The sunset has a different feeling tonight. It is absolutely stunning and we have many of the cottage windows open to fully take in the beauty of the evening, but it is the last of our Irish sunsets for a long while. I am so sad to be leaving but grateful for our wonderful time here, all at the same time; fighting the tears back through laughter and trying to be super positive about returning home, when all I really want to do is stomp my feet and refuse to leave. I do realize that is extraordinarily child-like and will get me nowhere, but I am a mess of emotions right now. I cannot help but feel, this is where I belong. Perhaps some fine day, I might call this place home for good.

Today, was the kind of day, pretty much, everyone I know, who has ever gone on any kind of trip, can relate to. Packing day. We spent the day doing laundry, packing bags, cleaning the cottage, eating up the last of the food in the refrigerator, and all of the other exciting things one does to prepare for the journey home. We were blessed with a day full of sunshine and warm weather. After the bulk of the work was completed, we headed down for one last look at the water. The four of us hunted down the last of our beach treasures and got back into the car, with great reluctance, to head into Ardmore for one last hoorah at Shipmates for dinner. We opted to do take away and had our final Ireland meal, at the cottage, together laughing and talking about our favorite parts of the journey. We finished up the evening with a couple of games, the last of the laundry, and last minute packing. Audra is sad about leaving but excited to get home to her friends and to start school next week. The rest of us…well, we are already planning our next trip back, and plan it we will, but only after I finish my cup of tea.