Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, Ceilidh, and our notorious neighbors...oh my!!!

So, I'm going to start this post with the latest breaking news...our neighborhood is going all to heck.

We thought we were in a nice, quiet, respectable neighborhood, until a couple of days ago when the First Minister ticked-off the Green Party, something you definitely do not want to do. Since then there have been protests outside Mr. Yousaf's house, which we go by frequently to get to spin class, church, the library, and lots of other fun stuff. But today, it was packed with paparazzi as the First Minister announced his resignation under the threat of a no confidence vote. Craig had to push his way through to his favorite coffee shop. But, I guess that's how it's done here...hmmm. So, that probably means his whole family has to move, and another First Minister and family will be moving in, in his place. I heard he was an ok guy, but not so great a neighbor. I mean, Craig and I have been here a month, and never an invite over for a Saturday afternoon barbeque, or even a loaf of banana bread dropped off at our place...don't even get me started.

THE KELPIES

Ok, so these guys go right up there with one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen. 100 feet tall and weighing 300 tons each, these stainless steel sculptures are the creation of artist, Andy Scott who wanted to bring about the grandeur of mythological water horses with the strength of the Clydesdales. The whole experience is really pretty freaky!!

As you probably guessed, Craig and I finally got out of the city and took a trip through the Low-lands, visiting Stirling Castle and onto Loch Lomond.

I learned that the song, "You take the high road and I'll take the low road..." (The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond") is actually very sad, about two captured soldiers, one who was going to be sent back to Scotland, and one who was going to be executed. I remember singing this song as a child and thinking it was more about a race, who got there first. But, hmmm, hopefully we all come to the same good place in the end. At Scottish weddings it is always the last song to be played before the bride and groom leave on their honeymoon. "Where me and my true love..." :(

And....the last of our adventures for this week....

The Ceilidh!!!!

Omg, we had so much fun!!!! Met lots of very friendly and fun people and actually did a dance where part of the dance was a line of dancers, screaming and running down the length of the dance floor, while the other dancers hopefully ducked as the front line advanced. That may be the white knight dance. Like I said, it was boat loads of fun. Yes, Craig and I are definitely going again!