I have been coming to Ireland since I was 4 years old. Normally, I would land in Shannon which is close to “home” in County Limerick. My plan this time was to land in Shannon as well, but due to the Covid 19 pandemic, nothing […]

Yesterday I finally realized a years’ long dream of living in Ireland. As the Aer Lingus jet touched down in Dublin – because Shannon Airport is still closed due to Covid 19 – it was strange to realize that this time I had a one-way […]

68 years ago today, February 26, 1952, our parents, Joseph Magner and Margaret Mary (Peggy) O’Brien were married. There was no fanfare: no white dress, no bridesmaids, no entourage. I don’t even think my mom carried a bouquet. She wore a small corsage and he […]

I love learning new things. It is probably the educator in me – they say that teachers are the best learners. So every January, while others are starting diets or exercise programs (I gave up torturing myself with both of those long ago!!!) I tend […]

I love Airbnb.   It gives me the opportunity to meet lovely people and stay in fascinating places. When I travel, I am nearly never in the hotel, so spending hundreds of dollars/pounds/euros to sleep is not really something I want to do. I would […]

I’ve just returned from nearly three weeks in Ireland.  While there, I happily revisited one of my very favourite Boutique Hotels:  The Quay House (pronounced: The Key House for North Americans). The front garden is filled with colourful flowers Historic and Charming The Quay House, […]

On a recent trip to Tennessee, I visited The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson.  It was the first time I had ever been to Tennessee.  I was invited to the wedding of a former student and took the opportunity to spend a couple […]

The Downton Abbey movie opens this weekend in the United States. I must admit I’m a late arrival to the Downton hype, having discovered it only recently. In fairness, during Downton’s 6 seasons I was caring for my dad and the TV was his in […]