Leaving for Ireland in 3 weeks!

[Eileen]

Going back to the old sod for a much needed visit. A friend and I have rented a house in Galway for one week, and then the other week that we are there we will be staying in western Co. Clare, which is where my family is from. I am both looking forward to the trip and a bit terrified too, as it is always ten times the amount of work to be in a less than perfect environment in terms of things like bathrooms, showers, and even bed height. I already purchased one of those oversized Dunkin Donuts plastic cups, which will serve as the all important "pee cup." Strange how even after all these years I find it amazing that something like that takes precendent over other things on my list of "must take with me" items. The house we rented is in the Renvyle Pennisular, overlooking the ocean with the mountains of Galway and Mayo rising up as far as the eye can see. I am dreading the flight. Last time I did this I pretty much knocked myself out with some heavy duty Vicodin, and think I will do the same this time since it is an overnight flight and the thoughts of sitting in the lousy airplane seats for that long is enough to make me feel anticipatory pain. At least my seat is pre-booked and we got the side seats with just two in the row, meaning I can ask my friend to get up so I can stretch occasionally into her seat, although that is minimally effective. Still, I am willing to endure a lot to go back to the place I call my other home, so it will all be worth it.