"PAWS" for Reflection: III

Greetings to my fans! I'm taking a moment in between my snoozes (which are mostly all taking place on my warm, highlands wool blanket these days - brrrrrrrrrr!) to update you on my activities in Scotland!

I have had some visitors, and they seemed to enjoy seeing my mom as well! My grandma has been, followed by my Aunt, and then a whole bunch came for my Thanksgiving celebration. 13 people gathered in the rented apartment, to look onto gorgeous St. Giles and partake in even more gorgeous food and drinks.

Here are some more pics from my Scottish adventures...

One of my many train rides - I'm a pro!

Having a blast on the beach with my Tia (Aunt)!

Playing with mom in my park, the Meadows. I've had many compliments on my pink coat!

Here I am giving some pumpkin carving lessons - these Brits have a thing to learn about Halloween! They have never even had toasted pumpkin seeds - Tragic!!

Asking Jack why I have the devil costume, think my angel must have been lost in the mail. Darn ebay!

Something wrong with this picture?! Musical beds with the cutest puppies!

I did a lot of snuggling with my Godmother Linda, while she enjoyed the bubbly - I'm so glad she could visit!!

I made myself useful on Thanksgiving by helping with the turkey. Naturally, I was compensated with many mouthfuls from different guests throughout the evening...

Soon, I will be heading back to the country for our Christmas celebration! I'm excited to see what this "hogmanay" Scottish New Year business is all about - needless to say, I'm hoping it involves some hogs, as I've been filled-up on fowl just recently!

Happy tails...
xxx Hunley

Wherrrrrrrrre has the time gone - Part IV: Our first holiday!

What do you do when you live in Europe, have a half-term break, and there is a Lad's birthday to celebrate??! Why, you head on holiday of course!!

In October, the Lad and I took our first vacay together. We flew to Bratislava, Slovakia, boated up the beautiful Danube to Vienna, and spent the Lad's birthday and the end of our adventure in Prague. What a wonderful time we had!

Vienna highlights included: The Lippizaner horses and practice session at the Spanish Riding School, a small wine bar that was popular with the locals, the Clock Museum (I love the designs and periods, he's a sucker for the engineering - perfect match of dork, eh?!), a truly unique, traditional Austrian dining experience of boiled meats and sides, and fabulous macaroons for the train ride.

Prague highlights: The lights on the bridges and buildings at night, a hunting lodge dinner to celebrate the Lad's special day, the amazing panoramic views from Petrin Hill, Prague Castle, wandering through the open air markets.

Please enjoy some photos from our trip to remember!!!

One of the Lad's favorite parts - our 50mph power boat ride up the Danube!

The historical Prater amusement park made for a great start to our getaway!

Vienna Opera house at night is breathtaking!

A very happy (and, since he finished his and mine, soon to be full!) Lad

MACAROONS, tre fantastic!

A special birthday dinner :)

Don't believe I've ever seen such beautiful fog!

Best view of the trip, from Petrin Hill

Found a Clemson cheerleader Barbie in the Toy Museum and couldn't help myself...

Prague's Old Town Square

One of my favorite parts - walking the town and bridges at night!

Wherrrrrrrrre has the time gone - Part III: Workin and Schoolin

Oh, right, I did come here for a Masters Degree program - almost forgot!! Just joking, but it did feel strange to leave my footloose summer behind me and begin my grownup life in Edinburgh!

I am studying Children and Young People's Mental Health and Psychological Practice... To put it more concisely, that is a mammoth name for Child Psychology. I will have two semesters of study, and then I will write my dissertation, finishing in October 2012. I'm reading A LOT, doing a lot of group work, presentations, even blogging for one of my courses - yes, it is assessed, and yes, I'm trying to be more consistent than with TB. haha. There is much to learn about child development, psychological interventions, and how it all relates to practitioners and the child mental health field. I could go on about things such as heightened cortisol levels in foster care infants who have faced adverse parenting situations, but I will spare you...

In the same week I began the course, I also started a job! I'm a nanny for two sweet girls (5 and 6), three days a week. I pick them up from their "primary" school and basically keep them from burning the house down. I'm just kidding, the worst they have tried is "flying" off the clothes dryer or locking themselves in the bathroom to form a "secret club" - !! We have fun at snack, with homework, and playing Polly Pockets. We finish with "tea," and that would be supper, not the caffeinated beverage, for young children, at 5 pm as I originally suspected (thankfully!). The things you learn when caring for wee ones!

Wish me luck as I move into the end of this first semester - many projects and papers to finish. Let's hope I make it past my first hurdles of this Masters Degree!

My FAVORITE photos = My FAVORITE photographer

My sweet, little sis has become quite a fine photographer!! She is very talented. Let me tell you, as much as she enjoys taking photos, I enjoy taking pictures of her taking photos just as much! The best is when I jusssssst catch it, and she turns around, grins and says, "I knew you were doing that!" Such a creeper :-)

My obsession began last summer, in the Scottish highlands, when I captured this jewel (think it is still my favorite!!)

Here are some new additions from our trip to Portugal. Enjoy!!!

By the way, this is her photo from the highlands - beauty!!

Wherrrrrrrrre has the time gone - Part II: Cooper girls do Edinburgh, again!

After our fabulous holiday in Portugal, Heather came to stay with me for a week, in Edinburgh. We also had our DC friend, Olivia, visiting. She is so fun and fit right into the "ginger club" here in Scotland - the Lad being the on the welcome-wagon team, of course! ;-)

We had a grand time bumming around my new city, visiting the ever popular St. Andrews, and completing a 7 mile coastal walk, from Gullane to North Berwick (2 of my favorites). You wouldn't believe how many seasons you can see in a 2 hour walk in Scotland... After we forged the weather, we luckily had a cozy pub and yummy fish and chips waiting. Hunley was very happy to join us for the walk - she was sniffing, hopping to and rolling in EVERYTHING. By the end, she was almost unrecognizable, and we were embarrassed to bring her on the trip back - yikes.

The girls were able to meet many friends and be introduced to some quintessential Great Britain, including: double-decked bus transport, curry takeaway, and 'Pimms and lemonade' (seeing a cocktail theme?!) - all with some shopping, dancing, and even karaoke thrown in!!!

No question who her father is...

Starting off on the walk!

Ohhhhhhhhh dear. This look is complete with fox poo in the collar - sick!

Hunley and I were sad to see them go. Hoping for more visitors soon... :)

Wherrrrrrrrre has the time gone - Part I: Ao Sol!!!

"In the sun!"

First, I want to make it clear that I never predicted that I would be good at this blogging business, and now we have a case of self-fulfilling prophecy on our hands! While I do enjoy sharing my experiences and Scottish life with y'all, I'm not the best at carving out my time and motivating myself to post. I am going to attempt to recap the past 2 months (yikes!) in a few posts, and then I will try to not get so behind again - early New Year's resolution?!

When I left you last, I was preparing for the first visit with my SISTER!!! There were some Visa renewal scares that attempted to postpone our reunion, but we ended up being able to meet as planned, for an end of summer vacay to Portugal! We spent 3 nights in a quaint, fishing village called Sesimbra. It is just south of Lisbon, and it has a gorgeous beach, fabulous seafood, and not much English (but we made it work!). We had a perfect, studio apartment and really loved living the good life for a bit!

We moved from our seaside oasis to the 'big city' of Lisbon. It is not really, that big, but very unique. There were some ominous undertones and visible signs of the time, but we enjoyed exploring more of Portugal. We experienced some great Caipirinhas (Brazilian cocktail that has luckily made it to the sister country!), tapas, pastries, music, etc. The two highlights for me were: 1) the complimentary wine tasting at Vin Portugal in the Praco do Comercio - very informative and great way to enjoy Portuguese wine and culture; and 2) the area of Belem - bit outside the busy, main city, on the water, great atmosphere!

Alas, our sunny getaway had to come to an end. However, from the Iberian peninsula, we traveled back to bonnie Scotland - stay tuned...

"PAWS" for Reflection: II

Ohhhhhhh my, have I been up to trouble! Here is a quick update on some of my activities in Scotland...

I'm very comfortable using the buses. I make plenty of  friends on my journeys, mostly children and grandparents!

On a few occasions, I've tried to break into the Queen's Palace at Holyrood. So, that's me, just waiting for my invitation to tea - I am a Princess, am I not?!


I'm sad tonight because my mom has been packing her bags for a place called Portugal, but she said that my Aunt Heather is coming back with her so that makes me a happy pup! I'll just be playing with the Lad and my friend Jack until then!!

Sloppy kisses, Her Royal Highness

The lad goes cycling!

And he's off!!!

The lad is on the annual Auld Alliance Cycle trip, which is a charity event benefiting several charities. The group of ~35 will cycle 60-70 miles a day, all the way to Paris!! There will be fanfare and official greetings in French towns along the way. For the grand finale, they will have a police escort up the Champs Elysees and a reception at the Arc du Triomphe!

This is 1/2 of the total crew as they left from the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday morning. Sorry for the bad blackberry shot! Few notes:  1) My good friend, Cathy, is on the far left - I know she is killing it! 2) The Chinese flag? Yeah, that was one of the cyclists who is Chinese. The photographers finally asked that it be removed for any reporting!! 3) The gentleman with the gold "necklace" is The Right Honorable George Grubb, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh. WOW, that is a mouthful!

You can follow the trip on a blog by "the Peddlers" - ed2paris.blogspot.com

Moments from "the Festival"

I'm glad to report that I have survived my first Fringe Festival in Edinburgh!

While Hunley and I are glad that the tourists are making their mass exodus, we very much enjoyed the energy and shows during this famous month of August. 


My mom was able to visit for a few days, which was a wonderful end to the festival! We spent some quality "grandmother-mother-daughter" time, ate wonderful food, and enjoyed this festival city to no end.  The comedians who left me craving more were: Hannibal Buress (writer from 30-rock) and The Boy With Tape On His Face (The lad treated to this silent comedy that had my mom and me in stitches!).


Below are images from the festival and fun!

Mom and I went to see the amazing Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Wonderful "piping" and international military bands, with a lit castle on-the-hill backdrop gave everyone in the stands goosebumps. There is an undeniable history and pride here!

I had the most amazing dessert (on the right) at Restaurant Mark Greenaway. Bramley Apple Plated Six Ways: Pie, sorbet, crisps, jelly, foam, and toffee sauce -- DEEEEEELICIOUS!

Gilded Garden = favorite beer garden with "the festival vibes." A few long nights (early mornings) were spent gathered around the wood benches and barrels!

The lanterns in another beer garden in Bristol Square - in the background is the building where I'll be heading to classes in less than a month!

FRINGE: Performance meets international summit meets lllllllate nights!

The Fringe Festival has descended upon Edinburgh, and the city is constantly "a-buzz" !! This 60 year old tradition brings thousands of comic, theatre, dance, music, etc., shows to the city - along with PEOPLE, from all places and in great numbers! Never again can I say that there are too many tourists in Charleston during Spoleto... It is a really neat time here, and I'm enjoying the energy. The Festival has taken over everywhere. The squares around the University and other venues have turned into bars and beergardens. Lecture halls have turned into comedy clubs. And city buses have turned into enigmas that tourists will continue, unsuccessfully, to unravel!!

Last week we saw a London comedian (Nathan Caton) with friends and enjoyed the atmosphere all around. There are already other shows and performances booked, so stay tuned for reviews!

On Friday, we spent the evening (and early morning!) with the Lad's cousins and crew. Some were visiting from Philadelphia, some just back from LA, some in town from the organic farm, and so on, so it was a great occasion and gathering!! We visited Coburg House Art Studios (for Charleston folks, this is Redux on steroids!), which had an opening with pieces and sales from the over 60 artists for whom they represent and provide studio space. What an amazing place! There was everything from paintings to sculpture to ceramics to jewelry to a multitude of funky artists. It was a great treat!

The Lad and me at the Roseleaf for grub.

We headed on to the Festival madness in town. In the nice weather, we enjoyed good company and good beverages only 10 yards from where I will soon be a student again. It was quite a scene, and we didn't head home until 3:30 am - oh my!! This is what the University of Edinburgh currently looks like at night --

Thank you underbelly.co.uk for the photo.

Fun, new experiences continued on Saturday. The Lad and I met Molly and Andrew (Furman friends) at Murrayfield for the Scotland vs. Ireland Rugby match!!! Though it was a "friendly" game that didn't count for international competition, I'm sure you can understand that pride was on the line... Those guys meant business, and it was so much fun to see a professional/international match - I loved it! Scotland won 10-6 (low-scoring match) - 'Hip, hip, hooray!'

The piping band on "the pitch" before the match. The Scottish National Anthem sure is easier than the Star Spangled Banner... Maybe so they have to be able to sing it after some whiskies?!

Almost a Scottish "try" (~touchdown)! Luckily, there was a game-winning try with only 2 minutes remaining!!

Happy Monday all!!

Time for a catch-up

My apologies for the delay in a new post!! I've had many requests for a post, and Hunley and I will try not to disappoint our "fans"- !!

So, here has what has been happening:

Last week, I was dealing with a lot of Hunley issues. We are now good friends with our new vet! She has been fighting some skin infections that have proven hard to cure. They don't seem to bother her too much, but it has meant vet bills and constant pills, creams and medicated baths. Phewwwww! We aren't sure what caused them, but hopefully she is on the mend. It hasn't dulled her spirit!!

Over the weekend we traveled to Cupar, where the Lad's parents have just moved. If you ever find yourself in this town of my namesake, you should eat at the wonderful Ostlers Close. A "Close" refers to the historic, narrow streets in Scotland. The restaurant is tucked away, down the close, and it was a great evening. The restaurant seats 24 people and is family-run - and Mrs. Amanda Graham is the most lovely and bubbly hostess!

On Sunday, we spent time with Granny Robertson and other family. The Sharps continued to introduce me to tasty food at Fisher and Donaldson Bakery. The Bakery has been awarded a Royal Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen, which is one of around 850 companies that the Royal Warrant Association recognizes and provides goods to the Royal Family.

On Monday, I FINALLY got internet in my house!! The phone company that has a monopoly in my area has made me feel like I'm living in a third world country for over a month, but I'm back in 2011 folks! With my easy access to the web, I've been focusing on Visa and school preparations this week. The program starts in the middle of September, and I registered for my classes! In the first Semester, I am taking: Child Development in Practice, Evidence-based Psychological Interventions, and Early Years and Early Intervention for Practitioners. Of course, I will also begin that 15,000 word dissertation as well...

Yesterday, I spent the day with a new friend, Cathy. We went out to lunch and did some shopping in the Bruntsfield area near my house. Then, we enjoyed some amazing comedy at an Edinburgh classic - The Stand. I don't know what was the best part: the stone basement venue, the homemade chili nachos, the oldies songs between sets (e.g., The Hollies, "Hey Carrie Ann..."), the laughs, the jabs at me being American, the Scottish bits that I didn't understand (or comprehend?!), I could go on and on... !!

We are looking forward to a weekend in Edinburgh, and possibly some more good weather(??). I will work on some more photos soon. Everyone across the pond - stay safe in the heat! Gracious, I certainly don't miss melting at the end of July!

1 year Edinburgh Anniversary!

It has been 1 year since Heather and I stepped off the train in Edinburgh for the first time! Following the absurd, completely vertical, 100 yard climb from Waverley Station to South Bridge, it has been a continuing happy tale. Sure, there were graduate school application pains, Visa application pains, weather pains, culture differences pains, locking myself and Hunley out of the flat and paying 35 pounds to get a locksmith pains... but, I'm so grateful to have visited this place, fell in love with this place, and to now live in this place - 1 1/2 months and counting!!

Of course, along with the city, came a fateful night and one very special Lad! We haven't had a conventional dating relationship, being 4000 miles apart for 10 months after meeting and seeing each other every 3 months, so that didn't lend itself to a conventional "Anniversary" either. We have decided to follow the example of the Queen and Monarch (who has an Official Birthday and an actual birthday) and will have an Honorary Anniversary and Official Anniversary. We met on July 11th last year, and that that is the Honorary Anniversary, so we celebrated on Monday! Now, the Lad likes to joke that we met in an art gallery, when in fact it was an Irish Pub during the World Cup Final. Since Spain won last year, I made homemade tapas for dinner!! Being the thoughtful bloke that he is, he got me the BEST gift I could have asked for - ESPN America!!!!!!!!! I hope to be enjoying baseball, Pardon the Interruption, SportsCenter, College Gameday, etc., very soon...

World Cup 2010 Champions + One year after we met = Spanish tapas celebration!!

More adventures over the weekend - new friends Jack and Hunley were worn out!