I've mentioned my favorite bakery/coffee ship, 'The Bread Shop' in the past because I love Irish breakfast rolls, and they make one of the best.  Nothing like a hard roll with rashers, sausage and a fried egg to start the day - combine that with a cup of tea (real Irish tea, with milk) and it just doesn't get any better!

On Monday, as I was in The Bread Shop (aka, my 'Other Office') sampling their carrot cake I was determined to finish reading a challenging book that I had begun 6 or 7 weeks ago, called The Tangible Kingdom. While reading away, an Irish man in his mid 30's (I'm guessing here) came in for lunch.  A bit later he was talking to one of the workers about dessert.  I couldn't resist and suggested the carrot cake as it was incredible!  Gerry (his name, I learned later) took my advice and as he was being served we bagan to chat.

An hour later we were still talking!  We covered economics, education, politics and several other topics!  I learned a ton from this well read and well travelled young man.  A bit to my surprise, he brought up the topic of The Bible.  He felt like most of scripture was made up of prophesy and parables, but had not actually read it in a long time.  As he was getting ready to leave, I paid for his lunch, and my carrot cake while we exchanged email addresses.  I explained how the beginning of the Bible tells us how God started everything, and the end explains that He will restore it; everything in the middle is how He will do it!

Gerry asked me to email him Genesis 1-11 and Revelation 20-22, so I did!

Today our son Andrew took me and Kathy and Sarah to Nando's!  Yes, Nando's - a Portuguese chicken restaurant we have been to 3 or 4 times and has become our favorite.  It has a seasoning called 'peri-peri' that is wonderful - but the best thing is that you can get a fizzy drink (soft drink) with all the ice you want!  And you also get free refills!

So, following church we came home for a few minutes, then got back in the car for a 20 trip to Dundrum where they were having  Fathers Day 'happenings' at the shopping centre - we even saw a Mazarrati automobile on display - for a few minutes! 

It has been a good week as we met new friends in our estate on the next road 'up' from us!  We even had a cup of tea on Wednesday in their home.  So, combined with a visit from our youngest son Matt and his beautiful wife Christie and our other two grandkids, it has been a wonderful week. 

We were able to see all four grandkids here in Dublin in June.  It has been 15 months since we last saw Isaiah - who turned 2 the day they arrived (12 June) - and little Lillie turned 3 months at our first meeting. So, here's a few pictures of Matt, Christie and the kids, while they were here with us!  We are so grateful that all our children and grandchildren have been to see us at one point or another this year - what blessing.  Especially when combined with our wonderful new and growing family of friends here in Dublin!

Isaiah at his 2nd birthday party - in our home!

Matt & Christie with Lillie & Isaiah at Malahide Castle!

'The Girls'  Sarah, Abby, Lillie, Christie & Kathy

Our five year old grand daughter, Abby, is here with us in Dublin along with her 17 month old brother Joseph!  Along with our guide dog puppy in training, we have suddenly become very popular in our estate!  The door bell is ringing on a regular basis:  'Can Abby come out and play' or 'can we pet Tullagh?'So, not only are we having a great time with the kids and grandkids, we are getting to know more and more folks in the estate!  And, on the 12th, Matt & Christie will be arriving in town with our other two grandkids, 2 year old Isaiah and 3 month old Lillie Ava. It will be a house full, but we can't wait!  As promised, here are a few pics of the Abby & Joseph . . .