Another ? early ? start

Scott beat us all in the early riser stakes (although Nana claims a 6 am start) and went out to explore the glen and the beach front before breakfast. He said it was all so peaceful and wonderful to see the craggly trees, sheep, weird cows, windmills, beautiful scenery, and hear the crows that he almost cried, *sniff, sniff.* But truly, it is a special place. With so much prayer and meditation that has happened in and around the place of West Kilbride, it's hard not to sense the open heaven and marvel in God's creation.

Scott was a bit breathless after his walks and we had to hurry him along to get the car packed again we were heading off explore some in the area. Our itinerary had set out for us to go to Loch Lomond with a dear English friend, Jo, but it was too far a drive since we had to be in Ayr down on the southwest coast of Scotland at 2 pm for a funeral - the husband of the dear Scottish lady who first introduced me to the idea of working in Scotland while she stayed with me in Atlanta during the 96 Olympics.

Instead, we raced off to Largs to catch the ferry (Scott was a very lucky boy that we made the earlier one as planned and the last one on the ferry) and went over to Cumbrae to enjoy the views and eat lunch at a recommended cafe. The weather was spectacular with heaps of sunshine and dazzling sea, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The houses on the shores, both sides, sparkled and belied their somewhat work exteriors. Upon further inquiry, however, the bus driver informed us, in typical small town fashion, that the family that runs the cafe we wanted on the island was away in a warm place for a vacation and the only place for a coffee would be a pub that only opened at 11 am. So we just puttered around the island's main drag for a half hour and headed back onto the ferry to find lunch on the other side in Largs. Jo recommended and we enjoyed a delightful cafe until I rushed everyone away for our more somber afternoon activities.

The drive to Ayr afforded more lovely scenery and the funeral was a nice celebration of a wonderful man's life. Only Nana and I attended, as Scott was exploring the town and Frank has remainded in West Kilbride to work. After meeting up again, the three of us headed back through Glasgow toward home, after a stop at McDonald's for a caffeine fix and another!! bathroom stop for Scott. I think Scott is most enjoying the quaint town streets with all their street level shops and interesting architecture, and the vast number of people who actually walk around exploring them.

We did keep to our schedule tonight and have fish and chips in our fave "chippy" and once again I was amazed at the incredible amount of knowledge you amass in living in a culture. The volume of tips, tricks, cues, and minutiae of life that helps you to understand your surrondings is quite overwhelming. And I think Scott would like to learn it all in the first 48 hours... My brain and voice hurts from all the questions! Good night!