Along for the ride:

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Why are you in Glasgow?

Why are you in Glasgow? Was the question from husband, when I called home last evening. I've been talking about this trip, in detail, for weeks. I left him with an itinerary of everything I plan to do on this whilst I'm in Europe. Meeting up with my deceased father's sister, whom I have not seen in 25 years, was a pretty big deal. Somehow he missed that:)
I had suggested that I take my Aunt Nessie out for Sunday afternoon tea. My cousins and their spouses got enthusiastically involved, and caught trains in from all over Scotland, and we ended up with a very nice and noisy family lunch. The 85 year old matriarch would not hear of anyone else handling the bill. She's known as Hell's Granny, I was told.
I'll get some flowers and a thank you note off to her from Cornwall tomorrow.
The photo wants to be sideways. Who knows how it will post?
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30 comments:

  1. Wally BSeptember 9, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    I'm glad you made it over. I'll be hot on your heels in a couple of weeks.

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:23 AM

      Wally, I was beginning to think I'd never get here.

      Delete
  2. RianSeptember 9, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    My husband and I love Scotland. We were there in 1996 and again in 1998. And although we made it to many places (Edinborough included), we missed Glasgow. If we get a chance to go 'across the pond' again, it is on our list.

    Your tea sounded wonderful!

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:25 AM

      Rian, Glasgoe was never as much on the tourist track. More industrial with steel/ship-building, etc. It's only just connected in my mind that this is the region where Clydesdale horses come from (River Clyde:)

      Delete
  3. SmitoniusAndSonataSeptember 9, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    All the best people come from Glasgow ....

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:26 AM

      S&S, a revealing comment that doesn't reveal enough.

      Delete
  4. the fly in the webSeptember 9, 2012 at 11:32 AM

    It's amazing what husbands can miss when given a list....
    It looks a wonderful gathering....and I can well believe a Scottish matriarch is deserving of the title of Hell's Granny!
    Doesn't do to gainsay them....

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  5. DiSeptember 9, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    Yep, sideways! Have a happy trip!

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:28 AM

      Di, I was about ready to release the hotel's computer back to the wild.

      Delete
  6. eSeptember 9, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    What a lovely time! I would love to meet Hell's Granny.

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:29 AM

      e, Now our family has Fast Granny, Slow Granny and Hell's Granny!

      Delete
  7. Frances GarroodSeptember 9, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    Sideways makes a rather nice change...I think...Glad you're having a lovely time!

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:30 AM

      Frances, Thanks. Lunch with my aunt Frances in Falmouth on Saturday.

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  8. OwenSeptember 9, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    Some might consider it a legitimate question, considering what some say about Glasgow. ;-)

    From Hyde Park to Scotland, you are covering some ground... will be keeping an eye out as you go flying over !

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:32 AM

      Owen, I did think of our J-B. I miss his powerful descriptions. A bientot

      Delete
  9. trudiSeptember 9, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Enjoy Cornwall, the family get to get together looks great if somewhat skewed ;)

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:35 AM

      Trudi, I've heard there are families who are all in one geographic area. Have you?

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    2. trudiSeptember 12, 2012 at 5:08 AM

      Oh I wish, I did try to get closer with this move but husband avoids family like the plague!

      Delete
  10. KerrySeptember 9, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    I like the nickname "Hell's Granny." It conjures up so many great possibilities.

    Keep posting! I'm quite jealous of your trip.

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:37 AM

      Kerry, Don't be too jealous. I've earned this trip the hard way. There are apparently a group of ladies who meet for weekly lunch. The official term is plural "Hell's Grannies"

      Delete
  11. FrikoSeptember 9, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    Sideways, that's how. I got a crick in my neck.

    How did you get from London to Glasgow so quickly?

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:38 AM

      Friko, Sorry about the sideview. I was in London for 48 hours, Glasgow for less than that.

      Delete
  12. stephen HayesSeptember 9, 2012 at 5:22 PM

    I've never been to Glasgow. I've heard good things.

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:40 AM

      Stephen, My Dad grew up there. What I'd heard was not rosy. He joined the Navy at 16 to get away. I had been there since though, so I knew I liked it.

      Delete
  13. Midlife RoadtripperSeptember 9, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Whoa - I can so appreciate the husband not having a clue -- even though I have given him ample opportunities to hear what comes out of my mouth.

    Looks like a grand time. Glad to got to see your aunt once again.

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    1. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:42 AM

      MJ, When I flew back last time, no-one was there to meet me and no-one was answering his phone either. Then I got grumpy. I'll prepare better this time. It's always the blame of management, anyway:)

      Delete
  14. The PliersSeptember 10, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Yippee!!! I am thrilled for you and happy to see your smiling face among those of your extended family. I'm sure that they were all really delighted to meet you! Bonne Continuation!

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  15. English RiderSeptember 11, 2012 at 5:44 AM

    Ms P. I just went to the source for Ginger Liqueur. "The King's Ginger" as it's called. I only have 2 kgs of weight allowance left in my suitcase. What a dilemma!

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  16. The PliersSeptember 12, 2012 at 9:17 AM

    Oh, Thank gawd! You were reading my mind from afar. All I could see in my mind's eye was the English Rider astride her trusty steed, saddle bags bulging with Ginger Liqueur. Pick up one for me and I'll pay you in filthy lucre, U.S. dollars, and/or euros. Otherwise, come February, I'm gonna drink all of your secret stash. I'll find it, I know I will, just by sniffing around your house. Ha! Ha! Ha! Have fun!

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  17. b+ (Retire In Style Blog)September 13, 2012 at 9:54 PM

    The sideways picture truly is a lovely touch. I like it

    ReplyDelete

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