<----Loch Katrine (yep that's the one Kate is named for) Did you know that this is the Loch that the "Lady of the Lake" poem written by Sir Walter Scott was referring to? Did you know that this is the home of Rob Roy.......Do you wonder why my daughter is such a unique and creative person?!? ;) Yes, you are going to have to suffer through the pre-trip wonders as we finish up our planning :) The more we work on what we want to see and do, the more we become aware that we just want to "wing-it". There were moments that we thought about dumping all the traditional castles, towers, etc in place for hiking the West Highland Way - a 96 mile foot path from Milnagvie past Fort William and ending at the foot of Ben Nevis. But since this is Kate's first trip to Scotland, a more historical and "sight-seeing" trip needs to experienced. Which is no loss as Dunnitar is waiting along with Glamis and the spooky Slains Castle - in which Bramm Stoker wrote "Dracula" ........note to self: bring silver bullet and crucifix !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUdMLTuphKw



Take a look - then vote for these guys! The bass player (in the lavender jacket) is the son of one of my co-workers. Excellent video work.

Of course

Of course you can come with Trish - but I'm only taking a backpack - so you might be a bit cramped in there! And I always have space when you need it! Got your back girl :)

And of course I remember the awful mess you left in Paris 007. The horse barn alone took months to set right. I, however, do not plan on parachuting off the Eiffel Tower. I am a bit nervous about the chunnel train though. Not sure I can hold my breath that long ;)

Alright I will admit it - I can't wait for our trip to Scotland! I spend hours drooling on the keyboard while looking at pictures or granite mountains and grassy glens; the Spey River and the North Sea. Yep - hooked - line and sinker! Now for the kicker - 36 hours in Paris! Hoho! What am I thinking!! Another adventure sidebar! So to those of you have been to Paris - let us know what your favorite site or event was. We plan on packing in as much as possible. Oh Kate, btw, I was able to get us into Paris!

You say the sweetest things

Mr. Bond - you bring the car and I will bring the Bollinger and glasses! Please do be sure the tank is full of petrol, won't you?
M

PS I get to drive!

Dear Mr. Bond

Having not had the opportunity to harass you of late (would it be 5 years?? at least...) anyway, I am sure you are in the "swing" of summer. That your game is excelling beautifully. And what is with your new film anyway???? I would expect more from an x- Calvin Klein under garment model. Seems we need to send you on a more dangerous assignment! M

P.S. Please return the Aston-Martin. I need it for my next holiday!!! WOO HOO back to Britain!

Whew - this summer is already going too fast!

Its off and running - summer that is! And blowing!! Who let this wind in here or did we suddenly all move to North Dakota?!!?! Its so windy that the gas grill started moving across the deck - via its sail (the cover came loose on one end).
Matt & Corrie's wedding was simply the nicest event I have ever been to. How lucky we are to have this bright, lovely young woman attach her branch to our family tree.

This was sent from 2005 Katrina/Biloxi Deployment. I was fitting a young boy with crutches who was injured when he and his family had to climb to the roof of their house to be rescued. Thanks Bill for sending the photo - proof that I do work and not just sit on the beach!! (If you're wondering what that is on my pocket - it is hand sanitizer.)

Time to relax

If you enjoy the view from the Hubble Telescope as much as I do, check this out - its very relaxing :)

http://www.trdaniel.com/somewhere%20in%20time/index.htm