Arriving Arran, ahhhh! - August 14, 2015

     I want to start out this post with something my friend, Kate, reminded me of in her comments to my last post, Goodbye (temporarily) Larkhall and Hello Arran. I can't believe I didn't even record this in my journal.

    Right before we were to leave Larkhall, Bobby came to us with a message he had just received from the man who had rented us the cottage in Arran. Seems he wasn't going to be able to open up the cottage for us after all!!!!! There was an issue about him not being able to prepare the rooms for our imminent arrival!!!!! Talk about throwing cold water into the face of our expectations! Now a few hours before we were to leave for the cottage, the image we had of living in that sweet little cottage began to fade!  We told our landlord that we would be happy to do the necessary preparations ourselves, whatever it took, for us to still be able to proceed as had been happily dreamed of for months. What a calamity! We knew nothing to do but to pray! But honestly, I found it a little hard to believe that this would be snatched from us at such a late hour! (So much so, that I remained calm and undisturbed. Not even writing about it in my journal!) A few hours later, Bobby informed us that our landlord had relented and assured us that the issues had been resolved and we could proceed with our plans!!!!!  Whew!!! That was way too close!!!

*     *     *     *     *

                                   

     We said farewell to our new friends who had become like family, gratified that we would return in a week for one last visit with them before leaving Scotland.
     The drive through the lush green countryside was a feast of beautiful images of stoned lined pastures filled with sheep, cows, and even horses. Of course, this being Scotland, sheep outnumbered the cows, and I had to look quick to see the horses, but there were there and I was pleased.  Rural cottages dotted the landscape, a matching counterpart to the peaceful pastoral scenes we were privileged to gaze upon as we made our way to Arran.

Just a few of the amateur photos I took with my iPhone as we moved down the highway. Though not the best, I do hope you can catch a glimpse of what I'm trying to describe!

 

Proof that I did see horses!

    

                                                           
   After about a 2 hour drive, we arrived at Ardrossan Harbour, where we, while in our van, would board the ferry to Arran. Here are a few pictures to describe our journey!

Queuing up!

 

                               

                                        The Firth of Clyde waters

Traditional Scottish breakfast

Cold and very windy

 

There she is, Arran, and wouldn't you know it a castle!

                                   

Until next time,

Goodbye (temporarily) Larkhall and Hello Arran! 8/14/15

April 6, 2016
 

    Rachel, Bob, Janet, Stuart, Sarah, & Benny                                                                    

                                                                     

 Marcos & Kate and Kate's mom, Dorothy!

It was time to bid farewell to the two families who had hosted us while in Larkhall. How is it possible that such a short acquaintance could produce a friendship that felt as comfortable as if we had known each other all our lives? Being bound together in Christ explains this beautiful phenomenon! For we are members of the same family, the family of God!

The Isle of Arran 

Driving through the lush green countryside of Ayrshire, as we made our way to board the ferry that would carry us to Arran, was as pleasant as this country gal could have ever imagined. Sheep and cows grazed peacefully in the pastures lined with stone fences, and now and then, my eyes would delight in seeing horses among them. I never quite got over the dreamy reality of my presence here. 

Eventually, we came to the coast where we were to board the ferry that would transport us to Arran. Bobby chose this location because in visiting Arran it would be like experiencing Scotland in miniature. Therefore, in just a few days, we would travel through the highlands and lowlands which divides Arran, just as if we were on the mainland of Scotland. Perfect!

Croc Cottage

 This internet photograph was my first glimpse of the charming little cottage where we were to spend our blissful time on Arran. I can tell you the heart of this country gal was a bit overwhelmed by this photo. I couldn't imagine that such a place existed. But it did! And when we finally reached this little bit of heaven on earth, I was wonderfully overwhelmed all over again!

Croc Cottage is tucked away at the end of a lazy little path of a road. It does have a smaller cottage directly behind it, but as it was inhabited only by the owner of the properties, it afforded all the seclusion we could have desired. 

We pulled in behind the cottage, and upon entering we discovered a compact kitchen complete with all the necessary appliances; even a washer/dryer combo (never seen such a thing until I came to Scotland). The dining area, along with a roomy table, provided a buffet laden with plates, cups, drinking glasses, and silverware. There was nothing to add that a trip to the local grocery store wouldn't provide.

Off the hall that divided the living area from the dining area, was the singular bathroom containing a shower. All we had to do was plan ahead to accommodate shower schedules-no problem! Before entering the living room, we climbed the stairs to see the bedrooms. On either side were two more than adequate size bedrooms (one with a kingsize bed and the other with a queen size bed), each with a window to gaze from. Between them was a cozy little bedroom where Shep would sleep. 

But the snug little living room held the sweetest surprise of all; a comfy fireplace ladened with a good supply of wood. And in addition to this aged charm, we even enjoyed the pleasant convenience of modern day tv and wifi! Indeed, our cup was full and running over!

We moved in and happily settled into the dreamy coziness of our homy little cottage. 

Until next time,

Winding up our first visit to Larkhall!

   As I stood there spellbound listening to the various piper bands, taking in the diverse colors of the tartans, and all the accoutrements that made up the highland dress, something stirred deep within me. Can't explain why; it just happens!

   Did you know there was a time when it was illegal for the highlanders to wear their tartan's? It was after the Battle at Culloden in 1746 where Bonnie Prince Charlie (who was desperate to put the Stuart's back on the throne) and his Jacobite (clans of the Highlands) supporters were finally routed by the royal army of England. After that the Dress Act 1746 was instituted to punish the highlanders who had supported Charles. However, it was repealed in 1782.

Ever wondered about the significance of the details of the highland dress? I will attempt to briefly explain. 

the Kilt

The kilt is a knee-length garment of a tartan pattern of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. (Most clans had their own tartan patters)

the Sporran

The sporran (a Gaelic word for purse) is a pouch that functioned as a pocket since the kilt had no pockets. It is attached with a leather strap or chain.

the Ghillie brogues

   The ghillie brogues are traditional thick soled shoes with no tongues and long laces. Why? The laces wrapped & tied above the ankles kept them from getting pulled off in the mud. No tongues so the wearers feet could dry more quickly in the damp Scottish weather. BTW, a ghillie is a traditional Scottish gamekeeper and outdoorsman. 

the Sgian-dubh

The sgian-dubh (don't ask me to pronounce it) is a small single-edged knife tucked in the top of the hose. Traditionally it was used as protection or for the cutting up of food. 

Now for the bus tour:

Pamphlet for the tour

Route of the tour

   The piper competition concluded close to lunch time and since no one was interested in breaking up the company just yet, we walked over to a pub/restaurant nearby to continue our visit. At this pub people were just standing up to the bar while they chatted and drank. There were a few tall tables nearby that served the same purpose as the bar.

   Sarah scouted for a table for us. Fish and chips were ordered while Francis and I ordered a jacketed potato (that's a baked potato) with chili. Just a good ole American meal as far as I was concerned. 

   Well, we finally had to part and Bob, Sarah, and I decided we would take the bus tour after all. The double decker bus was opened at the top and we first opted to take a seat in the rear. Yet, after we fought the chilly wind, we decided we needed to move up front to the covered area. 

   Glasgow isn't as clean cut looking as American cities. I suppose it is due to the fact that some buildings are quite old and still bore the smog stains of earlier days. Glasgow has made a successful effort in cleaning things up though. There isn't as much consistency of architecture since you have a mixture of buildings from the 1800's and even a couple from the 15th century, right along with modern buildings. 

   I found it wasn't fair to compare Glasgow or Edinburgh to cities here in the U.S. These cities have a character unique to their long, long history, and that only led to their charm, in my opinion. Being tired and a bit cold, we left the tour early and got on the commuter train to return to Larkhall. 

   We arrived back and enjoyed a lovely fellowship with a couple who were close friends of the Wadsworth's, Steve and Evon. They were former missionaries with Pioneer Missions who now lived in Larkhall and were close friends of the Wadsworth's.  As it turned out they had studied at the same language school in Paris as Bobby & Maridith. Small world, right!

   Shared a tasty Scottish meal of haggis, with mashed potatoes, turnips, and gravy and afterwards packed up to leave the next morning. It is good to know that we will return here after our visit to the Isle of Arran, for Larkhall had become 'home' to us.

Old city; New friends!

8/15/16

Capturing a selfie as we strolled the streets of Glasgow
on our way to St. George's Square!

   Perhaps, like me, you knew nothing about St. George's Square? Therefore for your benefit (and mine) here's a bit of history that explains the significance of the place.

St. George's Square

George Square is the principal civic square in the city of Glasgow. It is named after King George III (king of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760-1801, and the infamous king who provoked the Boston Tea Party and eventually the American Revolution). The square was laid out in 1781 and is the home today of the Glasgow City Council. It boasts an important collection of statues and monuments, Robert Burns (famous Scottish poet 1759-1796, author of Auld Lang Syne), James Watt (inventor of the Watt steam engine, 1736-1819), and Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832, historical novelist-remember Ivanhoe or Rob Roy?).  

Our new and immediate dear friends.
Sam & Frances

Behind us is the pipers. My cup runneth over!

You know how you meet some people and immediately you feel you have known them all your life. That was Sam & Frances. Warm, friendly, kind, hospitable; genuinely Scottish. My life was enriched beyond my expectations for having been introduced to them by Sarah. Friends forever, now! My true Scottish treasures.

Now, listen to the pipers. Unfortunately, you won't have the benefit of Sam's beautiful Scottish accent enhancing the music with his comments, but you will find a way to enjoy it I'm sure. (I naturally assume that everyone loves bagpipe music as I do, but realistically I know you might not. So for those of you who enjoy the pipers as I do, enjoy!)

   

   

 

If you listen carefully you can faintly hear
my friend Sam narrating the performance.

              

And may I offer a bit of practical advice! Don't ever refer to a Scottish kilt as a skirt. Sam told me that some have lost their lives for this unfortunate slip of the tongue. And I won't tell you why he felt the need to give me such advice!!!!!

Glasgow, Pipers, Bus tour

8/13/14

Sarah, Roscoe, & Stuart

   After an almost full Scottish breakfast (you remember: eggs, Canadian bacon, beans, a tomato, but without the blood pudding this time), our son and his family was brought over by Marcos, their host. Kate, his wife, joined us later. At first we talked about heading into Glasgow for a bus tour but the idea seemed too strenuous for the younger Lanes so they opted to return to Kate & Marcos's home for some rest and relaxation. Totally understandable (after all keeping up with a 3 year old and a 6 month old on a trip such as this can be quite draining)!

Sarah boarding the commuter train.

   I wasn't sure, at first, that I wanted to attempt the bus tour so Sarah suggested we meet some friends of hers (Sam and Francis, a couple a bit older than Bob & I) to watch a preview of the International Pipers Competition. Immediately my interest was perked and I was no longer aware that I was tired from traveling down from the highlands. For you see, when we were in Edinburgh, I missed out on hearing the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which was quite disappointing. But here I was being offered a second chance to hear real live bagpipe music; I was beyond excited.

On the train and we are having fun!

   So the 3 of us (Bob, Sarah, & myself) hopped on the commuter train in Larkhall (another fun thing I hadn't done in years) headed towards Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, to join Sam and Francis. I was giddy with excitement! We got off the commuter train and following Sarah, we made our way to St. George's Square where we would meet up with Sam and Francis to listen and watch the pipers.

In the US we call it a Dollar Store!!

Here it's TK not TJ

Lovely flower arrangements scattered here and there. Bee-u-tiful

   Back home in August, the temps can become quite hot and unpleasant–Oh, but not here in Glasgow. With temps in the high 50's and low 60's, graced by sun and clouds, we were free to stroll, watch, and listen to Scottish accents in abundance (never grew tired of those strong rolling r's). Couldn't describe why the Scottish accent is so captivating, but I could listen to it for days on end! 
   I will continue this blog post next time and will show you a bit of the bagpipe demonstration I saw. 

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