The Where of the Story

From Loretta

Yes, I know, I know.  Everyone wants to see more Barbies.

But two of the Wenches have brand-new books out, and I got all excited (1) because two Wenches have new books out and (2) I have been to locales in their books and have actual pictures. 

My first (and so far only visit) to Scotland took me to Edinburgh, which I think is one of the most interesting looking cities in the world. 

This is a view of Edinburgh Castle which is built at the top of...a volcano.  A very dead volcano.  The Old Town is built along its sides.  One's first view is pretty dramatic.  However, my picture-taking skills weren't really up to the challenge of capturing Edinburgh, so here are some post cards. 

Before coming here, I had seen men in kilts playing bagpipes.  But the men I saw in Edinburgh in kilts playing bagpipes strongly impressed upon me the fact that a man could look really manly in a skirt.  Especially when it's sleeting.  In June.  Every day at one o'clock, there is what sounds like a terrifying clap of thunder.  This is the One O'clock Gun going off from the castle ramparts.  For more on Edinburgh and manly men, you can read Susan/Sarah's book.

On to Sarah Churchill.  Here's a view of the place she & John built.  Well, mostly she, IIRC. 

But I'm not going to offer any of my limited information about Sarah, since a talented Wench is offering you the complete scoop.  I'm just here with the illustrations.  Another view:

And some more: 

We took a boat ride on the lake, I recall.  Our traveling companion is from Atlanta, and the English tourists loved his accent. 

Here's the front door, or one of them.  But to get inside, for the inside scoop, you know what you've got to do.  Read Susan/Miranda's book.  That's what I'm going to do, too. 

Comments

[Susan/Sarah]

Great pictures!!
Thanks for posting those, Loretta -- makes me yearn to go back to Edinburgh (fingers crossed, I'm going in October!). Sleet in June? I can believe it.
And there are very few more manly sights than a guy in a plaid skirt. I love that it's a common sight on the streets, too--a lot of guys, college guys especially, wear them. With tattered denim jackets. It works, believe me....

I've never been to Blenheim, which is definitely on my UK list! I too cannot wait until Susan Miranda's book is out... pacing, pacing, counting the days!

Susan Sarah, thanking Loretta for a bit of Wenchly promotion ;)

[shscott21]

Thanks for sharing your photos, Loretta -- great images!

Though the audio description of the one o'clock guns, coming hard on last night's almost non-stop thunder here in PA, is not quite as enticing....
Susan/Miranda

[Nina P]

Hi Loretta!

Great pictures. And men in kilts... I've only ever seen one. Very manly, especially if he's gone regimental. ::G::

And Susan/Sarah... your book? Please do tell, if you can, the title. Forgive, if you have already said so and I missed it. Sometimes, I'm hard of reading.

[SKapusniak]

No sleet here in Edinburgh, at least in recent weeks. Alas, we seem to be having the same heat-wave as everyone else in the Northern Hemisphere at the moment.

Frankly I'd prefer the sleet :(

Sleet in June -- followed quickly by bright sunshine, then hail, then sleet again, then more sunshine, all within the space of couple of hours -- actually sounds more like typical Shetland weather which is where, for my sins, I used to live some years before moving here.

The view out my window is of Arthur's Seat, the other extinct volcano, at least if you're sitting in the right position. If not you're sitting in the indicated place you'll end up staring at the Salisbury Crags, which are resolutely non-volcanic.

If you want men in kilts in Scotland, your best bet is to get invited to lots of weddings, since it's very typical male wedding attire.

It's actually the socks and the shirt that make the costume IMHO, so since the guy on the cover of 'Keeping Kate' isn't wearing a shirt, and any socks are completely hidden by those big boots of his, I have to say I don't think he really pulls the look off :)

[talpianna]

http://www.enchantebridal.co.uk/image.php?id=529&size=medium

[Sherrie Holmes]

Loretta, what beautiful pictures and postcards! I've been steeped in all things Scottish this weekend--spent the day at the Pacific NW Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering in Seattle. It was a feast for the eyes and ears, and really special because this was their 60th anniversary.

My pictures won't be as pretty as your postcards, but they'll help me remember a very special day.