Flower Friday - From Killin, Scotland

Travel Thursday - The Hutch Via Killin

We continue our travels in Scotland on Sunday, August 12. After 2 glorious and unusual sunny days, we were treated to true Scottish weather. The rain was very heavy at times and while it prevented us from going off the beaten path, it didn't dampen our spirits.

The first of the pictures were taken from Yamini's car. 

Looming over the highway, out of the mist we were treated to the kelpies.

This lovely spot in the road where nature and mankind have found a beautiful way to co-exist. 

On route we had our first stop at Lock Lomond, the famous lock in the song "You take the high road and I'll take the low road" aka the Bonnie Banks o'Loch Lomond.

I am not sure there is anything more Scottish than this van!

A bridge

Our main stop, Killin.

Outside the mill

The mill

The beautiful rapids we climbed on and I slipped on!

Our gracious host watching from the bridge (where later we were almost hit by a bus)

During our wanders we stopped to get a reservation for lunch.  This sign was perfect!

I am sure by law all tourists must pose at old style phone booths in the UK:)

We found Fingal's Stone which is said to be the burial place of Fingal, a hero in Celtic folklore. 

The stone

It was in Killin, that we met up with Bertie and Gail. We were lucky enough to spend about 2 days with them as well. After lunch, we hopped back into cars to head to our final destination, the Hutch. 

We did make some stops on the way.  The first was another at Lock Lomand.

After careful consideration Bertie decided the weather made it unfit for the cruise. 

Next stop was . . . .

Where the flats swung on a rope swing,

Bertie showed off his amazing posing skills,

and some of us feasted on wild blueberries. 

We then arrived at the hutch where we all got settled in and spent a lovely evening chatting.

Next week we will share some more Scottish adventures. 

Wordless Wednesday - Actual Snuggling - A Rare Sight

Pet Expo!

Emma in Angel Loki's sweater

As I had free tickets (note: I don't think the event is worth a $15 ticket as well as $8 in parking and will likely only go again if I have a free ticket), Uncle Chris, Emma and I went to Pet Expo.  We arrived around 9:30 (doors opened at 9) and were glad to have done so, because by the time we left the place was packed.

For the most part I was happy with how all the dogs there behaved. There was only one dog I observed being too aggressive (and with the prong collar and a woman who could barely control him I wondered if he should have been there). I do wish they would ban retractable leashes at these things. I kept getting tangled.

I learned that one of my coworkers has bearded dragons and got to hold one named Steve (no picture was taken).

Emma had a good time and although she told a few dogs to back off (in an appropriate manner), was well behaved. Might be because she was carried a lot.

Emma sporting her new bandana happy to be held


I picked up a reasonable amount of treats to try for the dogs. I was limited because Phod can't have anything too hard due to his teeth, he can't have anything with chicken because we think that is what makes him itchy and he hates fruits and veggies! Lee would eat everything and anything, so she isn't the problem.

The few things I purchased

I picked up a few cat samples for my sister

The first treat I let the dogs try was kangaroo! I think their faces show how they felt about it!

While I don't love the event, it was nice to spend time with Uncle Chris and Big E!

Mischief Monday - Weather and Bug Strikes

Lady fears winter is now upon us. We didn't get as much snow as they were calling for on Friday, but what we got has stayed so far, with more snow and below freezing temperatures in the forecast.

Phod is happy because this amount of snow is small enough that Precious is allowed out still.

On Saturday, while Lady was out (about that tomorrow), Miss Bug was sleeping on the couch beside the Man. There was a lovely fire in the fireplace and a blanket in front of it. She walked over to the blanket and peed. She didn't even ask to go out, she just peed. That is 2 times in a week. What a little brat!  As punishment the blanket has not been put back in front of the fire. Let's hope this doesn't become a problem. 

Silent Sunday - We Remember

My niece's JK class project

Friday - A Sunny November Day