Monthly Archives: November 2008

I remember visiting with a woman preparing for knee replacement surgery. She said, “The doctor told me not to worry because he’d done hundreds of these operations. But, this is the first one for me.” It all depends on your … Continue reading →

Perhaps it is a testament to my rising sense of Scottishness, perhaps to the bewildering task of orienting my family in this new land, perhaps a sign of my own weariness at the pace of change in our lives, but … Continue reading →

This past Monday I was at Rochsolloch Elementary talking to an assembly of kiddies about Saint Andrew’s Day. “Does anyone know why we celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day?” Lots of little hands rose. But, it was a rhetorical question. “Bones! We … Continue reading →

I brought the younger ones to school with me yesterday. I was to speak at the local Primary school about St. Andrew’s Day, so I thought I’d bring them along to see what a Scottish school was like. I told … Continue reading →

Tastes, like smells are powerfully evocative of long, distant memories. Only whiff of that familiar perfume conjures the all the emotions of my youth with Lisa. And, only a bite or a sip of those unique Scottish flavors brings back … Continue reading →

As a boy my pals and I used to play a game we called “Smear the Queer.” It was a simple game that began with a toss of a ball, any ball. The one who was bold enough or fool … Continue reading →

“John, I need a shopping trolley. I found one over at Argos that I like.” Not words I ever expected to hear from my young wife. But, the grocery store is a short and easy ten minute walk from the … Continue reading →

“We’re related?” “That’s right, but in a removed sort of way. You see, your Mum was like a second cousin to me. There was a connection but it was a long way back.” Robin was explaining to me that my … Continue reading →

I’ve always loved helicopters. I am fascinated with the way they move and the mechanisms that lift them from the ground. And, I have always held a great admiration for those who fly them. And, I’ve always wanted a ride … Continue reading →

We toasted the Queen last night at the Rotary meeting I attended. I’ve never toasted the Queen before and was frankly caught off guard by the invitation to do so. Everyone picked up their glass, held it high and said … Continue reading →