48 Hours & Counting!!!!

In approximately 48 hours from the time I'm typing this my group & I should be nearing JFK International Airport for our flight to the Emerald Isle!

My journey would have started way earlier in the morning.  First I need to drive 2hrs to meet the ladies and then the 5hr or so bus ride from Maryland to NY.  So its going to be a long day!! 

Just about everything is packed.  I was sadden to find out that my beautiful new pieces of Luggage wont be going with me...The carry-on apparently is too big for the "bus".  It's fine for the Plane but the bus has restrictions and they want folks to use a size similar to a backpack!

 LOL!! Yeah Right! 

I was able to put everything into another smaller case...but it weighed about 12lbs.  Schleping that around would definitely kill my back so I had to come up with a plan C...My laptop rolling case!   Its ugly as sin  but it rolls....I am so not liking it!!!

But then it gets better!!  My new "clothes it all" suitcase where can pull out and hang your clothes is too heavy!!  Once it was packed it weighed about 46lbs!!  The max is 50lbs on the plane so that would limit the shopping I may want to do!!  

So, once again I had to come up with another game plan...this one has me dusting off an old suitcase!  The good news is that everything fits with some extra room...before expanding!!  And it only weighed 38lbs.  The  bad news is its just as ugly as the laptop case!! 

Counting down the hours!!!

Two Weeks and counting!!

WOW!   Where did the time go!!  Labor Day weekend has come and gone as is the Summer Fun.   Soon the cooler months will be on us!  I love the Fall!!  I'm not one of those sun worshipers.  I like a little chill.  Stirs the blood!

Now the fun part begins....over the next two weeks I really need to get my act together.  I'll need to get all the things I plan on packing together.  I'll have to sort what goes into which case...One suitcase that will be checked, one carryone and one "purse".  Rules I need to remember...Weight!!  Checked Luggage can't exceed 50 lbs! Can't have any liquids in the purse or carry on...

I'm awaiting the final paperwork from the Travel Agent...I wasnt able to attend the meeting last week so all my goodies will have to be mailed.  Patience is not a strong point of mine!  But thanks to Peggy I did get a little bit of the information!!!!!

Ireland or Bust!!

5 WEEKS AND COUNTING!!!

Five weeks from today the adventure begins!! 

I am so excited!  I'm still in panic mode!

• What do I need?
• What should I pack?
• What can I leave behind?
• Are the clothes I picked okay?  Will I be warm enough with short-sleeve polos?
• Will I exceed the airline weight restriction?
• Will my carryon fit!!

Then it's...

• Do I really need this Tablet...it has Angry Birds to play while traveling, I can read epub's & if I have a secure wireless I can access the web...
• Do I really need the Netbook...I can download any pictures/video I take each night, can access the internet, SKYPE with the family, watch a movie...
• Do I need to bring the Kindle?  Sadly, this one isnt as multi-functional so it may get left behind...But this was the smallest of the three toys!!

 My mind races on & on....

Guess it's a good time to do my "spreadsheet"....a good checklist is a must.  Once it's in writting it's easier to digest.  But until it's "Packing Day" some of those questions will remain unanswered...

5 Weeks & Counting Whoo Hoo!!

Luggage! I need more luggage!!

Okay...now I have a couple of sets of luggage at home already...granted they are a couple of years old but they are still in working condition.  But the more I looked at them the more I realized I needed something special...

So I went online and surfed....I came across a croco style set that looked nice.  (I needed a 25" case so I wouldnt "overstuff" and exceed my checked luggage weight and I wanted a carry-on). This set looked like it had all the specs I needed....so I ordered, it arrived....then I started doubting...

Will this 25" hold all my clothes?  Will there be room for items I purchase?  And what about the carry-ons...the wheeled one was the typcial and the case was really nice but did I want to carry it around an airport...decisions, doubts...PANIC!!

So it was back to the wide world web....enter the home shopping channel...

Here I came across a bunch of cool pieces...One was a "Garment" style with a "pull-out" closet...this style was nice and deep where I can stash some other goodies...So I ordered it!!  It arrived and I have to say it's pretty cool...I hope it survives the trip!!

But that still left me pondering over a carry-on....I wanted one where I can easily access my toys yet hold some emergency items just in case my luggage was lost.

This is where I found this carryon/duffle combination....Too cool!!!  One part is like a little suitcase, the other is like a duffle....and it EXPANDS!!  

It gets better...it comes with a matching tote!  Though I have a pretty Bright Blue I was going to use that's made by the same designer.  Guess I'll have to see if the Brown tote is better!

I'm a mess I know!!

Time to start organizing!!

So I came across this nice little site that had some ideas about packing...I am one of those crazy people who will pack everything because "you never know what you may need"...

 

 

Now granted the First Aid items are a given but do I really need to bring all my electronics??  Of course!  What will I be doing at the airports!!

 

 

Here's some of the things I'll need to pack!!!

 CARRY ON LUGGAGE 

• Passport – (Make a copy and keep separate; also leave copy at home)
• Drivers License –(Make a copy and keep separate; also leave copy at home)
• Tickets (or other document from Travel guide)
• Credit Cards & Enough US Dollars to Cover Two Nights Lodging (remember to call each ATM & credit card company and tell them you are traveling overseas…otherwise, your card might be suspended for “suspicious activity”)
• Medicines – Allergy/Headache/Pain - stored in original, labeled containers.
• Folding Cane/Seat
• Light Jacket or Sweater - in case it’s cold on the plane
• Extra clothes – for overnight travel
• Travel Socks – for improved circulation
• 1-Quart Ziploc Bag – for liquids…they’re charging for Ziploc bags at Dublin Airport now
• Toiletries, Deodorant, Wet Wipes, Waterless Toothbrush/paste
• Gum, Mints, Granola Bar, Nuts or other snack – FYI, liquids will not be allowed past security…except in checked bags.
• Emergency List – includes US & Irish contact numbers, credit card numbers with customer service contact numbers.
• Duty Free Purchases – that may need to be carried
• Kindle – this is where books and music come in handy
• Cameras, Charger & Extra Memory Cards
• Netbook, Charger & Adapter
• CrossStitch, needles/thread cutter
• Ear Plugs or Noise-Canceling Headphones

CHECKED LUGGAGE

• Clothing – Pajamas, pants, blouses, undergarments, socks, dinner outfit
• Glasses/Contact Lenses (2^nd pair for emergency!)
• Toiletry Kit – Medications – First Aid
• Copy of emergency information / passport/ID
• Adapters
• Hooded Weather-Proof Jacket
• Rain Poncho – disposable kind
• Hat/Visor
• Spare Set of Comfy Shoes
• Flip Flops
• XL Zip Lock bags for wet items
• Laundry Tote – folds to the size of a deck of cards
• Extra Tote Bag for gifts
• Gifts for the Relatives

There really there are only FOUR things that you absolutely can’t travel without: Passport, Credit Cards, Drivers License and Medicines & Prescriptions. Anything else can be replaced! 

Summer is Here!

And before we know it September will be upon us! 

While juggling the family vacation and the work schedule I'll have to take some time to work on my "checklists". 

 

There was a time I was "brain overloaded' and everything was blurring so I had to push all my research items aside...Time to dust them off...

In the meantime, here are a couple of places to get some tips & information:

Ireland Planning Guide

Discover Ireland

Ireland Fun Facts-Travel Tips

My Guide Ireland-vacation information

Three Months & Counting!!!!

July-August-IRELAND!!

The summer is here and then before we know it we'll be on our way!!  My minds a racing....what to pack, what to research....what, what, what! My head is hurting!

My first hurdle will be how to look gorgeous after 20+ of traveling!  Unlike most of my fellow travelers I'll be driving 2hrs to meet the group befor the bus takes us from Maryland to NY-(5hrs on a good day)...then the flight across the "pond" (another 5 hrs!)...We dont get to a hotel until later that day so tack on another 8hrs...I'm not really liking the "hat" option!

Then the other thought is what if I'm hungry!  Can I pack a snack and make it passed the airport security? Do I spend a small forture and grab junk food at the airport??? 

And then the really big question!  MONEY!! 

How much cash should I have on hand!!  I've already gotten 100euros.  I have a debit card and a credit card...but should I get more euros and how much more??  We'll be on our own for lunch and a couple of dinners....what's the average cost for a meal?? 

No wonder why my head is hurting!!

VAT explanation for the layman (or laywoman!) HELP!

Ok, so those who know me know I'm math challenged! 

Adding up things is not my cup of tea! 

And my mathematician wont be going on the trip!!

The one thing that puzzles me is this VAT thing....Can anyone explain this VAT thing in simple terms? 

I'm definitely going to do some shopping and hitting a pub or two. An extra 13% (or 9% per the recent announcement for Hotels/Restaurants) will add up on my credit card....and though I may get the cash back upon exiting that extra percentage is still on the plastic!!!   Hey! If we cash in at the airport do we get Dollars or Euros???

So if anyone has suggestions as to how to make this as painless as possible please reply and let us know!

Thanks!!

Dublin!

We depart Kilkenny on the 28th and drive through prime horse-breeding country to Dublin. 

Here we'll set off on a sightseeing tour of the city.  We'll get to stop at Trinity College and view the 8th century Book of Kells. 

We'll arrive at the O'Callahan's Mont-Clare Hotel (http://www.myguideireland.com/mont-clare) to enjoy some leisure time before the evenings festivities!!

That evening we'll be heading off to Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner, lively show and traditional Irish song, dancing & music!  

http://www.taylorsthreerock.ie/ 


                  

On No You Didnt Goldie!!

So, I'm reading the June Newsletter for the Bayside Quilters Guild and low & behold I see my name!  I almost fell off my chair at the office!  So if you're reading this Goldie you cracked me up!!

Now, I'm not sure how good of an "Historian" I am but I do enjoy planning for a trip.  I've looked through several travel guides thus far and if I didnt worry about the added weight they'd all be packed along with my binder of notes.

So if anyone has a special area of interest you'd like me to research for you just comment on the Blog!!

P.S. And Goldie...if I could get to work in Columbia without driving that blasted bridge I'd have that "For Sale" sign out and ready to do business!!  I do enjoy my friends on the good side of the pond!!!

Sites around Kilkenny!

Today (Sept 27) we will be taking a guided Tour around Kilkenny Castle.  It was originally built around 1192 and restored in the 1830's.  It contains many beautiful paintings and furniture.




http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/

After the tour we'll stop (& shop!) at the Kilkenny Design Centre.  The Design Centre is in the former Castle Stables!  Its also the home of the
Crafts Council of Ireland.




The remainder of the day is free for us to do whatever we'd like.

Since we don't have planned dinner arrangements we are free to explore the many Pubs & Restaurants Kilkenny has to offer....so if any one has any suggestions please share!!!

Some Pubs

4 months and counting!!

There's only 4 more months to go before our Trip!! It seems like a long time but with the Summer months approaching time will fly by (or so I hope).

I better get a move on...there is still a bunch of things I need to do....I need to figure out what to bring, what clothes I need, get a good pair of walking shoes, etc!  I do have my new luggage set...I'm hoping the 25" and 21" carry-on will be good enough.  Its not my "going" that concerns me its my "return" that does...I would like to shop and I don't want to run out of space....It would be awesome if the shops will mail back to the states for me and it doesn't cost a fortune!  The other good thing about that is that I can send home gifts and it doesnt count towards my $800 customs allotment!!  So keep your fingers crossed that I get Lucky!

On a slightly different note...I just got back two of my quilts that I sent to Ms Della to quilt up fancy for me.  The Pink, White & Black one was originally going to be a High School Graduation present for my daughter...

 
But since 2009 has come and gone it may be her 2011 Birthday Present (I still have to add the binding!)  The inside joke on Cathy's quilt was that I was finishing it up when I found out about the Trip to Ireland.....so the design is Shamrocks and the backing Thread is "Green"!

The other quilt Ms Della did was my "Hunter's Star".  This was pretty much the only quilt class I took where the fabric was from my "Stash". It turned out nice so it needed to be quilted professionally. 


 

The pattern we selected was "Rosebuds" since they were also in the fabric. 

I love my quilts!!

Check is in the mail!!!

Well almost...it's sitting in my purse!! Hopefully I'll get to mail the final payment for the trip this weekend!!

Margaret sent us the official balance letter!  She's going to plan a little gathering sometime in August so she can pass out some goodies!  I'm so hoping it's on a weekend so I can make it!  Living a couple of hours away on the otherside of the Bay Bridge gets in the way of my fun! 

Until then....

Another fun filled day ahead!!

There's going to be a lot to see today (Sept 26) so I  hope the camera is fully charged!

After leaving Blarney Castle (or possibly before) we'll also visit Blarney Wollen Mills...Built in 1824, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills and provided valuable employment to the people of Blarney and surrounding areas. It was a water powered mill and it produced tweeds and woollens for the home and export markets.  There are stores thoughout the island but the flagship store is located here.

After leaving Blarney we'll continue on to Cashel...here we'll see the majestic church ruins overlooking the surrounding countryside.  We'll stop and take pictures of the "Rock of Cashel" .  (http://www.cashel.ie/tourism.php?sect=Rock%20Of%20Cashel)

 One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited. Cashel’s rich history is reflected in its built heritage, from prehistoric raths to mediaeval monasteries.

After leaving Cashel we'll head towards Holycross and Farney Castle.  Here we'll meet with designer Cyril Cullen.  Farney Castle is both his home and design studio.

After visiting with Cyril we'll head Kilkenny. 

Here we can relax or take a stroll before dining at the Rivercourt Hotel (http://www.rivercourthotel.com/).

That aint no Blarney!

Birth of the Blarney

 In 1602, Cormac Teige MacCarthy, Lord of Blarney was under considerable pressure from Queen Elizabeth and Sir George Carew, her Deputy in Cork. Carew suspected MacCarthy of plotting against the Queen and wanted him to swear allegiance and hand over legal tenure of his lands.

Every demand of the English Queen was met with protestations of undying loyalty, flattering references and suggestions that he "seemed very inclinable to the notion". Nothing, however, was actually moving forward and Carew complained of his "fair words and soft speech". On the receipt of yet another MacCarthy letter, Queen Elizabeth exclaimed,"This is all Blarney; what he says he never means!"
And so the word slipped into the English language and the rest is history...

So, did you figure out where our next stop was going to be? 
After leaving Killarney we'll enjoy a drive through the rich farming country of Cork.  We'll stop at Blarney Castle where we can climb the battlements and kiss the "stone of  eloquence".

Ring of Kerry, Sneem, Killarney on my Birthday!

 

I'll get to celebrate my birthday (Sept 25th) in several beautiful areas of the country!! 

We'll expore the Ring of Kerry..100 miles of gorgeous scenery!! 

We'll stop in the village of Sneem...

Pause to gaze at the Lakes of Killarney at Molls Gap...

Finally we'll return to Killarney where we can enjoy the sites and celebrate my special day!!