Stepping into the Journey

I have thrown my bags over the fence. There is no turning back, nor is there any desire to do so. I met a young woman at lunch today in the Philadelphia airport. She lives in Ottawa and attends medical school in Vancouver. She was returning from a 10 day medical mission in Haiti. She told me that her family has an expression they use when someone in the family is set to travel. "You have thrown your bags over the fence." Indeed I have, all 89 lbs of them. How do you pack for a year? You just do it and as you do it you wish you were a true minimalist.So many shoes, and I didn't even take that many, honest! I left lots of stuff in storage and in my son's barn and still... That tells you, actually that tells me I have way too much stuff.



I departed Ithaca this morning earlier than anticipated due to a canceled afternoon flight. Last night my granddaughters, Myagaa(15) and Zoloo(17) prepared a beautiful dinner for me, cake and all. It was the sweetest time sitting together as a family, something that I so cherish. And this morning they set out a beautiful breakfast before I departed. I have been living with Max, Nansa, my granddaughters and 20 month old grandson,Van since I sold my house in early June. It is easy for us to all be together and I am truly blessed for such a loving family.
I will miss them. But now I am off.



My flight departs at 9:05 p.m. and lands shortly after 9:00 a.m. Dublin time! Two days in Dublin and then off to Limerick by train on Wednesday. Stay tuned.