24 years and counting...

It's hard for Nick and I to believe our wedding was 24 years ago today!

But, as we take time this morning to reflect on our amazing wedding weekend in 1984 we both have vivid, wonderful memories of that time celebrating with family and friends in Duxbury. It sure was special!


We truly feel God blessed our union that day and continues to do so today. We pray for, and look forward to, His continued guidance and hand upon our marriage and our family in the years ahead.

As for a celebration? Well, it's a windy, rainy, Monday here in Aix-not a day fit for man nor beast-so we're probably going to go somewhere nearby for warm and cosy quiet little lunch "a deux".

Now presenting...the Graduate!!

Last week I spent six days stateside in New England. While there, I was blessed with time with my mother, sister and good friends in Massachusetts. But the best of all, and point of my trip, was being with Nicholas and attending his college graduation in Rhode Island!

Salve Regina University's 60th commencement was held on Sunday, May 18 in Newport, RI. Mom and I drove down from Duxbury early that morning under dry skies, for a change! The Salve campus enjoys one of the most spectacular sites perched right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean along Cliff Walk. The setting was perfect...

It was a glorious sunny day and we walked with all the other families through the beautiful campus to the graduation site.

The procession entered first to the sounds of bagpipes and then Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play...yes, chills. I wiped a proud tear or two as I saw 'my boy' process into the tent wearing his cap and gown. There had been a few times in the last 22 years we weren't sure this moment would ever become a reality!! As graduation ceremonies go, this was a winner. Everything went smoothly and the speakers were interesting and short winded. The address to the graduates, given by Alan Hassenfled, Chairman of the Board of Hasbro, Inc. was well received by guests and graduates alike. He was a terrific speaker and had a good sense of humor especially when he related a 'conversation' he'd had with one of his company's best known products, Mr. Potato Head about what to say to the graduates! His message was that their diplomma was an open ticket and it was up to them to fill in the destination.

It was also inspiring and refreshing to be at a school where God and prayer were an integral part of the ceremony. In addition, the president of the university, Sister Theresa, prayed for all the graduates and their families at the close of the ceremony...sadly, that doesn't happen, and isn't even allowed, on many campuses in the US today.

After the recessional, we met up with Nicholas, shared some strong bear hugs and took photos with the proud, elated graduate.

Once Nicholas was out of his cap and gown, we went to Harbour Court, the New York Yacht Club's outpost in Newport. We relaxed and enjoyed the gorgeous view and a delicious lunch.






Afterwards, Mom headed back to Duxbury and Nicholas and I changed our clothes and went for a long walk along the harborfront. That evening, we had dinner at Bouchard's, a local French restaurant. He'd worked there last summer, but this was his first time as a guest. The food and atmostphere was fabulous. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!!

Congratulations Nicholas!!

A Wee Bit MORE o' Scotland

Note: This post is a continuation of the blog entry, "A Wee Bit o' Scotland", published on 30 April.

We drove from Falkirk to Edinburgh during an afternoon rainstorm, which included periods of hail, and thanks to the excellent assistance of our GPS we made it without making one wrong turn! We landed right at the doorstep of The Clan Campbell Hotel located on the east end of the city just behind Calton Hill.




The proprietor, John Campbell, has owned and operated this delightful, Georgian period town house as a hotel for 19 years...and he's only 39! We really enjoyed John and his friendly, helpful staff and the comfortable accommodations. Nick, Sarah and I had a spacious family room with en suite bath on the third floor. Every morning, John made us each an individually cooked-to-order breakfast before we headed out for the day. At the hotel, there is also a very relaxing residents lounge bar where you could not only sample fine scotches or a glass of wine or soda, but you could use the computer (on the bar), watch TV or play games or the piano. All in all, the place made you almost feel like you lived there.

Once we got settled into our room, the rain had subsided so we decided to go for a walk and explore a bit. John recommended a climb up Calton Hill where we would have a 360 degree view of the city. It was a straight up hill climb to get there but the views were rewarding...

To the west, a view up Princes Street...

southeast...we were surprised to see how the city limits ended so abruptly and so nearby...

south...





Sarah climbed onto these columns perched right on the top of hill to get an even better view...



of the next approaching rainstorm!!



We made it back to the hotel before the downpour and visted with John in the lounge before dinner.

When I booked our reservation, I told John that our arrival day, April 9, would be Nick's birthday. I asked him if he could recommend a good restaurant nearby. When he said, "Does he like Italian food?" I knew we were on to something. It's Nick's favorite!! So, he booked us a table right down the street at Vittoria's. We had a fabulous meal and Sarah snuck back to the kitchen and surprised Nick with a cake complete with sparklers and a waiter's chorus!!

The next morning, after our delicious breakfasts we headed off to see Edinburgh. First stop- Edinburgh Castle. Perched on an extinct volcano, above the capital city, this instantly recognisable fortress has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. Scotland’s chief royal castle, it has served as seat of royalty, headquarters of the sheriff of Edinburgh, military garrison and storehouse of the royal gun train, and repository of the nation’s crown jewels and state records.

While we enjoyed the Castle, which we didn't spend as much time there as we had at Stirling; You can only see so much castle in a 24 hour period. From here we went to walk around, see some of the city and check out some of the shops. Wow, if we thought the euro/dollar was bad, we were shocked by the pound/dollar! Needless to say, it squelched most of any retail urges we had. We did come upon a really great small men's boutique and completely outfitted the birthday boy!


We spent the rest of the day ducking in and out of raindrops and touring Edinburgh. We really found it to be a delightful city. Here is a 'wee bit' of a photo tour!


Monument to Sir Walter Scott on Princes Street...

During a downpour we sought refuge in the Royal Scottish Academy where we enjoyed the Scottish Watercolor Society's annual show....

Near Shandwick Place...

Looking down Old Town with Edinburgh Castle in the far distance(left)...


We really enjoyed our dry walk through the park. Spring was springing and there were many flowering bulbs and the leaves on the trees were just coming out. Park benches lined the West Princes Street Gardens and we strolled slowly to read the many well worded dedications.

and to admire several monuments, this one entitled "THE CALL 1914" from the "Men and Women of Scottish Blood and Sympthies in the United States of America to Scotland"

At the end of the park lies St Cuthbert's Church...




The following day we spent our time more on the east end of town. We visited Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen. The baroque palace stands at the end of the Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat. The Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and as the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent reign. The Palace briefly served as the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie during the 1745 uprising. Today the State Apartments are used regularly by The Queen and other members of the Royal Family for State ceremonies and official entertaining.





Almost directly across the street from Holyrood Palace, is the New Scottish Parliament complex which opened in September 2004. This bizarre monstrocity is apparently subject of much controversy over it's architecture, architect and building costs. Our tour of the inside did little to increase our understanding or enjoyment of the place.



We walked along a good portion of The Royal Mile; a road that goes between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood, stopping at bag piping shops, kilt shops and the like.


At this large shop and textile mill, we spent time watching weavers at several looms. We saw a variety of tartans being woven as well as maniquins dressed in period Scottish attire...





Perhaps our favorite find was The Museum of Childhood. "Described as 'the noisiest museum in the world', the Museum of Childhood is a favourite with adults and children alike. It is a treasure house, crammed full of objects telling of childhood, past and present. The museum opened in 1955, the brainchild of town councillor Patrick Murray, and was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood." Nick, Sarah and I could have spent the day here! "There are toys and games of all kinds from many parts of the world, ranging from dolls and teddy bears to train sets and tricycles. You could listen to children chanting multiplication tables in the 1930s schoolroom, watch the street games of Edinburgh children of the 1950s, and find out how children have been brought up, dressed and educated in decades gone by. Everyone will find memories of their childhood in this five story building, whether it's a doll, scooter, puppet or game...

The next day we headed down to the waterfront area of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Once home-at-sea for the royal family, she is now open to the public for daily tours. During her 44-year working life, Britannia sailed over a million miles on nearly 1,000 official visits, and welcomed aboard some of the world's most influential people, from Winston Churchill to Boris Yeltsin, Rajiv Gandhi to Nelson Mandela. Sarah was the family photographer that day and here are just a few of her many shots...

the Queen's bedroom...

After the yacht tour and a lunch at the seaport it was time to collect our bags from the hotel and head to the airport. Once again, we just followed Tom-Tom's directions and arrived on time and without incident for our return flight to Marseille.

A la prochaine!


More information:

Clan Campbell Hotel: http://www.clancampbellhotel.co.uk/