I love earning air miles (which are not available in most other nations). Who knew there are occasional sales on the amount of air miles needed for trips? This time there was a sale on flights within Europe which let me see former exchange student J. and her family in Denmark for the first time in seven years. She lived with my family in Canada twenty years ago for one year. Living together that long, you become extended family. It was wonderful to reconnect.
Next, G. in Seville, Spain had spent eight months with us in Canada becoming proficient in college-level English. I was one of her main teachers, and it was wonderful to reconnect with her as well. I packed clothes for both climates but had forgotten that lovely Seville’s temperatures are birthed in suzzling North Africa. 
That means when I flew on to the Emerald Isle (Ireland) and Bonnie Scotland, I cooled down—way down–while seeing more treasured friends and places. I’m still teaching online university classes in History of Western Civilization and World Geography, so these travels provide interesting updated information.
“The Troubles” in Northern Ireland are mostly ended but there are reminders of strong loyalties. The Irish clear their fields of stones and build gorgeous rock walls. 
I didn’t get a photo of one with a section of top stones painted blue, red, and white. “What does that mean?” I asked my Irish friend. “The red, white, and blue means that farmer is declaring he’s Protestant,” she said. Most sheep are painted with an identifying mark or color like cattle ranchers brand cows. We came across one field of sheep but I couldn’t get a picture. These weren’t dabbed with paint—they were painted with three broad stripes of red, white, and blue. “Those must beProtestant sheep!” I said. Apparently that’s true. The photo below is of sheep near Campbeltown, Scotland.
My grandson has considered traveling with me but is not sure he could find familiar foods, especially favorite carbs and pastas. Glasgow’s bus station has a bakery featuring delicious hot macaroni pies. Now I know my grandson could survive 
elsewhere.
The Monday before departure, I finished writing my next release, my Amish book titled Mercy’s Rose. Several friends are doing final read throughs, which I appreciate very much. I’m working toward a November release and will tell you more later. Here’s the cover.
It’s that time of year again. Autumn leaves are turning color in Europe and the U.S. again. Tell us what you like most about Fall. And have a great few weeks until next time!
Delores
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