Friend Helen & Keeping Faith
I am blessed to have met people from all over the world, and many I continue to correspond with on a regular basis. I love hearing from them in emails or on Facebook. Somehow, just hearing from them brings back the memories of the trip where we met, and I am able to re-live that experience and the mutual fun times. Of course, it is also nice when they send me a photo, holding a copy of my book. Not only is it great to know the book is in a faraway place, but that my friend has read it and shared that experience as well.
I met Helen (in the photo) and her husband Paul on a sixteen day trip to England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland three or four years ago—I lose count of the time these days. Together with their friends, Ann and Dewayne, who all hail from Prince Edward Island, Canada, we saw places like Stratford on Avon, the Ring of Kerry, Oxford, the great cities of London, Edinburgh and Dublin, and the list goes on. That’s the trip where I kissed the Blarney Stone (and just knew I was going to fall backwards 200 feet—hey, it’s not easy kissing that stone!) and tasted Haggis, the nastiest stuff I have ever set my teeth into. But since it is supposedly the national dish of Scotland, I forced a bite of the dish made from “sheep pluck,” which is, in essence, heart, liver and lungs minced with onions, spices, and oatmeal. It took a lot of wine to wash that down.
Actually, the wine is how we all became friends, along with Rachel and Duke who are from Illinois, but winter at South Padre Island. We raised our glasses many times on that Great Britain and Ireland excursion, and I am so glad we had that opportunity. Thanks for the memories, Helen, and for reading the book!!
Paragraphs on Padre 
Cute pic. I love seeing happy people! I am still anxiously awaiting the delivery of your new book……And you guys. Hurry home! I leave Monday for Washington D.C. Anything that you or anyone else want me to tell Obama? Be nice!
Helen and Paul were happy people and soooooooooo much fun!
Wow, now that is one huge grin . [Not going to say big mouth ]
Really did love the book and cannot wait to read what happens next.
Thanks Cindy for the good read.
Cindy:
I knew you would raise a glass of wine for any reason, but “sheep pluck” would take a whole bottle.
Helen, I loved your email. I laughed out loud when you reminded me about Marie and Gina. If you go to the link on my website here,it goes to my facebook page. You will see your pic there also. Also, Marie is often on my site so I will bet she will make a comment. She’s a hoot. That was a great trip, and friendships made are the best results. Life is so much broader and better because of my travels.
Susan, I can’t remember, but it might have taken more than one bottle!!That was so nasty!! Can’t believe some people like it. Guess it is what you grow up eating. I’ll take turnip greens and cornbread any day!!
I,m reminded of good times and fun people when we were all on the trip to Great Britian.
Wow, now that is one huge grin . [Not going to say big mouth ]
Really did love the book and cannot wait to read what happens next.
Thanks Cindy for the good read.
HI Bruce, It is so nice of you to comment. Thanks for reading and liking the book. How are your sales going???