After a delightful breakfast at the Granary Hostel Bistro with mushrooms, scrambled eggs, and chocolate croissants (the only legitimate reason to indulge in morning chocolate), we had our first class session and began the work of writing in Scotland. Notice the irony of using task and writing while touring Scotland in the same sentence. It is hard work, but someone has to do it. My class is terrific and they actually want to write. With backdrops like you will see here, how could anyone resist creative endeavors?
The photo of the bridge over the Tweed River is especially interesting to me. Ever since the HP movies ( you Hogwart's fans know where I'm going with this), I have been intrigued with the arched bridge.Then, in the background is a breath-taking golden field of rape grain. That color and concept has become my new favorite planting option, so I'm order seed as soon as I get back home. Fields of gold in Curve.
The stone walls line streets and alley-ways and everywhere tiny flowers cascade down. I can't resist the flower beds and don't hesitate to ask names. Here, I speak the language even though at lunch today a friendly German couple told me that a favorite yellow plant was called golden drop in Germany.
Lunch, on Holy Island today was a fresh crab sandwich and cherry shortbread dessert, taken with friends in the garden. For you who are not history buffs, Holy Island is recognized as the site of the first Viking raids in Britain in AD 793--way before my time. The Lindisfarne Castle is still standing guard over the North Sea harbor, but the Lindisfarne Priory is a skeleton of the original. Even the ruins, however, are breathtaking stone works that preserve the feel of the place. For the record, the Vikings did not remove the stones; that was the work of Henry VIII, as he built other structures. As our shuttle driver explained, Henry recycled the stones from the priory much like he recycled his wives. Wandering among the standing walls, I certainly had a feel for the layout--signs helped--but the impact was still awe inspiring and knowing the site's history in the growth of English Christianity gave one pause. Walking in the footsteps is exciting, and when you add a spectacular view and a sea breeze and gulls--well, you have something to remember for the day.
The photo of the bridge over the Tweed River is especially interesting to me. Ever since the HP movies ( you Hogwart's fans know where I'm going with this), I have been intrigued with the arched bridge.Then, in the background is a breath-taking golden field of rape grain. That color and concept has become my new favorite planting option, so I'm order seed as soon as I get back home. Fields of gold in Curve.
The stone walls line streets and alley-ways and everywhere tiny flowers cascade down. I can't resist the flower beds and don't hesitate to ask names. Here, I speak the language even though at lunch today a friendly German couple told me that a favorite yellow plant was called golden drop in Germany.
Lunch, on Holy Island today was a fresh crab sandwich and cherry shortbread dessert, taken with friends in the garden. For you who are not history buffs, Holy Island is recognized as the site of the first Viking raids in Britain in AD 793--way before my time. The Lindisfarne Castle is still standing guard over the North Sea harbor, but the Lindisfarne Priory is a skeleton of the original. Even the ruins, however, are breathtaking stone works that preserve the feel of the place. For the record, the Vikings did not remove the stones; that was the work of Henry VIII, as he built other structures. As our shuttle driver explained, Henry recycled the stones from the priory much like he recycled his wives. Wandering among the standing walls, I certainly had a feel for the layout--signs helped--but the impact was still awe inspiring and knowing the site's history in the growth of English Christianity gave one pause. Walking in the footsteps is exciting, and when you add a spectacular view and a sea breeze and gulls--well, you have something to remember for the day.
