A bit of light drizzle this morning as we leave the apartment and walk up some very steep steps, hundreds of them to the Sacre Coeur Church. We wandered around the streets and found an aromatic scent emanating from this tiny little cafe. I experienced my first pain au chocolat and it definitely WILL NOT be my last. It was still warm from the oven. Trev had a scrumptious pear tarte along with a cafe au lait. The French coffee so far has been on the weak side and when added to the milk makes for a very mild hot drink. Enjoyable though. I'm not sure how these vehicles maneuver in such tight quarters but they do. The pedestrian definitely does not have the right of way here!! Amazing architecture and magnificent view of Paris from ... read more

Final tea party with Edgar and Georgie and off to the airport. A bit of a misstep with the Sat Nav but we eventually made it to the car rental return lot. Way early for the flight but better early than late. Now that I have left the country I can actually tell you what I think of the Irish folks!! They like to present this facade that is all jolly, laughter, happy go lucky but really they are uptight, paranoid CONTROL FREAKS!!(hehe) I came to that conclusion after seeing nothing but hedges surrounding their properties, if not hedges then fences, and if not fences then gates. They have serious issues with outsiders.....I'm convinced this is an accurate interpretation of this passive aggressive behavior. I understand control, wanting to control your universe but these folks take ... read more

Had a quick breakfast with Geoff & Dawn and then off to Carrick convention for the morning meeting. Geoff escorted us out of town and up the motorway to our exit. Arrived about 9:30 in time for tea before meeting. Many came up to Trev and recognized him right off after 37 years and others he recognized and once they heard his name burst into a smile and said ack sure I remember you. We sat at lunch with Earl Delaney. He and his brother John came to Canada in 1990's and stayed so it was nice to get a chin wag in with him and his mother Mary. Left Carrick and headed to Dublin to Edgar and Georgie's. Transferred to their vehicle and headed to cousin Janice & Raymond in Moira, just outside of Belfast. ... read more

Time to put on the big girl panties and start packing this tiny suitcase. I have been mulling around for days what might fit, what I want to take etc. Still trying to figure out a way that I could have the big suitcase (a whopping few inches if you were wondering) that Trev has but not have to lug it around??? I do know that my cosmetic bag, hair dryer and bible will go in his case so that leaves me with a bit more room. It really wasn't too bad. We both have enough clothes for several days and we will have washer & dryers at each stop. It was fun complaining. PLUS, they do have stores where we are going :) The night kind of got away on me. Here it is 11:45pm ... read more

So sad....I lost the transatlantic ticket gamble...paid more booking 8 weeks in advance than I would have at 14 weeks when all the travel sites say best time is 6-8 weeks. Oh well, I guess we'll go without food for a few meals or sleep on the beach. I've been having moments of panic as I try and figure out how I'm going to pack everything I think I need in this tiny suitcase that fits the strictest carry on size!! I mean really, I'm not a small woman, my clothes alone have more material than many and I think they should take that into consideration when they determine allowances. After all, size case size should be relative to the person carrying the case. It's a good thing I'm traveling with this skinny European dude as ... read more