Scotland Travel Journal ~ Braemar

Continuing on our journey through the Cairngorms on Wednesday September 18th, our lunch stop was in Braemar. This was a very busy village with tourist buses and many visitors. We found a parking spot in front of the Fife Arms, a 5 star hotel in the Highlands.

We were early for lunch so we walked about the village.

The Parish of Braemar and Crathie is one of the largest, highest and most remote in Scotland. It is set in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, more or less equidistant from Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth, and on any given day the number of visitors to the area may exceed the resident population.

Christianity probably came to Deeside in the fifth century when monks from a monastery at Whithorn in Wigtonshire travelled throughout Scotland.

Later groups of missionaries came to the area from Northern Ireland and from Glasgow and after 400 years of work, by 900AD, Celtic Christianity was well established.

On August 17, 2019, Saturday, Queen Elizabeth II visited Braemar and Crathie Parish Church in Aberdeenshire.

Braemar church is built in the shape of a cross with a very prominent pulpit which reflects the significance of the preaching of the word by its founders.

The communion Table is made of oak and came from the original Parish or East Church. The Font bears the inscription “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”.

There were several banners around the church. This one struck a chord with me.

It was easy to see that the church needs some repair work done.

We crossed over the Clunie Water to see more of the village.

Laura saw this photo opportunity!

We planned on eating our lunch at The Fife Arms, a 19th-century hunting lodge on Clunie Water. This ornate hotel is a 2-minute walk from central Braemar, 15 minutes from Braemar Castle and 8.9 miles from Glenshee Ski Centre.

We waited for lunch service to begin at The Flying Stag and enjoyed our surroundings. On this very warm day air conditioning would have been appreciated. Windows were opened and we had some cooling.

Remember my theme for the Cairngorms or the Highlands? Antlers abound everywhere we turn.

We couldn’t dilly dally here since we were on a quest to reach Dunnottar Castle on the North Sea before it closed for the day. After lunch we headed east from Braemar and passed the many acre Balmoral Estate with not a glimpse of the castle. The castle can be visited from April until the beginning of August. Leaving Braemar, we were only halfway done with our fun experiences for this day in the sunshine.

Our weather continued to be exceptional for our driving days for that we again were very thankful. We did reach the castle in time and there are many photos to share so this post will come to an end here.

Currently here in Colville we have experienced rainy days with some snow showing on the mountain tops around us. Hope all is well in your corner.

Truth for Today #122

Thursday November 14th

On Thursdays my posts will include verses that stood out in my readings from the Bible during week. One, two, three or maybe more. If you have a verse/verses that you read during the week and would like to share, leave it/them in the comments and I will add it/them to the post. Let’s dig deep in God’s Truth again this year!

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you!

Philippians 1:27-30

Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents–which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

From Vera:

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭84‬:‭10‬-‭12‬

From Aritha:

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13: 7-8

From Nikkipolani:

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way.

Psalm 119:37

From Karen:

I John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Artful Hodgepodge

History and art is something I enjoy together. I took this photo at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. spring of 2011. George Washington in our National cathedral with the stained glass window and sunlight adding some highlights!

If it’s Wednesday it must be Hodgepodge. Thank you, Jo!

1. What’s something you think is under appreciated. Explain.

The work that policemen have to do dealing with people who are mentally ill, drug addicts, and other people who have no respect for their authority is under appreciated. Policemen are important in restraining evil, for the health of our country and the safety of our citizens. I appreciate our Border Patrol Agents in the same way.

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive?

It helps me to stay on top of things if I have company coming. Winter does make things harder when the snow and ice appear. Keeping my lists and ticking off the items is a good motivation for me.

3. What’s a popular food you don’t like?

Sushi

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate.

Seeing works of art in an amazing historical cathedral is very satisfying to all my senses.

I find history in art very interesting. It’s enjoyable to connect some historical facts to the places we travel to. Art is more interesting when I know something about the artist. Modern art has no appeal to me.

Children’s story illustrations/artwork are a favorite of mine, too.

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age?

Don’t put off traveling. Plan the trip and go!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Speaking of being productive in the winter, this two have a way of getting me moving…

We had our first sign of some snow in these parts. Addy also lost another tooth!

Thanks for popping by and leaving a comment. You are appreciated!

Scotland Travel Journal ~On the Snow Road

On Wednesday morning, September 18th, our 98 mile journey would take us through a large section of the Cairngorms north and then east to Dunnottar Castle.

We had the buffet style breakfast the Inn provided and then packed up and checked out for our travel day.

The night before I searched on my computer for likely stops along the road. The Lair Tea and Gift shop in Glenshee popped up and sounded like a great place to stop. We kept our eyes peeled along the road and pulled in.

We were the first customers of the day.

The staff were getting ready for a motorcycle group that were arriving closer to lunch time.

We placed our orders and enjoyed our treats. We all were thankful that this little haven popped up the night before and that we could enjoy our time here.

It was fun to check out the gifts for sale. Tempting but we stuck to our snacks and drinks.

This shop appeared along the road and we didn’t think fast enough to turn off the road for a visit. There are not a lot of turn around spots.

A little further along the road we did use a turnout to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery standing still instead of in motion.

These Highland landscapes were very different from what we had experienced already in Scotland. As you can see we had yet another amazing blue sky and sunshiny day, squint, squint. This road would not have been fun in the rain or with snow.

Our next stop along the A93 would be at Braemar which is close to Balmoral where the ‘Royals’ might be seen. That will be another post.

Balmoral is not open to the public in September, typically, so there was no chance for us catching a glimpse. Maybe we’ll return during another season and make some different stops in the Highlands…

Remembrance Day (Veterans Day)

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Today is Remembrance Day, Veteran’s Day in the U.S.A. We remember with gratitude those who have served us and those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in this country and others.

Although we all hope for peace in our world we need to recognize that our greatest need is peace with God. The only way we will have peace with God is through his son, Jesus Christ, and the ultimate sacrifice He made for all of us when he paid the penalty for our sin on the cross. We pray that you will experience new life and peace with God through a new life in Jesus Christ. Is God calling you today? Why not respond and ask Him to forgive you for your sins and receive what Christ did for you on the cross? He will help you start a new life today.

Acts 4:12 (ESV) ~ And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Romans 1:16 (ESV) ~ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…

My God, I Thank Thee ~ Hymn

My God, I Thank Thee

My God, I thank Thee, who hast made
The earth so bright,
So full of splendor and of joy,
Beauty and light;
So many glorious things are here,
Noble and right.

I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made
Joy to abound;
So many gentle thoughts and deeds
Circling us round,
That in the darkest spot of earth
Some love is found.

I thank Thee more that all our joy
Is touched with pain,
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain;
So that earth’s bliss may be our guide,
And not our chain.

For thou who knowest, Lord, how soon
Our weak heart clings,
Hast given us joys, tender and true,
Yet all with wings;
So that we see gleaming on high
Diviner things.

I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept
The best in store;
We have enough, yet not too much
To long for more:
A yearning for a deeper peace
Not known before.

I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls
Though amply blessed,
Can never find, although they seek
A perfect rest;
Nor ever shall, until they lean
On Jesus’ breast.

Words: Adelaide A. Procter, Legends and Lyrics, a Book of Verse, 1858.

Asparagus Casserole

This is a variation on the all time favorite Thanksgiving Green Bean Casserole. I was at the store and noticed a good deal on asparagus and decided to try the dish with asparagus instead of green beans. Here’s the recipe I tried and it was thoroughly enjoyed.

Ingredients:

2-3 Tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup diced onions
2 cups asparagus pieces (I used fresh aspargus)
3 cups chicken broth
1 (10-3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (2.8 oz.) can French-Fried onion rings
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a large skillet.
Saute the onions in the butter.
Boil the asparagus in the chicken broth for up to 10 minutes and drain.
Add the asparagus, mushroom soup, and onion rings to the onion mixture.
Stir well.
Pour into greased casserole baking dish (approx. 8×8 square).
Bake for 20 minutes.
Carefully top the casserole with the grated cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until casserole is hot and cheese is melted.

I didn’t add any extra seasoning because the broth, mushroom soup, and the cheese added enough salt for our taste. You could and probably should double this recipe and use a 9×13 baking dish because it vanished quickly.

The Presidential Election 2024

To keep my blog in historical context and to have some of the historical facts found here when I look back I’ll join many and our current President, Joe Biden in congratulating the next president of the United States, Donald J. Trump.

In a historic victory for the American people, President Trump just won a resounding mandate for commonsense.

With a massive victory in both the popular vote and the electoral college, the American people spoke loudly and clearly. They want:

To lower prices and restore the American Dream
A trade policy that puts American workers first.
Tax relief for working families.
To unleash American energy.
Peace through strength.
A secure border.
To rid our streets of illegal alien criminal gangs.
To support law enforcement

Donald Trump finds himself in rare company, joining Grover Cleveland as the second chief executive of the United States to be elected to nonconsecutive terms. Grover Cleveland was our 22nd and 24th President.

According to the final tally, Trump won 312 electoral votes to Harris’s 226 in Tuesday’s presidential election, comfortably surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to claim victory. Trump also led the popular vote with over 72.9 million votes, compared to Harris’s 68.2 million votes.

May God bless our country, our current President and our next President.

Comments are off for this post.

Scotland Travel Journal ~ Blair Athol

Just five miles up the A9 from Blair Castle and Gardens is this cluster of buildings, eateries and shops that is a ultimate shopping experience in the Scottish Highlands, House of Bruar. It’s such an easy stop with a huge free car park and easy in and out. The food court was amazing. There was a separate savory pie shop, a fish and chips shop, and a whisky shop. The inner food court had choices I’ve never seen in a buffet style eatery. Walls of shortbread, candy, Scottish Tablet, and other treats filled a large section of the main building. Highland clothing in the men’s shop and a separate shop for Women’s clothing and accessories. My only disappointment was that all the slippers with the lambs wool lining were not made in Scotland or any part of the United Kingdom.

Before we started our shopping we got a savory pie from the pie shop and ate outside in the courtyard. It is always good to have a full stomach before you shop.

After checking out all the shopping areas, we paused to enjoy some treats. That jug in particular has a meaning attached to it in memory of Dear Grandma Wilma. Cheers!

On the way back to Pitlochry we searched out The Atholl Palace Hotel for a quick stop. This would have been a fun place to stay but it was booked for our dates. Check out the link. The interior is so cool.

One more stop before we dropped our car off at our Inn.

Blair Athol distillery is a Highland single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the south edge of Pitlochry in Perthshire, near the River Tummel in Scotland.

Set in open moorland south of the town, in the foothills of the Grampian mountains, Blair Athol’s ancient source of water – the Allt Dour – flows through the grounds from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, contributing to the whisky’s, mellow quality and smooth finish.

The description sounds nice and we’ll have to take their word for it because we didn’t sample any.

After this stop we took the car back to our Inn and freshened up a bit before walking down the main street of Pitlochry for a little shopping and for dinner. My Pharmacist found a Chemist to purchase some products for me to ease a sore throat and other symptoms that were developing. Night Nurse to the rescue!

We went back to the Old Mill for dinner on this night. After dinner we sat out on the patio of our Inn and enjoyed a little time before settling in for the night. Tuesday the 17th of September was a full day.

On Wednesday after our breakfast at the Inn and checking out, we would head northeast on the Snow road through the Cairngorms to our next lodging on the coast of the North Sea.

Thank you for traveling along with us.

Truth for Today #121

Thursday November 7th

The verses that you share are appreciated and so encouraging, I’m thankful for them and for each of you!

1 John 5:13-15

¹³I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. ¹⁴And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. ¹⁵And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.

From Janc

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.” Phil. 4:6

The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b.

To honor and encourage

Author Archives: Ellen