Ireland and Queen Mary 2 cruise...we're home

We're back. Yes we finally are. The last day was exhausting trying to make our way back from New York. We disembarked from the Queen Mary 2 to sit at JFK airport for about 5 hours for our flight to Chicago then home. A couple of hours into our wait we accidently found out that our flight to Chicago was canceled due to weather. Great! Now what do we do. We had 21 people in our group we needed to shuffle to find flights for. We were lucky I guess to be able to find flights to Dallas, spend the night then fly out at 6 am home the next morning. So here we are. The flight to DFW was not without its drama as one of our group suddenly got sick then had seizures on the flight. The call from the pilots was made for doctors, nurses or EMT to aid. The lady at the center of the scare had her husband at her side and their daughter sitting at the middle of the plane. When we finally landed the paramedics came on board and took her immediately to the hospital. I am very happy to say that she is going to be fine but probably won't fly for a long time. It was explained to us that sometimes when you get off a cruise ship and fly immediately you can develop the vertigo and a little swelling of the brain which is what happened in this. She was sent to the hotel and was told to not fly, so rent a car was their next stop. Scary stuff... now on to the trip.

Between The Hubby and I, we took over 600 pictures so I will try to cull out some them to share and forgive me if I'm not to witty or pick a few blurry ones. The Hubby and I both got sick on this trip and are trying to recover, mine a head cold and his pharangitis and upper respiratory. YUCK!

This is us on the tour bus. We spent a lot of time on the tour bus and usually the minute we sat down and started moving The Hubby would nod off, every time.

Our first place to stay, Hotel Dunloe Castle in Killarney. This place was stunning. I mean absolutely stunning. I could have stayed the entire two weeks here and never leave.

This is the view from our room. I was in heaven. We also got a little floor show from the stallion of the group and his little filly. I have pictures but will not post. I was standing at the outside door and the big guy ran up to the filly, snorted and mounted. This was only 10 minutes after we arrived to our digs.

The view every morning. Did you know that in June the sun does not go down until about 11 pm in Ireland and it rises about 4:45 or 5 am. I didn't realize that.

The outside of our temporary abode.

The inside and some of our traveling companions.

This wonderful bar was not used but just a pretty to look at.

Muckross House

This was on the grounds of our hotel. An old castle, I'm assuming the original Dunloe Castle.

Our day tour around the Ring of Kerry.

We visited an actual sheep farm and were able to watch the sheering of sheep. The only thing we didn't like here was being swarmed by midges that bit. I still have a few places on my hand. The red dye on the sheep is their branding.

This was a trip to Muckross house via ;jaunty car or jaunting car.

Muckross House

Irish stud farm.

Japanese gardens on the farm.

Think I'll paint this.

Finally we are on the ship. What a day but way cool, at least the first 3 days or so. Queen Mary 2. I really got tired of gray water with white foam and waves and waves. Thank goodness for the patches. There were a couple of days where I walked like I was a complete drunk but had not touched a drop. On a sad note, one of our group had a major kink in her arrival on the boat. We had to fly from Dublin to Heathrow/London and then take a tour bus to South Hampton to catch the cruise. When the airline, Aer Lingus was putting the luggage on the plane the baggage handlers decided that we were overweight on the luggage and took hers off and left it sitting. That meant she arrived on the ship without her stuff for a 6 day trip. She was so upset and rightly so because all she had was her carry on and the clothes she was wearing, a t-shirt and jeans and tennis shoes. What a nightmare but we all pulled together to attire her and she was able to find clothes to buy. She was a trooper.

Our balcony. The room. Yeah they brought us champagne.

Ahhhh...we're moving...6 days of moving, back and forth, back and forth. Actually, it wasn't too awfully bad but I did get tired of walking like an intoxicated person.
Let the party begin! I was wrong, really wrong. I have dubbed this cruise, Branson on Water. This trip, I think may have been more for the older set as there were walkers, canes and wheelchairs in abundance. Don't get me wrong there was a nice night club we danced in but the majority of the population on this trip were over 65. EGADS...



The insides...it was beautiful.

Our dining room...The Britannia Room

The tour of the main kitchen.

Sunrise. We had sunshine the first day then nothing but clouds and no land until the last day. Finally we have sun.

There were several lectures during the week and one was by Erica Jong who wrote The Fear of Flying. I didn't do the lectures but The Hubby did a few. I wanted to read and do nothing which is exactly what I did. We did attend several of the shows after dinner several times. They had dancers and singers and a live band and there was a club G32

where we danced to the sounds of the DJ Graham Cracker (yeah I know) and a Caribean band called Fusion. The Hubby was in heaven.

Spent most of my time here reading and journaling. There were several areas to play games, read, write, jigsaw puzzles and visit.

We awoke at 5am to shower, dress and catch some breakfast before we disembarked. After breakfast we spied the Statue of Liberty in the fog. Finally we're home.

We took over 600 pictures so it was hard to find a select few to share here. I will share more later of some of the flowers from the gardens we saw.

Day something...can't remember

This is day something that I can't really remember. I think it is Monday but to tell you the truth it is becoming a blur, especially on this boat. We worried that The Hubby would not get to eat in the dining room because he didn't have a tuxedo last night but all is well. He actually bought an off white suit coat and a tie and we were good to go. After dining we went back to our room, "watched a little TV" until 10 pm and then we made it to the dance/music/night club to listen to a live band, Fusion and DJ Graham Cracker spin a few tunes. Yes, I said Graham Cracker. It was fun and The Hubby was absolutely in hog heaven. We met some other people who are on the trip with us, all women except one. So, including me there were 7 women and 2 guys. One of the guys left to go to the casino so that left The Hubby with 7 women to dance with and boy did he dance. His hair and shirt were one drenched sweaty mess but he was having the time of his life. Yesterday we both had our massages in the Canyon Ranch Spa and I could do with another because all of a sudden I have a shoulder tightness that is driving me crazy.


I'm up early this morning, 5 am, even though we didn't go to bed till 12:30. What is wrong with me. You know the sun is up at 4 something, nearly 5 and doesn't go down till a little after 10, in Ireland this time of year. When it's light, well here I am.

Going to the club, G32 we had to pass through the grand ballroom where there was a Black & White Ball going on. The dance floor was a sea of elderly couples dancing very slowly to a live band. We went on to the club where the other people joined us but when we had to use the facilities we had to pass again through the ballroom. One of the ladies came back in shaking her head telling us that there was a Queen contest going on. She said that a bunch of little old ladies in their sequin gowns and gold lame slippers were on the dance floor in a line explaining why they deserve to be the Queen. What ever happened to The Love Boat. Don't get me wrong but this is just weird. I do think we are some of the youngest on the boat. Oh and in our dance club the geriatric ward had some escapees that were gettin' down with it on the dance floor. One couple was so frail getting up and hitting the floor but once there it was like they had stepped into the twilight zone and became young again. She was bent over and her eyes were half opened but there they were dancing most of the evening, at least till about 11.

We're afloat

We are afloat on the Queen Mary 2 as I type this. This has been an awesome vacation. I wish I could do pictures but those will have to come later. We left Kilarney to travel to Dublin, which was not my favorite place. Face it, I'm a country girl at heart and so the busy city life is just not for me. Our hotel is owned by German people and reflects that feel. It is rather plain and stark for my tastes. Actually kind of modern feel with the decor. The bar area was massive and had looked like a furniture store with all the chairs and tables around in small seating areas and very modern in the feel. We took a day bus tour of Dublin which was interesting. We also did an evening out for dinner with some of the older people in our group. We went to a dinner and music place with Irish dancing and singing. The tenor was awesome.

Yesterday was a long day to get to England. We flew very early to London/Heaththrow and stood in horrible lines outside just to get our tour bus to take us the long drive to South Hampton to our cruise. We boarded the Queen Mary 2 late afternoon yesterday and I must say WOW! It is an amazing ship, just beautiful and HUGE! Today we've signed up for massages at the Canyon Ranch Spa. Tonight is dinner, formal, tux and all. I told The Hubby this kind of reminds me of a floating Branson with all the elderly people and the shows and ball gown functions. I feel years young on this whole trip. I don't think I've ever seen so many canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Why do you have to be ancient to enjoy this kind of thing. People, save your money and do these things at an early age, not when you can't get around.

One of our people, Marilyn, is very sad because her luggage didn't make it on the flight from Ireland to London, so she is without anything except her carry-on until New York. She is wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans. I feel so very bad for her and have offered her one of my dresses for the formal nights. Now, don't be too concerned, I don't have a hugely formal dress. It is a stretch knit dress with a shawl. I was not about to buy a "ball" gown but I bet we will be seeing a lot of sparkle tonight. The Hubby has to rent a tuxedo today for the event. Again, I am not keen on this crap but will probably try to play along.

UPDATE: My Daddy went home yesterday.

Dublin

We are off to Dublin today and a full day of stuff again. Yesterday we went to Muckross to tour the house where Queen Victoria stayed in. It is in Killarney. They have beautiful gardens but because it drizzled all day long yesterday we didn't go into the gardens, wait The Hubby braved it and gave me grief for not. I just was not in the mood to get soggy again after the walk the night before in the rain. I am so amazed by the wild rhododendrons along side the roads. The tour guide lady said they have to burn them back every year but they come back and are becoming a nuisance. I am amazed. So I guess a few days in Dublin then we head off to London then South Hampton and board the Queen Mary. Lots more to see.

Daddy update: What I know is that he is perky, up and moving and may go home today. That is awesome. I hope to hear from my Bro or Sis today through email. Toodles all...Carla

Quick Hello

This is just a quick hello to let everyone know a little of what's happening. Ireland is just beautiful and our hotel Castle Dunloe is magnificent. Yesterday we went around the Ring of Kerry and to a working sheep ranch and watched them sheer a sheep. The midges drove us crazy but the place was beautiful. I can't wait to get back to upload all the wonderful pictures we have taken and get a scrapbook together. Today we go to Muckross something. It is amazing that the sun rises at 5 am here but sunset is 11 pm. I love having daylight that much. Sleep is great too with our window open all night long. They don't have A/C and rightly so. I think tomorrow we leave for Dublin for a few days then on to London and catch the Queen Mary for the cruise home. We are having an awesome time and I can't wait to share more with everyone.

My father had his hip replacement surgery yesterday but the only info I have received so far is that it went well, he was in recovery and that his muscles were very tight but that he got through it quite well. I'm happy about that. I imagine that by the time we get home he should be well on the road to recovery.

Toodles my friends till later...Carla

Ireland

Well, we're here, and by the way this is my 600th post!!! The flights, yes I said flights, and there were three, were long and very tiring, but we are here all in one piece and I can blog. At least a little. The Hubby has already grouched at me not to hog this free Internet in case someone else wants to use it. I don't think that will be a problem as most of the people on this trip with us are over 65 years old. Somehow we are some of the youngest. We flew into Cincinnati, then New York and that layover was a little over 6 hours long. Then we finally boarded the Aire Lingus (spelling) for a 6 hour flight that seemed like an eternity. The plane was huge and I thought lucky to be seated next to the bathrooms. Boy was I wrong. The stupid hinge need some WD40 badly and drove The Hubby and myself crazy, open-close, open-close, open-close, all night long. Then the seats were like sitting on bricks. When we sat down I thought it was great we had our own little TV screens, but wait, I'm not that lucky. My kept rebooting up until 2 hours into the flight when they rebooted for the last time and it went blank. The Hubby's was working fine but he was asleep so I plugged my earphones into his jack and watched. Now my neck is killing me from leaning over to watch. I didn't sleep worth a hoot because of all the issues. We finally landed in beautiful Killarney and then had an hour and a half bus ride to Dunloe Castle Hotel. What an incredibly beautiful place we are staying. Right out our bedroom windows are the mountain/hills (not sure what the call them), and the rolling meadow is full of horses and cows. When I can I will have pictures. We were given a floor show in the meadow a little while ago. As I was standing and watching the beauty a stallion all of a sudden let out a loud manly whinny and ran up to a little lady and they did a little dance around each other and then BAM...a floor show. Wow! More later...

It's 4:19 am

It is 4:19 am. I've actually been awake since about 3 this morning. Can't sleep. My carpel tunnel is bothering me, my back is bothering me and my mind won't shut off long enough to sleep. I did get a few good hours but it's just excitment. The alarm will go off at 4:30 and The Hubby will too be awake. I will get some coffee, grab the paper and then hit the shower. B will be here about 6:15 to pick us up for the drive to the airport. I'm a little edgy and that means I need to be awake early to handle the bathroom nerves, early. We are off today and I'm not sure if I will be blogging while gone but will try. Toodles all and try not to fill up my reader too much while I'm gone for 14 days...

Oh and this is post #599!

Later my friends...Carla (yes that is my real name, thought it was time to share.)

Travel Eve

Tomorrow morning we will jet off to the Green Isle. I think everything is done that needs to be done, except for work (later). I believe I have purchased all the little things that need to be packed. Now all I need to do is put it all together in a couple of suitcases. Today is the last day of work but that also means I have to do payroll today then a pre-payroll for the next two weeks ahead. It will have to be a guess-timate as to the hours and that can be risky. I've paid all the bills. I've invoiced all the invoices. Work should run okay with our top man in charge and the oldest, B, helping. I think all is done that needs to be done. Quit worrying about Daddy and his surgery on Monday.

List time:

1. Charge Kindle
2. Charge IPOD
3. Passports out of lock box
4. Feed birds (parakeet, canary)
5. Clean out fridge

Think I'm through with lists. Let's go. If I can't blog while away it will be a bit till you hear from me but I think I'll be here once in awhile....toodles all....and thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a great day yesterday.

Today is my birthday...Woo Hoo!

Today is my birthday. I am 53 years young. Now I'm really having fun with life!

Last night some of my friends treated me to drinks and dinner at Los Cobos. What a great evening I had. Cosmos, laughter, guacamole and chips, and time with friends, what more could a girl ask for. I am finally feeling like the gaping hole that has been in my heart for the past three years is closing up because of these ladies and how they take care of me. My emotional happiness is on the mend. Here's to you Harri, Smithey, PO, Huff, Sin, GiGi, EL,and Lash. Thanks so very much for making me feel special. I love you guys truly.

Today, Tomorrow, and Yesterday

Tomorrow is my birthday...I will be 53 years old. I thought I would do some pics to see how I weathered the years. Kind of scary and introspective I think.

Yesterday

Today

Memory Lane part 2 or 3...

I am going to have to stop going through old things. One place I had not been in was my trunk. Actually, it belonged to my Great Grandmother’s sister, Mary. Mary died at the age of 16 from a ruptured appendix. Very sad. The trunk sat in a bunk house for many, many years until it was given to me. I refinished it at age 18 and it has been the keeper of my most prized keepsakes. It really needs to be redone but that will be another day.

It keeps my wedding dress safe.

These are from my hip-hugger jeans that I embroidered. I bought them from the Army Surplus and embroidered the Gemini and heart/bird on the leg and on my but were my initials. Now all that is left are remnants of a wonderful teen life.

Here is my elementary project on the state of Oklahoma.

Then I found the charcoal/pastel sketch book that was my mother’s.
Oh and I must not forget some of my stuff, the dog and parakeet.

Last but not least is my mother’s wedding veil.It’s now all put back until I decide to walk down memory lane again in a few years.