This has been a wonderful trip to see our son. Discovering the delights of Edinburgh has definitely been a highlight of the trip. The city is elegant, full of history, interesting things to do, and lovely people. As I mentioned previously, the bookstores are out of this world, and the food was delicious as well. In the photo above I am standing in the Palace Gardens of an old castle in the town of St. Andrews. I think that is a cherry tree blooming behind me. Everything about Scotland was delightful, particularly the convenience of the light rail tram that runs directly through town. You can buy a day pass and hop on and off wherever you please. Edinburgh is surprisingly hilly, so anything that allows me to avoid them is great.

Visting our son in Ireland has been such a treat. We've done loads of cooking each night after our "adventure of the day". Yesterday my husband, son and I took the train from Dublin to the seaside town of Howth. Our mission was to purchase some fresh seafood to take home and make for our dinner. It was a typical Irish day, overcast with the sun peeking out once in a while, but no rain.

Ireland is an island, and there is no shortage of fresh fish to be found. Produce is also excellent, and these tomatoes probably came from Spain or a nearby warmer clime.

Europeans also take their bread very seriously. You don't see a lot of mushy white bread sold in plastic wrap.

It's been a wonderful trip, but home is beckoning to me. I am looking forward to sitting on my porch in the early evening with Archie. And I need to do laundry! I do miss having clean clothes!

I couldn't resist buying books, so wish me luck figuring out how to get them home.