J: HOME!!!

It is so wierd to be back home. I am settling back into my old life as the last month fades comfortably into a hazy memory. My mind is like that, it tends to forget rather easily. I will try to keep all this alive for a while longer, though. Until I can write it all down.

So, The last few days of our trip were fun and exhausting. We had the pleasure of being the guests of D's friend Andrew, who is one of the best hosts ever! He took the day off of work to chaperone us around Belfast and we had fun. We went to the Ulster Folk Museum and spent hours wandering around the houses and buildings that have been so carefully reconstructed there. We went to church several times in old church buildings. Even had a sermon by Pastor C, who told us all we are going to burn :) But she said it with a smile on her face, so I guess that's okay. We went on to sing a hymn to our congregation of one. (Question: if there's only one person, can it be called a congregation?) We had a mock trial at the town courthouse, where D and Andrew were accused of stealing coal. C also unburdened herself of all her sins at the confessional rebuilt into their catholic church. We learned how the old-fashioned printing presses worked (and even got to see one in motion :)) It was amazing!

We went shopping downtown Belfast, and then went to dinner at a really cute little place which I can't recall the name of. After all that, we shot the wad at Tesco, buying all kinds of goodies to pack away into our backpacks (sorry Tony, Rucksacks) and bring home to crow over. It was loads of fun. I don't believe I have ever in my life bought that much chocolate at one time in one place. We are going to use some of it tomorrow for family dinner. (Chocolate fondue from Galaxy and Orange Aero, I may go into a coma).

Travelling home was no picnic. Andrew, who is an amazing human being, woke up and made us breakfast at 5am. Even with a full day of really hard work ahead of him, he helped us load our stuff into his car and drove us to the bus station. He even made sure we had our tickets and were on the bus before he left to take a half hour preshift nap. We took a bus to the airport, a plane to New York, and another plane to Oregon. By the time we got home, it was 11pm Oregon time (about 6am in Belfast). Not my idea of fun, but we made it. Mom was at the airport and Anthony. It was so great to see them again! We crashed at Aunt D's house before heading to the beach. All in all, I am sstill waiting for the days to catch up with me. I constantly have to stop and think before I figure our what day it is. Oh, well... soon enough.

D went directly into working. The day after we got home, she photgraphed a wedding, and the two days following, two more weddings. Same here, C and I have worked a couple of shifts. It's nice to add numbers to the zero balance bank account, and I have had enough of not working, I think. So it is nice to be home.

I am sure that we still have tons more to write about, and we will collaberate and get a list together of who gets to write what. Until then, don't give up on us. More to say, and more to do.
Til then...

on the road to skye

home safe

D -- vancouver, washington

so, we're home now...

i don't even know what to say. i am adding pictures like a crazy woman. those of you still checking our blog -- thanks. we have many more stories to write and tons of pics to upload. our blog is incomplete, but we will finish it. the last few days of our trip were a whirlwind of craziness! we had THE BEST TIME EVER!!!!!! we are safe and happy. back to work and saving for our next grand adventure.

rogie water falls -- scotland

inverness highland games 21 july

sean betz --USA



crazy australians








check out the tats



the 16 lb hammer throw

nessie?