We have many “new
things” to report since our last post two weeks ago.
Most
importantly, we’ve spent the first few days in our new house. Seven houses up
the road from our previous residence (which made moving quite easy!), we now
live in a semi-detached house, as Maxson has learned and taught us to say
correctly. This is such a lovely home. The owners were preparing it to function
as an Air B&B, so everything is pristine. New dishes, new beds, new oven
(and it smelled like it!). Kate now has her own bedroom with ocean view, and we
have a lovely garden and a garage.
—which we will
need because we’ve also gotten a car! We decided we wanted to do more exploring
around Scotland, and getting groceries one arm load at a time has become
taxing. When we started to look for one, my amazingly gracious friend—the same
one who invited us here—offered us the use of his car. So, at least for seven
months, we will be the proud owners of a Honda Accord station wagon. In the
transportation department, Lance also purchased a bike.
Kate and
Maxson continue to enjoy school. They especially loved the Scottish afternoons
when the country takes time to honor Robert Burns, the 18th century
poet. They learned dances and poetry, and Lance, Kindred, and I got to see
them! We were especially proud that Kate won first place for her grade in the
poetry recitation contest for her rendition of “Address to the Toothache.” That
evening we ate dinner at a pub downtown, the St. Andrews Brewery. Their food
was the best we’ve had, and almost all of us were brave enough to try Haggis,
at least in an entry-level fashion as a fried appetizer.
We have had
several weekends to explore St. Andrews itself. With three great free museums,
a nice public library, playgrounds, stellar charity shops, and, of course, the
beach, we have more than enough to keep us happy. It is such a small and
friendly town. We see people we know each time we walk downtown, and we are so
proud of everyone (especially Kindred) for making the almost mile journey each
way.
As I walked
into my office at the end of this week and ran along the beach on Sunday, the
thought crossed my mind, “I love this place.” We hope we can share it with many
of you, in pictures or in person!