Bahrman Bulletin

Ireland was wonderful. Even with almost 2 weeks touring the island, we left with many sites left on our “to-see” list. The people were so warm and inviting, the landscape lush and green, and the food was quite tasty! The castles and stone ruins dotting the countryside made it all seem somewhat dream-like. (As in the photos below at Blarney Castle and Glendalough.)  But, alas, it was time to return home. And I have to say, I was excited to do so.

Chiara and Becca had a good time with Grandma, who seemed no worse for the wear! Days were filled with walks, swinging, bubbles, trips to the library, and coloring. They aren’t the events that typically fill a blog, but after being away, I am enjoying the simple gifts that a small child shares even more. Hearing Chiara say “Mommy home,” is music to my ears! After every trip, there are mountains of laundry to be done. Yet those mountains just keep growing in our closet, because for now I am enjoying time with my little girl too much to worry about the mundane tasks like laundry.

“Ireland go free!” The rally cry of many Irish revolutionaries. And our cheer as Amy finished the race, and we were free to wander the Irish countryside.

Our first stop outside Dublin… Galway. A bustling town with many small shops and pedestrian areas. Great for people watching (and bakeries that would leave Amy’s dad drooling). And a quick stop at Busker Browne’s, where our friend Sarah Mattecheck once worked as the Yankee bartender.

Next stop was Adare, en route to Dingle Peninsula. Amy enjoyed her first Irish Coffee of the trip (see photo below)–she has high hopes for many more, trying to compete with the record set by her mother and Billie McGinty during their last trip over to the Emerald Isle.

And on to Dingle Peninsula, arriving Wednesday evening. Retracing the steps of Amy’s grand adventure through Ireland 16 years ago, we stopped for a quick photo op in front of Murphy’s Pub (the Gonzaga clan may recognize the photo below). We explored the peninsula on Thursday, stopping at the Gallarus Oratory (see below), built about 1,300 years ago. It is one of Ireland’s best preserved early Christian churches, with brilliantly fitted drystone walls–not a drop of water seeps through.

Months of training paid off as Amy finished the Dublin Marathon in just under 4 hours today (03:57:12 to be precise), and well under her goal time. According to her coach, a finish time under 4 hours makes Amy a “real runner.”

Thanks to everyone who supported her in countless ways, including contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (which at last count exceeded $7,500 in funding for research and patient support with the goal of curing blood cancers), encouragement (such as the thoughtful emails and phone calls Amy received over the past several months), and inspiration (Amy enjoyed a short video before the marathon, and play list of music and messages during the marathon, both compiled by her family). And special thanks to Aunt Suzanne for making the trip to Ireland to cheer on Amy as she passed the 2nd, 11th, 18th and 26th mile markers along the route. That support and encouragement made all the difference!

Two days ago, I got my camera out to charge the battery, ostensibly for our trip. Once again today, I am charging the battery. No, it’s not a bum battery. It’s the result of a mommy who isn’t ready to leave her little girl. I’m going a little picture-happy, trying to capture a few good shots to take with me. Here are a couple of my favorites from the shoot.

         

"Eee eee" says our little monkey.

Saturday greeted us with warm, sunny skies–perfect for pumpkin hunting! Chiara was anxious to wear her costume and loved riding in the wheelbarrow to the fields. With Smith Rock as the background, we scoured the field for the best pumpkins to grace our porch. Clydesdale horses pulled the hay wagon as Chiara said, “Neh, neh” in their direction. They were very fun–at a distance! (She wasn’t fond of receiving kisses from the large animals!)

We came home with pumpkins galore, and one tired little monkey!