Great interview! I've started reading this story and am enjoying it so far.
I lived for a short time in Tuscon and spent quite a bit of time trail riding in the desert. I saw some incredible wildlife and got to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert firsthand. The sunsets in Arizona are simply breathtaking. Many times I'd have to pull my car to the side of the road and watch it because I couldn't keep my eyes off it and on the road. I was just out of college and was friends with someone studying geology. When she came for a visit, we spent a few days in the Grand Canyon. It was quite an educational experience for me, since every few feet she'd stop and get all excited about something geological and then explain it to me.
I would politely decline something if it's something I wouldn't or couldn't eat. I usually make sure people know my dietary restrictions ahead of time or else I'll bring my own food if something I can't eat is being served.
*books flight to Ireland* That looks delicious
Today was a 'food' day for me. I had peppered bacon, eggs, and cauli/broccoli hash browns for brekkie, made a lasagna and had a slice for lunch, then had leftover sweet potato/turkey chili for dinner, along with roasted cauli rice. I'm definitely full, and so is the freezer. I have enough leftovers for two weeks worth of lunches