Larkhall - August 13, 2015

1/20/16

   We reluctantly bade farewell to lovely Inveraray and headed our van towards our first of two trips to the town of Larkhall –the home of a former e-pal friend where her daughters and husband were  awaiting our arrival.
   As we drove through Larkhall, we stopped at a Subway (yep, just like back home).While eating our good ole American meal, we were able to connect with Sarah via Kate. Kate & her family had volunteered to put up Bobby & his family during our stay there, while Bob and I were staying with the Wadsworth's. Bobby had Kate's number, fortunately, so we called her to get Sarah's phone number and how to get to Sarah's home.  God had gone ahead of us, once again!

                                                      

   My excitement was building and I was having one of those 'moments' as we approached Ruth's home! Many times I had written her address on packages that I had sent to her, but this time, it wasn't just my package that was arriving there physically–it was me!! Yet, because Ruth had passed away in October of 2013 from cancer (post of 10/8/13), this 'moment' for me was a mixture of both happiness and sadness. 

farewell picture of Bob & I with Sarah, Stuart, Rachel, & Benny

   We had written each other about my dream of coming to Scotland not knowing if such a dream would ever be realized. But there they stood; Stuart (Ruth's husband), Sarah & Rachel (Ruth's twin daughters) and their gentle border collie–Benny, my dream fully realized but without my friend, Ruth. 

   I missed her so much. It just seemed incomplete to be with her family and to be in her home without her being present. We had shared so much over the years and I longed to reminisce with her about all of that. 

   But as we sat in her living room among her family, listening to them talk about their lives and their wife and mother, I began to realize that she was there in the faces and smiles (and, yes, tears) of her family.  

   Later on Sarah took me to the cemetery to visit her mum's grave where we spoke a tender prayer together, and during my last night there Rachel showed me the memory book she had made of her mum. It was comforting to me that Ruth and I were able to continue sharing with each other during these moments. 

Ruth, Stuart, Sarah, & Rachel

   During our initial visit in Ruth's cozy living room, I was asked about how our relationship started. I told them about the lady, Roberta, from the Scottish Baptist Union website who had put me in contact with Ruth. As it turned out, she was a friend of  Ruth's and right off recommended me to her. Thus a very satisfying and pleasant relationship ensued for the next 10 years. 

   In my next post, I will introduce you to some of the extraordinary people, who now I claim as dear friends, to which Sarah and her family introduced us.

Castle DunEagle, Highland cattle, Wading in River Aray!

8/13/15
 After packing up, we drove up to Inveraray Castle. Bobby had ordered our tour tickets online, so it was an easy matter to take our tour.

   In the season finale Episode 9, A Journey to the Highlands, (2/17/13), the Crawleys head to the Scottish highlands, Castle Duneagle, to enjoy the hospitality of Rose's family. When I got home, I watched Episode 9 with the perspective of having gazed upon the magnificence of the castle with my own eyes. Wow, that was surreal!

   Here's a picture of the cast of Downton Abbey that hung on the wall in the Tea Room. I'm thinking that the Duke of Argyll's family (seat of the Clan Campbell) welcomed the extra draw afforded them due to their decision to allow their castle to be the setting for Rose's home.

But first, let's check out the cattle nearby!

   Before entering the castle, I strolled over to the pasture behind the castle for there was a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle grazing there. Being the country gal that I am and being already fascinated by this unique breed of cattle, it was my intention to get a good look at them. 

   I did some research and discovered this breed originated from Scotland and is one of the oldest breeds in the world (mention is made of them as far back as the 6th century).   Highland cattle, as we know them today, originated from two classes:  (1) the slightly smaller and usually black Kyloe from the Western Isles of Scotland (2) the other, a larger animal, generally reddish in color, from the Highlands. But today both of these strains are regarded as one breed. 

   While they are a hearty breed and can survive easily in the remote and cool climate of the Highlands, their long hair makes them somewhat intolerant to heat. But in spite of that, Highland cattle can be found in all 50 states, even in Tennessee (but  mostly in Middle & East Tennessee. Gets too hot in West Tenn., I'm thinking!)  

   And here's an interesting little tidbit of additional info I found out about these Highland cattle. The Univ. of Glasgow, did a study on them and their beef was shown to be almost 23% more tender than commercial beef. It also contained almost 7% more protein, 17% more iron and averaged 4% less cholesterol.

   Shep seemed to be interested in this hairy cattle as well. He will have quite a surprise when he comes to the farm in a few months and takes a look at the short haired cattle on his great grandfather's farm. Especially after he has lived in Scotland for awhile!

(*See link below for info on Highland cattle)

 Okay, let's get back to the castle. 

  When you enter the castle, you will enter what they call, Armory Hall. Here they have arranged many muskets, swords, and a variety of arms in decorative patterns on the walls. 

   As the Crowley family strolled through this room, you will notice how they kept glancing upwards. Well, now I know why. Those patterns went all the way up to the top of some very high ceilings!

   Do you remember the scene at Duneagle when the family was setting down for dinner? This is the room where that scene took place. And the rather larger centerpiece on the table figured prominently in the closeups.

   You can just google Inveraray Castle if you want to see more of the castle. 

Next, a delightful Scottish moment involving wading!!!!

   After touring the castle, we decided (well all but Bob) we would walk across the bridge over the River Aray and try out the wading possibilities. We were not disappointed, as you can see by these pictures.  

   If you know me, then you are well aware of my fascination with the clear running water of mountain streams. Where I live the stream beds (or creeks as we call them) are of mud, and when the rains come and fill them up with water, it is disappointingly (to me anyway) brown with mud.

   I will share with you a portion from my journal that describes this event, "I had a moment—because here I was in Scotland wading in a stream!! Who would have ever thought I would be doing this!"

Wrapping up our visit in Inveraray and heading to our next adventure!

   Shortly after my wading moment, we reconnected with Bob and went back to the Bramble for a late lunch. While we were finishing our meal, Bob & Bobby stepped across the street and brought back some ice cream. The flavor was whiskey! And it wasn't just whiskey flavoring; it was the real stuff! Tasted pretty good, actually, as you can tell by the following picture! (Bob wasn't the only one who tasted this ice cream, but he was the only one who got his picture made tasting it! You know I just couldn't let this moment go undocumented!)

   I made a final stop at one of the shops nearby and bought a Christmas ornament. (Hanging it on my tree this year brought back a flood of Scotland memories. ) 

Then we popped back into the van and headed for Larkhall! 

*http://highlandcattleusa.org/content/AHCA%20Brochure%208-15.pdf