Meanwhile in Ireland...

          This past week my family has been away at a conference in Germany, giving me a rare, but welcome time alone. Just to warn you, this is a very random post, which is essentially just an excuse to post pictures. I'm a very boring person really, and I didn't get up to anything scandalous! I promise!

Julia Nickles came to stay for two days, so I had fun playing hostess for awhile. On Monday I took her to my favourite coffee shop in Tralee.

Julia had an amazing chai latte (not being a much of a coffee drinker). I've recently adopted a liking for chai tea, but I've never tried one at this cafe before. I've always been in one of those "I need coffee now!" moods when I've been there. Next time I'm having chai!

I was so sad to say goodbye to my dear friend. This is my second final goodbye before I leave. I will miss my like-minded literature buff!

After Julia left, it was just Sammy and me. I don't understand why a single women living alone, wouldn't want a dog. As useless as Sammy is in other areas, he makes a great watch dog.

Rest assured, if any giant cats attack the house, I can definitely count on him!!!

I got two packages from etsy this week. The first was a cover for my new ipod, from HouseofJAM. It's so cute, and it already has accompanied me on many adventures into town!

The second package was a cushion from the 5dollarfrenchmarket. I thought it would be a nice start to decorating my dorm.  I cannot say enough good things about this shop. It is so charming, and everything is five dollars! I expected this decorative cushion to be a bit bigger, but it was so beautiful, I didn't really mind. They even sent me a free vintage card. I love getting packages! Thanks to both shops!!

My family and I rarely agree on movies. I was determined to watch all of my favourites in peace. I bought a few new ones; The Young Victoria (so lovely, watched it twice!),

Adam. Very sentimental, and not as good 500 Days of Summer, but very cute. And the soundtrack as a lot of happy Joshua Radin and the Weepies!

and My Sassy Girl, which reminded me so much of my lovely friend Aryn. Check out her blog Little Life Moments. She is not a fake photographer, she's the real deal!

I wasn't going to let a whole week go by, and not take full charge of the kitchen! Sorry I used all the butter Mom!

After several attempts, I promptly decided that I would never succeed at cinnamon circles! 

I did manage to make a fairly decent, albeit, slightly burnt pineapple upside down cake. Still getting used to using an oven that actually works! 

Peaceful, lunch time devotions.

God has been teaching a very hotheaded young woman how to love again (no! not that kind of love!). Contrary to popular belief, love and forgiveness...not so easy! 

The extent of my rebellion in my parents absence, was to take out the good china (I know I'm bad!). I didn't even have the nerve to take one that wasn't already chipped!

Here's to peaceful solitude! Enjoy it while it lasts, because it's rare!