Week-end in Scotland

Over the Easter week-end, we made a trip to Scotland with our good friends, Scott and Cindy Nelsen. Every second of seeing the beautiful scenery, being with our friends, and just the change in pace for a few days was well appreciated.

Scott and Cindy at Loch Lomond - the largest lake in Great Britain. It is on the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands.
Just to prove that we really were in Scotland.
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous!

Numerous old stone fences.

Many old buildings were so fascinating.

Ruins of the Kilchurn Castle on Loch AweInveraray Castle - we didn't tour the building, but enjoyed a cup of coffee at their Cafe in the basement.

Stalker Castle - Appin on Loch Linnhe

Edinburgh Castle - we have heard so much about this magnificent castle from lots of friends. When we drove by it one night several years ago, I was excited just to see it - now I had the opportunity to walk around inside.

Pathway up to the castle.

From another angle.

Music in the Grand Hall.

An old prison cell in the basement.

Dining room in the prison.

Walking down the Royal Mile we passed by the house of John Knox - leader of the Scottish Reformation.

At the end of the Royal Mile was the Palace of Hollyroodhouse - Queen Elizabeth's home in Scotland. Cindy and I enjoyed a tour of the house and gardens while Ragnar and Scott relaxed with a cup of coffee.

The Glasgow Cathedral - built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Inside the cathedral.

We enjoyed a walk though the Botanical Gardens in Glasgow.

Yummy - a pot of mussels - just like home!!

Brave enough to order Haggis! Even though I was told what it was made from, I took a bite and it actually tasted pretty good!!

Our visit to the David Livingstone center in Blantyre was very enjoyable.

Cindy and I outside the tenement building where Livingstone was born and raised.

He was brought up in this one room in the textile mill, along with his 6 siblings.

Lydia Jane Niclasen

Precious little Lydia Jane was born early Sunday morning! What a beautiful addition to Craig and Claire's family!! We are soooooo thankful that we were able to go down and meet her yesterday - what a darling little doll.
As I was holding her I couldn't help but think how much she looked like Ellie, when Ellie was that age.

Ragnar's turn!

I would have loved to have sat there and looked at her for hours. I am looking forward to more time with her when I go down next week to help for a couple of weeks.

Abbi helping Ellie with her writing.

And then a cuddle.

Rebekah is a big sister now.

Abbi mulit-tasking - reading to the girls, but must have that coffee.

St. Patrick's Day

ST. PATRICK'S DAY Last year I started the tradition of taking in a 'green treat' for coffee break on St. Patrick's Day.

This year it was carrot cupcakes with green icing.

Each morning the staff and students meet for coffee at 10:15.

Although we are in the next building over, we try to join them as often as we can, as it is a great chance to get to know the students better.

True Irish!!

Even special socks for the day!

Finding out some history of St. Patrick.

Bye bye tree

When we were told that the seeds from the tree in our back yard were poisonous, we knew we needed to get rid of it. We didn't want those in the area where our grandchildren and neighbours can have so much fun. One of the students here can handle the powersaw really well and offered to take care of our problem. But first things first, let's start with a cup of coffee!

Then off to work...

soon the branches were on the ground.

Then he cut the tree up for firewood.

It made quite a pile - almost too beautiful to burn!

We do have hopes though of seeing it turn into ashes, when we get our fireplace in working order once again.