End of 2010- A new beginning

New Grange entrance

Just a short note here. I hope this has been a wonderful year for those who happen to find this blog and take the time to read my stories. I thank all of you who had stopped by and how you enjoyed reading what I have written.
I need to thank my friends who had fed my interest in writing and encourage me to continue, along with providing me with inspiration.
Much of my inspiration comes from my visits to Ireland and listening to the music of Celtic Thunder and the High Kings, and many other Irish musicians.

I hope this new year brings only good things to all of you. May your wishes and dreams come true as you travel down the path of life. Live a good one. Make it count. :)

The Dream Trip - Chapter 17/Epilogue

The alarm was a rude awakening, but the girls were up and taking turns in the shower quickly so they could get to the airport with plenty of time. Their flight was to depart at 10:30am. They could hardly believe their trip was about to end. The reality of the end of the trip had not hit any of them yet.

After dragging their luggage outside the hotel door and getting everything loaded into the taxi that reality started to hit. Suddenly they were all quiet as they watched out the window the scenery they had seen when they arrived. They got all checked in and stopped at the duty free shops to pick up a few last minute gifts before heading to customs. After customs they were ready to sit down and wait until boarding time.

Each of the girls was lost in their own thoughts of the trip, and the normal constant chatter had turned into self reflection until their cell phones began to ring. They had planned to call the lads, but the lads had beat them to it. So much for self reflection, the chatter was back and each of the girls was retelling the events of the night before, how excited they were about the videos, laughing at things said from the other end, and softly sharing some special comments meant only for each couple. The most quiet were the good-byes. And as quickly as the calls came, they ended.

The call came to board the flight to the US and as the girls too one last look from the plane window, they all knew they had experienced a very special dream trip.

............
Epilogue

Things had pretty much returned to normal for the girls after they returned. Pictures were shared and tales were told. The remaining days of summer passed quickly. As the girls settled into their regular routines with work and college the events of the summer became a special memory.

And then one day at the beginning of October a package arrived for Mona. She quickly called the other girls to meet with her as it was from Ireland and she had a feeling that they should all be together. As she opened the package she found the pictures from the photo shoot and the 4 videos that the girls created. There was also a fifth video.

They put the DVD in the player and watched. It was called Celtic Thunder and they all sat with their eyes wide as they saw each of the guys in this amazing musical production. There was also an envelope with four front row tickets to a performance in two weeks at a venue near them including an invitation to meet with the lads after the show.

The lads had been holding out on the girls and now they would all get to see each other again. Front row seats watching their favorite Irish men. Who could ask for more!

The Dream Trip - Chapter 16

Morning came all too quickly with the late night, early morning, celebration with the lads that the girls had all enjoyed. It was time to pack up and head back to Dublin for one last night in Ireland. Suitcases were bursting at the seams and there were still a few more souvenirs to purchase for friends back home. For one last time the girls loaded the car and headed east.

All during their ride they chatted about all the places they had seen, places they had missed and plans to make another trip to Ireland as soon as they could. Even with all that, most of their conversation centered around meeting Ryan, Paul, Damian and Keith. They considered themselves to be very lucky to have met some amazing talented lads all by chance.

Briana brought up Damian's comment about seeing her in the States and the other girls agreed that there must have been some hidden message in what the lads were telling them. There was not enough information for them to figure this out, and they decided to wait for the adventure to come to them as they had when they planned their trip to Ireland.

Accommodations for the night were a splurge at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. It was close to St. Stephen's Green and also Grafton Street and all the shopping they would need for the day. Most other locations were within walking distance. The girls drove out to the airport first to drop off the car and took a taxi back into town. They didn't want to have to deal with trying to return the car early in the morning and then checking in for their flight. It seemed that the clerk at the front desk at the hotel knew them, but they had never met before.

They were escorted up to their room and were very surprised when the door was opened. This was no regular room, it was a suite! Not what they had signed up for. As Mona turned to the bellman, he smiled and said, “This was what they wanted for you.” And the girls knew at once that their lads had something to do with this. As they entered the room there was a huge bouquet of flowers on the center table with a note.

“We couldn't let you four beautiful ladies leave Ireland without a last night to remember. We can't be with you, but we have made arrangements for the evening. Be downstairs dressed for an evening out in 'the big smoke' at 7:00.” signed Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian.

The girls were without words. This was truly a dream trip. They had no idea what to expect, but started getting ready as soon as they read the note. When they arrived in the lobby there was a college aged girl who approached them.
“Hi girls, me name's Aisling and the lads have given me instructions to help you have a great last night here in Dublin,” Aisling told the girls. “So let's get going!”

Aisling was great, and the girls liked her immediately. They headed toward Temple Bar and Oliver St. John Gogarty's. for some Irish dance lessons and a trad music session while they had some drinks. Aisling took pictures as the girls each had their try at dancing. Before long they were all sitting and heartily laughing.

“Time to move on girls,” Aisling directed, “We've got more to do this evening.”

Aisling hailed a taxi and as they all climbed in she directed the driver to the Gaiety Theater. As they pulled up there was a huge crowd outside starting to enter. The Gaiety was a restored Victorian theater originally built in 1871. The restoration was amazing right down the to old fire curtain. The production this night was Riverdance.

“Can't let you lassies leave without seeing an Irish production of Riverdance,” Aisling said. “I'll meet you all outside after the show. I've a few last minute things to take care of for the lads.”

The show was great and so were the second row seats. The girls could closely see the dance steps and movement of the dancers feet. Great music, costumes, and a wonderful overall performance.

As the girls left the theater Aisling was outside with another taxi.
“One last stop tonight girls and I hope this one really makes your trip memorable. Ha' Penny Bridge, driver,” Aisling shouted to the taxi driver.

The girls and Aisling exited the taxi at the Ha' Penny Bridge. As they girls headed toward the bridge access they noticed some bright lights and a set up that looked like a movie set.

“Okay, girls, this is your moment in the spotlight. You are each going to have a photo shoot and short video to make,” Aisling was smiling as she explained. “You will get both to keep, but so will the lads! So think carefully about what you say!”

After a short consultation with photographer, and each other, the girls started their video blog and photo shoot. Mona spoke about her expectations for an adventure in her trip and how honored she was to meet such a gentleman as Paul. Darcy spoke about how beautiful and scenic the landscape was everywhere they traveled, especially Giant's Causeway where she first met her 'hero', Ryan. How lucky she was to meet such a caring man. Briana followed with her blog to Damian. Briana's biggest memory was the time she spent walking the ancient walls of Derry. How amazing to be able to play some soccer in Derry with Damian. She apologized for beating him even if it was two on one! And finally Caitlin did her video memory including Keith. She mentioned how she would always be on the look out for another Big Red and definitely wanted to take some surfing lessons. Watching the surfers along the coast was a special memory. Yeowww!! She told him how he made her smile and how much she loved his voice when he sang.

After the video blogs the photographer set up the girls along the bridge edge for some solo photos and a few group photos. As this all happened the girls noticed that they had drawn quite a crowd thinking that they might be celebrities. They giggled at the thought as they finished up the photo shoot.

It was getting into the wee hours of the morning and the girls had an early flight. Aisling rode back to the hotel with them in the taxi and bid them farewell. They exchanged addresses so they could keep in touch and invited Aisling to come to America as they would love so show her around.

As the girls did their last packing they chatted about how amazing this last evening had been. They wanted to make sure to call each of the lads before the plane took off to thank them for this incredible evening and everything they had done. They couldn't wait to get the videos and pictures.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 15

This had been an amazing adventure for the four girls. As the limo arrived at the hotel, one by one, each couple left the limo as the lad escorted his date to their room to say a private good night. With the exception of Damian and Briana tender kisses and long embraces were had by all.

Damian was the first to escort Briana to the room. Their good-bye was a little awkward as their age demanded certain behavior. After some small talk Damian leaned in to Briana and kissed her on the cheek. This time Briana was not surprised as she was when they first met in Derry and returned a kiss on Damian's cheek. Damian wrapped his long arms around Briana as she did hers around him. They were new friends saying good-bye and held on for just a bit to keep the memory fresh. As they parted Damian whispered in Briana's ear, “See you in the States!” and turned to leave as she entered the room quite surprised at what she heard.

Keith and Caitlin had a similar awkward moment, but when Caitlin turned to Keith and said, “I'll miss riding in Big Red.” a big grin crossed Keith's face. He leaned in to her as he pulled her close. Caitlin had to stand on her tiptoes and almost felt Keith lift her off the ground as he took her breath away with a kiss to be remembered and strong hug to go with it. “Take some surfing lessons,” he said as he turned to leave. “You never know where you might find me again!”

Ryan was next to leave the limo with Darcy. He had his arm around her shoulder as they entered the hotel and never took it away all the way to the room. As they approached the door, he gently moved Darcy from beside him to in front of him. Ryan took his hands and put them on Darcy's face and pulled her close. As he did his hands moved back through her hair and around her head holding her in a soft, long lingering kiss. Darcy was almost light headed and hung on to Ryan moving her head to his shoulder after the kiss. “Who is going to help me the next time I sprain my ankle?” Darcy asked.
“You never know how things might change in time, Darcy,” was Ryan's answer. He gently kissed her on the head, turned her to the door and watched her enter, then left.

Mona and Paul had been quiet all this time in the limo. As Ryan returned they both knew it was their time to part. Paul kept his arm around Mona's waist much like he did the night of the concert. As they neared the door Paul asked, “Do you ever visit New York City?”
Mona was surprised by this question coming out of the blue. “I've been there a couple of times, but have never had a reason to really go back.”
“We'll have to keep in touch, as you may have found a reason,” as Paul winked and pulled Mona close.

If Mona was looking for Prince Charming she knew that she had just found him. A long intense kiss with strong arms supporting her was all she could remember at the moment. Was she in a dream? She opened her eyes as Paul broke the kiss and pulled away. There was that smile and twinkle in his eyes that she saw in the beginning. A prince of a man. He nodded his head, turned and headed back down the hall to the elevator and the limo. Mona floated into the room.

As the girls drifted off to sleep for the few hours left of the night they all dreamed of their perfect man. This trip to Ireland had been everything they had hoped it would be, and even more. Tomorrow they would travel back to Dublin for one last night before heading home.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 14

As they finished their dinner and dessert Ryan excused himself for a moment and then was back at the table nodding to Keith, Damian and Paul. The guys, as perfect gentlemen, helped to direct the girls back to the entrance of the restaurant. The girls figured they would be hailing a taxi and heading back to the hotel as it was around 10:00, but that was not the case.

When they exited the restaurant there was a black limousine waiting just outside the door. Ryan directed, “Just this way lassies.” and they all entered the limo. The girls had no idea what was to come next.

The limo driver only drove about ten minutes before he pulled up in front of another location. The girls couldn't see where it was with the tinted windows and the fact it was night outside, but as soon as they exited the limo they started to chuckle. The sign on the building said Rafters Bar and Restaurant. Right below the name was a sign that said “Karaoke Nightly”. When the girls saw this they knew was the lads had in mind.

They all entered and headed toward some seating that seemed to be reserved near the karaoke stage. Paul headed over to get things set up and Damian begged to be first. Halfway though his song, Paul jumped on to the stage to sing along. When Keith took his turn, Ryan almost bumped him off the stage to get some time at the microphone. Before they knew it the girls were standing along side the lads singing songs with them. The Guinness was flowing for most of them. Ryan preferred Grey Goose and cranberry, Paul liked his Bud Light, while Damian and Brianna stayed with non-alcoholic beverages.

At times there was so much laughter they were almost in tears. Darcy actually had a very good voice and the lads were impressed with her version of “I Will Survive”. They moved from genre to genre as the evening wore on. Keith doing some country with Wichita Lineman, and Damian doing a great Bobby Darrin version of Mack the Knife. Paul love to chose songs totally out of his genre and put his spin on them, while Ryan chose most of the softer songs. That all was until the lads were thoroughly relaxed and started to parody each other.

Before anyone realized it, the bar had emptied and they were the only ones left. Sadly it was time for the evening to end. They all headed out to the limo. Each of the girls sat closely snuggled with her date as the limo drove them back to the hotel. The girls dreaded the end of the evening knowing that it also meant that their vacation was coming to an end.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 13

The taxi dropped off the girls at the front of the Quaywest Bar and Restaurant. As they got out of the taxi they noticed Paul standing at the doorway smiling. There was just something about the look in his eyes that said something was up. Mona caught that immediately, but still had no idea.
“Ladies, if you will follow me, please,” Paul said as he led the girls inside past the bar to an area of tables with one large empty table. He nodded at a waitress as he passed by her and she headed off somewhere.

Briana was curious as to where the other guys were and couldn't contain herself, “Where are the others?”

“All in good time, Briana. Have a seat here,” Paul directed each of the girls to a specific seat. The large table was quite a way back in the restaurant and was almost private as it was not too crowded yet.

As soon as the girls were seated Paul excused himself and told them he would be back in a minute. The girls looked as Paul as he left and then at each other with confusion. As soon as Paul left the girls heard some music. But it was not coming from the bar. It was coming from the door where Paul retreated.

Darcy turned and tapped Mona on the shoulder and motioned to the other girls to look at the door. Through the door came Paul, Ryan, Keith and Damian singing Will Ye Go Lassie, Go with Keith playing his guitar. The girls were in shock. As the guys came closer they noticed that each of the guys had a red rose to hand to their date. What amazed the girls was how well they sang in harmony as if they had done this together before. They seemed so at ease with each other as they sang. They knew that Paul and Ryan knew each other, but not about Keith and Damian.

As they finished the song and the girls clapped for them they all took seats next to the girls and handed them the red roses. This was without a doubt something very special and the girls wanted to savor every moment. They blushed with a little embarrassment and all started talking at once. And then the laughter started.

The guys did admit that they all knew each other professionally and had sung together before with some others in a tour through the US. The girls could not believe that they had never heard of the group that was promoted through PBS. They figured that other than the fact they didn't watch much PBS, their personal lives were very busy and they really had not gone to many concerts. They promised the lads that the next tour they would be front and center.

It was an incredible evening. All the couples enjoyed the evening and it was entirely too short. The restaurant had delicious food and they all enjoyed a small glass of wine to toast that they were all together. Each couple looked like they had known each other for a long time and meshed well.

Darcy and Ryan were busy talking sports a lot of the evening, while Mona and Paul discussed travel and music in general. Briana and Damian were busy chatting about soccer and unforgettable games they had played, and Caitlin and Keith talked about traveling the world and Keith's surfing.

Before they knew it dinner was done and all eight finished a small desert dish. The girls figured that the evening would be soon coming to an end, but the lads had something else in mind. They knew that the next day the girls would be heading back to Dublin, and then on back home and wanted to make this evening something for them to remember. Since the lads all had music in common they wanted to end the evening with a fun event.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 12

Friday morning arrived and the girls awoke feeling refreshed and well rested. As soon as they finished breakfast they headed for the Foyleside Shopping Center and the Dunnes Store to see what outfits they could find to wear that night, even though they had no idea where they would be going. The girls split up to get to the different departments so they would be done early. Mona wanted something sleek and classy that would fit being with Paul. Darcy wanted something sporty, but conservative to wear with Ryan. Briana wanted something fun and flirty to wear with Damian, and Caitlin wanted something funky to wear with Keith and she wanted to find a hat to go with her outfit.

As they girls were busy shopping one cell phone call started them all ringing, one by one. Paul called Mona and told her that they should all meet at Quaywest for dinner at 7:00PM. He and Ryan would be there. Mona contacted the other girls and had them call Keith and Damian and make sure that would be okay with them. The girls also told Keith and Damian that there would be some others joining them. When Caitlin mention to Keith about Paul and Ryan she was sure she heard him chuckle, but couldn't be positive. When Briana told Damian, there was a pause at his end and then he told her it would be great craic.

The girls had no idea what was in for them that evening. Little did they know that their calls had started a flurry of other calls. They finished shopping all with amazing new outfits and headed back to their hotel in Derry City to get ready for the evening. Quaywest was further than a walk, so the girls decided to take a taxi.They wanted to look nice and fresh for the evening.

The taxi ride was full of chatter about each of them meeting each of the lads and making a fabulous connection while they were on vacation. Mona and Darcy, while totally enchanted with Paul and Ryan, reminded the younger girls that this was a vacation and they would probably not be seeing or hearing from the guys after they returned home. While Briana and Caitlin dreamed about future dates, they did realize that this was an adventure and something they should cherish for the time being and not think too far ahead.

The girls chattered recalling how each of them met each of the lads under some unusual circumstances that many people would not believe. Their trip was now almost ending and it had brought with it the adventures that they were all open to when they left home. All of them had fallen in love with Ireland, both the Republic and Northern Ireland. As the taxi drew near to the restaurant their excitement increased. When they thought about it, they hardly knew these lads, but trusted they were in for a memorable evening.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 11

Donegal was picturesque. The girls headed to Genveagh Castle (http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie/) to walk around the grounds of the park. They would have liked to spend more time and follow some of the hiking trails but that would have to wait for another trip. Keith had recommended the Inishowen Lodge (http://www.inishowenlodge.com/) overlooking the water and he knew what he was doing. The place was amazing. None of this was very far from Derry, but there were so many sights to see that the girls were already making a list for their next trip.

Malin Head (http://www.malinhead.ie/Homepage.html) was a hike that the girls had time for and bundled up for the windy area. While the weather was pretty warm, they had been warned that the winds of Malin Head could knock you right into the ocean. And the information had not been wrong. There were times when the girls held on to each other to steady themselves.

It was a full day and the girls were exhausted. They found a small pub for some dinner and headed back to their room at the B&B. The plan was to head back to Derry the next day and get settled. They would spend one day around the Derry countryside and be ready for Friday evening when they would hope to meet up with the guys they had met.

The girls wanted to do a little shopping in Derry so they had something nice to wear for Friday evening. As they traveled through out Ireland they watched the Irish fashions and wanted to each get outfits so they didn't look as American as they did everywhere they went. Of course, the minute they had something to say, everyone knew they were American.

They tried to imagine what their night in Derry would be like meeting up with the lads they had met along the way. The did realized that all of the lads were involved with music in some way. Ryan and Paul knew each other, Keith had been playing locally forever, and Damian was going to school for performing arts. They found this unique connection very interesting. But other then Paul and Ryan they never expected that they would know each other.

The morning arrived and the girls set out for a little time in Bundoran before heading back to Derry. They took the time to go out to the beach area to watch some surfers. This seemed like a very popular area. They were about to leave when Caitlin noticed Big Red in the parking area. She just had to see if Keith was one of the surfers out on the water. And sure enough, as she scanned the water she spotted him riding a wave in. She had to giggle to herself as it just seemed so odd to be watching a surfer in Ireland.

It was difficult not to be noticed by the surfers. Keith spotted the girls and recognized them immediately. He waved as he came in from his ride carrying his board. Caitlin was a little embarrassed because she was hoping he would not see them and just wanted to watch without being noticed.

“So you fancy doing a little surfing?” Keith asked the girls as he approached.

“Oh, no, we were just watching,” Caitlin answered. “I was surprised to see you here.”

“Best waves today, otherwise I'd be somewhere else. Where you off to?” Keith seemed so at home in his wet suit and holding on to his board.

“We're doing the Derry countryside,” Mona answered. “Any recommendations?”

“It's all good,” Keith replied. “Time to catch another ride before the surf dies. See you Friday.”

The girls bid Keith good bye and headed for some more touring before they went back to Derry for some shopping.

The Dream Trip - Chapter 10

The girls arrived back at the B&B late and knew they would be getting up early. They were asleep as soon as their heads hit their pillows dreaming about all that had happened to them since their arrival in Ireland.

Caitlin was the only one who really had to wake up early to meet Keith and get to the tire repair shop. As she rushed down the stairs to grab some breakfast before heading out she ran into Siobhan.

“You do know that Keith will not be hear until about noon, don't you?” Siobhan asked Caitlin.

“What? I thought he said he'd be here bright and early to pick me up.” Caitlin was confused.

“Lassie, when Keith has a gig at night, he rarely pulls himself out of bed before eleven. We all know that around here. I'd be real surprised to see him before noon.” Siobhan explained.

Caitlin was a little upset that she had listened to Keith and fallen for his early wake up line. Since she was all ready, she settled into the dining room and had herself a proper Ulster Fry for breakfast and some nice Barry's tea. As she was finishing up Brianna came down for breakfast and was surprised to find Caitlin.

“Don't tell me you've been stood up?" Brianna teased.

“Put a cork in a Brianna. He's late, and I'm still waiting,” Caitlin was not pleased at all.

But as she chastised Brianna, Caitlin noticed Big Red pull up outside. Siobhan was off a little. Guess there was a reason for Keith to get out of bed early. She just hoped he was not regretting the offer to help her get a new tire.

“Mornin' Siobhan, how's about some brekkie?” Keith called to Siobhan as he entered and sat down next to Caitlin and Brianna grabbing an extra cup and pouring himself some tea.

“Guess I got you up a little early this morning,” Caitlin was trying to see if Keith was out of sorts from rising so early.

“No trouble, Caitlin, I would have been up to catch a surf today otherwise. But the waves are not that great today, so I'm here,” Keith smiled as he answered.

Siobhan set a full Ulster Fry in front of Keith and it was apparent he was very pleased with it. After a few minutes Brianna excused herself to go out walking and left Keith and Caitlin alone. Caitlin tried no to stare too much at Keith as he ate, but she was now taking some time to really look at this blond surfer next to her while not to be too obvious to Keith. He wore a knit hat covering most of his hair and showing more of his face than the day before. Caitlin noticed he has striking features and wonderful blue eyes.

Keith turned and smiled at her. He knew she had been staring at him, but tried not to embarrass her about it.

“Ready to go?” he asked. He must have inhaled his breakfast he was finished so quickly.

Caitlin and Keith headed out the door with a wave to Siobhan that they would be back soon and to let the other girls know when they have left. It only took a few minutes to get to the tire shop and Keith handled everything only referring to Caitlin as the person who needed the new tire. Caitlin could tell by the casual conversation that Keith knew this person and had done business with him before. Luckily the shop had a replacement tire on hand, which Caitlin paid for and Keith loaded into Big Red. The two chatted about Keith's music from the night before on the way back to the B&B. Caitlin felt very at ease with Keith and he seemed the same with her. She was thrilled that she would be seeing him again when they returned to Derry in a day or two.

When they arrived back at the B&B Keith set about replacing the spare tire and putting on the new one. The rest of the girls were up and had brought their luggage down from the rooms. As Kieth finished they all loaded up the car to set off for the day.

Caitlin hesitated as they all got into the car so she and Keith had a few moments to themselves.

“I do hope to see you when we get back to Derry. It will be our last weekend to party before we head back home,” she was hoping Keith was still going to be there so she could see him again.

“No worries, you got my cell, right? Give me a ring and I'll be there. I'm ready for a weekend of Derry craic!” Keith was smiling as he assured Caitlin.

With that the girls headed off to Donegal and a few extra sites recommended by Keith. They had realized that their vacation was much shorter than they expected and wanted to make the most of these last few days.