In the midst of all this snow...

Is it fair to say that I wish I was here again:

This was taken on one of the Aran Islands of the coast of my beloved Eire.  The island is called Inis Meain and it was certainly quite an experience to stay there for a few days.  If I close my eyes, I can still see the waves crashing against the cliffs.

The Aran Islands are made up of three islands: Inishmore, Inis Meain and Inisheer.   Inis Meain is the middle island and is known as "Bachelor's Island" where mostly men who are not married live.  Nearly all of the men who live there speak Gaelic.  There is only one pub on the island - which of course we went to! :)

There were beautiful stone walls across the entire island and there was even a cute puppy that kept following us around during our stay...

Look at the stone wall behind me and my new friend.  Aren't they just incredible!?!

This trip was one of the most memorable - we stayed at a B&B and the owners made us fresh food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I remember one morning the man who owned the house asked us if we all liked cod.  Little did we know, he went out and caught enough cod for each of us for dinner.  I had never had cod before and to have it freshly made by in a situation like this - there would be no way I could have not liked it!

Ireland has given me memories that will legitimately last for the rest of my life.  Not a day goes by that I don't remember how wonderful the Emerald Isle was during my 4 month stay and how thankful I am to have been lucky enough (no pun intended - hah) to have called Ireland my home.   

Okay - back to reality