I love earning air miles for travel. Who knew the airlines also sometimes have sales requiring fewer miles for trips. This time it included flights within Europe which let me see former exchange student J. and her lovely family in Denmark again (where they still thatch some roofs). She lived with my family in Canada for over a year some twenty years ago and we’re close. It was wonderful to reconnect.
The next stop was with G. in Seville, Spain who spent eight months with us in Canada learning college-level English. I was one of her main teachers and loved reconnecting with her as well. She and other local friends gave me authentic tours of Old City Seville and other fascinating sites I’ll never forget. I also rode Spain’s high-speed bnullet trains that reach speeds of 270 km. per hour. My stuffed suitcase held clothes for hot and cold climate extremes, but I’d forgotten that Seville’s temperatures come straight from sizzling North Africa. Picture butter melting in a dish.
But when I flew to Ireland’s Emerald Isle and Bonnie Scotland, I cooled way down and loved seeing more dear friends and places. I’m teaching History of Western Civilization and World Geography online this semester, so my travels richly updated my lessons.
“The Troubles” in Northern Ireland are (mostly) ended but there are still reminders. The Irish clear their fields of large stones to build gorgeous rock walls. A few walls had sections painted blue, red, and white which meant that farmer in Catholic Ireland wanted passersby to know he was Protestant. We saw Sheep spray-painted with identifying colors like cattle ranchers brand cows. In one pasture, sheep were entirely covered in equal broad stripes of red, white, and blue. Yes, those were Protestant sheep!
Meanwhile, it’s the book birthday for Strong Current’s, Book Two of the Columbia River Undercurrents series, that released a year ago. If you haven’t read this story based on true WWII events in America’s Pacific Northwest, or its prequel, Books Afloat, grab copies of both on Amazon or other sites now! Please also remember the greatest ways to encourage authors is to tell others about our books and to write customer reviews on Amazon or other major sites. As always, for any of you wanting to order signed author copies, just message me on my Delores Topliff Books Facebook page, or comment below, and I’ll gladly do so before Christmas (or any time).
Meanwhile, in Europe and North America, it’s time to welcome fall again. I’ll leave you with this photo with warm greetings from our Minnesota farm and Scottish Highland cows. We wish you a warm, colorful, and completely enjoyable Autumn!
Until next time,
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