A Dram, A Dram, Whit I wid Gie fer a Dram

As Christmas Day fast approaches I find myself skint, haggard, and unable to think straight. I literally have $1 left to last the week! But, you know what? I am still happy. My wee Princess is with me for Christmas Eve this year and I've got it on very good authority that the other Big Yin, Santa not Billy Connolly, will be making a special stop at my place on his way to Scotland.

This time of year brings out the best and the worst in folk. What I encounter and deal with at my work is an unending parade of the worst you can imagine from theft of gifts to robbery, from domestic violence to suicide, each encounter a microcosm of the evils we inflict on others and ourselves. However, when I am at home I am surrounded by the best of this season. Despite the pending divorce, I wish my ex no ill will. In fact, I hope she has a safe and happy Christmas with the wee Princess as they travel to her parents for the holiday. My new relationship is also growing well and I am lucky to share this season with them as they enjoy their family holiday. Which brings me back to the wee Princess. She is growing so quickly and I fear if I should blink I might miss it. She was barely walking just yesterday, or so it seems, and today she out ran me in tragically public fashion during a game of tag in the park (PS: 71F degrees and breezy today for those of you up north or back home in Scotland). She wants to learn how to drive, put on make up, and get a cell phone. (Maybe later, okay- a little, and NO WAY! respectively)

As for all else, I miss Mum, I miss my sisters, I really miss Dad and I miss my home. No matter where I go or what I have done I always miss my family and my heart misses my Scotland. For me the two are inseparable just as they two are an inseparable part of who I am and who will be.

So on this, the last mad hours of the Christmas rush, just take a moment to yourself. Sit with your thoughts and remember, "Thur's aye yins worse aff than yoo, the kirk yard is fu' o' them", and truly count your blessings. For me it is family, health, dependable employment, and the never ending blessing of being Scottish!

Happy Christmas To All

Ceilidh Wi a Cause!

My Grandmother died of breast cancer and while this video has bugger all to do with Scotland as a whole I think the fun these hospital workers have making a point that cancer is a killer, regardless of the type, and that together we can make a difference is an important lesson.

It also reminds us that just 'cause yer at work disnae mean there's no time for a good ceilidh!

Just click on the title above to see the video!

PS: Look for the engineering maintenance guy in the gray uniform after the pairs of dancin' nurses. He dances jist like ma dad used tae do when he wis lit!

Going the Extra "Royal Mile"

On a recent trip to the Washington DC area I was introduced to a fantastically Scottish place - The Royal Mile Pub in Wheaton, Maryland.

Located in Montgomery County, just north of Washington DC, I walked in the front door of The Royal Mile and was immediately transported to one of the many pubs scattered across Scotland. Unlike some places that try far too hard to be Scottish and end up as nothing more than a laughable caricature, this was an experience as natural as if I walked in off the High Street. While a few obviously schlocky items are displayed for those without a clue of what it means to be Scottish (Sadly a lot of people), the overall feel of the pub is one of a traditional warm Scottish welcome. It begins with the warm, inviting interior, continues with the fantastic collection of whiskey, including my favorite - 18 year Glenfiddich, and culminates in a menu of delicious Scots favorites, from which I ate with glorious abandon!

From the Haggis (I had two), smoked salmon, or Orkney egg "Starters" to the shepherd's pie, fish and chips (nice big pieces of Cod), or the lamb stew (with barley, neeps, leeks & carrots), the food was delicious and in a word, outstanding! I ate far more than I should and enjoyed it even more than that. The beer list is just as extensive as the whiskey, though in my mind if you have a good whiskey, who needs a beer? But if beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed.

The staff are friendly and only too eager to help you enjoy all the Royal Mile has to offer. I left the pub full, happy and a wee bit lit. All together a very good time. The last thing I took away from The Royal Mile was the best T-shirt I have ever found in Maryland. It comes in blue or black with a lion rampant on the front, while the back proudly proclaims "We're not a family, we're a clan". So, if you are in the Washington DC area and in need of a wee dram, a gid meal, anither wee dram, and some really good food fae hame, The Royal Mile is well worth your time.

To visit the Royal Mile Pub's web site just click on the title above.