Home Schoolers Unite (or at least get together)

Today, hopefully soon (for Christs-sake get out of the shower Ella we're going to miss the train!!!)  the kids and I will get together with a homeschooling group in Edinburgh. We're meeting at the National Museum Of Scotland. Maybe we'll make friends! At the very least I am looking forward to an hour of sitting on the train and staring out the window.

Bob has just discovered that Page 3 of The Sun is available on-line (including archives!) and so will be staying home.
 

Clash Of The Tartans

Last Saturday morning we walked to the Huntingtower Castle and back, and in chatting with the lady at the gate found out that, "a bunch of Jacobites are coming round this afternoon." We said, "That sounds wonderful. We'll come back with the kids." As we left we both whispered to each other, "What's a Jacobite?"

 Wikipedia says:

Jacobitism was (and, to a limited extent, remains) the political movement dedicated to the restoration of the Stuart kings to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland.

It turns out that this "bunch of Jacobites" were a group called Na Fir Dileas (The Loyal Men). Their forum page says they are a "Jacobite oriented Scottish historical and cultural society whose main aim is to create a greater awareness amongst fellow Scots to their countries history and potential." They were the nicest people. All turned out so splendidly in tartans they designed themselves, and had woven especially for them. How much MUST that have cost! One man told me that his socks alone cost him £120. They dressed the kids in plaid and let Brenna play the bagpipes -- what more could you want from a day at a Scottish castle?

As the Jacobites say, Fear God, Honour the King.

Owen gets a lesson from Jacobite Bob in fighting.Hey, you can't wear jeans under your kilt!

You think it Looks stupid? You should have HEARD it!

A Scottish Junk Food Bonanza

I love junk food. For those who know me this is no big revelation. At work I would hover near the candy jar on the dub stage. When I was a boy it was strawberry Pop Tarts -- no, check that -- it's still strawberry Pop Tarts. As we've travelled this year I've been sampling as many strange junk foods as I can. But today at the grocery store it occurred to me that since I'm finally in a country where I can read labels and, mostly, understand them, my junk food horizons have been opened up immensely. Here are some of the things I've found. Anyone have any other regional favorites I should try?

This copy is just so good I have to repeat it, "Succulent pieces of SPAM covered in a deliciously light and crispy batter."

Click to read more ...

Where We've Been, And Where We're Going - Part 2

In Part 1 of this post we complained incessantly about the ferry that took us from Amsterdam to the UK, and we promised we'd send pictures. The King Of Scandinavia, its hospitality, and its inhabitants were memorable. In that way that makes you laugh for years to come as one of your best "worse ever," adventures. Before the ship left dock, however, was amazing. The departure was windy, and dramatic, and beautiful.

So now we've been in Scotland for almost two weeks. We don't hold our breath and

Click to read more ...

H&M Hijinks

The family popped into H&M the other day to see what we could see. We were looking for sweaters and scarves, cause Scotland is cold, and we're from California. I headed one way, and Bob and the kids headed the other (I love it when that happens). When we met back up at the front of the store Bob was alone.

"Where are the kids?"

Click to read more ...