Four Weddings . . . and no funerals, please!

I wanted to post some pics of the four weddings Dominik and I had been to this summer and to add a few highlights along the way. The first one we went to was on Saturday, 21 July in Aberdeen, Scotland. Despite the rain and cold (high of 10 C all day!), Jacqueline Evans and Kevin Rinchey successfully tied the knot. Some highlights of their wedding for me were the touchingly tender, surprise speech given by Jacqueline's mother in church (I sobbed, but who didn't?) and the brilliant ceilidh at the end (was it only me, or did it seem like 200 guests showed up all of a sudden?) Well done to the two of you! Say, I Spy a Groom in a Kilt. . . LOL! Sorry, it had to be done. Kevin is actually to Jacqueline's right.

The second wedding notice was told to us two months before it happened. Andy phoned up Dom one Saturday night while we were out at the pub to say that Robin and him were to have their civil service Orpington, London and would like us to be there. Closer to the day, we flew down to London for their marriage on Saturday, 4 August. In contrast to Jacqueline and Kevin's wedding, the weather chose to cooperate with sunny spells mixed in with some cottony clouds. What impressed me the most about Andy and Robin's wedding was that Robin's family all made it over. No small feat, especially for her sister, April, and her husband, Alan, who had to be back at uni for exams and classes two days later. You both make a beautiful couple together! Thank you for inviting Dom and I to share your special day together.

One week later . . . Marian and Claudia's was next. Theirs was a real treat because they held a Polterabend in Claudia's home town of Schmiedefeld the weekend before in order to smash porcelain and old dishes with family, friends and neighbors. While the meaning is still debatable (from driving away evil spirits to offerings of filled containers to the gods), it is commonly believed that sweeping up the mess together ensures that the couple will be able to work through their marital problems. The following weekend, Saturday, 18 August, they tied the knot at a civil service ceremony in wine-producing Volkach and celebrated thier reception in the neighboring village of Sommerach. They win the award for best weather with crystal blue skies and sparkling sunshine. Congratulations you two! And thank you for having us!

And finally the fourth wedding was Gustav and Sandrine's on 6 October in Colmar, France. On Sandrine's right are her two best friends and witnesses (Fanny and name I forgot?) and to Gustav's left are his two best friends and witnesses (Micha and Dominik). I give their wedding high kudos for having the most amazing reception dinner yet . . . the highest quality in French cuisine. Ah, heaven has food like this! I'm still dreaming of the basil-pineapple-olive oil sorbet for dessert. I stopped counting how many chocolate cream gateau Dom devoured. It was quite the feast. Wir haben wie Gott in Frankreich gegessen! Well done you two and thank you for having us both to celebrate your beautiful day!

Romantic Views from the Farm

To the left is a view of the front of our cottage on Priorletham Farm. It has the romantic appeal of countryside living with sheep, cattle, and a riding horse within view from our bedroom window. There's also plenty of nighmare-sized spiders (actually dreamt one of the hairy beasts sat on my chest while I was in bed threatening to bite me!) and howling evening winds. Ah, life on the farm.

On the other hand, we have some quite romantic views from our wee cottage out on Priorletham Farm. This shot below was taken in early September after the hay had been cut and rolled into bales. It reminds me so much so of "the everlasting hills of Oklahoma, they hold a million treasures to be found!" I know, I know. We're in Scotland. But that's what happens when you've left all your CDs behind in Germany, and all you have to listen to are songs from Sons of the Pioneers. Honest!

Day at Glen Clova

Hello World,

Johannes has been kind enough to walk me through my own blog account. Thank you, my friend. Your help cheered me up.

On July 28th, Dominik, Johannes and I set out to conquer the two mountain tops Driesh and Mayar. After two hours of strenuous hiking up the Kilbo Path, we made it to the Driesh (947m). Stomachs grumbling and wind gusting, we ate lunch behind the shelter of a large boulder.

Upon finishing lunch, we walked on to the Mayar (928m) and down behind an enchanted valley called the Corrie Fee. Wow! Streaming waterfalls, undulating streams, purple heather, and a huge rainbow to top it off . . . it was like Lord of the Rings filmed here on location.

The six hour walk was hard on me, but the majestic view of the Corrie Fee was well worth the extra effort. Thanks, Dom, for suggesting such a great treking local!