Loch Fyne

A major perk of working for the University is that we have a full week off for Christmas and New Years. I've met some wonderful friends through work, so we all decided to rent a cottage together on Loch Fyne over the break. After many planning meetings and messages, we found a perfect place, organised food, and coordinated transportation. We even managed to go grocery shopping with all seven of us. On our first morning there, we went for a long walk on the icy trail near our cottage. 

Most mornings, we woke around 9:30am and turned on the kettle for tea and coffee. We spent three days working on a jigsaw puzzle, watched movies, knitted, and truly r e l a x e d.

Loch Fyne is famous for the best oysters in Scotland, so we visited the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar for lunch. The group ordered a plate of crispy oysters, and Garrick and I shared a plate of crab claws before our mains arrived. I had the Salmon and Cod Burger, and Garrick, the Hand Dived Scallops. This was one of the best meals I've had in Scotland, and would highly recommend a visit.

After lunch, the sun was setting (oh, Scotland), and I snapped this photo of the loch.

For Hogmanay, we stayed at our cottage for a game and curry night. I made naan breads and the rest of the group each made a delicious curry. On New Years Day, we went to dinner and a ceilidh at The George Hotel in Inveraray. Garrick and I partnered with our friends to learn the dances, and came back together for Strip the Willow at the end. At one point, Garrick missed a step and a member of the band said, "Pay attention!" in the mic. I couldn't stop laughing.

Garrick reminded me that next year we will be making new memories in Germany over the holidays. I am so grateful for our time in Scotland, and I know it's a blessing that we're so sad to leave. The night ended with a live piper, and then we were off to our beds.

We love these people: (left to right) Sam, Ken, Jane, Nicole, Robbie, and us. Happy New Year! 2015 is a big year for the Allens with another international move around the corner. Stay tuned.

A St Andrews Christmas

This year, we enjoyed our first Christmas in St Andrews since moving here nearly four years ago. On Christmas Eve, I went in to work for a half day, and then came home to make toffee, iced oatmeal cookies, and overnight cinnamon rolls. Midway through the sugar-fest, we took advantage of the sun and my new tripod (thanks, Garrick!) and spent a few hours wandering around the cathedral.

That evening, the Brewers hosted us along with three other couples for drinks and appetizers. Time spent in their living room is always fun! As usual, Rachel's decorations were very festive. Their boys each opened a new pair of pajamas and we all participated in their advent reading. 

On Christmas morning, Garrick organised our presents into piles while I prepared breakfast. Some gift highlights were a new pair of slippers for me, and plaid pajama pants for Garrick. We bundled up and walked to the harbor, hearing many "Merry Christmas!" greetings along the way.

The Nickels hosted us for Christmas dinner along with other dear friends (group photo will be added soon). Liana took care of the turkey, and the guests brought the sides. We did a gift exchange, relaxed, and ended the night with cookies and Catch Phrase. Garrick and I stayed over and woke up to warm croissants and coffee. We'll be over again soon!

Although we weren't in Washington with our families this year, Garrick and I made it a special Christmas. He is my family, and I couldn't be more grateful.

I'll close with one of my favourite verses, Isaiah 6:9: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

St Ives and Cambridge

Last Thursday, we both left work a bit early and made our way via bus to the Edinburgh airport. Again, we were reminded of how we live in a fairly remote area. Our travel time to the airport was longer than our flight to London! Julie and Mark met us at the airport and we enjoyed catching up for the few hours we had before bed.

In the morning, we ate breakfast at Mark's mother's home in St Ives before going for a walk. Then we were joined by some special women (Mark's mother, Joan, Mark's Gran, and Audrey, a close family friend) for a delicious lunch at the Windmill in Somersham.

Our evening was spent at the cinema watching "What We Did on Our Holiday" set in Scotland. Julie and Mark were kind to drive us around and arrange for us to stay with Mark's Gran for our time down south. She was a wonderful hostess!

Cambridge is such a lovely place to visit. This was our third time in this large University town, and we saw the sights, ate good English pub food, and ended our day punting on the River Cam. For dinner, we went with Mark's brother, Steve, and his wife, Helen, to a Chinese restaurant they recommended, and we were not disappointed!

On our last day, we met Mark's Dad and his wife Di, and they hosted us in their beautiful home and garden in Huntington. I particularly enjoyed seeing the thatched roofs and old English homes in this village. Then we caught up with Mark's brother Martin, his partner Lisa, and the talented Sam before driving to the airport. 

Sunday night came quick and we were back on the plane for our 50-minute flight to Edinburgh. Thanks again to Julie, Mark, and Mark's family for a wonderful weekend away!

Costa Brava

As I write this, the rain pounds against our sea-facing windows, and we just returned, drenched, from a Tesco run. It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we were laying on the beaches of the Mediterranean!

For the last part of our trip, we decided to relax. We rented a small place in Begur, north of Barcelona, and spent our days playing cribbage on the sun deck (below). We also explored the curving coastal roads, discovering hidden beaches. Yes, I got car sick. One evening, we sat outside for dinner at a restaurant and a local family sitting near us requested to move inside because they were too chili. And we were almost too warm! Our time spent soaking up Vitamin D while reading at the beach was among our favourite. I even convinced Garrick to go swimming (twice!).

Travelling is usually a slightly stressful endeavor for me, but this trip was truly peaceful. Spending 10 uninterrupted days with my scholar husband, who left his thesis behind, was a treat. So, here's the last of our photos. I'll spare you the ones of us at the beach....

Bliss!