Checking into car rentals in Scotland–oooh, the excitement is building!

Scotland's National Flower

How, you may ask, did such a thorny flower become a national emblem?

     Well, so the story goes, a very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders, a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field. Unknown to them, a raiding party was preparing to attack this group of Scots, under cover of darkness.

     As the attacking Vikings approached the encamped Scots, they stood on a patch of Thistles with their bare feet and, of course, let out cries of pain as the thorns dug deep into the soles and toes.The Scots, having been awakened by this rammy (that's a noisy disturbance), were able to fight off the attackers.So,from that day, the Thistle has been adopted as Scotland's National Flower!

Got some quotes the other day about renting a car for when we get to Scotland!  

Must consider the fact that we have to pack 4 adults, 1infant car seat, and all the luggage that would translate into, so will have to be roomy, don't you think! ! ! !

GETTING READY TO GO TO SCOTLAND!

The Highlands of Scotland!

And it is the Highlands, I hope to see.  Reason being?  That's where the mountains are and you know how I am about the mountains!  A friend on Facebook sent me this picture, knowing how much I am taken with Scotland.

Ordered this from a website!

Found a website that highlights the beauties of Scotland, even some suggested itineraries!  So naturally, I ordered this booklet. Came in the mail just the other day!

Bought this magazine at Barnes & Noble!

 Ever so often, I check out the travel section for magazines at B&N. Just trying to get informed.

I have had this book for quite some time.

I had no idea when I got this book, that someday I would use it to plan my trip!

Title of the magazine states why I was interested in buying it!

Found this at Barnes & Noble too!

If it's about Scotland, I'm interested!

This was my favorite tv show while it was on. Loved listening to those charming Scottish brogues.

A description of the show:

Monarch of the Glen is a British drama television series produced by Ecossee Films for BBC Scotland and broadcast on BBC, for seven series between 2000 and 2005.  The Monarch of the Glen television series is loosely based on Sir Compton Mackenzie's Highland Novels, which are set in the same location but in the 1930s and 1940s.  The first book in that series is called The Monarch of the Glen which was a reference to the famous painting by Landseer.  The first five series of Monarch of the Glen told the story of a young restaurateur, Archie MacDonald, trying to restore his childhood home in the Scottish Highlands.

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  This is the magnificent castle home of the MacDonald's of Monarch of the Glen.
  

  
  

  
  

  "The most beautiful place in the world" was the conclusion of a recent guest at Ardverikie. Easily recognisable from its starring role in the BBC drama, "Monarch of the Glen", visitors can experience the delights of the stunning landscape with lochs, woods and mountains, by booking a holiday in one of the six self-catering holiday houses on the estate. The house played host to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for a whole month before she bought Balmoral.

  I sure am hoping to get to tour this place when we visit Scotland!

Scenes from Scotland!

My friend's  (referred to here in an earlier post) daughter, Sarah, posted some photos of the exquisite scenery in and around where she lives. (Which I do believe she snapped herself! This girl's got talent!)  She has graciously given me permission to post them on my blog.  These photos are of Lock Etive near Oban.  Can you imagine living around such views.  Whew!  I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.  

Glasgow City Centre

Dreams and blessings!

Unknown (to me) Piper!

The above picture was taken by a friend of mine who knew how delighted I would be to receive it.  I have no idea who this man is but I thank him for allowing his picture to be made for it inspires my dreams of one day experiencing personally the land of the pipers and hear their beautiful music with my own ears.  

My dream is a dual one, actually.  For joining us there (my husband and I), will be my son, daughter-in-law, and our 2 year old (by then) grandson.  Oh, the memories we shall make!

Ever so often, God will do something extraordinary and unexpected to confirm that His blessing is upon what you are doing.  Today was such a day.

My heart is full of gratitude and wonder! 

Goodbye Dear Friend!

One of the events I have looked forward to the most as I have been planning my trip to Scotland was to pay a visit to a very special lady. Shortly before I retired as a school teacher, I had been searching for an epal from Scotland. My search was not a typical epal search. Instead, I looked up the Baptist denomination and sent a request for a pastor's wife close to my age.  That search led me to a lovely lady who was a pastor's wife and mother of 4 children.  Just like me.  We have been corresponding for quite some time and she has been a joy to get to know.  

But yesterday I read a Facebook post from her daughter about my friend's passing and I had to accept the fact that meeting her here on this earth was not going to be part of my dream.  I take comfort in knowing that while I won't get to see her when I go to Scotland, I will get to see her when I go to heaven.

A Better Clip!

Just bear with me, but in working a little more I was able to post a better clip of the bagpipes playing Scotland the Brave at the Kirken ceremony.  I've gotten a little more experience with this You Tube thing and found a better video in iPhoto so I posted it as well.  Thanks for bearing with me on this. Live and Learn, uh!

On this one you actually get to see the pipers! Yea!