Home Again. . . .Almost

Just landed in Newark, NJ about 11:30 a.m. after a 6 hour flight from Shannon, Ireland.  It was sooooo much better than the trip over because we actually got the Economy Plus seats we paid extra for (to get more legroom).   And, I got to watch both "American Hustle" and "Gravity", both terrific movies.  Started watching "Anchorman 2" and found it just like the first one, a collection of skits patched together that didn't do much for me. 

Said goodbye to the kids and now sitting for 3 1/2 hours or so while we wait for our Columbus connection  to get us in about 5:30 p.m.  I thought this might be a good time to reflect (briefly for those who actually read this far) about what this trip was like for us . . . in no particular order of priority of course!

First, it was great to be with friends - Ray and Mary Lee, and
Connie Melton - and family - Aaron, Melissa, Chloe, Jeff, Leigh, and briefly niece Becky and husband Stewart.  The group got along famously from the moment we left until we touched down, and I fulfilled my promise of doing something special for the family in the year of my 25th. anniversary to Cheryl. 

Hopefully it created some lifelong memories for everyone - I know it did for me.   We've now been to China, Egypt, Russia, and now England and Ireland with Ray and Mary Lee, and we intend to keep adding to the list.

Second, seeing Jenny happy and getting married was pretty darned wonderful, too.  We got to see Anthony on his home turf, and meet his wonderful parents and extended family.   They all made us feel at home and offered such warm hospitality that I meant what I said as my father's toast - the Americans (at least those of us on this trip), truly love the Brits.   And, a huge thanks, in particular, to the wonderful Simon and Maggie Bath.   We can't wait to show you our little slice of Americana sometime soon.

Third, the Beatles.   Nothing more needs to be said.   To see and touch the DNA of their lives in Liverpool meant the world to me.   I can distinctly remember hiding in the stairwell to the bedroom I shared with my late brother Dave about age 6 or 7 as he spun their latest 45 on the turntable, and thinking how much I loved rock and roll - Beatles rock and roll - even before I could adequately express it.   And, it and they have stayed with me all of this time.   What a wonderful experience that I know I'll never forget, including standing among the sweaty masses in the Cavern Club.  It just doesn't get much better than that.

Fourth, the country of Ireland is beautiful and, as Ray Urban says, so are its best asset - its people.   Although I might have liked a little less bouncing around on the bus, this is a magnificent country with a history second to none, and people as charming as any I've ever met.  Like so many other places we've visited, I'd love to go back but first have to get through the others on the bucket list - Africa, the American National Parks out west, Scotland, and the list goes on and on and on.   Hopefully we can do many more of these with traveling partners Ray and Mary Lee because they are an absolute pleasure to travel with, and perhaps even coax Connie Melton to come along.

Finally, just breaking up the monotony we face in our day to day lives was a gift from God.   Cheryl and I see each other so often for brief moments in passing, and it was so great to be able to spend time with her not worrying about what is for dinner, who gets the groceries, or whose turn it is to walk our new girl, Gracie Lou Freebush Mace.   So, 25 years down (as of September 23), and a prayer for 25 more.

That's it for this blog boy, so until we meet again, perhaps next year from the plains of Tanzania.  And, allow me to end with the well known Irish blessing . . . .

"May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand”