To say Eleanor's home was the quintessential experience most people look for, would be an understatement. After a long flight, and an even longer day, Eleanor welcomed us in to the most picturesque cottage you can imagine by offering us a glass of wine, a seat by the fire, and the first of many unforgettable conversations. We were looking for a quiet place to relax in the country within a few miles of a pub or small town, and this place was perfect. Even with extreme exhaustion, I couldn't sleep. There was just too much to look at, as if we stepped into a postcard. Eleanor mentioned, "you're welcome to anything at all" before she went to bed. I couldn't help but write down the little things I was afraid I'd forget over time, like the days of the week penciled on the eggs in a basket on the counter. Her way of life in general, really. Our room was perfect and included a bathroom with a window in the roof that let in the sound of birds chirping and cows mooing. She had everything right there at our disposal. The thick, heavy towels were perfect after a steaming hot shower. Despite getting only a few hours of sleep, I got up before the sun and literally ran outside to explore. Her loveable dogs Ellie, Millie, Torc and Luachra were so happy and sweet. To my delight, they followed me everywhere:) She let me help her feed the dogs, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks and hunting hounds! Just to clarify, when I say, "help", I mean following her around, squealing like a kid on Christmas morning and attempting to devise a plan to stay there forever. We gathered eggs from her chickens, herbs from her garden, and she prepared breakfast while we took off for a walk that made for the kind of pictures I wouldn't believe were real if I hadn't taken them myself. With a hot cup of coffee in hand and the dogs excitedly leading the way, we strolled down the narrow road surrounded by a mixture of intense green pastures and every color wildflower imaginable. The smell of fresh air was so strong that it was almost like breathing in a candle intended to smell like fresh air. There were rabbits, friendly horses nudging me to pet them, and cows eating grass right out of my hand. A gorgeous loaf of bread wrapped in a soft, homey, plaid napkin was waiting on the table next to a bowl of butter so unlike any I've ever tasted that I could've eaten it with a spoon. I've tried and failed at recreating, "Eleanor's Eggs" 3 out of the 4 mornings since being back. I've made my peace with only having them in Ireland:) I could write about Eleanor, her cottage, the animals, and her incredible way of living for hours. I felt like I was leaving home as we drove away and I'm counting the days until I can...