Some pictures from Ireland . . .

Well, I am back! We had a fantastic trip and saw so many beautiful things. I took over 1300 pictures!! It was hard to chose, but I have chosen a few here to highlight the trip. We sang four scheduled concerts and some impromptu ones as well. The scenery is so gorgeous and my pictures do not do Ireland justice at all, but they are what I have to remember the trip. I will definitely be going back and taking the whole family next time. My daughter loved it even more than I did, and did not want to come home!

Put your mouse on top of any picture to see the caption!

Some quick trip thoughts:
There are more ways than I thought possible to fix potatoes.
40 shades of green is probably not enough to describe all of the colors of the Emerald Isle.
Musicians and dancers from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and the Chieftains in your hotel ballroom performing a two hour concert is an incredibly special treat.
I have never smelled fresher air.
Seeing an Irish cow, horse, dog, cat, and one of the 9 million sheep is way more exciting than seeing the same animals at home.
Our country is so very young.
Diet Coke is Diet Coke everywhere! (Although much more expensive there!)
Education in Ireland is much higher quality than in the U.S. (I say that as a teacher!)
Shopping makes for happy women everywhere. (And the shopping is fabulous there!)
Pubs have great food, music, and are on just about every corner.
McDonald's has invaded the world.
The Book of Kells is a magnificent work of art and life.
Our coach driver knows more about the history of Ireland spanning three thousand years than I do about America's two hundred. :(
Roundabouts are a better system than exits.
Narrow roads make for increased heart rates.
What a beautiful world we live in.