Family and the new year

David, Me, Muriel and Gillian in the tropical Edinburgh evening

We got to Edinburgh and after a walk along Princes Street to our hotel we hit the shops. I txt David and he had his mum with him so met us for dinner at TGIF. Gillian was in town also so we met her and had a wonderful meal with lots of banter. Not the warmest of weathers but still not raining so that was great. Our hotel is slightly more budget than the Langham In London.

David and \stephanie in the officers ward room

New years eve we were taken to visit the Royal yacht Britannia which was fabulous. check out stephanie's blog for a great photo of us. the yacht must have been a fabulous place for the royal family to relax. not so much for the staff though.

 At Paitshill and all the lithgows real and married. Nice to see some things don't change.

My runner looks great on Heather's kitchen cabinet so I am pleased that she likes it. We did well Marilyn.
Hope that all have a great new year and happy birthday to neil.
Diane

Torchlight and Vikings

We spent the day exploring Edinburgh, starting with a walk up the royal mile to photo the castle and a decision to forgo the tour and have breakfast. Deacon Brodie's cafe was the stop for bacon rolls and the story of Deacon Brodie who designed the hanging machine that was used to kill him. Further down the royal mile and a walk around St Giles. This is a stunning church. Off then to the bus station to meet Stephanie's friend Isobel who came for lunch on a 50p bus ticket. We went for lunch at the Scottish gallery cafe again. It started raining so a cultural afternoon was called for with a walk around the National Gallery of Scotland. Once Isobel was put back on the bus to Aberdeen we went via the Dome Hotel, more shopping, afternoon tea and the hotel to get ready for the torchlight parade. This was really neat and we watched the Vikings head off towards the Mound followed by pipers and thousands of torch bearers. Met up with David and more walking to North Bridge to wait for the fireworks which were fun. The evening finished with the biggest fish suppers in our room and chocolate of course. Happy Hogmany everyone.

Diane