Special dinner with flowers on the table

I have lived in Ireland for almost seven years.  Really, this is home.  But I will always refer to the United States as “home” because that is where my heart also is. It isn’t an either/or thing for me.  I love both places. What I miss absolutely the most from my U.S. home are my friends and family.

Selection of Irish Cheeses

It is tough being apart, especially when those people are as special as they are. Do you have friends and family like that? I have been so blessed with the friends and family that I have in my life.  Definite keepers.

add some candles…

One group of friends that I made “back home” was through our church.  I helped to start-up a women’s group when I first moved to the area and boy was that wonderful! We had a very original name: The Women of I.C. (Immaculate Conception parish).  🙂

Roses & Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla)

We were a diverse group of women. Some were stay-at-home moms with young children, some worked, some were grandmothers and everyone was welcome.

Colm De Ris Pottery

I miss that group of women… lots.  So I was delighted when one of those special ladies said she was coming to Ireland!  She has also moved away from where we used to live, so there was so much to catch-up on.  But what we both realised was how special those bonds were that we had created through the women’s group, that fellowship.  It is not something easily replicated.

roses, astrantia, lady’s mantle

Given that it is still going strong 16 years later, I have to say there is something special about it to facilitate that.

lucky to have a sunny day

We had a special dinner for my friend and her husband.  A traditional Kerry (lamb) pie.   As we set the table I decided that I would like a few flowers from the garden on the table, too.

My roses are just starting to bloom, and the Lady’s Mantle (alchemilla)  has popped up in more than a few places!  I believe the burgundy coloured flower is astrantia.  It is new in my garden as it was given to me from a friend just a few weeks ago.

Yes the flowers were perfect, the food delicious, and the fellowship was priceless.

I hope you, too, have such amazing friends in your life.  …and if not, maybe start-up a women’s group!

As always, the “In a Vase on Monday” meme is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the garden.  Stop by and see what other vases people have created from flowers in their gardens.  https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2015/06/22/in-a-vase-on-monday-summer-breeze-makes-me-feel-fine/

In Peace,
Dana

friendship