The Children

These are the children that I watch on the farm. Tristram is 6, Tara 4, and Elliot 2. They are lovely children and we are really beginning to mesh. We delight in our days out and fun activities, or at least I do... We just finished planning and putting on a Halloween party. The end was complete with tears and stomping feet!!!! you can't get much better than that.

A little look...

Here is a shot of the delectable strawberries I am priveledged to pick and taste... and the unbelievable view from my window. I am hoping to show a shot of the brocolli and cauliflower growing. The leaves are massive and it reminds me of a pleasant little cabbage patch, like where those cloth dolls are born...

The Farm

I am living on a beautiful farm called Barnsmuir. Here they grow Cauliflower, Brocolli, Strawberries, and Wheat. It is so lovely. There are thirteen ponies, 5 sheep, a dog, and three children. It makes for a real treat. To top it all off, I can see the sea from my bedroom window.

Away from the City

A few weeks ago I had the lucky fortune to land a job just outside of Saint Andrew's Scotland. Saint Andrew's is a lovely place which is known for having the first golf course in the world. It also contains the remains of an ancient castle and cathedral dating to the 1100's. It was once the largest cathedral in Scotland. In addition to these fine elements, it is home to Saint Andrew's University. This helps to offer a collegiate ambiance. I am living just outside this city and frequent its quaint street fairly often, especially the leisure center which has a slightly inadequate swimming pool. (By my standards of course.)

The city of Edinburgh

This place is unreal. It is lovely to navigate and holds all the mystery and promise of any ancient city.

Edinburgh Continued

The City seems to never end, even though it is quite small. It is impossible to truly grasp its age, as I have ever known such new things. You can clearly imagine this place three hundred years ago. It is all centered around the castle which was built on volcanic rock. It hasn't seem military force since the 1600's, but continues to be a central beacon to the city. The tiny alleyways (close) are quaint and the echos of footsteps could be from any decade...

Signs of the times...

The Beautiful Details

One of the most amazing things about being in a new place is in the details. I love the subtle differences. The way signs are written... The color of flowers... How the doorways are older and have unbelievable flair... The way the streetlights go-green, yellow, red, yellow, green. These things add character and charm. Thank goodness for the small things.

In the Beginning...

When I first arrived I was fortunate enough to stay with Beth and Caleb and their wonderful flatmates, Anna and Jonothon. Along with them came Jeffrey. I had a grand time staying with them for two weeks. Amazing and hilarious hosts indeed!!! This is in Leith, which is a posh portion outskirt of Edinburgh. It looks out on the sea and has a lot of fisheries and such. The sea breeze is an extra special bonus.

Climbing Sir Arthur's Seat

At the end of the Royal Mile stands Holyrood Palace (Which is where the queen stays when she is in Scotland). Just behind it is a beautiful set of peaks referred to as Sir Arthur's seat. This is quite a climb, but well worth the stunning views of the city it provides. The pictures below are from the top and the slow climb up. It has quite an ambiance and it must be one of the windiest places on earth. It was once hunting ground for royalty but is now a preserved park.

Open Doors Day

Open Door Day was oringinally started in Paris, but has come to Edinburgh. This is when buildings not normally open to the public open for one day. This year it included 78 buildings throughout Edinburgh. I was lucky enough to see some including; the first Edinburgh bathhouse, an old castle that has been revamped as the Scotish National School for the Deaf (the delightful images of the castle) The Observatory, Old cemetaries (The round light image is from inside David Hume's tomb.) The monument for fallen Scottish soldiers during the American Civil War, The Public library, and Riddle's Close, which contains one of the oldest remaining buildings. It is also home to the first summer school and Edinburgh. These were just a few of the fabulous places on this day long journey.

A Little Fun With Bethy...

We took some time out today to see the city from Calton Hill. This is at the top of Princes street and has a clear overview of the hubub of this major shopping stretch which seperates new town and old town. This hill has several famous statues and memorials. One is a Greek style structure to the infamous Robert Burns. It seems a bit out of place atop this European hillside. They have removed the actual statue of him, making it even a bit more out of place. It is, however, a wonderful way to see the city!

The Fam...

Here are the sibs during the summer. We're quite a treat. They seem to be fascinated with the camera. Jonah just wants a glimpse of himself right away.
Kyle is looking dapper. Ayla seems to be enjoying the remnants of her juice.