40

Can't believe it has been so long since I wrote something here. I turned 40 in September with little fanfare but many good birthday wishes, and an extended series of little happy hours with friends--one or two at a time, we celebrated the milestone with margaritas or cheese & wine.

Randy bought me a very unique bracelet - unique in the good way, ecclectic, special, made by a local artist and centered around a vintage door hinge, incredibly thoughtful and romantic. There may have also been some lingerie in that birthday gift, but I would never say because I am a lady!

At 39, I had asked him for a month to travel when I turn 40 and he said if I could make the math work, that would be fine. Well, since then, we have both worked very hard to make the math work, and on Thursday we leave. He will join me for 2 weeks and my sister will meet me for Week 3 in Ireland. Week 4 is just five days long and I'll be on my own.

Highlights of the plan:

London - Meet up with former bassist and current friend Phil
Billinghurst - THE BIRDS!
Cirencester - Pub open mic with local musicians there organized by our host Neil. First couchsurfing.org experience.
Plymouth - See my birthplace for the first time since I was 9 months old
Wales - Drive up to Caernafon Castle with Randy
Prestatyn, Wales - The Gathering (the Alarm's music festival)with Doug & Kerstin
Gowanbank/Glasgow - Old friends, new good times
Dublin - Goodbye Randy. Hello sister Laura!
Avoca? - The real Ballykissangel
Galway/Cliffs of Moher
Coleraine- Visit friends & the Giant's Causeway
Dublin - Jonatha Brooke @ Whelan's
5 days - ???