Happy New Year and weird photo to share

Elaine Davidson and myself in Edinburgh Scotland this past summer. I always meant to post this photo and never did. I have others that I meant to share of my visit and will most likely have them up soon too. This was one of the most bizarre, so I'm kicking it off with this one first. Wonder what 2010 will bring for everyone? I hope it is kind to you!

December will go by too fast too...

OK, so November came and went (meaning I turned a year older) and December is well under way. So much for posting again sooner next time, hah! Just heard that my son, DIL and granddaughter could possibly be relocating from Scotland back to Texas. Anxiously anticipating that news! We've had really cold weather the past few days and nights. Our weekend should warm up hopefully. I sound like I'm writing a boring letter to someone here, but it's all I could think of to post about for now. Oh, and its like 3:30am and I have no idea why I woke up, but it seemed like a decent time to blog for a change. Hope everyone has a wonderful CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR!

Later...

August, September...

Oops, where did August go? And here it is over a week into September already! I have no excuses for not blogging except that my time was required elsewhere. Hmmm, that's true to a certain extent but then again, I've had time to check Facebook on numerous occasions. I've tried to whittle down places online that I visit but some are more addictive than others as most of you know. We've been doing some upgrades to our home and spending more time outdoors. Mostly because of the new Harley that we bought. I realized how nice it really is to get out on the open road and feel the wind in your face and the sun on your skin. We aren't the type to ride with a group (yet) or attend ralleys.....but I think that might happen soon. We'll see.

My youngest grandchild is turning 1 year old tomorrow and I wish she were here so I could give her a big hug. Her and my son and DIL are in Glasgow Scotland which is too far away for a birthday visit this time. I hope she has a special day with Mommy and Daddy!

Texas is Hot!

We're back from bonnie Scotland. One of the most bittersweet departures, leaving part of my family, yet going home to more family. A beautiful, memorable and amazing journey was had by all. I believe that this time it was made more exciting by being able to see the looks on my daughter's and parents' faces as we explored Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Port of Glasgow/Greenock, the Highlands, including Glencoe, Pichlochry, the 3 Sisters (SPECTACULAR), Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, and more. And did we find Nessie? Why yes we did! We were able to take a short cruise on the black Loch and see the whole water mass with the aid of sonar and GPS, along with funny and interesting tales from our tour guide who had the look of a pirate to me. Aside from awesome countryside and architecture, Victorian cemeteries and churches, we visited my son, daughter in law and granddaughter. Being able to stay in their nice flat made it totally wonderful. They were the bests hosts available in the world. Photos to be posted soon!

Summertime Travel Plans

It is official. I am returning to Scotland on July 2nd! My youngest daughter will be flying over with me and also my Mom and Dad. It will be their first time to visit. We plan on all the sites of Glasgow and most of Edinburgh too. Hopefully we will also tour the Highlands this time, which I'd never been able to do yet. And......London might be a possibility too, who knows! Ask me if we are excited?

Texas Scottish Festival is Coming!

Texas Scottish Festival

Sounds like a day of fun to me!

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday and to Christians everywhere it is the anniversay of Christ's death on the cross.  This leads to Easter Sunday in a couple of days, when we celebrate His resurrection. I don't know about you, but to me this is even more important than Christmas when we celebrate His birth. I won't preach on this subject but wanted to recognize it here on my blog and also post some photos of crosses that I collected from Scotland this past year. It seems like an appropriate time to present them. Most of them are Celtic varieties and they are all photographed within the Glasgow Necropolis Cemetery. The Necropolis is an ancient, eerily beautiful Victorian burial ground. This place became a popular tourist attraction since it opened in 1833. I found myself walking to it at least 3 times when I was there last year. Mostly because it is so big and also to get the best photos at various times of the day. They say at least 50,000 Glaswegians are buried there in 3,500 tombs and mausoleums. If you go to see the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral, you can get to it from The Bridge of Sighs, also very beautiful sights to see. The cemetery is actually a hill starting with the wealthiest people at the top down to the common people down at the bottom. Seems snobby? That's how it was done. I recommend not missing this if you are ever in Glasgow!

I don't normally pose in cemeteries, but did here to show how large these monuments actually are. There are many more that are even taller. I was awe struck to see this in its entirety. Some might find a place like this strange, spooky or weird, but it was serene and beautiful for me.

Stuart Cassells of Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Stuart Cassells
Originally uploaded by chillipiper

I found this on flickr looking for some things and saw this. I am the one with the pink sleeves to the left holding my camera. Just thought it was interesting that someone took a photo of the RHCP while I was also taking a photo of them too! If you'll click on the photo, it'll take you over to flickr and you can see all of the sizes. Kinda makes it easier to see me too, haha. Choose the largest one cuz I'm only a small side view at best.

Ink

I'm still me, just more decorated!

Back in the saddle again

Yep, I'm back home in Texas. Been here since November 4th and too busy to post. Things are cooling off here quite a bit and sort of match the weather in Glasgow right before I left, but now the people drive on the right side of the road and talk ever stranger *wink*. I miss lil 'P and my son and DIL, but am glad to be back. Scotland is so beautiful and I'll never forget the sights and smells and sounds I was able to experience! I've so many photos that it's hard to choose which ones I'll show off, but I'm sure in the coming days there will be some for those that want to check back. Thinking of Thanksgiving and Christmas delights right now. It'll be nice to try and gather around family members and get even more photos!! For now, I wish everyone who visits my random blog a wonderful holiday season and peaceful remainder of the year 2008! God Bless everyone,
-greenie

Video as Promised

Ladies and Gents, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers!

Red Hot Chilli Peppers Rock Argyle Street!

Red Hot Chilli Pipers BLAST Live DVD and CD Release at HMV store on Argyle Street, Glasgow Scotland! Recorded at The Old Fruitmarket

Me and one half of the band

Me and the other half of the band!

Had a unique time today was able to go to their DVD/ CD release "BLAST LIVE" today at the HMV store. These guys are so entertaining in person too, very cheerful, friendly and funny. I have a photo posted above here of myself and the band in 2 sections at their autograph signing. There were so many of them (8) and the body guard looking chap was very happy to snap the photo for me.
I recorded 3 videos of their street performance and love them all. Some tunes they did were: Flower of Scotland, Hey Jude, We Will Rock You, Smoke on the Water, Eye of the Tiger and bits of others that I'm really not sure of their titles. These guys don't just stand there and play. They jump around and act silly, get into the moment and entertain constantly. I could be their spokesperson eh? Anyhow, it was a fun evening and a great bagrock concert that I won't forget!

You can read more about this new style of bagrock music created by these guys here: Red Hot Chilli Pipers

I have video of this to be posted soon if anyone is curious......come check back in a day or so!
-Sharon in Glasgow, soon to return to Texas

Glasgow Cathedral Service

Sunday morning service at Glasgow Cathedral was very beautiful. They had a service dedicated to Seafarers and there were servicemen and women in full dress uniform from the HMS Neptune as well as veterans, fishing fleets and their families. The Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and the Merchant Navy representatives were all there as well as children in uniforms too. While I am not of the Catholic religion, the experience was still appreciated. The music was quite lovely with the echoing pipe organ and gorgeous choir they had. Sitting there surrounded in ancient history and massive stained glass windows was just so awesome! The first lesson was from Psalm 107:23-31. Hymns sung were mostly ones that had to do with being a pilgrim, the sea and things pertaining to storms and God's mightiful power. You can click on each photo and see more detail.

Clanadonia Live!

Who I saw today!
The free entertainment is overwhelming!!
Of course, I had to have their CD
and they were nice enough to sign it.
Here is Clanadonia's website.
Warning: With 5 drummers and only one piper,
they are VERY LOUD, so ya might just
hafta turn down your volume.


I also got up early, took the subway to Queen Street and took a short walk over to The Barras Market, another side of town. There is a big ol' flea market there with tons of things to look at, buy and stare at! You can read more about it here: The Barras
Your usual fish and chips, scottish meat pies, haggis, other oddly smelling items are all there. This is a true Glaswegian seller's market and the conversations alone are worth the visit. (if you can understand them) There are also bootleg sellers and sometimes they get raided, but none of that happened on my visit. I read that you can find almost anything from an anchor to a needle here and I believe it. The antiques, jewelry, clothing, baby stuff, and sweets are what I liked. I didn't dare take too many photos cuz some of these folks just have this look about them and I'd be afraid to tangle with some of them! But I did snap a few from a distance. Funny, I had a fortune teller come up to me and start telling me all about myself. She new I was a foreigner and took advantage of that saying all these things and would I buy a charm from her? I turned her down and she really didn't like that, but heck I never asked to have my future read in the first place, LOL. I guess that's how she takes advantage of some, but not me. Anyhow, it made for an ineresting day and tomorrow I'm goin to the Glasgow Cathedral services to hear their majestic pipe organ music. More later...

We Will We Will Rock You

Same group of musicians in my previous post 3 days later, same spot performing Queen's big hit We Will Rock You! Notice where the big bass drum player kneels down for the small child to try and bang out a few beats....he seemed to be very timid. Was quite funny to watch.

Pipe and Drum Music from Glasgow Video!

While walking down Buchanan Street near the intersection of Argyle, I came upon this talented trio of kilted young men playing the most amazing music and I quickly switched my digital camera to video mode. It's definitely what one might expect or think of whilst in Scotland for sure. Here are the results. They are quite fun to listen to and look at as well ;-)
Enjoy!

Tiny Clothes

Here is a little preemie gown that I sewed for my granddaughter yesterday. I prewashed some super soft flannel and found a freebie pattern on the internet. The sizing says it is for 2 to 3 pound preemies, so this should be just right. It also shows me just how tiny she really is without even seeing her in person, gosh! I gave it french seams so it won't rub her delicate skin and it has teeny plastic snap closures instead of Velcro that could be irritating or ties that probably would come undone too easily. It is open enough at the bottom for diaper changes, yet soft and warm enough to keep her covered and extra CUTE! My love for the color purple, lavender or anything in that group took me over again, haha. The little drawstring bag was an afterthought with no pattern used, just a freehanded sketch and stitch quickie that the gown fits in nicely or it could be used for the little bear that I also made for her below...

And to add to all this "purple haze", I found an absolutely darling little cotton knitted hat meant to look like a wee blueberry, complete with a green stem! It is also a preemie size and has a roll up bottom so it can be sized just right for her tiny lil' noggin. I just LOVE it. You can find the maker here on Etsy, my new favorite place to shop for handmades. Her shop name and id is My Little Minky.Anyway, looks like I'm on my way to brainwashing another female in the family into loving the color purple huh? I just can't help myself. Call me silly, I don't care! I dream in purple.
the end
TTYL...................

SHE'S HERE!!!!!

I am happy to announce that my fifth grandbaby was born yesterday! She's a 911 baby literally and was born emergency c-section due to complications, but I am relieved and happy to say that both Mom and lil' peanut are doing well. She was a whopping 3lbs 5oz and amazingly strong and healthy looking for a preemie. What a blessing! I have to say that yesterday was a test of nerves and faith for me. God is good and I firmly believe that through the prayers of family and friends everything went as smoothly as it did. My visit to Scotland will be earlier that we thought, but hey I'm totally up for that! Wish me luck and please keep this new family in your prayers if you would. OK, so I'm off to pack for my journey! Updates to follow...
~greenie

Labor Day

Hi, hope everyone that reads this had a nice Labor Day weekend! Ours was not planned out as far as celebrating or traveling. We just took it easy and enjoyed being around family. I did cook some steak and chicken on the grill outside and that was mighty tasty! We've been having an influx of evacuees here in the local area from the states that were ordered to leave because of Hurricane Gustav. I'm hopeful that it will pass soon and everyone can get back to their homes without too much damage. The first week back to school went smoothly for the kids and they've gone back today for week 2. Football season is coming on strong here in Texas and although I don't get "into" it as much as a lot of folks, it is still a reminder of the change in seasons and that's the part I look forward to. Our son plays for his High School team and no doubt I'll be at most of those games.
My tattoo is healed already, wow can't believe how quickly that came about. Touch ups if needed will be done in about 2 weeks. They say you will probably need a little something in most cases with color and when it's on the foot area, so......no problem.
Looks like I'll be flying over to Glasgow, Scotland again in less than two months. My time over there this time will be a lot longer (YAY!!!) and my hopes are that I'll actually be a help for my son and daughter in law and the new granddaughter. It is very exciting knowing I can help out and take a vacation all in one, how blessed and lucky can a person be?
How do you like the new feel of my blog? I stumbled Chelsea who makes free backgrounds on her own blog called Aqua Poppy Designs and had to try one out. This one caught my eye because of the colors. I intend to update my blog header logo soon too. I realized how bad it looked to me because it still said Happy Spring, oops! Here it is at the beginning of Fall weather already, yikes I missed the whole Summer even, LOL. I'll post again ASAP, have a great week everyone!
-Sharon

Fresh Ink!

~~I DID IT~~

Wow, what an experience and I LOVE how it turned out!

No, I haven't lost my mind, I'm just enjoying life and this was a well thought out event and not just a moment :) This "artwork" was done to celebrate my 50th birthday, although early. It represents my fifth grandchild who will be born this year in Scotland, hence the 5 flowers. The blooms are thistles, which are the National Flower of Scotland. They happen to also be my favorite color. The vine is shaped into the letter "S", which is the first letter of my name and Scotland too!
I did a lot of research picking out just the right artist to do this and the whole concept of what I actually wanted and why. I don't regret it and am quite proud of how it turned out. It is on my right outside ankle and even DH says it turned out great. (He is not into tattoos at all.)