| SCOTLAND VACATION 2004 May 18 - May 30, 2004 JOURNAL ENTRY 14 entry begun on May 28th, 2004 at 09:15 Kelso Time We got up around eight or so, and had a light breakfast of cereal and toast. At 9:30 or so Ginger walked into town to do some local shopping while Mick tended to his garden and I caught up on my journal, my e-mail, and my blogging. At around noon Mick and I drove in and met Ginger in the town square, at which point we walked around for a bit more of shopping, then to the Cross Keys Inn for lunch. I had a plate of roast beef and horseradish sandwiches with a side of chips and a beer shanty. Ginger went for the spinach omelet topped off with a gin and tonic, and Mick had smoked haddock. From there we did more shopping for gifts around the square, then went to a bakery to sample various local goodies, including a cheese scone, a ham and cheese pastry, a meringue, and a lemon cake with cream and green icing around it. I bought a pad of the narrow lined paper at W.H. Smith, with which I will of course write the great American novel. Or perhaps the great Scottish novel. Whatever works out. The important thing is that it be great. Stopped by the Kelso Safeway (a tad smaller than the one in Edinburgh) for some things to make the night's meal, including two frozen pizzas and a terrific salad. The vegetables and fruit here are very reasonably priced overall, especially the prepackaged salads. The one we had contained cabbage, red and green peppers, carrots, romaine lettuce, and red onions. It was enough for the three of us, and was only 75p (about $1.40). We also bought some nice wine, Bailey's Irish Crème, and caramel shortbread to take to my Cousin Libby's house Friday night when we visit. Once home Ginger took a nap while I worked on the journal. Mick went back into town in the meantime to pick up a few things he had forgotten at the store. At about 4:30 w all walked up to Mick's son Mike's house to see him and his wife and kids again before we left Kelso. The girls were nice enough to let us play in their sandbox with them, so there were many castles built and destroyed in the half hour that followed. After saying our farewells to Mike's family we went back to Mick's place for a cup of coffee and a small rest. At about 6:30 we drove around to Mick's other son's place. David and his daughter met us outside his place, and showed us in for tea. The two year old handed everyone a nice chocolate biscuit, and was a dancing phenomenon when MTV was on (MTV actually plays music over there, apparently). I'm really sorry I didn't get to spend more time with Mick's family, but at least addresses have been exchanged and contact has been reestablished. We drove back to Mick's place and got ready for dinner. Pizza was popped into the oven, and a short while later under my expert guidance and supervision, we took the pie out of the oven to serve and devour. Between the pizza, the previously described salad, and a strawberry Cornetto ice cream cone (which Mick devilishly snuck by us somehow at the grocer's), we were quite satisfied by the meal. As usual, we spent the hours between dinner and bedtime talking each other's ears off. It will be sad to see that go, as it has been every time I have left Kelso in my life. We managed to get packed up between gabbing. IMAGES FROM JOURNAL ENTRY 14 ---> |