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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. 

9 comments

Kerin said...

So glad that you had a nice birthday.

Beautiful pictures.
I can understand how it is hard to get back into the routine of things, once you've been on a wonderful vacation as you've been on :)

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

A big Happy Belated Birthday to you. I am so glad you enjoyed your special day.
May you have many many more Happy Birthdays.
I am so far behind with you. That happens when you are not a good blogger any more.
I love these pics about your wonderful trip. I must read through your past post and hear more about it.
Love
Maggie

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol, I love reading about your trip and seeing your photos. Wishing you a good evening.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

The Guinness tour would have been lost on me also as I am not a beer or ale drinker. However it is nice to have a picture of the famous place.

Happy belated birthday, Carol

Sola Scriptura said...

I hope you are now on a New York time. I love all of your pictures!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I'm so glad you are sharing the pictures of your trip. I will never make a trip like that but love seeing others pictures. A birthday is a special time and calories should be forgotten when you are celebrating.

Susie said...

Buttercup, I like Dale Chihuly's work also. We have a huge chandelier by him in the Indianapolis children's museum. You have many sweet photos and memories of your trip. You will enjoy it all again as you blog of some of those adventures. PU I do like beers either. I went to a mirco brewery once just to watch...zzzz. xoxo,Susie

Pam said...

Happy belated birthday! Sounds like you had a good one. My hubbys' is today. I so wish we had visited Dublin when in Europe, it must be very interesting to tour plus beautiful in Ireland.

TARYTERRE said...

I bet the Guinness tour was fascinating. A wee bit of ale or beer is good now and then.