Miracle of miracles, this is what outside looked like today at 3. For the past four days, it's been totally dark by this time.
That little table there has roses carved into the top of it. Much like an even more wee one my ma has on our front porch, but this one has roses because Ireland is full of roses. There's a rose garden just down the road from here. It spans huge tracks of land. I'm sure it's even lovelier in the springtime, but even now, the walk through the very green grass is very nice.
The botanic gardens down by Queen's has a large area dedicated only to roses as well. I'm rather certain it stems (ha!) from the rosy symbol of the monarchy of England (Queen Elizabeth Tudor I is symbolized with a red rose), but Northern Ireland's emblem is made up of six entwined roses for the six counties.
Less cute but very practical is the leftover Thanksgiving food. This is the entire green bean casserole that (along with the equally large leftover portions of cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and stuffing) will make up my every single meal until I head home for good in June.
Before my eating and watching the sun set, I spent my morning listening to a JBU chapel, reading a bit of Brennan Manning, writing, and geography games. I learned the location of both Austria and Switzerland today! Yes, pathetic, but I'm working on it.
After, I said two more goodbyes. Abbi and Shelby head off to The States in just a few hours here.
I can't say I had any irresistible friend chemistry with them, but I have enjoyed spending time with them immensely. They have been my "safe place" in the house the past three months, and I'm so thankful for their friendship. Lakeside will be a very different place without them.
No comments:
Post a Comment