If you haven’t gotten your Willard yet, you will soon! It began going out Tuesday morning (that’s today!), so everyone should have it by Friday. There are a few surprises in there, I don’t want to give them away, so in the meantime . . . MUSICA! Let’s travel a bit, shall we? Good old comfy armchair travel. Let’s take our kitty with us.
But first, Oh Dash! Oh Victoria! Oh Lord M! Prince Albert and his selfish, cruel “Uncle Leopold!” Tell me no secrets and I’ll tell you no lies. Sunday night’s Victoria was a teary one. I did like the puppy though, all was not lost.
A cold and dreary wet day it is out here in the wild Atlantic ocean. But I have my wee cup of Constant Comment in my Castle Cottage cup, the fire is burning, can’t really ask for anything more. I thought I might take us to Scotland today! I hear lots of you are going to Scotland, or might go, or want to go, so if you do, I thought I’d show you a wonderful castle we stayed in, maybe you would like to stay there too. So off we go to the land of clans, lochs, lairds, lads and lasses, Bonny Prince Charlie, Outlander, and Balmoral, the beloved home of Queen Victoria.
It was late evening when we went looking for the two rooms that our friend Elizabeth had “found online.” We were traveling together, Joe and I, Elizabeth and Mike ~ she had no idea what this place would be like and neither did we. But how could we go wrong, we were together and having a great time.
Through tunnels of Scottish trees we went looking for a sign that said “Stravithie” on it. It was out there somewhere, so we were told! We’d traveled up from Edinburgh that day, the long way, along the Fife coast, stopping to eat, walk along the beach, pick up sea glass, go to a fishing museum . . . it’s where the cutest little fishing villages are, all festively criss-crossed with bunting flapping in the wind ~ now we were stopping overnight on our way to St. Andrews.
I was crazy about Edinburgh, everything I loved about York, there was twice as much of it in Edinburgh . . . the red line on this map traces the world famous Fife Coast where we’d been that day.
We probably passed it twice, but finally we quit talking and started concentrating, and there it was. What a nice little sign we all thought, very low key, and a cute little guardhouse too. So far, so good!
We turned down the drive . . . the lovely drive . . . Not too fancy, kind of real . . . the suspense is building, what will we find?????
This was our first glimpse of the house . . . ooooh, aaaah . . .
We drove around to the front, and this is when we began to call it a castle. Isn’t it the MOST? Couldn’t Jane Eyre be living in that pointed turret? We were saying to Elizabeth, “Where did you say you found this?” The thrill of discovery! You really never know what you might stumble upon . . . 
The Laird of the Manor, David Chalmers, with his cute Scottish accent, came out to welcome us. We were already peering into the hall, at the doors, the heads and horns on the walls, the lamps. What mysteries lie ahead?
I thought I would show you a better photo of David. Such a very nice man! And he knows all the best restaurants!
So into the front hall we went. I loved the lamp, I loved the ceiling trim and the little bit of green. I loved the whole thing. This is David’s home, he lives here, on 30 acres of gardens and a river with his wife and two children, so it’s a home they love to share with others, because as you can imagine, it’s fascinating!
I don’t know what they call this long, deep wood-paneled room, but there is the very old head of an alligator up on top of that dresser. The hunt room, perhaps. Leathery and manly, perhaps the smoking room.
I took photos of everything! Pretty lamp, pretty molding.
The dining room was filled with old carved furniture and things from days gone by.
Elegant old china and cut glass and silver . . .
Mrs. Chalmers came in a little later . . . we could hear one of their children practicing the piano somewhere in the house. Made it even more perfect.
Very much a family home. “My parents gave it to me.” That’s what David said when we asked how he came to live here. Of course they did!
Off we went to our separate wings to see our rooms . . . Joe and I climbed the red stairs in the turret . . .
looking up as we climbed . . . those are stairs. How did they do that? We don’t know. (I take that back, I’m sure Joe knows, but it’s not even light out yet, he would not want me to wake him to get this question answered!) My job is to admire curves and shadows.
Down this hallway-sitting room we went . . . loving the furniture,
Loving the fabric . . .
Loving the lamp . . .
Loving all the lamps!
Into our charming room with a view of the lawn and the river,
. . . framed by the heavy, lined drapes you find everywhere in the UK.
We came in through the hall on the right, the bathroom is off that hall, and the kitchen is through the door on the left … We each (meaning each couple) had our own kitchen. I’m happy, Joe’s happy, everyone is happy!
Perfectly appointed, all you need, bright and clean. . .
And more . . . they’d left everything we could possibly want for breakfast, Scottish bacon, ham, fresh eggs, sweet rolls, bread, butter, jam, tea, milk, juice, yogurt and cereal, a feast! And the table was set . . .
So pretty in front of the window . . .
And the view . . . How did Elizabeth ever find such a place?! Must hang out with her more!
We unpacked, went out to dinner to a wonderful restaurant David suggested, and toasted Elizabeth, and our friendship, and Scotland, and life and all good things!
And came back to the castle under this beautiful moon . . .
XXX
The next morning, of course we had to go for a walk, across the lawn and along the river we could see from our bedroom windows.
On a path through the woods. The perfect antidote to modern times.
Let’s to church! as they said in Shakespeare in Love. Yes, let’s! A lovely quiet spot out in the middle of nowhere with a beautiful old sleepy graveyard.
I imagine this walled lawn may have been a vegetable garden at one time. But I was most curious about the little rock sitting on the stone. There was something on it.
I came closer . . .a small piece of slate or maybe granite with something scratched into it:
My imagination says it may have been here since 1993. But if I let myself go, maybe 1593. Or maybe, stretching, just plain 93, as in Druids. We don’t know, but we didn’t touch it, left it as it was for other lucky travelers to happen upon. I automatically think very highly of the person who put it there. Little magic-maker. Hope she’s reading this. Love is the Law. Truly, it should be.
Back through the ancient wood the merrie folk did go.
We climbed a hill and came upon these worn stone steps and, oddly, that hole filled with water (I guess, needless to say, no one tasted it). 😜 Unmarked. No explanation. A hot tub for fairies? A little last-resort bathtub? (One of our Girlfriends suggested it was a “tail wash for dragons!”😂) But why here when there is a perfectly good river nearby? We had no idea. We saw no hose bib. I know it rains a lot here, but this much?
It’s perched on a kind of ledge, actually, the entire thing is rock. You could step behind those ferns on the left, walk off the edge and fall, maybe 20 feet? (I’m not good at falling distances.) There’s a very old, moss-covered, slippery-looking stone stairway to the bottom of the ravine that no one wanted to go on. But the boys wanted to see how deep the hole was. Nothing pulled Mike in, which was good. I stayed about this far away from it the whole time wishing I had my dangerous mastiff at my side.
And again, an answer from one of our Girlfriends. It’s a Druid’s well! It’s an actual thing. You can read more about it HERE! Fun!
Flowering things grew wild from the rocks. Because it’s Scotland. Did you know the national animal for Scotland is the Unicorn? Oh yes. Magical Scotland, land of legends and ghosts.
It was a wonderful time. If you would like to stay in a castle in Scotland, you can, so easily. Go to www.stravithiecastle.co.uk. Or write [email protected] or phone 01334 880251 It’s close to lots of nice things. And tell David we said Hello!
As promised in the new WILLARD, a Giveaway! This England, this green and pleasant land, this cup. For thee. And the book . . . a signed copy of A Fine Romance. That’s one.
And behind door number two, the new Spring cup, and one of my brand new cross stitch kits for Home Sweet Home, because they kind of match, and go together. Also for thee. Two giveaways! They won’t arrive from England until the first of April, so you’ll have to wait for spring. I’ll be away, but Sheri will make sure you get them the moment they arrive. All you need to do to sign up for both giveaways is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, where you see the teeeeeny tiny word that says, “comments,” click there, say anything, and voila, you’re in the drawing! I’ll contact you if you win, but you can come back in a few days to see if Vanna chose your name. Life is good!
Must go now . . . Say Goodbye to my muses, these . . .
And this one. I’m thinking of changing his name to Dash. Beloved puppy of mine. Have a wonderful day dear ones. Keep in touch! There are adventures and more surprises ahead! 
Voila. I’m in the drawing.
They are both lovely! I, too, have been a fan since the days of Country Living. I just received the new cups yesterday; it was such a fun treasure trove. Looking forward to many cups of tea!
Good morning to you, Susan~~~~
Just got through reading Willard! I thought that I would leave this comment for you to read! loved all the pictures of Scotland that you posted. They are my kind of place to go walking and dreaming of the nature of God .
I would love to visit Scotland. Thank you for the blog Susan!!!!
Pat
Thank you, Susan, for taking me on your trip to the Castle. Extraordinary photos! You are a great storyteller too. God bless!
Oh. My. Goodness! I want to walk out the french doors of your room and go exploring! What a lovely place to visit!
I am eagerly anticipating my Willard . . . something to savor this weekend.
Thank you for adding my name to the drawing.
Fran
Thank you, Sue, for taking me on a vicarious trip to such a lovely place. Your books, your blog, all are wonderful!
Scotland sounds and looks wonderful; hopefully I’ll get there some day. Thanks for your blog.
Looking forward to reading all about your next trip! Your descriptions and photos are the next best thing to actually being there!
Always enjoy your Willards and blogs..love both cups.. Can’t wait to sail away with you in March. Save room in the suitcase.. 😉😘
Absolutely love your blog. I get to travel to places I have never visited. So enjoyable.
Hi, Susan!
thank you for sharing about Stravithie Castle. It looks simply marvelous!
Thanks for sharing your lovely trip to Scotland with us. You’ve given us another delightful post, and it always makes my day to read them!
Hello Susan,
Thank you for this posting. I was in Scotland once, but only stayed two days. My ancestors were Scots. I hope to go back and stay a bit longer and will definitely stay in a castle or your castle. Thanks for all you share with us. I love the new cup and the new handiwork. My Red work ornaments were lovely.
Thank you for the tour.
I love going on your adventures with you…just lovely
I love going on your adventures with you…just lovely
Scotland looks fascinating! My husband, the golfer, has St. Andrews on his bucket list. Might have to look into this castle.
Thank you Susan for all you share with your reader ! We are a fortunate bunch😀
I would love to retrace your wanderings some day! Thank you for the lovely post! What a wonderful castle! Yummy breakfast groceries! Love it ! Thank you!
Enjoyed so much your sharing of your magical Scotland trip! Loved all the “sayings” and the photo parts of the trip!
Thanks so much for the delightful trip!!!
I fell in love with Scotland when my husband and I visited there a few years ago. Your lovely sketches and photos brought back so many happy memories of exploring the countryside. We rented a car and drove up the coast of Fife, enjoying Pittenweem, Crail and St. Andrews. The first few roundabouts – with trucks bearing down on us while we were on the “wrong” side of the road in a SHIFT car with brakes on the opposite side, had us both screaming in terror but we survived. 🙂 Thanks for sharing the special-ness of Scotland with us!
Terror, just a part of the memories!😁 Cars there should be bumper cars, or wrapped in bubble wrap!
I love the lamps, all of them, too! I read the Outlander books because of you, dear Susan, and now I’m so intrigued with my Scottish heritage. My great great grandparents came to Iowa from Kingskettle, which is not far from where you stayed. Don’t you just love the name Kingskettle for a little village? I hope to go one day! Perhaps I’ll stay at ‘your’ castle! Thanks for the tip!
XO from Wichita, Kansas
You have to go Elizabeth!
LOVE this blog post! Cannot wait for the next book! You make me homesick for the UK, its already 8 years since my last visit, and over 25 years now since I lived over there (for 18 years).
Every time I open your blog I Read a magical little story. And I love every one of them!
Another great blog! Always enjoy reading about Scotland. My brother lives in North Berwick . His son got his doctorate in Astro – Physics at St Andrews about 10 years ago. And it has been a while since I was last there.
Sun streaming through the window as I read this delightful post. I am heart broken about Lord M and so impressed with young Victoria. Hope your day is as happy and bright as you have made mine.
Ordering the Spring cup now. Can’t wait for the Summer cup so I can have a complete set! Thank you for being you.
I think of you every time I see the Peter Rabbit preview. Have you seen it yet? Looks funny.
As always totally enjoy the travels you share with us. Just wish I was there. Thanks so much!!!!
Another wonderful post Susan!
I love following you around 🙂 You are not only so much fun, so darling and sweet but you are so interesting! I learn something every time I read anything you share. I always feel good when I’ve been near you 🙂
Love to you and darling Joe!!
Debby
Thank you for this bright ray of sunshine in the midst of an ill and rather dreary winter! Arm chair traveling is a lovely way to travel, and you always do such a lovely job as the tour guide, with your bright and gentle prose! Now I’m off to sign up for the Willard, since for some reason I haven’t done that yet, and I feel like I should give myself a treat! Thank you again!
Hi Susan. I received three of your cups last week that I pre-ordered months ago and am enjoying my tea in the Valentine one. The other two are gifts for girlfriends. Have a safe and wonderful trip.
You’re a good friend Judy. xoxo
Thank you, Susan. xoxoxo
Hi again Susan and all your lovers of all things English. My husband and I have discovered Acorn TV. It’s an add on to your Amazon Prime subscription and I think it costs around $7.00 a month. It’s packed with loads of British and Australian TV series and movies and we love it. In case you didn’t know about it check it out.
Cheerio!
Beverlee
Susan, another great posting! Thanks for sharing your wonderful trips and photos with us….really enjoy them. I hope to visit UK someday soon. Boy, very generous with your two upcoming Spring giveaways! Thanks for the opportunity!
It must be dreary from coast to coast! or at least in Western Washington and on Martha’s Vineyard. 🙂 Thank you so much for being a ray of sunshine with your tales of Scotland. Seeing the Firth of Forth on a map make laugh every time I see it. I took the virtual tour of the Queen Victoria. What a time you will have crossing in such luxury. So happy you are taking us with you! I just reread A Fine Romance for the 4th time and gave another copy to a favored friend. It is the best! So while the rain continues to fall and the wind blows away I will revisit the blogs from that trip. Wish there was a way to publish all your blogs in book form. It would be another best seller! Thank you for sharing so much of you! It truly is a blessing.
Isn’t it pretty? And smaller than the Queen Mary, which I like too. I hope there are spaces just meant for reading! And drinking Pear Cider!
Always a pleasure and a delightful escape to read your blog!
Love taking a trip with you this morning from Southern California!
Hi Susan
Scotland looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing the stories and pictures.
Love the new mugs!
Winter drags on in Chicago. But we are soon taking a break and heading to Sanibel FL. It’s not your beloved island but it is small and people friendly.
Be well-😘
And WARM!
Losing Dash and Lord M at the same time was really unfair – poor girl. That castle looks magical – what a lovely place.
Thank you for taking us away with a trip to Scotland in the middle of a snowy winter. It was heaven!
Both my mom and I love your blog and your books. Your work is so multi-generational and beautiful. I feel like I am going on adventures with you. I am watching Downton Abbey for the first time ever and this month’s visit to Stravithie Castle and the interior gave me a bit of feeling of the show I am soooo enjoying 🙂
So glad Jenny, you’ll love it more and more as you go along. And then make sure to watch The Crown!
I can hardly wait for your post! I check anxiously each time in hope their is one sweetly waiting. It’s amazing how many of us relate and are touched by your posts.
Funny I was just talking with a friend who wanted me to join her on a cruise to Mexico and I told her if I could go anywhere I would love to travel through Scotland and England!! My father’s ancestors I believe were deported immediately after the Jacobite war. Wouldn’t be thrilling to find long lost family members and all the resemblances!
My daughter orders your calendars every year for me at Christmas. This year they did not show.
I cannot tell you how impressed she was with the kindness of your staff when she called to let them inquire about the order and they were happy to resend. However, when my packaged arrived 2 weeks after Christmas, it was sliced open at the top and only the desk calendar was there. My heart dropped, and I called our local post office who stated I had to wait 14 days to file a claim. We are not sure how it happened but almost 2 weeks later the other calendars arrived at her home address. Yippeee no matter how it happened I have my calendars and flip through them over and over. My home in rural VA and now TN are so similar to scenes you paint.
Thank you for sharing with us. I must say I can hardly wait for your next book on Scotland!!
Pfew, for a moment I thought you had some sort of calendar nut hiding at your PO! Glad you got them, however it happened!
Oh my goodness! I didn’t know Victoria came back! I missed it! Ugh!
Beautiful! Magical! Someday maybe I can travel!
Great post! What a fun trip to go on; maybe someday. Thanks for sharing!
Sorry, I looked back and saw so many typing errors “their for there” and left out the word it. Wouldn’t “it” be. Oh well LOL I think faster than I type and rushing to start supper for my dear hubby leaving for work.
How DID you find this wonderful castle?! — with private dining kitchen. So special! Thank you for all of the fun and love you share. The “Fine Romance” books took me back to those similar days of my youth (it WAS just yesterday, wasn’t it?) Loved Loved LOVED them xoxo
I know! What are the chances . . . Elizabeth found it online. That’s all I know! Except for of course, NOW I have their email address and website!
Loved your tales of traveling through England and Scotland. We lived in Scotland a few years ago and it brought back lovely memories.
Would love to see Scotland, but sharing in your trip was almost as good as the real thing!
Thanks for such a lovely post– sitting home with the flu– cats crawling over the bed– a wonderful day for a trip to Scotland!
Wow! What a wonderful gift in the middle of our gray and dreary weather! How beautiful and uplifting! I am definitely putting the UK on my must see list! Thank you for the wonderful and lovely post and pictures!!
Wow! Now I want to go to Scotland. I’m loving Victoria too and right on the heels of my finishing the 2nd season of the Crown. I have two little children and my husband is not interested in my British adventures so I have to watch them as I can squeeze them in. But I savor them! Anyway, great post. I hope Vanna picks me for the Spring cup.
Thank you, Susan, for how you nourish me! Your words, both your own tales and selected quotes, your lovely drawings and even recipes! I’m making your lemon butter cookie recipe from A Fine Romance for a girlfriends’ reunion this coming weekend. I’m happily awaiting my first Willard!
Susan,
I love the way you put descriptions and feelings together with your photos – it lets me travel with you. Thanks you for sharing
Fancy having a kitchen in your rooms at the castle! I love that idea, especially with the table set by the window. Sigh!
Hi Susan,
Thank you for taking me to Scotland today. It’s dreary in Connecticut, but you always find a way (or several) to bring light and smiles into my day. You make all the difference!
Thank you! Love,Valerie
Thanks Susan for the trip to Scotland! I would love to see in person someday.
The Scottish Castle looks amazing! And the Church cemetery reminds
me of the BBC Father Brown series! Looking forward to receiving my Willard!
Thanks for another Fine Blog! 😍 So looking forward to SPRING🐣🌷🌺🍄
The castle is enchanting. Maybe I will get to visit one day. Your giveaways are always great!
Love Jack in the drawer. Would love to win the mug 🙂
What a lovely post and so nice to get away while sitting still! I hope to get to Scotland someday, soon – lots of ancestors on both sides of the family. Thank you so much, Susan and Jack – that drawer looks mighty comfy!
I would love to give that “Home Sweet Home” pillow to my darling granddaughter who is setting up housekeeping for the first time in her life. I think it would provide the reassurance she needs that “I can do this!”
Finding a new blog post is like a ray of sunshine! Thank you for your sharing your thoughts and photos.
Looking forward to following your upcoming adventure!
Count me in! I loved this post….. one of my faves! I want to stay in a castle like that!
🏰. Thank you Susan for taking us on another special guided tour of another beautiful place. So happy you share your amazing adventures with us all. God bless you. Sarah
What a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing. Love every moment of it. So pretty.
Hugs from Lina
Can’t wait for your trip! Not sure I could handle being away from home that long, but I sure hope you enjoy every moment of it. What a dream come true! Love ya, Susan Branch. 💕
Thanks for taking me along to the castle! Your Jack is such a hoot… He’s my favorite part of your posts! :))
A castle!
I do so love armchair traveling with you! Thank you for the beautiful post. 🙂
What a wonderful tour! Felt like I was there! I the new cups – love!
Susan,
Your blog is a ray of sunshine, whatever the weather. I am in awe of your many talents and beyond grateful that you are so generous to share them with the world.
You are an inspiration!
Thank you, Susan – such a lovely trip to Scotland!
Please enter my name. I have your first book, bought when it first came out. I have given your Christmas book to my daughter when she married, then had to hunt high & low to find a copy for my dearest daughter-in-law. A MUST HAVE for a happy home. My path has taken me to a place of peace and tranquility, I’m happy you came with me. Many thanks to you for sharing your life & love all these years.
Makes me so happy to hear that! It’s been fun Cindy!
What a treat, the post now and the trip to come!
I’m so envious of your upcoming trip. My DNA test says I’m 64% a mix of English, Scotch and Welsh. And I always thought it would be German.
We’re waiting for ours right now. I can’t wait to see. We had people come from England and Ireland on the first boats, both on my mom and my dad’s side, but that was a long time ago, and our ancestors came HERE, to the melting pot, I think I must be 2% of everything on earth by now!
Under the weather today , but this has perked me up! Thanks for the beauty. I follow Victoria so it is wonderful to share emotions with you.
Your post is the ideal and perfect (is that redundant?) antidote to the flu. For a lovely little while the sniffling and sneezing took 2nd place to the beauty of your photos and the whimsy of your text. Bliss. Brief, but appreciated!
Have you ever read “The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter” by Susan Wittig Albert? There are 8 charming books in the series and they are loosely based on facts from Beatrix Potter’s life during the time 1905-1913. I recommend them!
Thanks for the chance to win in these two give-aways.
Hugs!
I read the first one! But never got any further . . . something to look forward to!
I so enjoy your posts 😘
What a great place to stay – & not too difficult to get to from England! I am enjoying my Autumn cup & would love to win one of these. Thank you for the opportunity. I am hoping to meet you in May.
And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England’s mountains green!
Safe travels!
How much I adore that song! . . .And did the Contenance Divine . . .🎵
Oh my what a beautiful castle. So lovely! Looking foreword to your next adventures on the blog and very excited for you and Joe. I love how you and Joe prepare for a trip. That is exactly how it should be done. I definitely will be taking tips from you when my husband and I go on our next trip this summer. Happy travels Susan and Joe.
We spent last evening on the sofa, reading our itinerary out loud, figuring out last reservations, and reserving tables for Sunday Roasts. We are SO excited. Thank you Debbie!
Oh that sounds heavenly…don’t you just feel like a little kid again when you use to go on trips. Like you are going to bust.
I am so glad they still print maps. I still go to AAA and and bring them home and open them up and plan out our route. It is soooo much fun. Now if I can only get my hubby to stop using GPS here in the states while traveling. Lol. Different story I know in Europe. We are planning on going to Italy in Spring of 2019. It’s a little overwhelming because there is so much to see and oh my where to stAy. Do you and Joe make all your arrangements or do you have help from a travel agent. Thank goodness for the internet and pictures.
Yes, we do it all from the internet. Best way is to ask your friends, because a good word of mouth is the best!
What a find! Oh the sheer delight of going abroad and landing on magic♥I had that..last Sept and we are going again..this place is beautiful..some of the carvings on the buffet are so similar to some pieces we have♥How lovely everything is still in the family:)
I am sorry the trip was around the time you lost your beloved dad Susan..
Your Little Spring mug:) Reminds me of the Mother’s Day crown you so generously shared..♥So sweet.
He left this world in May, and it was already the fall when we were there, but I’d been so busy that year, I hadn’t really had time to just BE with it. My opportunity came on this trip. I’m glad we had the time.
Oh how beautiful to see the rest of the world! For now, I can dream through your blog. Thank you!
Hi Susan the stone you found may have been left by someone practising witchcraft, 93 means WILL and Love it is the sign for the pagan Thelema religion founded by Alistair Crowley. Church grounds were often pagan sites originally and churches were built over them, your stone was someone claiming their right to be there. I dont know a vast amount but my mother was pagan and so I recognised the stone. Hope that clears up your mystery. Not everyone considers Alistair Crowley to be a goodie by the way. Glad you left the stone behind. Oh how I would love a little mug and it wouldn’t need to travel far as I am in the UK where they are being made!
I love all the lore . . . thank you Betty!
Safe travels and lots of love and fun!
Thank you again, Susan, for the transport to another magical land. Scotland is on our to-do list…I’m married to a Welshman who’s never been, and we are planning a trip back to the UK in the fall to freshen up his accent. It’s what I fell in love with first, but not last! Your armchair tours are always a balm to the soul of an anglophile.
What a PERFECT reason to go. What’s New Pussycat?? 😁 Those Welsh boys do have something!
I feel as if I have been on a journey with you! I so look forward to hearing about your adventures and what Jack is up to. Thank you.
thanks for the trip thru Scotland The castle was a treat and loved the pictures of Jack. Have two cute cats called Malone and Ginger who curl up next to my computer when I see your blog..
Yea, the Love of My Life was of Scottish Heritage – a McIntosh!
Would love to go….
Would love even more winning the drawing for the adorable Spring Lambs Mug
and Home Sweet Home….yes, please enter me and drawn me – Pretty please with sugar on top!
Would almost make up for Fairy Tale Girl I lost in our fire – boo hoo
XO Sandra
Oh no. I pray that you will get everything back up and running soon! Dream of the ultimate Spring cleaning!
Hugs,
Margot
Please take me with you. Have A jolly good time. Suzanne
What a great way to spend a cold evening, traveling through Scotland with you, Joe, and your friends. I can’t imagine how it must feel to spend some time in a castle. That was so gorgeous. I love the kitchen with the blue and white dishes all set for your breakfast. And the view from the window was breathtaking. I can’t wait to see what your next adventure holds for us. Reading your posts is like coming home. Happy travels!
I always look forward to your posts. What a fun little trip today – right from my arm chair! Thank you for a sweet getaway on a cold dreary day 🙂
Can’t wait to arm chair travel to Ireland always wanted to go there! Bought the winter cup am so loving it right now it’s on my windowsill above my sink and it clearly glows in the setting sun! Absolutely beautiful!
THANK YOU!!!!
“My parents gave it to me!” We should all stop a moment and consider the wonderful things in our own lives that we could answer thus! I stopped reading the post at that sentence and looked around my lovely, if crowded, rooms, so full of bits of family heirloom-ish treasures. But when I spied my reflection in a mirror on the shelf, I smiled and nodded. “My parents gave that to me!”
Safe travels, thank you for taking us along.
Different world over here, log cabins, covered wagons, and such. What they gave us lucky ones was joie de vivre!
Hi Susan,
I loved the little kitchen in the castle. I have read that many of these very large castle like estates are opening up their homes for B&Bs and/or tours to help with the cost of keeping up with the costs. Splendid idea. It’s a win win!
I loved this trip to Scotland. Love the pictures of Jack.