It's All Over Except the Calories...

...Sort of. This is the thought that popped into my mind this morning when I thought of my birthday. I had a yummy dinner last night and this morning the celebration of the day was over, except for the calories that remain with me. My second thought was the "sort of."  The calories do remain, but the good wishes and good feelings are still with me, too. I am going to settle down later today and slowly read and cherish the good wishes, both electronic and paper, and give thanks for the friends and family who reached out to me.

A second thought, as I return to my New York life, was that all that was left of vacation was the calories, but that is a "sort of," too. There are photos, memories and new friends and I cherish those as well. I'm still in a Dublin state of mind this afternoon and I'm going to share another few Dublin photos today.

I would be remiss not to share a photo of the Guinness Stout complex, probably the greatest attraction to visitors of Dublin besides the Book of Kells. In the interest of truth in journalism, I confess that I didn't go on the tour, but rather took this picture from the bus. I'm not a drinker of beer, stout or ale and I thought the experience would be wasted on me, but I know I am in a distinct and small minority.

The Guinness Storehouse, a very popular stop for visitors to Dublin

The gardens at the Beatty Library at Dublin Castle. The Library has an extraordinary manuscript collection. 

Next to the Beatty Library I found a wonderful exhibit by stained glass genius, Dale Chihuly, illustrating James Joyce's "Ulysses." I am a big fan of Chihuly's work and was delighted to find this exhibit. I've never read "Ulysses," but this exhibit may just be the push I need. 

As always thank for visiting and thanks, too, for the comments and good wishes for my birthday. Take good care and please come and visit often.