Saturday 28th July 2008 9.35pm

currently watching what is the train wreck called Amy Winehouse who is performing at the Glastonbury Festival. Why do promoters keep with her is hard to understand!

Had a great time at Alex and Laura’s and surprisingly didn’t drink excessively although I could have probably drunk less. This afternoon we went down to Troon Town centre. Brought 2 tea towels with Scottish sayings and words, 2 gifts for someone, not sure who yet.  (Also) visited a local frame shop and, of course, I had to check out the workshop.  So much more impressive than the one at Joanns.  For a start. they actually assemble the frames in situ.  His frames were brilliant to be honest. the mitred corners were perfect. I took his Cardiff future reference, never know might actually use him one day. 

Saturday 8.35pm 29th June 2008

Gordon is trying to nap during the halftime of the European Cup final and failing as his Dad keeps ignoring or not realising Gordon is not ready to talk for the moment.

Today we visited Kinross and as we left after having the best meal of the week, I couldn’t help myself from crying.  I had realised until that point how much I truly miss Kinross and all the friends I made there.  Only a couple of people actually came along but that’s OK.

Kinross doesn’t appear to have changed that much over the years.  Obviously its still growing but outwardly it seems much the same.  Given the time again, I would never have left but your can’t go back so the tears were quickly mopped up and now I am looking forward tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will co-operate and will visit the isle of Arran, off the coast of Ayrshire. (there is another just off the Galway Coast, Ireland but with one ‘r’ and home of the sweaters).  The last time we visited was the summer before Elisabeth was born, 24 yrs ago!

Friday 4th July 2008 – Flying – approaching Nova Scotia.

local time: (Glasgow 2.07 pm)

time to destination: 2hrs 19 mins

Time Destination: Newark 9.07am

Ground speed: 472,ph

Alt: 36000ft

Distance to Newark: 1010 miles

Distance travelled: 2450 miles

Outside air temp: -12f

Estimated time of Arrival: 11.26

As you can see our last 4 days have been and gone. I will miss Scotland. especially the cool weather – I know I am weird!

On Monday we went to the isle of Arran and the weather seem to perk up just for us. When we arrived the weather didn’t seem promising , very grey and overcast, threatening to rain.  However as the day went on the weather just got better and better.  We actually got to see the top of Goat fell which although not that high, (just under 3000 ft) tends to be shrouded in mist.  We had a great time on Arran although I am sure Gordon wishes I had been fit enough to cycle around the Island.  Maybe next time.

View of Goat Fell (before the mist lifted)

On Tuesday we had quite day, wandering around Ayr which has and hasn’t changed since we last visited it about 6 yr ago.  Whilst we were there, we bought Emily a gift and some candy for my work place. in the evening we went out for dinner with Alex and Laura at our regular curry house in Troon.  No visit to Scotland would be complete without our now traditional curry.

Friday 4th July 4.55pm Austin Time

the last part of this journey has been hell. for me, at least.  Just cannot get comfortable and feel desperate to get off the plane.  Parting I think it because I am in the middle seat and feel trapped!

Anyway after an enjoyable evening with Alex and Laura (we probably stayed too long as they had work the next day), Wednesday we spent with Jim, visiting the castle at Culzean and its grounds.  Nothing can beat a good British castle for a good day out.  Culzean (pronounced Cullean) is particurlarly impressive place to visit as it sits right on the rocky coast of Ayrshire.  Jim had no interest in the Castle but he loves to walk, despite being 83 in September this year. Sometimes I think he forgets his limits.  Gordon and I were all too conscious of this and kept asking if he was OK. He insisted he was, even as he sat down at the Swan Pond and took his shoes because his feet were sore.  Fortunately, Culzean has plenty of car parks and Gordon was able to dash back to get the car. After Culzean, we ate at Jim’s favourite eatery, “The Towers” in Troon, yet another tradition that is being made with our visits home. I was torn between several items on the menu and went for the scampi.  As I was eating it,  I realised my tastes are becoming increasingly slanted towards tex-mex food, as the scampi was just not as enjoyable as I remember.  Something that occurred a couple of times, horrors of horrors, even bacon didn’t seem as good!

Culzean Castle

Me

The walled Garden

Father and Son

Thursday, our last day, we spent gathering gifts we hadn’t quite gotten to yet. It was also the only day we ended up completely soaked as the heaven’s opened and we actually had a brief thunderstorm.  All too soon soon we were packing for the flight home.

Now we are approaching Austin, I can honestly say that although it is home for now, it will never replace the feelings I have for Scotland. I love Scotland and feel the most at home there, despite being English. The weather is grey, sometimes cold, often wet and occasionally sunny but I love it (the weather).  Give me a cool misty day anytime over a hot hot Austin day anytime and I will be happy.

A nice view of Hurlford

Man reading the Kimarnock Standard

The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock, yes! it is actually called the Dick!