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! 
I love your stories, your pictures, and your adorable cat. Thank you for sharing these special times in your life with us. Looking forward to the next Willard.
Thanks for sharing your memories
Thank you, Susan, for another delightful post and a chance to win!
Thank you for sharing your adventures and love the new cups! Looking forward to all the stories to come on all your adventure in England.
What a wonderful way to spend part of a dreary day here in Indiana! Thank you for being a delightful hostess on our little wander !
Thank you again for a wonderful Letter…journey in Scotland.what an amazing castle…loved the bedroom and the kitchen too…we do certainly have some treasures just as you do in the States….
Bless you for taking time to cheer us and inspire us in January..I love seeing your paintbox knowing you are going to create something very special to share with us.
Blessings and thanks coming over the Pond..for all you do.
Sandrax
Always a pleasure when we get to visit on the internet. I love your stories and paintings. You’re the best Susan…thank you!
Watching weather channel. Stay dry. You are just what I needed after the coldest dreariest winter in kansas in a long time.
Thank you for sharing Scotland with us. I started to read this blog but then I realized it was time to order the next set of cups. So excited to get the Jack and Books cup as cats and books are my absolutely favorite things in the world. After ordering I was happy to head back to reading our blog. Thank you Susan!
My grandma was from Derby, so I feel attached to Britain! Thank you for sharing so beautifully.
My grandson is part Scottish, so would love to take him there. So thanks for this trip and the info on the castle. Will check it out. As always, love your entire blog. Freezing rain here in Maine today. Kind of dreary. You brightened it all up for me!!
What a fun adventure! Thanks for sharing it with us…I always think you take photos of the same things I would, which makes it even more fun to look at the! We just got whalloped with a big snowstorm yesterday so it was fun to look at all the green…
Teeny Tiny post———Thank you—-you made it a happy day while i was having my tea in a SB mug…….my tea tastes so much better in a china cup!
As usual, I love this post, starting with Jack-In-The-Drawer!! Love touring with you and I can hardly wait for the new adventure to begin 🙂
Yesterday I spent some time reading very old posts and comments. It was nostalgic and wonderful! I saw many Girlfriends that are still following, commenting, putting in their 2 cents and noticed that there are Girlfriends that have gone missing, and I truly do miss them. I laughed out loud at some comments, usually attributed to Blog Daddy Jack. I miss his hilarious commentaries, his wisdom, his caring. It was fun to see Girl again, and to watch Jack to grow from adorable kitten to the handsome “man” he is today! There were so many great moments during those 2 hours that I spent here in front of my computer, reminiscing. It was fun and uplifting.
Thanks to Susan and to all of you who brighten my days!
On to more adventures!!
Love to all,
♥Deb♥
HA! Dash!!! You crack me up!!!
I was just, not 5 minutes ago, telling Joe how much I miss reading everyone’s comments with my Dad. He loved to read them, then he’d call me and talk abut his favorites. Miss that!
Absolutely love your blog. It’s like we are there with you in the places you take us to. I also love Victoria but recorded it so will watch it tonight. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
Oh I would so love to visit Scotland but I am not married to a “travelin’ man” & hate to leave him home alone. (He is helpless in the kitchen. LOL) But I love reading your adventures & your Beatrice Potter figures.
My mother’s parents came to Montana from Scotland! She died in the flu outbreak of 1918 giving birth to my Uncle Earle Knapp. Mom’s younger brother. Want to go there aomeday!
All of my maternal grandmother’s ancestors came to Vermont from Scotland, so it’s a place I would love to visit someday. And to stay in that castle — what an amazing experience!😊
Loving all the pictures and your narrative! Can’t wait for the next post.
Diane in North Carolina
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful castle with us! Would love to stay there someday. Just beautiful!
Scotland is a wonderful place, as is staying in a castle.
Hi Susan! Thanks for sharing your loveliness with us. It’s such a pleasure to read here. Looking forward to my Willard. 😄
Scotland, a wonderful country! Love your words which remind me so much of my trip to Edinburgh and points north in Scotland.
Lovely post and lovely cups! Always enjoy anything you write or create!!
Thank so much for taking us along on your journeys.
I so enjoy your Blogs. They brighten my day. No one’s day is perfect but you make us believe it can be. Loved that you shared your adventure to Scotland with us. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you for the hygge post. In Norway it is koselig. Our Norwegian museum (the Vesterheim) has a whole room set up to promote koselig (kuhslee).
It has comfortable sofas and chairs, afghans, already started knitting waiting for you to add a row or 20 to, scandinavian murder mysteries (I’m hooked on them) scattered around to read and a TV that takes you on a train, boat or walking trip. They show 1 scandinavian movie a month (Wallander, or is it Wallender), is up for February, have cake and coffee on Wednesdays and have board game nights too. Another wonderful thing to see and experience in Decorah.
The eagles are getting ready to nest sit – tune in.
We are comfy and cozy here in our little crater in Decorah. I wish everywhere in the United States it was the same. I want to thank Pat’s son who has been working so hard in Santa Barbara with the mudslides. I know it is his job, but he and all the other responders are courage personified.
Thanks also, Susan, for the lovely trip through Scotland. I do so wish that we in America could slow down and appreciate the beauty around us and live “love is the law”. Here in Decorah, because we are surrounded by bluffs, waterfalls and the most beautiful shades of green in the summer and gorgeous fall colors we are some of the lucky ones, although you can find beauty everywhere if you just open your eyes and your heart. We also have a river (the upper Iowa) running through our town. I have 2 movies running through my mind – “The River Runs Through It” and “The Armchair Tourist” (I hope that’s the right title). I feel that I am an armchair tourist. You take us all on such journeys of the heart. I hope that, after my knee surgery in April I will be able to see Great Britain for myself, but if that never happens, you will be my eyes.
The soon to be new mugs are wonderful, I can’t wait to hold them in my hands and have some coffee or tea.
Much love to you, Joe and Jack from Sam and I.
I loved the tour! Can’t wait to get there one day. You must be so excited for your trip, counting down the weeks! Raining here in Vermont too and Im sitting in front of the fire with my dog (marleygirl) while reading about your adventure. Love it. Looking forward to reading willard with a hot cup of tea. Have a luv lee week 🙂
Love following you on your adventures in Scotland. Also love your cups! I hope to collect them all!!
My heart melted when I read you had been along the Fife coast! Did you go down into the lovely fishing village of Pittenweem? I hope so…it is a delight. Years since we were in Scotland, so you made my heart very glad to remember old friends and this beautiful coast on this wet snowy Nova Scotia day. Love and thankyou, for sharing your journey. Brenda
We did! So charming!
Susan, Thank you for another wonderful giveaway. Scotland is a fairy land. Unicorns and druids. Love them all. Barb
Oh to be able to travel there and stay in a castle . Such a pretty place .
Thanks for sharing !
Beautiful post, I want to stay in that castle!!! And I want the mug!!!!
Love the posts, Susan! Please ALWAYS share with us.
Whose voice is that on the video of the three in from of Stavithie Castle?
Susan
I’m holding the camera and I think it’s only me and Elizabeth speaking. . .
When will u be in Ireland ?
April!
Oh, thank you for sharing. My experiences with castles in the British Isles were absolutely wonderful, though I only visited; I did not stay in one. Of course, each time I had an entourage of dozens of high school students from Dallas – and several adults who came along, as well. Staying in a castle would have been a bit of a challenge. Had we known an Elizabeth, perhaps we could have enjoyed that experience. After reading of your trip and experiencing it through your photographs, I feel that I have done so! We did love Scotland . . . our students were fascinated with the language!!! I was fascinated with the fellow who met us, a delightful older man dressed in his kilt. I was wearing an overcoat with a heavy lining, mittens, a hat, a scarf, earmuffs, and I was freezing!!! Those Scots are hardy folk!!!
I love the mugs. A friend gave me the one with the lambs on it because of love the sheep. Every time I go to England I come home with scads of pics of lambs. Love the mugs and the size is great.
Your posts are always wonderful. One day I will go to Scotland. My father’s family immigrated from Northern Scotland, settled in Quebec and then on to California. My son went to the Highlands and truly felt at home. I can’t wait to read Willard! Have a wonderful day.
Hi Susan,
What a fun post! The castle is magical and so is Scotland! We made it to Edinburgh a couple of years ago and loved it. It was such an amazing, historical, charming city. We combined it with a trip to the Lake District (thanks to your book) so it was an extra wonderful trip. We have been following in your Fine Romance footsteps and last July went to Kent and Sussex. Still dreaming of Sissinghurst. Thank you for your enthusiasm and inspiration. It spurred us on to three trips so far to England and Scotland. Can’t wait to return.
Thank you!!!!!!
Me too, will dream of Sissinghurst forever. Love Kent and Sussex! I’m so happy you’ve fallen in love with it!
Do you have Acorn TV?? I made a post about it today for everyone. It’s part of Amazon Prime and it is all Brisith TV and movies, with some Australian TV too.. I think it’s about $7.00 added on to a Amazon Prime Account. It’s a really nice addiction to PBS and has many things British Netflix doesn’t offer.. Check it out. 🙂
And thank you again for getting my focus on the things I love. Sometimes it’s hard to do lately.
Beverlee
Also.. we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast at Sissinghurst right on the property for three days. It was perfect. It was called Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse and was run by a wonderful women. Breakfast was heaven and the views were wonderful. The location and accommodations were perfect and we were able to visit the vegetable gardens and walk around the property when ever we wanted… Very near many of the other wonderful things on the Fine Romance tour.. We loved it.
I have no doubt! Heaven!
Yes I do! I’ve been telling everyone about A Place to Call Home! So good!
I was in Scotland 2 1/2 years ago, but went the other direction from Edinburgh. What a lovely tour you gave all of us. Thank you. Scotland is a wonderful place to visit.
Love seeing Scotland through your experiences. What a magical place!
Dear Susan,
Lovely memories and beautiful photographs; thank you for sharing. It is such a treat to get a new post. It is a cold, wet, foggy day in the PNW and I have to say I have had lots of time to cook since it is too nasty to be in the garden. I have made lots of “Mom Food” Mac and cheese, potatoes with sausage and stuffed peppers. The roast chicken is my go to now; I just wanted to share how much I really use your cookbooks.
Lots of Valentines in progress too.
I have had many laughs as my 12 year old corgi and I train our 13week old corgi puppy he is well acclimated to the rain.
Thanks Again,
Anne
Corgis!!!!! I love them so much!
I work in an office all day and having a chance to slip away to Scotland for a few minutes during lunch break is a special treat! Thank you!
Oh, I love these virtual trips and your charming word pictures (and real pictures!)
As usual, JUST when I needed it – up it pops in the inbox! A breath of fresh air and a wisp of a dream . . . your blog. Of course, I’d be thrilled and honored to win one of the prizes, especially the Spring cup and the “Home Sweet Home” pillow kit. Why that one, you ask? Because, this SPRING (MARCH) I will have a brand new HOME SWEET HOME. And it has amazing gardens and up on the hill, tucked out of sight, it has a large shed, with a chicken coop, and beehives and a fenced garden that will become my very own cutting/herb/kitchen garden. And I will finally fulfill my dream of having chickens! Fresh eggs for everyone! (Well, maybe just a few of the girlfriends – don’t want to expect too much from by hens). All of this comes with a new JOB! It means leaving all of my family and friends, however, so it is bittersweet. But, it’s my next great adventure and I’m over the moon! Happy rest of January, dear Susan!
It sounds WONDERFUL, Kathy, an adventure ~ chickens! . . . where is it?
It’s in Athens, Ohio. I am leaving my current job at Kent State University and moving to Ohio University for an exciting new opportunity!
I am so happy for you! Sounds very exciting. Have fun and good luck!
The castle is charming and magical. I recently read an article about the fact that cut glass, old china , etc. are no longer sought after items. The author of the article didn’t know me. I loved looking at every room and object associated with the castle. You and Joe are the luckiest people I know to have such wonderful trips, and I know, Susan, that you deserve it. Your time painting and designing is not idle work! Blessings for a safe journey!
Love these posts on Scotland! That’s where Rick wants to go and where his last name “Hay” is from! 🙂 I want to visit Ireland too since that’s where some of my people are from. I hope you will write a book on Scotland and Ireland to give us all the deets on where to go and what to see like A Fine Romance! So excited to travel with you in the Spring (virtually) but have friends actually going who will bring along a hug from me! xoxoxo
Lisa
Perfect Lisa, love a hug from you!
Hi Susan, I never heard about the Unicorn in relation to Scotland before! Love that! 🙂 Would like to stay in a castle in Scotland one day!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your adventures and memories. Takes me there. We (a church group and my daughter) stayed in a similar castle in Ireland. My daughter and I shared a room in what used to be stables that had been turned into cozy rooms…no kitchens or views but those who stayed in the castle had a bit more luxury and views to die for. It was kind of fun to walk out into a courtyard with cobble stones knowing the grooms and horses used to be there. Perfect trip and I would love to see Scotland!
Thanks for this post, Susan. Oh my goodness, that castle!!
Ohhh…now a trip to Scotland is on my wishlist!
What a lovely adventure you had! I enjoyed all the photos that gave me a vicarious adventure with you!
Hugs for all the beauty you bring into the world, Susan!
Patti
As seen in ‘Cider House Rules’, choose me, choose me:-)
Dee
May God keep you hearty and hale for many years to come because you are such good medicine for a weary soul, Susan.
I pray to God and continue to row toward shore, as the saying goes, and roll around the floor every day doing all the things I should do. Thank you Nina, that was so nice!
I am in love with all of your mugs!!!
Always LOVE the posts about England/Scotland/Wales. Magical places!
The pictures are so lovely! I’ve been to England and would love to see Scotland as well. So green and peaceful.
Dear Susan, I just finished reading Enchantress of Numbers, about Ada Lovelace and then she turns up in Victoria! Do you know if Beatrix Potter ever meet the queen? Debby
I don’t believe she did. And also she never left the UK. I find that surprising. No France even.
Susan, you make travel seem so much fun! Especially the armchair kind!
Thank you Susan- my dad was born in Motherwell Scotland. I’ve never been there, but felt as if I was there through your blog. Thank you for sharing with us.
What a beautiful place name, Motherwell. Who wouldn’t want to be born in such a pretty-sounding place.
What a great blog post. Would love to visit Scotland! Looking forward to receiving my Willard.
Enjoyed this visit to the castle a I just began reading Outlander. Surrounded by Scotland am I. Thank you for saving room for us on your field trip.
What a happy post about Scotland. Loved seeing the castle and the wonderful furniture and draperies. Nothing like English patterns to compliment a home. Your photos cheered me up after a foot of snow yesterday.
Smiles
Susan: To your ” Jack- In- The- Drawer” lots of hugs and kisses! Look forward
to seeing the cup of Jack. Also the travel photos were quite cozy! Reminds me of my
visit to buy the miniature thistle cut glass vases. Stay warm. 😃
Wonderful!!😺 (as always)
Thank you for the delightful trip to Scotland today! I love reading your travel stories so much. I really feel like I’m visiting all these wonderful places right along with you!
Oh my goodness! I just love your updates! Just like a continuation of your books, with such joy and comfort! Thank you! We stayed in the Norton House Castle when we visited Scotland and it was delightful as well! If we return, we will definitely stay here!
Visited Scotland in year 2000 and loved it. Thank you for the wonderful tour and for sharing part of your trip with us. I look forward to all your new posts from England this year.
Oh my heart is full! Love this post of Scotland and it’s magic! thank you for taking us with you! My last name, Heaslip, is as Scottish as it gets!
Is it a wee slip of the heather?
Due to poor health, I am unable to travel to all these beautiful places. However, the next best thing to experiencing first hand, is to travel with you through your blog and photographs. Thank you so much for sharing with us!I
Scotland looks incredible! Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us. I try creating a little English Countryside in my home by brewing some tea and listening to the music of yesteryear.
Loved hearing about your Scotland adventure. We had an amazing trip a few years ago. I adore Edinburgh too. My daughters are Scottish Highland Dancers so we attended a few Games too. Loved the countryside and the fabulous folks we met. Some of my friends are there now at Celtic Connections….listening to the best of Scottish Folk Music. Just a little jealous. 🙂
Your daughters!!!
Well done a small tour of Scotland.
Enjoyed the castle tour! Very lovely 😍
God bless all of the little magic-makers
God bless them one and all.💞
We are fans of Scotland in this house. But now we’re going to look up the Barbour jacket. Love learning new things. Thank you, Susan. Great travelogue!
Thanks for this lovely story, Susan. And you know, in just a few days it will be Robert Burns Night, the 25th of January. A good excuse to celebrate with a wee dram.
I would love to stay in a castle! It would be hard to go back to real life!!
You do it over and over again Sue–the Spring and Cottage Cups AND Mother’s Day are better than I could have imagined but I should know better by now. You are a magic maker! Now I want to go to Scotland too!
What a wonderful glance into a country I dream about visiting1
Thanks for the view of Scotland.
Enjoyed the castle tour. Lovely!
Loved your adventure in Scotland. I’ve not been there. Been to England a couple of times. I’m actually going to Sweden this summer. Oh, I love my winter mug.
Love taking your tours and seeing the “home comforts” in another country!
We are not travelers, homebodies for sure – – but love seeing your adventures, thanks for sharing.
Absolutely beautiful tour of gorgeous Scotland!
I just finished reading my second Gladys Taber book (“The Stillmeadow Road”). This book was even better than the first. It, too, was divided into the months of the year, and I found myself wishing there were way more than 12 months.
Through her books, Gladys Taber becomes a friend (exactly like Susan Branch).
All my loved ones have passed on and I live through the rich memories I shared with them.
She wrote that one Christmas three friends gave her the same exact book. This recalled a Christmas when my dad–the egg cook of the family–received three egg poachers (one he purchased, one from my mom and one from me). Remembering, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
There was a chapter called “Between Seasons” which dealt with Jill’s death. Reading Gladys Taber’s words of loss and grief hit home. Last April marked the tenth anniversary of my beloved husband’s passing. I was so touched by her pain that I wept buckets and couldn’t pick up the book again for several hours.
Besides sharing some recipes, she mentioned a book entitled “Quick and Easy Meals for Two” by Louella G. Shouer which is from the 1950’s (my favorite era of cooking). I discovered an inexpensive copy in excellent condition and have been having a ball cooking up these quick, simple meals.
Again, thank you so much for introducing me to Gladys Taber–and for all you do which brightens my life.
Thank you Marguerite, you are so kind. I’m so glad you’ve discovered Gladys Taber. She is so comforting and real of a time gone by. I’m happy to see you here, come often, stay long. xoxoxo
Lovely read! Thank you once again, Susan! Oxoxo
Thanks for the lovely description and photos of your stay at the castle. As my 9-year-old grandson would say, “I wish I could teleport myself there”. Thanks for the new Willard, as well as the new blog post and another chance to win. I’ll have to tell my friends that you drink Constant Comment – it’s one of our “tea-umvirate’s” favourites, too.
Susan, dear Susan,
How I look forward to your messages to all of us girlfriends. Thanks for brightening everyone’s life with your loving spirit and wonderful talent AND all those fun trips that you share.
Love to you, Joe and dear, dear Jack.
Fran
Thank you for sharing I am half Scottish and have never been. Have relatives there I have never met except thru email and would love to go. Thank you for a glimpse…
Shawn, you have to go. It will be home to you.
I loved reading this. Your writing makes me feel like I’m on the journey right with you. My husband and I are starting to plan a UK trip in 2019. I loved seeing this castle and added the website to my list of places to explore. Can’t wait to start planning in earnest.
I also loved Albert’s singing this week. Such a melancholy episode but also so sweet.
To get the most charming and wonderful of cottages to stay in, plan as far ahead as you can, because the good ones get scooped up even a year in advance.
I wish there was a store in south Florida that carried your products. I just love everything of yours…
Thank you for sharing your visit to Stravithie Castle….a lovely interlude to a cold winter day. Thanks also for the exciting giveaway chance!
LOVE THE CASTLE!!!!!!
Thank you, Susan, always a delight to read about your adventures!
I still wish I could ride in your pocket! Please pick me Vanna.
Fondly, Barbara Thomas
Hello Susan,
I just can’t wait to pop into your suitcase for the trip across the pond! Adventure awaits! 🙂
Kelly from PA
I loved this episode of your blog. I’m glad you love Scotland, England, and all such things as much as I do. It’s been seventeen years since I’ve been there–way too long, but I may never get back. You make it possible for me to experience what I love through your eyes. Thank you for that.
I would love to win in this drawing. Please, Vanna, select me!!!
😘
Oh! I love the castle. Looks ancient and mysterious but inside looks homey and comfy. Thanks for sharing with us.
Wow! What a wonderful place to stay!
Scotland has been my favorite place in the world since I was 15. Thanks for bringing back some of the memories.
Your kitties are much better behaved that min, she needs the entire desk,chair, and pad! Love England and Scotland, I was in England in 1999,did not want to return to the States.