Dunblane Cathedral

I was very excited to learn that we did have one field trip this semester, because originally I supposed all the field trips to be a thing of semester one only. The first place we visited today was Dunblane Cathedral. Dunblane is in Perthshire, and Professor Driscoll, our guide for the first two sites, told us that was in an important place, as being on the edge of the highlands.

The reason we were visiting the cathedral was because of a square tower which stood out from the rest of the cathedral (built in the late middle ages) and dating from the 12th century, earlier than the church. It is a free standing tower, and once would have dominated a landscape of buildings surrounding the cathedral area.

St Patrick's Day!

Sadly, the leprechauns passed by my flat this year - no mess in the room or in the kitchen. However, I did have a lovely evening! Rachel came over and we had snacks - including a Key lime pie (NOT Irish, but it was green-ish), Elderflower sparkling water (again, purchased for the lovely green bottle it came in) and a movie: Darby O' Gill and the Little People! This is a family tradition going back as far as I can remember, that we watch this film for St Patrick's Day. I wasn't about to stop now! Rachel had never seen it, so she really enjoyed it. Who can resist Sean Connery singing, and using a scythe at the same time?

The great St Patrick's Day cards I got: top- from Heath, Michael  & Katie, bottom - from mother

Yum! Key lime pie and delicious Elderflower water. 

Elder Duncan

Elder Duncan (from America) is one of the Chinese speaking missionaries. He has been in Glasgow for at least as long as I have. I have taught with this missionary and others many times, starting with Winnie. It has been a great blessing to teach with the missionaries, and I hope I continue to do so. Elder Duncan is being transferred to Edinburgh, so I know it's cheesy, but I got a picture with him.

A fox in broad daylight!

When I got home from church this afternoon, Winnie and Jennifer (another Chinese member) were cooking in the kitchen. So I went in to say hello to them and meandered over to the window. Imagine my surprise when, in the yard opposite ours, I see a fox rummaging around! I very excitedly whipped out my camera, which was in my church bag, and took some pictures. Not satisfied with that, I ran downstairs to get some closer shots, and was able to, just as he was, er, trotting away! You will notice in the one that he turned and looked back at me. I'm not sure if this is the fox that mother and I saw. It is in the neighbourhood, so I think it must be.

the fox was munching on something down in the yard.

I don't know if it was a male fox or a vixen, but isn't it beautiful?

The "GG" Concert!

Last night was the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Association (known as the GG) annual concert. It was SO amazing (if I do say so myself!). Singing in Gaelic is always a joy, but when all our voices lift together, it's quite exhilarating. Two of my friends came: Winnie and Laura - the girl that I do the Gaelic singing group at uni with.

It wasn't till this morning that I realised that yesterday marked my 6 month anniversary of living in Scotland. What a fabulous way to celebrate! The video clip is of a song called "Smeòrach Chlann Dòmhnaill" in which the poet likens himself to a thrush (or mavis). It is one of my favourites!

Practising a couple of songs before the concert.

...well, I'll try the video later. I've tried uploading it twice - the second time it was loading for almost an hour and a half, and still didn't load. Hopefully soon I can put it up on my blog!!!!

YSA Celtic Convention

Winnie talked Elder Nield into donning his kilt for the ceilidh! We were all surprised!

I always have mixed feelings about YSA Conventions. I think this is the fourth I have attended (the GAG - "Gathering at the Grove" in Palmyra, and two "Feb Con"s - conventions that took place in Cornell). I think I feel a little bit older at each one (as, indeed, I AM a little bit older) and as far as a venue for meeting a non-existant husband, it was about as effective as the others. However, as a place to hang out with friends and eat too much food and enjoy Ceilidh dancing, it was quite fun.

The Photo Scavenger Hunt: 2 of the Elders (part of missionary couples) playing their instruments in the Botanic Gardens - and one of them is a baritone uke!

Becky (Scot Snee's cousin) standing by the police box!

Can you spot the four be-kilted fellows in this photo? There were a few others as well!

Here's another go at a video. I know the last one I put up was too dark, but this one should work. A wee clip of a Ceilidh dance:

                                         

Stephen Fry (flavoured) crisps

I know I put something about this on Facebook, but I had to share it again - there are actually crisp bags depicting Stephen Fry, and with a particular Stephen Fry flavour (they taste a lot like crab cake chips, actually, which is very exciting!)