Hello from Bonnie Scotland
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For the month of March, Chris and I are traveling in Scotland, celebrating our 33rd anniversary and his 60th birthday. Because he brought me to his homeland on our honeymoon, we’ve returned for every anniversary since our big 25th.
It sounds romantic, doesn’t it?
Until you consider the weather! Outside it’s 37° and feels like 28° due to the 18 mph wind. However, we’re cozy in our cottage and grateful it’s not storming or snowing.
Like a true Scotsman, Chris enjoys the cold, the wind, the rain … and the golf (in the cold, wind, and rain)! He would like to retire here in the Highlands near Inverness, and I’ve agreed to live here for half the year. And by half, I mean four months.
How do I prepare for that possibility?
I’ve been trying to cultivate local friendships, chatting to strangers on the bus, in coffee shops, and of course in my beloved charity shops. Fortunately, the Scots seem to find Californians fascinating. “You really get sunshine in January?!”
Last year I began following Scottish writers on Facebook and Twitter — Barbara, Pauline, and Liza. Just last week I attended their writers’ group, meeting in a beautiful, stately, former Bishop’s house. Later, while out shopping, I came upon one of the women at the street corner. Pauline invited me up to her own office (which she has, because she actually makes money selling her children’s books). For two hours we chatted about the writing industry.
On Sunday, Chris and I attended Inverness Baptist Church with Barbara and her family. Situated directly across from the church is Inverness Castle, photos below. Ahhh … so much history to explore here.
I appreciate the gift God has given me — three friends in Inverness to meet for lunch, tea, and writing inspiration! Perhaps I can agree to living in Scotland longer than four months per year after we retire.
Psalm 2:8,11 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
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Photos below:
Inverness Castle ∼
Outside of Inverness Baptist, the wind wreaks havoc on my new short hairdo ∼
My favorite reading nook at a bookshop in a rustic, refurbished church ∼
21 thoughts on “Hello from Bonnie Scotland”
You’re so funny! Love this update 🙂
Thanks Julie! I love that we share the same sense of humor!
I love, love, love, the fantastic photos! What a gorgeous country Scotland is! I am part Scot but haven’t been there. I can see why you and Chris are contemplating retiring there!
Pat, I should have known you are part Scot! One of these days I hope you get to visit. Thanks so much for your loving encouragement always.
Having just visited Australia and New Zealand for our 30th anniversary, we know much of what you are experiencing travel-wise. However, we were having 80-90 degree weather in Melbourne and Sydney! Quite different! We, too, will be home for Easter. We flew in at 7 a.m. this morning and have stayed up all day to try to get into our OWN time zone! God bless you! Sounds like He already HAS in ever-so-many ways!
Welcome back, Marilyn! I was so excited when you knocked on my door to give me several copies of Tea Time Magazine, and to hear you were traveling the same time we were! I hope you recover quickly from jet lag; it’s 4am and I’m wide awake.
Sounds amazing!!!
Thank you, Martha! Perhaps one day you’ll visit Scotland!
Debbie, as always, I feel like I have been transported to another place and/or time every time I read one of your writings…..you have such a gift for painting pictures with your words! What a blessing that you are getting to enjoy travelling with Chris (and for a whole month!). I love that you have been going back to Scotland each year to celebrate your anniversary. I can easily see you settling in over there when Chris retires. You will have the best of both worlds, as you will still get to enjoy beautiful, sunny California for half the year. So happy for you! And thank you (again) for sharing your gift with us.
It’s so fun to visit with you here on my blog. I feel like we can pour a cup of tea and have a “wee blether” … a little chat! Your words are always an encouragement to me and an inspiration to keep going. I am so glad we’ve maintained our friendship over all these years since you left Castro Valley xo
Will you be celebrating Easter in Scotland? Wouldn’t that be a treat?! As we have weather in the mid 70s here in sunny California, I cannot imagine a “springtime” Easter Sunday attire with weather that cold! Truly enjoy your heartfelt thoughts, Debbie. Your earlier posts were also very REAL and speak to each of us in our different life stages and situations. Sending Easter blessings wherever you are! He is risen indeed!
Carol, we will celebrate Easter back in sunny California … quite a shock to the system after freezing Scotland! Easter bonnets really take on a vital role rather than just being fashionable in Scotland … keeping the head warm! Thanks so much for your encouragement as always! Easter blessings to you: He is risen indeed.
It is so encouraging to see the Lord blessing you and Chris in this new season of life! I can’t think of anything better for 4-6 mos of the year!! Hugs!
Denise, I appreciate these words of blessing you have just poured over me! I love how you are enjoying your move and your little slice of heaven. Hugs!
The four-month comment made me laugh. And I love the new reading nook!!
Thanks Susy! And by four months, I actually mean two! It’s so fun to visit, but all my family is here. I’m trying to make the best of our trips and prepare myself for however God leads, but deep down, I’m really hoping it’s just a pipe dream for my husband lol.
Btw there is actually a little nook off of this nook! I will try to add a picture of it xo
Seriously, Debbie?! Retiring in Scotland? That sounds crazy – and SO exciting! Robert and I must plan a trip to England where our daughter-in-law is from so Scotland can’t be that far away. I like the idea. 🙂
Yes it sounds crazy! I do hope you and Robert can make the trip to England soon. You will love the scenery and history!
Hi Debbie! I think it’s so sweet that you visit Scotland every year to celebrate your anniversary. Your blog looks great! I felt so blessed to have the joy of chatting with you at lunch at the West Coast Christian Writer’s Conference!
Hi Valerie! I too enjoyed getting to know you at WCCW last month. You have such a vital ministry, and I love the articles you write. God bless you as you serve women, families, and marriages!