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Discovering Ireland’s Wonders

Forty shades of green! Could it be true? When we stepped off the plane in Dublin, I noticed a sign at the airport touting Ireland’s 40 shades of green. It’s true! The Irish countryside is a patchwork of pastureland with greens of every shade imaginable. My husband, Bill, and I saw so much green on our drives through the countryside. We also saw other wonderful sights in Ireland. Here are some of my favorites.

Knock Shrine

The Knock Shrine, the site of a Marian apparition. In 1879, a group of villagers saw images of Jesus’ mother and father, Mary and Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, a lamb, and angels. Bill and I are faith-filled Catholics, and we connected to our Catholic brothers and sisters across time and space on our visit. We toured the museum, prayed a Rosary, attended Mass, and filled bottles with Holy Water for souvenirs.

Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle and Gardens is home to the famous Blarney Stone. Yes, Bill kissed the stone, so he gets the gift of gab – not that he needed it. I didn’t, so I’m still the quieter one in the family.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher and other oceanside hikes where the scenery was breathtaking. Photographs don’t capture the immensity of the cliffs, the cawing of the sea gulls, or the wind whipping all around. Some of the hikes were steep and long, but the treks were worth it to see the astounding cliffs of Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Church

St. Patrick’s Church, Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Cathedral (Killarney). Big, beautiful, and ancient churches that date back long ago. I’m so glad that people throughout the ages preserved these mighty churches for us to see today.

Irish Beer

Of course, another wonderful sight was a pint of Guinness at an Irish pub in the evening. Our Airbnb was a block away from a pub stuffed with antiques from floor to ceiling and live, traditional Irish music every night. What a great find!

A Surprise Favorite

One of my favorite sights was actually a road sign. The Irish have a caution sign that really got my attention. It’s a diamond-shaped sign with a giant exclamation mark. The sign warns drivers to watch for issues like the flooding or hidden driveways. The grammar geek in me loved seeing the road sign with the punctuation mark.

Home from Ireland

Isn’t that the type of person you want writing for your organization? Someone who loves working with words? I’ve been correcting people’s grammar since I was a kid, and I turned that annoying tendency into a career. As much as I loved Ireland, it’s good to be home and back to my writing.

Will and Jenny

Mother’s Day 2025: Anticipating a New Baby, New Bride

Will and Jenny

Changes are coming for this mom and grandma. Our family is growing. God willing, we will welcome another grandson in the summer and a daughter-in-law next fall. I’m excited about both! Our daughter, Janet, and son-in-law, Tyler, are expecting in July, and our son, Will, and his fiancé, Jenny, are talking about a Fall 2026 wedding. This Mother’s Day, six years after being cured of cancer, I’m so grateful to be a part of the life-changing moments ahead.

Welcoming a Daughter-in-Law

I still remember when Will and Jenny started dating. Will was so excited to tell us about her and wanted us to meet her. Will and Jenny make a great couple and share many of the same interests like reading, cooking, and hanging out with friends. They also enjoy hiking and exploring nature. At one point in their relationship, they compared their rock collections! I’ve never had a daughter-in-law, so this will be new territory for me. But like everyone else in the family, I’m so happy for Will and Jenny. Jenny is smart, thoughtful and fun to be around, and I’m looking forward to welcoming her to the family and spending more time with both of them.

Expecting a Grandchild

I’m also looking forward to welcoming a new baby to the family. It will be a huge change for Janet and Tyler, especially for the first year. Newborns are so needy! It won’t be easy, but it will wonderful just the same.

Janet, Walter, Tyler

Loving our Grandson

It wasn’t that long ago that our 2-year-old grandson, Walter, was born. He’s changed so much since then. At his first birthday, he was still a baby in a lot of ways. I remember how he could barely open his own birthday presents. Now, he’s not only opening his own presents; he’s also opening the not-so-well-hidden Christmas presents intended for me and Grandpa. Plus, he’s talking up a storm, running everywhere, and is so smart. He can even peel his own clementine. That’s impressive!

Recalling My Days as Mom

Walter and I had so much fun together this spring, reading books and playing with the classic toys and games that I kept for 30 years. Now, our next generation is riding on the rocking horse and playing Looping Louie and Lucky Ducks. It brings back so many good memories from the days when Will and Janet were little.

Anticipating Big Changes Ahead

Bill Koehne and grandson

Will and Janet have changed so much since then, and they continue to grow and change in positive ways. They’re both anticipating big changes in their lives, and I’m happy to be along for the ride. Being their mom is pretty special. I wouldn’t change a thing.


Happy Mother’s Day!