2012 was probably one of the most memorable years of my life. I don’t know how it happened, but I did so much: lived in Tuscany for 3 months, spent 12 weeks back home in Ireland, ran 19 miles with my brother (as a pacer) in Colorado for a 100-mile Ultra Trail Race, a week in Cape May at a beach house with friends, spent time with old friends and made some very special new friends along the way. It was all a gift and I feel lucky.
Italy
Leaving St Peter’s Basilica and heading out into Rome’s biggest snowstorm in 20 years!
Snow capped palm tree, Rome
the ultimate coffee moment (with Mario & Danielle at Sant’Eustachio cafe in Rome)
How could I deprive you of this inside view of the most impressive arena in the world; The Colosseum.
View from my window in Cortona, Italy
Aperol Spritz (my new favorite aperitif)
The Fam going downtown!
Ireland
Approaching Christ’s Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
The Taking Of Christ by Caravaggio in the National Galley In Dublin
Back and side view of st Coleman’s church, Cobh, County Cork
Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny City (Ide, Mimi, June, Calder)
View of corrie lakes from Connor Pass, County Kerry
fun with a hula hoop (Slea Head Beach)
Cooking was a huge and wonderful part of my year!
The polygonal columns of the Giant’s Causeway, county Antrim
Tintern Abbey (Dunbrody House for lunch!)
Enniscorthy Castle & Museum, County Wexford, Ireland
Beach Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey
Kelley’s Morning
Walking with Ide
The Beach – day 2
Running with Sean
part of the trail in the 100-mile race
Sean getting a hug from his friend Matt after about 40 miles (Howelson hill)
The first hill (can you see Sean)
support from friends as he gets ready to run through the night
You made it Sean – Congratulations!
Just Some of the Family, Old Friends & New Friends
Daughter Ide’s Birthday cake
Ide making new friend in Tipperary!
Auntie June & Suki in Carlow (constant companions of Calder and Ide)
Simply: Ide & Marie-Lyse
Simply: Calder & Marie-lyse
Bird with Ide at Vineyard in Pennslyvania
Becca in Italy!
Auntie Mimi, Ketut, Calder
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My Friend Arrington juicing oranges for our brunch
New and old friends: Mario, Shawn, Chris, Andrea, Danielle in Venice
Mario & Ide in Fiesole
New friend Ninfa, nimbly peeling an orange for dinner in Colle Puccioli
New Friend Tom (in his kitchen)
Calder & Mimi enjoying the view from Carrick-a-Rede
Sisters
Me & My Bro
Shane
Lovely Thib (with Ide)
Lovely Britt (with Ide)
John in Orvieto (and Dave!)
Picnic with the kids (nothing better)
My Lily – 1996- November 25th 2012 – miss you Lil’
Heart- Swelling!
Roll on 2013!
Crappy Kitchen - Good Dinners! 
Great post…Great memories…x
Inspirational Teresa!! great to see your zest for life is as strong as when you were a young wan in Carlow! Happy New Year.
Thanks Turlough – maybe my next adventure should be that 500 mile bike ride of yours! Actually, maybe just meet you in a couple of the cities and write about the food and YOUR adventure!
Wow Tess, I really don’t know how you’re going to top 2012, it was an amazing year and I’m so happy that I got to participate in so much of it. Thank you for sharing x
man, 2012 was awesome! Can’t wait to top it. Calder