A Nice Day

While not terribly exciting, today has been a nice day.  I ventured forth this morning to town on the bus.  I managed to find the library, the post office, the photo shop for spare camera batteries, and the butcher’s for our dinner tonight.  Whoohoo!  I wandered about, prowled some shops and <gasp> did a wee bit of shopping, and communed with Nature a bit in the Glen.  Although I was gone only about 2.5 hours, it felt much longer than that…being filled with such sights and sounds…chatting with another very nice woman on the D3 bus going up town. 

 

It’s so easy to get into the routine of work and usual weekday activities…I sometimes forget where I am…that I am in a foreign country and that I should be soaking up every experience I can while here.  Yes, it’s good to be working, but I need to go play tourist a bit, too.  So I think a wee jaunt up town every now and then is totally warranted.  You know me, I need to get out and do "my" thing – even if it’s just walk around town for a bit – and go be in Nature for a while.  The Glen is very, very pleasant, even now during winter – a little oasis of Nature right in the middle of a bustling town.

 

My little expedition was refreshing and revitalizing, especially in a spiritual sense, and I did mange to get in some good work time on my return home.  I think that’s a fair trade-off, eh?  Well, it sounds good to me, at any rate! 

 

Everyone I have met – whether with Dave or by myself – has been very welcoming and friendly.  I think some folks like talking to me just because I sound different.    Imagine that!

 

Well, Dave will be home shortly, so I’ll clean up my work space and shift into dinner/evening mode. 

 

I leave you today with a Pueblo blessing:

 

"Hold on to what is good, even if it is a handful of dirt.  Hold on to what you believe, even if it is a tree that stands by itself.  Hold on to what you must do, even if it is a long way from here.  Hold on to life, even if it is easier to let go.  Hold on to my hand, even if I have gone away from you."

 

A Day of Firsts

Sunday was a day of firsts — my first trip on a real service train, first trip to Edinburgh, first time in a real-life castle, and first occasion to spend any real time conversing with my future stepsons, Ian and Paul.

 

Dave and I made a trip for groceries to Tesco’s in the morning, fixed a quick breakfast, and then headed to the train station at Inverkeithing, about a ten-minute drive from home.  There we boarded the train to Edinburgh; the trip took about half an hour.  WOW WOW WOW!  How cool was that – riding on a train!  Okay, so I’m easily amused….   We crossed the Firth of Forth on the rail bridge…not even skeery at all, just a breathtaking view. 

 

Once in Edinburgh, we made our way up The Royal Mile/High Street and to Edinburgh Castle.  It was built waaaay up on the hill, quite an excellent vantage point.  The castle…so very impressive…courtyards, passageways, The Great Hall, Royal Apartments where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth…gee…it was soooo outstanding.  Lots of tourists speaking all languages – German, French, Japanese – so I didn’t feel out of place clicking away with my camera and saying "Oh wow…oh WOW!" 

 

We spent probably 3-3.5 hours in the castle, so we didn’t make it to Mary King’s Close; we’ll attempt that on another day.  We walked a bit and found a cozy pub, where we had a delicious light dinner.  Then it was back out on the streets for more walking…and walking…and walking…up The Royal Mile, up AND down Rose Street, in and out of shops and bookstores.  We weren’t to meet Ian and Paul until 8:30, so we had lots of time to wander. 

 

After the sun went down, it was pretty darn nippy.  Luckily, I had taken along my fuzzy hat and gloves, so I was comfy warm with those things and my trusty leather bomber jacket.  It was so pleasant, just strolling along with Dave, hand in hand, window shopping, chatting, prowling book stores…the simple time of just being together. 

 

Shortly before 8:00, we ducked into a little cafe for something to drink and, yes, to get in out of the chill.  We spent a lovely time there, just chatting and looking through a bird book and tree book I bought on sale at one of the book stores.  This put us just right on time to hook up with Ian and Paul, sans girlfriends.

 

The four of us settled into a pub and visited for a little over an hour.  Ian and Paul are fine young men and, even though only meeting them briefly, I find I feel an affection for them already.  They are both unique, well-spoken, and handsome with groovy senses of humor and an air of gentleness that I know they get from their dad.  I look forward to getting to know them both better before Dave and I return to the States.  They made me feel totally welcome and at ease, and I am grateful to them for that.

 

The time flew by on Magpie wings and all too soon Dave and I were trekking through the night to the train station for the train back to Inverkeithing.  We had a full day and even made it under the duvet before midnight!  Well done!

 

It was another full day, another remarkable day, another day that I will remember all my days.  So many sights, sounds, and experiences – I can’t relate them all here.  I will try to get some photos uploaded today.

 

Oh!  The weather yesterday was absolutely perfect, although chilly and windy.  The sun was out in all its glory and we could not have had a better day for our trip and sightseeing.    Yes, the sun DOES shine in Scotland on occasion in the winter!  So far today, however, we’re back to windy, cold, and gray.  Yesterday certainly was a gift from Momma Nature to make the day just perfect!

 

Cheers for now!

 

 

 

 

 

Two for the Price of One

I’m catching up yesterday and today in one entry.  Let’s see…yesterday was Friday and Dave was off work, so we headed up town to run some errands. 

 

One of our stops was at the local library, where I got a couple of bird books.  The birds here are all new to me, with the exception of gulls and ravens.  I’ve been wondering what this lovely black-and-white beauty is that seems to be quite common…lo and behold it’s Magpie!  Never have seen one but they certainly are pretty.  I got a few other books, including one on the Firth of Forth. 

 

The weather so far has been everything Dave promised it would be – windy, rainy, and very gray.  Hence, the town’s name…"The Auld Grey Toon."  Mother Nature really is quite impressive here…the word that comes to mind in describing the wind last night is "majestic."  Absolutely awesome.  Of course, I’m a little Earth Momma, so these sort of things impress me.

 

This morning we drove back to the Longanlea Cafe, arriving a bit before Dave’s DCC pals.  We were settled in quite cozily with our tea/coffee and toast when the guys arrived.  I could sit in that cafe all day and drink that wonderful tea!  Anyhoo, it was fun with the guys, although I confess I didn’t "get" much of the conversation, which I will "blame" on the fact that it was a small space and lots of guy cyclists talking all at once at various tables….yeah right-o, lassie! 

 

So it’s late afternoon now and we’ve been up town and mailed off our documents to the US Embassy in London.  So now we wait for an interview appointment.  It feels good to have that done and away, carrying with it all our hopes and dreams.

 

Our first stop was to Sandy Wallace’s bike shop, where Dave dropped off a wheel for repair.  Sandy and his wife Angela are great souls and I really enjoyed a visit with Angela while at the shop.

 

Then it was to town and the post office.  Next we stopped for some lunch at a cafe in town.  Bustling place, Madonna tunes in the background, wonderful food.  Having fueled our bodies and spirits, we strolled over to the Glen, walled/gated grounds in the town.  Absolutely wonderful…trees, plants, squirrels…a babbling stream…I’ll try to get some photos uploaded.  There was also a magnificent greenhouse on the grounds.  I’m so honored Dave shared this special place with me.  It was about twilight, so we stopped at the butcher’s and then another shop for a few groceries, and then back snug at home. 

 

Next weekend we are headed to The Highlands, Glen Coe, Fort William, and whatever else, having reservations at a B&B on Loch Leven, the Loch Leven Hotel, for Friday and Saturday nights.  I’m so excited to finally be going to Glen Coe.  Ever since seeing photographs of it…it has called to me.

 

The following weekend we have reservations at….ta-daaaaaa….a B&B on a working sheep farm in the area of Loch Ness.  There’s much to see and do around there and how groovy to be staying on a working sheep farm!!!   Oh gosh…to be going to Loch Ness….little Earth Momma is just having a whiz-bang time here.

 

Everything is so very ancient and historical here.  In Dunfermline today there was a cannon monument on one street, the plaque stating that the cannon had been in/near that spot since 1772.  Gee, the US wasn’t even established until 1776!  Here’s a cannon that’s been in one spot in this town longer than my country’s government has been in existence! 

 

Everywhere I turn I am in awe of this country’s beauty, magnificence of nature, and the warmth of her people. 

 

Tomorrow we are headed to Edinburgh via the train, where our plans are to prowl around, tour Edinburgh Castle, take a ghost walk (Mary King’s Close), and then hook up with Ian and Paul and their girlfriends in the evening.  Sounds like another full day!

 

Cheers!

 

 

Back in the work force and another first

Today was my first truly productive day working since arriving in Scotland.  It’s been a challenge getting my jet-lagged, middle-aged, feeble brain around the logistics of working from here; nothing is ever as simple as "just plug in the laptop and go to work"   and I am starting a new job, but today I found my groove with it all.

 

It was rather a chilly day out, but sunny for the most part and, of course, cozy in the flat.  There’s a mostly white with some black cat that makes her/his rounds every morning, so I at least I have a kitty in my life in some aspect – watching kitty’s morning stroll.

 

This evening when Dave got home we made a run to Tesco’s, stopping first at a neighborhood pub to visit with one of Dave’s friends, an older gentleman.  He was very friendly and interesting and we had a nice chat.  Yes, I understood most of what he said!  How is it that I understand the accent better over here???   

 

I did have a couple of sips of Dave’s beer, so now I can say that I’ve officially experienced a pub!  Whoohoo! 

 

Well, it’s been a busy day mentally and my little gray cells are tired.  It won’t be long and  I’ll be ready for the covers and a book, I think. 

 

We plan to go to Edinburgh this weekend and you can bet I’ll have the camera with me, so keep checking for more photos!

 

I’ll leave you with a thought for today…

 

"Those who know how to play can easily leap over the adversities of life.  And one who knows how to sing and laugh never brews mischief."  — Iglulik Proverb

 

 

 

In the Company of Women

The idea of going "up the toon" by myself kept tugging at me this morning, so I finally listened to that little voice and packed up for a trip to town on the bus.   It wasn’t that I really needed anything from any of the shops; I simply wanted to go on my own, perhaps just for the adventure of prowling around by myself in a foreign country. 

 

While at the stop for the D3 bus, a woman came to wait for the same bus.  She and I started chatting, about the weather and this and that.  We both boarded the bus when it arrived, me going upstairs for the novelty of it and she finding a seat on the lower level.

 

While on High Street prowling about, we happened to meet again and she invited me to join her for coffee with her friends in a nearby cafe.  I finished what I was doing and then made my way back to Kingsgate Mall; once inside the mall, we saw each other again…she was waiting on her girlfriends to arrive and again invited me.   

 

I figured it was a unique opportunity to visit with women in this home away from home of mine, and Lindsay and  I were already chatting away with the ease of old friends.

 

The two other ladies arrived and we went upstairs to the Cafe in Marks and Spencers…a department store in town.  I spent the next hour chatting with these funny, witty, interesting, and intelligent ladies who welcomed me into their group with great warmth. 

 

The scene could have been me with my girlfriends back in the States.  We talked about everything from politics to children to clothes to men…you get the picture.  

 

Interestingly, Lindsay has had Reiki performed on her in the past and enjoyed it!

 

I’m glad I listened to that little nagging voice that said today was indeed the day to venture out on my own.   My visit with these lovely ladies was one more memory that wil be treasured always.

 

Oh yeah, I did get some work done this afternoon.  

 

I have also found jalapenos in Tesco’s, so my Texan taste buds are quite happy! 

 

Catch ya later!

 

 

Normal Life

Well, you know my life the past couple of years has not been exactly "normal" by other’s standards, but yesterday was pretty darn close to what most people consider normal.  

 

Dave was up and to work at his usual early hour, with me arising shortly after he left.  It seems I have plenty of work from the transcription school – my new job – and that kept me occupied the whole day.  Of course, it’s never as simple as "plug in the computer and immediately start working" – one has technical issues to figure out, setting up email accounts, and the simple logistics of working abroad.  All that being resolved, I did get in a good day’s work.  The folks at the school are pleased I’m back "in the world," so I’ll be staying in today just doing some laundry and working. 

 

The past several weeks have been exciting and fun, but certainly not "real" life, so it’s nice to get a routine back again…perhaps as close to normal as I’ll get, I suppose.   The view from the living room window by the computer desk is quite lovely — lots of green, trees, etc. — so I’m a happy, snug camper toiling away during the day.

 

Being here in Scotland just reemphasizes the old saying of "Home is where the heart is."  I am miles and miles away from what one might consider my home (whether it be Texas or Minnesota) but, you know what?  A house truly is not a home…it’s what’s contained within those walls of brick and wood…the people and the feelings between them.  For this brief period in my life, I am at home…and WOW it’s SCOTLAND! 

 

So, my friends, love, laugh, and LIVE each day…each moment…they go by so very quickly!

 

Ciao ’till another day!

 

Out and about on Sunday

Well, we didn’t get an early start today; guess we both were needing the rest.  This morning we dashed off to Tesco’s, the local market somewhat like a small Wal-Mart, for a few days’ worth of groceries.  It was early afternoon and starting to rain lightly (go figure!), but we got in the car for a drive to Kirkcaldy, which is Dave’s childhood home.  We stopped at Loch Leven, which is smaller than Loch Ness, but still stunningly beautiful.  It is so very pastoral here and, being so unspoiled, makes the States look so commercialized with all the billboards along the roadways. 

 

We then made our way to Kirkcaldy, which by the main roads is only about 14 miles from Dunfermline, but we took smaller roads and wound our way through the countryside.   We stopped for a cup of tea, strolled along the promenade by the water a bit and then drove through the town, by Dave’s childhood home, and then to a neighborhood in which he remembered a couple of aunts lived.  After stopping for a brief chat with his aunt Agnes, we then went to the nearby flat of Aunt Maggie, where we had a very nice impromptu visit.  There are two uncles living quite close by, and we hope to have a chance to get everyone together before Dave and I return to the States.

 

It certainly was breezy and very chilly down by the water, but WOW what an experience!  Quite invigorating, actually!  This body of water was still the Firth of Forth; turns out it is quite large and spans a rather long distance, narrowing at the point where it enters the North Sea.

 

We spent longer on the road than we anticipated, but it was a very good outing; I’m so glad Dave got to see his aunties and I could see in their faces how tickled they were to see him again.  We’ve had a nice dinner and looking to a relaxing evening here at home.

 

Ta ta for today!

 

Remember Remember the Fifth of November

It’s actually 5:53 PM and I’m sitting at the computer desk in the living room.  It’s dark out, but the drapes are open so we can look out and see the occasional fireworks display.  This is Guy Fawkes Day and there are fireworks displays and bonfires around Scotland. 

 

This morning we drove to Clackmannanshire and had tea and scones in a cafe called Loganlea.  This is where Dave’s cycling club, Dunfermline Cycling Club (or DCC), often stops for tea and a snack on their Saturday morning runs.  We missed the gang; they were there and gone a bit earlier than usual today.  We lingered and had a wee snack; I had the darnedest best cup of tea I’ve ever tasted.  I can say now that I’ve had tea and scones.  Cool, eh?  The scones were yummy, too.  One of Dave’s cycling pals was there with his family, and I got to meet them.

 

For a while this morning there was a bit of sunshine, but the clouds came and the rain started.  It looks like I chose my coat and boots well for this trip.  I brought along my leather bomber jacket and it certainly is standing up well in the rain, chill, and breeze.  One of the pairs of snow boots I bought in MN is perfect for tramping about in the rain, which is actually more of a steady drizzle.  I’m keeping warm and comfy.

 

The  countryside is absolutely breathtaking.  To think I’m here in Scotland just blows my mind at times.   We saw lots of sheep on our drive this morning.  They are soooo beautiful…some with black faces…just so pretty.  And  BIG sheep!  Jim, your photo will be along shortly…. 

 

After returning from the morning’s jaunt, we came home and then got on the bus to go "up the toon."  Yes, there are double-decker buses here!  There are bus stops right by the flat (condo), so it is very convenient for going to town.  We made this trip together today, so now I know where, how, etc. if I want to venture out on my own. 

 

Walking about High Street and what we would call downtown is soooo fun.  The streets are narrow, many cobbled and blocked off to vehicular traffic.  Shops, shops everywhere – everything and anything you could imagine.  My head is on a swivel in the butcher shops, bakeries, etc.  Funny how things are different, yet the same, on opposite sides of the globe.

 

Everywhere I turn there is a "Kodak moment" and I’ll be taking the digital camera with me everywhere, I think.  Folks I talk with often do a double-take; I don’t sound like I’m from here!   

 

Oh!  We stopped in at the butcher’s and got a couple of Burns Truffles.  Yes, the renowned haggis!  We had that for dinner (what we would call lunch) and, you know what?  It was good!  Very rich – I couldn’t finish mine, but it was very tasty.   Dave is cooking dinner tonight, the beef olives he’s told me about and which sound very yummy.  We’re in for the evening and snug in his flat.  Tomorrow brings no real plans except a bit of shopping for groceries at the market and enjoying some lazy time before getting back to work on Monday.

 

Thanks to all who are keeping in touch – it’s always a bright spot in my day to hear from family and friends and especially now while I’m so far from everyone! 

 

Cheerio for now!

 

 

Welcome to my world

Greetings from Scotland!  In this space I’ll keep a little journal of my adventures in Scotland.  Knowing me, you realize this will be a little off center of the usual travelogue.    Keep watching this space for photos and other jewels.  Without further fanfare, I’ll simply say welcome to my space and I hope you enjoy your visits here!

 

Wearing Yellow and Living Strong in Scotland – Betty