Melissa, Andy and the kids' Blog

Starting the 3rd day at a ruin castle on a ocean front cliff. Melissa joined the castle guard. The town was separated from the castle by a small stone bridge standing over 60 feet high.   Janell standing in the circle of power, or maybe a welcome mat. View from the castle   Each of these chimneys (besides being excellent hiding spots) would have heated a separate guest room. Bob wore bright yellow so we wouldn't lose him. This is a modern bridge over the gap. Everyone enjoying the views and great break in the weather.   The "secret" path to the cave under the castle.   I went to touch the water, because I have a must touch the water issue (see the red speck on the beach). Melissa and Tracy waiting for me at the top. After Dunluce we jump back in the cars and hit the road toward Giant's Causeway.  There is a gift shop and museum at the top, then a long walk down to the basalt pillars. ...

HOLY COW!!!! WE'RE IN IRELAND!  Arriving at Dublin Airport. 5/24/15. Aunt Tracy got a little emotional.   First stop was, well, getting lost.  We needed two vehicles in order to pack the six of us and our gear, I drove the 1st car and Dr Uncle Bob drove the 2nd.  We pulled out of the airport onto the motorway... and lost the 2nd car at our first exit.  Luckily we had Janell with us, she and Tracy texted and called back and forth to convince them to just pull off to the first petrol station they could find.  They texted us the address, which we plugged in to the Sat-Nav, and a mere hour later we were all back together.  We had taken an off-the-beaten-path/scenic return (a feature of the Sat-Nav?) with several close calls with lorries, hedges and absurdly high speed curves.  We all went in to the petrol station to grab some snacks and hit the road again. To the burial mounds at Knowth and Newgrange! Inside the mound at Knowth,...

Rupert's a daddy!  Kati and Mason Lyman's hedgehog fathered some babies and we got to hold Spike when he was a month old. Melissa was scared of him so he kept hissing. Melissa read all about keyhole gardening this year. So I made one for her. She helped too. You make a circle of bricks, with a keyhole (where she is standing). Then you fill the bottom with sticks. Then you take a 2 hour break when Melissa's friend's horse has a baby. Then you prepare your corn rows. Then you line with cardboard, then fill with dirt. Then cover with topsoil, a soaker hose, and straw. Also, put some seeds and seedlings in there.