Lisboa, Portugal

My little room... small, but ever so classy! All in leather and dark wood and fresh flowers always add such a nice touch! And just look at my view below? Have you ever seen such pretty sidewalks? Lovely!


So many "public squares"... I can only imagine the community gatherings that they've had here in times past...

Sidewalk cafes... local performers and a good meal with a cool drink...

Local shopping... so much to see! Beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths, tempting bakery goods... a nice way to spend the afternoon!
Lisboa (known as Lisbon to the English)... the people here really know how to live simple... to enjoy and relax! A leisurely pace... so different from what we're used to... we could maybe take a lesson from them? Ahhhh... so nice!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle... it honestly looks like a movie set out of Hollywood... but it's REAL! Habitation of "the rock" goes back as far as the 9th Century BC.... huh?? That's OLD!! It intrigues me more than ANY structure that I've seen... such history! such beauty! I hope you enjoy this glimpse... (click to enlarge photos)


Young soldiers guard the castle... after I bought my ticket an older gentleman told me that he too... many years ago... was a young guard just like these... wow... what a heritage...
Come on in!... oh... wait... look at the photo below... are you friend or foe?? You might want to think about it before you enter!

Breathtaking views from up here on the hill!

The Royal Jewels of Scotland are here.... they were absolutely beautiful... what was it like to wear them? Such royalty... did you know that Prince Philip is the current "Duke of Edinburgh"? He is the husband of Queen Elizabeth of England.

The castle on the hill... wouldn't you love to know the people who dwelled here? Did they feel "safer" to dwell behind these walls? Did they appreciate and enjoy it's beautiful view? How did they spend their days? A marvelous adventure!

Edinburgh, Scotland... one of my Favorites!

Edinburgh Castle... it's like walking back in time... many years ago... I can't even express what it's like to catch a glimpse of it every time I visit... it's surreal... and a piece of history that I cannot comprehend... I've even grabbed a sandwich at the local Marks & Spencer, sat in the park in the heart of the city and just "looked" up at the castle in awe... remarkable... watch for my next post with photos of my tour of the Castle... (click to enlarge photos)

Yes.... I took a "Double-Decker bus tour" here... so insightful... did you know that the very first "fire department" was started here? The city was on fire! It was a good reason to change things and protect this lovely city.

You know how I LOVE Mexican cuisine? Would you believe that I actually found the cutest little Mexican restaurant right here in Edinburgh? Yummy! Ole'!

Fine dining with my crew at our old hotel.... it was fun flying with my classmate Chris from flight school.

So authentic... a Scottish Bagpipe... and it seems that he knew that I was American... He started playing the Battle Hymn of the Republic when I tossed a few pounds into his case... "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.... His truth is marching on.... glory, glory hallelujah!"...

Deacon Brodie's Tavern... this is the very first pub that I ate at while visiting Scotland... the tavern was inspired by the story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde... hmmmm.. I think I might have dated one of "him"? Not sure if it was Jekyll or Hyde! ha!

Such beautiful architecture....

A lovely setting near the castle... once again the "realtor" in me wants to know... how much $?? And who lives here?? Last year a Captain that I flew with was moving here once he retired (he has family here) ... I'm not surprised. A lovely location.

The grounds keeper's home in the heart of the city... Quite "storybook", yes?

I've said before how much I enjoy the importance that the Scottish and English put on "Tea Time".... it's not just about "tea"... but a time in the day to "slow down"... "relax"... and take in all that is good!... here's a glimpse of what I enjoy overseas... would you like tea, coffee or cocoa and "biscuits" (cookies)? Yes, please!


My view from our new hotel... it is located right on the Royal Mile... just down the hill from the Castle (watch for my next blog)... a fantastic location! I've sat a few times now and browsed the Internet with my computer in the window sill and this gorgeous view... oh my!... so relaxing... God is Awesome!... what beauty! I hope that you enjoy this glimpse of Edinburgh! Take care and Lord bless YOU!

New Baby Boy!

So exciting to share in the birth of #7 grand baby! And my youngest always makes it look soooo easy!?? (click to enlarge)

What a joy to welcome Baby Boy!!
Such a proud Daddy!

And Big Sissy is sooooo SWEET!

A birthday celebration!

And soooo much lovin'!

The happy little family!

Nonnie couldn't be happier!!

So sweet....