Dear Reader:

I almost blew a surprise for Kaitlyn for their last major stay in Ireland…a highlight at Ashford Castle. I didn’t realize that Tommy had signed Kaitlyn up (as well as himself) for the School of Falconry as a surprise for Kaitlyn…a chance to participate in this rare experience, as well as, finally meet Dingle, the Owl.

(I had made a picture of the owl for Tommy to take and told Kaitlyn, at a pre-wedding party, that I had left the picture in their car. Kaitlyn gave me a blank stare but thankfully (hopefully) it was lost in all the festivities.)

Ashford Castle is definitely a mind-blowing way to end the honeymoon.

Click on this link to see photos inside and out of this castle voted the best hotel in the world.

Ashford Castle in Ireland named best hotel in the world | Daily Mail …

Tommy did his “homework” while they were planning the itinerary and saw where this amazing hotel offered the opportunity to fly a Harris Hawk at the School of Falconry. (This school is the oldest of its kind in Ireland)

Then as he read on…he saw where they also had an Eurasian owl (one of the largest in the world) who was one of the oldest “chartered” members (a “founding father” one article quoted) named Dingle. So Tommy started emailing back and forth to see if he could fly Dingle.

meet Dingle the owl at Ashford Castle in Ireland – YouTube

The instructor, Tommy texted back and forth to…said that Dingle was getting kind of old and moody…some days he flew, others he didn’t…but they would definitely make sure Dingle got to meet the other Dingle. Yesterday Kaitlyn sent me this picture. It happened! In fact Dingle extended his hospitality to both Dingles!

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* Dingle can be rented to be a “key” player in one’s wedding proposal…by delivering the key ring with the engagement ring attached.. (As much as I love Dingle the Owl…I am glad that little Rudy got that job for Tommy and Kaitlyn)

I think Tommy and Kaitlyn have felt like a king and queen for the past few days…exactly how everyone on a honeymoon should feel.

 

An adventure like this provides a lifetime of memories…their honeymoon to Ireland will always be a “Remember when” followed by a long sigh of contentment.

It makes mothers, like Susan and I, smile to know their “children” are having this opportunity of a lifetime. Life is good!

So until tomorrow….I read somewhere (once) that mothers’ prayers have a direct “hot-line” to God. I believe this to be so…because I have prayed (many years) for all my children to find the love of their life…and they did!

“Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

 *Our favorite, most talented artist-in-residence (meaning she lives in Summerville) Anne Peterson is putting on the annual Spring Art Show and Sale this Saturday May 27, 2017 in the form of a drop-in-reception from 4-8. Three other talented artist friends will have their artworks displayed also.

*The exhibit takes place in Anne’s home: Walnut Farms:  131 Scalybark Road, Summerville, SC

Let’s all come out and support Anne and other local artists in our area!