The Trossachs

Tuesday was spent locally in Aberfoyle. It's a quaint little town that reminded me of Estes up in the Rocky Mountains. A town for tourists. Pretty flowers in planters lined the streets in front of  little shops filled with gifts, Scottish wool, foods, etc.

Sandy with Bobby, the Scottish Terrier. The temps hit 70 today and this little guy was really struggling! Guess they like the cold weather. . .

We "rambled" around, as they would say here. Took a ramble along the river and learned  about various breeds of sheep at the Scottish Wool Center. We even caught a demonstration by a border collie whose name slips my mind! He reminded me of Layla, who I've never met, but hear stories about from  my brother.

The Trossachs and all the Lochs (lakes) in the area are in a region of National Parks. It would be similar to spending time in Yosemite, perhaps. We've enjoyed much walking (Paul isn't too keen on the driving bit here) or as they would say here -  rambling and blethering. :) Basically walking around and talking a bunch!

Across from the timeshare. . .

Today we rambled along Loch Ard and stopped to blether at the Wee Blether Tea House. The men enjoyed meals (Hamburger and haggis, guess who ordered what) while Sandy and I went for the fresh scones, cream and jam. Yum.

Today has been a day of rambling, blethering, reading, eating and then repeat! We are all lost in our John Knox books or Martyn Lloyd-Jones - all inspired from time spent on the island. Naps thrown in, as well. Paul and I have enjoyed the gym facilities and spa. A treat to work out!

Last night we watched the 60th anniversary coronation with Queen Elizabeth and it's always more interesting when you have just been there and are reading the history! It's interesting to watch the news from another country's perspective and the trials they are facing. Not so different in their moral decay from the USA, just less Christians or those who would claim to be. Very little religion overall. A big deal right now is whether Great Britain should continue to be part of the European Union. The news does tend to cover US big news.

I find when spending any time over seas, I appreciate the US all the more! Costs are high and choices low here. Very small grocery  stores with very little fresh produce. No Cost-Co's! No refills and the soft drink cans are half the size, seriously affecting PDave. There are no trash cans or recycling bins around and therefore lots of liter. In most of the cities in England we wondered at the white spots on all the roads and sidewalks. We were told it's all varying degrees of gum decay - so gross! They are trying to get people to but their "gum and butts" in little bins now by the bus stops...LOTS of smoking here. My children would also be very disappointed here - no change on the ground! I've only found 4 coins the entire trip! If people drop their change, they pick it up.  

Time to eat and blether....