Forty-six years of marriage is a rather non-descript anniversary. Other than the comment – “WoW! You’ve been married that long? That’s really something in this day and age!” – there is not much to set it apart. I researched the appropriate gift for such an occasion and found there is no traditional present, but the “modern” suggestion is an original poem. As romantic as that is, I could hardly imagine my very “left-brained” husband coming up with a verse he hadn’t plagiarized. (In his defense, he is excellent in picking out cards that share the perfect tributes.)

Months ago I came up with my version of what couples could give each other for having stuck together for 46 years – a trip to Ireland. That didn’t seem any more random that “an original poem”, so I went with it. While G.E., the homebody (I almost wrote “homeboy”), wasn’t exactly thrilled about this idea, I whispered in his ear one night, “Don’t you remember that day we married, you kissed me and then said, ‘Sweetheart, when we’ve been married 46 years, I’ll whisk you off to Ireland.’?” He didn’t remember, but I reassured him the promise was made.

“Why Ireland?” you ask.

And I answer, “Why NOT Ireland?”

So off we went to the Emerald Isle on March 25 for nine days, including two for flying and flying and flying. Now, I’ll not bore you with dozens of photos and minute-by-minute details of our most wonderful holiday, but I will regale you over the next few posts with a few favorites of a MOST fascinating island of endearing people that are now part of my heart!

First: PRE-TRIP favorites –

• Miracles: 1) Getting G.E. to be my traveling companion. He was heroic! 2) Recovering from a nasty cold and 3) packing 9 days of everything into 2 carry-ons!
• Best investment: Skechers GOwalk – only shoes you’ll need!