Day 637
Travel is such a gift. When you are able to choose a destination, where excitement and enrichment take place, it is beyond wonderful!
It has been my privilege to enjoy trips near and far and each adventure has held its own magic. Along with the beauty of different nature panoramas, new experiences and Mac by my side, the best travel memories are the people who were there on the journey. Ireland (daughter Amanda and Matt), Hawaii (Libby), Disney (my twins and Asher), Germany (Swen) and so many more "Memory Makers" get top billing, but the real joy comes from the travel-buddies sharing your adventures!
For example, only the foursome who ventured to Ireland could reminisce on our first few days. We stayed on a gloriously, beautiful farm, replete with horses, dogs, cats, sheep, ducks, geese...you name it! Before we departed, our host asked if I could step out in the gardens for a moment. Of course, I was happy to join her. What awaited was a gorgeous rose bush, a wheelbarrow of soil and a pre-dug hole. Tina, our most gracious hostess, explained that she always had her special guests add to the gardens by planting something with her. This was my memory of the conversation:
Tina (read with a rich, Irish brogue):
"So, me friend! The wee rose bush will always remind me of our time together."
Me: "Tina...I am so honored!"
Tina: " The hole is dug and now it is time to plant before we christen the bush!"
Me: "I am ready to plant!"
Tina: "All right, me friend, just dig your hands deep into this rich horse manure and grab enough to line the hole."
Me: Speechless! Aghast! Finally, I asked her to demonstrate...hoping gloves might appear from thin air.
Tina: "Here ye go, my friend. Muck it around with your fingers until it's nice and ready for the hole...then drop some in!". (No gloves!!!!!)
Me: Digging my hands in the warmth, I pretended it was just soil and worked quickly...VERY quickly! "How is that? May I put the bush in now?"
Tina: " Yes! Then ye pat that manure nice and firm around the bush."
Me: (almost gagging) "Alright, here we go!"
The deed was done, a smelly hug exchanged and I headed back to scour my hands!!!! I bet I washed them for five minutes!!!!!
We four travelers have laughed about that so often! That trip was incredible! Today's return, after a long weekend in Texas with our dear friends, had memories every bit as rich as planting that rose bush. Walking in the door after cars, buses, trams, planes and shuttles, the Goldens shared their love to the max!!!! Best "Welcome Home" EVER!
