In October 2011, Russell and I took a 10-day bus group tour of Ireland. The countryside was an incredibly beautiful intense emerald green and we truly enjoyed seeing the interesting sites while learning about Ireland’s history.

 

One of our favorite places that we visited was the Irish National Stud & Gardens in southwest Ireland. It is a really lovely thoroughbred horse breeding farm run by the Irish Government, established in 1946. There also is a serene Japanese garden on the grounds. I cannot help but wonder what the horse depicted in the painting was thinking when I stood nearby and took its photo.

 

As we left the farm, Russell declared to me that if he were to be reincarnated, he would want to return as a stud living at the Irish National Stud. I am sure it must be because of the beautiful grounds…