I'm a cow and a ram

Not too much to report here in Derry recently...well, besides the fact that my bladder is constantly being dropped kicked by a 2lb fetus.  Can't wait til February when my schedule doesn't revolve around trips to the loo.  Oh, and I decorated Barry's shop for Christmas...yes, a teeny bit early, but since I'm going back to the States for Christmas, I thought it best to go ahead and get them up early so we can enjoy them.  I'll post pics of this winter wonderland courtesy of the pound shop later.  So, in the meantime, here are a few photos taken from when my mom and brother were here visiting last month.

"What are you looking at?"  Those are some fly earrings cow...supa fly.

A waterfall along the causeway coastal route near Benone Beach.

Dunluce Castle

There's a teeny rainbow there in the background.  As there should be!  We get enough rain here I should see a rainbow 24 hours a day.

Slieve League Cliffs in Co. Donegal.

Giant's Causeway

Me and my bro at Victoria's Square in Belfast overlooking the city.

Shot taken from Grianan the ancient ring fort just outside of Derry.

"I'm a ram."

These are some photos taken just a few blocks from where we live in Derry.  These are the famous Bogside Murals by the Bogside Artists.  These murals depict the modern troubles in Derry.

American Invasion

Last week was a busy, busy week.  My friend Kimberly and her fiance Brian were in visiting!  Their first trip to Ireland and my first official American visitors.  I met them in Dublin on Monday where we stayed a few nights before going on to Galway, Athlone, Connemara National Park, Knock, Sligo, Donegal (Slieve League cliffs, Donegal Town and Killybegs), Giant's Causeway, Mussendon Temple, the Rope Bridge and of course back to Derry.  This was also my first time driving around most of the country...which, I so rocked.  I'm such a pro at this opposite side driving now.  Maybe I'll start my own driving school?

They weren't greeted by the best weather since it rained ALL week except for a few hours when we were driving the Causeway Coastal Route but we carried on, soaking wet.  My good hair days were non-existent last week.

Oh, and Fish and Chips are dead.  I imagine being stared at 24/7 by a cat didn't help their life span any.

We took more than 400 pics between us, but I won't torture you with all of them.  So, here's a select few.

Me and Kimberly outside Dublin Castle.  This was taken shortly after she walked out in front of traffic and nearly caused a bike rider to fly over his handlebars hahahahhaha. In her defense, it's hard to remember to look right first before crossing a street when you're American and used to looking the other way first.  It took me a while to get the hang of it!

Kimberly and Brian at Trinity College after taking a peek at the Book of Kells.  Have to give 'em props as they jumped straight off the airplane and went right in to touring.  I would have needed a day of sleep first.

Taken outside Auchnanore Castle outside of  Galway.

Kimberly and Brian outside Kylemore Abbey.

And there's me outside Kylemore Abbey.  Barry wasn't able to join us until we got to Derry.

Barry and Brian taking in Mussendon Temple.

Here we are at Giant's Causeway!

Barry and I in front of the rope bridge.  "It's too bad the bridge was closed, otherwise I so would have done that!" Barry says.  Um uh huh Barry sure.  He no likey heights at all.

We got lucky and saw a rainbow.  Although, no pot of gold unfortunately.

And here they are on the bus back to Dublin before I broke down in tears.  I'm all alone again...sigh.