Honeymoon in Scotland

After arriving safely in Scotland, we ventured out of our hotel for some local shopping before the group tour we were on began. Doesn't the combination of modern structure into existing old-school buildings make for a unique city-street?

And this was our first stop - a fabric store - just across the street from our hotel. For those of you who don't know, Alaina is a quilter. :)

This was our first loch - Loch Lommond - just outside of Glasgow. We fell in love with it! The water was calm and the sky dynamic. "Loch" translates to "lake."

Here's just a snippet of the wild "man country" of Scotland. Trees, hills and running water - beautiful.Then the roads began to get winding and we traveled through rugged mountain passes - such as this one.

In that same pass, there was a sign warning of the danges of landslides - and therefore, no overnight parking. Hiking trails were abundant throughout this area.

Just another breath-taking view of a Scottish loch. Opposite of this view is an aquaduct of steam train railroad tracks - made famous by the filming of Harry Potter movies.

Take a break from the breath-taking scenery with this silly little sign. Eric likes to snap foreign signs that he finds humorous - such as this. The sign even resembles a "Scottie dog!"

Here is the view on our way to the Isle of Skye (via ferry). We didn't know if we'd get to take the ferry beacuse the water was so rough and choppy. Look at those clouds! Whew!

It was on the Isle of Skye that we came across one of Scotland's infamous castles, the Eilean Donan - probably one of the most photographed. We've speculated that the recent move, "Man of Honor" (starring Patrick Dempsey) was filmed here. Beautiful views and still open for public events. A wedding took place here just after our tour ended.

Another view from Eilean Donan castle.

Views such as this were literally right around every bend in the road. This area is known as the Highlands - and where Eric's family clan originated - the MacDonalds!

After a day of touring the Highlands capitol, Inverness, we stayed at this beautiful castle. To be specific, the left spire. Alaina asked Eric if they could stay in a castle one night - both agreed - this was it! Nearby was a beautiful wooded walking forest where we spotted a red deer and waterfowl.

A definite highlight of the trip, at least for these two farm kids, was the sheep dog herding demonstration. Here dogs are spaced at intervals while other Collies weave the sheep among the dogs. The breeder was hilarious because of his strong Scottish accent. Alaina jumped in a demonstrated how to shear a sheep, then fell in love with a newborn pup. Sheep dogs get started working ducks before they progress to working with sheep.

This pretty much sums up the roadway experience - except in places where it was one-lane. No wonder Alaina fell asleep almost every time she stepped on the bus!

Leaving the highlands. Alaina is walking through heather, which turns purple in August (a very popular tourist month in Scotland). You may get an idea of this from the Sound of Music scenery.

Eric enjoyed swinging the clubs on the practice course of St. Andrews - where golf was born.

Despite having a pro golf instructor give away free tips, Alaina still has a terrible slice. Fore!!

It rained while we were in St. Andrews. But it is home of the University of Scotland, St. Andrews golf course and surounded by the North Sea. Interestingly, it is in the kingdom of Fife, where Alaina's family originates. This snapshot of Eric in a graveyard marks the interesting religious history of St. Andrews - home of the Cathedral of St. Andrews, built in the 1320s.

What would a trip to Scotland be without seeing a "wee hairy beastie" as our tour director, Marge, so often referred to them. These are also known as Scottish Highlander cattle. Yes, there are Continental and bBritish-based breeds of beef cattle there, too.

When we arrived in Edinburgh, there were bagpipers hanging out, playing their pipes, on regular street corners. This one greeted us for a special Scottish performance.

You can see we're back in the busy city now - Edinburgh streets are brimming with traffic (and while we were there, road construction). This view looks down towards the coast. Edinburgh is home to many famous writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. While walking around we even saw the coffee shop that J.K. Rowling began her Harry Potter books.

This is a view from Edinburgh castle - we would later climb to the top of the dark monument on the left-side of the photo - known as the Monument of Sir Walter Scott. It's blackened from the soot. The tower is 200 feet high with a total of 287 steps and was built in 1844. At the top you can look out over the city and see four beautiful stained glass windows.

Here is a view looking down from the top of the Sir Walter Scott Monument. Gotta love that traffic (and tour buses).
Here is a beautiful shot of Edinburg Castle - a sight you cannot miss in Edinburg (photo taken from the top of the Sir Walter Scott Monument). It's perched on an extinct volcano, also known as Castle Rock. Signs of human inhabitants start showing up around 900 B.C., and has a tenuous history since! Every day a cannon is still fired.

Of course, Eric would want to be the one firing the cannon - but here's he's just admiring the view.

Offline for a long time

My apologies, friends, for not providing any substantial updates since April 2009. You see, that's when life got a whole lot more interesting for me. On May 1, 2009, I married Eric. And I relocated to Brookings, SD. And I left my dream job.

Here's what I've been up to since then:

• Planted a pepper box - even though I don't like peppers (or hot things), Eric does
• Learning new quilting techniques, such as appliques, purses and aprons
• Setting up a new kitchen
• Smoking - pork loins and brisket
• Adjusting to my husband's busy schedule
• Looking for meaningful employment
• Reconnecting with God
• Relaxing

It's hard for me to slow down, but I'm thankful for the time and opportunity to do it.

Blissful bundt

Last year my last grandparent died. Elizabeth Minnie Marie Patridge (91). In fact, yesterday marked one year since the date of her passing. I know she's in a better place, without pain, but I miss her.

While I was visiting Grandma Patridge at her home last year, she asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told her truthfully: a bundt cake pan. Before I left that day, my Aunt Mag, at my grandmother's request, gave me her bundt cake pan.

I've made about 4-5 bundt cakes in the past year. The first one was a German Chocolate cake that I made to celebrate spring with my then-boyfriend (now fiance). He proposed the next day! Awesome!

The second and third cakes were Rum cakes for Christmas. One went to the office holiday party, the other to a New Year's Eve party.

The fourth cake I made in honor of my birthday - it was an orange-juice type cake. One I that reminds me of Gram's "Busy Housewife Cake." I brought it to a party where a friend and I celebrated. Intoxicated people like bundt cake.

I'm amazed that everyone is in ah of the 'bundt.' It reminds of me the scene from My Big Fat Greek wedding where the parents meet for the first time - they had no idea what it was. If you need a refresher, see the YouTube clip here.

Last night I made my latest bundt cake - trying out recipes for a creation to serve for the head table at the wedding. Here are two snapshots of how the "Black & White Pound Cake" turned out. It smells delightful!


I shared it with my co-workers today, and they approve!

Venting

Today, I just need to get some things off my chest. Otherwise I feel like I'll implode with everything that's going on. To write it out, so I can write-it out of my heart and I can focus on the things that matters. Here goes...

• I hate that my brother is sick with squamous cell skin cancer. Ok, he's not sick with it, but he's battling it. He's half-way through the treatment of it, which consists of radiation every day and 3 round of chemotherapy. It hasn't been easy for him. And I've always seen my brother strong. What's worse, is how it's affecting his family. Everyone from his wife, son, parents and yes, even me. When you battle cancer, it affects everyone.
• I'm moving from Bloomington, MN to Brookings, SD and have no time to pack. There are about two empty boxes in my possession and the moving crew will be here April 18 to take it to its new home. This moving also means a job change. I love my job, desperately. Friends have heard me refer to it as my 'dream job.' There's something bitter about having to leave your dream job at age 28. This economy means job prospects are slim and I've yet to find my next dream job...
  

Here's what I want to dwell on.

• It's amazing how much family, friends and coworkers pull together when there's an illness. I saw this at a young age (10) when my dad was in a serious tractor accident. All the neighbors helped up put up hay, work cattle, clean the house and put meals on the table. I still do not know the words to say when something tragic happens, and I hope I never learn those words. It pulls a family closer, and it makes them rely more heavily on their faith.
• I'm moving away to be married!

I'm sure I'll add more, but for now, this is what is overwhelming me.