At Home at the Pons - Wednesday 30Sept09

At Home at the Pond - Wednesday 30Sept09

Now I'm sitting at my laptop at the Pond looking out over the front yard. The Ireland trip is over physically, but mentally it is not. I still am operating full speed ahead on adrenaline. Perhaps later it will all fade somewhat, but not yet.
Luke met me at the airport in Atlanta as I arrived at the final baggage claim station - having been through many stations and checks and even security removing hiking boots, etc. Anyhow, what a joy to see him waiting for me! Then to his home where balloons on the mailbox said "Welcome Back" and a delightful supper with Luke's family who all listened attentively as I rambled on and on about my trip - probably most of which they had already read on the blog. To bed at 9:30 (2:30 am in Kinsale) and awake at 5:00 (actually 10:00 in Kinsale) and ready to go. Nice brunch at J. Christopher's with Susan and Luke (Jack and Sam were off to school by 7:00) and finally to the office building where my 4-runner waited. Wendy had taken it to be washed and it shone like a brand new car! What a treat! Anyhow, I managed to stay on the right side of the road and arrived at the Pond in the afternoon. Later took a walk down the country road and was amazed at how wide it is! Must be at least two feet wider than the Ireland ones and has about 8 feet of clearance on each side with right-of-way. That's the big difficulty on the Irish country roads - no side clearance at all - fences with hedges that have to be sheared away and still they scrape the sides of the cars when two meet. And, there are no shoulders on the roads - often really deep drop-offs of the pavement that could be deadly. Anyhow, I guess I won't have the opportunity of driving in Ireland. Jim told me the Hertz Co. doesn't rent to old folks like me! I think 75 is the cutoff for renting the cars.
One of the nice surprises upon my return to the cottage from my walk - three yoginis were practicing in the Yogatorium! Susan B, Pat, and Martha were using a DVD and have been faithful throughout my absence. What a thrill it was to see them here!
Now, I must end this trip and get on with my life here. I'm not really ready. My thoughts are still in Kinsale. I received a beautiful Blue Mountain e-card from Margie this morning about Irish life that was very touching. I will never forget the welcome I received from everyone I met and the special treatment my friends Margie, Alana, and Joan provided. Rose, my yoga teacher, was so very charming and warm and caring - and taught me many new ideas to use in my teaching. People are asking me, will you go back? I can only answer that with a "For sure." I don't know when, but I will return to Ireland. There is so much more to see and learn and the warm hospitality of Ireland's people is precious.
My special thanks to all who have been traveling with me through reading the blog. I'd love to hear your comments in an email. I wiish you all love - peace - and joy.