Larkhall, for a second (and last time)

Farewell Arran!

8-22-15 (Saturday)

   We left for the ferry a little earlier than planned. Reason being, Bobby was going to have to drive to Edinburgh as soon as we arrived in Larkhall in order to pick up Maridith's computer. (She was having it repaired at the Apple store there) So instead of arriving around 2:30 has originally planned, we arrived at 10:30. We didn't get to leave on the 10:30 ferry, but were able to leave on the 11:30 one. This gave us a little time to grab a bite to eat in a nearby coffee shop. 

   The trip on the ferry was as pleasant as it was before and this time somewhat warmer. I found a place to sit in the dining area with Roscoe and treated ourselves to ice cream. Bobby and Shep showed up after awhile then Maridith. Lastly, Bob joined our party. 

   I simply love riding the ferry. It reminded me of the ferry I rode crossing the English channel 20 years ago with my daughters.(Doesn't seem it was that long ago!) We had taken a European trip with a group from Munford High School for a combined senior trip for Kathy, and Rachel (who was a high school freshman at the time)! Each trip was uniquely filled with memories that I draw from time and time again.

   As it turned out, Marcus offered to drive Bobby to Edinburgh to pick up Maridith's computer. This was a godsend! So while Maridith and the boys relaxed at Kate's, Bob and I reconnected with the Wadsworth's. 

   Eventually, a taxi arrived to take us to the restaurant where we met Bobby & Marcus (who had showed up first) then Kate. We laughed and visited with each other as if we had been life long friends. The servers were as fascinated by our accents as we were theirs. All in all, we packed memories in abundance of that precious time. 

   Bob and I thank God for Kate and Marcus, for they have taken Bobby & Maridith into their hearts. This gives us the sweetest of comforts knowing they will watch out for our loved ones when they move to Edinburgh next year. 

    Upon returning to the Wadsworth's, Bob and I were able to share some special moments with this family who had become like family to us. Rachel pulled out the album she had made from the pictures and memorabilia of her mum's to show me. I know creating that album kept her mum close. It will be something she will return to again and again to receive solace. 

   I spent the rest of the evening preparing thoughts that I would share the next day in Stuart's church. Stuart had invited all of us to speak. I was deeply touched that Stuart was giving me an opportunity to share some personal thoughts about Ruth and about my book, Fiery Darts: Satan's Weapon of Choice.This was one of those times (and I had known many of them on this trip) when my cup was running over. 

   We spent a full and memorable weekend in Larkhall. I will share more next time!

Arran: Parting is such sweet sorrow!

View from front door of our cottage!

Parting shots!

   As I was reading over my journal, I came upon an entry that I should have posted at the end of my last post. So I will share it here, but connect it to November 23rd post.

   As Bobby and I were 'strolling in the gloaming' the evening prior to our departure, we agreed that Scotland, especially Arran, was more beautiful than we could have imagined. While we slowly walked the path leading away from our cottage, I recalled how earlier in the week, as I was walking this very same path, I had met a young man named Robbie who was working on his home, and engaged him in a conversation. He told me how much he loved living on Arran, and described it as a very safe place to live–especially for children. "It's sort of like a place that's not been contaminated by the current horribleness of the world," he said.

  In sharing with Bobby the young man's description of this dreamy island, we both agreed it could have been the setting for Brigadoon. Separated from the rest of the world and not contaminated by it.

Parting shot of our quaint home on Arran.

Well, as they say, "All good things must come to an end."

8/22/15

  Scotland, especially Arran, exceeded my expectations. Her cool but pleasant climate, her warm, friendly, gracious, and hospitable people, her spectacular pastoral landscapes, her gentle and peaceful pace of life made it hard to leave. But as wonderful as all that was, she was not My Home. America, Quito, TN is my home and where I belong. I was ready to go home! Nevertheless, making this trip to Scotland was the fulfillment of a dream. One that I will thank God for the rest of my days.

As we departed the ferry, we drove by ASDA. In America we  refer to  it as Wal-Mart!

   However, there was one more trip to make. We drove to the ferry, boarded and set out in the direction of Larkhall. We were eager to return there for one last visit with Kate, Marcos, the Wadsworths, and Sam & Francis before returning to the States.

The Heather is in bloom! 8/21/15

11-23-16

Two American Hunters discover a mystical village in Scotland that only materializes once every century! 1954

   In all likelihood, my passion for all things Scottish was somewhat influenced by this movie. There's a beautiful song sung by Gene Kelly & Cyd Charisse titled, Heather on the Hill (If you are interested in hearing it, just go to You Tube and type in the song's title) that came to my mind on this last day in Arran.

We left Croc Cottage by 9:30 with plans in mind to visit Brodick Castle. Which we did, as you can see from these pictures.

Brodick Castle is a castle situated outside the port of Brodick on the Isle of Arran, an island in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. It was previously a seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, but is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

We left the castle and made one more stop at a rustic museum and while Sheperd played we enjoyed a tasty picnic at the tables provided.  

Right behind where we had
our picnic was this lovely
stream. I didn't wade
but I did capture this picture.

The mountain in the background
is Goatfell. Highest peak on Arran.

Now we piled into the van, and embarked upon our last drive around the island. And here is where I finally saw the heather on the hill! August turned out to be a good time to see the heather in bloom.

A Caileigh 8-18-15 and A Cozy Gentle Rain 8-19-15

9-27-16

Here I am in Edinburg still blogging about my trip last year. Never expected to be doing this!

                                                                                                            

Last night Bobby & I attended a caileigh. (a Scottish country dance event). It was hard to describe the exhilarating fun of it. Obviously, this was a tourist event, because most of the people in attendance were tourist like we were and it cost 7 lbs.

A guy with a head mic took us through the steps which were basic and easy to pick up. Bobby and I danced 3 dances. When you messed up (and everyone did) you just laughed and kept on dancing.

There was a kind lady who agreed to video Bob and I. If you click on the link, another link will pop up. You should be able to click on that link and watch the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoLKXXscvM0&list=UURSnA9xNLLCVjln3UiC-qkw&index=4

It was a lazy rainy day on the Isle of Arran. We were tucked into our cozy little cottage, enjoying the ambience of the comforting fireplace. But rain in Scotland is unlike the rain we experience in the States. Accompanying rain in the States is usually thundering and lighting, but here in Scotland the dark clouds just simply let go of their rain without much ado. And the rain may only last for a short while, then people spill out of their dwellings and carry on with their adventures. And some may not be deterred by the rain at all. 

The boys packed up and set off to town so Shep could play at the playground. This boy loves playgrounds. I caught up on my journaling and organized my suitcase and souvenirs and straightened up our cottage. 

As Maridith was fixing lunch we noticed the rain had begun. It started after the boys returned and it's been a slow steady drizzle. I resisted the temptation to take a walk as the air was sumptuous; not really sure why I did that! Maridith's chili and potatoes was the perfect accent to this cool rainy afternoon.

Today was my granddaughter, Macey's birthday, so I was able to video chat with her. This is why I am so grateful for the technology that keeps me connected, no matter how far away I am, to my family. 

Our LORD goes before us!

Deuteronomy 31:8

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

   There remains a week of adventures and events that I intend to describe for you of our final days in Scotland.  However, something has occurred recently that took me quite by surprise. Therefore, I feel I must take a break in my posting to this share with you!

   As you may remember from earlier post, the family of my e-pal friend, Ruth, who had passed away a year prior to our visit, opened their home for Bob and I to spend the weekend. And a couple from their church, Kate and Marcos, volunteered to house Bobby & his crew. An immediate friendship was formed and before we left, we felt like family to each other. They assured Bob and I that when Bobby and his family returned the next year they would do whatever they could to help get them settled and to be a support to them during their time there. 

   Now that time has come and at the writing of this post my son is enjoying the hospitality once again of Kate & Marcos, and has reconnected with Ruth's family.  It warmed this mother's heart to know that Kate and Marcos were there to meet him at the airport and that he will be spending a few days with them while he gets settled at the university. 

A photo from last year's visit. 

In Kate's words: He's back!

The Unexpected Event!

   It had been decided that Bobby needed to go over first to take care of details having to do with school and getting details for their residency in Edinburgh established.

  Then Maridith and the boys would follow about 2 weeks later. Originally, a friend of Maridith's was to travel with  her to help with the boys and to help her get set up in their apartment. 

   However, changes occurred in Maridith's friend's life that closed the door for her to be able to carry out those plans. But the need was still there and it was looking like they weren't going to be able to find anybody to take Maridith's friend's place. I thought about offering but I was already making my plans to go visit them in January of next year and two trips in a few months time of each other was all but impossible to make happen. Or so I thought! 

   As it turns out, I will go over with Maridith to help her with the boys during the flight. Then upon arriving in Edinburgh, I will help them get settled in their apartment. Afterwards, I will board a plane in Edinburgh and fly home on my own. (Something, I am not fond of doing but by God's grace I know I can do it. Besides, I flew back from Africa by myself and Scotland isn't nearly as far!) And the fantastic part of this tale is that I am still able to make plans to return to Scotland in January!

  As I dreamed of traveling to Scotland someday, I was motivated by the hope that somewhere on my ancestral tree there would be a branch of Scots. And upon returning from Scotland last year, I even signed my mother and I up to have our DNA tested to see where it originated. While it's a slim possibility, I was a little disappointed that it didn't prove to be as much of a possibility as I had hoped for. 

   Yet I realize now that my e-pal friendship with Ruth set the stage for the close friendship we now have with her husband, Stuart, and daughters, Sarah and Rachel, as well as with Kate and Marcos. So perhaps my enthusiasm for Scotland wasn't to lead to a much hoped for Scottish ancestry, but to put into place a much needed support group for Bobby & Maridith during their time spent at the U of E. 

If that is the case, then I certainly stand in awe of God's foresight.

Fly Fishing and a day in Arran. 8/18/15

August 30, 2016

   Today was another serenely beautiful day on Scotland's Isle of Arran. Bobby, having recently discovered the allurement of fly fishing, set out to practice his newly formed skills on some unsuspecting trout in Loch Garbad. (pictured below)

   And catch it, he did! A sleek and shiny 13" Rainbow trout. He had spotted it when he first got to the loch and determined he was going to catch it.  But he fished and fished,yet, caught nothing. Then right before he left he saw it again and made a final attempt–with success!

Since our Scotland trip, I have been privileged to accompany Bobby on some of his fly fishing excursions and wow, the allurement is obvious.  I've read some catchy sayings about fly fishing and I think that the scenery of places that draw the fly fishermen, has a lot to do with their enjoyment of it.  This quote from Herbert Hoover proves my point:

"To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish."

 Well, back to Croc Cottage.

   It had been decided that when Bobby returned we would go down to a little park we had spotted earlier for a picnic. But until then, we three enjoyed a leisurely morning. Maridith and Sheperd strolled down to the village for some mother and son time. Bob caught up on his sleep, and I got caught up on my journaling. About mid-morning, I put Roscoe down for his morning nap and began straightening up the cottage and preparing for our picnic. Bob, in the meantime, had stirred and appeased me by building up the fire. Peace reigned supreme!


   Around 11:30 am, Bobby returned with a story to tell about his fishing trophy. After the fishing story was shared, along with the beautiful pictures he took, we packed up the van with our picnic supplies and set out to find Maridith and Sheperd. We found them admiring the boats in Lamlesh Bay.
 
   For some reason that remained elusive, Sheperd became somewhat agitated and we never were able to settle him down. I suspect that with all the preparation, Mommy and Daddy were in an out of Sheperd's sight and since he wasnt quite use to his new found grandparents, it was hard for him to feel settled and secure. We attempted our picnic, which was supplied with items from the nearby grocery store. We switched to another playground in the hopes Sheperd would feel better but it didn't really make much of a difference. Since it was so close to nap time, we felt the cure for his dilemma would be a good rest. So, Bob and I finished our picnic while Bobby & Maridith (with Roscoe in tow) took Sheperd back to the cottage.

   Bobby returned and we went on a drive to Broderick where we did some souvenir shopping while enjoying beauty at every turn.

Goatfell - Arran's Highest Peak (2866')

   When we returned, Bobby, Shep, (his nap had done wonders for him) Roscoe & I set out for a walk down by the stream near our cottage. The idea was for me to carry Roscoe but soon he fell asleep. So I carried him back and put him to bed.

 

 
                                                                                                                                                                   
   I grabbed two lawn chairs (not sure why 2 because I was the only one who used them) With his fishing rod in hand, our little band walked down to the stream. Bobby's adventuresome streak flavors his parenting, I think! For he allows Shep to do things that make me a little nervous. Like allowing Shep to walk with his dad a little too close to the edge of the bank (which dropped off about 3'). But I'm sure Shep will benefit in more ways than not by a looser rein in matters such as these.

   The last part of the trek was downriver and under a bridge. At that point wading became the focus and eventually Bobby stripped Shep of his shirt and holding Shep by his hands dipped him into the water. He squealed with delight, saying, "I jump Nammy".


   I got my own wading in, for I can't ever resist a clear running stream,(Just a head picture, but trust me my feet were in the water) then we strolled on back to the cottage.  Maridith had a delicious pasta dish for dinner waiting for us. (bless this woman)                                                                  
   Afterwards, while the others watched a Sean Connery documentary on tv (rather fitting, don't you think, to be watching this famous Scotsman on tv while in Scotland), I took my pleasantly tired body to bed. (Perhaps I dreamed of Sean Connery? It could happen in such a setting!)

From Mountains to Shining Sea

August 17, 2015

Before we had exhausted our enjoyment of the highlands of Arran, suddenly this vast expanse of water loomed up before us. What they say about Arran being Scotland in miniature, we found to be true in every respect.  (Notice the purple thistle in the foreground of the above photo. This history of this Scottish emblem is fascinating. Just click on the link under the picture below.)

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Thistle-National-Emblem-of-Scotland/

As we drove along the coastal road, we stopped at a lovely restaurant called, The Coast. If you like good food, lovely surroundings, and a view to die for, then like us, this restaurant would be your choice! I ordered a spicy bean sandwich, (umm, very tasty) and couldn't resist the chocolate fudge cake (moist, oh my goodness)! And you know, I wasn't going to get away from sharing it once our server placed it in front of me.

After finishing our meal, we browsed through the nearby shops for souvenirs.  I bought some more shortbread (Scotland is famous for this), and found some lovely calendars (get to enjoy scenes from Scotland all year round with this gift). Bobby found some mint seeds in a hardware store nearby that he had been wanting. Rummaging  around in this all to familiar type of store made me feel quite at home. (A very comfortable feeling)

On the way back to the cottage, we stopped at the grocery store. I watched the boys at the playground situated across the street while Maridith shopped for ingredients for a pasta dish she was planning on making when we got back to the cottage. However, since Bob was feeling better (remember he had stayed behind earlier) he wanted to go out for dinner. As it turned out Maridith stayed home with the boys so she could put Shep to bed.

So Bob, Bobby, and I went to the Drift Inn. There we set outside (in spite of the fact that the afternoon was wanning and the temps were dropping). I noticed there were candles sitting on the tables and upon sitting down we soon found out why when we began to be attacked by the midges (the smallest of the flies that bite humans in Scotland). We lit our insect repellant candles but couldn't say it helped much. But I can say I came away from that with a first hand experience about what all the fuss is about concerning these not so pleasant tiny creatures of Scotland.

After my battle with the midges, I left the guys to walk to the grocery store to buy some chocolate ice cream and cokes to take back to the cottage. The distance to the store was a bit lengthy for a stroll (although, it was pleasant enough) so after the boys finished looking around the restaurant area, they drove towards the grocery store, picked me up and carried me to the store. 

Arriving back the the cottage, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing by the fireplace while enjoying pleasant conversation as we consumed our ice cream.

Another day on Arran comes to a delightful close!

Exploring Arran by van!

Monday, August 17, 2016 (date in journal)

  We closed out our Sunday while sipping on tea, snuggling up to the cozy fire, and enjoying pleasant conversation. Birds sang, crickets chirped, casting a spell of dreaminess over our sweet little cottage.  Sleep came easily in such a place.

   Unfortunately, by the next morning Bob was feeling a bit under the weather and chose to remain at the cottage. Bobby, Maridith, the boys and myself meanwhile gathered the necessary items for an explore. The island is small, so a days drive would reveal much of God's artistry in a short amount of time.

   It was a startling experience to drive over the island of Arran and find ourselves on roads that wound in and around mountains! I have been on an island before but it did not have mountains. Just seems to me like you aught to have vast expanses of land to have room for mountains, however, not so on Arran. But after all they do refer to Arran as Scotland in minature.

  The mountains here and on the mainland don't have a lot of trees. I wondered about that, so when I got home I did a little research and here's what I found:

The ancient Caledonian Forest once covered the Scottish Highlands. Home to bears, beavers, and wolves, its destruction began before the Bronze Age. The forest began to fall to the scythe of climate change and the activities of primitive tribes from pre-Roman times. Subsequent terror campaigns launched by marauding Vikings burned down large areas of forest. Later, farmers and fuel gatherers cleared away most of what remained.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/02/0207_030207_scotforest.html

 

   There is a lot of reforestation going on to try and reclaim the forest Scotland lost. But I discovered an advantage to not having a thick forest covering the mountains, for those spectacular panoramic views were always in sight! So, in time, the forest will be restored and there will always be a way to see beyond the trees, I'm sure.

   In the picture below you will see a rocky little stream running happily down the mountain. I am partial to  clear rocky streams for they offer a chance to get my feet wet. I do love wading, but this time I grabbed a photo instead.

               




This might be what they refer to as a floxglove. I saw them growing in abundance everywhere it seemed. Exquisite! They really dress up and ordinary landscape.












While there were cows and a few horses grazing in pastures (one of my favorite of scenes) more often than not, sheep were to be seen.  I found them to be quite cute. And notice the hay rolls,  covered in black plastic. Here on our farm, the hay rolls are covered in plastic as well, but the color is a sheer green.

 Even old rustic run downed buildings appear uniquely beautiful in this setting.

A sloping hill, draped in soft green grass, with lazy sheep accenting the view. The country gal in me was dazzled.







I think this is enough beauty for the moment. Next time, I will share some pictures of the ocean and a delightful restaurant we visited positioned so as to enjoy the ocean's view.

Our first full day in Lamlash! 8-16-2016

Bob enjoying a snooze in
the tiny but cozy front
yard at our cottage.

This lovely photo hung in the dining
area of our cottage. 

Bobby crashing on the sofa. Notice
the teapot. You can't see it but the
cozy little fireplace was offering its
comfort as well.

Lamlash! From my walk along the
beach. Wouldn't you love to live
here!

   Just some pictorial previews for today's post. The date is August 16, and Bobby and I, along with Shep, are planning on going to church. Bob, Maridith, & Roscoe are having a much needed sleep in. We hopped into the van and set out for a  Lamlash excursion and to attend services at Lamlash Church of Scotland.
   Services started at 11:30, so we left a bit early to have time to walk around the village and drop by one of Shep's favorite spots–the playground. He never gets enough of playground fun!
   We first walked down to the rocky beach. There was a man standing nearby throwing rocks into the water. I noticed my little man stood still, gazing at this man. Next, he bent down, picked up a rock and threw it into the water. Our friendly stranger not being aware of the silent instruction he had just given my grandson!

Shep watching the stranger!

Showing Dad about rock throwing!

 The breeze was gentle and cool, making me glad I had worn my shawl. I pulled my shawl tightly around me, listening to the quiet, lazy waves lapping upon the beach, basking in this moment my son, grandson, and I were enjoying together.

The throws the rock! Fun idea that
stranger had!

Next, he picks up the rock,

Following our beach adventure, we strolled up the bank to the playground nearby. This particular playground sported a metal skeleton of a plane. And as Shep is into planes at present, his imagination was in full gear as he climbed all over it.

   Our next stroll found us heading toward the church being lulled along the way by the strands of Amazing Grace emerging from the church's bell tower. (I did make a video of those lovely bells, but sad to say they were accidentally deleted from my phone before I had the good sense to transfer them to my computer)

Notice the minister is a lady.
The church we visited in
Edinburgh also had
a lady minister the
day we were there. 

The bell tower just above my
right shoulder was peeling
forth the beautiful hymn
Amazing Grace!

   Shep lasted only for a short while as he needed his blanket to feel calm and quiet. Eventually, Bobby had to take him back to

the cottage while I remained for the rest of the service. We were guided through the service by a program which listed the songs that were to be sung. Similar to services back home, but with the addition of readings from the congregation.  Most of the congregation was made up of older individuals. Seems to be the case in the traditional churches we attended. (Not so at Larkhall, however!)

   The minister spoke on love and as Bobby & I were discussing the service at lunch after he had returned, it was concluded that it was a type of generic sermon. You could substitute Jesus's name for any other leader of another religion and make the same points. The one thing we both noticed was there was little, if any, talk of sacrifice or obedience to scriptural truths. Yet, when I looked at their website, I noticed there were plenty of activities for church members to reach out into their community and serve their neighbors. 

   We stopped by the small grocery store so Bobby could get the ingredients to make a seafood dish when he got back to the cottage. On the way back, I asked Bobby to let me off at the bridge near the driveway so I could check out the souvenir store nearby. I enjoyed looking around, but came away with only a couple of free magazines.

   With my two free magazines, I strolled up the driveway (you stroll everywhere here, slow and deliberate so as to enjoy every precious moment) and was greeted upon entering the back door by a fishy aroma! From the remarks of the others, it was a delicious fish soup, but my tastes don't really prefer fishy flavors. However, the scones topped with cheese that were served with the main dish, I found to be quite tasty. So, everybody was happy!

   We all spent the rest of the day relaxing. The chilly air coaxed us to turn on the furnace, but not too high. For our  little fireplace offered the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea, flavored with cream! (you know, I developed a taste for drinking my tea hot with cream! Now that's saying something for an American Southern girl who likes her tea brewed, made cold with ice, and sweetened with sugar), as we closed out our first full day here in Arran. 

   Until next time,