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Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Journey to Donegal
 We now have a rental car, and decided to take advantage of our time left. So
this weekend we headed north. Our destination were cliffs in county Donegal. They aren't as well known as the Cliffs of
Moher in the south but are the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Also unlike the the Cliffs of Moher they are free. The tower
to the left is along the road to the cliffs. There is no sign. We just happened to notice it off in the distance and looked
for a path out to see it. Rex and the kids went most of the way but the last bit was too dangerous. So I went alone. What
a treat. It sits on the edge of a cliff, looking out over the Atlantic, it was quite breathtaking. Especially to be there
all alone and on a gorgeous day. The picture below is the last leg of the path leading to the tower. My heart raced a few
times, but I enjoyed the experience. I would like to find out more about the tower. Historians suppose the round towers were
built by the monks in the late 800's during the Viking raids. They believe the towers provided a better view of the ocean
and also a safe place to hide when the Vikings came ashore. The windows are too high to reach standing on foot. Supposedly
the monks would use a ladder to enter and pull the ladder up after them. This tower is not round, but fits the other descriptions.
More pics just added to the "More Ireland" page.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Halfway Home
 Here we are, we've reached the mid mark of our stay here in Ireland. It feels
like a lifetime ago. As if we we've been here all along. The house feels like our home, I suppose I am speaking for myself.
At the same time I am homesick for my home in Arkansas and for all my friends and family. A home is more than just a physical
place to lay your head, it's depth is in the ties with other people. What would home be like if it were just me,
no one to share it with. There is history here of hermits who lived on these islands. Lived in solitude, surviving only to
spend time in prayer. I can't imagine what that would be like. I am aware and thankful that God made us all different.
And grateful that He's given me a multitude of souls to love and be loved by.
Monday, August 4, 2008
 Moyrus Graveyard is just down the road. The ruins on the left is a church, there
is a beach just below. It's quite a site. I have some videos of Moyrus Beach on my you tube site. www.youtube.com/jillatlittlemulberry
The kids did end up swimming a bit later. I haven't yet gotten in the water. I
think I will just to say I did, but I don't expect to enjoy it. Brrrr.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Our Irish Kitchen
 There have been many hours spent in our kitchen. One of the best spots is standing
at the sink looking out the window. The picture to the left was a sunset a few days ago. Breathtaking isn't it? I love
the way the houses are laid out here. Most have the kitchen as a separate room. It feels like my room. I've been trying
to bake and have had to go by memory for the most part. I didn't bring any of my recipes. The ones I've gotten here
are in different measurements, grams and ounces mostly. I'm still trying to master the coal stove. Coal and wood don't
burn the same.
Sometimes the clean up crew comes to help.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
 There's been many fish meals already. And one night, lobster. Here is a picture
of this mornings catch. The boys (Rex, John, and Blake) brought home some bounty of the sea.
As you can see the weather was perfect this morning. We are clouding up now and expecting rain this
afternoon. Yesterday was shopping day. We spent the
afternoon in Galway. It was frustrating at times. I did finally find all I was looking for, except chocolate chips for cookies,
oh and no shortening either. And while I'm at it, there is no Velveeta in Ireland. My friend loves cheese dip, and hasn't
had any for four years now. I shipped two loaves and mom will be bringing another in her luggage. At the last store I found
popcorn kernels. It was labeled "American Popcorn".
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