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!

4th of July Weekend

I never thought that I would be saying this, but I spent my 4th of July weekend in 75 degree weather, playing on the beach and eating "southern fried chicken" -- !!

That's right, it was a GORGEOUS three days of sun here. I couldn't have been happier! We spent a lot of time outside. On Saturday evening, the Lad took me to the Taste of Edinburgh food festival. We were able to sample foods, drinks and other fare from top scale local restaurants. It was delightful!

Then, it was to the beach in Gullane on Sunday. The small town is about 30 minutes drive, and there is a gorgeous beach - or "bents," which refers to the grassy dunes. Hunley got to chase tennis balls, birds, other dogs, and generally anything moving about!

For the 4th, we met some fellow Americans (and even Furmanites!) at Hard Rock Cafe for some BBQ. Easy to say that this will be my one and only Hard Rock Edinburgh evening, but it was nice to have a wee celebration!

Enjoy the few photos from the trip to Gullane and 4th.

Hun's first trip to a "proper" beach!

Other than for my health, not too bad!

From 4,000 miles away, we celebrated!

The new pad!!

Well, folks, here are some views of the flat - Enjoy!! And, even though I've discovered that he doesn't read the blog (grrrr), many thanks to the Lad for finding Hunley's and my home!

Lovely living room

Living room and "box room"

Feel weird photographing my bathroom, but people will be curious!

Kitchen - just realized some of these captions are completely unnecessary, as the photos are verily self-explanatory...

Bedroom

Bedroom 2

View of Queen's Hall