Parties, rain and travel oh my

Today was a long day. 10 AM was the recommended departure time from the house, and we managed to leave the city limits at 12 pm. We just don't move as fast as we used to...

After stopping to pick up glasses for the party at the local grocery store and then a stop at Costco for a quick shopping run and lunch we pressed on through the rain to the west coast of Scotland to where I first came to live in Scotland and where I met and married Frank. Nana had been there before but of course it was all new to Scott.

Scott's deep thought observations for the day so far: in Scotland, you can get tuna salad, cole slaw, chilli and baked beans as standard choices on a baked potato; everyone looks so different!; the hot dogs in Costco taste better than at home; and it's so freaky to look into a car and the passenger is driving!

Once on the west coast, we unloaded at the missionary base where I used to live and work and Scott found the gift shop where he could buy cokes, wandered through the woods and learned some new Scottish words like glen (the wooded area) and burn (the stream). He also helped set the room up for the dinner party with Frank and Nana found her bed and took a nap while Becky and Frank helped get the food together for the dinner.

The party was a great success; the food was great, decorations beautiful and the guest of honor was very pleased with her brithday celebration. Scott and Nana held court at the head of the table and met some old friends and made some new Scottish ones. Nana even helped do the dishes afterwards and then we went in our different directions for a good night's sleep.

Scott seemed totally non-fazzed by all the new people around for him to meet and they introduced themselves as Becky's mom and brother to people who didn't even know me. They must have thought this Becky was someone pretty special! What was special was showing Scott around a village and a base that has been such a big part of my life and to share with my family the events that we are often a part of as we help with a little party planning and catering.

Day 1 Recap and On the Road...

Scott spent most of the day "freaking out!" and trying to understand the beast called jet lag. We've gotten him online so work can be done without interruption. After naps for everyone, Frank went on down to the west coast where we'll meet him today for a birthday party for a family friend and to explore the west coast town where Becky and Frank met. Last night was pretty low key - no exciting adventures to report, just games, late supper and an unexpected visit from our friends Andy and Gyda.

Now we're off to the west coast with a visit to Costco on the way for shopping and some lunch...