Visiting Stirling

Waverly Train Station in Edinburgh









Matt and I had the most enjoyable day in Stirling, Scotland. Catching the train in Edinburgh afforded us the opportunity to soak in the sights of the Scottish countryside along the way to Stirling. We passed through small villages such as Linlithgow and Failkirk, enjoying all the many castles along the way.

Upon arrival, we pulled out our faithful 'Best of Scotland' guidebook and followed the official "walk." And it was amazing! The walls surrounding Stirling are the oldest standing defense walls in all of Scotland, and they hold true gems within them: the Church of the Holyrude (Where King James I was crowned), the Stirling Castle, and the Argyle Lodge.

After touring the castle, Matt and I descended upon the city and found some great Scottish fare to satisfy our appetites. Matt had homemeade Scottish Pie ... and I think I ate more of his dish than any of my Macaroni and Leeks! We then caught a bus to the other side of Stirling and caught the sites of both the William Wallace monument (dates back to 13th Century) and the University of Stirling. Before heading back to Edinburgh, we had to enjoy a proper tea at one of the local establishments. This particular restaurant prides itself on making cakes and scones from scratch... and it was yummy!

Matt and I are now highly inspired to explore all the many day excursions from Edinburgh. I'm crossing my fingers for good weather and many travels this spring!

The Love Day

Happy Valentines Day to You!

After a full day of work, Matt and I came home to cook dinner and enjoy an evening in. As I'm placing a pot of water on the stove, my dear husband says "I've got a surprise for you." He pulls out his laptop, places it on the dinner table, and starts to put on some music. (You the reader are now concerned that I'm going to share a sappy love story about how we danced to 'It's a Wonderful World' and 'Unforgegttable') ... the next thing I know... my very unhip-hop loving hubby is playing Outkast's 'Happy Valentines Day.' Classic.

These boots were made for walking ...

I returned to Edinburgh this time prepared with Uggs and Wellies!

Time to Celebrate!

This sweet man planned a happy return for me!




First there were flowers ...




Then there was yummy L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Bath Gel and Lotion...





Next came Whittards of Chelsea Tea ...



And finally, the beautiful, antique china!





What a wonderful 25th birthday!

Like I've Said Before ....

International travel with me is never without adventure. I left Nashville on Monday and encountered ... cancelled flights, long lines to rebook, rerouting through the airport I was trying to avoid (Heathrow ... Dublin would have been a bit easier), delays on the runway in London, taxiing past the British Airways flight that crash landed at Heathrow (and some aboard thought it was just a rough landing!), lost luggage, and finally, the stomach bug upon arrival in Scotland. What a whirlwind!

Highlights include seeing hubby, coming home to a clean flat, clean flat containing beautifully wrapped birthday presents, fresh flowers already placed in a vase, enjoying Matthew's new gourmet specialty: Chicken Curry (he had time to perfect it), and beginning to watch Season II of Arrested Development. (Which I hear is the most critically acclaimed and popular comedy sitcom no longer on air -- which is so, so sad).

Amongst unpacking, getting situated, and seeing friends, I've begun full-time work. I love meaningful work. (I wish I had some wonderful Wendell Berry quote to plug-in here.) There's nothing like the urgency of completing a task because someone depends on your assistance.

Until I come across that wonderful Berry quote, I'll leave you with a statement from Soren Kierkegaard:

"For he who loved himself became great through himself, and he who loved others became great through his devotion, but he who loved God became greater than any of these."

I Move to Abolish the Crazies

It took about four hours, but I finally completed casing Green Hills mall for appropriate powder for my fair complexion. Why it is so difficult, I'm unsure. While not finding makeup, I did find a fabulous pair of boots to accompany me back to Edinburgh this coming week. Surely fantastic shoes makes up for wearing zilch makeup!

On to other news: I'm pleased to announce that in addition to teaching, I'll soon be practicing constitutional law. A superb organization has given me the opportunity to work from Scotland, and I'm delighted to do something I'm presently passionate about. Watch out crazies who want to invite the government to infringe upon our civil liberties: this newby is out for you!

Wise Counsel from a Kempis

"Study also to guard against and to overcome the faults which in others very frequently displease you. Make the best of every opportunity, so that if you see or hear good example you may be moved to imitate it."

- Thomas a Kempis on 'Thoughts Helpful in the Life of the Soul' found in Imitation of Christ