Slán.

I came to bed early since I am facing a long day of flying tomorrow. But apparently by brain is not yet ready for sleep. So here I sit, contemplating my time in Ireland and wondering how it seemed to go by so fast, yet two months ago seems like forever. I shall miss this place. I'll miss the slow pace of life and stores that don't open until 10ish.  I shall miss looking outside my window and seeing only fields of green grass dotted by neighboring cows. I shall miss the archaic beauty of Drewstown House and it's grounds -and all of Ireland really. I'll miss the rain, yes even the persistent rain, and the rainbows it brings. I shall miss tea time with the Scherrers and all the people who have made my stay such a blessing...
I will NOT miss the mouse in my wall, outlet/wattage converters, the time difference to Alaska or cows at 6am.
So by this time tomorrow (Ireland time) I will be sitting somewhere over the Atlantic eagerly anticipating setting foot on US soil again. Well, US snow at least, as I am flying into Minneapolis. But don't worry, Alaska, give me a couple more weeks and I'll bring some of the snow back North with me.
So I bid a bittersweet goodbye to this Emerald Isle they call Ireland.
For now...