing Irish sojourn. In the meantime, we are spending the whole month of August here at Hay Lake. An unexpected gift.