Life has moved quickly the last two months. My term has ended, which doesn't really mean much. I will continue to work throughout the summer. I have completed the basic argument of my first chapter, and I am working on preliminarily matters for the second. Erin finished her school year this week. The last day was Wednesday, but has in-service until next Thursday. She will be off until the middle of August.
We have some friends from college coming today. They will be here for the weekend, and we are going to Edinburgh on Sunday. My parents arrive on Wednesday and will be here for 10 days. We will spend the first couple of days visiting some places close to Aberdeen. On Monday week, we will drive to the west coast of Scotland. After a couple of days there, we will come back passed Loch Ness, where we hope to see Nessie. I think the reward is 1 million pounds right now. We are trying to arrange a trip to Ireland for early August.
That is about everything from this side of the pond.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A few interesting items
The days are continually getting longer. We took this picture at 945 pm a couple of days ago. Since the sky was really clear, it still had a slight glow to it. Sunrise is around 520 now and sunset about 845. It is much different than 3 months ago.
The other day Erin heard alot of noise in the back garden, and when she looked out seagulls were all over. Someone decided to throw bread out their window. The seagulls were very excited.
The other day Erin heard alot of noise in the back garden, and when she looked out seagulls were all over. Someone decided to throw bread out their window. The seagulls were very excited.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Dunnottar Castle
On Saturday the 14th, we journeyed down to Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle. Stonehaven is about 15-20 minute drive south of Aberdeen right on the coast. The castle is about 2 miles from Stonehaven, and you can get there by car or walking along the cliff edges and through some fields.
Of course, we choose the walk. Along the way, we stopped at the Stonehaven War Memorial, which was set up to remember those from the Stonehaven district who died during WWI and to which the names of the dead of WWII were added.
Although the castle is now ruins, one can imagine the beauty and size of the castle. It sits on a massive rock that sticks out into the sea. The only way to the castle is down a very step hill and then right back up. It is hard to describe and the pictures certainly do not do justice to the amazing size and beauty of the rock the castle sits on.
The first mention of the area is in the 400s when the area was used as a base for (later) St. Ninian's mission to the Scots. A chapel was built in the 13th century, but it did not last long. It was destroyed by William Wallace, who burned it down with the English soldiers inside. For the next 100 years or so, the Scots and English would trade it back and forth depending on who had the most control over the land.
This is not a typical castle with high walls and defenses because it was not necessary. The wall blocks the only entrance to the castle grounds so one only had to fortify this small area.
The Keep was built in the 14th century by the Sir William Keith.
After the family became to large for the Keep, the other buildings were added beginning in the 16th century. The West, North and East Ranges contained rooms for guests and the family, a kitchen, a dining room and a long gallery. The castle must have been amazing during the 16-17 centuries. It is too bad that the weather has done so much damage to it.
Three other interesting facts about the castle. First, it was used in the movie Hamlet starring Mel Gibson. Second, the Scottish royal jewels were protected from Oliver Cromwell and his soldiers at the castle (1652). The jewels were eventually smuggled out of the castle, although no one is exactly sure how.
Third, in 1685 a group known as the Covenanters were kept here because they refused to say that the king had authority over the church and to accept the new prayer book. 167 men and women were housed in a relatively small room for over 2 months. Some acknowledged the kings authority, while others tried to escape. Most were put on a boat and shipped to the West Indies. Only 35 survived the journey.
This group's history is marked with persecution, sadness and yet joy. Their willingness to stand for Christ and his gospel in the face of persecution and certain death serves as a remarkable example to each of us. May the Lord grant to us the same resolution and confidence in his grace.
Of course, we choose the walk. Along the way, we stopped at the Stonehaven War Memorial, which was set up to remember those from the Stonehaven district who died during WWI and to which the names of the dead of WWII were added.
Although the castle is now ruins, one can imagine the beauty and size of the castle. It sits on a massive rock that sticks out into the sea. The only way to the castle is down a very step hill and then right back up. It is hard to describe and the pictures certainly do not do justice to the amazing size and beauty of the rock the castle sits on.
The first mention of the area is in the 400s when the area was used as a base for (later) St. Ninian's mission to the Scots. A chapel was built in the 13th century, but it did not last long. It was destroyed by William Wallace, who burned it down with the English soldiers inside. For the next 100 years or so, the Scots and English would trade it back and forth depending on who had the most control over the land.
This is not a typical castle with high walls and defenses because it was not necessary. The wall blocks the only entrance to the castle grounds so one only had to fortify this small area.
The Keep was built in the 14th century by the Sir William Keith.
After the family became to large for the Keep, the other buildings were added beginning in the 16th century. The West, North and East Ranges contained rooms for guests and the family, a kitchen, a dining room and a long gallery. The castle must have been amazing during the 16-17 centuries. It is too bad that the weather has done so much damage to it.
Three other interesting facts about the castle. First, it was used in the movie Hamlet starring Mel Gibson. Second, the Scottish royal jewels were protected from Oliver Cromwell and his soldiers at the castle (1652). The jewels were eventually smuggled out of the castle, although no one is exactly sure how.
Third, in 1685 a group known as the Covenanters were kept here because they refused to say that the king had authority over the church and to accept the new prayer book. 167 men and women were housed in a relatively small room for over 2 months. Some acknowledged the kings authority, while others tried to escape. Most were put on a boat and shipped to the West Indies. Only 35 survived the journey.
This group's history is marked with persecution, sadness and yet joy. Their willingness to stand for Christ and his gospel in the face of persecution and certain death serves as a remarkable example to each of us. May the Lord grant to us the same resolution and confidence in his grace.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Catching Up
Sorry it has been so long since we have added anything to our blog. The last month has been extremely busy so we haven't settled down to post anything. Below are three new posts. Enjoy.
Spring is Here!
We were welcomed back to Aberdeen with beautiful weather (temps in the 50's). We had our coats ready when we left the airport but didn't need them. The trees and flowers are blooming. Daffodils seem to grow everywhere. Sunday was so sunny and warm that we decided to spend some time outdoors. We went for a walk on the beach and tried to see the dolphins, but no luck. Many people were out enjoying the weather. The range of clothing that we see here is so funny. Some people were still in coats. One guy even had a stocking cap on. Others were wearing shorts, t-shirts, and sandals! We are usually somewhere in between.
Trip to the States
On March 19th, we flew back to Arizona for my brother's wedding. Jonathan and Emily were married on March 24th. Our first week back, I enjoyed helping mom prepare for the wedding and did some shopping. We had a list of things we wanted to get while we were home (chocolate chips, hair spray...you know, the really important stuff). Jason spent the week playing with Jake and Bailey, my parent's dogs, and enjoying some TV. The dogs are so much fun. They love to be wherever you are.
The wedding was wonderful. Jason performed the ceremony which made it very special. He did a great job. We enjoyed getting to know Emily's family. We also enjoyed spending some time with Jonathan and Emily on Sunday and Monday, before they moved to Idaho on Tuesday. Emily fits in great with our family and we are so excited that she is now a part of it.
We enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine. It seemed funny to wear shorts and t-shirts. We also enjoyed eating our favourite foods (oops, British spelling) such as Mexican food, Cold Stone ice cream, Pop Tarts, donuts, pizza, and pork on the grill (we were there three weeks so this eating was spread out!) They do have donuts and pizza in Scotland but they aren't the same. It was good to be home and see family and friends. Of course there were many people we didn't see that we would have liked to.
The wedding was wonderful. Jason performed the ceremony which made it very special. He did a great job. We enjoyed getting to know Emily's family. We also enjoyed spending some time with Jonathan and Emily on Sunday and Monday, before they moved to Idaho on Tuesday. Emily fits in great with our family and we are so excited that she is now a part of it.
We enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine. It seemed funny to wear shorts and t-shirts. We also enjoyed eating our favourite foods (oops, British spelling) such as Mexican food, Cold Stone ice cream, Pop Tarts, donuts, pizza, and pork on the grill (we were there three weeks so this eating was spread out!) They do have donuts and pizza in Scotland but they aren't the same. It was good to be home and see family and friends. Of course there were many people we didn't see that we would have liked to.
Crieff, Scotland
The first weekend of March, I went to Crieff, Scotland with a group of ladies from our church for a Women's Retreat. Crieff is about 2 hours southwest of Aberdeen. We drove down on Friday night so we didn't get to see any of the scenery. I woke up Saturday morning, looked out the window of the cottage and was amazed by the view. The mountains were beautiful!
The weekend was spent looking at the Psalms of Ascent. We also had a speaker who shared about how God had worked in the life of her family while they were missionaries in Africa. On Saturday afternoon we had some free time. I went on a hike with two other women and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. On Saturday night we watched the solar eclipse. The weekend was a good opportunity for me to get to know other women in the church.
The weekend was spent looking at the Psalms of Ascent. We also had a speaker who shared about how God had worked in the life of her family while they were missionaries in Africa. On Saturday afternoon we had some free time. I went on a hike with two other women and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. On Saturday night we watched the solar eclipse. The weekend was a good opportunity for me to get to know other women in the church.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Some random thoughts
Here are a few random thoughts about the last two weeks.
1) Our weather can be so different from one week to the next. Last week it rained everyday. Even locals were complaining about all the rain. On Thurs the sun made an appearence just in time for sunset, and Fri it came out for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Except for a couple of hours on Sun night, though, this week has been beautiful. The sun has shown brightly everyday, which makes the day much more enjoyable. Although temps are still cold, primarily because of the winds, it has been nice enough to eat lunch outside. Spring has almost arrived.
2) The days are getting longer. Some may not think much about the length of sunlight in the winter. When we had less than 6 hours at one point, 11 hours makes for a long day. Erin and I both leave and get home in the sunlight now. I see more people on my walk to and from the university now than even a month ago. The birds are starting to make more noise, which is nice but not at 530 am.
3) With more sunlight it also means that the sun comes up and sets in different places. The sun actually blinded me on my walk home today whenever I looked to the west. Also, the sun lit up our back garden for the first time since October.
4) The yellow school bus is a common sight in the States. It marks the beginning of summer and the start of fall. Here, though, students walk to school or their parents take them. But earlier this week, I saw a school bus. I was shocked, and it reminded me of the States.
1) Our weather can be so different from one week to the next. Last week it rained everyday. Even locals were complaining about all the rain. On Thurs the sun made an appearence just in time for sunset, and Fri it came out for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Except for a couple of hours on Sun night, though, this week has been beautiful. The sun has shown brightly everyday, which makes the day much more enjoyable. Although temps are still cold, primarily because of the winds, it has been nice enough to eat lunch outside. Spring has almost arrived.
2) The days are getting longer. Some may not think much about the length of sunlight in the winter. When we had less than 6 hours at one point, 11 hours makes for a long day. Erin and I both leave and get home in the sunlight now. I see more people on my walk to and from the university now than even a month ago. The birds are starting to make more noise, which is nice but not at 530 am.
3) With more sunlight it also means that the sun comes up and sets in different places. The sun actually blinded me on my walk home today whenever I looked to the west. Also, the sun lit up our back garden for the first time since October.
4) The yellow school bus is a common sight in the States. It marks the beginning of summer and the start of fall. Here, though, students walk to school or their parents take them. But earlier this week, I saw a school bus. I was shocked, and it reminded me of the States.
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