Friday, September 23, 2011

Hither and thither (sort of) - 9/23/11

As I explained last week, I'm not really able to take the time to put together a standard HT; probably next week, DV. Plus, I'm much older today.

But I'll pluck out just a few gems from our terrific time in the beautiful UK, almost at random, as a taste of things to come.

On the trip over, specifically on the Newark to Edinburgh flight, we had the most amazing stewardess in the world. Her name was Linda. She greeted all of us in her section by introducing herself and asking our names. She heard the names one time, and learned them all. I wish I had that gift.

She treated us all like kings and queens. Our flight-out day was Jonathan's birthday, so we weren't really able to celebrate it properly. But, where there's a will there's often a way. BSIL started his day splendidly by bringing delicious cupcakes with candles, when he came to drive us to the airport. Then, on the flight, I told Linda that it was Jonathan's birthday, and she went all out to make it a special flight for him, talking to him, telling everyone about him, giving him a gift (!) -- and arranging for him to meet the pilot and sit in the cockpit at flight's end.


We arrived, got a rental car, and I entered the world of insanity that is Scottish driving. The most beautiful country, lovely people, MAD driving.

My dear and amazing wife spent sleepless nights planning a trip to suit everyone, in one way or another. The boys love things martial and Medieval; so they ended up seeing something like seventeen castles, among other features.

The first, on the first day, was Aberdour Castle. I have just enough time to share some pix from that, and with that I must leave you for now.



13 comments:

100 Mile Pants said...

Happy birthday, Dan! Have a great day in London!

Magister Stevenson said...

Looks like a great trip. Glad to have you back. Remember, many of the world's greats were most productive in their advanced age.

Fred Butler said...

Did you get a chance to stand over John Knox's stone in the parking lot and cry?

Fred Butler said...

Nessie?

JackW said...

Ar ya sayin' "Wee" alot?

Susan said...

Only one year older! Happy bday, DJP! And happy bday to Little J! Lovely pics!

Jerry said...

We just returned from almost two weeks in England, including Sunday worship on 9/11 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London.

UK driving is pretty scary, but I did it for 12 days and didn't kill anyone (at least not any of which I am aware!).

Wendy said...

sweet trip!!! I want to see more pictures :) And of course, happy birthday!

The right stewardess can make or break the entire flight. I remember when I was flying from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles when my son was 10 months. My connecting flight was late and I just barely boarded in time....without changing his diaper. Well, he leaked all over himself (and me a bit), so I ended up taking his clothes off and wrapping him in my jacket because it was cold in October. The stewardess ran out the door of the plane and came back with a kids outfit that she bought at the nearest gift shop for my son. I was absolutely speechless.

David Beirne said...

From drought-stricken south Tx, what is see is such beautifully green grass and foliage.

Rachael Starke said...

Beyond delighted over the great airplane experience - not to mention that you made it past the attack squad TSA goons. Can't wait to read more stories (and maybe hear some of the sermons, maybe? Pretty please??)

Penn Tomassetti said...

Sounds like a great trip - una buena experiencia!

My wife and I received something almost like a gift yesterday (Friday)... a book about Proverbs! I'm excited to read it, as the book of Proverbs has been greatly used by God in shaping my life and study of His Word, and your writing style seems to be almost a spiritual gift that you have. Thanks for writing it!

DJP said...

Thanks, Penn -- for getting it, and for your encouraging words. I pray it's used by God to serve and build up His church. Eager to see what you think of it.

DJP said...

Rachael, they're all up here.