I got up early and made the hike over to Bull Island in hopes of catching the Tall Ships as they left the river Liffey yesterday morning.  I ended up waiting for most of the morning, but I'm glad that I didn't give up!  The tall ships did eventually make their way out...

These short winter days might be driving me a little crazy... but they create some amazing sunrises!  I got out yesterday to catch this one.  It was awesome to sit on the cliffs by myself and watch the sky turn all different types of yellows and pinks... and then event...

I've been sitting here looking back at all of the photos I took while my family was here visiting.  It is hard to believe that they were here TWO months ago!  Where did the time go?  As I look back over 2016 - their visit is really one of the big highlights of the year...

A few more pics of the rut...

"Stuck in a rut"

 Phoenix park really is alive with deer right now.  This time of year is known as "the rut".  The male deer are all full of testosterone and are competing for the right to mate with the females.  It is almost eerie to be walking in the woods and hearing...

A young buck...

Phoenix Park in Dublin is really a special place.  I have loved getting to know this amazing city park.  At 1752 acres it is one of the largest city parks in all of Europe.  Believe me - it feels massive.  There are lakes, a zoo, the president's home, the US ambassador...