Asyou can see from my photograph that my sister and I were quite the fashiondivas in Ireland! Might I remind you that it was 1971, so I think we get apass!! Looking at this photo sent such strong memories and emotions streamingthrough my head and heart. Not only because were have 41 years gone, but forthe losses that occurred along the way and the changes that have happened tothe Ireland I remember in that photo! So I will give you some of my fondmemories in a stream of consciousness.
Iwill always remember how that little town smelled of burning turf, and freshgrass and if I am lucky sometimes I can still smell that familiar scent in thefall with the burning of leaves and firewood.
Iloved how My Uncle Sean would sing Sweet Caroline to me as we drove throughtown in his little blue fiat, and how he never failed to give us a rollercoaster ride over the bumpy roads on which we traveled!
Iwill never forget being allowed to run out the front door and into the fieldsin the back of my Grandfathers home, with now worries just an occasional shoelost in a cow paddy!! There were even days that my Uncles would take usto the Bog to turf cut and then would allow us to ride on top of the pyramidpile of turf at least 15 feet high via tractor all the way home, which was agood 20 minutes.. I can't believe none of us fell off!
Idid and still love Crunchy Bars, Cadbury Flake bars, and Kimberly's(gingerbiscuits with marshmallow topping covered in chocolate, need I say more!!
Iremember Birr Castle as if it were yesterday and how I pretended we wereprincesses who were able to play amongst the gardens there, and walk across arope bridge, luckily we did not fall into the water!
WhatI remember most were the people of Ireland! My wonderful Uncles, Aunt, cousins,and their giving nature and good humor and how happy my mother seemed to beback sharing all of Ireland with her Children!
It is true: once the spirit of Ireland is in your blood, it will always call you home!
