Scotland When It’s Sunny

The sun really does come out here (sometimes)!

When Matteo and I saw the sun twinkling in at us Sunday morning (last weekend) we leapt out of bed, pulled on some clothes and hiking boots, and ran to Arthur’s Seat across town. Below you can see Matteo running across the park by our flat, gleefully soaking up the sunshine:

Just look at Arthur’s Seat in the sun – lovely, gorgeous stuff, huh?

And then we remembered that usually when Scotland is so sunny in the autumn it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is warm. What it means is that it is windy enough to keep the clouds constantly moving so that the sun can peek out from time to time. And this wind means serious business. It’s the kind that makes your eyes water and cheeks feel like they are getting overly exfoliated. So we got a little grumpy and brooded a bit while the wind whipped around our ears:

But once we headed back home, safely off the wind-whipped Arthur’s seat, we could feel the sun’s warmth a bit better. We sat on a bench in our neighborhood park. Just above the buildings in the background, you can make out part of Arthur’s Seat:

Even after getting some nice sun on my face in the park, I was still a bit grumpy about being mauled by the wind. I’m still not 100% sold on too much hill walking just yet. In my mind weekends are still meant for cafe lunches, news papers, and thrifting!

If you aren’t quite sold on the thriting thing yet, let me show you what I found when Matt and I were looking for a little side table for his side of the bed:

What a cutie! His owner has this wonderful stall a little ways south of our house. It is full of rickety furniture and odds n inns. So full, in fact, we just heard whimpery puppy noises but couldn’t spot the pup for a few minutes. And then there he was, all bundled up in his rain jacket and fleece blankie.

Here is what we got, a wonderful child’s Bentwood chair:

I think this might be my favorite piece of furniture I’ve ever bought! Considering that Ikea is usually all I can afford, that is maybe not too surprising.

After our successful stop at the puppy stall, we needed nourishment. There are so many wonderful little cafes and bakeries in our neighborhood (I know, we are lucky ducks — apart from the homesickness, I could really get used to this place!):

We put our chair to use right away waiting for the bus:

That’s Matt in his element there below: well fed, well caffeinated, and with a newspaper in his lap:

Instead of a newspaper, I curled up with The Lady magazine when we got home. I think it’s geared toward middle aged ladies, but I love it! Upon wikipedia-ing it, I discovered it’s the longest running weekly in England. It’s quite proper and British and has wonderful book recommendations (has anyone ever read Barbara Pym?) and the requisite article on Catherine Middleton. A delight!

In between reads, there was more tea and belly-warming foods:

And that’s our weekend! Apart from my unexpectedly slowww transition (I’m afraid to say I’ve been grumpy even amongst the cafes and puppies and tea) to our new life, it has been really lovely. I hope you guys are having a wonderful weekend too!

—–

Dear Kitcath,

Don’t worry, I’ll save every single magazine that I buy here for your perusal when you come and stay in two months! I have to say that I enjoyed The Lady more than the British Vogues, Marie Claires, and Bazaars I’ve bought so far. Somehow all the fashion just looks exactly like what we have the states with just slight variation. Or maybe I’m just tired of fashiony mags (sacre bleu!)?

I’ll be on Skype later on tonight, so I hope we can chat! Sorry I was MIA yesterday. Miss you guys muchicismos!!!

Love,

Larbar

p.s. The lady that lives above us plays the piano- and it’s wonderful! She must have a book called “Soundtracks the AsianCajuns Love.” She is currently playing a song from “Emma” and she favors “Amelie.” I hope she plays while you guys are here this winter.