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What Are You Doing?

  “It is a serious thing just to be alive on this Fresh morning in this broken world.” I’ve read this quote by the beautiful poet Mary Oliver a few times but today for some reason it really affected me. I’m thinking yes!   Of all the people, family, friends, neighbors’ acquaintances that have passed away, I am still here. That’s got to mean something right?  So, I’m thinking Barb! Wake up! What are you doing with this one life you’ve been given? O.K. so I love Ireland, my garden, and the great times on Balboa Island with my grandchildren. I love traveling, and writing. I am very grateful for my family and wonderful friends, for my good health, and for our pups, Dublin and Bryzzo. Now, after reading this quote, I’m even more aware of how fortunate I am to still be here. What am I doing? There must be something more I should be doing. What are you doing?  
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 I woke up thinking about the labyrinth this morning and decided to take a walk.  It is just a short 25- mile drive from me and a wonderful place for a good conversation with yourself. It's The Healing Garden at our Beautiful St. Rose Hospital, San Martin Campus in las Vegas. Just a nice way to start the day. 

The Ireland I Know

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I am so happy to be talking to you about Ireland. Ireland is a country along with her people, that has made its home way down deep in the heart of my soul.  I’m hoping by reading some of the tips and the info on how to get around, you’ll find some nuggets  I’ve learned along the way, making it easier for you when you head over.      So here it is, these are all the places and sites, restaurants and hotels I would recommend you don’t miss when you go to Ireland.  While I’ve been north, south, east and west, this 1st blog post is going to cover Dublin and Killarney, these are the two places I return to on every visit.  The itinerary I’ve shared here, will work perfectly whether you’re traveling with your husband, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, relative or friend, or in the event you are traveling solo.  Ireland is safe, the people are friendly and they are fascinated with the American people. My favorite time of year to go is September, it’s cool, misty, there’

A Reason to Celebrate!

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We did as we were told, we were instructed to get dressed and stay in our room until we heard the bell. When the bell rang, we were greeted outside our bedroom door by Vinnie saying “Can I be your Best Man?” and the others singing Happy Anniversary.   What a moment it was, as was the entire day. Food was brought in, a gorgeous cake, cookies, along with champagne and speeches.   Thank you, Jeff for writing and leading us in renewing our wedding vows. Thank you for bringing Rose into our lives, giving me a daughter to love and become such good friends with.   Rose thank you for all the decorations, the flowers and balloons, the cookies and all the food you and Jeff brought in, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being who you are, loving, creative and such a good friend.  Thank you Vinnie, for being our best man,  Ollie thank you for the toast you wrote and read so beautifully at dinner.  Joe thank you so much for the awesome poem you wrote about love. 

Croatia ~Another World All Together

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Our small plane brought us into Split from Munich, arriving a little after noon Croatian time. The flight was nothing less than astounding as we flew over the snow- covered Alps and directly over Venice. Split welcomed us with a cool, mostly cloudy day. As we deplaned, all passengers were asked to step aside, as a dignitary of the Catholic church was receiving VIP treatment.  Five priests were standing outside waiting to greet him. Not sure who he was but we were impressed with the welcome he was given.  Our room at the Le Meridian is beautiful overlooking the Adriatic Sea. When the rain started, the balcony made for a nice place to relax for the evening. The water was glistening from the sun peaking in and out of the clouds, and majestic yachts lined the harbor.  Split is known for its beaches and the fortress-like complex in the center of town. The Diocletian’s Palace was built by the Romans in the 14 th century.   The palace was undergoing construction, so we w