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58 and Feeling Great {The Hodgepodge}


My week got off to a great start with my birthday on Monday.  More about that below!  On Tuesday, I volunteered at the library and went to Costco.  We had the most empty nester dinner ever with leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables, along with Trader Joe's empanadas in the air fryer.  The empanadas were delicious!  On Tuesday night, Jack started his long journey home from Europe, flying from Berlin to Dublin.  Today he will fly from Dublin to Houston with a connection.  We can't wait to see him tonight.

Let's get started with the questions from Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond.

Monday Medley


Hey y'all!  Well, it has taken me a MINUTE to feel like life is back to normal after our trip.  Michael and I both returned from Ireland with some sniffles and aches.  Luckily, my cold just lasted a few days and I'm feeling almost 100% now.  Michael still has a lingering cough.  I also haven't fully adjusted to the time change, but I think I will just enjoy getting up a little earlier.  After we got back, I was waking up early because of jetlag, but then getting on my phone to check for texts and photos from the kids as they continued their travel.  Jack comes home Wednesday night, and I can't wait!

Today's post is just a random mix from my camera roll.  I couldn't decide whether to call it Hello Monday, Life Lately or Monday Medley.  It's just my usual hodgepodge of happenings as seen through my iPhone.

Ireland 2026 Overview


Our trip to Ireland is in the books, and I couldn't be happier about how it all turned out.  Sure, there were a few things here and there I might have changed due to weather or timing, but overall everything went smoothly.  All of our accomodations actually exceeded our expectations, and that certainly doesn't happen very often!  Without further ado, I hope you will enjoy travelling along with us in the blog posts listed below.


Ireland 2026: Connemara and Dublin


After our spectacular hawk walk at Ashford Castle on Tuesday, we stopped in for a snack at the tea/gift shop.  Then we headed out to drive and see the area.

Ireland 2026: Ashford Castle


On Monday afternoon, we drove from Galway to Ashford Castle.  It was so nice to have just a short drive for the day!