"Pop Up" Barbecue Party

Throughout my life, my 1^st Cousin John McCarty has been like a brother to me through frequents calls and visits over the years.  In the 80’s I introduced him to a friend I worked with at USM named Melissa. They have now been married about 27 years and have two grown children.   They moved to Daphne from Texas a few years ago and we often do many fun things together and they have been a blessing in my life.  They are taking care of my things while I am away, so I was very pleased they could visit me while here.

They visited Edinburgh and drove up to meet me in the Highlands. The highlight of their trip had to be our “pop-up barbeque party” hosted by Calum Ross and meeting several of his friends from Nethy Bridge.  Calum is Lesley’s (my landlord) significant other.  He was in the area and met us at the pub for drinks one night.  We met and talked to a number of friendly locals in both the bar and restaurant area.  Johnny enjoyed a conversation with a guy who was a star in the Highland games of skill.

Calum  offered to cook a barbecue in the “Buffalo Bar-be-que house” in our yard and planned the whole next evening. We bought some wine, beer, and salad fixings and looked forward to the evening to come! Johnny even went on a long hike and to the pub with the “boys” one afternoon.

Calum’s  Nethy Bridge friends, Brett and Fiona Wells, their children, and their grandfather came over and we had a great time.  Calum's menu included steaks, lamb chops, potatoes, asparagus, and salad.  He bought our steaks from the local Nether Bridge butcher (Mr. Mustard). 

The barbecue was such a special treat for us all and very generous of Calum to want to do it for us all! It is this type of event and the generosity and friendliness of the people that make my time here even more special.

Johnny loves photography, so the vistas, sights, and scenery in Scotland were of great interest to him.  He brought a fantastic camera and tripod. We took a walk around  Loch Eilein and saw the castle in the water near the shore, tried to go up the funicular (too windy) and drove to the haunting ruin of Ruthven Barracks  near  Kinggussie.  We had coffee and a scone at a shop there that was soon filled with young teens on their lunch break from the nearby school. All were so well behaved and amazing quiet for such a large group.

Another day we traveled to Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens.  I had visited it, so Melissa and Johnny enjoyed seeing the amazing home to 24 generations of Macpherson-Grants.  

We next traveled to the Aberlour Distillery where no tours were given that day.  It turned out to be a lucky thing as we headed to the newer Maccallan single malt whiskey distillery nearby. I have visited several distilleries in the past, and this one was a marvel and such a classy tech-modern distillery.  The tour was carefully orchestrated and extremely well done. It was followed by a tasting of 5 major bottles they produce.  The eco-friendly building design was well worth seeing.

Another amazing site near here is the Elgin Cathedral ruins in north-east Scotland.  It was established in 1224.  It suffered extensive fire damage in 1390 by the “Wolf of Badenoch”. The cathedral was abandoned around 1560 and fell into decay.

The next two days were spent in Nethy Bridge having lunch at the local coffee shop and taking walks.  I really enjoyed spending time with Melissa and Johnny.  We cooked several meals at home and took it easy most of the week.

I am now busy repacking for 18 days in England during the first part of October.  I will be in several different places during this period and hope I am ready for the city life of London!

A Walk in the Woods Surprise

Coming back on the bus from Aviemore shopping, I met a young couple backpacking.  They were in Scotland 5 days walking trails and were looking forward the the well-known Nethy Bridge hiking trails and took the bus to the center of the small village.

I too, have loved walking through the beautiful nature trails while I am here.  You often come across a nature or man-made sight in the middle of your walk that is picture-worthy.

I had heard their were some "Fairy houses" in the woods, but had not seen them yet so it was a nice surprise to come across several on one of my recent trail walks.  The leaves are changing and I even saw a rainbow yesterday when I walked to the village.

Lifestyle Trends from Other Countries

When I was in Italy, I picked up an American newspaper with an article about living your best life.  Since one of my main goals of this sabbatical was to reenergize, recalculate, and recognize what was most important to me, I clipped it out to add to my other reading.   It is interesting to note that money and material things are not necessary to live your happiest life.

The article was made up of several foreign concepts that I had not heard of and that seemed worth thinking and reading more about over this long period of time. There is a good bit on the internet and in books on these 5 concepts.  I hope it gives each of you something to consider and a break from scenic photos!

-------------------------------------

IKIGAI– (Ick-ee-guy) a Japanese concept that means “a reason for being.” The English translation means “things that you live for” or “reason you wake up in the morning.”

What you love and are good at and what world needs from you  

-      What brings me joy and purpose?

Make 3 lists: your values, things you like to do, and things you are good at. The cross section of the three lists is your ikigai.

----------------------------------------

GEZELLIG– One of the first words you will hear in Dutch countries is “gezillig” pronounced “he-sell-ick”.  It is a feeling more than a word. 

Surround self with people, places, things that are comforting  

-      Time to relax

-      Friends over

-      Eliminate wearing individuals

--------------------------------------------

FRILUFTSLIV- This is a Scandinavian philosophy of outdoor life.  Translation: open-air living.

Appreciation of Nature through outdoor activities, beautiful scenery.  

-      Strolls

-      Bike Rides

-      Forest or beach paths- enjoy forest  or beach atmosphere

-      Screen time vs green time

I have been so interested in the European’s love of walking, hiking, bike riding, and interacting with others outdoors.  I see numerous backpackers walking and taking buses to even more remote locations for mountain and trail hiking. Swedish people have a saying “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes”. 

Nethy Bridge has a community walk available to all every Tuesday at 1:30 and numerous trails that are well marked and safe through beautiful woods.  I have enjoyed daily walks on my own and hope I will continue the walking in beautiful green or natural surroundings habit when I get home.  

Henry Ibsen used the term to describe the value of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical wellbeing. 

 --------------------------------------------------------

PANTSDRUNK

 This is a funny one as it means chilling in your underwear with a cocktail of choice in hand and comes from Finland.  It is all about allowing yourself (by yourself) to totally relax away from the “real world.” It also includes binge watching your favorite series and not feeling guilty. It encourages solitude.  Finding a suitable image was almost impossible.

Planned solitude, relaxation, recovery and self empowerment to face future challenges

-      Stay home

-      Take time for self

-      Don’t do things do not enjoy

-------------------------------------------------------

LAGOM– (LAH-gum) This is a Swedish lifestyle trend meaning “just the right amount”.

This is one I felt good about!  When I decided to rent my house for 6 months, I touched, cleaned out and organized every item I owned over a 2-3 month period.  I told friends it was an amazing side benefit to my decision to travel.  My hotels are usually very small spaces for several days or a week at a time.  I am amazed with how little I need while traveling. I have also had larger 3 bedroom homes to stay in for extended periods.  I only buy what I am about to eat (due to smaller refrigerators and freezers) and shop every day or two for my basic needs.

Less is more

Live simply, harmoniously, strike happy balance

Quality living  

-Take breaks

- declutter

- capsule your wardrobe-minimalist, highly practical wardrobe

- reduce stress and boost productivity

Try the 52-17 minute rule:  the most productive people work for 52 minutes then take a 17 minute break.

------------------------------------

I feel as though my time remaining is slipping away so fast these days.  I am in one place for the longest time and it has given me more time to reflect, take nature walks, and read books.  I have not been lonely nor bored and have enjoyed every minute of this sabbatical so far.  

Sojourning in Scotland

One of the major blessings in my life are my friendships.  This week two Tri Delta friends of 56 years visited me in Scotland (Virginia Harrigan and Sharon Shirey).  We had a wonderful time and did more things than I thought possible while they were here.  I took the train to Edinburgh and met them and my Scottish friends for dinner at Maxie's.  Barbara Henderson and I have been friends for about 20 years and her daughter owns the house I am renting while in Scotland.  It was a fun night.

They had visited every major site in Edinburgh before I met them in Edinburgh and rode back to the Highlands with them. They seemed to enjoy the Royal Botanical Gardens and Holyrood Castle the most.

On the way back to Nethy Bridge, we

 visited Blair Castle with it’s own private army, and stopped at a shopping area with the very best of Scottish products.

We even visited Ballathie Country House, a showplace Virginia had just read about in a glossy magazine that had just arrived at her house the day before she left.  We ate lunch and met a Trump supporter. She gave the magazine to the staff who did not know of the nice just-published article.

 We visited out of the way bookshops in the middle of nowhere, visited fishing villages of Scotland with a private fishing museum tour by an actual fisherman, and  saw a number of beautiful gardens,  We visited the ruins of a Cathedral and a working Abby down a long country road far from any village.

Trump Supporter with Hat

One of us even zip-lined for 2 hours through forest and glen overlooking small rivers (Sharon).  We all took the funicular to the top of a nearby mountain for stupendous views.

We tried to find Nessie in Loch Ness, - but ended up in a very touristy Loch Ness attraction, got totally lost numerous times but found our way home every time  (it took 3 of us to maneuver numerous round -a -bouts).

Visiting the last Scottish Highland Games of the year in Pitlochry, a picturesque town an hour away by train, was a highlight this week.  They even had a special tent area for International visitors with food and wine.  Sharon, my visitor friend is from New Orleans and she NEVER meets a stranger or dog she doesn't  love!  These interactions enriched us time and time again.

We ate our way across the Highlands at small and large restaurants, sampling the foods known in this area and explored anything that caught our interest.

Ballindaloch Castle

We celebrated Virginia's birthday with a visit to a great castle nearby and had special treats all day in her honor! The whole week was jam-packed and the weather was near perfect despite weather reports of rain 80% of time.

Hotel/Restaurant a half mile from my house - huge for a 3 store village !

As for me, it was extremely helpful to have use of a car for the week to get my bearings again in this rural area near so many great sights.  My cousins and my sister and brother in law are also coming and I now feel comfortable taking them around in their rental cars! 

In short, I am loving my location at “North Fork” – there are no numbers, only names for the houses in my village (many also in Gaelic language).   This house is available for rent and I will be happy to send you pictures and a contact for this great location in the middle of the Whiskey Trail and the Highlands of Scotland.  The small 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with a separate bar-be-que hut is perfect. 

When I do not have a car (often), it is so easy to catch the bus 3 minutes from the house to nearby larger towns with anything I need or train service elsewhere in Scotland!

I will be here until December 1 when I return to my beloved Italy.  I still plan to have time for reflection, increased spirituality, walking the woodland trails, and having time to think. I hope to come home after this “Senior Sabbatical” with a better idea how I want to spend the rest of my life!  Time for this already seems much too short and will probably remain a work in progress! 

Paths to Better Health

I have been in charming Nethy Bridge almost a week.  Mostly getting settled in this lovely holiday house about a 20 min. walk from the small village.  You have a choice of the sidewalk road or the trail along the narrow river.  The river is usually my 1st choice.  There are many nature trails here that you can enjoy.  I still have a few favorites from past trips and have spent much of the week going out daily for a good walk among nature that is amazing.

apples near bus stop

I could not help but think of God’s goodness as I walked by the rushing, burbling clear stream on my way to church this morning.  A light breeze and a sunny day with many birds calling each other and keeping me company.  

The Church of Scotland service I attended was non-traditional but

very welcoming.  There are many retirees here and all are very friendly and nice people. They have a more traditional service too.

 Afterwards, I went to my favorite village coffee shop, the Nethy House, and had Scottish pancakes and tea for brunch after seeing it at a table nearby. This picture is of a quiche lunch last week as I liked the reflection in window. 

Grantown-on-Spey

Sat at my favorite window seat and watched as 30-40 small antique MG, porsche and other  cars drove by, some with tops down.  I then remembered there was an “Antique Car Motor Mania” in nearby Granton-on Spey today.   Last week, I took the bus to  Granton-on-Spey and was interested in the buildings on the main street through town and cute bookstore I visited.

After my brunch, I dropped by the small Spar small grocery and picked up the Sunday Times, read and rested the afternoon away.  On my last trip several years ago, I had to go to the Spar to use the internet – sitting on a small stool at the computer while people milled about shopping. We now have internet at the house so it is much easier.

Tomorrow, I travel by train to Edinburgh to stay overnight and drive back with Virginia Harrigan and Sharon Shirey, two sorority friends from college days.  We have more planned than we can do in the next week, but I know it will be great fun and an adventure for all of us.

"Alainn Is Longantach" = "Wild and Wonderful" in Gaelic

From Nethy Bridge, Scotland.....

“Found Object 2677”

Got an email from Hertz, Venice Airport yesterday with the subject line “Found Object 2677”.    As you remember, The only problem so far on this trip was losing my favorite wallet of 15 years with my needed driver’s license and health cards.  I wrote every hotel, went by several locations where  I remember having a wallet -  to no avail.  I was fairly sure I last had it at a Hertz Rental car in Venice Airport so kept bothering them.  

I even traveled there twice to double check. The car I rented was not in the lot when I last checked, but they later rechecked…and lo and behold, it was found when the car was returned from last rental.  It  Just goes to show the power of prayers!  A friend who was flying out went by and picked it up today as they would not mail it and I am too far away to fly back!  Mainly need it in December if not before.  It slowed me down some but my “gratitude journal” was full of thankful notes that it is not roaming around Italy.

  

I am now getting settled in Nethy Bridge for most of the 3 months remainder of my sabbatical.  I will visit London and other towns in England in October, but mainly will be enjoying this area and Scotland with some company coming in and out.

I felt like a Harry Potter time traveler on the train coming up from Perth yesterday!  Beautiful vistas of woods, rivers, and rolling mountains. I am in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park, Britain’s largest National Park. Spectacular Scottish scenery and many sightseeing activities available.

Lesley met me at the train and helped get my luggage back to Nethy Bridge from nearby Aviemore.  My nearest large city is Inverness.  Today, I took the bus (located on the street across from my house) to Aviemore today and checked out the shops and groceries.  The ease of it made me feel better about using local transportation to get around.

The house is well done with 3 small bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  A unique “hobbit hut” is outside with a huge bar be que and seating for about 20 people!  It is chilly outside but I have great heating and a wood-burning fireplace plus internet and great TV – lots of books around to read as well.  Could not be better for the colder months.

A wee detour to Perth

Perth,  Scotland

Had two full luggage bags on this trip since I am here 3 months and during colder weather so one had all winter clothes.  Turned out it was a bank holiday with big events in both Edinburgh and Nethy Bridge areas so I decided to stay somewhere between Edinburgh and Nethy Bridge for a couple of days so chose Perth.  Great train ride from airport to Perth. Everyone super nice and helpful.  It turned out to be a great decision.

Victorian Station Hotel

What a neat place! Chose the "Station Hotel" because it was right across from the train station.  It was built in 1888 and was frequently visited by Queen Victoria.   The historic town center has bookstores,  great walking streets, wonderful sculptures, and a river running along the edge.  Walked a good bit each day I was here.  Plenty to see and do.

The historic town center has bookstores, large department stores,  great walking streets, wonderful sculptures, and a river running along the edge.   Flowers are everywhere. Walked a good bit each day I was here. 

The 2^ndday, woke to rain, so decided to stay in area and visit a museum and Waterstone's bookstore.   I wanted to see the Scone Palace, but all buses were not running on Sunday so decided I would come back and visit later.

 Tomorrow I take the train to Aviemore, near Nethy Bridge, my final destination.  Lesley will pick me up and go over house needs with me before she returns to Edinburgh. The Scottish adventure then officially begins.

Street with flowers and museum

If my sculpture only looked this good