Tartan Day Part 2

Scottish Homecoming Video


Scotland Homecoming 2009

Tartan Day

Happy Tartan Day to all my Scottish Friends. (Or those who just love everything ) Scottish. Grab your kilt and a wee bit o’ haggis!!

From the Glens to the coast and the Craigs to the Highlands, Scotland is a lovely country. No matter where I went, Scotland had a certain feel about it. Always lined with a bit of salt air. Living there was everything I thought it would be plus more. I didn’t realize how vivid & wild the countryside would be and how eclectic/diverse the people are. Plus is is a history-buffs dream. Throw in the accent and I am lost. I will admit that there are parts of Scotland that I haven’t figured out. Especially the divide with catholics/non-catholics, Glasgow, and the crazy rivalry between the Celtics 7 the Rangers and fried candy bars. Regardless, Scotland sweeps me off my feet every time.

Some Tartan Day Links:

http://www.tartanday.org/

http://www.tartandayscotland.com/

http://www.visitscotland.com/

Scottish Peeps

Sir William Wallace

Robert Burns
Mary Queen of Scots
Queen Victoria

Sir Sean Connery- James Bond

Gerard Butler

Craig Ferguson

David Tennant- Dr Who

Ewan McGregor

St Patty Day

I know that I will leave something out but here are some lovely Irish things. Enjoy!!

Irish Movies
The Quiet Man http://www.moviesbox.us/the-quiet-man.html
Michael Collins http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3650683161/

Waking Ned Devine



Boys and Girl from County Clare

The Matchmaker


Actors/Actresses

Colin Farrell

Aidan Quin

Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Liam Neeson

Maureen O' Hara





Music

U2 http://www.u2.com/

The Corrs http://www.thecorrswebsite.com/index2.htm

Enya http://www.enya.com/

The Chieftains http://www.thechieftains.com/

Flogging Molly http://www.floggingmolly.com/

The Clancy Brothers

The Pogues http://www.pogues.com/

Hurry! Hard!

I admit it..... I have a crush on John Morris on the Canadian Curling Team. Plus the 'BEAR' rocks. I figured out the basics of the game and fell in love with watching the olympic matches. I should really have paid better attention when i was in Scotland. 

Far Right: The bear  2nd from right: John Morris

Find out more about Curling:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curling


USA Curling
http://www.curlingrocks.net/



Canada Curling- They claim to perfect the game
http://www.curling.ca/


UK Curling
www.englishcurling.org.uk



Scotland Curling- They claim to invent the game
http://www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org/

200,000 miles for my trusty Rodeo!!

The End of Winter?

As I look at the calendar I am so excited to be leaving Febuary and heading into March. March holds the promise of Spring and sunny days. However the 'in-between' season is my least favorite. Snow melting into gray-ish piles. Freezing in the AM and PM but overdressed during the day. Brown grass and dead gardens making an appearance as the snow leaves.No leaves or green.....anywhere. And mud....really can't stand it when I have my nice shoes on.

I haven't written much in Feburary. I blame the other ways of chatting to peeps. By the time I go to write in my blog, I realize that I have said everything already via facebook or twitter.

I am working on a project for my family. No details but it is going to rock!! I think even tears will be involved. I hope to have it done by April or July. Speaking of the family. All is well. The kids are growing so fast and gearing up for spring sports. We, like many families, are feeling the effects of the economy. It looked like we escaped some problems but alas they found us. I hope that it makes us stronger and take time to see where we are at in our lives. Easier said then done. Things could be worse and everyone is healthy and safe.

I have tried really hard this month to step back and save more. I will need a new car someday and need to start acting like a grownup. (insert snickering here) But I think I am back on track for the things that really make me happy.

My summer plans might actually happen. I have a nice little trip planned. Now I just got to buy the tickets and start finalizing things. It is a nice distraction from cabin fever and homework.

So that is Feburary. Drama-free but full of cabin fever. I have loads of pics to put up from xmas..... will do soon.

Cheers!

Robert Burns Supper--- The Bard

Happy Burns Night to all of my Scottish/Scottish Lovin peeps!

If you didn't know, Burns Night/Supper celebrate Robert Burns who is a hero of Scottish Lit. Jan 25th Scots and Scottish societies celebrate his life and being scottish with food, music, and his poetry.

There is a specific order to the supper. Welcome with a scottish blessing, Haggis with the famous poem to accompany it, dinner, toast to Robert Burns, toast to the lassies, reply from the lassies, songs or poetry of Burns, closing with singing of Auld Lang Syne . Entertainment is scattered throughout. 


Gerald Butler is currently making a movie of Burn's life.


Red Red Rose